resuming from Trading with trolls 2


as you enter the large passage, before Ulo
 is able to seal it, you hear a door open
and the clang of metal footsteps from the
direction of the stone statues.

those with magery can see a brilliant bluish light coming from that direction...
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:57, Wed 15 June 2022.

"I guess we won't be able to avoid it after all..." Jendrich says, readying his shield and sword. "I hope you have a plan on how to stop metal statues..."

"Me too.", replied Grohm.  He raised his glaive and gave a quick look towards the other side of the room where they had come from.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 3):

a seven foot tall metallic shape comes into view, carrying a large sword and a staff that the mages see as the source of the light.

per rolls please


pe

Ulo keeps trying to finish off the tunnel barricade and backs away from the opening... (stone moves slowly, but luckily doesn't require her to remain near once the spell is cast)


OOC: 13:57, Today: Ulo rolled 10 using 3d6.  Per 17.  Noticing something about Metal Man situation. [roll=1640890629.40939.257367]
MoS +7, +11 if Scent related.

16:10, Today: Grimaldi rolled 14 using 3d6.  perception ~ 14.

21:30, Today: Jendrich rolled 7 using 3d6.  vs Per (11).

Succeed by 4.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 7):

the metal being appears to be made out of orichalcum,  a metal that is nigh indestructible. The sword looks to be meteoric iron, and the staff, dragonbone set with gems. it also has a satchel slung crossbody.

"Who shaped this stone?"

Ulo just keeps moving the stone to fill the barricade in.  Once it's thick enough, even an orichalcum golem should have difficulty in smashing through it.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 9):


once she seals it, the stone opens again, forming a delicate gothic arch with decorative spiral columns supporting it.

"I know this Dwenomer!

Syvanus is concentrating on what the book he found is about.

"You got to be joking!" Jendrich mutters in a low tone. "Not only is that thing so armored we couldn't dent it, it can cast spells too? Is it going to call the guard statues in the corridor too?"

10:38, Today: Grimaldi rolled 7 using 3d6.  diplomacy ~ 14.

"Greetings Magi. We're sorry to have disturbed your place, but we're just trying to pass our caravan through, when we encountered the golems in the outer hall. We thought to make a detour to only avoid them, and be on our way. we're just traders, bringing food and ale to the underground dwellers..."
Grimaldi parleyed.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:45, Sun 02 Jan 2022.

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 13):

"That is the fourth invocation of Darnizhaan... is there a trollwife among you?"

the book appears to be a primer on necromancy.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:35, Thu 06 Jan 2022.

"Forsooth!
Ulo...Yon Magi, would speak with ye..."
Grimaldi courted...

A faint 'eep' at the mention of her name comes from the tunnel wall where Ülo had been fading out of view.  Then she steps forward, checks herself briefly, and moves to the front of the group with a purpose and stride as though she were not the actually the smallest individual here.

"Yes, I am Ülo, the trollwife in charge of this delegation."


OOC:  I mean, may as well own every inch of authority someone else wants to not get on themselves...

In reply to Ulo (msg # 16):

"I am called Flax. I have studied your ancestral magics since your arrival.  It is good to see the traditional forms in use."

"Oh...kay." She looks around to see if this as weird to everyone else as it seems to her. "Do you control the animated statues, or golems in this tunnel?  Is this your living area?"

Jendrich can only shrug when Ulo glances his way. Like it or not, he's already passed his weirdness quota for the day.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 18):

"These? They ate relics of an earlier age, when I was young and thr master had yet to achieve his Apotheosis. Some of our followers dwelt here...." It gestures toward Grimaldi.
"Be careful with that. The master will seek what you have,  and may pursue you for it."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

"What do you mean? Is it something, I'm Carrying? And who is your master?"

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 21):

"The master I will not name, lest He hear it spoken,  but they are active again after a long, long sleep. I could not perceive the vial you hold, but He can, and He will seek it."

"Aha! Well, We needn't anybody's master, coming after us! I'll just leave it here, then."
*Grimaldi removes the book with cutout vial inside, and leaves it on a dry surface.*

Grohm leaned over towards Jendrich and nodded towards the golem.

"If that thing has a master, I dare not imagine it's power.", he whispered.

Jendrich nods and whispers back "especially since even that thing doesn't want to see it!"

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 23):

That is wise.I would suggest avoiding this passage for a measure of time. Four centuries have passed, and He will have a great thirst."

"Thank You...Is your master a vampire? And do you still serve them...willingly?
Grimaldi ventured.

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 27):

"A vampire? that is rich. I served Him when we both lived, but I chose not his path."

"My master chose the path of a wraith, himself.I left the mages guild after that, and joined the adventurer's guild. I'm Grimaldi."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:18, Thu 20 Jan 2022.

"Then I will cut a longer tunnel around for the trip back.  What is your master's name?"

"He can't say it...It must be a very powerful name, indeed."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

"Or a very attentive owner..."

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 32):

"There sre those who hide their names, and others who can hear them spoken in the wind. That said, I take my leave."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:55, Tue 25 Jan 2022.

"So long Flax, thanks for safe passage and the warning."

Ülo Waits until the adamant golem has left and then seals off that area that Flax had unsealed.

"Well, I suppose we won't be finding out what is in the tunnels on the opposite side now."

"A small price to pay...I thought we were goners! Let's get out of here!"

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 36):

you head out through Ulo's doorway.

both she and Rafik clutch eachother; this is a place that they know!

the corridor continues, but to the left is the troll gate, a regular bronze gate, but the stonework around it is carved beautifully.  This is home!

"So... is this our destination? We made it?"

Grimaldi sighs, with relief. They had a good rep with the trolls now, and they just arrived with their trade goods.

"No.  This is where your Guild slaughtered my people three weeks ago.  The hobgoblins tunnels lay beyond."



OOC:  GM are we crossing through the Western Warrens or going around them?

For What? That is insane!

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 41):

"The blue haied elf witch Marie, along with her armored knight, the man with the plumed hat, the one with the rusty sword, and the one armed woman did this to us because of a wine seller nsmed DuClair."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

"For what?  Guildsman, for coins.  The only thing that motivates your Guild."

So often it does, but to attack a village and force the people away? That is criminal.

"Your Guild doesn't agree with you."

My tie to the Guild does not change my thinking or how I was raised. If you wish to fight to recover your village, I am with you.

"You would fight this Duclare?  You would go against your Guild?"  She sounds a little bit incredulous and suspicious, but mostly depressed.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 46):

"While this side venture may be appealing, it conflicts with my guild
license to trade with the people of the
Eastern reaches and the Ropemaker's Guild."

