Quest #37 "Black Metal Examination"

[Darklin2]

Darklin

We need to be quiet and see who is making all the noise up there. Those Stonegut have already killed my initial elven party that I was sent here to explore with. Keep your eyes open and be cautious.

[Jernau35]

Wes

"Since the three of you are invisible, maybe one or two could go further up the trail to get a better look? The rest of us could follow a short way behind".

[Karaunios]

Grimm

"I'll do it. Wait for me here." He leaves at once and tries to be as stealthy as possible, considering steping on the places where it is harder to leave a footprint.

[OGRE MAGE]

On The Dwarven Path
Starday, 27th of Goodmonth
Mid Afternoon, Sunny, Hot, Humid, Buggy

Invisible, Grimm bravely offers to scout ahead. He eventually returns with his news.

A short distance ahead a contingency of about a dozen Stonegut dwarves are currently in the process of clearing trees and fortifying a structure that was once a small pavilion into a much larger wooden building. 2 huge lizards with leather harness and tack stand alongside the site, hooked to wooden sleds filled with what looks like sections of trees and other construction materials. None of the dwarves seem to have noticed the spy as he watched, but other than the ongoing construction, Grimm doesn't find much else of interest.

Actions?

Greedy Grimm (F2/T3) AC:5 15/15 (Invisible)
Waesfaren Rhey (DR5) AC:7 43/43 1st:5/6 2nd:5/5 3rd:3/3
Chwee?
Chauncey (MU4) AC:8 26/26 CL, RM, DM 1st:3/3 2nd:0/2 (Invisible)
Darklin Sylvanas (F2/MU2) AC:4 15/15 CL, RM, DM 1st:2/2 (Invisible)

[ChubbyPixie]

“Perhaps we invisible three sneak past on the road whilst Wesley, Chwee and Mr Wrenly make their way around the site through the jungle?” suggests Chauncey. “What else is invisibility for if not walking past pitfalls unseen? At any rate, this casting is especially potent; remember who cast it.”

[Karaunios]

Grimm

"That sounds about right. If we can, we should try to know what kind of building it is and what for. I'd think some kind of watchtower."

[OGRE MAGE]

On The Dwarven Path
Starday, 27th of Goodmonth
Mid Afternoon, Sunny, Hot, Humid, Buggy

Chauncey and Grimm agree that the invisible trio should walk along the trail to learn what they may, while Wes and Chwee hike around the area through the jungle so they can meet up on the other side again.

The others remain silent.

Actions?

Greedy Grimm (F2/T3) AC:5 15/15 (Invisible)
Waesfaren Rhey (DR5) AC:7 43/43 1st:5/6 2nd:5/5 3rd:3/3
Chwee?
Chauncey (MU4) AC:8 26/26 CL, RM, DM 1st:3/3 2nd:0/2 (Invisible)
Darklin Sylvanas (F2/MU2) AC:4 15/15 CL, RM, DM 1st:2/2 (Invisible)

[Jernau35]

Wes

"Oh yes," says Wes, breaking off from examining a particular interesting leaf. "I'll work my way around them about a hundred feet or so back from the trail. The jungle noises should cover me."

"Chwee and Mr. Wrenly can keep an eye open too."

[Karaunios]

Grimm

"Yeah. Better that way. You can walk through the forest no problem. Have we lost Darklin...?"

[Darklin2]

Darklin

I am here. Just considering our options. I am thinking it may be a good idea to wait until dark and set this place on fire. No good will come of the Stoneguts building a Fort out here. If we wait until they leave for the night we can sabotage the place.

[ChubbyPixie]

Darklin

I am here. Just considering our options. I am thinking it may be a good idea to wait until dark and set this place on fire. No good will come of the Stoneguts building a Fort out here. If we wait until they leave for the night we can sabotage the place.

Unseen, Chauncey perks up at Darklin’s proclamation. “I like your spirit, Darklin. Your can-do attitude is refreshing, however, I propose we avoid putting the Stoneguts on high alert until we have completed our mission and have gained knowledge that will give us an advantage. Or, alternatively, that we have outright stolen their precious artifact and thereby removed their advantage over us,” he says.

