Expedition: Ablesforth: The Demon Hole: Part 2 - 30 Aug 2021

[Zhym]

(If none of the NPCs, or Able, has another torch) Pendleton lights his lantern and hands it to one of the thieves to carry, knowing that there's little point in being invisible if you're carrying a light. Depending on the idiom of the caster, either an invisible lantern sheds no light or it shines and renders the invisibility less than thoroughly useful. Either result is less than ideal. He really must research an invisible light spell that will illuminate things invisibly, he thinks.

"Can someone who speaks goblin ask them what they're running from?"

[Spearmint]

Idriss

"Are you abandoning your home? What causes you to flee so fearfully?"

[Marullus]

Surprised at the use of their tongue by a human, one goblin pauses to respond. "The vulture-ones are angry. Their door home is shut and they are in the murder-rage. Our tribe flees... We run to the mountains. The new Goblin King is safer than here."

Actions?

Date: 02 September 2021, 5:00pm
Light: Pendleton's Lantern (until 9:00pm)
Effects: Protection from Evil (Able, Pendleton, Idriss, Dolph, Jacques, Molay); Invisibility (Pendleton)
Injuries: Dolph (Dead); Ablesforth (minorly injured); Jacques (superficially injured)

[Spearmint]

Idriss

"A new king? Surely he was slain and his balefire sword taken. I heard Dmukas the high priest is dead. Dwarves have retaken their silver mine and now dwell in Guhra's tower."

The mage is presuming that the vulture-creatures are a demon sub type if their door is closed. He doesn't want to find out either.

"We Templars closed the demon-door with our words of power. And we will build a stronghold here. But we need not be enemies.The Duke of Gaul pays good gold for green scalps but aid me and I shall endeavour a safe haven for you."

Knowing it might sound an unlikely alliance, Idriss ventures that the goblins have a better chance of survival, individually and as a group if they 'indenture' (choose to serve not surrender) themselves to us.

He thinks if a bigger picture where a few goblins who know the rooms below may make excellent future scouts if we can agree on things like them living in the caverns still. Or helping them with a new home in exchange for service, much like the Ogre Road arrangement.


Goblin request. [2d6] = 5 with Charisma 7, he could negotiate with a +2 penalty and pass to some level.

[Marullus]

The goblin laughs and answers in their own tongue.

"Sword? Nobody cares for the sword. The ring makes the Goblin King. The new king is strong enough to keep the ring, he rules in the hills, now. Goblins always find a new home."

Idriss states their prowess as the door-closers and demanss their allegiance. There is brief conversation among the goblins, who still seem itchy to hurry away from the Vulture-ones.

"Yes, you are the greater ones! We serve you, you protect us, we all flee."

You have recruited them for this expedition. You need a Morale check at the end to see if they will continue to work with you after. Then you can strike a bargain for future retainer services, hired Merc duties, or your next expedition.

Actions?

Date: 02 September 2021, 5:10pm
Light: Pendleton's Lantern (until 9:00pm)
Effects: Protection from Evil (Able, Pendleton, Idriss, Dolph, Jacques, Molay); Invisibility (Pendleton)
Injuries: Dolph (Dead); Ablesforth (minorly injured); Jacques (superficially injured)

[Spearmint]

Idriss

"Wise choice. We are stronger together." Is there an obvious leader among them? "How many of these 'Vulturines' prowl these rooms?" Idriss will address the speaker. He suggests the goblins carry the body of 'our esteemed warrior' Dolph on a litter made from a broken door. That way it releases our party to be fore-armed in case of attack by 'vultures'.

I am suspecting then that the vulture-ones are another form of demonic creature, perhaps a servant to some higher ranking devil on the other side of the portal we closed. (hopefully not still on this side!). It seems more clear that a thorough return search of the rooms should be made though that is for a future group. If our mission was to just close the portal then we have completed that. So follow the goblins to the nearest exit, wary too of any betrayal from the little green folk.

[Zhym]

Pendleton, once he gets the gist of Idriss's conversation with the goblins, nods invisibly to himself. An escort to the exit, at a minimum, will be quite helpful. He remains invisible and quiet, however, the better to throw a sleep spell if any of the goblins change their minds.