Ah, of Course, Back to Money First...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 49):

"I am a merchant, I came to trade.
I need the market the trollfolk offer,
 and would be happy to link them to the
Ropemaker Guild. I have no love for
 Lamont DuClaire, he is one of the Merchant's guild who made trouble for me."

Ülo takes a deep breath and slowly lets it out, "This is best addressed when we're done with the Caravan Master's trade mission.  Besides, without Elder Agrid's approval, there is no tribe to return to these warrens.  And while Raffik, myself, and a few others who've not joined the Eastern Reaches would be happy to come and retake these tunnels, a handful of warriors are not a town."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

Grimaldi  listened in silence, waiting to collect his own profits when they unloaded.

Grohm walked along with the cart as he listened quietly to the conversations.  He didn't know much about what happened to Ulo's tribe or why and he was getting quite the education.

No You'd need quite a few more people, so many did not escape? It brings bile to my tongue.  I will remember this DuClair.

"Few besides our elders and the very young survived.  Raffik almost didn't make it, he only lives because he fell in the first day's fighting when our war troll drove off your Guild and thus was too injured to stand to the end on the second day.  He hid and escaped upward to the city while a few others were carried out with the eldest and children when we fled on the second day.  I only live because I was ordered to hide them in safety until the fighting was over.  But when mother... when our Elder fell to your Guild's fire mage, I knew there was no coming back.  I led the eldest and children to the Eastern Reaches and begged Elder Angrid take them in.  Most have sworn to follow Angrid, though Raffik and a few others did not, but they come when Elder Angrid asks.  I serve Elder Angrid for a time in recompense for taking our eldest and children in."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:36, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

All that suffering for a few coins... The Guild should be ashamed, I know I am.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 56):

Rafik shakes his head. " I was burnt and left for dead, found by this one, and reborn from the ashes."

he pulls out a large glass jar containing a pixie.

And you hold her prisoner?

"I'm sorry Raffik, I though you were one of the injured we carried out."


OOC:  Ülo seems far more concerned that they left Raffik behind* than that he has a pixie in a jar... despite it being a call back to Legend of Zelda.
And now I have the music from LoZ: A Link to the Past stuck in my head.  *sigh*
* My error, it's been a few years, I forgot Raffik was the archer who was saved by the pixie, so I'm playing it off as Ülo is ditzy teen who legit has absent-minded and distracted as flaws...

Jendrich had been silent during the talks, apparently lost in thought. When Rafik pulls out the fairy though, he takes a step back, as though the archer just pulled out an angry disease rat.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 60):

the small fairy waves at Jendrich from inside the jar.  She doesn't  seem to be terribly happy.

https://drive.google.com/file/...Ai/view?usp=drivesdk
This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Sat 05 Feb 2022.

Grimaldi is bemused why the creature seems so content with her captivity predicament, but says nothing.

OOC - Are we waiting for anyone?

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 63):
are we pushing forward to the Hobgoblins,  and hitting this place once that task is completed?

OOC:  The mission is to the ropemaker's guild, so I presume we push on to the Hob's "undertower" and then deal witht he new residents of the warren on the way back.

ooc - Sounds good to me. Let's press on.

"To the Hobgoblins, then!"

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 67):

Rafik and Ullo know that there had been semi-regular trade with the hobgoblins,  so the route should be easier this way.

The corridor here is 4 yards wide, with a barrel vaulted ceiling 3 yards high. there is traces of grout that indicate that there had been a frieze of tilework, but the tiles are long gone.
The masonry shows sign of there having been some kind of upheaval,  but so long ago that the repairs and edges are well worn. The area is free of debris except for some pottery shards and bits of brivk, but these all have smooth edges as if they were tumbled.

"I've have never been this way, but we did frequently trade with the hobgolins so it should be a fairly safe and easy path."

"I hope you are right." Said Grohm.

He made his way to the head of the column to take his place in the formation.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 70):

the path seems clear ahead for a long stretch. the metal grates you pass seem bright,  and slightly rough to the surface,  while the walls and floors are slightly sticky.

"Ugh... what is this?" Jendrich tries to find a dry spot to wipe his hand. "Is there a slug infestation here? Where did all of this come from?"

"I certainly hope this isn't what I think it could be.."

Ülo takes off a glove, scrapes some of the sticky residue up with a nail, gives it a feel between her fingers, sniffs, and then tastes it.




OOC:  20:06, Today: Ulo rolled 10 using 3d6.  Survival (All) 12, Naturalist 13, Hidden Lore 14. – [roll=1645405619.44594.257367]
Hidden Lores:  Nature Spirits, Spirits, Demons, Fairies.
Possible +4 from Discriminatory Smell.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 74):

the acrid taste of the slime clarifies to Ulo that a Jelly, an acidic, shapeless creature has been through this area, probably the sort that are transparent and wide enough to fill the corridor.

She spits, "Jelly.  Large one came through this area hunting within the last day.  It's acidic, so don't get too close, fire will drive it off."

She looks over the guards, "You two, big men," she points out Grohm'Tahl and Darg, "wait a moment."  Ülo does her little shimmy dance, chants the words, and then says, "You two are now protected from it's acid in case it hears the wagon or smells us, and comes."



Spells active before casting:  3, but 2 have No Footprint (-1 to casting).
Borrow Language, no maintenance; Hide +1, no maintenance; No Smell, no maintenance.

After:  5, but 2 have No Footprint (-3 to casting).
Resist Acid (Grohm'Tahl), no maintenance; Resist Acid (Darg), no maintenance; Borrow Language, no maintenance; Hide +1, no maintenance; No Smell, no maintenance.

Grohm nods to Ulo.  "Thank you." he says to her.

"Let us prepare some torches and oil in case the slime attacks."

Grohm dug into his pack and retrieved a flask of oil.  He tucked it into his belt.

"I was afraid it might've been something like this. I've heard tell they were created by a wizard for the mundane task of cleaning, catching vermin,etc...but they began dividing and spread into being."

Jendrich picks his path along the sticky floor. "How big are those things?" He asks, switching his sword for one of his torches.

Well slime covers the floor, walls and ceiling, so I'd hazard a pretty big guess.

"They are vaguely shapeless, like a bladder partially filled with water, so they become the shape of the passage they travel through... to some extant.  This one is as wide as the corridor and reaches that high," she indicates the highest point of the 'fresh' slime coating, "but if we were in a larger tunnel it would flatten out covering a wider floor but then not be so tall."

