Group

After an early morningfeast, you assemble for your raid on the hobgoblins. Sirenya cloaks Krackor in invisibility, then summons a bubble of invisibility to hide the rest of the attacking team. She then makes herself invisible as well and moves out onto the roof to cover the front door with an illusion and keep watch.

Myth Drannor is silent as a grave, heavy mist flowing down the street and between the buildings like ghostly fingers. Something roars once, way off in the west. The silence weighs heavier afterward.

Kitheras completes his scouting, keeping to the shadows with the help of his cloak, and returns to brief the group in whispers. Krackor casts a few spells over himself and the rest of the group, then makes his way towards the kitchen entrance. His plate mail clanks a little in the misty air, but doesn't seem to attract any attention.

The front group waits for Krackor, holding until he begins his attack and becomes visible. Krackor carefully and quietly covers the kitchen's entrance with silence and his anti-vermin ward, then summons a swarm of insects. His invisibility drops as the swarm of bees sweeps into the kitchen, surrounding one of the hobgoblin sentries in a stinging mass.

Kitheras leads the charge into the taproom. His team doesn't have magical silence, but they make up for it in numbers and Kitheras's detailed plan. The four hobgoblin sentries are cut down before they have a chance to scream.

Kitheras stops for a moment to survey the room. Karilla doesn't. She keeps right on moving, kicking down the door that once led further into the inn. Two surprised hobgoblins are on the other side. She cuts one down with her obsidian long sword; the other swings his mace at her face. Karilla doesn't even try to block, and the mace stops abruptly as it touches her skin. With her backswing, she decapitates the hobgoblin and presses forward. The other elves belatedly start to follow.

At the rear of the former inn, the hobgoblin being attacked by the swarm turns and flees deeper inside. The other two drop behind the ruined counters and start shooting arrows at Krackor with their longbows. One arrow manages to find a seam in Krackor's armor, ruining his next spell, so he charges in and kills both of them with his axe.

Front and back, the two forces push forward into Curiosities Cold and Clear, clearing rooms that used to be used for meeting, dining, and running the inn. They meet up near the middle, where a wide set of stairs lead down to a second, fully subterranean level. Karilla runs down the stairs, hunched almost double against the low ceiling, and the rest of the group follows.

Qasida and Euin

Your visit to Myth Drannor hasn't gone at all the way you'd planned.

For Qasida, it's been a long, long ride from Athkatla, made more enjoyable by the wide variety of songs the tuneservants sang as you rode, and around the campfires and in the inns each night. For Euin, the group's guide since Tilverton, it's been a chance to walk deeper into Cormanthor than your usual duties permit, a chance to see the city your father and grandfather so cared for.

The voices of the tuneservants are silent now. The ruins of Myth Drannor hadn't seemed so dangerous for the first bell you explored them. Now you wonder if that had just been to lure you in. First a group of tanar'ri attacked you, great ape-like fiends six feet tall that tore into the group with suicidal abandon. You managed to kill them, but not before they slew Harmonian Adarra Voundsarr, the group's leader, and badly injured many of the other tuneservants.

The noise attracted more monsters who attacked you as you tried to retreat out of the ruins to regroup. This time it was a pack of giant, flying eels twenty feet long, swirling through the air like giant corkscrews. Most of the rest of the tuneservants were killed, and Qasida's noble steed was slain saving her life.

Badly wounded, the two of you and a sole remaining tuneservant fled for the edge of the city. You were so busy looking back and up, you didn't notice the hobgoblin ambush until they were on top of you. Kas and Euin were clubbed unconscious, and when you awoke you found yourselves tied up in a dirt cellar. Your armor and weapons had been taken from you, but crude dressings had been put on your wounds.

That was about a day ago, you think. A large hobgoblin has come in several times to shout at you, but so far they haven't done anything worse.

You've gotten a bit of rest and have been quietly trying to plot an escape before hunger and thirst, or hobgoblin viciousness, become debilitating. You're close to getting yourselves out of the ropes when you hear shouting in the hall outside. Heavy footfalls go running from left to right, and there's a choked gurgle.

Suddenly the door slams open, kicked in by a moon elven woman whose face is mostly covered in sun-bleached cloth. Her cold eyes sweep over you, judging you quickly, then turn away. A hobgoblin rushes her from further down the hall, screaming. She parries his blade with a jet black long sword and slams the palm of her hand into his chest. The hobgoblin flies backward, his body bursting apart like a bladder of goat's blood.

Silence falls once again.

((ooc: While it's not a perfect match for the upper floor layout, have a map of Bag End to get a general feel for the layout of this former inn and tavern. The upper floor had the taproom, kitchen, and most of the guest rooms. The lower level, which you've just finished clearing, was mostly food and supply storage, but also had a couple of stone-lined rooms decorated to gnomish sensibilities. It's in one of those that you've found Kas and Euin. Karilla is in the door, the rest of the group is in the hall outside unless you say otherwise.

And welcome to the game, Euin and Qasida))

As he arrived at one end of the corridor and heard the gurgle a the last of it's air escaped the Hobgoblin, Krackor saw his companions, so he waves and gave a big grin from his open faced helmet.

Not being quiet, in case he was able to attract some more enemies:  You left any more for me?  He looked around hopeful that one heard him and came out.  He wanted to offer it peace, peace via the hard end of his Battleaxe.

Qasida spared a hopeful glance at Euin as the robed woman darkened their doorway and made short work of the guards.  This was just the chance that they had desperately needed.

"Euin!"  She exclaimed in an accented common, straining against the last of her bonds.  "We've been delivered by pearl."

The calishite woman was a slim thing.  Petite.  It stood out as odd perhaps, given the amount of ropes the hobgoblins had felt it necessary to use.  Her robes were of pale linen, dusty and dirty from sleeping rough in the storeroom.  Like her would-be rescuer, she too was wearing a kufiyya, but the cloth wrapping had long since fallen out of place, left to pile around her shoulders.  This left her long dark brown tresses to tumble free in a chaotic mess that was more than a few days' removed from any comb.  Her skin was a dusky and rich shade of almond brown; it told of generations spent under an unforgiving sun.

But her eyes ... there was something striking in them.

They had the look of a woman unruffled by her current predicament.  Pleased, to be sure, at the turn of events ... but there were no tear-stains upon her dusty face.  This was not a woman who had been idling hopelessly away, dreading that the worst was going to happen to her and bemoaning her fate.  Rather, she had been expecting it.  Took it as certain.  Filled with a steely resolve ... had preparing for it, even.

"Thank the powers."  Kas continued, shifting on the floor so that she could address the mystery woman.  She held out her bound wrists, her skin raw and chafed where the rough cords had cut into her flesh.

"Would you free us?"

In reply to Qasida (msg # 3):

As the door slamed open, Euin who had been silently brooding over their predicament, looked up. He was tall, lean, and muscular. He was neither human nor elf, but a combination of the two. His sun blonde hair lay matted and sweaty against his head. His traveling leathers had seen their better days.

That it was a Moon Elf at the door, the Harper thought things were definitely looking up. Yet, as Kas shouted their deliverance, Euin was not as sure. He had seen many things on the road and in service to the Harpers. This could easily be a trick of some kind. Then again, Euin had left word in Ashabenford where he was going so maybe... just maybe... no! No way they could have found him this quick. Unless someone had tracked his pin... doubtful!

"Perhaps Kas." Euin said softly, his light blue eyes looking over there would be rescuer. "I am Euin and this is Kas. If you are here to rescue us, I'd suggest you be quick. You know this place holds worse dangers than Hob's. Aye much worse!"

Those same blue eyes drifted to his dusky Calishite companion, and his heart sank a bit. It was his fault they were here in the first place. Euin swallowed hard and faced the Moon Elf once more.

"See? We've done you a service. Almost freed ourselves, right Kas? We can not offer you reward, save if you free us and restore our gear, I swear to fight by your side on the sword of my father, Aramil Of The Free Folk. That is when I have my sword of course." For the first time Euin smiled and gave the Moon Elf a wink.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Karilla stared critically at the prisoners and heard their pleas. She doubted that the half-elf and human were aligned with the hobgoblins but she had not survived this long on assumptions.

"Almost freed yourselves... She roughly chuckled at the statement."I know well the dangers of this place. How did you two manage to get captured by creatures that were a step above mewling kittens? On one hand, you could have been sided with them and then they do what hobgoblins do and captured you for food or torture. Or, you two are so ridiculously egotistical in your abilities that you believed yourself prepared for this deathtrap. Which one is it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Kitheras touched Karilla on the shoulder to gain passage into the room.

Kitheras is dressed like a woodsman or one given to long journeys, but his clothing and armor are of a clean and noble cut--not the rustic and oft patched garb of a mere forester. His bearing and accouterments make clear that it isn't he that belongs to the woods--the woods belong to him.  At six feet he is a staggeringly tall elf, and of an odd coloration for Moon Elves. Chestnut hair and green eyes, much like a wood elf.  No wood elf ever displayed himself so composed.  Blood spatters the backs of his gauntlets--the remnants of the quick work he put his dual short swords to recently.  This closer level of investigation reveals that while he had previously seemed unarmored, in fact he was wearing his suit of mail beneath his clothing--elven mail!  Behind the small of his back he also wears a leather pouch concealing pipes within.

"Karilla, I don't mean to infringe upon your interrogation, but perhaps we'd best let them introduce themselves first. If we suspect them we have the means to learn their truths by reading their minds." His easy smile made it seem simultaneously a joke, but also well within their capability.

"I am Kitheras Sunblade.  Welcome to hell. May I presume to liberate you from your bonds?"

Corym listened to the growing dialogue--fools.

He quickly stole back through the rooms they had cleared and searched for the lost lore and treasures of Myth Drannor.

OOC: Using my looting proficiency to make quick work of the rooms: 22:22,

 Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 121 using 10d20 with rolls of 18,7,15,4,10,12,13,3,20,19.  Looting.

In reply to Karilla Silveroak (msg # 6):

Euin's smile remained as he snorted at the Moon Elf's reply. Hobgoblins may not be the worthiest of opponents, but all those that followed the Harp knew it was only Tymora's blessings that kept them from death, rather than good steel. Most times it was the case. Euin shook his head slowly, who was being egotistical now? Yet, before he could answer her for truth, another elf entered the room.

His grace and the way he carried himself reminded Euin of his father. The Haper's pale blue eyes followed him as he closed the distance between Kas and he. Those keen eyes noted both the blood splatted gauntlets and the faint outline of mail beneath his clothing. Euin knew it well for he now wore his father's mail which was not unlike this other elf's. Though the noble elf's words were less offensive, there remained a hammer beneath the silk of that voice.

As he introduced himself, Euin gave him a half bow as best he could. The captive's current position preventing a courtly one. Master Sunblade naming this place hell was not far off the mark. The elf's offer of freedom was met with a nod.

"Well met Master Sunblade. I am Euin Hawkhand. If you may, please liberate the young lady first." he finished with a nod toward Kas. "May I ask if you serve the lords of The Elven Court? If so, I am known to some as was my father."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:32, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

In reply to Euin Hawkhand (msg # 9):

The Dwarven Guardian Priest was taken aback when no answer came but both Karilla and Kitheras turned into a room and muffled words were said. He guessed they had found something that Moon Elves found interesting. He continued looking for enemies, these two had turned their backs on the corridor before all rooms had been cleared or checked - Fools but he knew they could handle themselves.

Raising his voice without shouting Are all rooms checked or are we focusing on a single room? Corym, Captain, you cleared your half yet?

Krackor had already quickly checked his half of the complex, he was ready to relax but knew as always, he couldn't, not until his roll was done, he had a job to protect these others and that was what he was going to do.

The tall Dwarf clanked passed the room where the conversation was taken place and checked the room across from them, this time taking his time in case he was needed, his companions may have been charmed in some way as he had received no response. He rushed passed the room to ensure he too was not ensorcelled.

Corym looked up from his task--"All clear" he gives the silent hand signal, and seems to cringe when Kitheras and Karilla break operational silence.  He further gestures to indicate that he's going to start breaking down each room.

If you should watch while he does so, you will notice that his method--at least here--seems to have altered considerably.

In Bhepel Tower Corym moved with the hesitancy and thoroughness of an apprentice performing before the watchful gaze of a cruel master.  Now you can see his eyes attack a room with experience, his mental powers determining probabilities, and then insightfully making choices in lieu of his normal blanket coverage.

((I took the Looting proficiency, which should help me turn these rooms over faster, and finally worked out with the DM how it should function.))

Kitheras smiled warmly, produced a knife competent to the work, and began cutting the bonds of the captives. "Serve them?  It was my understanding that they had abandoned these shores.  We have met with the elders at Bristar, but they seem to have lost their vigor.  They neither compel nor desire our service I think, though they did not impede it."  The work quickly done, Kitheras produced a water skin and offered it up, and then backed away knowing the claustrophobia that being held captive may induce. "Please, refresh yourselves.  All of the People that are in are company are born of Evereska--it is the hill elders we serve. Corym's family, though, immigrated from Myth Drannor after the fall.  I shall allow our Captain to make his own introduction when you are prepared."

Karilla noticeably flinched at being touched on the shoulder by Kitheras. She tried to remind herself that he was allied with her brother and so he couldn't be all bad. It was a mental battle with herself to not instinctually throw him into the wall. Memories flooded her mind. Punishments for breaking the rules. Panic started to set in.

She could feel the walls pushing in on her. The room began to shrink and her vision darkened. There was a weight on her chest that would not let her breathe. She had to get out. Without a thought to anything else, she turned and bolted for the exit.

Kas nodded her thanks at the tall elf, as she shook her bonds free.  She had some experience with the Tel-quessir, but failed to recognize Kitheras' differences for the story they told.

What she did not fail to notice, however, was the other would-be-rescuer's abrupt exodus.  The woman had been standoffish, almost.  Critical.  Chiding the pair in their moment of need, then wincing at her own comrade's touch before rushing off, finding somewhere else to be.

Concerned, Kas made a mental note, but left it unsaid.

Rising to her feet, she greeted Kitheras.  "Well met, Kitheras Sunblade."  She said, taking a long pull from the offered wineskin.

"I am Qasida yr Deidre al Milil.  Knight-Congregant of the Harmonious Order and beloved of the One True Hand of All-Wise Oghma."  She said in her accented common, the sounds themselves had a lilting, almost lyrical quality.

She raised her left hand and performed the annuv ... a traditional gesture that allowed for titles to be left unsaid between friends.  Fingertips together, palm facing Kitheras, she rotated her hand until her palm faced her heart.

"You may call me Kas."

Corym

The first thing you discover, in the other gnomishly decorated room one door further down the hall, is an awkward pile of armor, weapons, and other adventuring equipment. All of it is modern and well cared for. You guess it's the gear of the two people the rest of the group has been talking with. Apparently the hobgoblins hadn't yet decided who would get what parts of loot.

The burrow itself is not particularly interesting. The hobgoblins were only the most recent of many occupiers, each one taking everything they could from the place. The walls and floor are mostly bare dirt, with just enough wood along the edges to speak to hardwood flooring and panelling. Furniture is smashed or gone for firewood, linens likewise. One of the cellar pantries has Myth Drannan meat hooks with fresh deer carcasses hanging on them.

But if the rooms themselves are uninteresting, the hobgoblins themselves are the most strangely equipped group of goblinoids you've ever encountered. Hobgoblins, in your experience, tend towards the rigid and controlling, with the result that often their gear takes on a similar look.

Not here. Some of the hobgoblins are dressed in well-made leather clothing, others are dressed in little more than rags. A few have furs or hides, not all of them from creatures you immediately recognize. Two of them have adapted what looks like formal elven court wear (mostly by tearing off the sleeves and ripping the tunics and pants enough to fit). For armor, most of them have boiled leather augmented by scavenged pieces of metal or the odd segments of chain mail, but one of them is wearing an almost-complete set of plate mail with human maker's marks.

The weapons are even more diverse. They range from simple clubs with nails through a variety of swords, hammers, and axes of both human and dwarven design. Most of the weapons look modern, but there's the occasional form or decoration that strikes you as much older. Three hobgoblins were even wielding thinblades, a long sword variant only used in Cormanthor that fell out of fashion three thousand years ago.

Value-wise, the thinblades are probably the most valuable objects the hobgoblins have. They also have about forty coins, mostly silver and gold. They're a mix of modern Cormyrian and Sembian, with some older oblong coins. The oblong silver coins are stamped with crossed axes and the golds are stamped with a pile of scrolls. There's also a single oblong platinum piece stamped with a female elven head in profile. Also, most of the deer carcasses are fresh, if you wanted some additional meat.

((ooc: All of Kas's and Euin's gear is in the room next to them. They can get themselves re-equipped easily once they're free.))

Euin nodded his thanks as Kitheras cut his bonds and rose stiffly, flexing his fingers to restore the blood flow. As the waterskin was offered, he nodded toward Kas, so she may drink first. Before the Calishite Sister of Milil could speak, the door guardian fled. Euin saw the same one flinch at Master Sunblade's touch only heartbeats before.

Battle-scared most like...

Euin allowed Qasida to introduce herself. The Harper never grew tired of hearing her sweet lilting voice. She had been a good road companion, in battle and outside of it. Again Euin felt a pang of guilt knowing he was responsible for their capture and for the deaths of those he led here.  As the waterskin passed his way, Euin drank of it but sparingly. With the introductions done, Euin returned the waterskin with his thanks.

"Evereska? Fortress Of The People... you are far from home then. Yet, on this day I am truly glad of it. Is your suspicious friend well? Adomhoar*?" Euin said the elven word for unrest with some concern. It could be also used for battle-weary. "I... I was unkind in my manner, my pardon. I thank you for the water... sweet water. Perhaps Kas and I can repay you by assisting your leave of this place? When you find our gear, hopefully I might add, I can prove to you I am a friend and not your foe."

Corym watched as Karilla rushed past and fell in behind her.  She seemed like she was running from danger—which wasn’t an especially characteristic behavior.  He stopped what he was doing and fell in behind her. “Karilla, help me!” he whispered harshly.

He knew that she wouldn’t listen to a rational appeal. Similarly, she would react poorly to trying to restrain her.  Instead he tried to appeal to her heart in order to stop her from rushing out the exit and exposing their existence to the city.

Whatever else was going wrong could be managed as long as their secrecy continued to be preserved.  If broken, there would be no ability to resolve things at all because the whole demon-ridden city would fall on them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Kitheras flinched as Karilla fled.  “To be honest, I’ve known her for one sunset longer than I’ve known you two, so I truly have no grasp on her distress.  Having seen her work on the Hobgoblins I think it prudent that we all try to walk softly.”  He looked at his offending fingertips, “And apparently don’t touch.”

To Qasida,

Kitheras’ mind tried to process Qasida’s accent and looked for some guide as to how to interact with her appropriately.  There had been Calishites in the Western Heartlands, but those were not their lands, and they had not been his targets.  Resignedly, he decided to greet the delicate young human with the manners of his own land.