[Marullus]

I'll allow you to retroactively have brought Dolph. (Pendleton ran right past getting to the webbing spot and Idriss/Able didn't say anything about it after.)

The goblins greatest concern is hurrying onward before the Vulture-ones come. They do make a litter for the massive Dolph and six of the goblins bear it before you, the other six acting as a foreguard before the pall. You pass without incident through the chambers along the same route you intended anyway, the goblins leading you up the stairs to the cavern level above.

You pause among the derelict cauldrons of the old goblin cookery, as Idriss specified a desire to detour here and seek the bow which Foxy lost here previously. The other direction is the entrance - both you and the goblins now well acquainted with the traps and able to avoid them. To your relief, the brownish haze of the stinking cloud has diminished, no longer a choking hazard for you and it no longer obscuring the wider caverns.

Actions?

Date: 02 September 2021, 6:10pm
Light: Pendleton's Lantern (until 9:00pm)
Effects: Protection from Evil (Able, Pendleton, Idriss, Dolph, Jacques, Molay); Invisibility (Pendleton)
Injuries: Dolph (Dead); Ablesforth (minorly injured); Jacques (superficially injured)

[Spearmint]

Idriss

Casting 'Locate Object', he visualizes a mental image of Foxy and her bow. He had promised to retrieve her heirloom item and scans ahead and to the left cavern, picturing also the meat hooks and zombies and hoping he doesn't locate any of those instead.


I think Able was very keen on returning Dolph to a decent burial.

[Marullus]

Idriss incants his mystic words, visualizing Foxy's bow, which he recalls well. The goblins look notably frightened as the wizard does so, hissing whispers among themselves, unsure what betrayal to expect. After a moment, Idriss holds his staff before him like a dowsing rod and feels the distinct pull of the bow across the kitchen and up into the meathook room where he last saw it, the opposite direction from the cavern's exit.

Date: 02 September 2021, 6:15pm
Light: Pendleton's Lantern (until 9:00pm)
Effects: Protection from Evil (Able, Pendleton, Idriss, Dolph, Jacques, Molay); Invisibility (Pendleton)
Injuries: Dolph (Dead); Ablesforth (minorly injured); Jacques (superficially injured)

[Spearmint]

Idriss

"Don't be alarmed friends, the incantation merely points to some treasures left behind. We should gather everything and not leave bling behind for the Vulture men to harvest." He asks the goblins to follow him to retrieve the shortbow and in a final show of 'wizardness' casts his Floating disc spell.

"There may be guards and knights patrolling outside the cavern mouth. So all those who favour joining with us should put their weapons on the unseen disc (he throws a bit of sand to prove it exists), ensuring the guards will not attack , thinking you a raiding party. Those who prefer to chance their hopes, I will point out the roped chimney to crawl through as an alternative."

[Marullus]

Idriss makes a display of his magical prowess (as a circus performer is accustomed to doing) and also mentions forgotten treasures... the goblins are sufficiently impressed and motivated. They leave Dolph at the top of the stairs with the Templars and go excitedly with Idriss up into the meathook room. There are a few shambling goblin zombies that remain there, but the living goblins outnumber them three to one and stab them to a second death without difficulty. With the aid of the Locate spell, Idriss is able to find Foxy's bow buried within the mound of body parts and retrieve it.

Once they've returned, They're able to wind their way around the now-well-known traps and towards the exit. The stinking cloud has finally abated, leaving the giant rats nests still uninhabited on the far side of the wide cave. The other half of the caves lies ahead of you where the gecko lizards still live. Light shines in through the cave mouth between on your right, the opportunity to escape back to the city...

Date: 02 September 2021, 6:40pm
Light: Pendleton's Lantern (until 9:00pm)
Effects: Protection from Evil (Able, Pendleton, Idriss, Dolph, Jacques, Molay); Invisibility (Pendleton)
Injuries: Dolph (Dead); Ablesforth (minorly injured); Jacques (superficially injured)

Goblin Morale [2d6] = 5

[Spearmint]

Idriss

Thanks 'the goblin boyz' for their help. "You have Eruanna's blessing on your travels to a safe haven and the new goblin kings home. I trust if you depart we will not find you raiding the plains and settlements or else bold knights will raid your mountain stronghold. My offer of peace and prosperity extends to any who would join with me."

