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14:11, 17th May 2024 (GMT+0)

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job.

Posted by The TinkererFor group 0
The Tinkerer
GM, 31 posts
Tue 18 Apr 2023
at 21:55
  • msg #1

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"In and out. Quick and easy." Those had been Baz's words. He'd dusted his tiny hand against the stump of his missing arm to show how easy it would be.

Amara didn't like him giving orders himself. "That's why he has me. If he wants to go straight, he needs to distance himself from all this. Plausible deniability and all that."

But that didn't explain the other two. Quick and easy Veracity could have handled on her own. Sending Vecaal and Baern with her suggested things could get messy. Well, things could always get messy. Sending Vecall and Baern suggested it was likely.

The strike was the perfect distraction. The factory would be empty.

Baz was characteristically vague about what he wanted. "What are they doing in there? Doesn't feel right. Haven't liked that place since it opened."

Most people wouldn't even have known it opened, tucked away as it was the end of a narrow road. But Bazzle Cinderhorn always knew.

"What do you want, Baz?" Amara had tried to press him. "Blueprints? Schematics? Materials?"

"Whatever." He was already turning back toward his office, where a three-piece orchestra awaited his return. He swore the music nurtured his creativity. "Just bring me back something nice."

There were only two obvious ways into the factory, besides the front entrance which was swarming with workers and constables. There were skylights on the roof, which was maybe accessible from above since the factory was built right up against the wall of the caldera. And then the engine room underneath the factory would presumably have its own entrance as well, which would surely be guarded.

Every factory in Coglinton was driven by steam vents in the caldera. You could enhance them with magic, but you couldn't run assembly lines and heavy machinery without a steam vent, which limited how many could be built and where. The scalding steam powered giant underground turbine, which, through an intricate assemblage of shafts and gears, drove every machine on the factory floor.

There should have been a loading bay as well, somewhere where raw materials were delivered and whatever the factory built was carried away for delivery to whomever or whatever it was built for. But, at least from their distant vantage, neither Veracity nor Vecall nor Baern could make it out.

I'm going to keep it loose for you three right now, since it sounds like Baern will be a little slow on the uptake. You can introduce yourselves in character here, discuss the job, plan your approach, etc. Baern can chime in if he's able but won't miss out on anything too critical if he's not.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 14 posts
Wed 19 Apr 2023
at 17:50
  • msg #2

(Baern, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"I don't like it," Baern proclaimed from roughly waist height of his companions and fellow guild members. This in itself was hardly exceptional. Baern didn't like a lot of things and he had no reservations about letting other folks know about it. The gnome was leaning against the brick wall of the mouth of a grubby alleyway, arms folded and one shoulder pressed hard against the masonry.

He was compact. This was perhaps the most apt description - much in the way that beaten steel was compact. Or diamond. Dogged was another good description - as in like a dog, once he seized hold of you it was a bloody misery to get him to let go again.

"They may not have any guards posted on the ruff," (roof, presumably) "But you can be damn sure folks'll be watching higher up the slope. Climbing up won't be easy in this light."

"Still. They'll definitely have guards down in the engine-rum. We'd have to be ready for a dustup."

Baern turned his face and spat on the ground.

"Bloody bobbies," he growled, amethyst gaze narrowing on the cordon of constables. "Bunch of jackbooted thugs if you ask me," though no one had.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:16, Thu 27 Apr 2023.
Vecaal Alifras
player, 5 posts
Thu 20 Apr 2023
at 00:24
  • msg #3

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal detached himself from the alley shadows and stepped near Baern.  He raised his snout slightly and sniffed a few times, testing the air for anything beyond the constant stink of sulfur, rust, and sweat that enveloped the lower slopes of the caldera.  With a small distasteful shake of his head, he turned his attention downward to his gnomish accomplice.

The two couldn't have been more different.  Where Baern was small and compact, Vecaal was long and sinuous, standing twice the gnome's height and many times his weight.  His amber scales were dusky, as though decades of soot and grime and corruption had soaked in, muting their natural iridescence.  And contrary to Baern's suppressed anger, Vecaal exuded a proudly cool disdain for their opponents, especially in his golden eyes. Standing side by each, they made quite a pair.

But on the prospects of the job they were of a similar mind.  "It smells worse than a cesspool," he concurred, drawing the trailing esses out into small hisses.  "Come from underneath.  Better for sneaking.  And if we can't get past quietly, farther from reinforcements."

One clawed finger tapped Baern on the shoulder, and a cruel smile exposed curved teeth.  "We'll get you one bobby in any case.  Fair?"
This message was last updated by the player at 00:25, Thu 20 Apr 2023.
Veracity
player, 7 posts
Thu 20 Apr 2023
at 08:30
  • msg #4

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

At the end of the alley slouched a pitiful beggar garbed in rags, filthy face hidden behind a bedraggled beard and a ragged stovepipe hat.  A dented cup extended from a tremulous, bandaged hand toward a passerby, jingling a few coins while rasping for alms.  As the person hurried on their way, the vagrant chimed in with a husky woman's voice that didn't at all suit the look, "Aw, why so sour, Baer?  'Quick and easy', just like the boss said.  There's even a strike brewing, and all eyes elsewhere.  What's not to like?"  Veracity quoted Baz Cinderhorn with an uncannily-accurate impression of the gnome's voice, right in the middle of teasing the dour Baern.  The elderly human male beggar act was rather convincing as well, considering it came from a youthful and rather violet tiefling woman.  She was known to slip in and out of roles as easy as breathing, and it could be difficult to tell where the roles ended and Vera began.

Even as she quipped to her companions, Veracity peered down the avenue at the workers milling about outside the factory in question, with the constables lining up to keep the protest contained.  "Aaalms fer the hungry?  *koff koff*  Alllms, bleeegh..." the beggar wheezed at another passerby, who crossed the street and pretended not to hear.  This disguise did work wonders for observing but being ignored even sat out in plain sight.  Once the pedestrian cleared out, Veracity quietly agreed with Vecaal, "Going in from under seems wise, as this strike looks to be getting in full swing soon.  There'll be guards down there, sure, but I'll get us past with no problem what-so-ever.  A dust-up oughtn't be necessary, but hey!  If it happens that's your time to shine, right, Baer?"  Knowing Vera's hare-brained improvisational schemes, perhaps the other two may feel less certain that this would go smoothly, but they could at least be assured this job wouldn't be boring!

The vagrant hobbled back into the alley with a whisper, "Right.  It's time to move.  Back stairs over here, then down along the drainway and across to the maintenance access."  As soon as they were out of sight the beggar's hunched posture became a confident swagger as Veracity peeled off the rags and the fake beard to reveal workman's overalls underneath, then traded the stovepipe hat for a newsboy cap big enough to hide both her purple hair and the backward-curling horns.  With a smirk, she said to the boys, "Let's to get something nice for the boss, yeah?"
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 16 posts
Thu 20 Apr 2023
at 21:05
  • msg #5

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

Baern chuckled and peeled back from the masonry. "You'll never hear me complain about comin' from below," he announced. Lacing his fingers together he theatrically cracked his knuckles. Then he reached for the handle of a large pipe wrench leaning against the wall behind him and slung it across his shoulders.

A gnome strutting around Coglington with a wrench in his hands attracted surprisingly little notice. It turned out this held true even if the wrench in question was almost comedically oversized. This one had a fire-hydrant red paint job and Baern affectionately referred to it as 'Bessie', as in 'nothin' Ol'Bessie can't handle' or 'keep runnin' your mouth like that and you'll get a taste of Ol'Bessie'.

