Helix: The Brazen Strumpet

[torkill]

Eldon hopped off his seat and was about to follow the mage when Sarge wandered over and shoved his big slobbery muzzle in to the crotch of one of the men with strange swords. "Sarge! Stop that! He pointed his finger at his feet and the mastiff stubbornly returned to the halfling and sat on his haunches. "Sorry about that. He's still in training." Knowing that this could quickly escalate, Eldon put on his best smile and made a pre-emptive peace offering. "Sorry for the trouble. Next round 's on me, but you gotta tell me where you found those weird looking swords. Deal?"

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

Rubs his head not sure what to make of this Reuben fellow. He gazes at him and while engaging in small talk sees if he can spot any holy symbols which might indicate which faith he follows.

"It is a sad story and you should at least give thanks you made it alive. That the Barrow Mounds affect us mentally is clearly seen. Just look at the poor fellow on the verandah.

Perhaps confession and penitence will help heal your soul."

The story may appear wildly true. Ghostly headhunter protecting his resting place and avenging himself upon tomb robbers, infecting them with a paranoia. reminds me of the game Mafia.

Unless the tomb had lots of traps, scything blades and the like, cheese wire garrottes. What kind of undead spirit can attack repeatedly but not be seen.

"What do you intend to do with the skull. I would have thought you might have a aversion to such trinkets after what befell your comrades."

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Three conversations ongoing:

Vann Hector chats with cleric Reuben. Your observations regarding the man give you the vibe that he must be traumatised from his experience. He seems quite obsessive with the gargoyle skull, caressing it. "I should go back. Yes I should. Do my penance as you say but make the ground holy. Bless the tomb as a sanctuary not a grave.

What do you think. Will you come? There is gold leaf aplenty and many relics." The man's eyes twinkle with some feverish new hope of redemption, mutton chops bristling as he opens a broad smile.

Vann to respond

Eldon makes his move, stumbling over Sarge. He sits at the table, snapping his fingers to attract the next round of drinks. "Underground, beneath the Mounds. Jet black statues of felines with golden eyes and across the pit of asps. We found skeletons draped in finery and living in undeath. The shadows move and choked us, reached out from the wall to throttle. Wear a yellow turban. If you go sneaking around. Red was like a rag to a bull but yellow makes you invisible." Their kopesh short blades are rusty and well worn. The hilts made of a strange horn. Eldon continue to converse with them.

Sven goes to introduce himself to the gnomish trio. None wear or carry any tribal or religious carved masks, none looks recently melted. They have a cloth parchment which appears to show a rudimentary map portion. Some instructions on the reverse suggest, "Go north to the hall of columns" "West is best but beware the soft voices" "Offer bloodstones or diamonds and the gargoyle will point your way" "I hereby bequeath my last will & testament ... written while of sound mind but broken of body. If you find me, I swallowed the ring."

The gnomes are debating what it means and which way up the map might orientate.

Sven to add questions.

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

I would probably pass on going with the crazed monk. I think more out of a paranoia myself and a sense of self preservation. I get the feeling that chopping the heads off his comrades has unsettled him somewhat.

Though the elf does continue to ask, "Interesting idea to make sacred the burial grounds and ward a place from undead and evil by marking a hallowed territory. How would you produce such as sanctuary?"

That could be an interesting idea if you could create, for want of a better description, a 'forward observation post' in the heart of the Barrow Mounds, as long as such an outpost could be supplied and reinforced.

He asks a few questions along those lines. How does divine protection work. How can you Turn Undead permanently. Can you manufacture potions of Holy Water?

[OGRE MAGE]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Sven goes to introduce himself to the gnomish trio. None wear or carry any tribal or religious carved masks, none looks recently melted. They have a cloth parchment which appears to show a rudimentary map portion. Some instructions on the reverse suggest, "Go north to the hall of columns" "West is best but beware the soft voices" "Offer bloodstones or diamonds and the gargoyle will point your way" "I hereby bequeath my last will & testament ... written while of sound mind but broken of body. If you find me, I swallowed the ring."

The gnomes are debating what it means and which way up the map might orientate.

Sven asks again if they would like something to drink as they look over the cloth.

"They call me Sven. I have a bit of experience in the maze. Maybe I could help you determine more from the writings. Does it say anything about exploding skeletons or walls that talk on there?"

[Spearmint]

Sven can get an ale each for the gnomes.

"Konrad's Artificers and Innovative Connoisseurs. At your service." one of the gnomes, a wizened but bright eyed figure passes you a business card.

"The Ancients. Those who built and those who rest in the Barrow Mounds. They had extraordinary imagination and gifting, knowing dark arts to imbue mere stone and wood with living spirits. Making servants of the inanimate.