His smile was content and peaceful, as placid as the eternal life he sought to provide for the People of his land. “May the sun and stars shine on our meeting Qasida.” His mouth forms her name awkwardly, but purposefully. Kitheras knew the value of names as well as the value of making an effort to pronounce names.   “Perhaps our songs may find harmony together. The music of many lands fills our hearts with the truth of the common spirit of disparate people.” He repeats her gesture to her as best he can, his natural grace mimicking the movements but likely with an alien flair.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Kitheras smiled grimly. "You can assist us, but not in leaving.  What we're here for is here.  We've only just arrived and established a fortuitously secure base of operations. I scouted the area yesterday and now we've set about tamping down the security threats.  The hobgoblins seemed uniquely dangerous because of their activity and organization and became our first targets.  There's a building or two nearby we'll undertake as well before venturing farther into the city in search of our objective."

The noble elf smiles more genuinely now, "As for your equipment, I'm sure Corym will have located it by now.  He's a good elf, and thorough."  He pauses a moment, and corrects himself, "Perhaps fixated is a more accurate term. He keeps us on track and is every watchful--but I'd guess that he's tending to our distressed companion."

Looking to both newcomers, "If you're well, perhaps we can find your arms together while Corym and Elorfindar calm Karilla's stormy winds."

By the time Karilla has stormed off, Krackor was just finishing checking his room and about to enter the next when Corym exited it to follow Karilla.  He looked into that room, just to be sure, then went back to where Karilla and Kitheras had been standing, just as Kitheras finished giving away details of their plans to.... People.

Krackor now understood what the talking was all about, he had only caught the last sentence but now it made sense to him.  Kitheras, I see you have prisoners, that you have now let free.  I take it you two were prisoners of the Hobgoblins rather than my companion, since he is telling you of our plans, I do hope that this is not a ploy, a plot to trick us!

His normal cheery smile appeared more as a frown, something he so rarely did, that it was almost sinister.  As I am sure my colleague has no doubt already told you  Looking pointedly at Kitheras then back at the two in front of him, We are newly into Myth Drannor searching.  You it seems are why the Lord of the Bronze Mask didn't feel a need to advise me, there were less Hobgoblins that we thought, did you take some of them out before we arrived?

Plans divulged, prisoners freed so easily.  He hoped Kitheras knew what he was doing. Patting him on the back I'm sure you know what you are doing and got this under control.  The tall Dwarf's smile then returned as though all was done and now it was time to continue.  I say we make a move back the way you came, did you have anything with you that the Hobgoblins stripped you of? and if so, do you know where it is?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Karilla could feel her vision tunneling as she was nearly sprinting for the exit. She heard Corym's hushed call to her but she was in no mood to discuss her feelings or to be lectured about how she should behave.

As she neared the exterior door, she focused her mind and she no longer held her previous form as she became one with the objects and images that surrounded her. She completely blended with the background, just like a chameleon.

In her fearful state, she knew of only one place that would make herself feel better. She rushed back to the tower, finding her kank, Elo #158, in the same side mudroom that Karilla had left him before the fight. She went into his saddlebags which were hanging on the wall and grabbed some treats for her arthropod friend. She sat down next to it, with her back pushed up against its' thorax both for physical support and mental comfort. She then spent time absentmindedly feeding her friend while trying to remind herself that she is ok and that it will take time to adjust to this new normal.

Corym stood near the exit uncertain whether to cloak and chase or leave her alone. He thought things through.

She's traumatized from being in perpetual danger on a hell world alone for a century.

She was fine with danger before the hellworld, so this is probably more about being alone.

She named 158 bug-horses after her brother, meaning this is probably mostly about being alone.

Being alone out here is dangerous.

A good captain wouldn't leave a teammate alone. Especially when they're hurt.

She seemed hurt.

I should go to her.

Corym touched bases with Krackor--"Karilla left, she's alone, I'm going after her."  Then he noticed the two prisoners in the room and waved awkwardly. Idiot. Say something. "Uh... I'm glad you're not dead." Something else. Gotta go!  Or trying to kill us."  That went well.

He cast an invisibility spell and went out looking for Karilla.  The tower made sense, but maybe the bug-horse.  A stank she called it?

This was all weird.  All wrong.  He always knew what to say when it was about the mission.  Knew what to do when it was about the goal.  What about just dealing, being with people? Somehow that seemed impossible.

When he saw her near her stank, Corym said softly to the air. "I know you don't want to talk, and you don't want me to be here.  Don't worry, because I don't know what to say.  I just couldn't lose you again, or leave you alone again.  Ever since we came here I've been trying to hold us together. Together and alive. So, I'm just going to sit here--invisibly." Awkward pause.  "That seems like a nice stank."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

Kitheras listened patiently to Krackor's shocked concern, and then placed a reassuring hand on his pauldron.

"The fastest way to make men untrustworthy is to distrust them and alert them to your distrust. The only way to make men trustworthy is to trust them."



Kitheras cleared his throat uncomfortably.  "That was our aforementioned Captain." Kitheras paused for a moment.  "First impressions aren't really his strongest season." He stepped out of the doorway and gestured down the hall, "As I understand it, he was unanimously elected though."  Kitheras took a breath and thought for a moment.  "Very good at administration. And passion.  Passionate leadership is very important."

He's a genius, and has the bearing of a madman.

This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:37, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 23):

Waiting by the tall entrance for the two former captives and Kitheras, Krackor kept watch, kept looking for any signs at all.

Speaking to everyone. An idea. The other entrance was silenced when I came in, so no one will be looking there, this entrance wasn't. The Kitchen entry is only 5ft high, if you don't mind stooping, I suggest we take what we can of the equipment Corym has piled together and go out that way.

Can you carry your armour rather than wearing it, I imagine it making quite a bit of noise, more than mine.

The other entrance, being short, anything that knows of the Hobgoblins, will surely know they won't exit that way. We'll be safer as less distance. What say you?

He wasnt entirely sure how much noise exited the taller entryway but he was certain of the way he came in.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:51, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

Qasida watched the interplay between the group.  It was clear that they trusted one another — indeed, cared  for one another.  A promising sign.

Taking a moment to inventory her belongings, she took the dwarf's suggestion at maintaining some semblance of stealth.  This was not the time, nor the place, to take upwards of twenty minutes to don her fitted armor and make the necessary adjustments that would be needed to wear it comfortably throughout the day.  Placing the items that she could in her pack, and lashing the larger pieces to it with a length of rope ... she donned her gauntlets, adjusted her sword belt, and readied her shield.

The traveling pack was now obscenely bulky, between the breastplate, greaves and pauldrons lashed to the side ... but if it bothered the small woman at all, she did not let it show.

Once it was done, she offered the others a curt nod and a look of determination.

She was ready ... and woe betide any hobgoblin that would cross her path.

OOC — AC 9 [shield only]

In reply to Qasida (msg # 25):

Krackor started to place the piled 'booty' onto his shield, his crossbow hooked to his belt once more, battleaxe under shield to help hold it up.  He passed the others a few items to carry and then led them to the other entrance.  The Silence spell had run out a while ago, so he listened.  No vermin was going to be entering this way for a good few hours yet, so no squeaks or crunching underfoot.

Slowly, he made his way out and encouraged the others forward Kitheras, lead them please

Karilla chuckled despite herself. "It's a kank. Though it can become stanky depending on the situation." She sighed.

She knew Corym better than most and knew that he had the best of intentions. The two of them had enough of their own adventures to know that she could trust him with her life. She remembered their jaunt through the drow cave to know that was true.

"I don't like being touched. Especially, from someone behind me with no warning. Kitheras is lucky that I didn't blast him through the wall."

She pulled off her headgear again to reveal her face. Corym can now plainly see the deep scarring that now marred her. As if someone had taken time in opening large gashes that would not easily heal. It would have taken a lot of time to do that much permanent damage. The thought of being subjected to it almost seemed unbearable. She gestured to them in an almost defeated manner.

"Punishments."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

Euin was silent throughout most of the conversations. His rescuers seemed to come and go in a chaotic fashion though otherwise seemed highly organized. Something that The Harper understood and appreciated. The newest member to present themselves was a dwarf, albeit a very tall one. Euin had taken some comfort, of those that had saved Kas and he had been elves. It seemed the dwarf was a tad out of sorts. Was it the prisoners so easily freed that had irked him, that the plan of action had been altered, or both Euin couldn't say. When asked about their gears whereabouts, the half-elf shrugged.

"I know not and we were in no position to ask. Yet, it should be here somewhere. I doubt the Hobs would have taken it far." Euin said with another shrug. He could only hope as his thoughts went to his father's mail and sword. As an afterthought, Euin smirked "Oh! The hobgoblins... aye! We, if by Tymora's blessing alone, slew a few of the mewling kittens before the whole pride of them took us."

It was then proposed that Kas and he not don their armor with the promise of stealth and quicker movement being highly prized. Euin shook his head but when their gear was finally found in a room not far away, Kas did exactly that. The paladin stowed her plate without comment or debate. With a sigh, Euin did the same. Taking his time to stow the eleven chain, gird on his father's sword, and don his twin rings. He gathered his bow along with the quiver of arrows, placed a dagger in each boot, and shouldered his pack. Euin traveled light, like his parents... they always had.

With a nod that he was ready, Euin picked up his shield and stood next to Kas "We are ready. Well, unless we run into another pack of tanar'ri... or flying eels... or Bane himself. Yet, I feel unusually light upon my feet. I deem our chances good. At least fifty fifty I'd wager. Lead on if you will."

The single word that roamed his mind whenever he was troubled or frustrated came to him now- Ondath. It was the elven word for peace. Euin could remember his father saying it softly under his breath as he trained his son in the ways of the wood and war. During the moments when a boy of ten winters knew little of patience and that in some things only repetition would suffice.

"Ondath" Euin said whispered softly and winked at Kas.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

As Euin puts on his ring, some of the shadows in the corners of the room seem to flow towards him. They wrap themselves around him, obscuring his face and clothing. Glancing at him out of the corner of your eyes, he almost seems to fade into the background; only when you stare at him intently can you make out his form.

With Corym having already grabbed the most valuable material, you quickly retrace your steps upstairs. Huddling in the kitchen, out of sight of the open doorway as much as possible, you strain your ears and listen. Nothing. If something is lying in wait in the ruins outside, it's not making noise.

((ooc: The remaining group in the old halfling inn is Krackor, Kitheras, Elorfindar, Kas, and Euin. Someone, I assume, will let the newbies know where you're going?))

The door to the make-shift stable opens and Kora pokes her head in. "I heard voices. You're back already? How did it go? Was there anything dark and dangerous lurking behind the hobgoblins?" She pauses, taking in Kora's demeanor and her revealed scars. "Are you alright?"

In reply to DM (msg # 29):

Krackor waited a moment for everyone to gather at the door, then he looked out, watched, listened and then pointed at his eyes then at the building the group were going to head to.

When confident that the way was clear, he waved them through, patting Kitheras on the arm as he went, a smile of encouragement on his face.

Krackor followed last, there was no need for a Mail wearing Dwarf that wasn't as silent as the others, bringing attention to everyone else.  Listening to the wind, the creaking trees and destroyed buildings, he moved as the surrounding area made it's own noises, stopping when they died down then moving quickly when they groaned again.  He met the others as they vanished through the illusion that hide their movements by the entrance to the Manor Building.

Once inside, he let out a loud sigh, one that emphasised how much he had been holding or regulating his breathing to keep noise down, now that it wasn't necessary, he made up for it.

Kitheras, very much appreciated.  Hello new people, Sorry, I didn't catch your names, I am Krackor Steelfist, Warden of Oak Haven, Guardian of the Dreams of the Ancients Exploration Company and Lord Protector Steelfist of the Vigilant Host.  You may call me Krackor.  Well Met and Welcome.

Karilla shifted her gaze to the young human. Karilla pulled on her headgear and face mask again.

"I'm certain that my definition of alright versus your definition of alright are vastly different. I will be able to function and I will be useful to the group. I'm just dealing with the shift in location and people." She tilted her head slightly to scrutinize Kora.

"It's weird to see you alive and unchanged by time. I figured you would be dead."

"Slavery."  Corym shuddered, but couldn't be seen. "I was a slave for a very short period. Operation gone wrong, captured, chained. I can't imagine what you've been through. I'm so sorry that you had to endure that for so long." What else can be said?

"You're here, and so are we."

Corym jumped.

"Unexpected discoveries, but nothing too dark."

"Death tried to take her once, but she sassed it away." Corym remarked wryly. "I should go to the rest of the group. Kora, I need you, Talindra, Sirenya, and Katarn on look out.  We'll have to cross the street without cloaking magic.  I need keen well-placed eyes making sure that the way is clear." He reminds her of the bird call that will be the all clear signal, and sets her on her way.

The elf glided like a ghost back across to the Halfing Inn.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

Kitheras nods in acceptance of the canny dwarf's plan.

"Not putting on the armor is laudable, but the distance to our holdfast is short--a scamper across the street. But Krackor is armored--you won't make more noise than he, and if truth be told in this place protection is at a premium.  If you'd like I can help you don your harness and once settled we can see about padding it so that it makes less noise for the rest of our tour of duty for future days."

Kitheras was more than a little taken with the Amnian woman's physical grace and poise.  It wasn't something his people often associated with the race of men, but seemed fully formed and realized in Qasida.

"Besides, it'll no doubt give our scouts the time needed to determine whether our purge of this place has gone unnoticed.  We don't move in the city except by stealth if it can be helped."

To the wider group, Kitheras announces: "I have an invisibility spell prepared that I can use to cloak the passing of one.  My cloak and boots will suffice for me--who is most in need?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

Corym returns to the assembled band in the kitchen and whispers an announcement of his presence.

"The tower is ready to receive us, and I've put out the watch to ensure the street and sky are clear.  Right now we're listening for the all's clear. Take your ease, and breathe.  Calm yourselves.  Jittery nerves make for big mistakes. Remember the roll of your feet--toe-to-heel, not heel to toe.  Watch the ground--it is your enemy. It exposes your position.  Look for solid ground and steer clear of loose gravel and shattered pavers."

"Remember where the threats are--those are the points of view you need to position your cover to intercede." He proceeds to name the positions and natures of the denizens that Sirenya and Kitheras had scouted out, and describes the natural cover that exists between their starting point and destination.  "Just because they're not out when you start crossing the road doesn't mean they won't be by the time you're in the middle of it.  Don't trust too much in invisibility--gems of seeing, divination spells, and certain beasts can see straight through it, but that can't see through a brick wall.  Cover is essential whether you're cloaked or not."

"Kitheras, use your skills to obliterate the signs of our coming and going before re-entry."

"Krackor, I have an invisibility 10' radius spell that can cloak you and the others."

To the newly found companions Corym directs his final comments, "When in the spell, it's important that you maintain squad coherence--which is more difficult than you might think when you can't see the members of the squad.  In this case, we hold the hands of the bearer of the spell with a light touch.  He pulls, you follow. Give it a trial run around the room so you can get the feel of it."

"I'll take a position at the North end of the street since the angles from the tower are bad there. Kitheras, you know the bird song code most fluently--you'll hear Sirenya, then me, then you direct them to move. Krackor, you know the way."

"We've done a good job today.  We did what we came to do.  We recovered lore, relics, we suffered no losses, and took no risks.  We play this smart, we plan smart, and we live. Questions?"

And this was when Corym was in his prime.  The mission.  The goal. Calculate the variables, assign the roles, teach the tactics, execute.  It was disconcerting how alive he felt in these moments, but also how emotionally distant he was from his company.  The emotional intimacy he'd felt with Karilla.  The revelation, the sharing.  It didn't have a purpose, there wasn't a plan.  He'd felt exposed to a danger he'd not seen coming and for which he'd had no plan.  And somehow it felt good. Or, well, beneficial. Something.

Head in the game.  Eyes on the prize.

Corym cast his spell, and scurried out of the kitchen to the position he'd spied and set to give the signal.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

"That's likely why he's the Captain.  I think you caught him in an unseasonable occasion earlier."  Kitheras smiled gracefully.

"And I guess we don't need that invisibility spell now."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

Krackor was just about to send people out when Corym arrived.
This is exactly why he got my vote Kitheras, learn well from him, all of you.

Now eas not the time to talk, it was a time for silence and action, but first.

Corym, can it be cast on an item? I Will hold it, so if anything hears us, me, then they won't expect defense before they get to me. Kitheras, on your call
This message was last edited by the player at 10:37, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

Euin, and not for the first time, was in awe of his rescuers. They seemed competent, well organized, and thorough. These things were not only prized by the Harpers but also the elves and foresters who vowed to protect Myth Drannor. For all of this Euin found issue with the plan, not all of it for it was, for the most part, sound, just bits, and pieces. Though Euin had no intention of interrupting as the others spoke and he hoped to hear what Kas had to say, but when asked by the Captain if there were questions, Euin cleared his throat.

"Your plan is for the most part a good one. The way you have dealt with the Hob's has already shown you not only know how to plan but implement it. Kas and I have benefited from this and do not doubt I am grateful for it. Yet, Master Sunblade brings up my chief concern. I have reservations going anywhere in this city unprotected. I am... was Kas' guide and I still hold her safety as my responsibility. Yet, it is not just our safety why I raise my concern but the success of the mission overall." Euin paused for a heartbeat to best word the rest.

"If stealth and speed is the reason for Kas and me to go unarmored, that I can understand. Yet, if Master Steelfist goes armored then I see no logical reason we can not. Noise is noise and though I do not doubt the dwarf's effort in trying to remain silent, it's in the execution that my doubts remain. I am not trying to be quarrelsome nor seem ungrateful, but my concern for Kas remains." Euin again paused. "We were nearly slain with our armor and without it we shall fall and fall quickly thus you lose the assets our swords bring not only now but in the future. I have seen Kas fight. Trust me when I say you will benefit from her steel. Yet, she must yet breathe to weild it."

Euin sighed and shook his head before smiling as he looked among his companions "In the end, I shall do whatever is decided upon for the good of the group, as I know Kas will do the same. However, you asked if there were questions and this is my chief one among them."

Qasida turned the problem thoughtfully over in her head before speaking.

"Your unease is well founded Euin Hawkhand.  The ruins of Myth Drannor can be — as we have seen — an unwelcoming place."

A moment's silence here, as she remembered the fallen members of her order.

"The sands of the hourglass are against us, however.  This warren is not yet secure,"  She said, gesturing to the dead hobgoblins that lie scattered about in their piecemeal armor.  "To delay here is to invite the return of any unknown comrades of these we have slain."

Edit — Added the following:

To the others, then.

“There was one more that was taken with us. A tuneservant, heavily wounded.  Was there any sign of them during your exploration?”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:57, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

Kora sighed dramatically as the invisible Corym closed the door behind him. "Fine." She looked at Karilla. "Talk later though?" She waited for her mentor to respond before she left to find a window overlooking the road.

((ooc: Anyone doing anything else in the hobgoblin lair before you leave?

Corym, who are you casting invisibility, 10' radius on?

Also Corym, roll an Intelligence check to keep watch.))

In reply to Euin Hawkhand (msg # 41):

Krackor listened to the concerns and the counter from the two newly rescued warriors. It is true you would be more protected yet as your comrade said in a round about way, the quicker we are out of here, the less likely we are to draw attention and the less likely to be found.  The move to our base will take but short moments, less that 100 breaths really.  I am not silent but concede to the Captain's advise, if the spell can be centred on my shield, then there is less chance of it going awry than if cast on me.

How about, stay close by so you remain invisible, I shall protect where your armour can not and we move like a quick breeze, as quiet as we can yet as quickly but calmly as time allows.

It had been a long time since he felt he needed to speak up so, not since the castle on the moor, which almost worked.