Baern didn't have any trouble keeping pace with the bigger folk and fell in just behind Veracity. "Lead the way."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Thu 20 Apr 2023.
Vecaal Alifras
player, 6 posts
Fri 21 Apr 2023
at 14:55
  • msg #6

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal nodded to Veracity and then padded along at the rear, surprisingly light on his feet for one so large.  His head swayed back and forth ever so slightly as he moved, eyes scanning the surroundings and snout raised here and there to test the air for changes.  It wouldn't do for them to make a misstep and get noticed even before they'd started.

But mostly he made sure not to step on Baern in front of him.  Something similar had happened years ago, when he hadn't been paying as much attention as he should have and broke the ankle of a dwarven enforcer the ward had paired him with.  That was a problem when you were so large - small things (and sometimes people) could get caught underfoot.  Most of the time Vecaal just shrugged it off as the other person moving too slowly, but he liked Baern's approach and attitude.  The gnome was worth stepping around.

"Remind me to establish the whispers before we go in," he asked of the two ahead of him, when the thought occurred.  Sometimes he got distracted and forgot such things when working in a group, not his natural environment.  If they were going to sneak into the factory though, it could be very useful.
The Tinkerer
GM, 43 posts
Sat 22 Apr 2023
at 12:22
  • msg #7

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

The three began picking their way down the drainway which sloped down toward the lake at the center of the caldera and from which they could hopefully access the factory's lower, less guarded engine room entrance. Their efforts were aided by a commotion on the road above: a kobold wearing the uniform of a constable and riding a mechanical dog approached the Steel Resolve's cordon in the company of an armored goblin. The two had words with the guards, the kobold flashed a badge, and then things began to turn contentious.

You can either wait to see how this situation plays out or take advantage of the distraction to sneak further down the drainway. Either way, please give me Stealth checks. The Steel Resolve will all have disadvantage to notice you, thanks to Procz's and Frack's distraction. If you don't make for the engine room door now, then you'll have to roll fresh stealth checks if you wish to sneak up to it later.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 17 posts
Sat 22 Apr 2023
at 20:13
  • msg #8

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"Well that's a nice piece of luck," Baern remarked, glancing back at the building commotion without deviating course. "They're up there havin' a lovers quarrel. Here I thought we'd at least have to try to sneak inside."

His booted feet made hardly any noise at all as he followed the drainway down. Some gnomes could vanish from sight altogether - a bit of magic handed down by the Gods, or Fate or what have you. Baern couldn't quite manage that feat but when he tried to blend into the background he could get pretty damned close. There were a lot of nasty things in the darkest hollows below the crust. Sometimes it was best just to avoid them. Staying absolutely motionless for long periods of time in the face of horrifying danger was something of a survival strategy where he came from.

10:21, Today: Baern Snagglehorn rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Stealth.
Veracity
player, 8 posts
Sat 22 Apr 2023
at 20:28
  • msg #9

Re: (Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

Baern Snagglehorn:
Baern chuckled and peeled back from the masonry. "You'll never hear me complain about comin' from below,"

"Too right, seeing as below is always your home turf."  Veracity turned the gnome a wry smirk paired with a wink.  As they made for the back of the alley the tiefling tucked her violet braid under the newsboy cap and smudged a bit of oil on her face.

Just as they reached the exit out onto the drainway their trio could just catch a glimpse of the cordon up above, and the contention brewing there.  Still lingering in the shade at the near end, Vera gestured with her chin, "Those boys are much too sharp to be regular bobbies... and look at the little cavalier facing them down!  Gotta admire that moxie."  Seeing the opportunity, she waited for the kobold to gather all the attention before moving across, casual but quick!

Then, she kicked loose a patch of gravel.  Woops!

13:26, Today: Veracity rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.
Vecaal Alifras
player, 9 posts
Sat 22 Apr 2023
at 21:17
  • msg #10

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal was more than happy to accept the distraction and moved out after the other two, remaining at the rear end of the train.  Though large he moved with a sinuous grace, slinking from cover to shadow and beyond, as though he wasn't even there.  He kept a spacing between himself and the others, so they wouldn't bunch up too much.

And then he froze.  Veracity had a misstep, and that might draw eyes.  The dragonborn did his best to melt into the wall of the drainway.

OOC:
13:45, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Stealth.
The Tinkerer
GM, 44 posts
Sun 23 Apr 2023
at 13:21
  • msg #11

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Treaded tires and booted feet had carved a clear path circling down from the main road the factory's lower, engine room entrance. It was mostly exposed, with a shallow drainage ditch running alongside it offering the only trace of cover. Fortunately, because of the curve and slope of the path, not much of it was visible from above or below at any given moment. Nor did those tasked with guarding the door appear to be dedicating much vigilance to the effort, so that the trio was able to sneak undetected to a point where they had eyes on guards and door alike.

The door itself appeared to be heavy iron set into the brick wall of the factory. Guarding it were three individuals who, unlike the guards on the road above, openly wore the uniform of the Steel Resolve. Two were living soldiers clad in long, padded wool coats reinforced with steel plates and festooned with brass buttons. Their order's famous steel helms obscured their faces, and long truncheons swung from their leather belts. It was common knowledge that the truncheons of the Steel Resolve were electrified, making them extra potent for subduing their quarry as a bludgeon but also enabling them to fire a burst of electric energy as if they were short, powerful rifles.

More intimidating even than the flesh-and-blood guards was the construct with them, a fabled Iron Maiden. Its lithe feminine form towered over its companions, all shimmering black curves of polished metal. The Iron Maiden's head was fashioned to resemble the helmets of the Steel Resolve, and it wielded an enormous, mechanically-enhanced hammer that its iron armors never tired of carrying.

The three of you are still on the little path you followed down, looking down on this scene from a height of roughly 15' and a total distance of roughly 40' away. Trying to sneak any closer would require a new Stealth check, with disadvantage. The first one I treated as a group check, so Veracity's Nat 1 didn't hold you back. But each you who tried to get any closer would have to roll individually.
Vecaal Alifras
player, 11 posts
Sun 23 Apr 2023
at 15:00
  • msg #12

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Before the others had a chance to suggest an approach, Vecaal crouched down between them and laid a clawed hand on each.  "Time for the whispers," he said quietly, the final ess drawing out lazily.  "Don't be worried, it's just.."

[Talking in our heads.]

As he felt the connection take hold Vecaal grinned, which was more a fearsome baring of his mouthful of cruel teeth, and then bobbed his head.

[Now we can plan without them hearing.]


OOC:
Action to use Psychic Whispers, establishing telepathic communication with up to 2 others.  Range up to 1 mile.  Length of 1d6 hours - 6 hours in this case!  First use since last long rest, so no cost in psychic dice.
10:52, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 6 using 1d6.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 19 posts
Sun 23 Apr 2023
at 16:59
  • msg #13

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Baern froze at the sound of Veracity's misstep, each scattered pebble sounding like a tumbling boulder in his ears. The guards' seemingly had their attention firmly focused on the curious pair of lawmen who had approached their line however, because nothing seemed to come of it. After a few moments Baern took a cautious step forward and then resumed course.

The engine room entrance turned out to be a less straightforward affair.

[Them's Steel Resolve,] Baern observed from the confines of his thoughts. [Something bigger must be going on inside for their lot to be called out.]