Exploding skeletons I have not heard of. Maybe the diabolic spirits contained within, once its physical restraints have been broken, the skeleton body slain then all those years of angst and anger ... the shattering occurs as it returns to its hellish abode.

'Walls have ears'. A common saying even in the tavern to keep secret conversation hushed. But walls talking? A trap, magic mouth trigger, a seer stone?"

Konrad pushes the vellum across for you to peruse as he drinks his ale.

"You have been to the maze? Actually inside?.I have only heard stories. Mounds opened, buried treasures. Legends of a labyrinth. Even this map could be any old cavern hereabouts."

[sastaz]

Gerdal approaches Sven and the gnomes.

"Hi Sven, what are you up to?"

Addressing the gnomes, nodding her head on the left side, in latest Ironguard noblewomen fashion.

"How are you, gentlemen? May I join you at the table?"

sorry, didn't realize you were allowed to join several Helix threads at the same time, or I would have joined already

[Spearmint]

well I use the locations as concurrent actions in the village in between expeditions. As long as your downtime makes sense, it is fine. Though I do have to synchronise stuff, for example Brother Gamdar went to the ranch in May 2nd and I had to check he didn't get killed or held up so that Sven could report to him in the chapel in the 6th.

[OGRE MAGE]

You must be an excellent juggler.

Sven can get an ale each for the gnomes.

"Konrad's Artificers and Innovative Connoisseurs. At your service." one of the gnomes, a wizened but bright eyed figure passes you a business card.

"The Ancients. Those who built and those who rest in the Barrow Mounds. They had extraordinary imagination and gifting, knowing dark arts to imbue mere stone and wood with living spirits. Making servants of the inanimate.

Exploding skeletons I have not heard of. Maybe the diabolic spirits contained within, once its physical restraints have been broken, the skeleton body slain then all those years of angst and anger ... the shattering occurs as it returns to its hellish abode.

'Walls have ears'. A common saying even in the tavern to keep secret conversation hushed. But walls talking? A trap, magic mouth trigger, a seer stone?"

Konrad pushes the vellum across for you to peruse as he drinks his ale.

"You have been to the maze? Actually inside?.I have only heard stories. Mounds opened, buried treasures. Legends of a labyrinth. Even this map could be any old cavern hereabouts."

Sven continues chatting

"And you are Konrad I presume? Very interesting name for your group you have there. Tell me, have you ever heard of a wizard type named Sylvester? He is the head man in another group similar to yours who my group has recently met. Oh, hey Gerdal. Let me introduce you to the Connoisseurs."

The mage looks over the writings carefully, trying to piece any of it together that he can. He continues quietly, leaning in close.

"Yes, we have been inside the maze. But it was a bit of a shit show, and 2 of our numbers were killed horribly. It wasn't a great memory, I assure you."

[sastaz]

Gerdal shakes her head

"Horribly, yes horribly...."

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Eldon chats with the drinkers. They share bizarre stories of going to the Moor and back, each day excavating a little more. Each day trying to plunder a tomb then return before nightfall. More dangers lurk under the moon, more dangers awaken to prowl. Then they found a crypt and entered below, sneaking around. Stumbling in the dark, sometimes the wind blew out their torches, hearing noises, whispers enticing them onwards. Always the 'watchers in the dark' followed their movements. One comrade died, they covered his body with stones but the next day he was lurching after them. He didn't know he was dead and wanted to come back with them but they killed him again. Eldon to continue

Vann Hector the mutton chop priest is encouraged by your interest, his eyes widening at the idea of going back. "Holy ground. From the church, sacred dust scattered as a farmer throes seed. An a symbol to raise. A banner or flag that denotes spiritual authority over the principalities and powers of the dark realms. We could carve a font. Craft a wondrous item and dedicate it to St Ygg, Cromm or Herne. Then God willing others will make pilgrimage to the refuge and strengthen our claim.

I can see it is a godsend we have met. A divine appointment for you give me courage for the task ahead. But we cannot journey alone. Do you have comrades to journey with us. I know the way, how could I forget.

We can start the day tomorrow. Rise with the sun and make good. By noon we shall be there and if all else fails we return lest the insidious plague our minds in the night.

What do you think?" Reuben taps the gargoyle head then looks you in the eye. "Much gold we found. More than enough for each man who would come. Agree and you shall have double whatever we find."

Vann Hector to continue

Sven & Gerdal fellowship with the gnomes. Konrad shakes his head regarding the mage and group you met in the Moor. Gnomes are not typically adventuring types, normally doing so only when searching for a particular relic or having a certain mystery to solve. The few gnomes in Helix are random adventurers and not known to his community. The other two gnomes are introduced as Gnimish, a sculptor from the Vale of Doves, a hamlet near Ironguard and Treyvor, a puppeteer and maker of marionettes from the citadel. Hardly warrior caste individuals but they have a keen interest in learning how their particular crafts and images are brought to life as stories from the Barrow Moor suggest is happening.