In reply to Qasida (msg # 42):

"Seldarine!" Euin said under his breath. Then nodded to Kas. If she felt this way, there was nothing for it but going forward. Yet before he could say so, the dwarf spoke up. Still not totally convinced but resigned to go with the flow, Euin shrugged.

"Well then Master Steelfist, it is settled then. I ask only that Kas be the object of protection, not me. I shall bring up the rear if you all agree." The Harper responded, taking off the ring, allowing the shadows to dissipate. If he were to be invisible, they would be overkill at any rate. "Now, did any you see the Trueservant which Kas spoke of? He was badly wounded and would not have gotten far without aid. Perhaps he died but if he is here, then he should come with us as well."

In reply to Euin Hawkhand (msg # 46):

"You may have misunderstood Sir, you are ALL under The Vigilant Host's protection" Saying this as he does a sweeping gesture indication everyone there.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:39, Sat 15 Aug 2020.

In reply to Krackor Steelfist (msg # 47):

Euin shook his head and chuckled "I'm sure I have, but I am grateful for it Master Steelfist. Though you have yet to see me use it, my sword is at the Company's... and your service. I owe my life to you all. I shall not forget that."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Sat 15 Aug 2020.

Krackor gets the Invis

09:08, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 14 using 1d20.

Probably not a lot of posting today.  Our family has had two more deaths in two weeks, and my father-in-law who ran away with another woman to another country five years ago is supposed to be dropping in today to make amends.

#Drama

Karilla nodded. "Do what you must, little human. Scream if you need me."

As she continued to feed her kank's favorite ferns, she reflected on the changes that she will need to make now that she was back. She knew that her previous modes of survival would most likely get her ostracized and killed out here.

She took solace in the fact that she has a friend like Corym. It was not surprising to her that he followed when she ran. She loved her brother dearly but, in her mind, they were too different to be considered close friends. She smiled slightly when she recognized that kindred spirit and friendship that she continue to have with Corym, despite the changes she had endured over the years.

After a bit of practice moving together up and down the old inn's central hall, Corym declares you ready to move out. The group reassembles in the kitchen, forming a chain with Krackor in the center. All of you vanish. Corym gives a soft trill to let you know he's moving out to scout, and then silence falls again.

You give him a short song to get in position and scan the area. He doesn't see anything, and soon the call comes to move out. Krackor leads the way, the soft rattle and clank of his plate mail providing helpful in keeping the same pace, even as you glance around in concern that someone will hear.

When Myth Drannor was alive, a well-travelled trail led from the street to the inn's kitchen. You can still make out the occasional sand-colored flagstone that hasn't been completely subsumed by dirt and grass. While the paving is mostly gone, the trail itself has been well-trod by the hobgoblins. You move down it quickly to the road. Directly across the street is the building that the group has been using for a base. As you move towards it at your slow pace, Euin and Kas take a moment to take it in.

It is like one of the bard's songs of Myth Drannor had sprung from the strings and grown root. A building made seemingly from a single crystal, it looks like the frozen sea in a storm. Glowing motes of magical light chase each other across its pale blue surface. It's about a hundred and fifty feet long and a hundred feet wide at its largest extent, but it sort of bulges and recedes all along its facade. Aside from some of the narrow windows and the large, ironwood door, you don't see any right angles. Everything is either bent in one direction or another. A forty foot wide tower anchors the south eastern corner, the corner closest to the road.

Krackor leads you to the door. There's a soft sound, as though the building was sighing, as the door sinks into the ground. Visually, however, it appears unchanged. You glance up at the roof, where Sirenya is keeping watch and maintaining the illusion of the closed door, but you don't see the vanisher.

Stepping through the illusion, you find yourself in an entry hall. A "mudroom" as the humans of the Dales call it. A closed door to further into the mansion is in front of you, and there are stairs going upwards to your right. The door to the outside closes with another soft sigh.

You have escaped the hobgoblins and returned to safety. Well, as much safety as there every is in Myth Drannor. But for the moment, you can breathe.

Kora comes running down the stairs. "I'm assuming you're back; Sirenya said you came in. I didn't see anything moving around out there. Did the hobgoblins put up much of a fight?"

“The fight of their lives, to be precise.” Corym quipped as he made it back in the door. “Go farther in, and take your leisure. I’ll wait for Kitheras here.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:10, Sun 16 Aug 2020.

Kitheras

You follow behind the rest of the group, doing your best to obscure the group's tracks. Euin, at least, has a fair bit of woodscraft and steps lightly. Qasida not so much, though she's obviously trying. And it's a far cry from, say, twenty armored Sembians. You enter the mansion not long after the rest of the group, having seen nothing moving in the ruins.

You promptly walk into someone. Staggering backward, your cloak billows, revealing you. On the stairs, Kora giggles.

In reply to DM (msg # 54):

Keeping watch as he moved and moving as quietly as he could, Krackor moved carefully towards their base.

Once the door dropped, he encouraged everyone forward, whispering Everyone, please move through the door in front, it is open, this is an illusion to hide our entry.  Once inside, he hear then watched as Kora came down the stairs and almost into the group.

Mistress Lightbearer, Kora, we are here.  Please can you all move forward through the next door in front and wait there, you should exit the spells area of effect whilst we wait for Kitheras.  He stayed by the door in case he was needed and was almost bowled over when Kitheras arrived. Wow there Kitheras, we are all here and safe.  Corym, Kitheras, the others are through there in the hall where the Lightning was.  Can you dismiss the spell now please?  Thank you

Krackor wanted to put his things down without anyone tripping up over them, including himself.  No matter how acutely aware of the rooms layouts he was, if the things are not visible or moving, nor making a sound, how was he expected to do his job!

Corym dismissed the magic preserving the invisibility of the companions, and for the first time he really comes into view for the new arrivals.

A fairly average looking Moon Elf, it is mostly his accoutrements that stand out.  Around his torso, upper thighs, and upper arms the elf wears a webbing of leather bound tightly to his body from which many tools hang near at hand but secure.  Vials and filters march up one strap, and a blackened looking wand sits strapped across the small of his back.  An infrequently used shortsword hangs handle down vertically on his torso and a small compound bow rides in a hard boiled leather sheath on his back.  Very uncommon for elves, this is the tighter and more compact short bow of a Tuigan horseman.  His hands are adorned by clawed suede gloves.  In all he seems like a chaotic mish-mash of equipment gathered hither and yon from around the globe.  And while none of the equipment seems to belong together, it does seem to be distinctly unified in him.  In some broader sense it all fulfills some larger purpose in the elf's design.

Corym, himself, seemed somewhat uncomfortable with his appearance--as if there were too many eyes on him.  This wasn't typically how he allowed himself to be seen.  While his face took in the new strangers, one could fairly imagine infinitesimally intricate gears and cogs whirring away behind his eyes.  Calculating. Thinking.

"Corym Ildroun," he broke the silence abruptly. "And these fellows are all members of the Dreams of the Ancients Exploration Company."  You could see a smile begin to break through his lips as if he wanted to let his guard down, wanted to be at ease.  Ease, however, was for other places--not Myth Drannor. "We're a joint-stock for-profit company with a community interest in the restoration of lost art, artifacts, and lore. We have a regular election of leadership, but retain a devolved democratic polity in the absence of emergencies."  He puts a hand to his brow as if his thoughts were racing faster than his mouth could process them.

Calculation, prescription, and legalism give way temporarily to passion. "We're here to restore what is lost, you see.  To enrich the world again from coffers constructed of ancient dreams.  To strengthen communities on the brink. To gather scattered peoples." His eyes flick to Euin.  "We're very glad to have been of service, and very glad to have found you."  His eyes flick to Kas, "You're a holy warrior?" His eyes widen, he gathers himself--breathe.  She's not Yurkal. "This isn't our tower, we're guests of our hostess.  You have to agree to help defend our hostess for so long as you remain beneath her roof--agreed?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

The noble elf stretched like a cat.  Stealthy movement and the obliteration of tracks in stealth had a way of really tightening up ones muscles uncomfortably.  Self-possessed and at ease, the Sunblade scion stood tall in the doorway behind Corym and he caught the latter half of what the peculiar elf was saying.

He was concerned, as he listened, that being here--a place that for Corym really represented the convergence of many dreams--might be overwhelming Corym's mental faculties.

He put a hand on Corym's shoulder lightly.  "Be easy Corym.  They're not going anywhere.  We don't have to rush the story. A life's tale can't be told in a moment."

He could understand though.  To his Captain it must seem that his dream was within his grasp--how could one be patient when so nearby the object of one's ambition?  He regarded the human and half-elf patiently, "But we can't allow you to harm Talindra. She's not alive, but she's not undead in a harmful way.  Corym and I restored her to her right mind and we've sworn to see her returned to life once we find the magic for it here among the ruins.  So whatever laudable religious vows you may have undertaken regarding the less-than-living, we're going to need you to make an accommodation."

Euin looked to Kas briefly before turning his attention back to the elves that had indeed saved his life. Yet, did he know them well enough to take a vow? None of the Company he had encountered seemed evil in any way. Nevertheless, not all who walked in the light favored it. Being a Harper, Euin had dealt with such people. So swearing an oath, for one who believed in them, could not be so quickly done. It was Kitheras words that brought a smile to his face... a life's tale can't be told in a moment.

"First, allow me to thank you, Captain, for our rescue and safety. Second, allow me to introduce myself; I am Euin Hawkhand. Thirdly, as to the oath to Talindra... I say maethe*. I shall not speak for Kas, you understand. However, I feel responsible for her, as I am the one who brought her here. However, when I take an oath, I mean to keep it. Master Sunblade, I agree with you entirely. Every oath you take, including the one you wish me to make, should be laudable, or they are a waste of time and breath. Also, a life's tale can not be told in a moment. I think this applies to oaths and vows as well, at least mine do. I need a more time to learn about Talindra before I swear by her... is it, or was it a woman then?"

"Listen, I know it seems hasty, but really it's a simple matter. Talindra was an apprentice here when the city fell.  Her death was so sudden that she can't remember it and thought she was alive when we found her.  She spent the last 700 years weeping in a dark room.  I soothed her ragged emotions, and Corym healed her fractured mind.  Out of gratitude she allows us to stay in this tower secure from all the depredations of the ruins." He extends a hand outward, "All we're asking is that you be good guests and not try to kill the hostess because the nature of her existence is different than we'd all like."

Kitheras concluded, "It's a simple matter, because if you can't agree to abide peaceably--it's a simple thing to show you the door. It's not something we had the time or opportunity to discuss before now, but Corym's right--it has to be discussed."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:39, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

Now that the situation wasn't so urgent and the lighting much better, as the invisibility vanished (ooc: See what I did there) He chucked to himself then allowed his demeanor to return to the disarming, caring, cheerful manner than he liked to be in.

It was clear that this Dwarf was a Warrior or sorts, Dwarven Plate Mail that seems to fit perfectly, Battle Axe & Warhammer at his waist on one side, Light Crossbow at the other.  He deposited the goods that were on his shield, he back remaining straight, standing upright once more, you could imagine him stood at a guard post for weeks at a time without moving, except for the smile and his glistening, almost glowing eyes.  His shield as it became empty, still appeared to hold a few bubble headed crossbow bolts and a few normal ones in straps.

Lifting his shield into it's rightful position before putting against a wall, it was a black oval shield with a motive that shows a small bronze shield between flaming eyes at the top
and bottom.  He sports two arm bands, one of red on left arm, black on the other.

He stands almost as tall as an Elf and as the open faced helmet is removed it is clear that this Dwarf is young, it could have been a trick of the light but his beard is only short and his hair only slightly longer.  Every bit of him shouts out that he is watching, taking everything in and finding joy in it.

Master Hawkhand, be at peace, as I said, The Golden Guardian watches and I protect in his name as long as you mean no harm to those I have sworn to protect already, that includes the lady of this place whilst her demeanor is as it currently is, lost, unsure, friendly.

Since you are reluctant to give your oath, I would, if the Captain agrees, accept your word as a lesser oath.  You are in a place of safety as it stands right now.  A safe haven is a safe haven, no matter who's house it be and in such situations, respect of the owner and their hospitality should be held high.

He had spoken enough, he was sure of it but he felt...yes, he felt these were good people or why would Gorm allow them to be found and rescued by his company, his friends?

Then he thought. Who's hungry or thirsty?  A successful battle and rescue should always be celebrated.  Let us get to know each other better with a Tankard in our hands rather than swords and bows.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 59):

Euin smiled at Kitheras and shrugged "A simple matter... to you who knows Talindra perhaps. I will agree it is hasty, though. Yet, I disagree once again, swearing a vow... or oath should never be so simple. Not if you intend to honor it. As for being a good guest, have I shown myself for being a bad one?"

Euin laid his bow aside and unbuckled his sword belt. Once this was done, he held the scabbarded sword out to Kitheras "Here Master Sunblade, take it. As a sign of my goodwill and that I shall not be a danger to Talindra. Now that I have been given some answers, I feel more at ease. However, if I am to swear a vow to her, I, for one, wish to meet her myself. I think one should swear a vow to the person it is intended."

The half-elf turned to the dwarf, who seemed to be the peacemaker, and bowed "You have my thanks Master Steelfist. I am grateful for all you have done and continue to do."

He then gave Krackor a wink "As for being at peace, I am. If I were not, you would surely know it. As for celebrating, I will raise a cup to you and all the good people here. Yet, I would have this matter solved before we do, if you do not mind? Maethe means perhaps in elvish. I was not denying to make a vow only wishing to know to whom or what I was making it to."

Euin faced Kitheras again "Will you take me to our host? If she requires aid, I will do my best to see she has it."

Qasida had kept her own counsel as the Dreams of the Ancients welcomed their newcomers, using the time to secure her hair and adjust her head covering.



"You have the right of it, Corym Ildroun."  Qasida said, indicating Milil's sacred harp upon her shield.  "Your company's goals and that of my order are aligned in deed as well as purpose."  Here, she gave a short account of how she, Euin and the tuneservants had come to be in Myth Drannor.

Fastening the last of her armor in place, she proffered her thanks to the group, and formally introduced herself to those she had not met.  Just as she had done with Kitheras, she concluded with the formal invitation to forgo titles and instead use just her given name.

Regarding vows — and whether or not she were willing to swear them — courtesy demanded that Qasida politely deflect.  Given that her continued safety was predicated on a satisfactory answer, she was hesitant to explain that any vows she had — or would ever — undertake would be solely between her and her Lord.

"As an Amnian,"  She began, nodding her head with delicate acknowledgment.  "The rules of hospitality are held sacred."

"Honor demands that I will observe them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:14, Fri 21 Aug 2020.

Kas turned to the dwarf, then.  "I would be most grateful for some water or tea ... and any foodstuffs that you could spare."

"Those twice-cursed hobgoblins thought it fitting to treat their captives very poorly."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:15, Fri 21 Aug 2020.

"The kitchen is still in good shape," Kora puts in from the stairs. "A lot of the furniture... well, let's just say it's now being used to cook the food. But the flagstones are, well, they're hard." She gives you a bright grin. "Myth Drannor, right?"

In reply to Kora Roustinghorn (msg # 64):

His affection for Kora was obvious to the members of the company, to the newcomers it could be seen as either humouring Kora or treating her like a child, neither would be further from the truth, he felt responsible, like an older brother and father combined.

Thank you Kora, don't forget, the frying pan doesn't need firewood to heat, I left it on the stove. If you arrange the food, I'll cook unless you fancied doing it!

He could cook, well, he heated food and threw stuff it that seemed to work, mostly travelling style. Others cooked better but he felt everyone needed help right now.

Krackor went to where he had been sleeping, removed his helmet and stowed his shield against a wall, it appeared more like an alter piece now than a shield, especially with the winter blanket arranged in front of it.

Satisfied with the commitments of the newcomers, Corym calmed significantly and went to sit next to Karilla.  They'd had a moment of sorts in the stable that had felt confusing, but good.  "We'll eat and wash, and then we'll meet Talindra."

Kitheras nodded, but stood as he waited for the preparation of the food.  "That's good, but there are things about which we must talk. My thinking on matters has evolved since we've returned to Myth Drannor."  He looked to Corym in a friendly way, "You once offered to pay my part to join the Company.  We've made no formal division of what we'd acquired, but I'd like to make my investment and formally join."

Corym turned to Qasida and Euin, "Corym devised an ingenious but unorthodox method for dividing treasures acquired by the company so that the disparities that fortune may thrust into our laps don't transform into disparities among us.  I'm sure he'd love the opportunity to explain it, but my spirit was suspicious about a number of things when I first found their company, and I now find myself more at ease among them."

"But the second thing that I want to put to the group to consider is our goal here. Many of our motives were confused when we all found ourselves dumped into this place. Going to the Mage Schools straight away to learn their lost lore to learn why we had come here was the only thing that we all had in common at that time." He looks around and gestures to the tower and the many things in it that had become familiar to them. "Now we have much more in common."

"It is clear that the degree and density of danger is not going to enable us to make a cross-city trek to the Six Tyryl Towers this season, and that in attempting to do so we'll be placing ourselves in undue danger.  I propose that we forego any plan this season that would take us beyond this immediate neighborhood.  Let the pacification and exploration of our home base and its environs be our immediate goal. Once concluded, we should return to Glen, and perhaps Bristar and Highmoon to resupply for further ventures with the knowledge and experience we've gained on this campaign.  What say you all?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Sat 22 Aug 2020.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 67):

Krackor was helping Kora but heard what had been said Kitheras, it is good you join formally or even informally, I like you so I'd like you to stay and be a part of the company.  There, I've said it, you happy now Corym?  I was hoping you'd say it first.

Anyhow, with regards to our goal here.  From what I recall, we were only supposed to be coming here to scout this season, even though we got caught in the snow, I know it's not snowing here but.... So we have established a base, how long will we remain here, I thought we were staying a couple weeks or a month then heading back.  However, I'd rather be here during Winter than out there where it is far colder and miss the summer months.

Even saying that seems strange.  I'm here for a purpose, yes to keep you lot alive and mayhaps to find these two and await Karilla at this exact location.  Maybe there are more to rescue.  I hope that you two  Directing his voice and attention to the newcomers Don't want to head out straight away back to your base in the valleys do you!

"As long as that's our clear understanding." Kitheras confirmed to Krackor.

"I think what we did today with Sirenya cloaking us on the way out, and Corym cloaking us on the way in was a really good way of handling things.  It worked well."

He rolled out the map that Corym had cobbled together from his and Sirenya's reconnaissance.

"We still don't know what's moving in and out of the Dwarven Pill Box (area 13) and it's very close to the hive of Chasme (area 20) which is the danger in the neighborhood which concerns me most.  I don't know how intelligent they are, but if I were a demonic lord, I'd love to have those things as sentries.  If we strike them and don't kill them all, the survivors will escape and inform.  When we go for them, we'll have to have adequate bait to get them on the ground and keep them there."

"I still think we'd be remiss to not continue trying to penetrate the basement here, but the entrance being so forbiddingly closed off it's not something we can really plan on.  I can teach Sirenya Dispel Magic and she can try it once a day while she maintains the watch."

"I see no reason to trouble the Hezrou unnecessarily.  There seems to be little of value along that row of houses."

"Therefore, until we penetrate the basement, or have a plan for the Chasme, or identify the inhabitants of the Dwarven Pill Box, I say that we focus our efforts on the northern end Way of Heroes.  We know that there are trolls, and possibly an Alhoon, but those are relatively straightforward threats.  Meanwhile the Silversmiths guild, and Glass Menagerie are of high interest, and the other buildings there seem largely intact."

