It's only been a few hours since the first wave of adventurers descended into the stone foot of what had once been a mighty statue, though it may have seemed like a month underground. The fog has lifted and the stars shine in the cold night sky.

Winter Solstice is here. And even in the midst of frantic scrambling into the hostile under-realms there is sense of goodwill.

In the commonly-held Unified Faith that Brodd represents, the sun is conserving its energy during this Longest Night and planning what good tidings it will bring for the coming year.

Manaku, like most elves, celebrates in his own way through silent meditation. But he opens his eyes and stands to greet his returning companions, all gratefully climbing down from the stairway of "laces" on their own two feet, carrying heavy sacks of coin no less!

The first thing the returning adventurers notice is the mangy mastiff hound is not trotting out to greet them. Likewise, the hound's raggedy companion, the cleric of the Trails, is not there to pontificate on their good fortune. Perhaps it was the Solstice that signaled the old man to move along.

The celebration takes a tinge of bitter-sweetness.

"WE return Manaku! Where is Regdoc and his dog? Have they left us? Come Pock, let us build a fire for the night to keep us all warm!" He gathers wood for a fire.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 2):

The adventurers who stayed behind have of course been tending the fire and building a shelter for as many days as this will take, using the opposite stonework to create a lean-to of logs and sod. But a large bonfire is traditional, as you can already see the pyres on the other mountaintops. You cannot be sure if they are humans on the far peaks, but this ancient tradition does seem to be universal in these lands.

In reply to DM (msg # 3):

OOPs, sorry.

As the bonfire blazes, it attracts attention.

The silhouette of a hulking figure stands at the edge of the glow.

"The battle to the North has finished, the Minotaur and his forces are routed, for now," the voice bellows.

"Have you found any foes here to defeat?"

Who steps forth? None other than your old comrade in arms, Amalrik! He drops down the carcass of a deer he has freshly killed to share with you this Solstice feast!

Now, that is a fine accompaniment to a celebration.

In reply to Leohart (msg # 6):

"Fresh venison! Most excellent! Welcome back Amalrik!" He pulls his dagger and begins dressing the deer.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Tue 29 Dec 2020.

"Brother Brodd! And Pock! Leohart... I'm glad to see you all in good health and able to return alive."

The moon elf stands up, gives a small nod of recognition to those who return, bringing his fist to his heart at the same time.

"Yet not all who left with you return with you. That is most unfortunate... And what comes to good old Regdoc and his wise hound - I do not know. I had to spend some time in solitude, meditating of what has happened to me, and what may come to pass in the future. This is old tradition among my people during Winter Solstice."

The moon elf spins around upon hearing a familiar voice bellowing.

"Amalrik! You too are here! I welcome you back, warrior!"

Amalrik approaches the Moon elf and smacks him on the back "It is good to see you too.same as Manaku, I have not seen Regdoc or his dog for some time." the barbarian walks past the group to a large bowl of water and begins washing his face and hands from the blood of the deer.

"Good to see you too Manaku. Regdoc was here burying the dead when we went in the ruins, I guess his god lead him on another path."

[DM operating]

The bard sits by the campfire, tuning his instrument. His once-garish clothes are still dyed black as ink from the misfortune in the Gnomish Dam.

"Most fortuitous! This calls for a round of ancient carols!"

He begins to strum.

Ha! We got some silver to make up for the pile you gave away! Dwarghar says to his friend Amalrik.

I’ll just hold on to your share for a shoulder of that deer. Let’s make sure if we want to pay off a gargoyle we negotiate first or just kill the son of a rock.

[Amalrik, I want you to update your description and describe your costume as you approach]

Amalrik pulled a leather wrap from his bag and dropped it near the group. Eighteen Manticore spikes shaped as javelins lay on the ground "If you want, take what you wish. My fight is in front and not at a distance."

In the light of the fire, the barbarian's appearance looked considerably different than before. His leather armor was adorned and weaved with Manticore feathers laced through the pauldrons and flaring to the sides.  The skull of the manticore was cleaned and carved to be used as headgear.  Gone was his favored great sword and replaced with a leg bone with a set of teeth wedged along the length.  Leaning on his pack was a shield of Manticore scales with feathers laced along the rim.

Amalrick placed several hand sized stones along the edge of the fire to be used with his blanket during the night.  The stones to maintain heat long after being pulled from the flames.

"Might be. Regdog would follow his deity of wanderlust to a new path suddenly and unexpectedly, without giving it a second thought."


