Six hours of resting and thinking had not solved any of the mysteries that circled in the construct’s head. He still didn’t know how he had all this knowledge that randomly popped in his head, nor how he could discourse in elven like a learned man, but like an idiot in common. What he did know was that he could cast more spells, including one that could prove useful to help bring the weapons from the keep. While glad to have a little more tools in his tool box, he still hated the price that Althaea would have to pay for it.

And to make sure she wouldn’t have to pay that price, he needed to stick to her. But with the long life of elves, he could end up being a rusted hunk of metal and rotting wood by the time she had her firstborn. He had absolutely no ideas how long this body….

This body… why would this be important? Sand said this to Alicia…. This body. Isn’t this Sand’s body?

Still pondering the question, he rose, disturbing the spider that was hard at work creating a web between him and the wall. He then went to the stables to check on Erik, and maybe Zail, finding the druid grooming his hairs with the comb he had given him.

Good morning Erik. Sand sorry he left without you, but you seemed to have fun, Sand didn’t want to disturb you.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

As Erik left the cavern I take a look around. The crowd on the dance floor has started to disperse and there are fewer musicians playing, it looks like the evening is coming to a close. I do not see any of my traveling companions; they must have left for their own pursuits. I feel nicely loose and my muscles burn pleasantly but I know tomorrow morning I will be stiff and sore for awhile. Still, I am not yet ready to call it a night. I go back to my belongings and get my violin once more; I think I will play a few songs with the band so that someone can get in a last dance if they wish. Back in the cavern I take the spot of a young man who dashes off in search of a partner; I wish him luck in his endeavor. The songs have lost some of their vibrancy, the players preferring slower songs and the dancers seem to appreciate it. After a half dozen more songs the last of the crowd leaves the dance floor and the final musicians are packing up their instruments. I should find somewhere to bunk down for the night, I will be leaving early in the morning, but I am not ready to rest.

With the festivities done I can feel the walls of the cavern pressing in around me. Strange, I have never felt claustrophobic before. I think I will get some air. I gather my things and head outside but find that I want to run as I make my way down the tunnel but after a few deep breaths I suppress the fear. That is something I have gotten a lot of practice doing over the years; this is just another source. Once outside the anxiety fades and I look up at the inverted mountain looming above me. It is not as comforting as the open sky would be but it is enough. Looking along the slope of the mountain I can see the edges of the sky and the faint flickering light of stars. You can see them here, not as well as when you travel the Wilderness, but much better than back home. Why is that the patterns in the sky are the same so why can I see them more clearly here than there? Maybe one day I will find someone who can tell me.

Looking towards the palisade I can see the shapes of a number of individuals silhouetted against the light of scattered torches as they patrol the walls. It is good to see they take their security seriously. There is one good thing about being up at this time: there is no line at the well. Dancing is a great pastime but it does not improve one's fragrance. Drawing a bucket of water from the well I return to my favourite, private area within the walls and strip down so that I can clean myself and my clothes. It has only been a few hours but it feels wonderful to wash the sweat from my skin. I love to dance but the results I can do without. With that done I carefully lay out my clothes to dry, flip the bucket upside down, sit down and take out my violin. The feel of the aged wood under my fingertips is the familiar grasp of my oldest friend, and I savour the fingerprint of its wood grain. Now what should I play? None of my favourites feel appropriate for the moment.

Without conscious thought, I bring the violin up to my chin and put the bow to the strings and softly begin to play. The song is slow and haunting and once it had been a near constant in my life. How long has it been since I played this song? My vision is blurred behind a wavering curtain but it does not matter for I am lost in memories of long ago days. My father had loved this song and played it almost every night; I never understood why, I always preferred faster, happier songs but something about it had spoken to him. The smell of wood smoke and old leather fills my nose, I feel the gentle pressure of strong legs against my back and worn leather boots under my rear, and the crackle of the fire is an odd but somehow fitting counterpoint to the music my father teases from the strings.