"Of course!" Corym beamed.  "I'll calculate your buy-in from the date we offered, rather than the present date since you've accompanied us and assisted for all the subsequent endeavors."

Corym looked, however, at the pile of loot he'd acquired from the Hobgoblin lair.  "Karilla, would you help me appraise what we've acquired?"

06:30, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 255 using 20d20 with rolls of 8,9,20,16,16,1,13,11,20,16,7,5,18,13,18,18,7,8,14,17.  Appraisal. Failing Rolls struck through.

Karilla stared at the pile of stuff then over at Corym.

"It's old. Probably worth something to the right someone. Other than that, no. And I haven't identified anything in over one-hundred and fifty years. I can do this though."

Karilla focused her energy on one of the thin elven swords. She smirked as it raised itself up and began to do a little dance around the room. She focused back on Corym and gestured to the dancing blade.

"Fun, but not very useful in this instance."

Corym

Putting a value on the coins and swords you brought back from the hobgoblins is rather difficult. All three thinblades are in good condition. Their edges are a bit battered, but the steel has been treated with something like, but different from, modern bluesteel. Curious, you clean the dirt and grime of centuries from one of them. With a bit of work it gleams like new, and when you sharpen it, the blade holds the edge. Impressive craftsmanship, considering they're all at least three thousand years old and more likely four or five thousand.

Two of the thinblades are plain and unadorned. Beautiful, because very little that the People made during the Founding Time is ugly, but practical. Their modern equivalent are the simple war blades that hang on the hip of every caravan guard from here to Waterdeep.

But the third is an exceedingly fine blade. Its wooden handle has delicate, gold filigree twining through it, the thin lines almost but not quite forming letters. More tracery is etched down the length of the blade, tiny sapphires are embedded in the handle, and along the blade's spine it is engraved with, "Clear eye and steady hand guard the realm for all time."

Kitheras takes a look at it and recognizes it as a presence sword a younger noble scion would have worn to court. It's not magical, and it wouldn't be considered a house heirloom. But it's a beautiful piece.

Value-wise, the two plain thinblades are worth maybe four or five hundred gold pieces to a collector. The courtly blade is worth a lot more, likely at least three thousand gold. If you could find the right buyer, it's possible it could go for even more.

There are a total of eight Myth Drannan coins: three "crossed axe" silvers, four "pile of scrolls" golds, and one "elf head" platinum. You have no idea what their value might be today. Myth Drannor was known for the purity of its coins, so they're at least worth the same as their modern equivalents. They might also be worth a great deal, but pricing something like this is totally out of your realm of experience.

"Actually my understanding is that these blades are prized among swordsmen and fell out of style because the techniques used to create them were lost.  It's exactly what we're here to find."  Corym eyed the blades closely, "They've been chemically treated.  We do that to some blades today, but I wonder if that was a required part of the forging."

"That's how I always intended it.  Sometimes I just get... excited?"  Corym shrugged sheepishly.  "It is the Art, lore and arts of Myth Drannor that are its true treasure, and I am eager to restore it to the world of being aspiring to more than their current circumstances."

Krackor nods approvingly at Corym and Kitheras' words.  Corym was right, he did start to lose focus sometimes but always pulled it back.

The first chest we find that is any good, we bring back so we can store these things for later.  Where did you pick the dancing sword up from, what it in the pile or was it one of these newcomings old group?  Looking over at Euin and Qasida I mean no disrespect but you knew that   He turns back to Corym and Kitheras Is Elorfindar with his sister?  Oh and I agree with Kitheras, we ought to keep at that door.  I can also try to dismiss the magic that seems to hold it.  He then smells the food cooking and heads over Smells like the food is almost done, they started without me

Euin stood there, still holding his sword. If they did not want, so much, the better. He had made the gesture, and that was done. The half-elf buckled it back, so it was girded about his waist once more. Euin followed them as they went and watched as they examined their spoils without comment, at least at first. The dwarf asked Kas and him their plans. If they planned on taking their leave. What? Before the oath swearing?

"I am in no hurry, Master Steelfist. That is unless Kas wishes to depart. I would be less than honorable to let her leave alone, here of all places that would nay be wise. So my wishes are not my own. Yet, I would stay for my part." Euin replied softly as he moved closer to study the thin blades all the better.

The smell of food made his mouth water, for the hobgoblins had been not nearly as hospitable hosts. He and Kas had not eaten well in some time. As they handled the blades, Euin's keen eyes found them interesting indeed. Not just because of their uniqueness but for their beauty. That, and for the history behind them. Courtly swords of Myth Drannor. His father's people may have wielded those very swords. The elves of the surrounding forest would prize them still. Their friendship and assistance would be worth more than the gold they could garner from their selling.

"Those blades are worth more than the gold you would receive for them. The elves that patrol the woods about us and protect these ruins would appreciate them far more than some Sembian Lordling. In return, you may gain their friendship and aid. Some of them are known to me and others to my father. They would know I am his son by the sword I carry. Would you all consider such a thing?" Euin cocked a brow as he looked about the room. "I am advising only. They are yours to do what you will."

Euin then pursed his lips "As for resupplying, I hail from Deepingdale. My mother lives there yet. We could obtain what you need in Highmoon and be welcome at my mother's steading. I would be honored to repay you all the hospitality that you have shown Kas and myself. We could rest well, knowing you were among friends. Again, suggestions only but an option to be considered."

"We traveled to Deepingdale prior to coming here to get good intelligence on how the city was laid out and what we were likely to find here by consulting the aged survivors that remain in Bristar.  We were received with hesitance.  I had no opportunity to visit Highmoon but would dearly love to."  Corym turns the swords over and looks at their blades.

"I'm not sure what the benefit is here for the The People in Bristar.  A common sword is still a sword, and they are readily available across the Dales.  A single elven swordsman will not redefine the fate of the community even if exquisitely trained in the rare art of the thinblade.  His art will fall to a formation of mercenary pikes bought buy Sembian gold. Our people have become impractically interested in aesthetics and routinely fail to grapple with the granular realities of life.  We use magic to insulate us and in its embrace grow weak.  That's how I see Myth Drannor--as a city of the greatest promise in diversity and arts, but simultaneously crystallizing our greatest weaknesses."

Corym shakes his head ruefully, "These are delusions.  The appearance of grandeur without the merit that true grandeur requires.  All that remains here are impoverished communities of survivors, the remnants that were too poor or too romantic to abandon these lands with the Elven Court when it surrendered.  The guards that wander the forests guard tombs full of knowledge and treasures that would better benefit the descendants of the deceased, but their sentimentality privileges the dead at the expense of the living and would rather mourn the fallen than aid the failing."

Corym's eyes fairly stab at Euin's, "The Fortress Home still stands, and our future days will be greater than our former. Kitheras and I have bled to expand those borders. There is a strength in our people if they can be stirred in their hearts to remember it.  For if we flee to Evermeet and carry our present weakness there too, so too will the world seek it there." Corym sneers at the blades, "Let humans and dwarves and orcs decorate their halls with the remnants of our dreams.  There is no strength in them.  The strength is in us, and when we fortify ourselves with the knowledge of the ancients--their craft, artifice, ingenuity, and verve, only then will we be able to prevent our annihilation."

A bitter laugh escapes his lips, "The coins the mundane blades will provide will help finance the next venture and the next until we can bring home a true inheritance that will truly enrich the fatherless and abandoned people of this land. For now our people do little but remember, but then they shall again learn to dream." Here the strange elf seems to exhibit a bizarre passion and vision that is seldom seen even among priests except those whom some may call in whispered breath--prophets.

But is this prophecy or infatuation? Or madness. He shakes his head to dispel his grim thoughts.  "You see? I lose myself in a train of thought easily." He reaches out a hand to grasp something that isn't there in illustration. "It can all seem so real--the power of a dream.  But why have you two come to Myth Drannor.  Qasida seems to own the charge, and Euin her guide--but what object brought you to the City of Song?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Wed 26 Aug 2020.

Looking unusually abashed after Corym's rant, Kora raises her hand tentatively. "I... I would like one of those swords," she mutters.

In reply to Kora Roustinghorn (msg # 78):

Krackor heard a voice, a voice drawn with passion, with a sneer and aimed within the building. He knew that voice as it was raised before the Castle on the moor.

Corym, calm yourself Captain, these two have not broken your dreams and if the swords mean so little to you, why so passionate about them? he had heard Kora's request too. Mistress Lightbearer, by all means take one before they melt in the passion of a voice lost in... He searched for the word Distant pain. It was close enough.

Corym, you sound hungry, go get some food and let these newly released and hungry people feed and rest. No go before I start singing and put everyone off their food..

He knew that passion, he had seen it when they first spoke of Myth Drannor after Gating in. Looking over at Euin The Captain has had lots of things going on this last few days and some have left us all shaken, a good meal in all of us will do the trick

He moves over to the thin bladed swords reaching down and passes one of the plain ones to Kora. Mind you don't cut yourself. We will consider proposals for the next move when the food has settled and passions have subsided a little.

Moving to Corym and whispering Get a grip lad, we all need you right now and melancholy won't help
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:53, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

"Of course.  The partners always take their divide first. Yes."  Corym sounded diminished.  He knew he'd let the moment run with him. "I'm sorry." The strange elf said.  Who he was saying it to was unclear.



Corym nodded in agreement and excused himself to go to the food.



Corym looked off distantly as he replied. "It's Euin.  The life of a half-elf is a hard thing. My own blood is mixed, if differently, and there were consequences I suffered for it growing up.  It's stupid."  He snorted.  "I guess I needed to feel understood? And maybe for once there was someone in front of me that could understand. A large leap to make based on antiques and mixed blood." He squeezed his eyes closed. "Missions are always easier than people, for me."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Sat 29 Aug 2020.

"Captain is a title of convenience." Kitheras observed cooly. "It's necessary to have a leader when the moment won't allow for debate or discussion.  How the treasure is divided and disposed of is laid out in the Charter before hand to minimize the arguments that happen at the moment of decision."

Kitheras smiled warmly, a strange thing given the mood and setting, "He wrote it in a better frame of mind and it better reflects the capacity of his reason."  He confided to Euin, "Corym's ideology is very specific, but he is only one vote when the decisions are made--as are we all."

He stands a little straighter, "We both served in Evereska's forces, and bled as he said.  Our homeland means a lot to us, and we thereby have great sympathy for those that continue to fight for their homeland here even if some may think the fight lost. The True Blood of Cormanthor abides."

Euin had been oddly quiet and his features neutral as if he had some practice in making them so. His eyes flitted to each as they spoke as his mouth remained a tight line. After all, had spoken he finally nodded.

"I understand some of what you say, Captain. I do truly for I have seen it but to label all the defenders and protectors of this place with such a wide brush does them and yourself a disservice. There are some who protect secrets with a mind of keeping them from those Sembian pikes as you've said. Some like my father lost his life doing so. I agree that the knowledge and wonders of this place could make a difference for The People. Yet, if you believe it so strongly, I would ask that you include them in our effort. Before now many thought this place too dangerous and the losses regaining it would be too high. You see when one falls it is hard to find one to take up the blade of the fallen as I did."

Euin paused for a few breaths before continuing "Yet if they see it can be done and that the secrets we find can be used to make their jobs and lives more useful we can gain allies with hearts and minds open. What you are doing here is and can be noble. If we can let others see this and give them hope, then those who defend this place will change."

Euin nodded to he dwarf "You are a fine person and I am grateful for your peace keeping and I beg your pardon for making your job all the harder. I will soon share a cup with you and enjoy doing so."

The Harper did the same to Kitheras "Thank you for Master Sunblade for your explanation and for the blood you have lost defending The People. As your Homeland means so much to you so does mine. This is the home of my father's people. Though I maybe torn by my blood, I assure my heart is true."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

Nodding in some kind of understanding, Krackor put a hand on Corym's shoulder, heads close to each other as best he can with Corym being a hand and more taller, voice at the same volume as the Captain's.

Take it easy on him Corym, he's been through a rough time and sounds like he is excited to find a connection too.  I see he feels responsible for the destruction of his party, give him something to do that you'd want, see how he handles it my friend

Watching Corym move off for some food, Krackor moves to Euin It's been a day, well a morning.  Caught up in the moment can make things appear more than they otherwise would be.  He finds a kinship but don't tell him I said anything.  Here Krackor reaches down and takes one of the Thin blades, this is my share, here Euin, take this and protect me with it  He grins, winks and moves to Qasida.

In reply to Krackor Steelfist (msg # 83):

Qasida, Kas.  Are you ok?  Make sure you and Euin eat something, he feels responsible for you too and I think he'll listen.  Are you injured at all?

Krackor attends to everyone who is injured, using divine magic rather than the Ioun Stone for now, that's a trick he wants to save for another time.  As much as he feels he can trust these two new ones, he doesn't know them and Karilla has changed some.  I'll save that for later he thinks to himself.

Corym nods and returns to the main room and addresses Euin privately.  "Though born in different lands, there is but one blood between us.  In the name of the Father, I greet you and invite you to take part in our band.  Forgive whatever importuning may have offended."

Corym addressed Qasida and Kitheras together, "I believe we're here for the rest of the day, and we ought to continue a Watch to see what the inhabitants of the surrounding streets may do while we rest.  But perhaps you two can investigate a matter that Talindra has had occasion to mention.  The windows of the tower are enspelled to prevent people from without to see or hear that which takes place within, but it is possible that some of them have failed or been cancelled in the intervening cities.  Would you mind using your respective bodies of sonics to determine whether our sounds are secured?" Corym cleared his throat, "And if so, perhaps a private concert to raise the spirits of the company?"

Kitheras blinked, and then turned to look at Qasida.

A concert?

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 85):

Euin gave the Captain a bow "Uluvathae! I thank you. I shall do my best to serve you and the others well. You are right, we share the one blood. I accept your invitation and I am honored by it."

Karilla could hear the lively discussion in the other room. She figured that she would be safer in this make-shift stable. The new people haven't tried to kill them, yet. New people are a dangerous unknown for Karilla. As she pondered how she would treat and approach the newcomers, she continued to feed her gigantic mount.

New Topic: Where to Go Next

"I think we should tackle the Society of Silversmiths & Fineworkers.  My intuition is that such a place would have a highly developed security system and I'm well suited to dealing with.  If it goes quickly and successfully we could then progress on to the Troll Warren (#6).  The danger of fighting trolls here is that because we have to use fire to destroy them, doing so will leave unmistakeable signs of our efforts and our passing.  Thin trails of smoke rising into the sky. On the other hand--it's an active population that needs to be dealt with.  We just need to be prepared to additionally deal with whatever might get curious."

How to Approach:

"I thought Sirenya cloaking us on the way out was very successful, and helped preserve valuable spells. I think it would be appropriate for the Wizards of the company to do a little collaboration in order to improve our flexibility.  Perhaps we can do this between explorations."

The Cellar Below:

"I'd like to continue hitting that door with a Dispel Magic every day that we can afford to do so. I think it's important to secure those lower levels, I think there's a benefit in doing so, and I think that the handsome door that seals the area would be an amazing reclamation."

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 90):

There was order once more to Corym's voice that the Priest found once more reassuring. He hadn't dismissed the Cellar, he made sense in his approach for the next steps. It was clear that the passions had been quelled by the food and drink, combatted the adrenaline.

Welcome back Captain. a big smile and nodding.
An addition for the proposal. A building a day or if no encounters with denizens, move straight on to the next, this would also prove efficient with spell components and less movements for drawing attention to our main base here.

He thought a few moments as that sank in. Every few days we rest or if encounter a lot of resistance, consider the next day to be a rest day.

With the Trolls, as you said about the smoke from fire, this could draw additional attention, sone that may remain for more than a single day, yet with monster fighting monster, it is possible that a quick look will be done then they move on.

We need to keep that flexibility. Like the Cellar door! Holding a spell back for our return may hinder our advancements however, if a Dispel Magic is revived or asked for, it has two uses, one is if needed in the place we are visiting, then we have it ready, two is if not used, then use it on the door.

Was that explaination enough? He would find out from the responses.

---

Qasida watched the troupe discuss their affairs with a growing sense of admiration.  It was clear that they trusted one another.  Valued each of the others' counsel.

Krackor had welcomed Euin and she, had offered to share food from their table.  Made sure that they were situated comfortably.  To say that he was unlike any dwarf she had ever met was an understatement.  This, owing mostly to the fact that she had not met many stone children in her short time abroad.  Numbered among those that she had the occasion to meet, were the merchant-dwarves dispatched to deal with the famously shrewd Amnian merchants of her home city of Athkatla.

Not an ounce of generosity in that bunch, to be sure.  She had taken their coarse manner and gruff mannerisms to be representative.  How wrong she had been!

To see a dwarf at rest among his people — or, at least, those he considered to be his people — was a refreshing sight indeed.  The untarnished generosity.  The sincere compassion and warmth for others.

It was strange, indeed, the paths that the Lord of Song had set before her.  But it was not one without its own rewards.  Kas took Krackor up on his offer and thanked the Lord Protector by resting a gauntleted hand upon his shoulder.

"It is a rare and blessed thing, to find camaraderie in such a forsaken and lonely place as this."  She said, reflecting for a moment on the fallen brothers and sisters of her order.

"Made all the more sweeter,"  She added.  "Owing to that which was lost to me on this journey."

As Corym made mention of the sound-dampened walls and windows of the enspelled tower, she nodded her thanks.

"A song would be altogether fitting, Captain Ildroun.  A eulogy to mark the passing of dear friends."

With that, Qasida began to sing.  Low and soft at first, the words were in her native tongue, but the meaning was clear.  This was a song of loss.  Of pain and grief and what comes after.  Toward the end, the melody became sweeter, if a bit haunting, and the paladin's vocal tone took on a delicate — almost ethereal — quality.

As the hymn wound to a close, the young woman blinked away a few tears.  And though her eyes shone wet, and the tears had made kohl-darkened trails upon her cheeks ... Kas did not appear forlorn.  Rather, her countenance was one of serene contentment.  Of lasting peace.  Of reassuring bonds that last far beyond this life.

"I thank you, captain."  She said.  "It is my hope that my paean will drift up from this place and fall upon the ears of my Lord's palace servants.  So that they will know that the Fugue Plane has some of Milil's faithful awaiting them, and that they are waiting to go home."

In reply to Qasida (msg # 92):

Krackor was smiling as Qasida spoke of camaraderie and seeing her smile.  When she sang, his heart almost broke, almost.  It would take something quite considerable to change the optimistic outlook that sweeps through the Guardian of the Dreams of the Ancients Exploration Company, he did after all, feel that part of his role was to show the others that there is always something to smile about, even if it is looking out of the window at the marvel that is the Dwarven workmanship still visible in the streets where buildings hold a moment longer in this desolate and deadly place, a defiance to the chaos and lawlessness that the agents of the lower planes bring with them.

A beautiful song Qasida and you are still here to share that memory, to remember those whom have fallen and to take it back whence you came, when the time is right to leave.  Until then, relax, recover from your dealings with the stinking Hobgoblins.  You'll only have to put up with our stinking company until we get to that river to bathe or find enough water to wash with.  Obviously Kora smells the cleanest although winking to emphasis Elorfindar does stay the cleanest out of us all  He burst out laughing for a moment, then took a swig of his drink and sang an uplifting dwarven merchant caravan shanty.
 Not that it made much sense and his voice wasn't the best, especially after the sweet ethereal manner of the Paladins, but he made do.