"I might have use for a javelin or two, as I prefer fighting from a distance. Last time with the goblins, I nearly run out of arrows."

Manaku picks up one of the javelin and studies it closely. "Did you make these yourself?"

The elf takes 3 javelins. He will cut leather straps from the deer's skin, tying the javelins into a bundle which he can easily carry. He also attaches a longer strap to the bundle which allows him to slip the bundle at his back leaving hands free. Much like he carries his long bow while they travel.

Watching the camaraderie from a distance, Alietra sits with her back up against the stone monument they had kept time in, and checks her weapons. Once done she pulls a few cheap locks out of her pack and practices picking them. solid click on one, nothing on two... She will share in the venison, but keep a sharp eye out for any goblins who might have followed them outside.

Gorn smiles at the return of the companions.

Seeing the fresh deer, he pulls his knife and begins butchering for cooking.

In reply to Gorn (msg # 17):

As everybody moves in on the deer like a pack of piranha, Brodd moves back and puts his dagger away.

"Hey, Brodd," asks Creston, "how may adventurers does it take to skin a deer?"

"You tell me, I'll just let the others handle it."

Dwarghar picks up a javelin - Going with a theme now are you? he says to Amalric waiving generally to all the Manticore stuff...
That reminds me - we have some armor being prepared back in town.

He turns to the group -

I wish to head back and use what cash I can on supplies. What say you all - shall we divide what we have now?

Torn between wanting to press forward, and the possible surprise of not doing so, Alietra calls out her agreement with the plan.

The thought of the goblins, prepped to defend themselves against their onslaught while they were in town celebrating seemed pretty funny.

"The treasure is yours to divide. I have no share in it. I don't have reason to go the town either. Thus I can wait here for your return. I'm ready for the next expedition into down below, though."

I too will stand here with Manaku, those who earned the wealth should enjoy the wealth.  Fear not, the camp shall stay in place as shall we.

"Well, be careful" Alietra says to Amalrik, Manaku and any others who opt to stay behind. "There is no doubt those goblins will poke their heads out to see where we went."

Heading back to town with the others, she hopes they stay long enough to get a hot bath, a hot meal and a new set of clothes.

"We'll keep our eyes open. I hope they'll don't have courage to come out until you all have returned."

Catweazel, Durek, Harald, and Starshell offer to stay behind at camp. They do request in addition to provisions that you purchase a cauldron and firewood, and perhaps some lumber to build a more solid structure against the elements and for stowing valuables before carrying them to town.

"We are going to need a cart and something to pull it, horse, mule? to carry all that stuff."

Once back at camp, Einhard checked on his steed and added the new coins to her saddle bags. "Don't even think that Dora will be reduced to some lowly draft horse," he called over his shoulder to Leohart. "Maybe that old mule, but not my Dora." He cinched the packs, and took a seat by the campfire and began honing his sword edge.

OOC: not even really sure if the mule is still with us?

You still have the mule.

After those who wanted to go to Caywick have departed, Manaku adds wood to the campfire and sits by it. Staring into the fire he instinctively touches the fresh scar near his throat where the goblin spear struck deep. I haven't thanked Brodd yet. It must be the power he wields that saved me, there is no other way. Manaku's memories of getting out of the dungeon are hazy at best. He is sure he wasn't able to make it alone.

The Moon Elf takes out his quiver and counts the arrows. Seventeen. Hurry back, friends. I have a score to settle with the goblin-kind.

Amalruk spent several moments staring into the entrance "Manaku, what are your thoughts on blocking the doorway to prevent the Goblins from coming out or just piling a lot of logs in the front area and smoking them out?"

The elf shifts his eyes from the arrow he was studying at the barbarian. "Would it work? Smoke and warm air tends to flow upwards. The tunnels go downwards. If the air flows inside, into the tunnels... it might be worth trying."

He puts the arrow back into the quiver and stands up. "The flow of air, its direction, should be easy to see." Manaku takes one burning stick from their fire and walks just inside the cave entrance. Squatting down there and lifting the smoking stick in front of his face and staring it intently he says: "Let's see if your plan has any base to build on..."

The smoke flows away from the entrance.

The barbarian continues to inspect the conditions "Well if that isn't going to work, Do we know how far they went? Did they mark what was secure?"

"I don't know. I was wounded by a goblin spear and passed out. We weren't very far at that point. Brodd must have saved me by the power of his god." The elf shows his fresh but already healed wound to Amalrik. "They must have carried or dragged me out. I don't remember walking out."

