Silk and Silver: The abandoned mine.

[Spearmint]

Beyond the Waterfall Cave

Some heavyweight attacks from Fydmar and Symeon pound the animate, fracturing the stone figure, -13hp.

The miners each weigh in with picks, hewing chunks, -9hp. Together it is enough to shatter the living statue into numerous pieces.

Meatloaf, Plantie, Lemmy & Ozzie [1d20]=2[1d6+1]=6+1=7[1d20]=2[1d6+1]=2+1=3[1d20]=12[1d6+1]=5+1=6[1d20]=15[1d6+1]=2+1=3Smurf [1d20]=19 Sling stone vs Durgo [1d4]=3

Durgo runs up the passage, intent in running down the figure that threw the first stone. You look about, checking the small imprints in the ground that suggest someone passed by, careful to not rush too far ahead but eager to catch up with whoever or whatever ran away. Suddenly in a blur of chalky dust and fright, a small, bulbous headed, blue skinned figure hiding in a little crevice hurls another well aimed rock in your direction which smacks you right in the forehead -3hp before it squeals in panic (or delight?) and tries to run away some more.



actions please

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo grunts shaking off the hit to the head saying in Common, Orc, and Ogre, "We mean no harm come talk."

Durgo feels a bit beat up and rushes back to the others, "The thing hit me with a rock in the head....I tried talking to it in Common, Orc and Ogre. It looks like a blue dwarf/gnome humanoid creature. Wasn't there something about that type of creature to be wary of? I tried to tell it we mean no harm and to come talk so keep a watch it may follow me back here."

Durgo looks for some cover to get behind in case it does come back.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
The information I got was of evil gray skinned gnomes that would attack on sight. I don't think we are going to be able to parley with it. Still, I'll try one last time in gnome.
(calls to the blue creature) Do you speak? Let us parley.
Expecting the parley not to work, he will keep his X-bow close at hand and loaded. He will also look for good cover opportunities to keep from being a good target for the creature's sling.
(quietly to his companions) It may be trying to lead us into an ambush.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo says softly to the other, " You other find some cover and make sure Babe-Ruth doesn't get waylaid by this gnome."

[DrRenfield]

Brother Symeon

The gnome has had it's chance and has forfeit the right to parley.

"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you"

It's ambush is already spent. I propose we rush in unison. I am hale enough to be the vanguard and risk a stone.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

”Well said Brother. Right behind you.”

Shield up lantern in hand and sword out.

[Spearmint]

Beyond the Waterfall Cave.

So this second passage that leads off behind the collection of statues is rather a naturally carved one, from erosion of water rather than being tunnelled through as the passage from the Waterfall Cave is. It has many obstacles and ledges, narrow confines and prominent boulders. These slow your pursuit as you navigate your way along, but within a short distance the passage opens to a wider cavern. Stopping at the threshold, Fydmar calls to the fleeing gnome-like figure, insisting you just wish to parlay with it not bash it in, despite that spoken suggestion.

Surprisingly maybe, you get an answer and thankfully, not a stone one in response. The creature speaks back to you, only half intelligibly, using a mixture of gnome, koboldish and goblin words out together. Against a background of tapping, (folk mining nearby) that suddenly halts, the voice speaks up.

It seems to accuse you of accosting it, trying to 'eat it, kill it, chase it' and tells others to be wary of you. A second voice seems to ask for hush, commanding kinsfolk to ready themselves but then strikes a lantern and steps forward, a little ways in front of you.

Another blue skinned, Gnomish like figure and behind him several more who huddle behind rocks with hand held picks and slings at the ready.

After a deep gaze, the leading figure slaps the runner across the back of the head, rebuking him.

Xvarts reactions to Intrusion. [1d100]=78

"Please, come forth. You are welcome among us." he gestures towards you and signals to those behind to carry on with their endeavour.

The cavern is quite wide and once you come inside, several mini pitch tarred torches are lit to illuminate the area. About two dozen figures, in hobnail boots, tin pot helms and just a bare minimum of clothing are chipping away at veins of ore. A few sculpt larger rocks, perhaps softer in composition into various caricature designs. A little stove and camp of supplies is built against one wall.

"I am known as Carkdenkeinonlemuelclingunon. Son of Carkden....etc, etc, grandson of Carkden ...", you get the idea.

