Okay. Does the "brief, halfhearted attempt" we've made count against that? Assuming so:
"We should check where they came from before we look where they went. We know they came out of the tomb there,"says Ulf, pointing to where the tracks start. "There must be an entrance. If we can't find it, we can make it." He retrieves a miner's pick from his backpack and begins hacking at the spot the undead army seems to have emerged from.
If the hobgoblin's military tools had anything that could be used to dig with, Ulf lets the others know so they can join in the excavation if they choose. If there aren't enough digging tools, someone could keep watch while the others dig.
[Completed] - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
Ulf stops digging only moments after he started. "The tracks diverge!" he realizes, Seadu's observation finally sinking through the dwarf's skull. "That can only mean that Fangir sent his undead army directly to the mountain while he dispensed with other business—business that must have involved his son's remains."
Stashing his pick, Ulf packs up and sets to follow the tracks west. "I now ill believe that we shall find the boy's remains here. Let us set forth while the day is still young."
Stashing his pick, Ulf packs up and sets to follow the tracks west. "I now ill believe that we shall find the boy's remains here. Let us set forth while the day is still young."
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
No, it does not. It was doomed to fail given the dark conditions--I didn't even roll.Zhym wrote:Okay. Does the "brief, halfhearted attempt" we've made count against that? Assuming so:
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
Okay. Let's do a roll, please, then proceed as above if he doesn't find anything. If he does, we might as well check it out before moving on.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
May 26, 1 VC - 7:40am
Ulf waits for the sun to peek a bit more above the edge of the cleft and then gets to work searching out the source of the tracks. The stone near the bottom end of the cleft is much harder and with less soil atop it, making the tracks hard to discern. He begins at the wall on the end and works his way backward, eventually reaching a spot about eight feet up the slope where an odd rock catches his attention--from his observation of the landscape and of the rock and soil types in this region, there is no way such a rock would be naturally-occurring, but there it is, protruding slightly for all the world as if it belonged there. Intrigued, he touches the stone and, as if by magic, it grows immediately warm to the touch and with a soft grating sound of stone on soil and pebbles, a section of the wall depresses and slides away to one side, revealing a passage four feet wide and six feet high leading into the interior of the mound at a slightly downward slope.
Spot hidden door [1d6] = 1
Ulf waits for the sun to peek a bit more above the edge of the cleft and then gets to work searching out the source of the tracks. The stone near the bottom end of the cleft is much harder and with less soil atop it, making the tracks hard to discern. He begins at the wall on the end and works his way backward, eventually reaching a spot about eight feet up the slope where an odd rock catches his attention--from his observation of the landscape and of the rock and soil types in this region, there is no way such a rock would be naturally-occurring, but there it is, protruding slightly for all the world as if it belonged there. Intrigued, he touches the stone and, as if by magic, it grows immediately warm to the touch and with a soft grating sound of stone on soil and pebbles, a section of the wall depresses and slides away to one side, revealing a passage four feet wide and six feet high leading into the interior of the mound at a slightly downward slope.
Spot hidden door [1d6] = 1
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
"Now how did I not see that before?" wonders Ulf despite his previous half-hearted search having been in darkness.
"I doubt that we shall be so fortunate as to find the boy's remains this close by the tomb where they belong, especially seeing those diverging tracks, but we should rule out the possibility. Let us enter and follow Fangir's path back as far as we can before we follow his path west."
"One of you might want to light a torch," he says as he starts into the passage.
All evidence is that Fanger traveled some distance in the tomb and emerged here before heading west. But a tomb that stretched for a mile would be a mighty big tomb! So let's check this place out just to be sure before heading west, if that's okay.
"I doubt that we shall be so fortunate as to find the boy's remains this close by the tomb where they belong, especially seeing those diverging tracks, but we should rule out the possibility. Let us enter and follow Fangir's path back as far as we can before we follow his path west."
"One of you might want to light a torch," he says as he starts into the passage.
All evidence is that Fanger traveled some distance in the tomb and emerged here before heading west. But a tomb that stretched for a mile would be a mighty big tomb! So let's check this place out just to be sure before heading west, if that's okay.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
Seadu slaps Ulf on the back when he causes the secret doorway to emerge. 'Well done!' They discuss their options, and he agrees wholeheartedly with the other two. 'A fine idea. Check out the secret entrance to search for more clues and rule out our options, then follow the conspicuous tracks that break off west. Here, I will light a torch.'
Before they finish packing up for the day's adventure, he goes through his prayers and rogations to memorize a cure and a protection from evil spell, and a spell to find traps.