She looks up at the ceiling, "Be wary, smaller ones will climb up onto ceilings or ledges and fall down onto victims.  They attack by sticking a protrusion of themselves onto someone and drawing them in to be digested.  We tend to hunt them when any are found near our warrens, they are dangerous to small groups or solo hunters."


OOC:  How high up the walls does the slime reach?

In reply to Ulo (msg # 81):

the slime mark is about 7 feet up... making it SM+4

Jendrich gives Ulo a terrified look. "That thing is the size of a HOUSE!?" He says, pointing with the horribly small torch in his hand.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 83):

just the size of two cows together, morelike


correction. as a 9 hex creature, it is SM+3
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:20, Fri 25 Feb 2022.

"They sense vibrations and warmth, and follow a routine....Our caravan is going to be very noticeable. We need to try and figure out a way to move around it's routine, path...We may be able to flee, but we risk losing all of our goods and animals, unless we think fast!"

I may be able to deter or seriously injure it ... I can breathe some flame at a cost...

"Fire! Hmmm...If we can figure out which way it's going, (tracking) maybe we can set up a bonfire, to hamper it's routine course!"
Grimaldi brainstorms.

"For short term, we can simply wall off any branchings we cross.  Then if it is hunting down a side path, side to our route, it wouldn't be able to slip in behind us, nor would anything else such as rats, slorn, opportunistic bandits, the like.  For long term practicality those side branchings should be gated off, but that's a long term solution."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:33, Fri 25 Feb 2022.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 88):

the passage continues ahead, with an intersection about ten yards out.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 89):

"The floor is pretty level, we may be able to make good time."

"Then we should get going and see if you're right.", Grohm replied.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 91):

with Hrunting to the left, and Rafik to the right, Darg and Grohm lead the motley caravan forward, with Strong Clair and Rushagorn pushing the cart.

Jendrich covers the rear, not wanting his lit torch to bother the rest of the caravan, but not wanting to put it out when a slime could show up at any time.

He hangs back somee, with all the heavy hitters up front, the rear may be where he is needed

Grimaldi joins the rear as well, glancing around furtively..

Ülo once again tries to find a decent spot on the wagon to sit, rest and fade out of sight.

There is a rattling soundvto the right,
and Rafik fires off a couple of arrows.

two dog sized rodents with long greasy
looking quills advance, while a third
collapses with arrows in its vitals and eye.

Severaof you recognize these as the highly venemous giant maned rats.

Syvanus takes his bow off his shoulder and draws an arrow.

15:53, Today: Grimaldi rolled 7 using 2d6.  lightning ~  (2d).

15:52, Today: Grimaldi rolled 12 using 3d6.  lightning ~ 14 .
Grimaldi points and a moderate bolt of lightning shoots from his finger!
"Fulmen!"

"Oh, it's just more of those..." Jendrich says, almost relieved at seeing a 'normal' monster. He drops his torch, before drawing his sword and moving closer to the creatures, doing his best to stay out of his allies' line of fire.

Grohm changed his grip on his halberd (reach 2) and took a defensive stance, waiting for the rat to move within striking distance

He knocks the arrow, takes a few moments to clear the shot of friendlies,  aims at the closest creature's vitals and releases.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 102):

between the lighting and the arrow, both of the rats drop.

"Best we not even touch those things. I've dealt with some that were made undead from a wight."

Grimaldi says, looking the carcasses over.

Grohm stepped up and flipped the dead rats towards the edge of the tunnel with the pointy end of his glaive.

"That was quick.  Looks like we can get going.", he said.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:07, Sun 13 Mar 2022.

"Not going to complain about that!" Jendrich says as he recovers his torch. "The sooner we're through, the happier I'll be!"

"In this case, there's no room for J-E-L-L-O. Let's get out of here!"

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 107):

the rats make a characteristic rattling noise as they are flipped.

heading onward down the relatively broad corridor,  you get about 20 yards along before hearing a faint sound behind you like nais on a blackhoard, or quills being scrapped against the grain onto stone with  considerable force.

"Sounds like the jelly is behind us, get ready," Ülo hops down off the cart and moves over to the side of the tunnel.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

"Everyone who is sensitive to the heat and light of a fire, should distance themselves, and help get the wagon away. Everyone else should help to start a very large fire, to cover us, as we make good our escape! We could probably outrun it individually, but we risk losing our caravan! Any other suggestions? If not, Help me get a fire going, quickly!"
Grimaldi exhorted.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:33, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

Using what for fuel?

"Some barrels or crates should work, if there's any we can use from the wagon!"

"Aren't you a wizard?"  Ülo moves over to the end of the caravan and takes a good look down the tunnel.


OOC:  How wide is the tunnel here?
02:14, Today: Ulo rolled 7 using 3d6.  Perception 17.  Looking down the corridor, Night-Adapted Vision 5. – [roll=1647324863.80977.257367]

In reply to Ulo (msg # 113):
"Yes, I can start fire, but wall of fire is more advanced fire magic, than I know."

Not good to destroy cargo to make a fire... and it doesn't move that fast, let's move and watch behind us...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:48, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

"Yes, it's not good to sacrifice cargo, but better a few barrels, than lose the whole caravan, know what I mean? It just seems to me, this represents another overwhelming force for us to overcome, and not only for our lives, but for the final profits, with our being so close now.
the only other alternative we have then, is that we all drive ourselves to the limits!" (spend extra fatigue, for extra effort, to push ahead, out of the cube's routine sweep.)

"Not talking about a wall, I light one side, you the other, so neither of us are shouldering the burden of the whole fire."



OOC:  Ülo is waiting on a response to message #113 before doing anything though.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 117):

you are 30 yards from the intersection,  and the corridor is 4 yards wide by 3 high.

Ülo begins chanting and doing a little dance...



OOC:  Beginning to cast Create Fire, Taking Extra Time, 1 extra second.  Roll to cast will 14...
Footprint:  5, but 2 have No Footprint (-3 to casting).
Resist Acid (Grohm'Tahl), no maintenance; Resist Acid (Darg), no maintenance; Borrow Language, no maintenance; Hide +1, no maintenance; No Smell, no maintenance.

Grohm, seeing the need to keep moving ahead of the oncoming cube, moved from the head of the column to the rear.  He tossed his glaive over the sideboard of the cart and began pushing.

22:02, Today: Grimaldi rolled 14 using 3d6.  create fire ~ 14 .
"Creare Ignem..."
Grimaldi gestured and evocated...

