Brick
Brick focuses his vision on the giant weasel kit, draws his sword and attacks the weasel.
Bastard Sword [1d20+2]=12+2=14 to hit [2d4+5]=4+5=9 damage
Exploration continues:
Re: Exploration continues:
Galadria
To Elwita "There, you can stand and fight now, let vengeance be your guide, we must arm you so you can help bring some balance for that which has befallen you" Galadria will try to find out what Elwita knows about this place. "Why did they punish you this way?" To the others "we must arm her"
To Elwita "There, you can stand and fight now, let vengeance be your guide, we must arm you so you can help bring some balance for that which has befallen you" Galadria will try to find out what Elwita knows about this place. "Why did they punish you this way?" To the others "we must arm her"
Re: Exploration continues:
Edel
In Dwarvish
He then moved to speak with the orc he had previously charmed.
Edel looked curiously at Galadria - "Please feel free to assist Elwita in equipping her with the gear from that orc" - he nods at the one charmed by Durrant, then turned to her:
In Dwarvish
He then moved to speak with the orc he had previously charmed.
"If you play your cards right, and you are smart, you will live through all of this, and might even find employment with us" - he began - "Just cooperate - thus we can remain friends, and I will make sure you are kept alive" - the elf added - "Lets start with some simple questions. First one - what is your name? Second one - the stair that was broken by Kharnak - what lies in the room above? Third question - where do you keep the sugar you use to trade with the Aspis?"Straither wrote: ↑Fri Mar 28, 2025 11:01 am"One way leads to the Temple access. It is below the Sanctuary. The other tunnel goes towards the reserved Slave market but the passage was prone to recent collapse and is less used. We were tasked with helping a repair team as Kharnak can lift up the support beams and fallen boulders. The other passage goes to the Sewer Network and guard posts." he blabs, hoping repeating information will stall any execution.
Re: Exploration continues:
I will update as the group are in two scenes and can draw one to its conclusion.
Sundew Room
Brick lashes out to protect his buddy, intervening to slash the Giant Weasel that barks and gnashes at Mortar. It kills the kit which means Mortar can quickly cast his Colour Spray. The dazzling array of mesmerising and vibrant tones flickering quicker than flashes of fireworks, the effect is to render unconscious the two Orcs and the second juvenile Giant Weasel. They spasm in epileptic fits as their brains are gripped.
Colour Spray effectiveness: [1d6]=6 all affected.
As they are, they can be summarily despatched by Brick. The Orcs having throats cut. There is one animal companions left and the Gnome might consider that these creatures are often kept and trained by his kinsfolk too, using his racial affinity to communicate with such 'burrowing mammals'. This juvenile is yet to peak into adulthood and still pliable in the right hands to bring trained as a companion or guard as these Orcs are doing.
Mortar could try and do just that, befriending the Giant Weasel and train it given the right circumstances. You can choose to still slay it or risk an attempt to befriend it and train it.
Temple random vs 1: [1d6]=4
Giving the area a quick check, the back corridor is clear and the Orcs in the stable or patrolling the roof ramparts above are not alerted to the encounter. Placing the Sundew carcass on the barrel lids or Brick's shield, you can descend the slippery staircase once more with the sugary sweet treats you hope to trade with the Aspis.
Tunnels:
Jacupo & Rogger continue to ward the passage from any Giant Ants. Olleg guards the bound and gagged Orc guard.
Durrant,Vennar & Galadria minister to Elwita. She can at least be clothed with spare sheepskin cloak and silk blousons taken from the Hobgoblin Hovel. The Orcs were disarmed and one broadsword can be given to her. She gives it a swish, familiarising herself with its weight and balance.
"It will do. Vengeance is mine." the Icon says, still determined to go down fighting as her injuries appear to horrific to live with.
Edel interrogated his charmed Orc guard further.
"Just cooperate - thus we can remain friends, and I will make sure you are kept alive" the promise to not harm him is tenuous but the Orc at least trusts your word though the dwarves might favour dealing more roughly with him.
"First, what is your name? Second one - the stair that was broken by Kharnak - what lies in the room above? Third question - where do you keep the sugar you use to trade with the Aspis?"
"I am Chagg. The ladder leads to a trapdoor in the floor of the Slave Audience chamber. Many slaves are kept there and merchant visitors come and go from the city to buy those kept in the shackles. Most are only fit for labour duties, galley rowers, plough-herds, mining. The reception stamps papers of authorisation to buy slaves and to peruse the reserved market for the more exclusive slaves.
We have our kitchens and the cook buys in sugar from the city market stalls."
The guard doesn't give much more information than you already know.
Mortar & Brick return with the Sundew carcass.
Olleg: 26/33hp
Brick: 15/18hp
Mortar: 7/10hp
Vennar: 12/19hp.
Galadria 16/17hp
Durrant: 7/7hp
Edel: 11/11hp (14/14hp with Pallas the Owl:
3/3hp)
Elwita: 17/54hp.
Jacupo: 7/15hp
Rogger: 10/10hp.
next actions please.
Sundew Room
Brick lashes out to protect his buddy, intervening to slash the Giant Weasel that barks and gnashes at Mortar. It kills the kit which means Mortar can quickly cast his Colour Spray. The dazzling array of mesmerising and vibrant tones flickering quicker than flashes of fireworks, the effect is to render unconscious the two Orcs and the second juvenile Giant Weasel. They spasm in epileptic fits as their brains are gripped.
Colour Spray effectiveness: [1d6]=6 all affected.
As they are, they can be summarily despatched by Brick. The Orcs having throats cut. There is one animal companions left and the Gnome might consider that these creatures are often kept and trained by his kinsfolk too, using his racial affinity to communicate with such 'burrowing mammals'. This juvenile is yet to peak into adulthood and still pliable in the right hands to bring trained as a companion or guard as these Orcs are doing.