Manaku throws the smoking stick into the darkness of the cave. "The treasure they brought, that's a lot of coin for a mere goblin booty. Something else is down there too, waiting for us." The elf taps the barbarian on the shoulder as he passes him and walks back by the fire. "Patience, my friend. Once the others return from Catwick we'll explore further."

As evening draws to night Dwarghar and the others will come back to the camp, he is now wearing plate armor with his sword at his side and daggers, no longer the crazed trapper, well maybe a little crazed as he still has a wooden mug with the last licks of froth from a beer and with him is a large barrel of ale for sharing and a cauldron and wood. He steadies himself with a hand on the cart as they enter camp.

Bah...we wouldn’t have come back but I think I stole this cup and can’t go return. There’s beer if you unload an give that poor mule a break

Manaku stands up and raises his hand in greeting to those returning.

"Welcome back. I can see some important purchases has been done. Nice looking armor, Dwarghar! I bet the armorer wanted every last coin from you for that! Did everything go well? Any news forth noting from Catwick?"

The elf helps in unloading the goods from the cart.

"Seems I've returned at just the right moment!" says Durek, entering the clearing and nodding towards the barrel of ale, before flashing a grin at the familiar faces around the campfire
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

Brodd gets a cup of ale for Alietra as well as one for himself. He checks her wounds and casts a heal spell on her.

12:12, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 1 using 1d8.  CLW. She rested today in the wagon, heal the rest over night.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

While Aleitra enjoys the cup of ale Brother Brodd has provided her, she tells him to save his holy blessing for now.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 41):

Odd dreams fill Alietra's sleep, dashing down dark alleyways, while a giant tax-man hunts her down, laughing at her the entire way. He has the face (and breath) of the guardsmen who insulted her when they entered the town...

Manaku places a hand on Brodd's shoulder.

"Brodd, I haven't thanked you yet. You must have saved me when I got hurt, because I'm still in this world and not in the next. I can't explain it to myself in any other way. So please accept my humble thank you. If I can pay you back in some way, I will."

The elf smiles and gives a gentle slap on Brodd's shoulder, then moves on.

"So, what's the plan? When shall we dive into the dungeon again?"

In reply to Manaku (msg # 44):

"After everyone is healed and up to snuff is my suggestion."

Leohart wanders back to camp the next morning, after a sweet night of rest in a real bed, thank you very much!

The old wizard Catweazel cooks an appetizing breakfast for everyone while Harald plays some inspirational tunes.

"Yes, I expect we'll be going back in before long. I'm unharmed, but I'm not much of a fighter, myself."

He pauses, pulling a wand from his effects. "By the way, and I've no idea what it does, but I've had this wand for some time. I tried to sell it some time ago, but could find no buyer for the thing. Anyone want it?" Pock dives back into breakfast.

Sure -
Dwarghar takes the wand and tries flip and swish at a rock. Then a tree

What should I roll to use magic device? Please let it be intelligence
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

Einhard returned the next morning with Leohart. His steed was clean and well-groomed, and his armor shined of new polish. "A night of civilized pampering has put my in good spirits, but there is dark business to be dealt with here." The knight dismounted, and tied his steed off then joined the others around the fire. "Rumor has it that the red dragon Zhirran'thrax once took up residence in the caves beneath the Sandals. Her den was flooded and she relocated to the North. But, she is close enough that she continues to harass caravans traveling along the road."

Einhard looked at his niece. "We need to get the princess home, but perhaps some valuable treasures were left behind in that flood. It could be worth the delay to investigate, especially if the dragon were to attack us while on the road."

"That is not how you use a wand!  This ain't some kiddie charm school!  Let me take a look at it, please."

"I've just returned from the north and the battle against the Minotaurs," says Durek, between mouthfuls of breakfast, "No sign of any Red Dragon on the road back, thankfully."

He wipes his mouth on the back of his hand and nods his thanks to Catweazel.

"A dragon hoard, though?" he muses. "Well worth investigating..."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:27, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

"We needs must be extra careful, seems likely any goblins or hobs would be prepared for another incursion."

Alietra looks much better for the rest, and is nibbling on Catweazel's morning fare with appreciation. She rather hopes everyone else is feeling well enough to make a serious foray back down into the warrens beneath the Sentinel's Sandals.

Alright...but I want you to teach me how to use it. Deal?

Dwarghar says to the wizard.

Any chance I can get a level of wizard?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:22, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

"The red ones are well know for their greed. I doubt it would leave any part of its hoard behind or unguarded. At minimum, it will keep close eye on it until it finds a way to secure it. So be it, I agree with Durek; it's worth checking out."