Sven & Gerdal to continue

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven continues looking over the writing on the vellum, trying to put it to memory as they chat.

“You have very interesting professions. I’d like to hear more about your theories.”


EDIT:
The carrot-topped human coyly pulls out a handful of painted stones carved up as small scarabs and lays them on the table.

“Have any of you ever seen anything like these before?”

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

Feels almost like the man Reuben is reading his mind as he thinks of the gold leaf and trove left behind. He glances at the gargoyle skull wondering if the man uses it as some kind of foci or orb to cast a spell upon him.

"I do like the idea of gold. Especially if it comes at so little risk. But just the two of us is surely not enough to cope with dangers that might lurk in the mounds and mist. Why don't we try to get a couple more along. Security in numbers after all?"

He looks around the tavern for likely recruits. The carrot haired mage and his group look established as an outfit so probably won't do any side excursions. The halfling with the mastiff. He could approach him, Dalin probably in the seedy tavern he could ask.

Reuben does this barrow you found with your friends have a name or something that could inspire prospective companions? Suggesting 'let us go to the Barrow of Certain Death' has a poor reputation."

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Konrad checks out the pouch of crafted scarabs that Sven reveals. The egg sized beetles are of various designs, one having a twistable carapace that flicks out a key. The others less remarkable.

"The red eyed bug has two little ruby stones inset. Sets off nicely against the black stone." the gnome indicates one may have a little value but concedes that most are less collectable. "I have heard the Ancients invested much in scarabs. Some brought the wielder luck, some a curse. Some even manifested some enchantment or could be imbued with power." he throws some in the air but they fall down again. "Not Ioun stones then." Gnimish the sculpture looks with interest, turning one in his hand. "They are smooth, delicate details in the legs and mandibles, in proportion. This flat one may have been a brooch. This one is heavy, made of lodestone." he takes it to the door and the iron hinge, pinning a beer mat between it and the stone like a fridge magnet.

The gnomes talk in Gnimish briefly together. Konrad asks "Are you returning to the Barrow depths?"

Sven and Gerdal to continue

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Reuben looks at Vann Hector, listening to his suggestion. "Yes, recruit more friends, please do. Unfortunately my friends lie dead in the tomb and my soul is bitter at my actions.

I will do penance as you say in the church. I can fund our gear, food, water, supplies. If you can find another companion or two then we should make haste tomorrow."

He signals for another couple of ales, putting the gargoyle skull in a small satchel.

"As all are welcome we should rename the Barrow as we cleanse it the All Saints Sanctuary".

Vann Hector to respond and if you take up the offer I will open a new expedition thread.

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven is starting to like these gnomes. He looks at Gerdal before responding quietly.

“Yes, I believe we are. Why do you ask?”

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Gnimish responds, "Well we have a map portion that may lead to ... well anything or nothing. But we are inexperienced in exploring the Moors and Mounds. Tunnels and traps and fancy lanterns, makes a gnome feel at home. Perhaps we could come with you. Treyvor and I. We won't cause any trouble or sneak off, we could help make camp with your lady friend, appraise the next load of treasure. Pick a lock or two if needed. What do you say?"

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

"Listen Reuben. I like your faith, your zeal, great. But I don't think rushing in where angels might fear to tread is prudent. So let me locate a friend, he is trustworthy and skilled to in finding traps. If he comes we make a better team.

Now if you want to prepare, I can give you a list of supplies and you need time as well to meditate and pray divine favour. The prayers to Cure Wounds might be vital."

I will leave the cleric to his devices and see if others may wish to come. Otherwise, hey what have I got to lose except my head. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[OGRE MAGE]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Gnimish responds, "Well we have a map portion that may lead to ... well anything or nothing. But we are inexperienced in exploring the Moors and Mounds. Tunnels and traps and fancy lanterns, makes a gnome feel at home. Perhaps we could come with you. Treyvor and I. We won't cause any trouble or sneak off, we could help make camp with your lady friend, appraise the next load of treasure. Pick a lock or two if needed. What do you say?"

Sven looks to Gerdal to judge her reaction.

“The moors are a dangerous place, the tombs below them even more so. Can you fight? Or at least defend yourselves if necessary? I won’t lie to you, it’s serious business out there and your lives will be in danger at some point.”

Reminder to myself to ask these artisans about the tapestry.

[Spearmint]

Gnimish & Treyvor they would both be classed as 1st level and could come equipped with weapons but they are not mercenary hires. They are willing to act as torchbearers and camp aides and will take a 1/2 share of XP and loot each. (1 share between them).