Jedrich assists Grohm, saying "Why do I have the feeling these things aren't scared of fire, and it will just slow it down?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:51, Fri 18 Mar 2022.

He leans in to help move the wagon faster.

They do not fear as they are just an appetite that crawls, but fire hurts and they can sense that. They will stop at the fire only while it burns.

"You may be right. I just hope that the fire will buy us some time and distance so that we can stay ahead of it and it loses our trail.", Grohm replied.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:24, Thu 17 Mar 2022.

It won't lose our trail most likely, but will come to  a point it recognizes as a place of pain, so likey won't go past it.

Ülo finishes her dance with a stamp of her foot and a wave of her hand and... nothing.  No spark, no heat, no fire.

She mutters darkly and begins again, looking more than a bit annoyed...


OOC:  22:22, Today: Ulo rolled 15 using 3d6.  Create Fire 14, 1 radius, 1 FP, 0 Maintenance. – [roll=1647570152.37162.257367]
Next round she begins casting again with Extra Time, 2 seconds, skill at a 14.

Footprint:  5, but 2 have No Footprint (-3 to casting).
Resist Acid (Grohm'Tahl), no maintenance; Resist Acid (Darg), no maintenance; Borrow Language, no maintenance; Hide +1, no maintenance, No Footprint; No Smell, no maintenance, No Footprint.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 120):

pushing along with Grohm,Clair smiles at the warrior  as Rushagorn pulls, and the cart picks up speed

Grohm returned the smile and kept pushing.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 128):

Grimaldi's flame is reflected by something in the distance... you can barely see the pintpoint of light.

"Okay, it's coming! Let's leave these burn, and hope it keeps it off our backs as we retreat!"

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 130):

the creature appears to be moving very slowly, you can outrun it easily, as long as you don't linger...

Ülo takes her time despite seeing it bearing down on her, and she finishes after a few seconds with a flourish, leaving just over the half the tunnel bathed in roaring flames as she backs away...


OOC:  19:34, Today: Ulo rolled 4 using 3d6.  Create Fire 14, 2 radius, 1 FP*, 1 FP Maintenance. – [roll=1647732867.00147.257367]

* If I knew the crit was coming, I'd have lit up more than a 2 yard radius...

make another roll for crit effects, also no cost to cast

22:02, Today: Ulo rolled 5 using 3d6.  Create Fire critical success effect. – [roll=1647828179.26648.257367]

In reply to Ulo (msg # 134):

the fire may linger unsupported by energy expenditure for quite some time... 1d hours

"Good work!"
Grimaldi extolled over his shoulder, as he runs to catch up with the cart.

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 136):

those in front can feel a warm draft ahead

Jendrich keeps pushing, though he suddenly looks worried. "Hey... if the village we're going to has issues with the hungry shed chasing us... do you think they've got their own fire wall to stop it?"

Hopefully those ahead will say something.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 139):

so far, it is just the breeze. you get another few hundred yardsbefore you start to smell a combination of rot and flame

OOC:  17:02, Today: Ulo rolled 11 using 3d6.  Survival (Undercity) 12 (Default).  How long before the stone of the corridor will split from the fires she and Grimaldi created?  [roll=1648242127.73792.257367]

"What is that stench? Is it really trying to push it's way through fire??"

In reply to Ulo (msg # 141):

These are some fairly thick slabs, at least two feet thick.  Anything under half a foot would crack in a matter of hours, but aside from some surface flaking, there shouldn't be that much damage.


Something ahead smells like rot - make another underground survival roll, and anyone with expert skill Natural Philosophy make a roll also.

Syvanus starts sniffing the air as he pushes.

"No, wizard, this is from the ahead, possibly where the Hobs call home.  The jelly is behind us, and it would not smell of decay, it would smell sharp, tangy..." Ülo licks her lips as though the idea of roasted jelly makes her hungry.  indeed she pulls out some thick, tough, dried meat and rips a hunk off with her teeth and chews it noisily.

She offers it around to anyone else who might want some, "My recipe, slorn pickled in cave black*, then acids to kill the fungus and dry the meat."


00:32, Today: Ulo rolled 5 using 3d6.  Survival (Undercity) 12 (Default).  Rot and fire. +4 if Disc Smell helps. – [roll=1648269145.68189.257367]

* A variant of Ulocladium, a cave fungus that has anti-plant and anti-pest enzymes, some species can be dangerous to humans.

"Judging from the stench, I hope we don't arrive, and find the lot of them have been dead for several days..."

Grohm accepted a piece of the dried slorn. He had been skeptical about the beast when he first heard about them but his time underground had led him to appreciate it.

"Thanks", he said as he kept pushing the cart.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Sat 26 Mar 2022.

Syvanus thanks Ulo, but passes on the meat.

Jendrich makes a face at Grimaldi's comment, before turning down Ulo's offer. "With a smell like that... I don't think it's a good idea for me to take a snack."

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 148):

Ulo recognizes the odor... it is a rot worm, an eater of the dead and undead.  typically the stench proceeds them by a few yards. if they can't see it yet, itmust be colossal in size.

"Rotworm.  Either it's huge, or something is projecting it's stench at us... or there are a lot of them.  Secondary warriors should ready fire for they can regenerate, even rapidly becoming more worms if chopped up."

Syvanus moves around to the front. as this thing approaches, he'll take a deep breathe, move as close as is safe and breathe fire.
He will then run back to try and get a brathe of fresh air...

Grohm stopped pushing the cart and retrieved his glaive.

"If only there was a way to introduce the worm in front of us to the cube behind us.", he wondered aloud as he moved up to the front group to screen the others from danger.

"Slow the cart for a moment," Ülo says as she moves to the front of it.  She chants and dances for almost half a minute and creates a small candle flame size blob of light that she sends forward down the tunnel ahead them...



OOC:  15:55, Today: Ulo rolled 9 using 3d6.  Light 16 (Skill 16 - 4 Spells On + 4 taking extra time), 0 FP, 0 Maintain. – [roll=1648583736.03218.257367]

Footprint:  6, but 2 have No Footprint (-4 to casting).
Create Fire, no maintenance; no Resist Acid (Grohm'Tahl), no maintenance; Resist Acid (Darg), no maintenance; Borrow Language, no maintenance; Hide +1, no maintenance, No Footprint; No Smell, no maintenance, No Footprint.

"Lightning should be pretty effective here, as well...
Particularly, if I can stun the overgrown vermin, before our warriors hack it to bits. We may burn what's left, if we're worried about it splitting into more."