[Jernau35]

Wes

"I have to agree with Chauncey," say Wes. "You're all invisible so that we can accomplish this mission with the minimum amount of fuss and danger. If we set their building on fire, they'll know somebody is prowling around."

"Plus, you know what they are like. They'll probably start burning down buildings in Beachtown as retaliation".

[Karaunios]

Grimm

"You've taken the words from my mouth! Besides, I'm wondering if torching the building will make us visible?" The dwarf rubs his invisible bearded chin with his invisible meaty hand.

[OGRE MAGE]

On The Dwarven Path
Starday, 27th of Goodmonth
Mid Afternoon, Sunny, Hot, Humid, Buggy

The group moves on from the construction site, despite Darklin's best efforts to suggest arson.

They continue moving along the trail since most of them are still unable to be detected by normal vision, which the bugs clearly don't use since they are still out in full force, seeming even worse now in this new area of exploration.

Another hour or so into their westerly trek, they hear the obvious noises of another lizard caravan coming towards them from the direction of the mine.

Actions?

Greedy Grimm (F2/T3) AC:5 15/15 (Invisible)
Waesfaren Rhey (DR5) AC:7 43/43 1st:5/6 2nd:5/5 3rd:3/3
Chwee?
Chauncey (MU4) AC:8 26/26 CL, RM, DM 1st:3/3 2nd:0/2 (Invisible)
Darklin Sylvanas (F2/MU2) AC:4 15/15 CL, RM, DM 1st:2/2 (Invisible)

[Jernau35]

Wes

Wes retires from the trail again, but not before quickly checking the area to make sure he's not about to hide under a branch with a panther perched on it.

He says, in case any of the Invisible Trio happen to be standing close enough to hear: "They're moving a lot of caravans lately. That mine must be quite profitable. Assuming it's riches they're digging for".

[Karaunios]

Grimm

"Take cover, I'm gonna take a look. Smelling like a dwarf, those lizards won't be alarmed." Grimm will go ahead, scouting, but taking cover and keeping some distance, as if he wasn't invisible. Better to take more precautions than needed.

[Darklin2]

Darklin

Jumps off the trail and moves into cover. Standing still and hunkering down about 20 feet off the trail.

[ChubbyPixie]

Chauncey springs a foot into the air, lands in a ready position then skitters off the trail, unknowingly hiding about 3 feet from Darklin.

[OGRE MAGE]

On The Dwarven Path
Starday, 27th of Goodmonth
Mid Afternoon, Sunny, Hot, Humid, Buggy

The group gets back off the trail while Grimm moves ahead of the others to scout out the oncoming noise.

A contingency of a dozen heavily armed and armored dwarves are leading a caravan of 6 huge green lizards up the trail towards the construction. The lizards are harnessed with wide leather straps but they aren't pulling any sleds this time. Instead their harnesses are secured to massive black trees they are currently pulling along the trail. Each lizard is hooked to one such huge log, and the dwarves kick and beat the animals at any sign of slowing their pace.

Seeing them, Chwee tugs on the robes of Waesfaren excitedly, as if he is trying to tell the druid something.

Actions?

Greedy Grimm (F2/T3) AC:5 15/15 (Invisible)
Waesfaren Rhey (DR5) AC:7 43/43 1st:5/6 2nd:5/5 3rd:3/3
Chwee?
Chauncey (MU4) AC:8 26/26 CL, RM, DM 1st:3/3 2nd:0/2 (Invisible)
Darklin Sylvanas (F2/MU2) AC:4 15/15 CL, RM, DM 1st:2/2 (Invisible)

[Karaunios]

Grimm

Once Grimm rejoins his group and tells them about what they're seeing, he will advice about remaining where they are and let them pass. They're too many and too strong.

"At least we know that they're doing a lot of work. How many watch towers can we count? One next to the old town and the one we've just seen? They're gonna fortify themselves in the whole island. At some point we will have to gather a full army of adventurers and assault them upfront."