As the song finishes I return to the now, the cold tracks of tears running down my cheeks. I  do not know why my father loved that song but I think maybe I am starting too. I need to a play a few more songs to help re-centre myself after the last but eventually I am able to restore my calm. Looking up once more, I am struck by the simple glory of the stars on the horizon and feel the gentle caress of the wind across my skin. It is a little cold but not unbearably so; in fact, it seems preferable to the thought of going back into those caves right now. I have slept on the ground many times lately, one more will not hurt me.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I awake before the sun's glow touches the horizon and as predicted my body objects to the strain I subjected it too. It takes some extra stretching but I am able to work out the worst of the stiffness before going to the well to get more water before I begin my morning routine. Fortunately, I do not have to press myself as hard this morning to burn off any excess enthusiasm before starting my day. After getting cleaned up, I dress myself for the day just as the sun crests the horizon and the people of Vertigo start exiting the caves to tend to the animals and work the fields.

I make my way inside, relieved when last night's bout of claustrophobia does not repeat itself, and stand outside of Thorin's office before pausing to listen. Hearing the soft scuffing sounds of someone moving around inside I reach for the small bell on its shelf and give it a firm ring.

"Good morning Thorin. Do you have a minute to talk?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

Erik looked up at Sand and smiled his newfound smile and then made sure to add a Sand-smile-nod to the mix as well.

"Sand!" Erik stood up quickly and did a short little mock dance flailing his arms and legs about like he had the night before. He slapped a hand on the metal man's shoulder. His face turned solemn and he said in Sand's tone of communication and seriously, "Sand could not disturb Erik ever. Sand is good metalman to Erik."

And then he smiled again.

"We do speak to nice-beard thorin-dwarf today about Erik's parents? Did not see when dancing, very distracted. Is at the dancing place? Is Sand okay?"

After hearing the bell ring, some hurried scuffling can be heard, probably as the Dwarf finished getting fully dressed.  A couple seconds later the curtain opened and a tired looking Thorin looked back, as well as some remnants of last nights drinking that still lingered.

Come in, come in Andraste.  A pleasure to have you.  I do have one request before we get started though.  While you are mostly soft spoken, if we could make that a priority today, this old Dwarf hasn't had that much to drink in a long time and I'm losing my touch a bit.  The ol' noggin is still ringing a bit.

What can I help you with?

I follow Thorin back into his office and at his gesture take a seat in font of his desk as he settles in behind it. "I want to thank you for the hospitality you and the others here at Vertigo have shown me during my stay. This opportunity to come out of the wild and rest has been most appreciated. Unfortunately, I have other obligations that I must attend to and can tarry here no longer. I had hoped to be able to offer you further assistance but alas I have run out of time."

"I also want to make a request of you before I go. Two of my companions, Zail and Erik, have been travelling for some time in search of lost loved ones. I realize it is unlikely that you will know the location of either but I ask that you offer them what help you can in their search. At the very least, I am sure they will appreciate having a safe spot where they can rest while they continue their search."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

Of course, of course.  No need to worry about Zail and Erik.  They will be in good hands here and we will do what we can to help them, I promise you that.

We surely appreciate all you've done for us Andraste.  I can't imagine us getting where we are, without your calm head and special way with Sebastian.  I don't look forward to future conversations with him and Althaea without you here, but alas, we all have our own path to follow.

Is this about your friend, Rolland?  The one you asked me about when you first came here?

”Yes. Unfortunately, the hunters have not seen him so all I have is a general direction. But that is all I had when I started this journey.”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

I'm sure your companions will miss you on the way to see the witch.  She is nasty business from what I hear.

So which direction are you headed?

"North-east there are some ruins that he may have taken shelter in."

Well I wish you the best of luck, Andraste.  Is there anything we can do to help you in your journey?

"Some rations would be appreciated. Thank you."

Yes, let’s go see Thorin. Can Sand show something to Erik?

The druid nodded his head, or was it only the pull of the comb in his hairs? The construct was too excited by its new knowledge to really care, so he started casting, but nothing seemed to happen… before he moved out of the way and Erik could see a bright red Clacker.