In reply to Krackor Steelfist (msg # 83):

Euin had heard Kas' voice as they made their way to Myth Drannor but never with that tone of sorrow. Not for the first time, the half-elf felt the pang of guilt well up within him. So he listened solemnly until finished then went to speak with her.

"Kas? Again I beg your pardon. I have not done well in keeping you and your group safe. I pledge to do better. Your song was hauntingly beautiful. I know it pains you to have suffered such loss. I swear on my father's blade I will do all in my power to keep you safe." Euin gave the woman a half-bow. As he rose, the Harper smiled sadly "Please forgive but I must thank someone for his kindness. Thank you for the song."

Euin then sought out the dwarf and once he found him, bowed "Master Steelfist? Your generosity has touched my heart. This gift of the thin blade means much to me. I hope that I may give it to another and by doing so it will aid our company. I offer you my hand in friendship this day. I also will try to make your job as a peacemaker much easier. I deem this company a good one and I will do all in my power to see it and its members safe and successful. Thank you! Now let us eat and share a cup in fellowship, what sau you?"

Kas acknowledged Euin's apology.  "Although I accept it in the spirit in which it was offered,"  She said.  "You require no forgiveness from me, friend."

"Truth be told, there is no blame or fault to be found in your actions." 

In reply to Euin Hawkhand (msg # 94):

Taken aback by the 'young' Elf, No, no. No need for that, just doing my job. I accept all the same. and in a more hushed tone meant for Euin's ears alone Stay good and strong, don't let yourself down and you'll not let us down.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:58, Mon 07 Sept 2020.

((ooc: I haven't heard any disagreement with Corym's plan of investigating Silvershingles (#7 on the neighborhood map), so I'm assuming that that's where you're heading next.

Sirenya can supply the party with one Invisibility, 10' radius and two Invisibility spells per day. She can also maintain the illusion that the front door is closed. Any additional magic will need to be negotiated with her on a case by case basis.

Since a number of spells were cast during the hobgoblin fight/rescue, the soonest you can head out to Silvershingles is tomorrow. Feel free to post anything you want to do over the rest of the day, or have any remaining side conversations. Kas and Euin can also talk to Talindra, if you wish. Any questions you have should be put in the Conversations with Talindra side thread, so they don't derail things in this one.

Kitheras, if you and/or others of the group are going to do some advance scouting, let me know and we can start rolling.))

Karilla noticed that a plan seemed to be developing and decided to make a quick appearance. She slunk out of her makeshift stall for her kank and sidled up to Corym.

"Whatever you decide, I am willing to aid. I'm trusting you not to kill me. I'll be with my mount when you are ready to move out. Let me know." Karilla made her way back to her stable to calm herself with her insectoid mount.

Seeing no objections, Corym sets out to prepare for tomorrow's penetration of the Silvershingles.

Corym will spend a considerable part of his day teaching Qasida and Euin the company's hand-talk and accompanying bird-signals that they use during invisible operations.

Qas & Euin-- it's basically US Army patrol hand signals. Very basic stuff.  It's all listed out here somewhere.  Obviously you're not going to be able to learn to use it all at once, but minimally you should be aware of what our signals look and sound like and perhaps remember the meaning of a few of the more important ones.

"Before we hit the trolls, lets make sure and distribute fire magic to everyone that can use it," Kitheras advised.  "I'll perform some advance scouting to see if anything has changed since last I looked."

Enjoying the activity that comes with preping for an expedition, the Barakor asked for clarification of what to expect before the next days outing.

One last clarification of creatures and encounters that we are expected to come across, like the Trolls, is this the first or second building?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:40, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

"The second.  Silvershingles is the first stop.  I think mechanical and magical traps and automata are more likely there."

Euin nodded "I will be happy to help where I may. I have some abilities with both stealth and the blade."

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 102):

We've done Trolls before, used the stones under their feet to hurt them then burnt them.  Gorm has blessed me with his flaming sight, so that will help.  I'll ask the Bronze Mask if there is a smell for finding traps etc. when I pray in the morning.

(OOC:  Yes I know there is a Find Traps Spell but I wasn't sure if I could use it [Yes I can as it is Divination] and haven't had it yet as there has been no need [except in Oak Haven where Krackor joined the party and where it would have been a good idea])
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Sun 13 Sept 2020.

((ooc: I've always figured that one of the training tasks for acolytes in an organized priesthood would be to memorize the "known canon" of spells. What all the spheres are, what spheres you have access to, what spells fall into which sphere. Just for your own segment of the clergy; any more would fall under the Spellcraft NWP. But you would know all the spells you could ask Gorm for at least up through level 3.))

Group

You spend the rest of the day quietly. Kas and Euin are shown around the mansion and introduced to Talindra, the ghostly wizard survivor of the Fall of Myth Drannor. Food is prepared, rooms are found, and you try to relax as best you can in the middle of a deadly room. Karilla retreats back to be with her kank and doesn't re-emerge until Kora takes he some eveningfeast.

The night passes uneventfully, nothing disturbs your sleep aside from your own anxieties. After a nice dawnfry, you check your equipment, gather together, and prepare to dare Myth Drannor once again.

((ooc: If anyone has a Dispel Magic they want to use on the door "yesterday," go ahead and roll for it.

It's a new day. Everyone is fully healed. Spellcasters, please memorize spells. Kitheras, you're the advance scout for the expedition. Do you want people to stay inside while you do your initial pass, or should they come out under invisibility and stay near the mansion?))

08:03, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 17 using 1d20.  Dispel Magic.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:04, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

Corym gathers the party near the entry way after preparations are complete.

"Okay, same as before.  Kitheras will complete the initial scouting.  The rest of us will hold hands in formation obscured by Sirenya's spell and proceed to the tree house (Location 8) where we will hold in place until Kitheras gives us the all clear for the site.  Each of you maintain watch on your assigned vectors.  Sirenya and Kora will watch the streets from the tower and alert us via audible signals to approaching danger.  Questions?"

Kitheras nodded in understanding, pulled up the hood of his elven cloak, and awaited the breaching of the tower door.

"The Strength of Corellon, the Beauty of Hannalli, the Joy of Aerali"

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 108):

Euin nodded that he understood. The half-elf had donned his elven chainmail, girded on his father's sword, and gathered his bow and arrows. He then waited for the signal and in his position in line. He nodded to Kitheras as he departed and said a silent prayer for his safety. The organization of the group was indeed impressive. The Harper could tell that had worked together for some time now, and it showed.

He sought and found Kas "We might need to perform a rearguard action if the group must retreat to the tower. May your god and ours watch over us this day."

In reply to DM (msg # 106):

Before going to bed, whilst the others gathered to cast their dispel magics at the special cellar door, Krackor grasped, focused then let go of one of his Ioun Stones, the one holding the Dispel Magic.  If Kitheras' magic isn't enough or fails Drawing the magic forth from the stone, Krackor casts Dispel Magic.

(OOC:  Rolled 14% for Dispel Magic)

He had slept, slept and ate. He checked his gear, ensuring he had enough items to cast his spells.

Kitheras was the first to head out and on his own, so Krackor cast his spell, the spell which let him know if his friend was about to be in danger, no point risking being lost on his own. The rose petal blessed and handed over once more, as they had done so many times in the past. Imbibing the spell.

That done Gorm watch over you my friend, don't go drawing everyone in, the Trolls will get their chance another time.

As everyone gathered, Krackor checked everyones armour, then returned his open faced helmet to his head and hoisted his shield. Axe and Warhammer at his waist, Ioun Stones carefully tucked away in case of emergency.

Corym, did you find a second entrance to this building we will enter or just the one you described?

I'm ready.

Previous Day

Both Kitheras and Krackor try to dispel the wizard lock on the door in the cellar. Neither of them is successful. The ancient enchantment continues, unfazed.

Silversmith Expedition

Cloaked in invisibility and the entrance shielded by illusion, the group heads out into Myth Drannor once again. Most of you keep close together, sticking to the road as you make your way north. You step off the road and into the shade of the tree that shelters the intact elven tree home. The ruins are silent, and though you keep close watch, you don't see anything moving.

Kitheras tugs his cloak of elvenkind closer about him and makes his way to Silvershingles. He quickly dismisses the fragment of a room that is all that remains of the guildhall's arboreal section. It's hanging precariously, a bit of corner with a few floor boards, and looks like a stiff breeze will bring it crashing down.

Instead, he does a quiet circuit of the stone building on the ground. A single, over-sized story, its exterior walls are mostly intact, though one of the corner towers has collapsed and the wall has been breached here and there. The main entry doors are completely missing, leaving behind a gaping archway almost twenty feet wide and about that tall. Likewise, any glass or enchantments that might have filled the windows are long gone, and from what he can see peering inside, much of the roof has fallen inward.

There are wide windows on all four walls. Kitheras looks and listens intently, but does not see or hear anything inside. Eventually, he makes his way back to the rest of the group.

((ooc: Sorry for the delay in posting; headaches have not been kind. I should be able to post frequently now, though. Also, since Kitheras was not attacked on his scouting mission, have an exterior view of Silvershingles. Though this map doesn't show it, there are wide windows on all the walls. With a bit of athleticism, you could enter on any side of the building.))


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:32, Wed 23 Sept 2020.

Kitheras gives the all-clear audible and visual signals--though who he could signal to visually is unclear.

Corym tugs at the hands holding his until they've crossed to the Silvershingles.  Once there he enters the breached wall and performs a search.

06:21, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 98 using 1d100.  Find Traps/Secrets.

Derp.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 115):

As always, Krackor ensures that all are safely at their destination, in this instance, hoping that nobody in the front got lost.

Whispers How far have you gotten so far?  I saw nothing around the area as we walked.

Whispered: “Just entered the breached wall. Seems safe.”

Whispers I was asking Kitheras, I should have said but good to know

The entry hall of Silvershingles is everything that came to your minds when someone first said, "Myth Drannor." It is grand and beautiful, white marble streaked with gold stretching the length of the building to an elevated platform where musicians might entertain or a host speak words of welcome. The upper walls arch delicately inwards, towards what must once have been a vaulted roof. Five columns, each a different color of marble, line each long side of the room. As a statement of wealth and class, it has few equals.

It is also a complete ruin. The ceiling has collapsed entirely, leaving the vault and arches open to the misty sky. It its ruin, it has formed great heaps of rubble along the floor and pulverized much of the coral-filled marble paving stones that once greeted visitors. Two of the columns have collapsed completely, the rest have been broken or damaged to a lesser extent.

Four inset niches, two on the left and two on the right, once held statues. Only one is still partially intact; a male elven body missing his head, right arm, and about a third of his torso. The others lie shattered in their alcoves.

The great hall is empty and quiet. You see nothing as you enter, and nothing stirs as you look around.

"I traced its boundaries and looked for signs of inhabitation.  Corym said that traps were likely here, so I did not venture in."

In reply to DM (msg # 119):

Corym began forging ahead making sure that the footing was secure as he went. "Krackor, you continue guiding the sphere, I'll start making sure the way is safe."  (Not that I think there are traps here, but things might collapse.  The negotiated the rubble up to the first opening ahead on the left and peered in.

21:58, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 43 using 1d100.  Find Traps/Secrets.

15:35, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 5 using 1d100.  Hide in Shadows.

15:35, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 67 using 1d100.  Move Silently.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Sun 27 Sept 2020.

"More like a temple than a guildhall for craftsmen." Kitheras muttered and began examining a fallen statue.

Corym starts making his way forward. With the entire party invisible, you've been able to admire the ruined guildhall without anyone blocking your eyelines. That changes abruptly as Corym exits the sphere of invisibility and blinks into view. He makes his way forward carefully and quietly, keeping to the fallen rocks and the shadows they provide. Peeking around the corner, he sees an elegant corridor, the marble walls inset with partially-destroyed mosaics. It stretches for about thirty feet before widening into a rubble-strewn room.

Glancing over his shoulder, he sees another hallway, even more filled with shattered roofing. There's no doubt some rooms leading off it as well, but from them distance he can't make things out for certain.

Though there's lots of fallen stone and pieces of broken statuary leading to the left corridor, the footing is quite solid. There's definitely been some settling and compacting over the centuries; Corym wouldn't have any concerns about fighting or even running over much of this area.

Corym motions for the others follow as he presses further down the western hallway.

Krackor guides the others so as to ensure the invisibility continues, he takes a sharp intake of breath as Corym pops into view, then controls his breathing once more.  Lets move to the central area and await Corym's or Kitheras' signal, that way we can be ready to move in any direction at a moments notice should anything spring at them.

Corym takes a closer look at the mosaics. They're badly damaged, and seem to be more ostentatious, in a "look at all of us" showpiece rather than particularly artistic. This was clearly a very wealthy guildhall, as would be expected from the Silversmiths and Fineworkers.

He moves forward a bit. There's an empty door frame ahead both on the left (south) and right, but any doors are long gone. The interior walls are badly damaged as well, with parts of them collapsed. The damage is worse to the north, where an entire wall is gone.





The room to the south looks like it was once a conference room. It's relatively open, has several large windows (one of them wrecked from floor to ceiling and open to the city),and  the remains of an elegant marble floor.

Corym waves Kitheras over to watch his back and then makes his way north, over several well-settled rubble piles. Once he steps over the remains of the hallway wall (just north of where Kitheras is now standing guard), the quality of the mansion drops significantly. The walls are undecorated, the floor is unremarkable granite flagstones.

Corym brightens; it looks like this might have been two work areas, or at least non-public areas, though both are empty right now. The middle room is chocked with rubble, and once had a door to the east leading into the main hallway. The back room is mostly clear, with even a bit of the roof still in place above it. From the detritus strewn about on the floor it looks like it's been used as a camp site in the past. Around the corner, he can just barely make out what look to be some stairs heading down.



Nodding to himself, Corym gestured to Kitheras that he wanted to check the other side of the hall before moving downstairs. The two elves carefully and quietly made their way across the main hall to the northern of the two hallways leading to the east. The right side of the hall is much more rubble-strewn than the left; more of the interior walls have come down and great chunks of the roof are piled everywhere. The northern hallway is of the same high-quality marble as the halls to the west, but the rooms both north and south are workroom-granite. The walls are more down than up, letting Corym see all the way south to the hall's southern wall.



Checking the rubble, it's much less compacted than the rubble to the west. Several large sections look stable, but are actually ready to fall at the least amount of pressure.

Corym makes his way south, going through another granite-floored room, stepping over the remains of a hallway wall to reach the marble-floored southern hallway. The room to the south was likely another meeting or presentation room, much like the one to the west. There is a mostly-intact bas relief on its western wall of a gnomish craftsman, and one of the panes in the large southern window still has a bit of glass around the edges. Otherwise, it's much the same as the western room.

Looking around, he's able to find a mostly-safe way to get around the large central rubble pile to the far wall. It's a bit clearer close along the hall's eastern wall, despite the fact that multiple interior walls have been broken or collapsed. But the rubble isn't as badly piled as it is closer to the center, and he's able to see the length of Silvershingles' eastern end.



Throughout the exploration, Corym didn't see any particular pieces of treasure. He doesn't dig into any of the piles, but there's decent overhead light, thanks to the missing roof, so sparkly things would be pretty obvious. Taking the safe path back to the main hall, Corym and Kitheras rejoined the group and Corym gave a whispered summary of his findings.

"The rubble between here and the stairs is fairly safe, and I’d like us to spend a little time digging through it. It may help give a sense of what lies beneath and in any case may turn up something of value.

There are a number of very very fine stained glass windows that if the shards are gathered by Cantrip maybe able to be mended with spells. Such a great artistic treasure would be very valuable, but is a low priority for the moment."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:37, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

((ooc: Anyone who wants to investigate the rubble let me know where you're digging or what you're looking for, and roll an Intelligence check.))

Big Rubble up front near the platform area in the main hall.
20:07, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 9 using 1d20.  Intelligence .
This message was last edited by the player at 01:08, Fri 02 Oct 2020.

The Western most pile

20:09, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 14 using 1d20.  Intelligence .

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 127):

Looking around, Krackor is mildly impressed, even the rubble looks like it would have been nice.  With light coming in from above, Krackor asks: Does anyone fancy checking through some rubble piles whilst we wait, I'll keep watch.  At least if we stick to these piles, we are relatively assured to remain within the area of the spell.  Plus he adds with a bit of humour</green>  It's not as if our shaddows will stop the light reflecting off any of the hidden silver now would it!</green>

With Kitheras and Corym returning In case you can't guess, we are over by the moving rubble, it's not a monster trying to crawl up from beneath....or is it?  He tries his best not to be heard but a small brief chuckle escapes.

As Krackor keeps watch, the group digs into the central rubble pile. It's a surreal experience. Everyone is careful to keep the invisibility spells active, which means lit looks like a horde of poltergeists have wandered in and decided to set up shop. You try your best to keep things quiet, but there's still a good deal of quiet grunting and the soft sounds of rocks shifting.

Unfortunately, after maybe a quarter of a bell of searching, you haven't found anything. There are no corpses, and no treasure. Just lots of roof debris, mixed in with some rubble from what you guess are interior hallways. You do find some pieces of the broken statuary, but aside from a single arm most of them are broken pretty small.

On the plus side, nothing has flown over the hall while you worked, or walked within Krackor's field of vision.

In reply to DM (msg # 132):

If Corym and Kitheras are still searching, Krackor recommends that the group move to another part to search, maybe near an alcove.
(ooc: and hopefully over a moving floor that a Dwarf can spot, one that hides beneath, some interesting treasure)

The floor is remarkably solid. You had some concerns when you entered and saw how much of the roof had come crashing down, but you're not seeing any areas where the floor is weak or has given way. Evidently, whoever built this place was not cutting corners.

Corym sighed and abandoned the idea of finding anything of use in the rubble and began repositioning the group at the mouth of the stairs.

"I'll scout the initial landing so that we can all safely descend below the surface."

You've found a below ground level!  is it any less damaged than this level?  It appears that most of the damage here is from the roof.

Corym

The stairs are made of the unadorned granite and about twenty feet wide. They're in good condition, though from the wear they were well-used at one point. There's a landing about fifteen feet down where the stairs do a U-turn, pointing to the cellar being directly under the hall rather than extending beyond the walls. You descend to the landing and glance around the corner: the cellar floor is maybe another twenty feet down and the small piece of it you can see is empty.

Corym moves further down the stairs. The basement is quite large, stretching most of the length of the hall above, though it's not nearly as broad.



It used to be a multi-function cellar. There are lots of old, degraded wine casks along the walls, as well as a fair amount of general storage; old tables, the remains of chests, and the general detritus of both a meeting space and an assay office. The stairs from above are on the cellar's left side. Two other, non-functional staircases lead up to bricked-up ceilings from the middle and far right. It looks like there was a renovation done at some point and the other entrances to the cellar closed.

Corym checks the stairs and the nearby floor and wall for traps. He finds nothing, but, worried that the barrels might contain slimes or oozes he starts taking a closer look at them. All of them have leaked their contents onto the cellar floor, staining the flagstones. The stains are old and covered with dust and dirt that have come down from above over the years.

He's looked through two or three of them when a soft, thready voice reaches his ears. "So the Tel'Qessir have returned to the City of Song."