[What's the plan, Vera?]
The Tinkerer
GM, 47 posts
Mon 24 Apr 2023
at 00:19
  • msg #14

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

You all hear the distant crack of rifle fire on the street above, but you'd have to walk back up to see what's going on. The Steel Resolve guards do not appear to have noticed the sound.
Veracity
player, 11 posts
Mon 24 Apr 2023
at 01:27
  • msg #15

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Thankfully there was enough going on that a tumbling of gravel caught nobody's notice, and so the Sparks crew carried on seemingly unnoticed.  Trying to play it off, she remarked, "Hey, good to know nobody's listening too close, yeah?"

As they drew nearer to their destination, their new dragonborn companion offered 'whispers', which Vera was beginning to suspect was a new illicit substance.  That was, until she heard the reptilian voice hissing into her mind!  "Hang on..."  The tiefling narrowed her eyes first Vecaal, then Baern.  [You two can hear me right now?  Okay, this is neat.]  Turning a smoldering gaze back to Vecaal, she mentally spoke in the drawling voice of a peddler they'd passed in the street earlier in the morning, [Aye, dat's handy, dat!]

It wasn't long before they had eyes on the door into the factory's engine room, and the unexpected sort of guards keeping watch there.  Vera glowered at the big door and fixed Baern and Vecaal with an intense look before speaking psychically to them, [Not just Resolve, but a bloody damnable Iron Maiden?!  These aren't any kind of usual back-door watchmen.  Baz was right, something stinks about this place...]  The reports of distant rifle-shots could be heard in the distance, and Veracity remarked, [Seems the strike is getting spicy.  Good for us, probably.]

In answer to Baern's question, Vera turned the gnome a piercing look and whispered, [We've gotta assess our options just now, because these guards are bound to be a problem.  I'll think of a way to get us by if there's no other way, but rather not make it harder than it needs to be.]  She seemed to be under the impression that an intense stare was a necessary component of this psychic communication.

Perception to check if there's any other ways in, like windows, side doors, manholes, ladders... anything besides giant metal door with three nasty guards right on it!:
  • 17:22, Today: Veracity rolled 8 using 1d20.  Perception.

Baern Snagglehorn
player, 21 posts
Mon 24 Apr 2023
at 21:37
  • msg #16

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Baern glanced back up the slope at the sound of the distant rifle report but said nothing of it - or rather thought nothing of it in concrete terms that the others could follow. He wasn't exactly sure what Veracity had in mind when it came to options, but he certainly didn't see an abundance of them. There were three guards and a heavy door. That didn't seem accidental. He tightened his grip on Bessie and bided his time.

[What I'd give for one of those truncheons,] he mused, eying one of the soldiers' riot batons.
Veracity
player, 14 posts
Wed 26 Apr 2023
at 06:41
  • msg #17

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Seeing that there were no good alternatives to this door that wouldn't require turning around and trying something entirely different, Veracity resolved to make it work somehow.  [Right.  This will need a touch of finesse.  Thankfully, I have that to spare!  Give me just another minute to prepare.]  Keeping out of sight of the Steel Resolve, Veracity dug in her kit.  She scooped some sort of jelly from a tin and smeared it around her eyes and the corners of her mouth, causing the skin to wrinkle into crow's feet and frown lines.  More oil and a dust on the hands to give a dirty and work-worn look.  As she worked, she spoke into Baern and Vecaal's minds, [We're technicians on turbine maintenance duty.  Hide anything suspicious, including weapons... except Bessie.  She's perfect for this.]  Veracity put on the finishing touches that aged her decades into a hard-working and hard-living tradeswoman, and a shift in her posture and the way she carried herself completed the disguise.  Vera listened to any input from her Spark-mates, and then once all were ready... it was time to approach.

"...so I says, whatcha on about a copper gasket?  Damn thing'd corrode like--Ohh."  The gravelly voice's casual banter halted in pretended surprise at the sight of the Steel Resolve and their automaton.  The grizzled tradeswoman raised her hands and said, "Hey there, fellas...  Ma'am?"  She turned a squinty-eyed look up at the Iron Maiden, and the trepidation didn't require much acting.  "There a problem in the engine room?  We got a maintenance order on the turbine past that door, just there.  Should be in n' out before ya knows it.  Not meanin' no trouble.  Just trynna do a job, ya know?"  She was the absolute picture of an earnest and experienced laborer who wants nothing more than to do an honest day's work.

[Just follow my lead...]

Int + Disguise Kit proficiency to see how convincing Vera's workman disguise is:
  • 23:37, Today: Veracity rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Int + Disguise Kit prof.

Deception with Actor advantage to act like a maintenance worker just trying to get inside to fix something:
  • 23:38, Today: Veracity rolled 25 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 8,18.  Deception (Actor advantage).

Vecaal Alifras
player, 12 posts
Wed 26 Apr 2023
at 11:46
  • msg #18

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

While Veracity prepared her disguise, Vecaal cast his eyes about their immediate surroundings, looking for any metallic cast-offs and scraps he could gather together as "spare parts" to help with his own part in the ploy.  He thought with his size that acting the carry-all apprentice was likely his best option, and so when they finally moved forward he remained in the rear, dutifully following his trainer journey-persons.

OOC:
Try to quickly collect some "spare parts" for the turbine repair work
07:37, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Perception.
07:38, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 2 using 1d6.  Psy Die (if needed)
The Tinkerer
GM, 56 posts
Wed 26 Apr 2023
at 13:19
  • msg #19

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

The Iron Maiden clocked the approaching "engine repair workers" first, its black head swiveling as its dark eyes locked onto them. Gears ground against each other as it raised its hammer, and its torso glowed blue with coursing electricity. The two Steel Reservists drew their batons, which also crackled with electric menace, but none of them attacked.
Veracity:
"There a problem in the engine room?  We got a maintenance order on the turbine past that door, just there.  Should be in n' out before ya knows it.  Not meanin' no trouble.  Just trynna do a job, ya know?"

The agents exchanged looks that so strongly expressed confusion that one did not need to see their faces, hidden by steel helmets, to imagine the quizzical expressions they bore.

"Turbine?" Said the shorter of the two. "Is that all this is? They rushed us down here over a busted turbine?"

"Fucking rabble-rousing layabouts is what we're here for," their companion corrected them, glancing in the direction of the strike above, though he could not actually see it over the sloping ground. "Probably busted it up themselves, while they were throwing their tantrum. Putting their own selves out of work in the process, the fucking geniuses."

"Wouldn't be in there crankin' wrenches if they were geniuses, would they?" The first one laughed, then added, with a disingenuous nod at Baern, "No offense. Good you brought some muscle with you," he said, turning their attention back to Veracity. "Them animals up there get an inkling there's scabs in the building, you're gonna need it." He lowered his voice, which was already strangely pitched and distorted by their helmet. "We're on strict orders to stay at the door, but I'll keep an ear out. You get into trouble, you just bang on this door and we'll come sort it for you. Be a shame if them hooligans hurt a pretty thing like yourself."

He pressed the crackling tip of his baton to a socket on the wall, and the heavy doors slid open. With an awkward little bow, he gestured for Veracity and companions to head inside.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 26 posts
Wed 26 Apr 2023
at 14:33
  • msg #20

Re: (Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

The Tinkerer:
"Wouldn't be in there crankin' wrenches if they were geniuses, would they?" The first one laughed, then added, with a disingenuous nod at Baern, "No offense. Good you brought some muscle with you," he said, turning their attention back to Veracity.


[None taken, you mouth-breathing bottom feeder] Baern nodded and politely tipped his cap as he traipsed past the guards. He was more than happy to let Veracity do all the talking.