Sand read more of book of magic last night, learned new tricks. Much more tricks, but Sand needs practice.

The fortunately color blind defender in tow, Sand started for the habitation cavern complex and arrived in front of the curtain giving some privacy to the dwarf leader. The conversation between Thorin and Andraste was being conducted so the construct hesitated between waiting or  announcing his presence for a moment. But the fidgeting Erik forced one answer.

Apologies Thorin, Sand not want to disturb you, but Erik needs information you might have.

Erik applauded Sand's magic and followed to Thorin's.

Seeing Giltris he had smiled at her but didn't speak up as he wasn't sure where to start with asking the question he had of this dwarf.

Shuffling from foot to foot he finally stopped as Sand gave him the opportunity to ask what he needed to ask. There was no attempt at pleasantries he just jumped right in.

"Please have any word of my father. Crows said he was seen near upside down mountain here. He never wants to be near this mountain before but now he they seen him here. Erik... Uh, I need to know if he was here or if any have seen him. So many people last night dancing so many people under the mountain must someone seen him. He look like this." The beast man gestured at his tattoos. "Covered tattoos. Have not seen for year so maybe old now..." He paused and thought about that. He'd never thought of his father as growing old but there it was he'd just blurted if out and now he realized it could very well be true. "Maybe little gray hair not lot. Thorin-dwarf beautiful-beard. Do know Erik's father?"

As if realizing something he quickly turned to address Andraste. "Giltris-friend is leaving?"

Just as Erik asked his question, a loud booming horn sounds off in alarm coming from the direction of the front gates.  Thorin's eyes, quickly met Erik's and Giltris's in concern, then he stood up and ran past the curtain, throwing it to the side.  Follow me!  Thorin moved quite fast, especially for a Dwarf, and was bouncing and hopping in long bounds; under closer inspection, you could see his feet had turned into giant rabbit's feet that seemed to propel him forward.

Some of the citizens stood out in the main cavern hall, looking towards the front of the town, only starting to react as they saw Thorin running past as he screamed, Battle stations everyone!  Everyone knows their role, get moving! NOW!

Sand was listening to the druid, while trying to compose in his head how he would present the information Scamp had seen along the gnoll tracks to Thorin when a loud horn sounded, alarming the dwarf. Sand sent his familiar to scout ahead, while he and a now normal colored Clacker were scrambling towards the walls. The construct took the time to take his shield, arriving at the wall and climbing on the parapet to see what was alarming Thorin so much.

Perception 15
Initiative 6
Scamp perception 23, 5 (advantage)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Sun 04 Oct 2020.

Illogically, Thorn took a certain satisfaction in noting that nearly everyone in the trickle of people around the settlement seemed to be having a difficult morning. Though she suspected their path to suffering had been more enjoyable than hers.

The madness that had come over her the night before had retreated and she felt more herself, though admittedly a rather derisory version thereof. Exhaustion rode her, as if she hadn’t tranced at all, and despite eating all the mushrooms she conjured before resting and more besides, her injuries were not fully healed. She was combat ready – maybe more so than usual given her mood – but her wounded tongue throbbed with every heartbeat. The irony was not lost on her. She idly wondered if it would become infected and need to be removed. And whether she would miss it.

For that matter, what were the limits of restorative magic? Could it regrow tongues or teeth? Mend shattered jaws? Anticipating the fallout which would inevitably occur when Darcassan sought healing had her on edge. Perhaps she should depart now before the consequences caught up with her. But that would mean the last week had been entirely wasted, and she wasn’t fully ready to concede that. At least not yet.

And too, now that he had his confirmation – albeit not in the fashion he had hoped – a part of her foolishly wanted to see what he would do with it. Why should he not judge her? She judged herself for faults far worse than a lapse in control.

He claimed to have fought many Underdark creatures, but that was not the same as understanding. Did he realize that while she may take no pleasure in it, she would keep her vow if necessary? She must, else none would fear her or even trust her words. This was precisely why the wise did not issue threats in the first place: it empowered others.

