mood music

Titan's Gate is a massive port city which you've each come to for your own purpose. Last night you slept at The Scoundrel and Dirk, a decent tavern just inside the main gate to the city. The dwarf owner was kind enough to give you a space to sleep despite the sleeping rooms and common room being fairly full.

Ash-gray clouds crying a steady drizzling rain greet you again come the morning. The common room of the tavern is busy due to the rain. A man in regalia noting him to be part of the Titans Gate guard comes in and puts a posting onto the common room board atop many others already there.

[Private to Jor'en: You've come looking for a member of the Whisper who's turned rogue and used his knowledge of the shadowy places to turn a profit by selling people into slavery.]

[Private to Kaizen Kost: You came to Titan's Gate seeking Nyshma. A man in Pallem mentioned seeing someone matching her description while moving through the large city days before you met him]

[Private to Omaron Stonehammer: Something in the earth brought you here - a rumbling the ground  which broke a small beaver dam you saw in the woods outside of Arden many days go. The spirits are strange in their signs but on you came.]

[Private to GM: Steady drizzle falls from the ash-gray sky. The crowded, rain slicked buildings seem especially bleak and frightful this morning, as though hunched together beneath the tireless rain. A few lights burn in their eyes, but most of their shutters are still closed. The scent of chimney smoke fills the air, and you hear the din of water trundling from rooftops, splashing into dark alleys, and turning the street gutters into rivulets.
]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Thu 19 Jan 2017.

Jor'en moved gracefully across the room. The young man nodded or smiled at those who caught his eye as he made way toward the the board.

"Here's hoping for decent work..." He muttered to himself. "If I have to guard one more caravan through a 'spooky wood' I'll be off my rocker, that's for sure."

He looked closely at the postings. A diligent observer would note he ran his finger across some, sounding the words out silently.

On the small stage stands a dragonborn clad in colorful desert garb known to be of Zir with only the dragonborn's red eyes can be seen. They gently strums a simsimiyya and hums a tune as those about the common room eat.

The post reads


This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Thu 19 Jan 2017.

Although Kaizen sat quietly like a church mouse seemingly poring over the pages of a reasonably maintained ironbound tome, he didn't hide off in a corner like a mouse however. No, he sat alone at a centrally-located table in the common room of the Scoundrel and Dirk tavern. Occasionally, his his left hand meandered away from the tome and stole a spoonful of barley porridge with watermelon chunks for his mouth from the steaming bowl on the table before him, or one of his feet tapped along with the lyrical beats provided by the dragonborn minstrel briefly. However, he remained surprisingly idle overall. Contrary to appearances, Kaizen wasn't reading the tome. Rather, eavesdropped on the conversations of the tavern's patrons. Sure, most of what he overheard consisted of mundane, tall, or tawdry affairs, but he learned long ago the value of taverns when searching for information. "The scummier, the better," Nyshma used to say. In fact, he was in Titan's Gate because of something he'd overheard in a tavern in Pallem. Now he waited, listened in the hopes of catching a new lead in his search for his estranged sister, that was until he caught a glimpse of something that stood out among the crowd gathered in the tavern almost as much as he did: an on-duty member of the city guard.

Kaizen lowered his tome slightly and peered out over it at the guardsman as the man tacked yet another sheet of parched on the already cluttered bulletin board across the way. He couldn't read anything on the bulletin board from his seat, and already he wondered what sort of business was important enough to drag the city guard into an establishment like the Scoundrel and Dirk. "One way to find out," began Kaizen indistinctly before he pushed his chair away from the table he sat at then hopped up. After he secured the tome it appeared he'd been reading to its holster at the right side of his waist, he weaved through the crowded common room for the bulletin board. He arrived moments after Jor'en, whose remarks he overheard as he approached but chose to ignore, for now, and stood just off to the man's left while he too read the new posting. "Equal number of men and women." Again Kaizen spoke in a low tone as if his words were for him alone. "The neglected perhaps?" After retreating into his thoughts for a few seconds more, Kaizen looked up to Jo'ren. Unlike before, the words that followed were spoken loudly and clearly enough for Jo'ren to understand easily.

"It seems your wish has been granted. Tell me, what do you make of these disappearances?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Tue 20 Mar 2018.

Omaron strides toward the bulletin board, his eyes seeming to follow something unseen as he does so. He stops near the other two travelers, and a slight breeze ruffles the new posting, drawing his attention. He reads the missive silently, slowly, thick fingers running through his thick, well maintained beard.
"Well," his voice is smoother than you'd have thought, "the spirits have spoken. For whatever their reasons, the ancient ones have lain this path before us." The soothing words are cut off suddenly, a deep, wracking cough nearly doubling the young dwarf over as he covers his mouth. "My apologies, gentlemen. Shall we inquire as to the specifics of this venture? Oh yes,my name is Omaron, formerly of the Stonehammer enclave, and I believe we shall soon be well acquainted."

Jor'en looked down at the two new comers. He put his hand on his forehead saying "Just my luck. A sickly dwarf, a sprat no higher than a Kythorn beetle and a bunch of missing orphans. If I don't die keeping you two alive, I'll be rewarded with three scraps of bread from Saint Cuthbert hisself. Well...literally anything is better than another guard job. So what in the Nine Hells, I'm in. Can we at least have a drink first? I'm Jor'en by the way, that's J-O-R-dash-E-N so you can get the spelling right on my tombstone..." He ended with a broad smirk, extending a hand to each of the diminutive pair in turn.