Slinging his weapon and shield, Seadu lights a torch and takes up his holy symbol in his free hand. (Does switching out a weapon for a holy symbol to Turn happen automatically, or does that take up a round? If it's automatic, he'll equip his mace and torch.)
Looking into the darkness of the tunnel, he asks 'Shall we enter? Perhaps you ought to go first, Ulf, since you have the better eyesight and that wicked hammer. I'll be just behind; and Martin, you can cover the rear.'
Before they finish packing up for the day's adventure, he goes through his prayers and rogations to memorize a cure and a protection from evil spell, and a spell to find traps.
Slinging his weapon and shield, Seadu lights a torch and takes up his holy symbol in his free hand. (Does switching out a weapon for a holy symbol to Turn happen automatically, or does that take up a round? If it's automatic, he'll equip his mace and torch.)
Looking into the darkness of the tunnel, he asks 'Shall we enter? Perhaps you ought to go first, Ulf, since you have the better eyesight and that wicked hammer. I'll be just behind; and Martin, you can cover the rear.'
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
As long as the holy symbol is worn conspicuously, there's no need to spend time changing out weapons.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
Well then Seadu keeps his symbol displayed conspicuously around his neck.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
Ulf nods and heads in.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
May 26, 1 VC - 8:10am
As Ulf leads the party down into the depths along the sloping passage, he recalls an adage from his youth: behind every legendary dwarf hero stands a smart dwarf architect.
From time immemorial, dwarf journeyman architects hoping to advance in their studies and practice, presenting a design to their masters, have faced one constant question, almost unvaried in form: "how would you propose to defend this construction against a thousand orcs?" The image of a small force of dwarves defending a fortress against an overwhelming superior force has become a trope of popular culture, but it is rooted in the sad historical reality that 90% of all lost dwarf holds neither dwindled nor collapsed, but were destroyed from without by the hate of their numberless enemies. A clever construction without a plan to defend it is considered a waste of time and resources.
These ideas echo through the dwarf's mind as the small group advances: the tomb itself was never intended to be occupied, and so it was built without real defenses. It was not connected to the larger structure of the dwarf-hold, so its vulnerability to the denizens of the deep was lessened. In a sense, it was a rare example of "pure" dwarven design: intended to ornament and honor, cultural solely rather than both cultural and military. For this reason and many others, it is clear to Ulf that the passage they traverse was a later construction, perhaps only built a handful of dozen years ago by some of the very dwarves who died so horribly there. The path from the hidden entrance is a straight run, down past an initial fortified chamber thirty feet in, followed by a series of hard switchbacks that would force an advancing enemy to repeatedly expose itself around a blind corner, and then opens up into a handful of defensible residential and storage rooms. The group finds perhaps ten days of preserved food within, a meager store that would hardly have sufficed for any real defense along with a dozen suits of dwarf chain mail, a half dozen crossbows untouched for years, and a handful of axes, hammers, and short pears. On the far side the defenses begin again: this time oriented toward the interior of the tomb.
It appears that the inhabitants of the tomb made at least some provision for a fallback defense, but the empty state of the facilities suggests that it was never used.
As Ulf leads the party down into the depths along the sloping passage, he recalls an adage from his youth: behind every legendary dwarf hero stands a smart dwarf architect.
From time immemorial, dwarf journeyman architects hoping to advance in their studies and practice, presenting a design to their masters, have faced one constant question, almost unvaried in form: "how would you propose to defend this construction against a thousand orcs?" The image of a small force of dwarves defending a fortress against an overwhelming superior force has become a trope of popular culture, but it is rooted in the sad historical reality that 90% of all lost dwarf holds neither dwindled nor collapsed, but were destroyed from without by the hate of their numberless enemies. A clever construction without a plan to defend it is considered a waste of time and resources.
These ideas echo through the dwarf's mind as the small group advances: the tomb itself was never intended to be occupied, and so it was built without real defenses. It was not connected to the larger structure of the dwarf-hold, so its vulnerability to the denizens of the deep was lessened. In a sense, it was a rare example of "pure" dwarven design: intended to ornament and honor, cultural solely rather than both cultural and military. For this reason and many others, it is clear to Ulf that the passage they traverse was a later construction, perhaps only built a handful of dozen years ago by some of the very dwarves who died so horribly there. The path from the hidden entrance is a straight run, down past an initial fortified chamber thirty feet in, followed by a series of hard switchbacks that would force an advancing enemy to repeatedly expose itself around a blind corner, and then opens up into a handful of defensible residential and storage rooms. The group finds perhaps ten days of preserved food within, a meager store that would hardly have sufficed for any real defense along with a dozen suits of dwarf chain mail, a half dozen crossbows untouched for years, and a handful of axes, hammers, and short pears. On the far side the defenses begin again: this time oriented toward the interior of the tomb.