[Nicely done, Vera] he mentally acknowledged as he stepped through the threshold into the engine room beyond.
Veracity
player, 15 posts
Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 00:31
  • msg #21

Re: (Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Not-Veracity the hardworking and absolutely qualified maintenance technician glanced back and forth between the bantering Steel Resolve agents.  They bought the ruse completely, which of course they would, considering her outstanding disguise and performance!  Not only did they buy it, but they were also surprisingly easygoing and loose-lipped for truncheon-swinging goons.

The tradeswoman said in a voice like she'd been breathing smoke since childhood, "Oh, this that strike I'm hearin' tell of?  Flamin' pits, nobody wants ta work no more, am I right?  What's got the layabouts riled this time?"  Silently, she remarked to her companions in her regular telepathic voice, [These jackboots turn my stomach!  May as well chum up and fish for dirt while they're feeling so forthcoming.]

Not-Veracity made a show of looking flattered and perhaps interested in the Resolve officer's flirtatious offer to handle any trouble that might arise inside.  She answered back with a smirk, "It's the hooligans that you'd need to worry for more than me, but glad to be under such fine protection."  Once the door was opened, the tradeswomen touched the brim of the newsboy hat and said, "Much obliged, sirs.  Keep up the good work.  C'mon, lads!"

She sauntered in alongside her fellow 'technicians', and telepathically whispered, [Thanks.  With suckers like these, that was easy-peasy.  Now, let's see what we find inside this place...]
The Tinkerer
GM, 60 posts
Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 13:27
  • msg #22

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Veracity:
"What's got the layabouts riled this time?"

"Hell if I know. What I hear, they don't even know themselves. No complaints, no demands, just flat out refuse to work. 'Course they won't move and let in those that are ready to put in an honest day's labor, either. Thugs and layabouts, the lot of 'em. Bah, you've got me all worked up. Best let you get on with your own work. You take care in there."

The air in the cavernous engine room was oppressively hot, with the heat from the thermal vents that powered the factory radiating off its thick, brick walls. The smells of oil and metal overwhelmed even that of the sulfurous vent, and the floor was in places slick with oil dripping from the pistons and gears above. A massive turbine whirred in the center of the room, driving the belts that set in motion the maze of machinery that extended up through the ceiling to the factory floor above.

No one was currently stationed by the engine's many gauges and dials, but it seemed to be carrying on well enough on its own, keeping the thousands of cogs and gears turning with all the unison of a symphony orchestra despite its lack of a conductor. The noise was deafening, a combination of clanging metal and the high-pitched hiss of steam.
Vecaal Alifras
player, 13 posts
Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 13:31
  • msg #23

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal puffed up a bit at the mention of bringing along muscle, proud to have been noticed at all.  Otherwise he remained silent, forcing his eyes not to roll as Veracity completely bamboozled them with her story.  If only it was always this easy!

Once they were through the door the dragonborn added to Veracity's comment.  [Let's get away from the door, then we can plot our exploration.  Since we don't even know what we're looking for.]
Veracity
player, 17 posts
Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 14:33
  • msg #24

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Veracity didn't even break a sweat from the sweltering, sulfurous heat of the engine room.  She'd been conscripted as a chimneysweep at a young age, and the factories, manors, and refineries weren't always willing to quench their furnaces long enough for the flues to properly cool.  That's why the Chimneymaster prized his little tiefling work-slaves, because they could survive the hazardous conditions his clients paid him big coins to work through.  Compared to the hellish smokestacks and furnace vents she'd been sent down, this place felt downright cozy.

The disguised tiefling nodded toward Vecaal and mind-whispered, [Too right.  First destination comes to my mind is the boss's office.  May be there's valuable product or materials too, depending what this factory does.  Hopefully this place makes luxury timepieces or golden chamber pots or some-such.]  Realizing that they'd be hard-pressed to talk above the racket of the engines, Vera was quickly coming to appreciate these so-called whispers.  [Damnably useful, these whispers.  You make a fine accomplice for chicanery, Vec.  Cheers.]

Veracity ventured onward past the massive turbine and the constant mechanical motion of belts and pistons.  She was on the lookout firstly for ways up to the factory floor, then toward any administrative areas that presented themselves.  Keeping eyes open for anybody else, of course, and also trying to get an idea of what the factory produced.

Investigation to guess at what this factory does, once we see any specific equipment, signage, etc:
  • 07:27, Today: Veracity rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Investigation.

The Tinkerer
GM, 62 posts
Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 15:21
  • msg #25

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Actually, let's have a DC 10 Constitution save from everyone due to the oppressive heat and noise. Failure gives you a level of Exhaustion. Baeran and Veracity can roll with advantage because they both have considerable experience in extremely hot and/or loud environments. Vecall, if I've neglected something in your background that would confer a similar advantage, you're welcome to make the case.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 27 posts
Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 16:45
  • msg #26

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Baern had seen his fair share of the insides of many an engine room, but the constant whir of the machinery was no less bewildering to him. Tunnels and stones he understood. Turbines and manifolds were for someone else to understand - unless something needed breaking, in which case he supposed he could take a crack at it. The heat and noise were both familiar though and quickly faded into the back of his awareness. He followed Vera up to the factory floor, eyes peeled for the presence of anyone else who might be in the building with them.

11:51, Today: Baern Snagglehorn rolled 14 using 2d20+4, dropping the lowest dice only.  Con save.
Veracity
player, 18 posts
Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 21:54
  • msg #27

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Success, whew!

13:54, Today: Veracity rolled 16 using 2d20, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 16,15.  Con save (advantage).
Vecaal Alifras
player, 14 posts
Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 13:29
  • msg #28

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal found the heat and noise of the engine room oppressive.  He was used to the streets, where claustrophobia and stench were prevalent but this sort of enclosed, chaotic hell did not exist.  It took all of his will and might to fight it off, leaving him looking haggard and bleak as they emerged from the lower level of the factory.

OOC:
Will use Inspiration to gain advantage.
09:24, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 21 using 1d20+1. CON Save.
09:21, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 6 using 1d20+1.  CON Save.
The Tinkerer
GM, 65 posts
Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 14:05
  • msg #29

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

The machines doing the actual manufacturing were all up on the factory floor, so there was no telling, from the engine room, what exactly the factory produced. What was clear, though, was that this an especially vast and complex operation, more so than was apparent from outside the building. It seemed the factory was built not only up against the wall of the caldera but extending back into it, creating room for more and larger machines, which necessitated a dizzying assemblage of pistons, belts, and gears.

That it all seemed to be running so smoothly despite the absence of anyone actively operating the engine's many cranks and dials struck Vera as strange. To her humble chimneysweep's imagination, such a complex operation ought to have required the constant attention of several individuals.

A staircase of grated iron wound its way up through the rotating gears, intersecting with several catwalks as it made its way up to the factory floor. The catwalks criss-crossed the engine room at various heights, providing access to the engine room's many moving parts.

As the party made its way slowly toward this staircase, Baern's eyes, so accustomed to the darkness of the mines, spotted a figure crouching between a turbine and a particularly large piston. It was a good hiding place, but the crouching individual was large, a half-orc by the looks of her, and so could conceal herself as fully as she clearly would have preferred. She wore the dingy blue uniform of a worker and seemed, from the way she was hunched up and shaking, more frightened than threatening.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 28 posts
Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 14:23
  • msg #30

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

[Worker.] Baern didn't point. He didn't want to let the woman know that she'd been spotted. [Over there behind that turbine. She looks ready to spook, but maybe she knows something?]
Veracity
player, 21 posts
Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 19:02
  • msg #31

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

[Odd that all these moving parts can run so smooth with nobody overseeing, don't you think?]  Something was off about this place and the situation, but it was hard to put a finger on it just yet.