"Well, Jor'en, I am called Omaron," the dwarf draws a somewhat ragged breath, stifling another coughing fit. "Let not my health be of concern. I speak with the elements, and they have seen me fit to champion their cause. I am more than well enough, in spite of the cough." He draws himself up to his full height, and something about his presence makes you want to believe his words. Maybe it's the fire in his eyes, or the whisper of wind about his person. Maybe it's the way he seems grounded, as though the earth carries him rather than being trod upon.

"I see you've been trained well," retorted Kaizen after Jor'en's insolent remarks. "That's good. It's tiring constantly explaining the basics to your sort." Kaizen knew Jor'en's type: brute. He wasn't fond of brutes but understood that they had their uses. As long as Jor'en proved his usefulness, Kaizen would tolerate him. He wouldn't cut him any slack on the foolishness however. Jor'en needed to earn such a privilege. Mercifully, Omaron was much more amenable. Sure, it seemed he was a kook who believed that the basic elements, such as fire, had sentience and could bestow power, but there were far worse faults one could have in his view. Unlike Jor'en, he wasn't particularly concerned about Omaron's health, or lack thereof. It was Omaron's business alone so long as it didn't become a problem. Thus, with politeness at the forefront of his mind, Kaizen turned to face Omaron.

"Greetings Omaron. I am known as Kaizen Kost." Kaizen wasn't familiar with the greeting practices of dwarves and thus allowed Omaron to determine whether they exchanged anything more than words while he instead sized up the dwarf. Omaron certainly looked capable. That was good. It was important to him that the mission to rescue the kidnapped villagers ended successfully. He needed some positivity in his life after the recent tragedies he'd suffered. "Yes, I believe we should be on our way. The longer we wait, the less likely we are to pick up the trail of the kidnapped villagers." Kaizen stepped aside and allowed either one of Jor'en or Omaron to lead the way. Given common prejudices, he suspected that the trio would have more success interacting with Ruphus Laro if either of the adult members led things.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Tue 20 Mar 2018.

Omaron accepts Jor'en's offered hand, his grip firm and steady. "I suppose drinks are the proper way to start such a venture," he says, gesturing for someone to lead the way to a table. "Either of you know where the Cuthberthian church is?"

At the bar, Shakurd, the dwarf owner of The Scoundrel and Dirk, eyes the trio before saying, "Think another group went over to the church yesterday lookin' for those folks, but if I know the church they'll take more help if your gonna offer." She pours a glass of wine which a serving boy runs off to a table. "Church is in the temple district just outside the gates to the old city."

"Ah, excellent, Mistress Helmoral. Compliments to the house, and to the lovely proprietor of the same," Omaron bows deeply. He then orders a decent dwarven ale, though not an extravagant vintage.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Wed 25 Jan 2017.

"Same ale for me. How about you kid? I bet they have goat's milk here."

Jor'en gave the young arcanist a wry smile and seated himself next to the dwarf.

Shakurd nods and produces a pair of tankards from above the bar then fills from a tap that has a barrel at the top with dwarvish runes on it. Omaron recognizes the tap handle as being from the clan of Strongbrew, a well known dwarf brewers who make some of the best and strongest beers and spirits in the land. "Strongbrew's Demon Dark'll do you two, the kid will have goat's milk. Do the three of you want food?"

Omaron drinks his ale in silence, downing half the mug in a single pull. He observes the tavern's clientele, finishing his drink and returning the mug to the bar. He waits for the others to finish their drinks patiently, though is clearly desiring to get on to the church.

The tavern is filled with people, a handful of ratcatchers sits about the place - one group is made of three halflings and two elves all of whom seem to have some connection to nature. [Private to Omaron Stonehammer:  see Guardians of the Wilds description]

Omaron hears the mutterings of the tavern, what he makes of them is his own business.

[Private to Omaron Stonehammer: She is a retired second story worker has a hidden cache of stolen treasure around her some where.

Someone's offering money for hunting ears in the Dead Kingdom.

An order of demonic cultists has slain the elementals which guarded an artifact near the ancient Dwarven city of Vangrim

The village of Ravens Bluff is besieged by orc and goblins

Someone or thing called the Lost Hive of Mubunu has assassination or taken a group of adventurers]

Jor'en waved his hand to imply he was not interested in food. He finished his ale quickly and was ready to depart.

OOC: I wanted to give Kaizen a bit to longer to post but also don't want to slow y'all down ... so moving on!

---

The three of you head out of The Scoundrel and Dirk into the streets of Titans Gate where the comings and goings of city life is are full swing despite the drizzling. Vendors are set up along the streets -selling meat on sticks, hot beverages, breads, etc. People are making their way to wherever they might be heading. Making your way through the hustle and bustle of the city is much easier than expect thanks to the directions given to you by Shakurd and due to you looking to be moving with purpose which causes most to get out of your way, though a few vendors do try to hock their goods.

After about a twenty minutes or so of walk, you arrive at a two story structure made of white marble with veins of vivid blue. It stands in stark contrast to the wood and stone buildings around it. A pair of white marble statues depicting armored warriors stand on either side of the temple's heavy oaken door. Each of the statues has a mace raised toward the darkened sky. Above the door's marble architrave are boldly inscribed the following words : WITHIN LAW LIVES HOPE.

Jor'en rolled his eyes and scoffed at the dramatic exterior of the temple.

"These fellas take themselves far to seriously, if you ask me."

He opened the large front doors, holding them open so his smaller companions could follow him inside.

"Most do," Omaron says, nodding in thanks as he walks into the temple. He looks for an acolyte or clerk, someone who can direct them within the temple itself.

The interior of the building is utilitarian with simple wooden pews, a raised stone pulpit, a donation box, and very little else. The dozen small windows of stained glass and a few dozen tapestries,  each depicting Saint Cuthbert fighting agents of chaos and evil, are the only adornments visible.