Goblin retainer request. [2d6] = 7 "I will vouch for your safety while in the sanctuary of Eruanna's Infirnary."
Goblin retainer request. [2d6] = 7 "And you can learn to read and write and teach goblin tongue"
Goblin retainer request. [2d6] = 7 "and you can travel with me on adventures to fight orcs and monsters"
Goblin retainer request. [2d6] = 7 "And you will gain your half-share of treasure"
Goblin retainer request. [2d6] = 7 "And I will teach you how to do some wizard-work!"


Goblin retainer request. [2d6] = 3 "Ah, a brave and willing soul to surrender to the mercies of Eruanna."

Perhaps we should secure the stairs access in some way so that the 'vulture-ones don't escape and harass folk in town. We are not sure what type of demon creature they are. I was thinking we might be able to start a fire or something similar to burn through the supports for the roof which holds up the ceiling on the staircase. Collapse it to seal the vulture ones in? Anyone returning could still re-enter the chambers below with a bit of rebuilding and engineering.

After we have done that, using whatever material is at hand and the remaining oil flasks, Idriss is happy to return to Gaul, bringing the body of Dolph, on a litter or the floating disc, to the Infirmary for internment.

[Marullus]

The first roll is Morale to see if they will consider working with you again; a 7 is a fail for Idriss.

With the exit in sight, the goblins readily agree to 'not raiding the plains and settlements' and with their gear still in-hand, they make a break for it. They are soon gone from the cave mouth and disappear in the pasture grasses.

Dolph's body is secure on Idriss' floating disc. A plan is proposed to collapse the stair, but as it is cut through the solid limestone, this would require time, tools, and knowledge of stonework beyond those currently assembled.

Final call for actions?

[Spearmint]

Idriss

Okay, the goblins all flee which is fine. I thought the tunnel support had lots of wood that would burn. If no vulture-one's appear then I am happy to leave immediately also. We can bear the litter of Dolph between us when the spell duration ends.

Head back to Gaul and the Infirmary.

[Zhym]

"I had misgivings about relying on goblins anyway," says Pendleton with an invisible shrug. "It's too bad I wasn't able to talk to them. If only I'd known at the academy that the goblin language would be more useful than dragontongue," he sighs.

"This has not been a profitable trip, but our work here is done, at least for the moment. Let us return to town. Maybe the Archduke will give us some small reward for ending the demon threat, at least."

Ready to go.

[Marullus]

Releived to be free of the caves, you seek nothing further. You return expediently to the city, leaving the caverns to be sealed and the wizard guild's tower built atop it. You make one last stop... to the Archduke, to tell him of your brave deed in sealing the Hellmouth. He is indeed pleased and awards you each 100gp from his dwindling treasury. With the events now behind you, you are back and free in the town on 03 September, able to attend the festival and join other fall endeavors...

The Templars of Eruanna take the body of Dolph Gundanar and entomb it with highest honors and ceremony. They are grateful for your work and heal all your wounds. They also offer enough inks as recompense to allow Idriss and Pendleton to transcribe any one spell from the Templar books, and offer a transcription of one scroll (up to 4th level) to Ablesforth.


Expedition: Ablesforth: The Demon Hole: Part 2 - 30 Aug 2021

Ablesforth, Pendleton, Idriss (3x) ' Dolph, Jacques, Molay (1.5x) = 4.5x

Encounter: Goblin dinner party
Encounter: Chameleons in the Room of Bones
Event: Finding the mosaic door
Event: Discovering the pendulum traps
Encounter: Hounded by half-headed demons
Encounter: Hounded by more half-headed demons
Encounter: Hounded by even more half-headed demons
Event: Camping in the hillside (2 nights)
Encounter: Camp interrupted by half-headed demons
Event: Burning the sniffers in the pit trap
Encounter: Goblin zombies run away!