Their explorations led to a spiral stairwell of grated iron, but before they arrived sharp-eyed Baern spotted a half-orcess in hiding.  Veracity glanced in the direction he described, but it still took a moment to spot her in the clever hiding spot.  [Good eye.  She surely knows more than we do and might give us up if we leave her be.  Let's have a chat.]

Veracity in her work-worn tradeswoman guise acted as if she'd just spotted the woman by chance, and turned that way with a curious smile.  She offered a wave and called out just loud enough to be heard over the machinery, "Hey there, ma'am.  What seems to be the matter?  It's alright.  We're independent contractors, so we've got no skin in whatever's going on here."  She offered an oil-smudged hand and the warm demeanor of a sympathetic elder auntie everyone on the work-floor looks up to.

Persuasion to calm the freaked half-orcess:
  • 10:53, Today: Veracity rolled 25 using 1d20+7.  Persuasion.

The Tinkerer
GM, 66 posts
Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 23:48
  • msg #32

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

The half-orc straightened to her full height, baring her tusks and flexing her muscled arms. Hiding having failed, she resorted to bluster. "Scabs, you mean." She spoke the word without the malice most factory workers would have attached to it. She appeared more confused than disdainful. "Don't look like scabs. But can't imagine why else those goons at the door would have let you through. Anyway, there's no such thing as independent, far as the union's concerned. You're either with them or against them." Ignoring Vera's hand, he crossed her arms and waited to hear which it was.
Vecaal Alifras
player, 15 posts
Sat 29 Apr 2023
at 00:06
  • msg #33

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal had hung back initially, not wanting to righten the hiding worker with his appearance.  He had learned that many were taken aback at the sight of a walking dragon-man, even all these years after the fall of the Master and the rise of the Coglingtons, especially those of lesser stature.  This one seemed brave enough once discovered and was not small like many others, so Vecaal moved forward not enough to intrude upon the conversation, but enough to be seen.  Standing straight and tall with his imperious gaze upon the half-orc, he remained outwardly silent.

[Do not let this one push you around, we have business to finish. But I wonder why she is not with her fellow workers out front?] he thought aloud, a mix of dismissal and distrust coming though his mental words.
Veracity
player, 24 posts
Sat 29 Apr 2023
at 01:53
  • msg #34

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Veracity took in the half-orcess's belligerent response to being found, and considered what it meant in light of the fright she'd showed earlier.  The tradeswoman shook her head, "Nah, not scabs.  Like I said, we're on contract scheduled weeks back.  Not replacin' anybody."  She considered what what side this one must be on, and answered carefully, "Depends which union you're meanin', ma'am.  Been involved in a few unions in my day, noble causes all, but most went about it all wrong and got busted bloody.  I'm for workers like us, at the end of the day."

The tradeswoman gave the half-orcess a canny look and asked, "What's this strike about, then?  Hadn't heard what's the issue, comin' in from outside as we have."  She then added, "Pardon my askin', ma'am, but how come you're hidin' down here?"  The question was delivered with sympathetic concern that was definitely super trustworthy.

Deception to sound trustworthy and on her side:
  • 18:51, Today: Veracity rolled 19 using 1d20+7.  Deception.

The Tinkerer
GM, 68 posts
Sat 29 Apr 2023
at 12:56
  • msg #35

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Veracity:
"Depends which union you're meanin', ma'am.  Been involved in a few unions in my day, noble causes all, but most went about it all wrong and got busted bloody.  I'm for workers like us, at the end of the day."

The half-orc looked Veracity over again, then smiled. "Live by the club, die by the club."
Veracity:
"Nah, not scabs.  Like I said, we're on contract scheduled weeks back.  Not replacin' anybody."

"Sure. Not replacing anybody." Her tusky smile was patronizing, suggesting the tiefling was lying not to her but to herself. Then she folded her arms sternly across her chest.

"Look, there's been some mistake. We don't need any contractors here, and it won't be possible for you to do whatever it is they sent you to do - what did they send you to do, anyway?"
Veracity:
"What's this strike about, then?  Hadn't heard what's the issue, comin' in from outside as we have. Pardon my askin', ma'am, but how come you're hidin' down here?"

"No, I don't suppose you have heard." She chuckled to herself at some unheard joke. "Nor can I tell you. Look, I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but you'll have to leave. Best you slip back out the way you slipped in. If those folks out front see you, they'll tear you to pieces. Independent contractor," she repeated with a snort.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 29 posts
Sat 29 Apr 2023
at 14:16
  • msg #36

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Baern leaned against Bessie with his arms folded looking largely disinterested. [Don't think you're getting around this one, Vera. There's scabs and then there's union and right now we're scabs. Doesn't matter that we're not here to do her job. We've told her we're here to do someone's job on the wrong side of a picket and that makes us scabs. Best you can hope for is to tell her were doing some job that has nothing to do with the factory - like a gas leak, or shoring up a load bearing pile. Something safety wise that could hurt the workers if we don't get to it. She may not like it none, but hopefully she'll push off.]
The Tinkerer
GM, 69 posts
Sat 29 Apr 2023
at 14:32
  • msg #37

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Actually, Baern, as you "say" that, you realize she's never endorsed those views herself. She's suggested that's how the other workers would feel, but she's not out there with the other workers. Indeed, she seems kind of disdainful of them, suggesting they "live by the club" - they threaten violence themselves to keep others from taking their jobs. Her disdain toward Vera seems to come from the idea that she (Vera) is lying to herself about what she's doing, not that she (the half-orc) necessarily has a problem with what you all are purportedly doing.

The Tinkerer, on behalf of Baern Snagglehorn, rolled 20 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  insight.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 30 posts
Sat 29 Apr 2023
at 15:06
  • msg #38

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Good thing I dipped into Insight ;)

[Or... not, maybe,] Baern shifted, his look of disinterest turning into one of contemplation. [She don't seem to care about this picket. Otherwise she'd be out there on the line with the other workers. And I'd be willing to wager they don't know she's in here. Can't help but wonder if she's up to something, same as us. Maybe that's why she wants us out - and why she was so afraid when she spotted us. We interrupted her.]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:06, Sat 29 Apr 2023.
Veracity
player, 25 posts
Sat 29 Apr 2023
at 22:44
  • msg #39

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

[Definitely up to something.  She's not with the Resolve nor the picket... Might be she's an informant for Crock, or somebody else with an interest in whatever's afoot here.  That would explain why she's hiding scared.]  As the half-orcess went on with her disdainful dismissal, Vera psychically remarked to her companions, [We need her on our side.  Time to show her the Cunning.]

Not-Veracity the super legitimate tradeswoman sighed and shook her head, "Seems the boss left out a few key details sendin' us on this job.  What else is new, am I right, friend?"  She spoke the final word in such a convincing way that the half-orcess must surely realize that it was true.*  They absolutely are friends!  Baern and Vecaal might recognize this as Veracity's uncanny magical sway over those she wanted to manipulate, a talent she referred to as the Cunning.

With regard to the job itself, she rattled off a plausible-sounding explanation of a maintenance issue they'd been sent to repair upstairs that would pose a danger to workers if not addressed.  Turning her new friend an easy smile, the tiefling tradeswoman said, "So ya see, we'd really best be about our work.  Anythin' we oughtta know before we get to it?"