It appears that the inhabitants of the tomb made at least some provision for a fallback defense, but the empty state of the facilities suggests that it was never used.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
"It is as we thought," says Ulf. "This is but another entrance to the tomb. We will not find the boy's remains here."
Ulf takes the rations. They are certain to be more palatable to his own dwarvish senses, even after however long that have been in this tomb, than whatever hobgoblins eat. He leaves the armor and weapons. They have some value, but the trio needs to travel light.
When everyone has collected anything they require, Ulf leads the way back out.
Seadu and Martin can have some of the rations, of course. Just let me know how many you want so I can adjust Ulf's sheet accordingly.
Ulf takes the rations. They are certain to be more palatable to his own dwarvish senses, even after however long that have been in this tomb, than whatever hobgoblins eat. He leaves the armor and weapons. They have some value, but the trio needs to travel light.
When everyone has collected anything they require, Ulf leads the way back out.
Seadu and Martin can have some of the rations, of course. Just let me know how many you want so I can adjust Ulf's sheet accordingly.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
May 26, 1 VC - 8:30am
The party gathers up some things and then heads back out of the tomb. As they exit the defile, they see a trio of hobgoblins standing nearby, presumably the ones they had routed earlier that morning. One of them holds aloft a square of white cloth as he spots the adventurers.
The party gathers up some things and then heads back out of the tomb. As they exit the defile, they see a trio of hobgoblins standing nearby, presumably the ones they had routed earlier that morning. One of them holds aloft a square of white cloth as he spots the adventurers.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
Ulf is taken slightly aback at the hobgoblins' seeming non-aggressive stance. Then he remembers his conversation and agreement with Nine Tongues almost three months ago. Some of these creatures can be reasoned with, he muses, although perhaps he was taken as a fool in the dealing with the goblin. Still, Ulf believes in making peace where possible. But he also knows that the hobgoblins were carrying implements of war.
He rests his hand on his hammer but does not attack. After a quick glance around to make sure there is no ambush party waiting, he approaches close enough to converse without yelling.
"Do you surrender or merely wish to parley?" he asks in Common, repeating it in goblin if necessary. He finds himself wishing he knew more about military protocol when dealing with an enemy that isn't actively fighting. The things they don't teach you when preparing for a big battle is all that matters at the time.
He rests his hand on his hammer but does not attack. After a quick glance around to make sure there is no ambush party waiting, he approaches close enough to converse without yelling.
"Do you surrender or merely wish to parley?" he asks in Common, repeating it in goblin if necessary. He finds himself wishing he knew more about military protocol when dealing with an enemy that isn't actively fighting. The things they don't teach you when preparing for a big battle is all that matters at the time.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
The hobgoblin seems to speak goblin well enough, and responds:
"I believe surrender is the proper term, though something closer to defection (he says with disgust) is our intent. We were soldiers in the attack on your man-fort and since our rout we have reconsidered our allegiance. We would like to make ourselves useful as soldiers, military advisers, or laborers in your community in exchange for protection and the rights of citizenship. We have many useful skills and a good work ethic, and are forthright and not treacherous. We seek new ties because our old leadership is gone--without a purpose to serve, we are adrift on this plain. Word reached us from a refugee of the mountain that the Master has been routed by some unknown enemy--the Fire Tribe is a swarm of newborn insects devouring its mother's corpse. Not a situation we would prefer to be involved in. We were headed to your town when we encountered you earlier--it is unfortunate that we lost one of our number but perhaps you can work with us to arrange some kind of safe passage."
"I believe surrender is the proper term, though something closer to defection (he says with disgust) is our intent. We were soldiers in the attack on your man-fort and since our rout we have reconsidered our allegiance. We would like to make ourselves useful as soldiers, military advisers, or laborers in your community in exchange for protection and the rights of citizenship. We have many useful skills and a good work ethic, and are forthright and not treacherous. We seek new ties because our old leadership is gone--without a purpose to serve, we are adrift on this plain. Word reached us from a refugee of the mountain that the Master has been routed by some unknown enemy--the Fire Tribe is a swarm of newborn insects devouring its mother's corpse. Not a situation we would prefer to be involved in. We were headed to your town when we encountered you earlier--it is unfortunate that we lost one of our number but perhaps you can work with us to arrange some kind of safe passage."
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
Ulf regards the hobgoblins for a long moment. Those who have met hobgoblins say that they have a certain code, a set of laws. If only he could look up the rules governing surrender in those books he found.
Finally, he nods. But he is not yet ready for unconditional acceptance. "Your words have a ring of truth to them. I would not wish to be a member of the fire tribe at this time. But your officer's pack was loaded with siege tools. Why?"