As a former barmaid and waitress, Alietra was used to being ignored. She had hoped her efforts so far might get her a bit more respect from the others, but it was still early days.

Finishing her breakfast, she climbed down from the wagon and went to wash her bowl, then find some privacy for her morning ablutions.

Leo tries to "read" the wand.  He will show Dwarghar the proper use of it, if appropriate.

Dwarghar doesn’t mean to ignore the young lady but he’s practically greedy for knowledge and enjoying a delusional daydream of being a dwarf-wizard with a powerful wand of fire in one hand and a heavy war hammer in the other as he cuts through dozens of Manticores. He listens with rapt attention to the wizard.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 58):

Brodd helps her down from the wagon. He found her very interesting, and pretty.

The not-a-thief, Aleitra favored the good Brother with another shy smile as he helped her down.

His attention confused her, in the past holy men only noticed her when they were trying to save her from a life of prostitution, a life she had managed to stay well away from on her own, thank you.
(Though those very same men might not be happy with the route her life had taken.)
This didn't seem to be that though, Brother Brodd didn't lecture her or even seem to look down on her.

Quite strange in her experience indeed.

"Perhaps after I have woken up all together, if you have some time, you might share with me some of the basic teachings of your deity? Unless we are ready to go back down into the tunnels..."

It seemed the best way to show her gratitude for his assistance.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 60):

"I follow the gods of law. Not just one god. It is a pantheon. I would be happy to share it with you at your leisure."

Her smile goes a tad bit wooden at Brother Brodd's answer, but she remains polite.

"Really? The gods of Law? They sound... impressive. But I have to go clean my bowl right now. Maybe later?"

Was he some sort of holy law man? The idea sent shivers down her spine, she would have to be extra careful around his.

Rinsing out her bowl, and doing her morning business, she returned to the camp and checked on her gear, in particular learning the ins and outs of her new armor. She wanted to make the color as flat and reflective as possible. If it is shiny she will experiment with the local soil to thy and dull it down.

It was all really busy work however, as she was really eager to get back to delving...

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 49):

The dwarf's theatrics cause no effect.

In reply to Leohart (msg # 57):

[Do you mean Read Magic?]

(OOC) I think so.  Not so sure with an MU. 

Durek's eyes glint in the light of the campfire as he mulls over the Moon Elf's words.




"Sooner the better!" says the Dwarf. Standing up, he heads towards his gear...having to sidestep Dwarghar as he flicks the wand at a nearby tree. Pulling out a whetstone, he begins to sharpen his axe.

Strapping on her gear, Alietra starts to head up.

"I'm gonna scout ahead a little bit I guess."

She will go as carefully as possible, her goal to get a peek down in to the entrance, but not to enter.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 67):

"Hold on a moment, I'll go with you." Brodd replies to her.

Alietra smiles towards the (gulp) preist of Law, and paused till he could catch up.

"I appreciate your coming along. When I am scouting though, I need you to keep a little distance please."

She pokes his armor. (which I assume is metallic?)

"I need to be very, very quite when I'm hunting goblins."

She continues her cautious ascent...

In reply to Alietra (msg # 69):

Brodd keeps 20-25 feet behind her, his chain mail clinking as he moved.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 70):

Giving the big man a thumbs up, Alietra slinks low to the ground, finding any shadow she can to hide in.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 71):

"Pock? Any of the rest of you coming? Einhard?"

He keeps his distance so the noise doesn't alert the goblins.

"We are going? Nice."

Manaku straps on his gear which he has readied and checked over at least a dozen times already during the day. He adds the bundle of javelins, takes his bow and one arrow at the ready into his left hand, and walks fast until he is at Brodd's side.

"Are you sure you want to be at the first rank, Brodd? I'd say Durek and Dwarghar should take this position. I can tell I'm much more comfortable to hurl my missiles from behind a line of tough, armored dwarfs, armed to their teeth."

The elf keeps eye for Alietra in front of them, giving her the distance she needs, but also trying to maintain visual contact.

The dwarf grins, giving Manaku a nod. "We're off, then," he says, following after the priest and the girl, "Lead on, Alietra...I won't be too far behind you."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Wed 27 Jan 2021.

Brodd makes room for Durek to go in front of him.

Durek grins and nods his thanks to the priest, taking a position a couple of dozen feet behind Alietra. "I'll follow your lead, lass," he says.

"Once more into the breach."

Leo gets his things, and will take the wand for now, until he is asked for it.

In reply to Leohart (msg # 77):


Catweazel drops the cauldron he was scrubbing and stands up.