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 152):

hold that roll... you are a great distance from seeing anything yet...

as Ulo's light heads down the hallwsy until almost out of sight, you can barely make out some lights ahead, pissibly flaming arrows being fired from around the center of the corridor yards and yards away over toward the left side of the corridor and beyond.

Ülo narrows her eyes trying to make out who is firing the arrows...


OOC:  16:19, Today: Ulo rolled 8 using 3d6.  Perception 17. – [roll=1648757977.44455.257367]
MoS +9, should be no darkness penalties (for the Trolls, -3 for everyone else) as the light floats past whomever is firing the arrows.

12:25, Today: Grimaldi rolled 14 using 3d6.  perception ~ 14.
"Is that fighting ahead? Maybe they're fending off the creature...!"

"I sure hope so... We could use a break!"

Grohm noticed members of the group looking down the tunnel but didn't see what they were looking for.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 160):

even without light penalties the issue is distance,; you are about thirty yards away and there are torches in fro t of the archers obscuring the darkvision

OOC:  30 yards is -7 to Vision, all Trolls† would be a a further -2 due to light levels (torchlight is actually a penalty due to brightness, I forgot about that)... but Ülo still made her roll by 9, so right on the money?  Everyone but Trolls would be at -10 to make out details.

† Any without Day Adapted Vision anyway.  I still haven't started buying that up for Ülo.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 162):
Ulo can make out that the archers appear to be Hobgoblins

"Caravan Master Brokadin, those are the Hobs fighting something, probably an extremely large rotworm.  How do you want to proceed? I can create a side cave or even just a wall here for this cart if you want it safely hidden away from the coming fight."

"why don't we come up behind it, and aid them! No doubt it will curry their favor with us, before we engage in business with them..."
Grimaldi suggests.

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 165):

"Assisting them would greatly benefit our cause! Now,as to the stink. I have a substance here to rub under your nose that should make it easier. careful not to get it in your nose, it burns a bit."

He passes out some wide blue jars containing a pungent white paste.

Applied

"Thank you." Jendrich applies the cream, before readying his crossbow. If that worm is as big as the others imply, he'd prefer getting at least one shot from a distance.

Grimaldi applies the paste.

Grohm took one of the jars, wiped a dab of the paste under his nose and passed it to another party member.  He shuffled his glaive to his off hand and drew his throwing axe in preparation for their assault on the giant worm.

02:29, Today: Grimaldi rolled 9 using 3d6.  ball of lighting ~ 14.(2D)
"Fulgur Pila...."
Grimaldi conjures a crackling, blue-white orb, the size of a man's head.

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 171):

once everyone applies the paste, you advance down the corridor.
gradually, you can see why the light of the torches eas obscured; the corridor ends abruptly,  and accross the gap, there is a raised drawbridge  flanked by torches.
above, below and on a balcony at this level are numerous hobgoblins armed with spears,or firing flaming arrows toward something massive writhing to the left

In reply to Darg Wharten (msg # 172):

a greyish mass, easily two yards wide and upwards of twenty long... it is attacking from an opening accross from the tower of the hobgoblins (which is itself 20 yards wide. and inside a "well" that is 4yards wider on each side


the worm is launching itself at the hobgoblins,  and snaches one from the balcony, while crushing the iron railing.

Jendrich raises his crossbow, though he hesitate. "That thing looks like it has a pretty thick skin... do any of you know of a weak point worth shooting?"

Syvanus moves cautiously to within six feet behind the creature before breathing 4 D6 fire on it. He then retreats quickly making any dodges necssary

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 175):

the great worm is 1. rather irritated (it was damaged) and 2. now aware of you

the stench is horrible! make a HT check at +2

He retreats  out of range to get his breathe.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 177):

you notice that the hobgoblins are all smoking sonething for the same reason

14:02, Today: Grimaldi rolled 6 using 3d6.  HT 12+3 (resisting stench) (fit,+2=+3).
Grimaldi has already gotten used to the smell, as one does, who keeps many cats might.
He mentally commands his crackling orb, to collide into the worm, while staring ahead balefully...

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 179):

adding Ozone to the stench, the worm dives down and into another entrance below the level it is on, giving you ots elongated back. which Rafik and the hobgoblins eagerly pepper with arrows

Before Jendrich can join in the fusillade, a fit of coughing ruins his aim.

OOC: 16:10, Today: Jendrich rolled 16 using 3d6.  HT check +2 (14).

16:24, Today: Grimaldi rolled 8 using 2d6.  lightning (burn) damage.

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 182):

the worm is very large: it looks like it willtaje some time for it to pass between the two tunnels it is within halberd range

While the others peppered the worm with arrows and spells, Grohm stepped forward and slashed at the worm with his glaive.  His blade bit into the worm and tore a long gash in it's side.


OOC:  All out attack, strong.

Damage 11

Having rested a second or two, Syvanus readies his bow and pulls an alchemical arrow from his quiver and carefully removes the protective covering.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 184):

the foul thing has a hide thicker than mail, but it recoils from The orc's polearm, and oozes a sickly greyish liquid.

He carefully aims for the open wound that Grohm Tahl created and fires the Alchemical arrow.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 187):

oozing more grayish ichor and trailing smoke,  the feotid worm  finishes withdrawing from this level and retreats into the lower level.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Thu 14 Apr 2022.

Having held back, Ülo now advances and calls out to the Hobs, "I am skilled in healing if any of your warriors have been injured!"

In reply to Ulo (msg # 189):

one of the Hobs gestures for the drawbridge to be lowered, while others continue to fire arrows into the lower recess the worm turned into.

"Many thanks!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Sat 16 Apr 2022.

Grimaldi watches the drawbridge lower, as he waits with the caravan.

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 191):

the hobgoblins, wreathed in the pungent smoke of burning hemp,
approach with trepidation at the sight of so many orcs in your party, but seem appreciative of Grohm'Tahl's billhookwork on the worm.

"This has been a most treacherous journey, but we've finally brought our goods to market."

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 193):

"Goods from where? We need only go to the surface to the goblin market."

In reply to Hobgoblin (msg # 194):

"Greetings. We hail from the Trollfolk warrens of the Eastern Reaches"

In reply to Rushagorn Brokadin (msg # 195):

"Funny, but you look like an orc,  not a troll."

As the merchant and hobgoblins begin their negotiations, Jendrich takes a look down the worm's escape hole, trying not to gag from the stench.

This message was deleted by the player at 17:47, Mon 18 Apr 2022.

In reply to Hobgoblin (msg # 196):

"He may not be, but we are," He gestures to Rafik, Ullo, and his cousin.