Thorn knew better; she should have just killed him in a sparring “accident”. She had sought only to protect herself, but were her instincts suddenly so poor? Unacceptable. If nothing else, she was the consummate survivor.

A horn blast interrupted her thoughts. An alarm, based on the reaction of the locals. By all means, let’s make an enormous ruckus and notify any other hostiles in the area that this is the perfect time to attack.

Blending into crowd and shadow, Thorn drew her chakrams and moved toward the gate, equally prepared for combat or flight from Vertigo as the situation dictated.

Stealth: 14
Initiative: 26
Perception: 5
Aisling's Perception: 6, 5
This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Sun 04 Oct 2020.

As the last echo of the horn blast echoes through the cavern and Thorin rushes for the exit, I pause long enough to ensure I have everything I will need and that my armour and shield are properly secured before jogging towards the exit.

The crowds near the exit tunnel is bunching up in to a chaotic mess as workers from outside are trying to return while the local defenders are trying to exit to reinforce those on the wall. Unfortunately, none of the local leaders have arrived to get this under control.

"Hold!" I call out loudly, my voice resonating throughout the space and all movement at the tunnel ceases momentarily. "Everyone step to your right, form two columns: one for those entering and one for those leaving." I keep my voice calm and steady and step forward to help organize the two columns until both are properly formed. "Both columns forward!" I watch carefully as the two lines started moving again, much more smoothly this time. With this problem resolved, I join the outgoing line and make my way outside.

Once outside and clear of those rushing to their post I jog towards the gate but stop when I reach the cleared area behind the palisade. From here I can move to reinforce any problems as they arise. I will leave it to Thorin and the other civil leaders to represent their home.


Initiative: 24
Perception: 24 (listening)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Mon 05 Oct 2020.

We go to visit the old dwarf. I mostly go to follow Andraste. She asks about getting help to find my father, she is a good friend. He promises, like they all do. If I had a gold coin for every time some promises to “help” I won’t need to steal to eat. I have little faith this dwarf will help, especially once he finds out what I really am. Suddenly there is a booming horn drowning out everything else. The dwarf yells “Follow me!” So we all follow. What have we gotten ourselves into this time. I look over at Drow, as she bounds from a table into my shoulder and gives me a serious look. I will my armor back from the dress to the studded leather it actually is. I move swiftly to see what all the commotion is about.

Perception: 18
Initiative: 21

I had been sitting at the Inn for some time now, waiting for my companions to show up to tell them about the witch. I was getting the feeling none of them were going to show up so I called Corsica over to inquire about getting breakfast for Erik and Zail. While I was waiting for the food to get brought out a horn sounded in the distance. Sounds like trouble out front. I stood up and ran towards the exit, calling out to Corisca as I ran.

I shall return for the food once I have dealt with what is going on outside.

I made my way through the crowded hallways as quickly as I could, occasionally having to shove past people who had lost the orderly lines. Once I found myself outside the tunnels of Vertigo, I quickly climbed the stairs to the walkway on top of the Palisade. I wanted to have some idea of what we were facing before they got the jump on us.

Initiative: 15 (1d20+4)
Perception: 12 (1d20+5)

Thorin may have been quick but Erik was quicker. He hadn't expected the loud horn in this place where he already felt uncomfortable. It blasted and he looked about in panic. But then the dwarf gave a command and Erik saw something quite strange. Thorin had animal feet suddenly and the dwarf could bound. Instead of worrying about the sudden sound it became a game of chase the rabbit. Erik twisted the simple ring on his finger and said something that sounded a lot like the moorbounder he had first been when he met Sand and Giltris and the others. With that he dropped back into his strange four limbed primal stance and began to propel himself after the dwarf. He quickly overtook him with his own leaps and bounds that seemed beyond natural, turning to smile, he kept pace with the dwarf. Maybe when this chase was done he would get an answer about his father.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Initiative: 19
Perception: 10

Activate ring of jumping.