A mousy looking fellow who's currently sporting a black eye that might be a few days old, approaches you after a moment or two of you entering the building. "May I be of some help to you gentlemen?"

"Aye, we are responding to a posting," Omaron covers a stifled cough, then continues. "A posting regarding missing villagers." He scanned the spartan interior of the temple. He'd never been inside a temple to St. Cuthbert, but he was rather surprised. He'd always been told human temples were gaudy, overblown affairs, but this one seemed downright sensible. Very little wasted space, good airflow, even the acoustics were quite decent. Maybe a dwarven architect had designed the building.

"Of course of course, I am Ruphus Laro, please come in." the youthful priest leads you into a room adjacent to the entry. The room is has a pair of chairs flank a fireplace with a table between them. There's a heavy door beside the roaring fire and on the far side of the room is a wall filled with bookcases.

Ruphus motions to the chairs, "Wait here for a moment while I go get our head priest."

Omaron scans through the laden bookshelves as they wait.

Some of the titles that Omaron's eye are Bellia's Parchments[Private to GM: : This obscure compendium is written in illuminated script and bound in monstrous hide trimmed with bone.], Ederys' Parchments of Necromancy[Private to GM:  :This tome is bound in monstrous hide.], Genesin's Folio[Private to GM: : This folio of parchments is bound by a fine chain. When used in vocation, this tome provides a +1 bonus to checks using mason's tools.], The Prosiusistr Slates[Private to GM: : This impressive tome is bound in leather. When used in divine research, this tome provides a +1 bonus to Intelligence (Relgion) checks.], The Heavenly Codex of Einnar[Private to GM: : This exotic tome is written in blood and bound in monstrous hide trimmed with bone. A seemingly unrelated list of materials has been added near the back of the tome.], The Empyrean Codex of Cairbra[Private to GM: : This obscure book is written upon vellum and bound in leather with bronze hinges and fittings. It is locked by magic, and can be opened only in a mirror.], The Eternal Compendium of Cidoro[Private to GM: : This set of scrolls is contained in an electrum coffer. Several of its pages are cemented together with sulphurous pitch.], The Gili Esoterica[Private to GM: : This eldritch libram is bound in carved wood plates. It is locked by magic, and can be opened only by a maiden's kiss.], The Eodhait Slates[Private to GM: : This libram is bound in leather trimmed with fox fur. A map of the local area, with several landmarks drawn in red ink, has been added in the middle of the tome.], and The Malign Parchments of Menesyll[Private to GM: : This book is bound in monstrous hide. A map of the elemental planes has been added near the back of the tome.].
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 23:51, Tue 31 Jan 2017.

Jor'en flops down in a chair and stretches his legs out, twiddling his thumbs while he waits for the young priest to return.

Walking out from the door that Ruphus went through comes a young woman with premature streaks of gray in her rich brown hair.  She wears a brown robe with gold trim and the symbol of St. Cuthbert around her neck. She closes the door behind her and looks at the two of you, "G'morning gentlemen, I am Jenya Urikas the acting high priest here. Brother Ruphus says you're hear about the missing people, is that correct?"

"Indeed, madam," Omaron says, bowing. He stifles a short cough. "We saw a posting down in a local tavern that directed us here, so here we stand. I am Omaron Stonehamer, and my companion is Jor'en. Does the church have an areawhere we should begin looking for the missing people?"

The head priest nods to the dwarf as she takes out a sheet of paper and hands it to Omaron, in a flowing script it reads :

The locks are key to finding them
Look beyond the curtain, below the gate,
Beware the doors with teeth.
Descend into the malachite 'hold,
Where precious life is bought with gold.
Half a dwarf binds them, but no for long.

"We have the Star of Justice here which can give insight into events every span* or so. I asked 'Where are the children who were abducted from the Lateran Street Orphanage?', and it gave us that riddle."

"We have a pair of campaigners out looking who started yesterday. I am told me they were last scene at the shop of Keygan Ghelve a locksmith by trade, over off Lavender Street in the Merchant District. I would recommend going there. That letter should vouch for you. I told the other group, we would pay 500 gold to see the children back unharmed and that offer extends to you as well."

OOC: *Span is the common term for a week.

A broad smile bloomed on Jor'en's face at the mention of coin.

"Now that's what I wanted to hear, healthy coin for a job well done. Any idea who may be involved? Does the church have other organizations or individuals it feuded with?"

She frowns slightly, "Sadly we do not. We had one of our agents assaulted yesterday by the Last Laugh a local thieves guild, of some influence unfortunately. I can only imagine that they have something on Keygan Ghelve."

"Well, I suppose the first step then would be to talk to this Ghelve," Omaron says, glancing at Jor'en. "Thieves' guilds are notoriously slippery. It's doubtful they would give us the time of day, let alone any indication of their subterfuge. Shall we?" He gestures for Jor'en to lead the way.

Jor'en waited just long enough for his dwarven companion to turn and leave. He gave the priestess a suggestive wink and followed, whistling a lively tune.

Cobble stone streets glisten from the rain. Grey clouds block the sun and keep the port town cool.  After about an hour or so you find yourselves in a nicer district of town, with artisans shop lining the streets. A small turret dominates the facade of this two-story black stone building. Iron bars are embedded in the thick window frames. Beyond the turret's ground-floor windows you can see a lovely display of locks, from large to small, simple to complex. To the left of the turret, above a heavy oak door, swing a simple sign that reads GHELVE'S LOCKS

Omaron walks up to the heavy oak door, and enters the shop.

