"I would imagine the same thing that has brought you here. Wealth and power," Drypfi says. "Now, one last time. Who are you?"

The goblin sets down the scroll he was reading and gazes at you intently.

Biror pauses hesitantly, figuring that the female characters in the group would make a better impression.

Melissa can feel her hair starting to frizz, a sure sign there is a lot of magic around here. When Biror hesitates she decides to butt in before he puts his foot any further into his mouth.

"Well, we started out as treasure hunters, then we kind of got stuck in a promise to a demon so now we have to find enough money to buy a couple of really good spells to defeat a troll."

Drypfi's stern countenance breaks into a smile, showing his sharp teeth.

"Ah, that old play again? Grynn-Lar has been trying to get out of here for ages. So you agreed to help him? That's brave and foolish. Have you found the key yet? The troll that guards it is bad news. What type of spells were you planning to use?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:03, Fri 16 Dec 2022.

"We met the troll, we barely got out with our lives." the fairy nods. "It's a rock troll, and I know there's a spell that turns rock into quicksand, so I figure we zap the troll, it melts into a puddle of mud and we just pick the key out of the mud."
"So how long have you been down here?" she asks curiously

"That could certainly help, but I'm not sure the spell will destroy him entirely. It is a very old troll. I could teach it to you if you like? One wizard doing a good turn for another. Besides, it would be good to be rid of Grynn-Lar. He gives me the creeps."

"I've been here for a few years, learning what I can from what the Great Wizards left behind. I've delved deeper into their dungeons than anyone I know of. Let me tell you, don't go any farther than your willing to risk. There's far worse than rock trolls and minor demons. But great treasures for sure."

Biror raises an eyebrow. "What kind of treasure?"

"That got your attention, eh? Great stores of gold and jewels. But also books of spells and enchanted artifacts. The Great Wizards were quite industrious. Some are too dangerous to handle, but others can be quite useful."

"Our last few encounters have been mostly trouble not treasure." Melissa nods "And new spells dont come cheap when you have to pay guild rates."


OOC And of course the guild wont teach any of us until we meet the minimum level, but I'm not sure how to put this into words in game.

Biror doesn't dare to ask, but he wonders what price is the diminutive wizard going to ask for teaching the spell.

"Wellll...." the goblin says, "favors are the best form of payment here. You see I could use the help of some fighting types. A group of crazy humans has moved in here not too long ago. They worship some minor devil or another and have been making life difficult for me as of late. If you could help me clear the lot out, I could teach you three spells including Slush Yuck. Plus you could keep whatever treasure those loonies happen to have. I've got little use for gold and gems."

"And as far as the Guild is concerned, I have no love for them. Just don't tell them where you learned the spells."

"What do you say?"

"How many of these cultists are we talking about here?" Thea asks of the goblin.

"A dozen or so, plus their high priest. I can deal with him, but I could use some help with rest."

Fetcher's demeanor sours at the mention of fighter types, but reverses course shortly thereafter with the mention of the potential for gold and gems. The obstacle of crazed cultists doesn't seem to register.

"I don't think we're above a fair proposition..." Fetch trails off as he looks to the others

".. only a dozen of these worshippers down here?" he adds, puzzling over the answer to Thea's sensible inquiry.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Sat 31 Dec 2022.

"Where can we find them?" asks the dwarf.

"They've set up north of here in a temple of evil used by one of the Wizards that resided here during the War. There's a secret entrance behind a stone gargoyle set in the wall. I can lead you there and open the door. Once we're in, remember to leave the High Priest to me."

"Do we have a deal?"

Biror looks at his companions, ready to accept.

"You said they've given you some trouble, which means you've presumably had some direct contact with these cultists," Thea says.  "How much ground do they control, and what sort of defenses can we expect to face?"

"Also we should probably rest up for a bit and get our magik back before we jump into a fight." Melissa adds.

"They've been roaming about and stirring up trouble, trying to awaken things that should be left sleeping. It makes it difficult for me to complete my studies with so much commotion. As far as I know there is one large chamber past the secret entrance. There are likely more, but I haven't gone any farther."

"You are more than welcome to stay here to rest and prepare. It would be best to be at your full strength. I can help with healing some of your wounds as well."

"Would you... Would you have any other weapons, magical items or potions which could help dealing with our foes?" asks the dwarf, hesitantly.

"None except for the ones that I use," Drpyfri replies. "I take only what I can carry. Besides, you look like you can handle these cultists. Otherwise I wouldn't have asked."

Melissa looks at the others "Well...we'll be outnumbered two to one, but if we keep together we ought to be able to win. I say we do it."

"A lot will depend on how well we are able to achieve the element of surprise," Thea muses, half out loud, half to herself.  "If these cultists are able to organize and use their superior numbers to their advantage, well..." Her voice trails off, since the outcome there is one she would rather not consider.

OOC: We seem to reached an agreement, so pardon the slight push. We are reaching the post limit fo this thread so we will continue on a new one.