"For a time, perhaps. I  apologize for not making a formal announcement.  Not all of the residents have been as open to conversation."

"Resident? I suppose I am. I wasn't always."

"I don't want to alarm you, but I sense that we're both still taking our measure of each other, so I'm going to turn around so that we can perhaps meet face to face.  An honest exchange of pleasantries is more easily accomplished face to face. You can call me Corym, by the way.  Friends and enemies alike do so."

"Corym. Interesting. Honored to meet you, Corym."

Corym turns around slowly, "And yourself? How may I call my host?"

He turned around and there's no one there. The cellar appeared empty.

"I am... myself," the voice says. "I was a visitor. Now this is my home. "You seem to have all your wits still about you. You must not have encountered the alhoon. Others... were not so fortunate."

"I believe I caught sight of your procession when we first arrived," Corym said, mentally cursing himself for being too far from the group for them to hear him and come to the rescue. "You'll forgive me for not introducing myself then.  With no shelter it wasn't exactly the time to be making introductions.  But it's precisely my policy to converse with any that would do so.  I'm frankly of the opinion that good discourse could rectify a good bit of the seemingly insoluble conflicts that assail our existence.  False binaries are so limiting.  Am I to understand you've been some time without a companion with which to converse?"

"My procession? I am not the alhoon. I would rest better knowing it was destroyed."

"Would you? From where did you hail before your fortunes situated you here?"

"The Thunder Peaks. A magnificent land. Much less green than here."

"I've never had the pleasure, though I was recently in the foothills of the Sunset Mountains.  My understanding, though, is that the Thunder Peaks are far more imposing with their jagged tops.  One geographer I read said that its mountains were younger than those of Western Cormyr. Is there something that requires you to abide here? I'm already on a bit of an errand for another resident, and I'm always looking for ways to help.

"Is there something that requires you to abide here? I'm already on a bit of an errand for another resident, and I'm always looking for ways to help. I'm sure your heart must ache for your home as much as mine does for the Greycloak Hills."

"It does. The alhoon occupies much of my thoughts. I would see it destroyed, in its lair just north of here. If it were, well..." The voice trails off.

"I do like to consider violence to be a course of last resort--a fact which my company has sometimes been impatient with. But ilithids, whether in life or in undeath have a fiercely hostile reputation.  I'd like to talk to you about this further, but I fear that I'd really like to see you.  You're obscured from my eyes in some way and if we're to take on an errand for you I'd certainly like you to meet my companions.  I know that meeting an armed band for the first time can be an unsettling thing, but I have failed to mention that I am their captain.  And as such, my commitment to civil engagement tends to dictate our initial interactions."

"You are certainly of the Tel'Quessir." The soft voice is wry. "By all means, bring your companions down. They are safe from me."

"If only I were recognized by them with the same enthusiasm with which people I meet group me with them. I will bring them--and a light.  We have a human among us who possesses a wondrous spirit and singing voice.  But before I go, in the course of our conversation my prattling has failed to allow you to give me your name.  How may I call you?"

"You may call me Cera."

"Cera, thank you for giving me the pleasure of your company.  I'll return shortly with mine." And with a bow, Corym returns to the stairs and does not even try to look around.  If he could see her at all, he'd have seen her by now.

Corym arrives at the top of the stairs with his back straight and tall as if he's walking into a gala.  "We need to get a torch lit, and we're all going downstairs.  I've just met the most wonderful being named Cera.  She's from the Thunderpeak Mountains, and she doesn't especially like the Alhoon.  She'd also like to meet us all so we can speak further on this errand that she'd like of us.  Did I mention that she spoke calmly and rationally?  Y'know, instead of attacking.  That's a trait of certain Myth Drannans that I highly prize, personally."

((ooc: A reminder that everyone is still invisible. Corym and Kitheras have their own invisibility spells; everyone else has to keep within 10 feet of Krackor or become visible.))

"So, we're expected?"  Kitheras raised his eyebrow quizzically.  "And you didn't see them."

Kitheras straightens his collar.  "Okay then.  Let's meet Cera.  I think it goes without saying that this encounter has the potential to, ah, degrade.  Corym and I are both visible, I think it's best that we continue to obscure the rest of our numbers. Ready?"

"Actually I mentioned that we'd be striking a torch for the sake of our human companion, so Qas--at least--should be visible. It's possible that I couldn't see Cera because she's undead, so a light source was bound to be necessary in any event." Corym will give a hand igniting a light source.

Krackor listened carefully the  his mouth dropped when undead was mentioned, not that anyone could see.
Areyou sure they mean no harm?

"If they had wanted to harm me, they had me dead to rights.  And they seem to need us--you don't harm what you need."

Karilla shrugged at Krackor's discomfort.

"Might as well hear what they have to say. If we don't like it, we can always kill them. Lead on."

Corym leads down the stairs.

In reply to Karilla Silveroak (msg # 145):

Ok, Corym, we follow. Everyone stay close
He wasn't sure but in a place like Myth Drannor, who could be sure. So he followed what the Captain of the Company sugested

Together you make your way down the stairs. They are just as solid as Corym had described without so much as a creak as you descend. At their base, the cellar stretches out before you in its musty glory, with barrels along the walls and silversmith detritus along the center.

As soon as you reach the bottom, the soft, wavering voice Corym described returns. "Tel'Quessir indeed, and a dwarf as well. Does Eltargrim's dream still live, outside the forest?"

Kitheras pushed to the fore.  Corym had a sort of quirky charisma, but had none of the presence of the noble ranger.  Lowering his cowl Kitheras peered into the void.  "You speak as one that lived that dream.  The stars of our people burn softly now and many have passed into the West.  We come to the City of Song to reclaim that fire which we are heir to and to see if it may burn with vigor and inspiration once more." His gaze swept slowly across the empty space, not unlike a mountain lion surveying the valleys from his perch.  "If an ember of Eltargrim's dream burns still in your breast, we would take your counsel. But reveal yourself to us so that we may see and be seen."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Thu 22 Oct 2020.

A bit awed by Kitheras' presence, Corym nonetheless felt compelled to speak. "We are the Dreams of the Ancients Exploration Company.  As my companion said, we seek to reclaim what has been lost and restore it to that it may benefit most."

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 149):

Krackor wasn't a word smith like the Captain and the Ranger, nor a Song Smith like the Bard newly arrived, but he did know when it was time to allow others to do their thing and lead, he would support as always and be ready.

The voice chuckles quietly. "Perhaps eventually. But we have just met, and time passes differently for me than for you."

It pauses for a long moment before continuing. "Restoration is a good word. Recovery is another. There is much here that needs to be recovered. I know of some of it, and can point you there. Sadly none is without danger, without new owners, like the alhoon to the north. Would such a relationship be of interest to you? And what would you bring to it?"

In reply to DM (msg # 152):

Kitheras regarded Corym. He knew that they had both engaged with criminal informants and turncoats before. This was a different situation than he had anticipated.

“To ask the question is to answer it. You said so yourself—retrieval is our contribution. Your information makes the retrieval possible. But what is our compensation for the service we provide? As yet you have not so much as offered your appearance. You have not harmed us, and we have not threatened you. We are not enemies—that much is clear. Whether we may be able to work together depends on the alignment of our interests. You know much about us, but we know little about you.”

Kitheras extended his hand, palm upraised, and asked “Help us to know you so that we will know if we can help one another.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 153):

“Trust is a luxury but not essential, Kitheras. Trust is the color of a dark seed growing. All we need is assurances that we may transact business. You provide the opportunity, we provide the means. The accounts are even. But Kitheras is correct, we also accept the risk—a risk you are unwilling or unable to bear. How will you rebalance the scales?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

Kitheras grunted at Corym’s interruption. Trust is the color of a heart’s blood flowing. He finished the couplet mentally. “Double risk for not knowing whom we transact with.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

"If you had been adverse to risk, you would not have come to the City of Song," the voice murmurs. "And you came into my home, not the reverse. I told Corym I hailed originally from the Thunder Peaks, and I do not yet know whether you are friend or foe. You speak well, but words only stretch so far. Like you, I value my existence. Help me with the alhoon, and we can speak further."

Corym could feel the deal slipping away, and scrambled.  “I judge everyone on their actions—but I’ll it gods survive on sentient life. Undeath will make it all the more hostile towards us. It’s a danger we share and agree upon. A mutual interest. A mutual goal. Shared achievements build trust. Let us accept this as a means to establish trust so that our relationship might flourish afterward.” He regards the rest of the party to determine whether they share his optimism. “What help other than location can you offer, Cera?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:27, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

"Not a great deal," Cera admits. "I've heard Sembians call it doing a job on spec. I might be able to help once the alhoon has been removed. For now, I am tired, and need to rest."

"The alhoon should be dealt with.  Thank you, Cera, for letting us know where it is. Do you know how frequently it emerges? That would be helpful as well."  Kitheras inquires hoping that Cera had not yet returned to sleep.

"How would we fare better?  Seek it in its lair, where it has no doubt significant defenses, or ambush it on the streets but risk drawing the attention of other denizens?"

Corym knew what he preferred, and that Kitheras would doubtless oppose.  Corym's entire existence dictated that the enemy is least well prepared when they thought themselves strongest.  He possessed the means of disabling many of those preparations.

Kitheras, though, a guerilla warrior by trade would see that the Alhoon was weakest when in transit. But in transit, it would be expecting attack--how could it not?  It would be more watchful, and better prepared.

"We are already in the wild with spells prepared for battle, and sufficient cloaks to take us to the lair and back.  We won't be better prepared than we are now, delay only serves to shift the advantage to our adversary--and it already has enough of those."

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 160):

Krackor was getting tired of waiting for either the creature to show itself, at least to let them know what kind of trickster creature it was, maybe one of the alhoon hoping to lure them in.
So, speaking in his best female child voice (which was terrible) Please sir, can we leave this place now, I'm hungry  He certainly was hungry, hungry for action.

"Agreed, here is not the place for discussion--let us return upstairs."  The ranger began to re-ascend the stairs and cloaked himself after taking a few steps in order to give everyone a visual queue as to his location and direciton.

Corym complied and followed Kitheras up the stairs

The group carefully moved back up the stairs. Looking for a place of relative privacy, you move into one of the old conference rooms. There isn't a door and the window is broken, but if you speak quietly you should go unnoticed.

Corym reiterates his earlier argument--more strongly now that privacy is secured. "Now that we know where the Alhoon is--we have to strike.  Every move we make and site we explore until it is undone risks rousing it to our presence. An illithid can see our minds even if our bodies are invisible. We are at our fullest strength, our preparations still endure.  Let us penetrate his lair and end this threat to us."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

"It's possible--but it sounds like madness.  Up here we know the ground, down there, we don't.  Who would hunt a bear in its own cave?" Kitheras seemed flustered. "Let's set up an ambush.  It comes out--we've seen it.  We could even bait it. Strike it hard before it knows--strike for true and it won't last long.  Then we haul its smoking ruin back into its lair and we have a look at what has Cera so intrigued."

Krackor listens to both sides before saying anything.
Kitheras, although Corym is Captain and it is true, we are most prepared, I find your suggestion is more likely to keep us from serious harm.  Surely Illithids would have 'minions' to aid it or no one would have any dealings with it.  I certainly wouldn't want any, even if it was able to aid in the long run, that is, assuming that it is like it's kind and not nice!  The Guardian considered the members of the company's safety above all but knew that they were there for a reason and it was fraught with danger anyway.  Better to remove a lingering danger that could attract others.....

His thought trailed off.  Consider this if you would.  Most things are bothered by an Illithid except the denizens of the lower planes and even then, they have a healthy respect for what it can do to them.  Having the Alhoon where we know it is may benefit us in one way and hinder in another.  The first by stopping many creatures venturing into the area, the seconds because it may come close, know our goals and base then attack.  This is where the Captains idea does have merit.

“So you support my plan, Krackor?” Corym pressed. “Karilla?”

Karilla shivered at the thought of going after any kind of mind flayer. She knew that their chances would be better with her there but she spent decades trying to avoid detection from other psychic creatures.

"I'll follow your lead. Though an ambush sounds like wishful thinking with a creature like that. However, going after it in its lair sounds incredibly foolish. Basically, we are all doomed. However, if this is your wish, I will do my best to make sure we survive."

The more she thought about this situation, the worse it seemed to her. Karilla normally would trust the group, Corym especially, but she determined that this was a hill worth dying on.

"No. I lied. Nothing is right about this! This is monumentally stupid and I will leave every single one of you to die if it comes down to it. I can't not impress upon you how terrible the tortures are of the mind flayers! I will not do this. I can not watch another group have their brains sucked out through their faces while I am forced to watch! I have seen and subjected to mental anguish that you can not fathom!"

Karilla took a deep breath to steady her nerves.

"I will fight a prince of the Nine Hells before I willingly go after a flayer. At least with the devil prince, I will always know who I am and will not serve willingly. I will do anything rather than go after that creature."

She chomped on her lips, almost to force herself to organize her thoughts.

"Unless you have something specific that you want stolen from this creature, I highly suggest that we move on to an easier target, further into the city. If you are bound and determined to fight this creature, consider me to be a fair weather friend."

"It's settled then. We go in." Corym met each set of eyes to seal the verdict.

"Let's take a quick inventory of our spells, and then we go."

Kitheras sighed, resigned and went over his prepared spells:

WIZARD SPELLBOOK

1ST LEVEL  (3/DAY)  [M] Memorized [X] Used
[ ] Cantrip
[ ] Detect Magic
[ ] Feather Fall
[2] Magic Missile
[ ] Read Magic
[1] Shield

2ND LEVEL  (3/DAY)
[ ] ESP
[1] Invisibility
[ ] Knock
[1] Rope Trick
[1] Strength

3RD LEVEL  (1/DAY)
[1] Dispel Magic
[ ] Fireball
[ ] Suggestion

Corym and Kitheras do a quick pass around the northern building while the rest of the group stays inside the Silvershingles conference room. Though everyone is still invisible, keeping walls (mostly) between themselves and the outside makes them feel safer. And it makes it much easier for the scouts to find them on their return.

The single-story house was once completely hidden behind an enclosing stone wall. Time and the Fall have thrown down the thick iron gate and broken enough holes in the wall that they can make out the relatively-modest dwelling, made mostly of stone and mostly still intact. The surrounding wall has been damaged enough that there are gaps where people can slip through without needing to climb. There's a main door facing the road, and a smaller door that exits the rear of the building. There are several windows on each wall, all of them small and without any sort of glass or other covering. Both side walls have brick chimneys, though both of them are broken off in the upper reaches and badly crumbling.

The air still stinks of troll. Neither Corym nor Kitheras get close enough to look into a window on their initial pass, before they return to the group.

((ooc: Here's a map of the exterior of the building, with Corym for scale. The protruding bits on the top and bottom walls are the chimneys.))

In reply to Karilla Silveroak (msg # 170):

The pain and fearin Karilla's voice made Krackor shiver, so that's what happened and awoke your strange mind powers, it explains the marks too, he felt sadness and pitty, but the woman, this strong woman needed neither of these right now.

Karilla, I'm sure none of us would make you enter this creatures lair, we... I would miss your counsel of what we are up against when we met it. Can you let us know now before we go? The length of its reach, both tentacles and mind powers, do they usually have guards around them, do they sleep? He hoped that by asking, they would be better prepared, he didn't like the idea but he wasn't averse to it either. Much better to be more prepared than offer the Alhoon his head to play in. Besides, he was sure that the Illithid wouldn't want what was in his head, nor the fire behind his eyes that had become visible since just before entering this accursed city, especially if he released it.

(ooc: Edited for spelling mistakes and autocowrongs)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Fri 30 Oct 2020.

In reply to Krackor Steelfist (msg # 174):

OOC: I missed Karilla’s second post

"I think I understand what you mean. It would seem that my plan has lost.  Still, we don't know when the Alhoon will re-emerge for an ambush.  I propose that we remain prepared to take advantage of an ambush opportunity, but until then redirect our investigation to the Dwarven Pill-Box (#12) or the Gnomish building with the Naga guardians (#13).  I suppose we could violate the Silver Shingles further, but its inhabited by someone that would rather talk than fight and I'd rather remain on speaking terms."

Brief summary of the two locations:

#12 is basically built like a bunker, and it's got humanoid footprints going in and out, and they've made an attempt to obscure their tracks.

#13 is a well-appointed gnome-made mansion, but we've already identified two skeletal nagas in there. (Of course, in a gnome mansion, they could be illusory)

"Personally, I hold with the Naga den (#13).  We don't know who or what has been going in and out of the other, and I'd like a little more information before we go interrupting them.  Sirenya, Kora, and Katarn all continue to watch from the windows and should stand a good chance of spotting them if we maintain our watch.  With guardians in place at my preferred venue, there seems to stand a good chance that it hasn't been plundered, and so promises the ability to fulfill our objectives in the area."

Kitheras is relieved that Corym's ill-considered plan was defeated, but is not comforted for long as he leaps to the next most dangerous place.

"Going to the Dwarven Bunker (#12) is clearly the better choice.  There is danger in the Gnomish Mansion, but it is a passive one--it will not rear against us until it is disturbed.  Going to the Dwarven bunker will give us intelligence on the other sentient demihumans in the area and help us ascertain whether they are friend or foe."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:54, Fri 30 Oct 2020.

"The problem is that unless you kill it hard and fast with undead, since they can't be charmed, the likelihood of having to kill your charmed friends is frighteningly high. It is something that I have seen, not even a mother's love could fight against being told to slaughter her children when it comes to flayers."

In hearing that this incredibly bad idea seemed to be abandoned, much to her relief, she addressed the current question.

"Like I said, I will fight anything else. Any option other than running against a mind flayer is a terrible decision. If you need someone on the scouting team, I will be happy to help out."

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 177):

Seeing sense was always a good thing, by emphasising the danger of others, the Guardian Priest felt able to help decisions be made without having to lead them.

Excellent decision Corym, Kitheras.  So the Bunker it is, hopefully I will discover a lost soul of my kindred or one stuck in stasis without being undead.  He was relieved and anxious, the latter was a hope that this was one of the reasons he was sent here, if not just to protect Corym, which by the sounds of his plans so far, could well have been the reason.

Kitheras exhaled slowly, relieved that Corym's plan had again been defeated.  Knaves were brave fellows, and totally committed--but they needed someone to dole out their missions.  They were poor judges of danger. They only considered the binary of success and failure.

"I'll lead the way and try to learn more from the tracks.  When I'm at the door I'll signal for Corym to enter and begin sweeping for traps.  Once he's found a place that will hold us all securely, I'll signal for the rest of you to join us."  Kitheras put his hand on Krackor's shoulder, smiling.  "Keep watch and use the code if you see anything dangerous coming. I know you'll keep people safe."

No smiles now, Kitheras donned his hood, and nodded a last time to Elorfindar, Krackor, Quasida, Euin, and Karilla.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Fri 30 Oct 2020.

Corym winced as his suggestion was shot down again. What was going on?  Is there something to noble blood? "We'll do it your way, Kitheras. Lead on."

Doubt crept into his mind, and his eyes flicked to Karilla's.  They had shared a moment.  A connection.  Now she thought that he was putting his in danger. He ran through a finger stretching exercise that he coordinated with his breath to regain composure.