Jor'en glanced behind them, looking to see if they were being followed. He then followed his dwarven companion inside.

---

08:59, Today: Jor'en rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Perception.

This storefront smells of wood and pipe smoke. Two padded chairs flank a hearth containing a small yet lively fire. The fireplace's carved mantle bears a tinderbox, a small vase of dried smoking leaves, and a finely wrought collection of pipes. A burgundy strip of carpet leads from the entrance to the wall across from it, where dozens - perhaps hundreds - of keys hang from tiny hooks. The keys come in all shapes and sizes. A handsomely engraved mahogany counter stretches along one wall. Behind it hangs a red curtain that neatly hides the rest of the store.

Behind the counter is a dwarf working on a lock. The dwarf is standing over the counter and appears to be older with salt and pepper hair, a perfectly trimmed mustache and goatee. He looks up as you enter and nods, "How may I help you gentlemen?"

"We are investigating a number of disappearances," Omaron says, casually surveying the shop as he approaches the dwarf. "Certain sources of information have led us to your humble shop. Do you know anything regarding kidnappings in the area?"

OOC:
Persuasion- 17
Insight- 23
Omaron isn't the best people person, and as such is rather blunt, but he means well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:14, Thu 09 Feb 2017.

The dwarf nods to Omaron, "I see ... do you have something aside from your word? Keygan is guarding something and there is a faint smell of copper in the air...

Jor'en walked casually toward the counter.

"Show him the paper the priestess gave you master dwarf."

As he approached he quickly looked over the counter, suspecting trouble.

---

I'll ready an action to vault over the counter if I see anything untoward.

Looking over the counter Jor'en notes that Keygan as rather LONG legs for a dwarf. Behind the dwarf are two red curtains that are pulled closed, probably a stock room Jor'en's working knowledge of shops tells him. Jo'ren can just see a patch of stone beyond that's darker in color than the stone around it ...

With a single fluid motion Jor'en hurdles the counter. He lands on the other side and makes a dash toward the stain.

"Oh my a stain! Allow me to help you clean that."

While the his physical ability is impressive, Jor'en's ruse is downright terrible.

---

19:56, Today: Jor'en rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Deception .
19:55, Today: Jor'en rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Acrobatics.

Omaron pulls the parchment out and lays it on the counter. "The Chirch of Saint Cuthbert sent us here," he says with authority. "You would be best served by aiding in our search. Now, what did you have to tell the first group? Where did they go?"

"The others said they'd save my daughter," Keygan says as Jor'en vault over the counter. The dwarf looks over and shakes his head, "A bit overly dramatic..."

The rogue finds himself in what appears to be a store room. There are curtains partially obscure the window niche that faces the street. The room itself looks tidy, but lived in. Carpets cover the stone floor, and a broom leans against the railing of a wooden staircase leading up to a second floor balcony. Three wooden chests rest in the middle of the floor, their lids bound shut with sturdy iron padlocks. Small tables, shelves, and benches hold various knick-knacks, and a framed portrait of a silver-haired gnome hangs next to a tall wooden box at the base of the stairs.

To Jor'en's left is a rather large circular gear like door approximately four feet in diameter with a series of dwarven runes carved into it. Leaning against the first chest is a foot long slim rectangular rod with the same runes carved along it.

OOC: MAP

Door + rod/key :


Runes:

"Save your daughter?" Omaron repeated. "Save her from what?"

The dwarf slumps onto the counter, obviously not proud of what he's about to day. "Well the reason those kids got taken so quick and quiet without any trace ... well they took my daughter and forced me to make master keys to my locks."

"All of your locks?" Omaron wondered how many potential victims that alloted for. "Who forced you to do this? Do you know where they took your daughter or any of the other victims?"

"I don't know who they are. They're two types in the groups - tall and short ones.

The tall ones look like naked hairless, gender-less humans with blue pupilless eyes and gray skin which changes color to allow them to blend in. They usual come in pairs and always leave here cloaked.

The short ones are sinister halfling like creatures with pallid skin, large noses, and soft black hooves. They are always in black cloaks in cowls."

He points to the gear door beyond the curtains, "They took her and the others to Jzadirune  through the portal there."

OOC: Roll History to see if Omaron knows abotu Jzadirun.
[Private to GM: As though anticipating the question he continues, "Jzadirune was a small enclave inhabited by we dwarfs, but it abandoned when the drow came up from below and took over the area some 75 years go. The drow had developed a magical plague, we called it the Vanishing and it caused people to slowly fade into nothing ..."]

"And is that where the other group from the church went?" Omaron asks, dredging his memory for anything he can remember of Jzaridun.

OOC:
History- 21

Omaron has heard of Jzadirune. It was a small enclave inhabited by the Dwarfs of Korim in the mountains of Kalazanbaar - the two groups worked together on furthering their magical and mechanical knowledge. It "abandoned" when the Drow attacked from Underdark some 75 years go.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:23, Wed 15 Feb 2017.

Jor'en looked at the stain one the floor, pretending to try and wipe it up. The whole while he listened to the locksmith tell his tale.

"After they killed the tall one who was watching me, I sent them through the portal in the other room to the entry to Jzadirune in the Broken Spine. They've been gone now some twelve hours now."

"Well,then," Omaron muses, glancing at Jor'en, "I suppose we should follow them into the ruins, eh? Master Ghelve, if you would be so kind as to open the gate." His tone makes it clear that he's not asking the locksmith to open the way, but is soft enough that the dwarf knows that Omaron has sympthy for his situation.

Keygan nods, "Of course, of course."