Ülo turns from looking over the Hob defenders, making sure none were wounded, "Apologies, I am Ülo once of the Western Reaches Warren representing Angrid the Elder of the Eastern Reaches Warren, and this is Master Rushagorn Brokadin who has agreed to to carry goods to your undertower on our behalf."



OOC:  Sorry, busy few days.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 200):


"If we wanted to trade with orcs, we could just go to redlight.  We ain't seen anyone from the Western Reaches in a month. Where is Mokikki the trader, and Ripkin the smith?"

In reply to Hobgoblin (msg # 201):

"They are dead.  The warren has been destroyed with fire and conflict from the city dwellers.  Most of those who survived have joined the Eastern Reaches, though a few of us have not."

Grohm slung the malodorous slime off of the blade of his glaive as best he could. Then he found a place to stand out of the way while Rushagorn and the trolls tended to their business negotiations.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 203):

"That is grave news indeed! So this group represents the, um Eastern Reaches?"


ooc cash out values in Awards and Development
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Wed 20 Apr 2022.

In reply to Hobgoblin (msg # 205):

"I am Hrunting of the eastern reaches. Our people need wood, cloth, meats... and hemp, for rope and smoking."

In reply to troll warrior (msg # 206):

the two warriors look at eachother and shrug.
"Let's take them to see Rafinko. He can sort them out."

"Good idea. We could all use a breather in a safe place." Jendrich says, eager to follow the caravan into the hobgoblin's village.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 208):

the halls of the hobgoblin tower are filled with a haze of hempsmoke, which Grimaldi finds appealing.

the level you are on overlooks the arena, and rows of seats are cut into stone, the ceiling supported by mammoth stone pillars with fluid looking arches.

Although empty except for a few cleaners, and a solitary hobgoblin down on the sands, this place could easily hold over a thousand spectators.
the cart will not fit in the stairwells, and after Clair and Rush shoulder the bulk of it along with two other orcs, the handcart is left by the balcony/drawbridge.

You are brought up a level, where you catch glimpses of hobs pulling fibers out of damp troughs and twisting it into cords.

Grohm followed along with the group, glaive over his shoulder.  He took note of the twists and turns in case they needed to find their way back out in a hurry.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 210):

you notice that many of the hobs wear sashes, scarves, hats or tunics with a purple and blue zigzag pattern similar to the bunting and banners that were in the arena. Some of them are giving you and the other orcs dirty looks.

Grohm cared little for the arena games but had seen and heard enough to understand the teams and rivalries. He ignored the taunting and remained quiet and respectful of their hosts.  It was more important to complete the trade and start their trip back to the surface.

Jendrich gives a curious look at the arena. "Is this a gladiator arena? I heard them mentioned in town, but I've never seen one..."

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 213):
the laborer looks at their guide, making eye contact
"It is not for gladiators,  itis for Jugga. It is taken very seriously in this city.I think the man down on the sands is named Pallido, and he isone of the greatest Quicks to play the game."

"I have never heard of this, sport?  This sport of jugs?  Is this a much valued thing in the city?"

"Yes.  It is very popular in some quarters of the city. Mostly among the orcs and hobs. Huge rivalries. That's probably why we're getting dirty looks.", Grohm answered.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 216):

"The Urhaqi team was a little riotous of late... The game is usually played with the skull of a dog or wolf, I believe Ogres use the skull of a Dire wolf, and use a slorn skull for their championship trophy. Our hosts have always acquitted themsel es well on the field. "

"I wonder if the sport can be introduced to the warren?  It might be a way to gain greater understanding between the surface dwellers and the Eastern Reaches."

In reply to Ulo (msg # 218):

"The Western reaches never fielded a team, but sometimes sent a group to see our teams take the field. We would be honored if the trollfolk would come to us to learn the rules of Juggah."

"I will speak with Elder Angrid and with her approval try to bring together a group to learn this game.  With more of the surface dwellers coming into our realm, it is perhaps time we learned more of them and began to integrate."  She actually sounds pleased with the idea...


OOC:  19:04, Today: Ulo rolled 6 using 3d6.  Acting 10, trying not to sound extremely displeased with her own suggestion. – [roll=1652223878.54352.257367]

In reply to Ulo (msg # 220):

to the best of Ulo's knowledge, none of the folk who despoiled her home were players of this game, and the hob folk were allies.

Grohm listened to the conversations and continueed down the corridor with the group.  He looks around for threats although they were hopelessly outnumbered at this point.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Sun 22 May 2022.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 222):

You are brought up a series of stairs into a well appointed room festooned with fiber art. and reeking of burnt hemp.
You all feel a little hungry...
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:43, Thu 26 May 2022.

Jendrich starts to look a bit anxious. Not that he's worried about an ambush, but he forgot how long it's been since he had a chance to sit down and eat...

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 224):

"Thank you for your assistance with the Worm. Now tell me what you came here for."

"I am Ülo, once of the Western Reaches, I represent Elder Angrid of the Eastern Reaches and Master Trader Rushgorn who has agreed to act as go between for us and carry trade."

In reply to Rafinko of the Ropemaker's Guild (msg # 225):

"You there, troll, tell me why I should trust this orc, and why not trade with the folk of the Western reaches?"

In reply to Rafinko of the Ropemaker's Guild (msg # 227):

"I am Hrunting of the Eastern reaches, new family to Ulo, who was of the Western reaches, until they suffered a grave tragedy... Rafik could tell you more.  This one has been fair with us, works when needed, and offered healing to the wounded."

In reply to troll warrior (msg # 228):

The hobgoblin narrows his eyes at the hideously scarred troll, and, finally noticing Jendrich wavering on his feet, he waves, and a woman bearing a tray of mugs and another with a plate of jerky approach, offering ale and dried meat.

In reply to Rafinko of the Ropemaker's Guild (msg # 229):

the burned troll grins toothily.
"We all  attacked by the blue hair witch Marie. She burn all. she burn no more!"he pulls a blue scalp from his pouch and displays it like a trophy.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:28, Sun 29 May 2022.

Jendrich bows with a "Thank you." Before taking a slice of the jerky.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 231):

like most hobgoblin food, it is heavily peppered and spicy.  make a HT roll at +3

He finds it quite spicy, but not unpalatable.

Jendrich takes a few bites before really noticing the hotness. "Ah... mmm... Good stuff..." He says, before taking a swig of ale to make the heat bearable.