---

Mathron and Zail climbed the wooden palisade walkway on the right side of the main gates first, which was already getting overcrowded as guards peered out into the early morning air at the trouble that descended upon them.  The others soon followed, taking positions on the left-hand walkway, finding more room on that side to get a good look, each of the guards armed with bows in hand and ready to nock an arrow when necessary.

In the distance, there was a large dust cloud approaching, maybe a 1/2 mile off, but under the canopy of the upside down mountain.  Something was moving towards Vertigo with great speed, kicking up the dust of the dying land that surrounded the embedded mountain peak.  It was hard to tell much more, however Zail, Scamp, and one of the guards on the other side of the walkway, saw something else.  A small group of 2, maybe 3 people, who were walking quickly, but with a strange gait to them.  They were well ahead of the dust cloud, probably about a 1/4 mile away from Vertigo, but the Dust Cloud was closing in fast and it didn't look like whoever they were, were going to make it.

The guard that saw it, and most likely the one who sounded the alarm, screamed out to the others, telling them what he could see, though you could see the confusion on some of the other's faces, including Thorins.  The guard was getting frustrated, but adamant in what he saw, getting to the point of even guiding Thorin's chin while pointing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:55, Mon 05 Oct 2020.

To many people, to many people. And they all stopped at some spot on top of the gate why? The rabbit chase was done and Erik realized that there were multiple faces he recognized here. That made him feel nice. The dust cloud made him feel not nice. Then one of the to many people started frantically trying to get Rabbit-foot Thorin dwarf to see something that Erik couldn't see. Apparently people were running from the dust cloud. And they were slow. Erik was fast. Erik could do this. He didn't wait for any instructions he simply decided that he could prove himself to Thorin Rabbit-foot in this moment. Without considering the panic he might cause he suddenly transformed into his favorite friend's form. Erik melted away and the large black moorbounder took his place. He leapt off the gate and sped toward the direction of the cloud. The closer he got the more likely he would be able to see whoever the slow runners were...

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Dashing the whole time. Mobile and Moorbounder is 80ft speed dashing = 160ft in six seconds. In 48 seconds could reach the runners if they were standing still. Sooner if they're moving this way.

---

As Erik changed into the huge moorbounder right before everyones eyes, the guards did everything they could to not scream out in panic and fire upon him.  The creature jumped off the palisade, its strong limbs absorbing the fall with ease.  With that, the creature was off at an ungodly speed, leaving the same dust trail behind as could be seen ahead.  He quickly caught up to the people walking, and as he got closer, he could see that they were all injured with long claw marks and flesh that seemed to be torn or missing from their bodies. They were using each other to hold themselves up as they walked as fast as they could, knowing that death was following closely behind them.

As the creature came up and upon the 3 humanoids, a look of horror crossed their face, as they clearly were not expecting a creature to attack them this close to Vertigo.

The human boy was pushed back behind the two warriors by the large goliath, and they immediately moved in to attack the beast.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:43, Mon 05 Oct 2020.

Scamp saw the cloud and what was before it, and flew back so he could communicate with his master, going has fast as he could. Sand lifted his head and shouted, so everyone could know.

Scamp saw some people in front of the cloud, fleeing it! You might have to open the door, Sand will help protect!

Climbing down the ladder, he saw Erik transform into his black beast form, bonding over the palisade, and understood what he was about to do. Knowing there could be a fight when that door would open,  he posted himself near the door, Clacker at his side.

Get ready to open the door for Erik!

The tatted up moorbounder slid to a halt in front of the three injured folks obscuring the four of them I'm his own sand cloud briefly. They were much bigger than he'd expected. With two options in his mind now. Carrying them back or facing whatever tore them apart on his own. This was going to hurt. He could see them getting ready to strike.

The beast crouched down low like a camel getting ready to take on a rider and looked back toward where he came from then at the injured and back again he huffed a strange sound and waved his head toward his back trying to urge them to climb on. He somultaneously braced to take the first blow. If he didn't strike back they might understand. If they would only get on his back he could try to carry them back. He really had no idea if he truly could but he could get them closer at least. Right? Only time would tell.