He makes his way to the curtain and opens it. Glancing down at Jor'en the dwarf says, "Come come now, let us not put on such pretenses." He makes his way to one of the chests where he steadies himself then sits. He pulls up his pants legs and begins takes off what appears to be 3' tall stilts. After removing them he learns the stilts against the chest,rolls up his pants, and hops down. "I'll open the gate from this site, you'll see the entry to the conclave easily enough after you go through."

Taking the strange key in hand, Keygan inserts it into the a diamond shaped opening in portal and turns it to the right. A moment later the hum of magics fills the room as the gears like door opens revealing a blue white swirling portal.

Standing sheepishly, Jor'en followed Omaron through the portal. He had read the whole situation wrong and was highly embarrassed as a result.

Omaron unlimbers his shield, locking the strap around his forearm and pulls his battleaxe from his belt. His features take on a stone-like cast with a minute whisper. "Well," he is momentarily interrupted by a fit of coughing, "I suppose this is where the river meets the bed. Jor'en?" He inclines his head to his newfound companion, then steps through the swirling portal.

OOC:
Readying shield and axe, activating Stoneshield aura (allies within 10' gain +1 to AC).

mood music

Stepping out of the portal, the ground under your feet gives a little as the ice and snow crack from your weight. Looking around, you find yourselves high on a mountain with the wind gusting as snow falls all around you. Nearby are ruins of several small buildings, whose purpose is lost to time and the elements. Tattered and sun bleached banners of Kalazanbaar and Korim still fly a top one of the ruined buildings. Some twenty or thirty feet north of the portal the ground gives way to an abrupt ravine, a drop hundreds of feet to distant icy peaks below. The other side of the ravine is a hundred feet away. You can just make out the once grand entrance to Jzadirune. It had caved in at some point in the past but some of rubble-strewn wreck has obviously been cleared.



Once there was a mighty feat of now impossible engineering across this ravine, a bridge built in sections on titanic chains, but one of the chains gave way taking the bridge with it. Only one giant chain remains as a way across, slick with ice and snow. There are four distinct set of footprints (three bipeds and one quadruped) in the snow and ice which head towards the chain from the portal.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:42, Tue 21 Feb 2017.

Omaron gapes at the engineering and construction feat before them, utterly in awe of the creation of dwarves long past. Pride swelled in his breast, whispers echoing in his ears of ancestors past. He shakes his head, clearing the prideful thoughts and blows a raspberry through his lips.
"Well, I guess we can just follow along until we find the forward group, eh?" he nods to the tracks before the two of them. "Shouldn't be much to slow us down if they've done a good job of it."

The young human spun a full three sixty, marveling at the teleportation from the simple shop into a far away ruin.

"Agreed. Be wary though, we wouldn't want to walk into a same or similar trap."

Jor'en followed after the dwarf. The young dwarf kept his weapons sheathed, better to have hands free on such a treacherous hike.

As you follow the footprints closer to the chain path, you each can make out what appears to be the footprints of a large four legged beast approximate fifty feet the left of the massive chain. The ground near the prints looks like something had stirred up the area. There is an semicircle area where the snow in lower and a slight ridge of snow outside the area as though a great force of wind pushed the snow away.

From across the chain you see dozens, maybe even hundreds, of skeletons on the ground around the entrance way, the site of some great battle. The bodies and ground are peppered as though with a great swarm of arrows. A path on the other side of the ravine splits off to the right, one path headed north, up beyond the entrance way, and the other to the east, to the ruins of a once towering observatory.

"Hmm, time for a decision, it would seem," Omaron ruminates. "Observatory?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Thu 23 Feb 2017.

From across the ravine you can't make out where anyone has gone. As the pair of you get closer to the chain, you see ice on the links has been cracked in areas leading across. Even with these footprints crossing could be dangerous.

"Seems as good a place to start as any."

Jor'en crossed his arms and ducked his head. He hadn't expected to be transported into the ice and snow. Shivering, he followed his companion toward the observatory.

OOC: Think I have misrepresented things ... so here's a bad map of where you are in relation to things

"Well, no use lollygagging," Omaron says gruffly, turning his cloak against yhe chill wind. He hunches against the gusts and steps onto the enormous chain bridge.

"Better to fall to our deaths sooner, rather than later?"

Jor'en quips as he follows the dwarf across the massive chain.

The pair step onto the massive chain to cross the ravine. Wind with bits of ice cuts through your clothing and causes the chain to shift more than either of you expect.

Once across, Omaron and Jor'en find themselves standing at what once was a most imposing entry. The roof has long since fallen and bones of the long dead litter the ground, any flesh has long picked from the bone by scavengers. Arrows of various sizes are still stuck in the ground here, many still stand through the bodies they slew. Various prints litter the snow covered ground. Many of the skeletal forms have obvious been moved.

A ramp leads to the entrance of Jzadirune, a thirty foot round gear door - similar to the portal you entered in Titan's Gate. The gate stands closed, holding back the elements and here too the ruins of Jzadirune were carved , these easily three feet high each. To the left of the door it seems someone has dug into the cliff face perhaps to get past the door.

"Let me take the lead for a bit."

Jor'en moves to the front, searching the entrance for any traps.

---

Perception or investigation to search for traps?

OOC: Let's go with perception please

13:58, Today: Jor'en rolled 18 using 1d20+4. Perception.

Jor'en finds no traps at the entry, however he does see small hoof prints in the dust around those of the quartet of recent passersby.

Omaron bows graciously, keeping a careful watch froma respectable distance. His gaze covers the unexplored approaches to their position, watching for any hostile or suspicious activity.

OOC:
Perception- 13

"In addition to the the prints we saw earlier there are some hoof prints here, and also here."