Ülo being the eternally hungry teenager, gratefully takes a small pile of jerky and a mug of ale.  She clearly finds it enjoyable, ripping chunk after chunk into smaller bits with her sharp canines.  "This is," rip, gnaw, "really good, it's not alkaline," rip gnaw, "or salmiak or ammonium," rip, rip, gnaw, "what do you," gnaw, rip, gnaw, "use to spice it?"


OOC:  19:45, Today: Ulo rolled 7 using 3d6.  Eating the Jerky, HT 17 (HT 11 + 3 +3 Res Met Haz). – [roll=1653867926.09194.257367]
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:36, Mon 30 May 2022.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 234):

The guildmaster makes a small nod of approval at everyone's tolerances for the hot stuff,"We use a number of Shevnian and Sahudese peppers, along with some we grow ourselves."
He looks hard at Rafik and Ulo's scars, at Hrunting 's relatively smooth features
"Rafik...I knew you I think... this witch burned you? Then you were right to take her hair. Tell me,are there any others of the Western reaches remaining?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:11, Mon 06 June 2022.

Grohm stood back and listened the trolls and hobs talk.  He ate a couple strips of jerky and enjoyed a little bit of ale.

Ülo stops eating and takes a long drink of ale to clear her throat.

"Those too old and too young to face the Guildsmen who invaded our home.  I live as, as the youngest witch, it was my task to hide them away until it was safe.  Rafik survived through the strength of his spirit and the luck that the invaders left with out burning all the fallen to ash.  When I returned after the invaders left... there was none alive, none I thought alive."  She punches Rafik gently in the shoulder.  "A few of the oldest remembered the old trading path to the Eastern Reaches, long disused due to the creatures that had taken up residence.  But, well, they felt that the unknown danger was safer than the surety of fire and sword, adn... I couldn't disagree.  I led the children and elderly to the Eastern Reaches and Elder Angrid was generous enough to take in those of us who made it."

She tucks the last few pieces of jerky into a pouch, she doesn't look hungry anymore.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 237):
"I have nothing but respect for Ulo and her people.
The path between the warrens was fraught with unexpected dangers,
and only their desperation led them through.
 I have learned that harrowing passage, and may be able to ferry goods between your peoples
As Brave Hrunting has said, His people desire wood, hemp, meats and vegetation from the surface,
his people have mushroom ale, and medicinal fungi, as well as gold to offer in trade."

This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Mon 30 May 2022.

In reply to Rushagorn Brokadin (msg # 239):

Angrilly he glares at the orc
"And who are you to broker this deal? We always dealt directly with the trollfolk, with Mokikki the trader and Ripkin the smith. I have had enough issues with orcs this last week."

In reply to Rafinko of the Ropemaker's Guild (msg # 240):

"Master Rafinko, I am Clair. I came with others during that conflict, and gave to Pallido the Quik that which he desired, and made the way safe for Glosso and Hramina.
Master Brodakin had no part in that conflict, and only wants to serve as a bridge."

In reply to Strong Clair (msg # 241):

"That business I recall... though I do not have the prodigious memory of Pallido, you seem vaguely familiar to me.
  I know Rushagorn Brodakin, even though he hasn't named himself.
He has been fighting for a position in the merchants' guild, and claiming his people are under represented.
The Urhaqi people hold most of the civil positions in sanitation and in the department of Aqueducts and Sewers.
Goblins have several crafting guilds and a seat on the merchants council.
What do my people have beside hemp?
Only a minor ranking in the United Dockworker and Longshoreman's Guild,
 with barely any of the benefits of the Guild of Brewers and Innkeepers
that usually come to the aid of those injured on the job.
So tell me again what need I have to trade with an Orc?"

In reply to Rafinko of the Ropemaker's Guild (msg # 242):

"I am willing to travel directly between these sites...through the field of eels, the Slorn lair, the halls of the necromancer.  Can you say the same?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Thu 02 June 2022.

In reply to Rushagorn Brokadin (msg # 243):

"Let me put this question to the Trolls: do you trust this orc to do your business for you?"

"So far he has performed his job admirably, so yes, we trust him."

In reply to Rafinko of the Ropemaker's Guild (msg # 244):

Hrunting nods.
"He did right by us so far."

In reply to troll warrior (msg # 246):

"Well then, we will see if his bargains favor us on this venture."



occ nobody but the orc has influence skills?

OOC:  Do we need a roll?  Ulo has Diplomacy, but that's if our Reaction isn't going well and a 13 is already a Good result, Ulo can't make it any better than it is.

Okay, wait... Ulo does have Sex Appeal, but that can only go hilariously awry.

OOC: I have Diplomacy and Intimidate... but only at 10 each, so I don't trust those skills too much.

OOC:  I have intimidation and fast talk but both are pretty low.  That said, Grohm is just muscle.  It's probably not his place to speak for the party.

Diplomacy is always trustworthy, it can never make a situation worse, only better as the GM uses the better of the two results, either his Reaction roll, or your Diplomacy, so you can never make it worse than it already was by using Diplomacy.  In fact, a failed Diplomacy can still make it go from Very Bad to just Bad, so if it's already that bad, always go ahead and try Diplomacy.

Intimidation on the other hand can make it significantly worse, and the others are just either Good or Bad, but Intimidation can make it Very Bad if you fail and the situation warrants it (specious Intimidation attempt).  And Sex Appeal is canonically the only Reaction Skill that can yield a Very Good result.

OOC: Yes, if you're doing the main roll. I figure any roll I make here would be as a Complementary roll, meaning I would give a +1 or a success, and a -1 on a failure, according to Social Engineering.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 252):

rolls have been developing  although an extra diplomacy  roll from a third party couldn't hurt

OOC: It's been almost a full week, I don't think any more rolls are forthcoming.  We just have to press on with what social gains we've made.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 254):

Begrudgingly, the guildmaster enters negotiations with Rush, but they go poorly, and there is only a 10% gain instead of the expected 20% on your investments.

You may cash out.

Rafinko proposes a return trip with wood and hemp in a few days time.

If you are up to the challenge, we can try the return trip, or foist it off on others, and investigate the western warrens, or simply regroup at the guild.


payout is $250 each plus investments
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Tue 14 June 2022.

He had a Gallon of wild honey to sell/trade ... I don't think it was purchased by the Trolls... so here I guess.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 256):

the trolls loved it, and bought it at 2× the price


additionally,having revied the threads, this run has been going on since the start of the pandemic,so everybody take 10 points
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:46, Wed 15 June 2022.

LoL... Take it Off ;-)
Or add it too?