Finally, he nods. But he is not yet ready for unconditional acceptance. "Your words have a ring of truth to them. I would not wish to be a member of the fire tribe at this time. But your officer's pack was loaded with siege tools. Why?"
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
The hobgoblin smiles. "It is traditional for us to prepare for any contingency when assigned to the field. To do otherwise would be outside of our nature."
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
"It is not likely that four hobgoblins would attempt to lay siege to a city alone," concedes Ulf.
"Very well. But you should know that our quest next takes us west, not towards town, though we intend to return there when our quest is complete. And I cannot guarantee a friendly reception for you once we arrive in town. The battle is still fresh in many minds. Veterans of that battle may, as I did, assume hostile intent and attack unless approached carefully. But if your word is true as proven by your actions during our travels, I for one will do what I can to ensure that you are accepted, if not yet fully welcomed by all."
Ulf looks to Seadu and Martin. "Is this in keeping with the wishes of Falles?"
He wonders if he needs to make any formal statement accepting the hobgoblins and requiring their faithful actions.
"Very well. But you should know that our quest next takes us west, not towards town, though we intend to return there when our quest is complete. And I cannot guarantee a friendly reception for you once we arrive in town. The battle is still fresh in many minds. Veterans of that battle may, as I did, assume hostile intent and attack unless approached carefully. But if your word is true as proven by your actions during our travels, I for one will do what I can to ensure that you are accepted, if not yet fully welcomed by all."
Ulf looks to Seadu and Martin. "Is this in keeping with the wishes of Falles?"
He wonders if he needs to make any formal statement accepting the hobgoblins and requiring their faithful actions.
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
NPC Reaction Check [2d6] = 10 -1 for Ulf's charisma makes 9.
The hobgoblins confer for a moment and then return to Ulf. "We seek out peace, not further strife--especially not against those who might be of our own kind. With your leave, we will continue west and try our luck with the authorities of your town."
The hobgoblins confer for a moment and then return to Ulf. "We seek out peace, not further strife--especially not against those who might be of our own kind. With your leave, we will continue west and try our luck with the authorities of your town."
Re: Expedition - Ulf/Mission for the Dwarves - May 20, 1 VC
"I understand," says Ulf. "Our quest is not your quest."
He digs into his pack and retrieves the four hobgoblin rations. "Take these, in case you need them. I should also give you some token that might improve your chances of safe passage." He pats his hands along his pack and clothes, trying to find something that might serve. The Token of Nine Tongues, perhaps? It would be an ironic use, but only of significance to those who know Ulf—and they would not know if the token was given freely or taken by force. But if combined with a message...
"Please wait just one moment," he asks. He takes one of his sheets of parchment from a pack and writes a message:
At the bottom, near his signature, Ulf makes a mark of a stylized hammer similar to the one tooled into his breastplate. He borrows a candle from Martin and uses its wax to seal the letter (I assume this doesn't use up the candle).
He pulls the Token of Nine Tongues from its belt pouch and hands the letter and token to the hobgoblins. "This letter is a testament that you came to us under a flag of truce and refrained from attacking despite our previous misunderstanding. The token was given to me as a token of a different sort of truce. It may help authenticate my letter. I hope that these items will improve your reception somewhat when you reach Vaul. Please leave the token with the tavern keeper when you reach town. Good luck."
-4 hobgoblin rations, -1 Token of Nine Tongues, -1 sheet of parchment
He digs into his pack and retrieves the four hobgoblin rations. "Take these, in case you need them. I should also give you some token that might improve your chances of safe passage." He pats his hands along his pack and clothes, trying to find something that might serve. The Token of Nine Tongues, perhaps? It would be an ironic use, but only of significance to those who know Ulf—and they would not know if the token was given freely or taken by force. But if combined with a message...
"Please wait just one moment," he asks. He takes one of his sheets of parchment from a pack and writes a message:
At the bottom, near his signature, Ulf makes a mark of a stylized hammer similar to the one tooled into his breastplate. He borrows a candle from Martin and uses its wax to seal the letter (I assume this doesn't use up the candle).
He pulls the Token of Nine Tongues from its belt pouch and hands the letter and token to the hobgoblins. "This letter is a testament that you came to us under a flag of truce and refrained from attacking despite our previous misunderstanding. The token was given to me as a token of a different sort of truce. It may help authenticate my letter. I hope that these items will improve your reception somewhat when you reach Vaul. Please leave the token with the tavern keeper when you reach town. Good luck."
-4 hobgoblin rations, -1 Token of Nine Tongues, -1 sheet of parchment