Seeing two wounded among you, he might reach out again to slap the other but he has gone about his business. Instead he calls a minion to fetch water and band aids for those bruised.

actions please

[scottjen]

Fydmar
shrugs to his companions and says: I can understand their mish-mash language. He translates what the creature said.
Then calls: I am Fydmar. We are here gathering spider silk as you can see (points at reels). Are they any nearby? Also, we have heard of a phantom in these parts that is best avoided. Do you know anything about it? Are there items you would like? Perhaps we can establish trade?
to his friends: What else?

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo hold up his light to help and scans the area.

Whispering in common to Fydmar and Brother Symeon, "Just be cautious. Their true intensions may not be known. We need to get this back to town too. Good job."

Durgo lowers his blade slowly but keeps his shield and lantern up to see. Durgo does not take the bandages or water without Brother Symeon's ok.

[DrRenfield]

Brother Symeon

Symeon will take the water and bandages from the minion with a nod. He discreetly inspects and sniffs them before putting them into use.

"You provided bread from heaven for them for their hunger, you brought forth water from a rock for them for their thirst"

[Spearmint]

The Xvart mining camp.

Carkdenkeinonlemuelclingunon, welcomes you. He is also wary of your group, as you tower over him, even the dwarf Fydmar is much taller and broader. Only Meatloaf the gnome is of comparative size. Between you both, you can translate the 'gnome-goblin-kobold patois' into more intelligible vocabulary.

The water offered is cool and refreshing. The band aids practical rather than restorative. They are linen based not manufactured with spider silk. One of the Xvarts must be designated camp cook and he brings each a bowl of miner's' gruel. Lentils, strange fungi, mossy herbs and bits of fleshy meat, perhaps fish, perhaps crayfish, perhaps best not to ask. A carrot is given to BabeRuth and the mule is much investigated, probably to Fydmar's and her annoyance. Though a mule turd is seemingly welcomed and instantly scooped up in a spade and deposited as more fuel to cook over.

In answer to questions, you see the group have small hand held tools, a lot of them loose in the head, ropes are threadbare and frayed, equipment seems more rustically hotch-potch put together. Of note the few carvings that they make. The sculptures show a fine hand even though the designs are caricature rather than classically smooth. One is proud to show you a winged angel figure, similar to one that might be used as a memorial.

They remark that spiders live 'outside their expanse', (outside in the quarry and probably inside but limited to the tunnels and passages by the exterior exits). They agree the caverns are haunted, 'by ghosts, by ghosts of dwarves, by ghosts of men, by ghosts of ghosts for some ghosts haven't given up the ghost', and explain that the caverns supposedly run for miles under the hills though they are acquainted with just this local area. Blinkonhammersteinklingerdorf , son of Blinky..., the Xvart who attacked you with the sling stones thought you may be ghosts too, or so his justification goes.

They share that 'other gnomes live that way', pointing to the far end of the cavern but in doing so, they infer some antagonism is between them.

They mine for certain geological deposits and 'good stone' to craft. Trading would be good and they do have an eye upon the miners picks and sledgehammers and any excess basic gear that you have; mess tins, lanterns, oils, even personal stuff such as mirrors, scissors, soap, rations.

So far, the encounter here is favourable and with a note to the time, the evening is wearing on. They offer you a ledge to place blankets on and invite you to stay as at least the place is secure.

actions in the Xvart camp please.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo strokes his chin and takes the offered refreshments and food with Brother Symeon's blessing. "He offers a pray before eating. Takes his time eating to give him time to see if his body will like it and says between slurps, "Most interesting turn of events perhaps. It may be best to go ahead and rest for 8-9 hours. I like the idea of setting up some trade for information (Best mining locations they may know about, creatures to be wary of down here and so on), I'd like to work with a map maker back in town to provide our route used to get to here. I think I have it in my head and the routes we didn't take or backed out of. To deal with anything more challenging we might need some additional help. We could set up a second trip for more Spider silk, and further investigate the cave system. We'd need some time in town for me to finish up some blind fighting training and the map maker will take some time if one is available. Don't let them get any ideas about BabeRuth."

Durgo cleans his gear and Preps a location for rest if they decide to do so for 8 hours or so.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
(noting their interest in basic goods) We could trade some items that might be of use to you. Could bring more next time we visit... What do you have to trade in return? If ye don't mine silver, perhaps we can work something out there.
Do these "other gnomes" that live yonder look more like you, or like Meatloaf here, or neither?
When the chatting is done, he'll find a place to rest near Durgo. And will make sure Babe Ruth is nearby.
To his companions: We should have a watch just in case. I think this lot is on the up and up, but who knows about the others, or lizards or ghosts for that matter.