* Bonus action Unsettling Words to spend a Bardic Inspiration die to penalize half-orcess's next saving throw:
  • 15:35, Today: Veracity rolled 6 using 1d6.  Unsettling Words.
Then, casting Charm Person, DC 13 Wis save, her roll penalized by 6!  On a failure she's charmed for 1 hour and regards Vera as a friendly acquaintance.

Rolling Deception for convincing technobabble justification of our presence here, because Vera surely knows better how to BS it than her player does ;D:
  • 15:36, Today: Veracity rolled 17 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 8,10.  Deception (maybe advantage?).

That roll is at advantage if the charm landed, but the result is 17 either way due Silver Tongue feature
The Tinkerer
GM, 70 posts
Sun 30 Apr 2023
at 12:03
  • msg #40

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Despite Veracity's garbled, jargon-filled explanation, a calm settled over the half-orc as she spoke. The woman uncrossed her arms and allowed her shoulders to relax down and back.

"Look," she said when the tiefling had finished. "You seem nice enough. I'm not trying to give you a hard time. I'm warning you for own safety: there's been a mistake. We absolutely cannot have any work done right now. I'm sorry you had to haul all the way out here for nothing. Hey, maybe Mister Coglinton will compensate you for your time?" She snorted and nudged her new friend with her elbow, encouraging her to smile at the obvious jest.

"I wasn't kidding, what I said before. I literally can't tell you what's going on. Look: Mister Coglinton's got us building..." Her voice trailed off into a dry, choking sound, like sandpaper rubbing against the grain of rough wood. It reminded everyone of the stifling heat of the engine room, and how parched their own throats were.

"There, you see? I literally can't tell you, because..." Again, the dry rasp sanded her words down to dust. "Upstairs, there's...." Rasp.

"OK? So I can't tell you. And I can't let you upstairs. They never should have let you in in the first place. Best you just head on to your next job and forget this ever happened."
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 31 posts
Sun 30 Apr 2023
at 13:22
  • msg #41

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

[I don't think she's fooling. She can't spit it out.]

"What did you say your name was, Miss?" Baern asked.
The Tinkerer
GM, 71 posts
Sun 30 Apr 2023
at 13:38
  • msg #42

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"Gail," the half-orc answered. "If they give you any trouble about not doing whatever job it is that doesn't need doing anyway, you tell them Gail dismissed you."
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 32 posts
Sun 30 Apr 2023
at 14:03
  • msg #43

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"And when you say you can't let us go upstairs, same way as you can't tell us what you're making here... what exactly do you have to do if we go upstairs?"
The Tinkerer
GM, 72 posts
Sun 30 Apr 2023
at 14:28
  • msg #44

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"Look, it's just a bad idea, all right? It's not about what I'll do. It's just..." Irritation flashed across Gail's face as the rasp interrupted her again. "You need to leave!"
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 34 posts
Sun 30 Apr 2023
at 16:10
  • msg #45

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"I hope you don't mind my asking, Miss Gail, but is everything alright? I get that you don't want us here, although I can't say I understand it. You don't seem to care one whit about the picket outside, but this don't seem like company loyalty either. More like... compulsion."

"If you're in some sort of trouble, Miss Gail, you can tell us."
Veracity
player, 26 posts
Mon 1 May 2023
at 01:59
  • msg #46

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Not-Veracity clapped the half-orcess's shoulder in an amiable gesture of reassurance between friends, "No sorry needed.  Appreciate you lookin' out for us, Gail, even if you can't say why.  The name's Roxie, by the way."  Veracity was interested by the half-orcess's inability to articulate the factory's function beyond 'building'.  Silently she whispered in reply to Baern, [She's under compulsion to keep quiet, for sure.  I'd surmise all the workers are, judging by that vague chant outside.  J.P. has someone strong in the Cunning on his payroll.]

Gail roundly refused Baern's inching closer to an insistence to head upstairs, and when she demanded they leave Vera raised a calming hand and said in a soothing tone, "Hang on, now!  Let's all cool off, right?  Gail, since we're friends I think it's past time to bring you into the fold."  The tiefling made a show of glancing about for anybody watching, then leaned in and said in a conspiratorial tone, "Listen here.  We joke about J.P. payin' for our trouble, but as a matter of fact, he is.  We're specialists, you see, sent on a special mission up there.  They called us in for the exact reason nobody else is supposed to go up, and we're not to speak of it either."  It was even true, in a sense.  They were specialists for the Sparks and J.P. would be paying them, just that he didn't know it yet!  "Now, now, I know you've got orders to guard the stairs, and doin' a fantastic job of it.  It's okay though, because we got a secret code phrase, straight from the top.  You're to let us up there, and nobody should bother about it... but IF any official asks you just have to say it and you're off the hook, no questions asked.  Ready?  Here it is."  Vera gave a dramatic pause, then said, "The code phrase is, 'Happy rockslide'.  Just say that, they'll get the message and you're in the clear.  Got it?"

'Roxie' the secret J.P. specialist grinned and said, "I know you got it, Gail.  Don't worry about us, now.  We totally know what we're doing, and you're in the clear so long as you remember the code phrase.  We'd better get up there now, alright?"

Deception check w/ advantage from charmed to convince Gail to let us by with this absolute hogwash about a code phrase:
  • 18:51, Today: Veracity rolled 25 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 18,12.  Deception (advantage charm).

The Tinkerer
GM, 77 posts
Mon 1 May 2023
at 12:50
  • msg #47

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Understanding dawned on the half-orc's face. At last, everything made sense. Gail took a deep breath. "There's something else you need to know, then. There's the... thing. The one we can't talk about. And then there's..." The rasp cut her off, and she frowned in annoyance. "I don't know how much of this I'll be able to say. Are you familiar with... The Gearlord?" Gail, looking guilty, lowered her voice. "I've been... serving him, here. Unbeknownst to our employer. Things are maybe... a little out of hand. Up there. Which I guess is what they called you in for? Although I don't know how they know that. Serves me right for underestimating J.P. Cognelius, I suppose. I don't know what to tell you to expect, exactly. It's just... the factory is..." After being repeatedly cut off by the rasp, she kicked a beam in frustration.

"I guess that's all I can say. Oh! But I can give you something to help." She reached into her tunic, withdrew a cog-shaped pendant on a thin wire, and held it out to Veracity. Then, turning to Baern, she said, "I can also bless that wrench of yours, if you would like."

The Cog of Luck grants the wearer +1 to Intelligence and to all saving throws. It does not require attunement.

Baern, if you accept the blessing, I'll tell you what that does.

Religion DC 10:
Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
In recent years, a small cult celebrating constructs and machines has been gaining steam (heh heh) in Coglinton. They worship The Gearlord, a technology-focused deity.

Religion DC 15:
Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Some members of the cult believe in the supremacy of machines over mortal creatures. Much like the dragon cultists who yearn for a return to draconic rule, they are pessimistic about the prospects for mortals to co-exist and govern themselves. But rather than yearning for the past, they look to a technological future where machines maintain perfect order and unity.

Religion DC 20:
Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The tinkerers and artificers drawn to the cult of the Gearlord strive to grant sentience to constructs and machines. Judging by Gail's guilty behavior and cryptic comments, she seems to have done something like that here.

