Delve #1 - The Adventure Begins

[gurusql]

Gelli

"It looks like there are several entrances, and our rumors suggested more entrances on the top as well. I have no preference on which one to try first."

[scottjen]

Alishar

He turns to Octavious. Looking behind the waterfall...yes, I like that idea.
There may be caves along the switchbacks as well. There appear to be 2 switchbacks. The one on the left may give access behind the falls.

[Urson]

Mudlark
An' I suppose you'll be wanting me to scout your way.

[Rex]

Athena

"Yes indeed Mudlark, lead away."

[BaltoBruiser]

Is Mudlark leading the party North on the Imperial Road or West over the stone bridge?

[Doctor Crunch]

Niphos finishes his deep knee bends and reshoulders his pack with help from his valet. I suggest we walk to the top of the hill then if nothing else presents itself cross the bridge here.

[Edit for typo]

[BaltoBruiser]

The hill is on the other side of the Swift River. The party would have to cross the bridge to climb to the top of it. The Falls and Colossi are to the North.

[Rex]

Athena

"The Bridge seems like a good spot to ambush someone, maybe we should just keep north to the falls?"

[Edeldhur]

Thargus

Thargus listens to the various suggestions, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. He tightens his grip on the hand axe, but remains silent, giving a thoughtful nod as each party member speaks.

"I'll follow the group's lead" - he finally says, his voice steady - "Just keep your eyes sharp and weapons ready. No matter which way we go, danger's never far"

He shifts his stance, ready to move at a moment's notice, waiting for the others to decide their path.

[gurusql]

Gelli

"I will follow the majority, but I vote to the north."

[Bucephalus77]

Gundren

To the North sounds about right.... minus one Pluckerpheasant picking flowers.

[Spearmint]

'Fez' Pheasantplucker

they should reach the Long Falls and the Colossi

I am presuming the two carved figures are the Colossi. What do we know of them in a historical context and from any rumours? Fez certainly would believe any legend and lore regarding these carved aspects holding some powers or traits. And thus that is my focus, that we can investigate them as we climb up, taking time to note any inscriptions, obtain any insights, blessings, etc.

[ravenn4544]

Octavios continues to observe the landscape and take in the sights. “Lead the way my friends as you think best!”

[Doctor Crunch]

"That sounds like North then. I do rather fancy a closer look at those colossi"

[BaltoBruiser]

Horasday the 6th of Molivios 2993 AEP approximately 10:30 AM

The party moves north on the Imperial Road to approximately half a mile from the base of the cliff. The cacophony of the falls makes verbal communication exceedingly difficult here and will only get worse as they approach closer to the Falls and the long trek up the cliff face on the Long Stair.

Before them, in addition to the falls, the party sees two massive Colossi. The first, on the east side closest to the Falls, is an enormous crouching warrior woman, helmed, with right hand gripping a sword blade down; the left hand is extended outward, palm up; the palm is only about 100’ above the valley floor. This is certainly the representation of Arden the Defender, one of the great heroines of Archontean history. Along with her companion, she “discovered” these cliffs and established the first Imperial outpost here thousands of years ago. The second Colossus approximately 250 yards to the east of the female warrior is altogether different: slender, cowled, arms folded across its chest, with a stone staff in the crook of the left arm. It always appears to be looking at those who glance at it. All know that this Arden companion and lover Vul the Sorcerer. Despite the fact that the two appear as equals in the stories, it is Arden whom modern Archontean’s revere and consider the epitome of the protective and caring warrior. Vul is known mostly as the taciturn, moody companion of compassionate Arden. The figures are carved out of the rock face and extend a good 1,000-1,100’ up the cliff face which is uneven rock, with bits of shrubbery and small trees growing out of it. Near the plunge pool, icicles have formed on some of the contours of Arden’s carving as the spray from the Falls collects on the rock in the bitterly cold conditions.

The cascade of water from heights of 1,500 feet above has created a plunge pool to the west of the Imperial Road which is approximately 200 yards across east to west and 50 yards north to south before it expels, in rapid fashion, the water of the Swift River that flows south to Newmarket. On a warm day crossing the river or pool would be folly. Today with the freezing temperatures it would mean sure death. The Falls throw off mist into a wide range beyond the plunge pool coating the Imperial Road leading to the cliff, the cliff face to the east and west, and the Long Stair with a moisture which has surely frozen adding to potential hazards of climbing up the Long Stair.

On the west side of the falls, the party can see the remnants of a grand staircase where several long sections of the stairs encompassing the first several switchbacks have completely collapsed, rendering the stairs useless.

A dilapidated square tower stands east of the Imperial Road about 100 yards away from the base of the cliff and the beginning of the Long Stair. The upper levels of the Tower have collapsed into the Tower and the surrounding area. There is a door in the center of the Tower’s southern wall.

About 300 feet to the east of the start of the Long Stair or about half way between the two stone carvings on the rocky ground there appears to be a figure on the ground.

[Rex]

Athena

"We should check out that figure on the ground. Maybe they need are help, but be careful of a trap."

Athena will cautiously start towards the figure.

[Bucephalus77]

Athena

"We should check out that figure on the ground. Maybe they need are help, but be careful of a trap."

Athena will cautiously start towards the figure.

Gundren
”We should definitely check it out, I will watch your back”

Gundren hefts his Battle Axe and follows Athena, looking around for any signs of trouble.

[Doctor Crunch]

Niphos will watch attentively as Athena advances.

[Spearmint]

'Fez' Pheasantplucker

Is just in awe of the grand scale of the Falls and the carved Colossi images. He has more interest in Vul and constantly checks over his shoulder, having the feeling that Vul himself stares into his soul and weighs him in the balance.

The goblin has finished his wreath of entwined stalks and flowers, feeling very pleased with his basic crafting. He has a thought.

"Octavius, please bless this wreath. We should place it in the pool and let the river current sweep it away as a memorial to all those who have gone before us but never returned." He asks the druid for a blessing on his wreath and encourages others to come by the pool edge for a few solemn moments. assuming we can do this without interruption or danger ....

'Fez' Pheasantplucker has a reed flute, (which doubles as a disguised blow-dart pipe), while not a proficient musician, he will toss the wreath into the pool at an appropriate time and place and as it floats away, pipe a dirge like requiem until it goes out of view. He wipes an inexplicable tear from his eyes.

not quite this standard, but the goblin has dreams.

https://youtu.be/CaFqmg4NVX4?si=aT96ouTQ0dgSK8Te

[ravenn4544]

Octavios embraces the vastness of the falls and the cliffs before him. Practical considerations, however, are pointed out and need attending to - a figure on the ground? Another statue? Something benign or perhaps sinister?

His musings are interrupted by the request for a blessing of some flowers and weeds. He looks over the work that Fez has put into it, and considers it's intent, more so.

He clears his throat before speaking, "Indeed, this is fine work. Fine. I am happy to lay what blessing I may provide over such a thoughtful offering."