[DrRenfield]

Brother Symeon

Good thinking, friend. I volunteer to take the final watch. I am accustomed to rising early and spending a few hours in prayer before the day begins.

We are blessed we did not catch that trickster and cause a permanent rift with these folk. St Ygg's hand is on our journey.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

I'll take the middle watch then unless you prefer it Fydmar. It's settled then. A good rest will do us all some good. I'd also suggest the miners pair up with us and join us for watches. Let's put the extra miner on with Me. I'll have more trouble with the darker environment. BabeRuth will probably assist us all if she hears anything."

[scottjen]

Fydmar
Nah, first watch is fine by me. Will play it low key, but keep my eyes peeled.

[Spearmint]

The Xvart mining camp.

Setting a watch, miners included, the group set up for the night. Brother Symeon gets out his books to study in the dim lantern light. Others rest weary bodies and importantly for Meatloaf and Durgo, a chance to strip out of wet clothes and dry them over a smoky campfire.

These Xvarts are as wary of you as you might be of them. Though you have less physical numbers you have a dominating presence with size on your side.

Carkden and Blinky meet any needs you have. They have little to trade that you might value for the mined ore is unrefined. The blocks of soft stone that they carve make nice statues. Of specific need, Salt is worth a hefty price for it is something they need to season and keep food stocks but there is little of the mineral about.

They show an interest in the silk spools and the ones collected from the Cave Fisher filament. While the spider silk is a delicate and thin thread, the other, covered in globules of sticky glue, is thicker and coarser. They offer to experiment with it, using a little alcohol to wash or dilute the surface so that only the ends are left as sticky bits. They weave a few cuts together to fashion a longer length of rope which when cast against a wall, sticks with a splat to secure it enough for a Xvart to climb up and down.

Asking about the statue which animated, you may understand they have certain 'skills' to imbue or enchant magics as a collective into their art forms, though this is 'a specialist focus'. That the guardian statue was subsequently smashed into pieces becomes another black mark that Blinky you assume has to make some atonement for.

They are the only group of Xvart around, gnomish cousins to the Svirfneblin who live in the deeper caverns beyond. There is some rivalry between them but for the most part, the antagonism has not resulted in anything more serious than communal fisticuffs.

you can chat and ask any more questions or try to make other observations. The overnight in the cavern goes off without a hitch or problem. It seems you have established a good relationship with the group and future trades might be a possibility.

As far as sharing your adventure so far, they have not met the Ogre, Cockatrices or been in the Centipede Cave of Forgetfulness. The know the Waterfall Cave and the dangers of both Salamander and Cave Fishers so usually avoid that area.

June 15th 1066

actions for the next day and continuing exploration please.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
I'll remember to bring salt next time. The guardians you make - are they difficult to control? One of those would be worth quite a bit if you could make them for others. I have a similar interest, and am working on a mechanical man back in town.
(to his group): Do we now proceed with our exploration? Or return to deal with the ogre?

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo warms up and dries his gear and oils his sword and sharpens it.

Durgo ask, “Perhaps I could take some of the stone you work with to have our artisan look at it? It’s nice work and they might like it too. A small block and finished product. Perhaps a good price can be reached for some salt we can bring back. Perhaps we can get your assistance in using some stone warriors to help clear some dangers we’d face trying to get the salt to you and work these mines elsewhere as we trade? As for what to do next perhaps Brother Symeon might have need of actually seeing the counterpart to our Xvart friends. I'm banged up a bit but I'm ok with either option. I'm not sure we need to deal with the ogre though if he's friends with a ghost. The information we do have won't be worth anything if we don't get back to town too though. A tough choice. I'd recommend heading back to town.
Brother what say you. ”

Durgo will put any offered material in his backpack once dried out.

Edited to respond to Fydmar's question. grin

[DrRenfield]

Brother Symeon

I move we press forward into the unknown. Now that we are refreshed, it would feel a waste to withdraw. Say the word, Durgo, and will entreat St Ygg to minister to your wounds.

"The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few"

Symeon has prayed to St Ygg for 1 Command & 2 Cure Light Wounds