OK< Saw the OOC Comment, Thanks
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Wed 15 June 2022.

OOC:  You might want to check my note over in the OOC thread... as we just got exp in April.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 257):

yes corrected, that is 4 points each

Is Ulo willing to teach her spell of cleaning and cutting up animals to me?
Syvanus is asking politely.

OOC:  I'm down for doing the return trip or whatever the rest of the crew wants to do. We still have to recover the slorn meat and hides anyway.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 262):


Additional pay is 5 sp each ($100) from Rush.

OOC: I'm fine with taking the trip back too.

He thinks that he would like to go back up to the guild for a bit... but is still waiting for Ulo to say something evil about him being a n Elf.
He did ask if she would share the spell that prepared her kills.

"Yes, we should return to the Eastern Reaches, and along the way I can move the tunnel to more go around the golem-wizard's rooms.  If you wish to remain in the Eastern Reaches long enough to learn the spell of preparing game, I'm happy to teach it, but it is not a simple spell, there are several spells that must be learned before it."

I have a few, my mage, which would I need?

"It requires you've mastered several spells that build on your magical knowledge of food, specifically; testing, purifying, and decaying food."


OOC:  You need Test Food to learn Purify Food to learn Decay Food to learn Prepare Game.
Yes, Ulo has many Food spells... many useless Food spells (useless for most delvers anyway).

In reply to Ulo (msg # 268):

I think those make you a valuable person among the trolls

Narrator:

I think those make you a valuable person among the trolls

OOC:  Well, yes.  But to delvers?  And Season, Far-Tasting, and Know Recipe?  Not useful to most delvers, and completely not on the Seek Food - Test Food - Cook Food - Create Food - Essential Food path that adventurers find so necessary.  ;)
Just need to pick up CooK Food and Ulo has all the Food spells she needs.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 270):

for those interested in the return trip, Rush has decided sgainst the wagon, and is going for packs with redundant content so thst you can proceed single file past the eels etc.

those Not interested in the return trip can cash out and return to the guild via the surfsce.

He will bid all the crew Adieu, especially Ulo, who he feels a bit sorry for; but then will return to the Guld hall.

Not sure exactly what the cash out was.

OOC:  Not joining the return trip and then the possible "Recon into the Western Reaches" mission if Ulo convinces Elder Angrid it might be worth it to retake the troll warrens?

Might be back for that, who knows...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 274):

If going on the return trip,it might be worth negotiating your fees.


Syvanus is done with the underground  for now, Grimaldi has departed, this leaves Ulo, Jendrich, and Grohm'Tahl for the return

"Of course Master Rushagorn, I need to return to the Eastern Reaches and report to Elder Angrid.  Continuing to journey with your company is not just my duty, but a pleasure."

OOC:  If Grimaldi does not want to do the return, there is no real reason for me to do it and force the GM to run a whole thread just for me.

On the other hand, Grohm is trying to raise his reputation and sticking it out for the return trip would help since people would know that he sticks out a job until it is complete. Being known as a reliable and steadfast partner is probably worth a lot within the guild.

Questions.  Did we agree to hire on as protection for a one way trip or round trip?  I would think we would have to go back the whole way we came, except for the trolls who are near their home now.

How do the hobs get their rope and weed to market?  Do they trade down here or take it up? Is there a different way back than the way we came?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Thu 30 June 2022.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 277):

Grimaldi's player bounced at the end of April.
The terms of your hire were 1 way, and I think your character has at least a temporary reaction bonus from hobgoblins.

the way back may be easier now that you know it.

the hobs could always travel overland and send goods down the elevator, but the trolls, one group of which were allies, prefer underground trade.

more importantly for the trolls would be the reacquisition of their former warren, currently handled by another faction in the guild.

OOC:  That can take place secondarily.  Now that Ulo is aware that there are members of the Adventuring Guild in leadership positions who aren't just thieving murder-hoboes, she's a little more willing to stick her neck out above ground to negotiate a way forward.

And of course she needs to do things she's never needed before and has no idea how to do it, like investigate Duclare and his political ties possibly.

But, as a purely OOC aside, she plans to investigate the Warrens first, see what has happened there since her people were driven out a few weeks ago.  She'd be happy to have Grohm'Tahl, Jendric, Syvanus, and anyone else who wants to come along (a certain catboy who might be friends with Hitomi who is a known friend of Elder Angrid's tribe), also anyone who does a return trip would see a split of any proceeds off the slorn carcasses and more importantly, the eggs, basically just for coming along as we've already dealt with them and sealed them up (baring any deals Master Rushagorn makes, he might consider them a 'prize' of the caravan as they were killed while under his pay).

Grohm said his goodbyes to the remaining party members.

"Sylvanus, it has been good fighting alongside of you.  I will see you in the guild halls later."

He turned Ulo and said, "Ulo, you fight bravely and represent your tribe with honor.  I know in time that you will be worthy of being named an elder. If you ever need my help send word to the guild up top and I will come."

"Rushagorn. Thank you for the work. I hope that I have served honorably. I will take my leave and my pay. Please consider me in the future if you have need of my glaive."


OOC: Sorry.  I meant Jendrich, not Grimaldi.  In either case, if the contract was one way, I suppose that we can wrap this up.

Ulo, give me a week to sort out somethings and Iwill assist you either inthe guld or in the warrens. I think something very wrong has been done.

"Thank you both.  Yes, maybe some time will be helpful.  I think I have to speak with some people in your Guild, and not those who profited off my tribes slaughter.  I did not realize your people were so varied in outlook.  I will contactt you both again when I've prepared to investigate or retake the Warrens."

"I'm not sure how much help I would be in retaking your warrens, but I would gladly assist you to the best of my abilities." Jendrich tells Ulo.

OOC: Sorry for not replying sooner, I just couldn't think of anything to add to the discussion.

"Thank you, when I seek out the other two, I will seek you as well."



OOC:  Are you planning to return with the caravan, or he'd straight up and back to the Guild?

OOC: I am willing to return with the caravan, but if the other guild members return to the guild, I'll return with them.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 285):

"It may take a little time to gather the trade goods; Why don't you return to your guild and rest, you will be welcome here in the morning."

this will let folks spend points, and maybe let me sort out what everyone wants to do.

the trolls Hrunting and Mikowski  will stay here.

Sounds Good, Syvanus is interested in getting some magic spells. then likely go back to see Ulo.
He'll want to look for some other stuff too.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 287):

to be continued in In The Guild

link to a message in this game

and thence into Trading with trolls 4
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:00, Sat 13 May 2023.