Crouching, he points at the ground to point his findings out to his companion. Unless Omaron objects he heads inside.

Both of you recall the shop keeper mentioning one of the two type of kidnappers had hooves.

Omaron nods at Jor'en's findings, allowing him to lead the way inside. He concentrates briefly, beseeching the elements for protection. Jor'en feels as though the earth itself feels a particular affinity and protective affection for him as the aura envelops the pair.

OOC:
Activating my aura of protection. Myself and allies within 10' gain a +1 to AC. I'll stay close enough to Jor'en that he gains the benefit.

Jor'en heads into the opening and lights a torch.

Jor'en's torch light flickers off of cobwebs creating eerie shadows, the ten feet wide stairs decent down into the unknown. Jor'en notices grooves on the outside of the stairs about 4 inches wide that run deeper than the stair. After thirty feet there is a landing before the the stair decent continues. Foot prints from the previous group are obvious in the dust as well.

"Well," Omaron wheezes, cough quelled by a frozen fist. "At least we know we're going the right way."

"Shall we try and determine the fate of the other group? Maybe they've already found the missing children."

Omaron nods, "That would seem to be the most efficient course of action."

Sweeping the torch from side to side, Jor'en moved slowly forward following the foot prints of those that came before.

The staircase descends another twenty feet before coming to a another landing - the third so far. From this landing you both can hear strange sounds emanating from the beyond, specifically chirping birds, rustling leaves, and cheery giggles. The landing itself is bare save for an empty iron torch sconce mounted on the south wall.

Jor'en passed the torch to Omaron.

"I'll scout ahead and see what that is." He whispers to the dwarf before slinking ahead.

---

07:03, Today: Jor'en rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Perception.
07:03, Today: Jor'en rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Stealth.

"Be safe," Omaron whispers as Jor'en moves into the shadowed passageway. He strained his ears for any sound of the human encountering trouble.

As Jor'en passes the torch holder on his left, he feels a slight movement of air from it.

The man stops and sniffs the air. He then begins searching the wall for a hidden passage.

Investigation or perception?

Ooc Investigation

22:11, Today: Jor'en rolled 20 using 1d20+3. Investigation.

Its rather obvious to Jor'en that the sconce turns. A few moments of looking taking a look, Jor'en is able to determine the turning the empty torch holder to the left will trigger a tilting floor trap and to the right will open a door.

Jor'en moved back to Omaron and reclaimed the torch. Silently motioning for the dwarf to follow him he leads his companion to the secret door. He quickly explains the mechanism then opens the door, unless the dwarf objects.

Omaron moves off the trapdoor indicatedby Jor'en, then silently waits for his partner to operate the catches.

Through the secret door we go.

OOC: Copy that!

---

Carefully Jor'en turns the sconce which causes a ten foot section of the southern wall to spin open revealing a 10 ft wide by 20 ft long chamber. You can make out hook prints which cross from the now open doorway to the far wall (west side).

[Private to GM: Slime Pit: DC 15 Dexterity, Wisdom (Perception) DC 14 to spot, Dexterity DC 14 to disable]

Jor'en steps into the room and takes a quick look around before following the hoofed tracks.

"At least the enemy has left us a trail," Omaron rumbles quietly. He stays close behind Jor'en, granting the both of them the earth's protection.

As the pair look over the room they've revealed they note something isn't quite right about the last five feet or so near the far/west wall. It doesn't take Jor'en long to sort it out, a pit trap. The floor in that area has an crease down the center which isn't matched anywhere else in the room.

Jor'en put a hand on his dwarven companion, stopping him before he activated the trap. The young man then looked around, hoping to find a way around or over the nasty trap.

Omaron glances at Jor'en's interrupting hand questioningly, scanning the room.

OOC: Investigation please!
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Wed 22 Mar 2017.

15:07, Today: Jor'en rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13.  Investigation .

As Jor'en scans the room he's fairly sure there is a switch which stops the trap but where it is he isn't sure. The rogue pulls a couple of wedges from his thieves tools and slips into the sides of the trap which would tilt down and cause the trap to spring, effectively disabling the trap.

Now there's that questionable wall ...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:18, Wed 22 Mar 2017.

Confident the trap door is secure, Jor'en moved to inspect the wall.

21:24, Today: Jor'en rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13.  Investigation.

As Jor'en inspect the east wall he hears a clicking sound from the floor below him. A moment later a section of the wall Jor'en was looking at opens to reveal a hobgoblin! Said hobgoblin has a bow in hand and looks slightly surprised as he looks at the floor where he was obviously expecting a pit trap to have opened only to see it did not.

OOC: Guess it is time for combat

15:30, Today: DM5 rolled 6,20 using d20,d20 with rolls of 6,20.  Initiative - PCs vs Hobgoblins.

and hobgoblins go first.

ROUND 1
Hobgoblin
PCs

MAP

---

The hobgoblin recovers from his surprise in time to drop his bow and draw is longsword. "INTRUDERS!" he bellows before slicing at Jor'en with his blade.

OOC: 15:47, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6.  Attack vs Jor'en .
Swing and a miss!

Jor'en and Omaron are up!

Omaron steps forward, taking a defensive position before the hobgoblin. As he raises his axe, he calls, "With Ignan's might, you will be burned from this existence!" Fire wreathes the blade, igniting the hobgoblin as the axe slices across the creature's chest.

---

22:26, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Searing Smite dmg.
22:26, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 7 using 1d8+2 with rolls of 5.  Battleaxe dmg.
22:16, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 22 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 18.  Attack.