There is no danger.  Only the mission.  I will see them through safely.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 180):

A little chuckle came out of the air near Kitheras' hand, it was slightly higher and to the side of his shoulder.  He said nothing though, invisible as they were still, he let it lay, the moment was what mattered now, the moment and the plan.  He leaned slightly to give the impression that Kitheras had been right in his aim. I shall as always, keep watch

Karilla noted the look of disappointment that flashed across Corym's face. It made her that her uncomfortable that her words had hurt her friend, though she would gladly say them over and over until her face turned blue.

She knew that it was out of ignorance that he came up with the plan. He couldn't know the horrors they could inflict. He hadn't seen what she had and many of the tortures she had endured had been seared into her memory.

When all was safe, relatively at least, she would speak with him. Now, however, it was time to focus for her treasure seeking allies.

This is your sixth or seventh time moving through the ruins of Myth Drannor, but as Kitheras and Corym lead the group south along the road, neither of them has yet gotten used to just how still the forest is. There ought to be birds singing, insects chirping. But anything bigger than a grasshopper seems to be too terrified to make any noise.

Nothing else is on the road, or seems to take note of your slow, careful passage south from the ruins of Silvershingles. In the eerie quiet, the noise of Krackor walking through the bushes and underbrush is alarmingly loud as the main group takes shelter on the north side of the halfling inn where Euin and Kas had been held captive. As that's a better location for the main group to hide than out in the open, Corym ducks into the northern door and confirms that nothing seems to have taken up residence here in the past few days. The rest of the group moves in and once again the inn's taproom has patrons standing a little hesitantly looking around for seats. Unlike in the inn's heyday, none are forthcoming.

Together Kitheras and Corym make their way further south, moving through the forest behind the inn towards what had been dubbed the dwarven bunker.

The dwarven building is unchanged from the first scouting session Kitheras and Sirenya had performed. A block of ivy-covered rock, it stands like the tip of a mountain protruding from the forest. It's a single story, maybe 75 feet wide and 200 feet deep.

The two elves circle the building, looking for additional entrances as potential secret doors. They don't find anything. The building is ridiculously solid, even by dwarven standards. It only has a single entrance, which faces the road. There are few windows, and they are all long, narrow, and horizontal, providing ventilation just below the roof.



With only one way in, Corym and Kitheras approach the door. It is a single slab of stone, filling the fifteen foot entryway. It opens outward, and at first glance appears to be stuck about a third of the way open. On the earlier scouting mission, Sirenya had noticed that it had been freshly oiled, and as you approach you can see that it has indeed been restored to full functionality.

Corym searches the door, but does not find any traps. Kitheras crouched down, looking to see if there were any tracks. Someone's tried to sweep the ground clear, but after a moment he nods. It looks like the same group of people you saw the last time you were here. A handful of people, all of them wearing boots or shoes. While Kitheras tries to listen for movement inside, Corym takes a second look at the door and notices a very thin thread that's been strung across the door at ankle height.

Kitheras taps Corym twice on the shoulder, indicating that it was the spellfilcher's turn to lead. Since Kitheras's cloak of elvenkind was not very effective indoors, he would remain in the doorway keeping watch, while the invisible Corym went in.

Corym steps carefully over the thread and ghosts inside. On the other side of the door is a single large room, which must take up at least half of the building's total interior. Its flagstones are covered in dust and dirt for the first couple of feet, but once you get ten feet inside they're almost as clean as they would have been when the dwarves lived here.

((ooc: DM's note: The map I'm using is actually of a keep with a courtyard; just ignore the outside terrain on the ground. Everything is interior and stone floored. But yes, the walls are actually that thick.))



There are two gaps in the wall in front of Corym, which should have doors in them. However, the door frames are empty.

Corym kneels and looks at where the thread was connected. It's strung between a crack in the rock wall and a crack in the stone door. The dwarves built well, but there's been enough wear and tear on the rock to give it purchase.

Checking for traps with each step, Corym makes his way across the entry hall to the northern entrance. He doesn't find any traps; the room is pretty empty.

Glancing through the doorway, Corym sees a hallway running north to south along the entire building. It looks like a defensive feature; there are additional breaks in the hallway at different locations on the opposite wall. And now that he's closer, Corym can see several cunningly-hidden arrow loops in the main wall.



Corym pauses, slows his breathing, and tries to hear noise. The building is silent.

After thinking for a moment, Corym retraces his steps, finds Kitheras, and whispers in his ear. The two converse briefly, then return to Curiosities Cold and Clear. The rest of the group is still there, waiting invisibly. Together, the two elves lead everyone back to the bunker and gently over the thread alarm.

Though everyone is still invisible, Corym still turns to the group and tries to make eye contact when he starts to speak.

"The building is inhabited, obviously, but apparently currently empty.  The door has been returned to functionality and there is a simple thread that indicates whether the area has been disturbed while the occupants are away.  We'll step over the thread and take shelter in the main room while I continue sweeping for traps and obstacles.  A group will need to remain near the door in case the occupants return while others of us press on."

Corym makes some mental calculations.

"Kitheras, Elorfindar, and Qasida can remain at the door. Elorfindar can provide divine support, and Kitheras and Qasida both have enough presence to de-escalate a conflict if it is able to be done."

"Krackor and Karilla will continue with me to plumb the depths of the first floor. Krackor may be loud but his dwarven perspective in a dwarven ruin will likely be of use."

((And it keeps all of the active players together--really I think it makes more IC sense to have Krackor guard the door, since guarding is his thing, but I'm proposing this for purely OOC reasons.))
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Mon 02 Nov 2020.

Karilla nodded in agreement.

"Down we go then."

“One last thing—if there’s violent contact at the door, it’s Elorfindar’s job to haste the door crew and then retrieve us. If we need support, Karilla should retrieve the door crew. My stone skin should enable me to endure for a short time, and Krackor is simply indefatigable.“
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:38, Mon 02 Nov 2020.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 187):

Krackor was happy with the decisions but was curious about the invisibility, for him it just happened.  He knew he had been given something around the same time it was cast but wasn't quite sure of the magic behind it, was it on him since he would have accepted it or on one of the things he had been given to hold, like the small rope?

Corym, was the magic cast on the rope we used to keep each other and the group tight or was it just on me?  If the rope, we could leave the rope with the door crew, extra protection and I'd be much happier with that.  Otherwise, they become kind of visible, not that Elorfindar will be easy to see anyway!

((ooc: Invisibility 10' radius needs to be cast on a person. Sirenya cast it on Krackor before the group headed out. So Krackor and Karilla will still be invisible for this bit of exploration, but the rear guard will be visible.))

Corym begins moving toward the northern opening and search for traps and secrets along the way.
21:06, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 441 using 10d100 with rolls of 87,11,61,26,11,10,13,85,38,99.  Find Traps/Secrets.

((ooc:That's what I was thinking but wanted to double check.))

Krackor advisers those he leaves behind that at least one of them (Elorfindar) has still got the spell on him that lets the Dwarven Priest know when said recipient is in immediate danger.

Corym leads the way, making just enough noise to confirm to Karilla and Krackor that he's started to move. Keeping track of Karilla and Krackor is much easier; despite his best efforts, Krackor's armor clanks and clatters as he moves. Kas, Elorfindar, and Euin abruptly become visible as the globe of invisibility leaves them behind; they hunker down near the door, keeping their ears peeled for the other group's return.

The rest of the bunker's upper floor proves to be a tiered defensive structure. The front room serves as both a meeting area in times of peace and a killing ground in war. A corridor runs the entire length of the front room's back wall, providing a place for at least a dozen dwarves to fire crossbows or strike with spears.

That hallway has several openings in the west wall. On the north and south ends are archways that were probably supposed to hold stone doors like the entryway. They are currently empty, however, with no indication of where the doors might have gone. They lead to identical smallish rooms on the north and south, which might have been guard posts or something similar. Those rooms both open onto the same larger, central room.

Like the rest of the building, this room is flagged in stone and mostly empty. A bit of decaying detritus is strewn hither and yon, but it all looks like stuff that has been tracked in over the centuries. The room's main feature is a large set of stairs descending into the earth. The stairs are cut into the ground right along the room's eastern wall, and there are several sizable gaps in the wall that lead directly to them.

Aside from yourselves, you don't see or hear anyone else. You also don't find any traps, though there are cuts made in the stone that you think might once have supported them.

((ooc: Corym, roll and Architecture check, please.

I forgot to include Elo's picture. He's also there with the group guarding the main door.

The map I'm using doesn't include staircases. The stairs down are to the right of Corym's portrait, along the interior wall.))


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:04, Sun 08 Nov 2020.

Knowing that his armour is almost silent (to him) but knowing that Elves pick up even a leaf dropping, Krackor was confident (misplaced of not) that the sounds from outside would hide any noises he made but that anyone trying to hear him, would.  He knew that Corym was aware of his position and thus, when the Captain looked his way, the Priest found himself waving a hand to signal he was ok, only to put it back down when he couldn't see it himself anyway.

Whispering what his intended path was to Karilla, he steered them both to the stairs.

In reply to Krackor Steelfist (msg # 191):

12

Corym

This place looks unfinished. The exterior shell is intact, but some of the gaps in the interior walls look more like construction pathways that would be filled up once the work is complete. And while there are some dwarves who prefer an austere decorative scheme, the complete lack of any wall carvings also point towards that this building may still have been under construction.

Corym gathers the rearguard, informs them that the floor seems to be clear and that the surface level seemed to be newly constructed as of the Fall.  They will now descend together and begin the exploration of the lower level.

Corym will proceed 20' in the fore to continue sweeping for traps.

Kitheras will attempt to obliterate any signs of their passing from the floors as they move to the stairs.

On occassion, whilst in the Dwarven building, Krackor examines the walls and other parts of the structure, sure that it wasn't only Dwarves that built this, or they were young.

The staircase descends straight into the earth, switchbacks after a dozen steps, then after another dozen steps transitions to a spiral staircase that descends another ten feet. The stonework is tight and in good condition, and not quite so cramped by non-dwarven standards that Corym and Karilla are hindered.

The staircase descends into a fairly small room with a single door facing the stairs. The door is open, revealing a short hallway about fifty feet long. There is a single door on each wall, but not at the end of the corridor.



Above ground, Kitheras and the rest of the rearguard move to the top of the staircase, keeping watch towards the front of the building.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:00, Fri 13 Nov 2020.

In reply to DM (msg # 199):

After you check, let me see if anything moves that shouldn't, why build a corridor further than rooms?

Corym scouts ahead, looking for traps or alarms like was at the main door upstairs. He doesn't find anything. A quick glance inside both doors shows that there's very little down here. It's just a single room on the other side of each door.

Looking around, Krackor is quickly able to piece a few things together. This, even more than the building up above, was very much still being built. The hall ends abruptly, and now that he has a chance to go back and check, he can see marks in the stair chamber where the stone workers had marked outlines of additional corridors to be carved.

The two rooms are rough, their floors and walls bare, native stone with visible tool marks. Their lines are mostly true, but the work was abandoned before things were properly finished. The corridor doesn't have a proper end, either; it just stops abruptly.

While there's no trace of the dwarves that created this place, there is a very obvious camp site. Each room has a pair of sleeping rolls, and there are other detritus of a current habitation.

Krackor straightens his helmet before speaking This is Dwarven but looks like as the Fall was starting, they build this and tried to dig deeper, probably why the entrance is protected too

Corym pays little attention to the bed rolls and such initially, and instead thoroughly searches the walls and floors.  At the conclusion of which he'll invite in the remainder of the party.  Safety first.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:12, Mon 16 Nov 2020.

After being brought into the dormitory of the bunker, Kitheras set about using his tracking skills to try to build a profile of who dwelt here on the basis of their belongings and activities.

08:14, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 10 using 1d20.  Tracking.

Karilla wasn't sure if she was happy or disappointed that there was nothing to fight. Considering the other types of creatures that could be found in this place, she was leaning more towards relieved.

Even though there was no one here, currently, she remained vigilant and was ready for anything to pop out from the dark.

The walls and floors are solid. As in the stair chamber, you find a few markings that would imply the dwarves had marked out where additional tunnels would be carved. However, there isn't anything beyond the three rooms.

Kitheras relays this information to the rest of the party.

"Between this party, Euin's, and the large one we saw entering as we escaped, I'd say Myth Drannor has developed quite a bit of traffic with the outside world."  Kitheras shakes his head frustratedly.

"For a party as sly as this, there's little helping hiding our passing.  We can lie in wait to ambush, or we can make contact by leaving a note. Failing to do one of the two will only raise their suspicions and hostility." 

Kitheras waited for a moment, and continued.  "I suggest we leave a note, and arrange a dead-drop.  A location that they can leave notes for us at.  We can begin a correspondence, and in the mean time we can keep a watchful eye for them to learn more of them--assuming that they return."

"I'm fine with that, I guess.  We can mark a stone with chalk, and set it in a distinctive place.  Chalk side up means there's a message there, chalk side down means there's no message."

Corym was obviously growing frustrated. "Third time's the charm.  The gnome hold with the skeletal nagas?"

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 208):

The Gnomish Silversmiths seemed strange especially with the unseen occupant. The Halfling Tavern appeared a reasonable establishment for a strong team to hold up in. This Dwarven structure, unfinished, could be secured but for how long?

A note, a good idea. Maybe at the Treehouse, we could see it from our base and maybe they travel near it when out. If we could aide each other, an Alliance works.

Kitheras borrows a scrip of paper and writes a note in Common.



After reading it aloud to the group, he folded it tightly.

"I'll place it in one of their beds.  Where next?"

This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Sun 22 Nov 2020.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 210):

The Naga's!
He wanted to find somdthing worth finding and at least this would either be an illusion or a scrap.
Remember, could just be an illusion
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Sat 21 Nov 2020.

((ooc: Corym or Kitheras, roll and Int check.))

57, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 6 using 1d20.
05:57, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 13 using 1d20.

((ooc: If you're going to tell someone to check until a stone in a ruined city, you should probably be more precise about where said stone actually is.))

I had thought about that, I just wanted to make sure that the 'tree house' Krackor suggested, wasn't the one with the Chasme in it. I edited an OOC place holder until I can figure out the placement.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Sun 22 Nov 2020.

"Indeed, the Nagas.  A procedural question.  We know they're there.  Do we just ambush them, or see if they are sentient guardians that can be reasoned with?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Sun 22 Nov 2020.

Location 18, 20, or 8?  There are three tree houses.  20 has a swarm of demonic bees in it.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:08, Sun 22 Nov 2020.

"Ambush.  They're guarding a place we wish to go, and we can't circumvent them.  If we can manage a surprise attack, that's for the best.  Let me scout it first, and I can guarantee the element of surprise."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Sun 22 Nov 2020.

Mention the building on the corner that looks like two squares interlinking. (Building 9) as this would be seen by us and them, if the southern corner is used, say, putting a branch in the wall at one point for their message and at another point a message from us!

Approved. Mark the letter accordingly.

Ambush the nagas or try to talk?

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 220):

Would it be possible to do both?  If they are undead, can they be ambushed?  If they are Intelligent, They'd accept our conversation, if Illusions, nothing will happen or a slight reaction if programmed?

So half of us remain invisible and hope they are illusion whilst the others approach, half ambush, half not

"I can lead Qas and Euin in.  The three of us are the most robust and if an attack comes are most likely to survive it.  Krackor has the 10' Invisibility on him, and so can not be part of the vanguard."

If you give me 10 minutes to observe them, I may be able to develop a tactic that will give us an advantage."

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 222):

As before.  It worked and worked well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:09, Thu 03 Dec 2020.

"Corym, if you'll mark the stone at the dead drop as I indicated, I'll reconnoiter the Nagas and make my propositions.

Krackor, we're close enough to the Nagas that if you and the rest will hold near the front door of the dwarven bunker, I'll collect you when my reconnaissance is complete."

23:28, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 20 using 1d20.  Wisdom. FAILED tactical roll.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 224):

Krackor makes a mark in the dirt then moves everyone 11ft away Do you see that Mark Kitheras, now you'll know where we are when you return.

Karilla shrugged her shoulders to the team's plan.

"I will wait here until you come back then. Don't get killed."

The group makes its way back up out of the ground, Kitheras and Corym leading the way to make sure the mysterious group hasn't returned while they've been below. So far, the upper level remains clear.

Kas and Euin, now visible, remain behind with Elorfindar, Karilla, and Krackor just inside the main door while Corym and Kitheras venture out into Myth Drannor. Corym makes his way north along the Way of Heroes to arrange the dead drop, while Kitheras steps across what was once an alley or small path and makes his way up to the door of the former gnomish dwelling.

The interior is exactly the way Sirenya described it, a half-fallen entryway leading into a single room with bright, cheerful painting on the walls and ceiling. There's a staircase leading down at the far end of the room. Two giant skeletal snakes, each at least twelve feet long, are coiled on either side of the staircase. They have human skulls instead of snake skulls, and a dull red fire burns in their eye sockets. They stand as still as statues, staring at the doorway.

Nothing seems to have moved since his and Sirenya's earlier reconnaissance. As neither of the undead appear to react to his presence, the justifier settles down in the doorway and begins to make plans, trying to come up with the best way to make a frontal attack on eternally vigilant guardians. Eventually he turns and makes his way back to the bunker.

Corym return a few moments later from making the dead drop. He'd had a bit of a scare when there was an explosion of noise from the underbrush a few feet from him, but that turned out to be a fox catching a squirrel. But now everyone is back and the invisible people have confirmed their presence. And so far, at least, Myth Drannor is still unaware of their presence.

"Okay, Karilla and Corym should be able to enter under their own cloaking ahead of Karilla, Euin, and myself.  They should do so and spread out, establishing flanking positions.  Krackor and Elorfindar will act as a rear-guard and enter when signaled or when the fray is joined.  Everyone clear?"

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 228):

This works, just be careful. Corym, Kitheras, I the spell wasn't activated whilst you were doing your thing, as soon as it does, we will be there

The party briefed, Kitheras and Corym lead the way to the former gnomish home. The rest of the group follows close behind, those no longer covered by the globe of invisibility still keeping close to those who are. It's a very short walk, and with the invisible Corym and stealthy Kitheras scouting for you, the group reaches the entrance to the gnomish house without anyone noticing.

Things go sideways the moment Kitheras steps inside, however. Corym's invisibility goes unnoticed by the bone nagas, but Kitheras's cloak is significantly degraded by the interior of the building, and the two animated skeletons lurch into motion as he enters the room, their bones making a menacing rattling.

((ooc: Combat time!

The hall was originally fifteen feet deep by thirty feet long. The northeastern corner of the building has collapsed, leaving it more like fifteen by thirty. The door to the outside is in the center of the western wall, and the stairs down are directly across the room from it.

At combat speeds, basically everyone can reach anywhere in a round and still attack/cast spells. Actions and initiative for Round 1.))

In reply to DM (msg # 230):

As mentioned previously, Krackor waits until he is certain his help is needed, thus keeping the invisibility active, he does however move forward half way.

Kitheras immediately sees that his cover is blown, curses, draws his swords and arcs out to the right toward one of the Bone Nagas to engage but leave open lines of ranged attack from his companions behind him.  His enspelled shortswords dance as if alive as he attacks the guardian.