Baern Snagglehorn
player, 35 posts
Mon 1 May 2023
at 13:29
  • msg #48

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Baern had heard of the Gearlord. Its followers believed in the nobility of machines, or some such - believed they had spirits of their own. As someone who had spent years below the surface bargaining with the spirits of stones and tunnels, this was a notion that resonated with him. Obviously they had spirits. Baern just didn't understand their language the way he could suss out the ghosts in the mines.

"Bessie?" he asked, swinging his pipe wrench up and letting the haft fall against his open palm. "Yeah, alright. Supposin' she could use a blessing. And a bit of grease around the hookjaw if I'm being right honest."

He raised the tool up towards Gail expectantly.

09:19, Today: Baern Snagglehorn rolled 12 using 1d20-1.  Religion.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:30, Mon 01 May 2023.
The Tinkerer
GM, 79 posts
Mon 1 May 2023
at 13:41
  • msg #49

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

With six precise strokes, Gail's hand inscribed the shape of a hexagonal gear in the air above Baern's outstretched wrench. "May the perfect unity of the machine guide your mind along with your hand, that your thoughts may be in harmony with your actions." She repeated the gesture, then withdrew her hand and dipped her head in a slight bow.

You gain proficiency with tinker's tools and your wrench counts as tinker's tools. You also gain advantage on Intelligence checks and saves when interacting with constructs and machines: identifying them, repairing them, disabling them, fighting them, etc.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 37 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 00:26
  • msg #50

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Baern received the blessing with appropriate reverence and seemingly genuine sincerity. "Thank you," he said, lowering Bessie to midtrunk height and turning the tool over in his grasp with a speculative look.

"We should probably head upstairs," he said, looking up at Vera and Vecaal after a few moments.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Tue 02 May 2023.
Veracity
player, 27 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 02:29
  • msg #51

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"Sure am familiar.  Can't deny the Gearlord makes a sensible case."  It was true enough that machines tended to be more reliable and logical than people, but Veracity liked people because they were flawed.  It's a lot harder to dupe, trick, and bamboozle a machine!  It seemed that Gail was a devotee, however, so she'd keep those thoughts to herself.  It wasn't exactly clear what relevance the Gearlord had to the present situation, but perhaps that would become clearer once they got a bigger picture.

'Roxie' assured the frustrated half-orcess who had just kicked a steel beam, "Hey, no call for that, now.  Your hands and tongue are tied, we know."  Gail then offered both a lucky Cog and a blessing, which was surprisingly generous considering how this interaction had begun.  Then again, Vera had forged them a magical friendship, and wasn't this what friends were for?  The tiefling took the pendant with a reverence that she played as religious, whereas it was more avaricious.  "That's mighty kind of you, Gail.  I'll be certain to put it to fine use.  Raise an oil can to the Gearlord!"

Returning Gail's bow, 'Roxie' agreed, "We'd best be about it, then.  Much obliged for everythin', friend.  You take care, now."  She gestured to the stairs and began to lead the others up to the factory proper, being sure to get quiet before reaching the top.  Best to assess the situation before blundering right into it!

As they ascended, Vera silently conferred with her companions, [Well, that was both informative and not.  Seems the strike is only the start of whatever misadventure is afoot in this place.  Starting to think that there'll be more value to be found in dirt on J.P. than in any materials.]

17:03, Today: Veracity rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Religion.

Stealth to ascend quietly:
  • 19:27, Today: Veracity rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.

The Tinkerer
GM, 81 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 13:07
  • msg #52

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

The cacophony of banging metal and humming machines only grew more intense as the trio ascended the metal staircase to the factory floor. The lights hanging from the ceiling high above them appeared to have been busted out, so that they now emitted no light save the occasional rain of blue sparks. Beams of sunlight entered from the large windows toward the top of the walls, illuminating all the dust and other particles that filled the air.

Rows of machines extended back into the distant darkness, where more space for the factory had been excavated from the very wall of the volcano. The machines carried on cutting, shaping, welding, assembling, and polishing despite a lack of workers to operate them. Large cranes slid along tracks in the ceiling, retrieving and delivering materials. The machines moved with precision and speed, seemingly oblivious to the party's presence.

Sings of the workers' discontent - or perhaps the factory's discontent with them? - were evident not just in the shattered lights but in the broken tools scattered around the factory floor and the metal staircase which once led up to an office high above the factory floor but was now broken, a precarious mess of twisted iron.

The factory had seemed abandoned by its workers, but in fact a few were still visible at the furthest reaches of the machine room floor, going about their business as if nothing were amiss. From this distance it was not possible to make out any discerning features about them, of age or race or anything else. Indeed, they could hardly be seen at all for all the darkness and dust.
Vecaal Alifras
player, 17 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 16:02
  • msg #53

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

Throughout the exchange with Gail, Vecaal had remained silent and watchful.  He did not trust her, even after Veracity had fooled her into being a friend, but he couldn't deny they were learning something from the exchange.  That was, until the talk of the Gearlord commenced.  While Baern and Veracity smiled and bobbed their head, Vecaal simply looked at all three like they were crazy.  It almost sounded like they were venerating machines!  At one point he couldn't silence his thoughts, no matter how hard he tried.

[It's a gear.  A hunk of metal.  Sulfur and ash, have you both lost your minds?]

Finally Veracity ended the uncomfortable encounter and they made their way up to the main floor of the factory.  Larger than he'd expected, Vecaal took it all in with his customary precision.  The strange machines moving on their own gave the dragonborn pause, almost enough to make him think Gail might know something he did not, but he quickly shook off such a ludicrous idea.  He spied the twisted stairway leading upward and assessed it for climbing, and also noted movement in far reaches of the factory floor.  More workers that had not joined in the demonstration.

[Do we go up, or sneak over to those other workers that way?] he asked.  His initial preference was to climb and find something of value, but Gail hadn't been completely a waste of time and perhaps these other workers might have additional insights into the importance of the factory.

OOC:
11:48, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 7 using 1d20.  Religion.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 38 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 19:11
  • msg #54

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

[Don't see what that's got to do with anything] Baern thought. [Lots of things have spirits. Only stands to reason machines can too.]

Making his way upstairs, Baern had much the same reaction is Vecaal.

[Pretty sure we're going to have to make our way up there sooner or later.] He nodded at the foreman's office and the ruined stairway leading up to it. [Might be a good idea to see who's down here with us first. Think you could get closer to them without them seeing you? Something don't seem right to me.]
Veracity
player, 28 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 21:03
  • msg #55

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

Veracity gave a chuckle at Vecaal's psychic indignance, [Can't say whether a latrine-scrubber bot has a soul, but our girl Gail back there seemed the sort to think so.  Playing along with a little foolishness convinced her to welcome us in with blessings and a magic gift.  Know your audience, Vec!]

The stairs gave out onto a cavernous factory floor made dark by shattered lights, yet the machines still toiled on with flawless exactitude.  Vera squinted at the workers off in the distance, still up to something.  [Funny that there's still workers in here, or perhaps more Gear-disciples.  I see no need to bother them.  Remember, we're not here to fix this place nor stir a ruckus.]  She turned lavender eyes up to the elevated office, with its staircase reduced to a gnarled wreck.  [I'd rather get a look at what's to be found up there, although getting up will be a trick.]

Veracity crept closer to the ruined staircase and poked around for any alternate ways up.  Perhaps a ladder or something else climbable?

Investigation to look for alternate ways up to the office:
  • 13:01, Today: Veracity rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Investigation.