---

Action: Attack hobgoblin (Hit 22 AC, 5 slash + 6 fire dmg)
Move Action: Move to face hobgoblin
Bonus Action: Cast Searing Smite

---

HP: 14/14  AC 14/16
Buffs/Debuffs: Stoneshield Aura (Omaron and allies within 10' get +1 AC)
Conditions:
Spells: 1/2 Spell Slots

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:00, Thu 30 Mar 2017.

Jor'en drew his rapier and lunged at the creature, jabbing it in the side with his blade. He then danced backwards out of the creatures reach.

---

Move - object interaction, draw rapier
Action - attack enemy, hit 7 piercing (sneak attack as ally within 5')
Bonus - cunning action, disengage back 10'
11:19, Today: Jor'en rolled 6,1 using 1d8+4,1d6 with rolls of 2,1.  Rapier damage, sneak attack.
11:18, Today: Jor'en rolled 22 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 16.  Rapier attack.

Between the two heroes the hobgoblin is slain quickly! Seeming to come from nowhere, a second hobgoblin steps out of a secret door and shoots at Omaron with his bow. The arrow bits deep into the dwarf, the hobgoblin abandons his bow and pulls his long sword.

OOC:
10:58, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17.  Attack vs Omaron .

Omaron - hit for 5 Damage

MAP
This message was last updated by the player at 17:02, Mon 03 Apr 2017.

Gritting his teeth, Omaron steps over the fallen hobgoblin, lashing out with his axe at the new enemy. He only scores a glancing hit, then sidesteps, trying to keep the hobgoblin's attention.

---

15:52, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 3 using 1d8+2 with rolls of 1.  Battleaxe dmg.
15:52, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  Attack.

---

Action: Attack hobgoblin (Hit 23 AC, 3 slash)
Move Action: Move to hobgoblin's rear
Bonus Action: None

---

HP: 9/14  AC 16
Buffs/Debuffs: Stoneshield Aura (Omaron and allies within 10' get +1 AC)
Conditions:
Spells: 1/2 Spell Slots

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:00, Thu 30 Mar 2017.

OOC: You should be able to move things on the map

Jor'en lunged back into the fray, attempting to stab the brute.

---

Move - into melee
Action - attack with rapier
Bonus - none
09:09, Today: Jor'en rolled 6,3 using 1d8+4,1d6 with rolls of 2,3.  Rapier damage, sneak attack.
09:09, Today: Jor'en rolled 14 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 8.  Rapier attack.

The hobgoblin snarls as Omaron's axe bites harder than Jor'en's rapier. Looking between the   pair, the goblinoid slashes at Omaron with its blade, but comes up short


OOC:
10:06, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 5 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 2.  Attack vs Omaron.
SWING and a miss!

MAP - link updated!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Mon 03 Apr 2017.

Deflecting the hobgoblin's attack with his thick, steel shield, Omaron returns the attack. The battleaxe slashes across the hobgoblin, throwing a splash of blood across the floor, as Omaron took up a standard dwarven battle stance.

---

14:11, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 6 using 1d8+2 with rolls of 4.  Damage.
14:11, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 21 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 17.  Attack.

---

Action: Attack hobgoblin (Hit 21 AC, 6 slash)
Move Action: None
Bonus Action: None

---

HP: 9/14  AC 16
Buffs/Debuffs: Stoneshield Aura (Omaron and allies within 10' get +1 AC)
Conditions:
Spells: 1/2 Spell Slots

With a flourish, Jor'en stabbed at the creature again.

---

Move - none
Action - sneak attack with rapier, 10 piercing
Bonus - none
17:07, Today: Jor'en rolled 6,4 using 1d8+4,1d6 with rolls of 2,4.  Rapier damage, sneak attack.
17:06, Today: Jor'en rolled 20 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 14.  Rapier attack.

The remaining hobgoblin falls before Omarom's axe and Jor'en's blade ... now what?

Quick search of the bodies. Need a roll?

OOC: no need to roll

Each hobgoblin has on chainmail, 1 shield, 1 longsword, 1 longbow w/ a 20 arrow quiver, and belt pouch with 50sp and 30gp.

Jor'en takes the pouches of coin and tosssd them to Omaron.

"Dwarves like gold. Right?"

He gave his companion a crooked smirk.

"Some dwarves are of an avaricious nature," Omaron replies, catching the pouches. His tone takes on a scholarly tone as he continues, "The greed of some dwarves, in fact, has been known to rival that of even dragons. In fact, the legend of the Broken Tower suggests the spark of the entire conflict to have been rooted in the greed of the aforementioned," he coughs suddenly, chest heaving. He swallows a handful of breaths, then clears his throat finally. "Anyway, I am not of a particularly avaricious bend. I am happy to act as treasurer of our partnership, with all valuables and coinage to be divided evenly when we return from this venture. Do we have an accord?"

"I'm not entirely sure what ava-rye-shoose is but yes, we have an accord."

Where did these creatures come from? How many doors in/out?

OOC: There are 3 entries - 2 secret doors and a gear to the south with a D rune on it.

I'll update the map in the AM Pacific

MAP - updated!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Tue 04 Apr 2017.

"Excellent," Omaron beams. He strips a suit of chainmail from one of the hobgoblins, grimacing at the creature's stench. "Well, I suppose I may as well. Do you want the other?" He begins stripping the other suit of chainmail, rolling it and packing it away if Jor'en refuses.

"All yours. I don't like carrying something so noisy and heavy."

The room is quiet, though the sounds of the momentary combat echo out into the unknown. You have a secret door from which one of the hobgoblins came from, a gear door which appears to need a key, and the stairs leading downward.