((ooc:
Initiative: [8]
Weapon speed: [2]
Total: 10
Modified THAC0: [Base 15 +3 (high mastery) +1 (elf short sword) +1 Magic Weapon = THACO 10]
Attack: [9,14,12,1]
Damage: [8,1,6,8 + 3 high mastery +1 magic weapon]))
04:25, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 23 using 4d8 with rolls of 8,1,6,8.  4 short sword damage.

04:24, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 36 using 4d20 with rolls of 9,14,12,1.  4 short sword attacks.

04:21, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 8 using 1d10.  roll inititiative.

Attack 1 hits AC AC 1 for 13 damage
Attack 2 hits AC -4 for 5 damage
Attack 3 hits AC -2 for 10 damage
Attack 4 misses

Corym arcs out left, seeing how Kitheras is moving ((and having a bad enough initiative to see what everyone's going to do before he acts)).  He tries to line up a shot with Aganazzar's Scorcher with the target being Kitheras' opponent, and catching the other in the line of fire.

04:21, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 10 using 1d10.  roll inititiative
Casting Time 3 = INITIATIVE 13

DAMAGE
04:53, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 15 using 2d8 with rolls of 7,8.  scorcher--line of fire damage (save for half).

04:52, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,2,4.  scorcher damage (target).
This message was last edited by the player at 10:56, Fri 11 Dec 2020.

Round 1, Part 1

The bone nagas surge forward with startling speed, converging on Kitheras as the sole person they can definitively see. The first one sinks its fangs into Kitheras's shoulder and the Justifer can feel necrotic energy pulse through him. ((ooc: Kitheras, take 4 damage and save vs spells.)) Then it raises its head and, while it tries and fails to whip Kitheras with its tail, hisses a spell.

A massive bolt of lightning erupts from its bony maw and races for the doorway. Between Krackor's clanking plate mail, and the three non-invisible group members keeping to the rear, the naga must have determined that you didn't come alone. The bolt crackles towards the group, all still clustered in the entrance. It hits Krackor, playing across his armor ((ooc: Krackor, I need a save vs. spells from you. Fail, take 25 damage, save take 12 damage.)) before slamming into the invisible Karilla.

And then it stops.

Lightning briefly outlines Karilla's invisible form, racing inward. Then it's gone, leaving nothing, not even smoke in the air.

The second bone naga rattles up to Kitheras. Once again, the justifier is able to dodge the naga's bony stinger, but unable to avoid being bitten by a pair of long, pale fangs. A second chill runs up his arm. As the bone naga withdraws, it hisses a spell of its own, and Kitheras feels his vision going black. ((ooc: Kitheras, I need two additional saves vs. spells from you: one versus the venom, one versus the spell.))

Krackor advances into the building, taking a moment to take in the battle and understand where everyone stands in relation to everything.

((ooc: I'm going to pause here. I'll DMPC Kas, Euin, and Elo after Karilla posts.

Karilla, you're down 10 PSP's for Energy Containment and you're glowing for 25 rounds.))

Karilla saw the lightening streak toward her and the rest of the group behind her. She smiled slightly as she opened her mind and absorbed the energy. She liked absorbing lightening. It made everything tingle in a way that the other elements didn't. However, her glowing like the sun was going to make her job a bit more difficult.

Karilla attempted to speed herself up but found that her new glowing state was really distracting. Annoyed, she runs up to flank that bone naga that cast the lightening bolt since she fully blamed it for her failure.

Karilla fails to use Accelerate on herself. 12:44, Today: Karilla Silveroak rolled 14 using 1d20 ((14)).

14:52, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 46 using 3d20 with rolls of 17,19,10.  Save vs Spell.

Save, Save, Fail

Damage noted next to my portrait
This message was last updated by the player at 20:55, Fri 11 Dec 2020.

Round 1, Part 2

Karilla moves forward, a sourceless bright glow of light along the flank of the bone naga that unleashed the lightning. Kitheras's eyesight vanishes into darkness as Euin and Kas charge forward to join him in battle. Euin's long sword slams into the bone naga that stole Kitheras's sight, sending chips flying from its many vertebrae. He swings a second time, but the animated skeleton slides backwards across the stone and the sword slices through empty air.

On Kitheras's other side, Kas's scimitar is a blur of motion as she attacks the second naga. It barely manages to fend off her first strike, but her second rattles it from its head all the way to its tail. A dull hiss comes from its human-like skull as its glowing eyes turn in her direction.

Then Corym completes his spell. Fire roars from his hand in a tightly-curled stream, washing over the first naga to slam into the second naga with enough force to break the skeleton apart. The flames engulf the first naga, eagerly burning the long-dead bone. It convulses, turning inward on itself before suddenly collapsing in a moldering heap. Corym maintain the spell for several more moments, turning both skeletons into charred remnants.

((ooc: The first time I wrote this up, I forgot about Corym's spell. When I factored that damage in, it was enough to destroy both of the bone nagas. The blind spell on Kitheras fades with the destruction of the bone naga. Karilla is visible, since she moved outside of the radius of the invisibility, however Krackor is still invisible.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:50, Sat 12 Dec 2020.

In reply to DM (msg # 237):

Seeing the bolt of Lightning streak towards him, Krackor knew his armour would attract it but he stood his ground. Other than Kitheras getting bitten twice, he could see they had this under control.

Lets move to the door. Well done all. So next time we come up against these, we know to either be invisible or have protection from Lightning and use that spell again Corym.

He felt ok, the lightning did damage him but not by much, his Vestmets and magical Ring stopping some of the spell's power.

Are you ok? he asks Kitheras directly but scans everyone, forgetting for a moment that nobody can see were he is looking. He was determined to help everyone with the Ioun Stone of Regeneration when they stopped for a short while.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:31, Sat 12 Dec 2020.

Corym wipes sweat from his brow that invariably comes up during a scorcher.  "At times we underestimate ourselves.  They seemed fierce, but if there's another combat, I'm going to try to withhold spells until we see that they are necessary."

Corym searches the room for traps and secret passages.
06:09, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 133 using 3d100 with rolls of 25,40,68.  Find Traps/Secrets.

The room is empty, save for a faint tracing of dust that's filtered in from the broken roof over the years. Corym doesn't find any traps. When he examines the stairs down, however, he finds a faint trace of glyphs along the edge of the staircase. It looks like an alarm spell, primed to go off if anyone sets foot on the steps.

“There’s an alarm here. Whether new or old is difficult to say. I can disarm it temporarily and will have to do so again on the way out. We’ll need to move quickly past, which will mean that strealth probably isn’t really an option any longer. Prepare yourselves.”

11:51, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 48 using 1d100.  Remove Traps.

Krackor nods, then rolls his eyes, then grunts a littke to himself in kind of a chuckle. Best move quickly even if another is broken from the invisibility protection.

Corym kneels and gently reaches out towards the magical runes. He nudges them gently with his tools, and they flicker slightly. At his nod, the group goes trotting down the stairs and is well past the ward by the time it re-establishes itself.

The stairs are short, turning back on themselves once before opening up into a long perpendicular hallway, studded with pillars. You're not able to take in much detail, however, because there's another bone naga waiting at the base of the stairs. Its eyes are locked on you the moment you step into view and it lunges into motion.

((ooc: Everyone roll initiative and declare actions!))

Since Karilla was still glowing like a torch, she saw little reason to try and hide. She slowly made her way up to the bone naga and swung her singing stick to batter it down.

((ooc: Karilla will move up to the bone naga to thwack it
Initiative: 21:29, Today: Karilla Silveroak rolled 6 using 1d10 ((6))
Weapon speed: 2
Total:8
Modified THAC0: 14
Attack: Karilla Silveroak rolled 13 using 1d20 ((13)).
Damage: [Karilla Silveroak rolled 1 using 1d6 ((1)). + 1]))

Corym wants to tumble past the Naga to open lines for the front-line fighters to engage.


06:47, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 9 using 1d10.  Initiative.

06:47, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 12 using 1d20.  Tumbling.

Isn't going to fire into a melee, and can't see a way of getting into a melee considering the other fighters around him.

He will turn and watch the rear of the formation for attack from behind with swords ready--knowing that there'll be a lightning bolt rip up these stairs any moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

Underground Naga Guardian Battle, Round 1

Kas and Karilla lunge forward towards the bone naga together, Karilla's glowing body pushing others out of the way as she tries to get closer. The bone naga tries to twist itself away from their attacks, but Karilla's singing stick thwacks its side, and as it slides away Kas slams her scimitar into its head. Dust and bone chips scatter onto the floor.

Corym tumbles out into the hall, clearing the way for others to get into the fight. Further back, Kitheras slides back behind Elorfindar and keeps his head somewhat turned towards the rear, while preparing himself to dodge any spells the naga might unleash. Euin advances more slowly, not able at the moment to get into hand to hand with the bone naga.

The naga rises up, the bone of its skeleton scritching across the stone floor like nails on a slate. Its head lashes down, finding a crease in Kas's armor near her neck where its fangs can sink in deeply. Its burning red eyes pulse, and the paladin of Milil staggers. ((ooc: Kas takes 5 points of damage and loses a point of strength.)) It tries to sting her with its tail, but the paladin, her strength suddenly sapped, still manages to step aside.

Then, just as with the bone naga on the surface, this naga rears up and electricity gathers between its fangs. It flicks its head, and unleashes a bolt of lightning up the stairs. Or it tries to, at least. The bolt slams into Kas and Karilla. Kas barely manages to twist out of the worst of the blast, before the lightning is sucked inside Karilla. The light emanating from the elven psionicist pulses, then continues to shine brightly. ((ooc: Kas takes 12 points of damage. Karilla is glowing for an additional 25 rounds.))

On the edge of the battle, Karilla glances around and notices that there is a second bone naga further down the gallery that is now turning to attack.

Corym alerts the rest of the party to the second Naga, and encourages them to file in.

He tries to take a swipe at the Bone Naga from behind the pillar and is quickly reminded why warriors exist.


08:54, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 7 using 1d20.  attack.

08:54, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 8 using 1d10.  Initiative.

08:58, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 5 using 1d10.

Kitheras slides past his party members to maneuver toward the second Bone Naga.  Ideally he wants to position the pillar between himself and the creature--assuming I don't get any attacks this turn for such a long and complicated move.
This message was last updated by the player at 15:01, Thu 31 Dec 2020.

In reply to DM (msg # 248):

Krackor had had enough, the Nagas were bviously unable to see invisible things and people were getting hurt. He had seen the other Naga down the passage, stealth was no longer a thing, not with the sounsd of the lightning cracks. It was his turn.

In the commanding voice the others have heard a few times before when he was taking control, they had leant to listen and act accordingly, he stepped back out from the line of sight of the Naga and spoke.

Enough. Everyone step back into the corridor we have just come out of and I shall attend to this new one. Karilla, you are glowing enough that we don't need a torch or a reason to hide, especially with the boom and crack from lightning.

You all focus on the one in front of us.

I'm at the Naga side corner of the corridor.

With that, he prepares himself. Shield ready, visor down, weapon in hand.

(ooc: tried to post this yesterday morning before Kitheras' post, didn't realise it hadn't).
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Fri 01 Jan 2021.

Round 2

Alerted to the second naga by a wave of Karilla's hand, both Kitheras and Euin rush forward. They squeeze between Karilla and the wall and run down the gallery. The second bone naga is curled up between two stone pillars, and it ducks at a wild swing from Euin. Further up the gallery, both Corym and Karilla swing at their naga, but the undead creature has their number and it curls and uncurls around their strikes.

Kas is rather more effective. Though the naga's venom is weakening the strength her gauntlets normally provide, she's still able to squarely hit the creature once in the flank. Her scimitar shears off several ribs and sends a shudder up and down the naga.

While Krackor is shouting instructions, the nagas fight back against the people who have attacked them. The first bone naga bites Kas a second time. It's more of a glancing scrape than the previous bite, but it still sends a second pulse of weakening necrotic energy through her. She grits her teeth and sets her shield in time to deflect the naga's bone tail as it comes whipping around. ((ooc: Kas takes another 2 points of damage and loses another point of strength.)) A hissing voice echoes out of its skull, and for a moment Kas's vision fades. Calling to Millil, she pushes off the spell.

Further down the corridor, the second naga tries to do the exact same thing with Euin. It bites the forest guide, its fangs sinking into his arm, and then lashes him in the chest with its barbed tail. Cold and necromantic energy floods his body, and he pushes through it as best he can. Then the naga's hissing voice unleashes its spell and Euin's vision vanishes. ((ooc: Euin takes 11 points of damage and is now blind.))



((ooc: Round 2 is over. Actions and initiative for Round 3, please.))

Fearing that his companions have split the party too much, a single one of these is no match but two at once!  He is not so sure right now but holds back, ready to cure some of the wounds the others harvest.

Corym takes another stab at the Bone Naga--more successfully this time.



18:53, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 1 using 1d6.

18:53, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 16 using 1d20.

18:53, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 3 using 1d10.  Initiative.

2 damage and 5 damage
This message was last edited by the player at 05:07, Sat 02 Jan 2021.

Kitheras unloads a flurry of attacks with variable effects. "They're spell-casters, Krackor.  We have an opportunity to limit their spells if we can keep them damaged."

19:13, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 16 using 5d6 with rolls of 2,6,2,4,2.

damage 6, 10, 6, 8, 6

19:13, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 46 using 5d20 with rolls of 2,5,19,11,9.

AC 10, 7, -7, 1, 3

19:13, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 7 using 1d10.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Sat 02 Jan 2021.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 255):

Yes but they can't see invisible. I'll take the next one alone.  Unless the one down the corridor is disengaged and you come back where it can't see you.

Round 3

Karilla slams her singing stick into the naga's flank hard enough that the crack of breaking bone echoes down the hall. She tries again with her second stick, but it manages to twist away. The naga continues biting and whipping its tail at Kas with single-minded ferocity, but the paladin is barely able to turn both attacks. Then the naga hisses a word and three glowing, translucent snakes leap from its jaw and pummel her. ((ooc: Kas takes 12 points of damage.)) Corym's strike lands a moment later. Another shiver runs up the bone naga. It's barely holding itself together, but continues to attack with the drive of the undead. Kas attempts to drive home the final strike, but her weakened limbs aren't able to make her blade connect.

Another knot of people surrounds the second thrashing bone naga. It bites and slams its spiked tail into Euin, staggering the blind forest guide, and causing his own attacks to miss widely. Then it also unleashes a barrage of magical missiles, sending him reeling backwards. ((ooc: Euin takes 18 total damage.))

With its attention focused on Euin, Kitheras is able to take full advantage. He chops into the bony skeleton repeatedly, sending ribs flying and cracking vertebrae. The bone naga shivers repeatedly, but keeps pressing the attack on Euin.

((ooc: Round is over. The map is unchanged. Actions and initiative for Round 4, please!))

In reply to DM (msg # 257):

Krackor prepares to cast Cure Light Wounds on the first person that is injured that comes close enough for him not to have to attack then in order to land a hand.

((ooc: While you would need to make an attack roll to heal one of the folks in melee combat, that's just to see if you can put your hand on them. It wouldn't break invisibility, since you're not doing damage. You would lose the spell if you missed the attack roll, however. So if you want to advance and heal, you're welcome to.))

In reply to DM (msg # 259):

If only needing to hit AC10, since not trying to bypass armour, then he'll do it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

Kitheras alternates into his lower frequency higher precision series of strikes and drives his blades deep.

10:26, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 12 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,6.  Damage.

10:25, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 37 using 2d20 with rolls of 19,18.  Attacks.

10:25, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 3 using 1d10.  Initiative.

10 damage on each strike.

Corym struck quickly, but inaccurately.


10:27, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 2 using 1d20 with rolls of 2.

10:27, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 1 using 1d10 with rolls of 1.  Initiative.

Round 4

Kitheras leaps forward, slashing with both blades. Bone chips fly and ribs fall to the floor as he hacks away at the bone naga's flank. It twitches hard, but continues its attack on Euin.

Further north, while Corym trips over his feet, Karilla lunges forward and hits the naga repeatedly with her singing sticks. With a resounding crack two of the vertebrae separate from each other and the entire skeleton collapses in a confused jumble of bones as its animating energy is dissipated.

Kas takes a deep breath and places a hand on her wounded neck. A soft glow pulses briefly, and some of her wounds close. As she's currently a stationary target, Krackor comes forward and casts his healing spell as well, laying a hand on her back. ((ooc: Kas uses Lay on Hands on herself. Krackor, go ahead and roll for Cure Light Wounds healing.))

The remaining bone naga tries to bite Euin, but somehow the blinded woodsman is able to stagger out of the way. He's less lucky with naga's tail, which hits him full in the chest. A moment later three more magical missiles also leap from the creature's eyes and slam into him. He staggers backward, swinging with his long sword and missing the naga by the narrowest of margins. ((ooc: Euin takes 15 points of damage.))

Bone Naga Battle, Round 5

Euin and the bone naga clash together. He turns his body, letting the naga's snapping jaws slide past him, while the bone naga accidentally wraps its tail around the pillar as it tries to sting him. Euin slams his sword into the base of the bone naga's neck just as a final three magic missiles send him stumbling backwards, eyes crossed and spitting blood. The bone naga begins to collapse, and Kitheras rushes in from the side. His blades flash, and the dying naga crumbles into a motionless pile of bones.

For a moment, everything is quiet again. Euin staggers sideways to lean against the wall. He's battered and beaten, and looks barely conscious.

DMPC'ed

Euin leans his sword against the wall and raises a hand to wipe his brow. It's shaking so badly it seems to drum against his forehead. He pauses and pulls his hand back. His blind eyes stare at it, crossing and uncrossing as he attempts to see. Sighing, he drops his hand back down to his side. "Miellikki save me. That thing was brutal."

((ooc: Kitheras and Euin both need to make Intelligence checks. Krackor, would you like to roll for Euin?))

In reply to DM (msg # 266):

(ooc:  Int Rolls like a BOSS.  Rolled a 2.
HP from CLW for Kas = 7)  Sorry for delay

DMPC'ed

Euin's breath caught suddenly and he glanced towards the open doorway beside him. Wearily, he grabbed his sword and waved at the rest of the group. "More are coming."

Now it was time for strategy, not rushing.
Are there more Naga's or people?
That passage is narrow with stairs at the end.
Corym, can you grease the top of the stairs?
Let me stand in the gap so I can see them, you lot stay out of sight.
I'm moving to the stairs and casting protection against their evilness.

If time enough to move to the passage with stairs, will do, if not, will move to behind the nearest pillar to the passage.  Casts Protection from Evil 10ft Rad (which should protect anyone just around the sides too).

Watches and waits, feeding back info to the others.

“Nagas! More incoming!” Kitheras spends the round reforming the tactical disposition of the forces.

“Corym!—fire arrows at each of these openings to ensure the undead continue to come after we’ve left.

Euin—to the rear with Elorfindar! Elorfindar, he’s in need of healing.  Pace your spells, don’t use them all now.

Karilla—present yourself visibly from a distance.  We’ll line up behind you since they seem to lead off with Lighning.

Krackor--after the Lightning strikes are expended, you, I, Corym, and Karilla will engage them in melee.”

Kitheras slips an arm under Euin’s arm and helps him retreat behind Karilla.  He does not take cover behind a column.  If they only see Karilla, they may switch to Magic Missiles instead of leading with Lightning.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:10, Fri 15 Jan 2021.

Corym sheathes his sword, draws for this bow and fires a pair of shots as directed.

“If we keep encountering this many Magic Missiles, we might consider carrying more Shield spells.”