Added Sigmund, Rhe, and Kerr to the group (6x)

Encounter: The Rats of Eeeeek!
Encounter: Tentacle balls, with teeth
Event: Closing the Hellmouth
Encounter: Hounded by half-headed demons
Encounter: Hounded by more half-headed demons
Encounter: Recruiting the goblin pall-bearers
Event: Collecting Foxy's bow

Total:
Pendleton, Ablesforth, Idriss: 10,514 character xp / 5,194 item xp
Eahc NPC: 5,320 character xp / 2,597 item xp


Treasure found:
(from dead goblins)
- 45 ep
(From chameleon lair)
- 5 inexpertly skinned giant chameleon hides (500gp from wizards as spell components)
- a naturally-faceted quartz crystal (10gp)
- a roundel of smooth mica (25gp)
(From room under pit traps)
- 40gp
- 700sp
- An obsidian ring etched with a running rat motif (Magical)
(Empty dining room)
- A half-sack of tarnished silverware (30lbs of silver)
(The statue room)
- 500 sp
- 10 gp

Archduke gives 100gp each as a bonus.

Treasures abandoned:
- 9,700 lbs of crude copper pieces (from chameleon lair)

[Zhym]

- 5 inexpertly skinned giant chameleon hides (500gp from wizards as spell components)

That's 500gp total, not each, I presume? Assuming so, here's a summary of the loot, assuming we sell silver, but not including the bonus from the Archduke:

722.5 gp in coin
A naturally-faceted quartz crystal (10gp)
A roundel of smooth mica (25gp)
An obsidian ring etched with a running rat motif

The NPCs all get half shares of treasure, right? Dolph is dead, so that's 3 full shares and 2 half-shares. I propose the following split:

1. 220 gp, 15 ep, 25-gp mica (+100 gp reward)
2. 235 gp, 15 ep, 10-gp quartz (+100 gp reward)
3. Ring (+100 gp reward)
Each NPC gets 126 gp, 2 sp, 5 cp (+100 gp reward)

Never mind; I screwed up the NPC count. We have three surviving PCs and five surviving NPCs, correct? If so, I'll update the split later.

I assume everyone would rather have the ring than the money? Should we roll for it?

Also:

leaving the caverns to be sealed

Does that mean this is closed off as an adventuring location now?

[Spearmint]

Idriss

I am presuming the wizards tower is going to be financed by Baxtaw with a little help from other sources. I presume 'sealing the hole' is an attempt by the guards to brick the place up, perhaps collapse the staircase too but there are other entrances. As a place of 'infernal infestation' I would think Ablesworth and Idriss would also lay some claim that there continues to be some 'Eruannan' influence in any further development, research and studies. That might be an in game conversation, I am absolutely fine with a wizards tower being built there as Idriss is a mage with a Templar vocation and helping out gives him an in town focus.

Idriss makes level 5, whoo ooh! 3rd level spells!

I rolled a d3 for treasure choice and got allocated cache 2

235 gp, 15 ep, 10-gp quartz (+100 gp reward)

It might also be that the 'Eruanna' faith folk might have to test the ring out and destroy it also if they owned it, so Idriss, who is broke has a preference for cash anyway.

treasure share choice 1,2,3 [1d3] = 2

Unless you want to roll for choices you could do a 1d100 and highest gets ring, lowest gets choice 1?

[Zhym]

Well, if Idriss doesn't want the ring anyway, it's up to Able and Pendleton as to who gets it. Since Rusty is currently away, I'm going to make an executive decision that Pendleton will take the ring--unless we want to have the Infirmary look at it first to check for infernal taint, then split the cache equally if there is one. Or do we want whoever takes the ring to bear the risk of it being cursed or tainted?

Also, I miscalculated he number of NPCs. I edited the post above but haven't yet recalculated the money shares from all those NPCs.

What spell is Idris getting from the Templars? We could each take one of the third-level spells and copy each other's, if you wanted to.

As for he tower, I think that was going to be for the mages guild that Pendleton had been talking about. Of course, that raises the question of why Pendleton should get the tower as opposed to someone else, other than that I was the one talking to Marullus's about tower options. We'd need something better IC. Is Idriss also wanting a stake in the tower?

Edit: With 7.5 shares, that comes out (amazingly) to an even 101 gp per share (including the gems in the total value). If we split it into 6.5 shares with one share being the ring, it's 116.5 gp per share, plus a ring share.