"That is as good a path as any, at this point," Omaron suggests, indicating the second secret door. "I don't care to leave enemies behind us." he concentrates a moment, and a soothing sensation washes over Jor'en. Omaron's wounds close up a bit, as he finishes making the final adjustments to his new suit of chainmail.


OOC:
The Aura of Soothing allows you to spend hit dice as though we were taking a short rest, Jor'en.
I'm spending 1 HD = 6 HP healed.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Sat 08 Apr 2017.

Jor'en moved to the door his dwarven companion was indicating and check it for traps.

23:40, Today: Jor'en rolled 12 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 9.  Investigation.

The door seems to be without traps.

Jor'en moves through the door, peering into the next room.

The room is a twenty foot square with a wooden lever on the north wall, by the lever is a stool. On the far (south) wall are a pair of cots.

"As we have no key, it seems downstairs is our best option."

Before they leave, Jor'en turns the room over looking for a key or valuables.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Tue 11 Apr 2017.

OOC: Perception

Omaron looks around the hobgoblin lair, particularly engaged by the lever. "What do you think this operates?" he muses, stroking his beard. With a moment's concentration, the duo's appearances are overlain by a stony layer as Omaron invokes the earth's protection.


OOC:
Just swapped out auras. Back to stoneshield!

Perception- 14

"Maybe its the trigger to that trapdoor I disabled."

23:14, Today: Jor'en rolled 22 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 18.  Perception .

"Hmm, well, hypotheses are excellent and all," Omaron muses, eyeing the lever. "But nothing establishes the truth like a proven fact." He reaches for the lever, pushing, pulling, twisting, and otherwise attempting to operate the lever.

Jor'en finds a pouch of elven make hidden under one of the cots, it contains a ring made of gold, a band with four tiny pieces of amber across it.

Both Jor'en and Omaron make out the sound of something sliding as Omaron pulls down on the lever. Omaron see a tiny eye hole showing the hall with the trap.

BUMP

[Private to GM: Sparkling Ring - The bearer may cast Dancing Lights once per long rest.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:37, Mon 24 Apr 2017.

Jor'en shows his companion the find.

"I wonder if they hold magical properties? Although why would such savages have precious rings?"

Pointing towards the descending stairs.

"Shall we head down?"

"Enchantment is possible, though doubtful" Omaron says, eyeing the trinkets. "Stairs seem like a good sign. Care to lead the way, or shall I?" He hefts his axe and shield, and aura of earthen protection settling over the duo.

Jor'en heads down the stairs, eyes flashing side to side and ready for further attacks.

09:16, Today: Jor'en rolled 12 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 8.  Perception .

Omaron follows close behind Jor'en, his dwarven eyes carefully watching the shadows of the abandoned dwarven tunnels.

The staircase ends in 40-foot-square room with a 10-foot-high ceiling. A slight draft blows into the room from a 10-foot-wide open passage in the far wall, directly across from the stairs.

Two 4-four-diameter circular doors are set into the middle of the south wall. Each door is made of wood framed with a ring of mortared stones. The westernmost door is closed and inscribed with the glyph for "J". The easternmost door bears the glyph for "A" but rest half-open. The half-open door reveals an iron rim of gear like teeth, and dim light spills from the chamber beyond.

Mounted to the walls of the room are twelve patina copper masks. The masks are 2 feet tall and cling 4 feet above the floor. Each one depicts a smiling dwarf's visage. The soft giggling, chirping, and rustling noises seem to pour from the very walls.

"Hmm," Omaron muses examining the copper masks from the foot of the stairs, "The sound of the chamber can seem unsettling. Most likely cause would be the ever-present airflow being pushed through the shaped masks, or possibly opening in the stone that they may cover. Similar to windchimes, also used in some cultures to unsettle intruders." He glances between the open passage and the two doors, his gaze coming to rest on the partially open door.
"If we are still planning to find the other group that came before us, an open door may be the clue we are looking for," he says, nodding to the half-open door. "It may also be the path taken by the kidnappers."


OOC:
Perception- 13
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Tue 25 Apr 2017.

Jor'en nodded. He gingerly tip toed onto the stone floor and made his way toward the open door.

OOC: Jor'en - Stealth and Perception (assuming your looking about)

Omaron - you too may give me a perception check

14:33, Today: Jor'en rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  Stealth.
14:33, Today: Jor'en rolled 15 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 11.  Perception.

Jor'en notes four sets of recent prints in debris.  The door that's held by a large stone - and has enough room for most to slip through. The room beyond is dimly illuminated by a sunrod sitting abandoned on the floor, and Jor'en sees make out a roughly made tunnel beyond the small room much like the one that brought the group inside.

In reply to DM5 (msg # 143):

Jor'en motioned for Omaron to follow then slipped into the room.

The room is a 20x60 space with a dozen small cots and chests line the walls of this ten-foot-high dusty room. Cobwebs blanket many of the cots and chests, and tiny spiders scurry about. Two rough-hewn tunnels, each five feet in diameter and tubular, breach the eastern and southern walls. Stony rubble covers the floor near each tunnel. A one-foot-long iron rod lies in the middle of the floor, its golden tip shedding enough light to cast lurid shadows on the walls.

Some of the cobwebs have been pushed out of the way recently, in the direction of the eastern tunnel but Jor'en and Omaron hear footfalls echoing from the southern tunnel.

Omaron follows his taller companion into the room, watching carefully for any sign of life. He picks up the fallen sunrod and settles it into the fist behind his shield. "South?" he nods toward the echoing footsteps.

Nodding in agreement, Jor'en heads the way his dwarves companion indicated.

OOC: Going to move ya'll to the main thread now!

link to a message in this game