Also, how high up off the floor is the office?
The Tinkerer
GM, 83 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 22:45
  • msg #56

(Baeran, Vecaal, Veracity) The Job

It's hard to judge from the ground but looks like 80-100 feet? The ceilings are really high to accommodate the cranes gliding along the ceiling. Speaking of which, it might be possible to hitch a ride on one of them, if you could figure out how to control them. Climbing the twisted ruins of the staircase is still an option, it will just be tricky. (DC 12 Climb check per Move/Dash action, with failure = a fall).
Vecaal Alifras
player, 19 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 23:35
  • msg #57

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal snorted at Veracity's admonition, as though such accommodations for addled people were beneath him.  Then he examined the staircase one more time, sniffed the air, and nodded.  [I can climb it,] he declared confidently.  [Do you want me to lower a rope?]

OOC:
Would Vecaal judge the workers (or self-directed automatons, if that's what they really are) would be able to see them as they climbed the staircase?  Do they have a sightline to it, from where they are working?
The Tinkerer
GM, 84 posts
Tue 2 May 2023
at 23:41
  • msg #58

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal Alifras:
OOC:
Would Vecaal judge the workers (or self-directed automatons, if that's what they really are) would be able to see them as they climbed the staircase?  Do they have a sightline to it, from where they are working?


Yeah, presumably they could see you as well as you can see them, which is to say they might notice silhouettes moveing in the distance. Or, they might not - they seem pretty absorbed in their work.

You can choose to roll Stealth while climbing, but you'll move at 2/3 speed (which might mean having to make an extra Athletics/Acrobatics check or two to reach the top).
Veracity
player, 29 posts
Wed 3 May 2023
at 00:03
  • msg #59

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Veracity grinned and nodded to Vecaal, [Spectacular.  A rope would be welcome, because I wasn't looking forward to scaling that wreckage.  Wonder what did that, anyhow...]  She looked up to the office high up above and psychically asked, [You have this length of rope on you?]

Does the stair destruction look like it could have been done by average workers with tools, or does it seem like something stronger did it?
The Tinkerer
GM, 85 posts
Wed 3 May 2023
at 00:06
  • msg #60

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Veracity:
Does the stair destruction look like it could have been done by average workers with tools, or does it seem like something stronger did it?


Stronger. I don't know that your characters know what a wrecking ball is, but this is wrecking ball levels of smashing.
Veracity
player, 30 posts
Wed 3 May 2023
at 00:36
  • msg #61

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Knowing that, here's an Investigation to find the controls for the crane with a wrecking ball on it! :D (or any potentially ride-able crane would do)
  • 16:36, Today: Veracity rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Investigation.

Vecaal Alifras
player, 20 posts
Wed 3 May 2023
at 01:04
  • msg #62

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Vecaal nodded, but then checked the height again.  [I have rope, but it won't reach all the way to the floor.  You'll need to climb part way, or we'll need more rope.]

If Veracity or Baern had additional rope Vecaal took the coil and attached it to the pack beneath his cloak.  Then he approached the stairway and mentally charted out his route before reaching up and starting his ascent.  He wound his way upward sinuously, clawed hands and feet reaching confidently from one point to another as he negotiated the twisted metal.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 39 posts
Wed 3 May 2023
at 04:08
  • msg #63

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

[Yeah, alright] Baern unhitched his rope and handed it across to Vecaal. The dragonborn really did make it look easy. At more than a few junctions, Baern knew he wouldn't have been able to advance alone - he simply couldn't manage Vecaal's reach.
The Tinkerer
GM, 86 posts
Wed 3 May 2023
at 11:07
  • msg #64

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

As Vecaal began scaling what remained of the staircase, the three felt what could only be described as a shift in the "mood" of the room. It was like a little hitch, an interruption in the turning of gears and machining of parts so miniscule that none could have said what exactly it was that felt different. The distant workers did not pause in their labor, but the two ceiling-mounted cranes abruptly halted, changed direction, and began to converge on the wreckage of the stairs and the dragonborn dangling form it, the heavy loads they carried swinging precariously as they came.

Everyone please roll Initiative! If you beat a 16, you can post your action now.

Vecaal gets 30' up before the machines start moving, so it will take him two, maybe three (you're still not quite sure exactly how high up the office is) Move or Dash actions to reach the top. One of the cranes will reach him this turn, one next turn.

Veracity's Investigation did not reveal anything about how to operate the cranes. Baern can attempt an Investigation of his own, and the blessed wrench will help with that, but it will require an action to do so.
Baern Snagglehorn
player, 40 posts
Wed 3 May 2023
at 13:16
  • msg #65

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

"Uh.... Vecall...." Baern said aloud, not bothering to communicate through thought as the cranes diverted course and converged on the stairs. The sound of his voice seemed small in the midst of the cavernous chamber with its whirring machinery.

Though not one ordinarily given towards inquisitiveness, Baern cast his gaze around for some means of controlling the cranes. If these cranes had spirits of their own - and at the moment it certainly appeared as though they did - Baern needed a way to converse with them, and fast. Oddly enough, the weight of Bessie in his grasp seemed to help him focus.

Modestly better than Veracity. Hopefully good enough.

09:07, Today: Baern Snagglehorn rolled 13 using 2d20-1, dropping the lowest dice only.  Investigation.
The Tinkerer
GM, 87 posts
Wed 3 May 2023
at 13:25
  • msg #66

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

I rolled initiative for Baern and got a 4, so I'll resolve that Investigation after the cranes act. The Tinkerer, on behalf of Baern Snagglehorn, rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  initiative.

I realized I should explain a bit more what these cranes are: they are like giant hooks mounted to tracks on the ceiling, carrying presumably heavy materials in sacks that swing and dangle from the hooks (the image I have in my head here is sort of like how The Stork is often depicted delivering a baby). The tracks enable the hooks to move back and forth, side to side along the ceiling. They are also capable of raising or lowering their cargo. The impression you get is very much that they intend to use their cargo as a weapon, swinging it at Vecaal and/or the stairs he's clinging to. By default the cargo dangles roughly 80' above the factory floor but they'll need to lower it some in order to use it for that purpose.
Veracity
player, 31 posts
Thu 4 May 2023
at 00:14
  • msg #67

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Veracity hadn't given much credence to Gail's implications that the machines might be running amok, but that concern suddenly seemed quite a bit more plausible.  It felt almost as if a mechanical giant with a thousand eyes had caught notice of them, and it was not a great feeling.  Looking up to their nimble dragonborn companion scaling the wreckage of the stairs, she warned across the psychic connection, [Seems you've caught notice of the cranes, Vec.  We'll try to get them under control down here while make a snappy ascent.  Fortune favors the audacious!]  Trying to keep a low profile on the darkened factory floor, the tiefling joined Baern in scrambling to find any possible way to shut off those cranes!

  • Initiative 18
  • Bonus action to grant Vecaal Bardic Inspiration, which is a d6.
    quote:
    Once within the next 10 minutes, the creature can roll the die and add the number rolled to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw it makes. The creature can wait until after it rolls the d20 before deciding to use the Bardic Inspiration die, but must decide before the DM says whether the roll succeeds or fails.
  • 19 Investigation to look for an emergency shut-off switch, a plug to pull, or something to disable the cranes!
  • Reminder that I previously rolled 24 Stealth that I think still applies(?)

15:55, Today: Veracity rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Investigation.
12:41, Today: Veracity rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Initiative.
The Tinkerer
GM, 93 posts
Sun 7 May 2023
at 11:32
  • msg #68

(Baeran, Vecall, Veracity) The Job

Locking now. Please post in the Chapter 1 thread.
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