"Oh for Valor's sake! Don't go wasting a spell just before you jump back into the dungeon! Let me take a look at that wand!"

Handing the wand to CatW, "Here, take a look."

In reply to Leohart (msg # 79):

The old wizard carefully takes the wand and runs his fingers over the lettering. He balances it on his pale fingers like he was judging a choice carrot at the merchant's stall.

"Hmmm...exotic wood...streamlined...right-handed palm curve...weighted electrum core..."

He taps the tip against the rim of the cauldron.

"The activation rune seems to be Draconic...Blue Dragon dialect, I believe...fitting for a desert species of wood..."

He adjusts his spectacles as he leans over the wand to get the right angle of morning's light.

""Madu? No..Mabin? No...Ah... MUA'DIB!"

A green burst of energy explodes from the wand and into the cauldron, bouncing madly as the wizard falls backwards.

"Oh!"

The blast finally escapes the metal cauldron and smacks into the heights of a nearby tree, causing a large branch to crash to the ground outside the encampment.

He sits up woozily.

"I have good news..."

Eagerly Dwarghar attends to the wizard hoping to learn how this works.

Alietra jumps in fright at the sudden kerfuffle. "Damn! That should be useful..." she mutters as she gets a grip on what happened.

OOC Mau'dib? Too perfect.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 82):

Dune?

Manaku instinctively ducks slightly upon the release of the green energy. He raises a brow as he glances over his shoulder to see if everyone is ok, followed by a subtle shake of head. "Nothing to see here, carry on..." He whispers under his breath, recalling the first lesson his own teacher of magic, uncle Urendil, gave him. It was a firm instruction of not to tamper with unknown magics!

"And the verdict, kind sir?"

Durek frowns as the old wizard dusts himself off. "Old fool..." he mutters, keeping half an eye on Alietra ahead of him.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Thu 28 Jan 2021.

He brushes himself off.

"The good news is you now have the cleanest cauldron in the mountains! The bad news is we have to re-season it. I'll need more bacon..."

He gestures with the wand as he ambles over to Leohart.

"...and I'm quite sure this is a wand of magic missiles just be careful when you hold it, especially when you say...!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:25, Thu 28 Jan 2021.

"yes, I was listening. Thank you very much.  Seemed a little more powerful than the normal magic missile."

Assuming things were settled with the new pot-cleaning system they had worked out, Alietra shifts her attention forward again, being very aware for any barricade or guard at the entrance, and anything that might be a trap or a tripwire on the way.

Manaku watches the thief ahead of them, keeping an eye for any sudden changes in Alietra's body language that could indicate she's spotted danger.

Einhard adjusted his sword on his belt and donned his shield. "My blade is freshly sharpened and ready to cleanse the caves of these foul creatures." The knight followed the not-a-thief but kept a distance as to not create too much noise in his freshly polished armor.

So, Dwarghar, how about I let you have my wand of magic missiles, after teaching you to use it, and I take the new one, as it is my primary weapon at this time?  I have been reticent to use it up, but with a new one, that thought would go away.

Ah excellent - Mua'dib! I was watching - lessee here we can go in last I'll take a lesson when yer ready

I realize it is unlikely to work

Leo shows Dwarghar how to use a wand and hands him his older one and tells him to shoot at a tree.

Dwarghar does as he's told carefully trying.

Mua'dib


Blam!

He adds his sound effect.

I'll keep trying...

He says and follows the others.

Pock watches Dwarghar with glee, enjoying the antics between his own handing over the wand to Dwarghar to Dwarghar receiving it back from Leohart.

Unaware, and uncaring if the tail end of the band was following, Alietra continued onward.

Harald watches in silence, then immediately grabs his lute and starts to strum...

How would you, my friend, respond?
To watch a dwarf waving his wand!
Of his little stick he is quite fond!

No one dares to call him fool!
For there's no dwarves in wizard school!

Watch the dwarf waving his wand!
Go throw that thing back in the pond!

He waves is at the ladies, he waves it at the men!
He shoots it in the cooking pot! Now season it again!

There's the dwarf waving his wand!
Good thing there's no kids around!

BAM!

We're all safe now, as I feared!
He shot his glitter all in his beard!

Dwarghar looks at the singing fellow.

You may have me there but why not I say? A Dwarf in wizard school when it works you’ll write a new song I’ll wager. An next time you sing of Dwarghar  say my name so there’s no doubt!


That was brilliant!

[I'll start a new chapter, where you get your marching order together and go back in.]