Mortar could try and do just that, befriending the Giant Weasel and train it given the right circumstances. You can choose to still slay it or risk an attempt to befriend it and train it.
Temple random vs 1: [1d6]=4
Giving the area a quick check, the back corridor is clear and the Orcs in the stable or patrolling the roof ramparts above are not alerted to the encounter. Placing the Sundew carcass on the barrel lids or Brick's shield, you can descend the slippery staircase once more with the sugary sweet treats you hope to trade with the Aspis.
Tunnels:
Jacupo & Rogger continue to ward the passage from any Giant Ants. Olleg guards the bound and gagged Orc guard.
Durrant,Vennar & Galadria minister to Elwita. She can at least be clothed with spare sheepskin cloak and silk blousons taken from the Hobgoblin Hovel. The Orcs were disarmed and one broadsword can be given to her. She gives it a swish, familiarising herself with its weight and balance.
"It will do. Vengeance is mine." the Icon says, still determined to go down fighting as her injuries appear to horrific to live with.
Edel interrogated his charmed Orc guard further.
"Just cooperate - thus we can remain friends, and I will make sure you are kept alive" the promise to not harm him is tenuous but the Orc at least trusts your word though the dwarves might favour dealing more roughly with him.
"First, what is your name? Second one - the stair that was broken by Kharnak - what lies in the room above? Third question - where do you keep the sugar you use to trade with the Aspis?"
"I am Chagg. The ladder leads to a trapdoor in the floor of the Slave Audience chamber. Many slaves are kept there and merchant visitors come and go from the city to buy those kept in the shackles. Most are only fit for labour duties, galley rowers, plough-herds, mining. The reception stamps papers of authorisation to buy slaves and to peruse the reserved market for the more exclusive slaves.
We have our kitchens and the cook buys in sugar from the city market stalls."
The guard doesn't give much more information than you already know.
Mortar & Brick return with the Sundew carcass.
Olleg: 26/33hp
Brick: 15/18hp
Mortar: 7/10hp
Vennar: 12/19hp.
Galadria 16/17hp
Durrant: 7/7hp
Edel: 11/11hp (14/14hp with Pallas the Owl:
3/3hp)
Elwita: 17/54hp.
Jacupo: 7/15hp
Rogger: 10/10hp.
next actions please.
- Attachments
-
- Colour spray
- Screenshot_20250330_181430_com_google_android_youtube_MainActivity_edit_110544919527434.jpg (272.91 KiB) Viewed 364 times
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- Tunnels to Aspis territory
- Screenshot_20250322_085731_com_hihonor_hnoffice_PDFPhoneActivity0_edit_338322869586473.jpg (219.19 KiB) Viewed 379 times
Re: Exploration continues:
Brick
"Look what we have."
"Look what we have."
Re: Exploration continues:
Edel
"Understood" - Edel pauses a moment to ponder their mission - "Is anyone ever allowed through without a stamped writ into the reserved market? And who checks the writ? Those on guard, or also the ones inside?"Straither wrote: ↑Sun Mar 30, 2025 12:47 pm"I am Chagg. The ladder leads to a trapdoor in the floor of the Slave Audience chamber. Many slaves are kept there and merchant visitors come and go from the city to buy those kept in the shackles. Most are only fit for labour duties, galley rowers, plough-herds, mining. The reception stamps papers of authorisation to buy slaves and to peruse the reserved market for the more exclusive slaves.
We have our kitchens and the cook buys in sugar from the city market stalls."
The guard doesn't give much more information than you already know.
"Good news" - Edel smiled - "We need to try and trade it with the aspis for those leafy parcels - would be great if we could get one for each of us, so we can move across their territory"
Re: Exploration continues:
Vennar
Vennar will stay silent for the moment taking in the rapidly changing situation.
Vennar will stay silent for the moment taking in the rapidly changing situation.
Re: Exploration continues:
As the group consider options and how best to approach the Aspis to trade, some conversations continue.
Eljayess and I were driven below. He was lost soon after, falling into the foul stream of sewage. I never saw him resurface. I retreated into a cave but only found a hive of xenomorphs and a larval Queen. They were hatching endoparasites from dwarven slaves. How they torment our kin.
We should have vengeance upon these accursed creatures."
Elwita does not know or cannot remember because of her recent trauma, how exactly she go here and where she explored prior to her capture and skinning by the Aspis.
The guards at their posts and the Slave Pens examine the wax seals and signatures. Unauthorized merchants are held until validated. If not legitimate, folk are punished severely." He says, trying to warn you of future possibilities if you intrude.
Despite Galadria's preference to treat captives more humanely, and unless Durrant wants to intervene on behalf of the Orc he charmed,, the Slaver's minion can be summarily executed by the dwarves who have no such conscience regarding shedding the blood of those guilty by association.
Next actions how do you go about trading the Sundew with the Aspis?
Do you go to the Aspis Cave or try the passage at the rear of the Ladder Cave which leads deeper into Aspis territory?
any other actions, comments and questions?
"The ranger led the way. Through the secret passages but we were beset early by a horde of undead guardians. Ogre took his stand as we others were scattered. It was a trap I am sure, the fiends knew we were coming.Galadria to Elwita "Do you know your way around this place then? How much of it have you seen?"
Eljayess and I were driven below. He was lost soon after, falling into the foul stream of sewage. I never saw him resurface. I retreated into a cave but only found a hive of xenomorphs and a larval Queen. They were hatching endoparasites from dwarven slaves. How they torment our kin.
We should have vengeance upon these accursed creatures."
Elwita does not know or cannot remember because of her recent trauma, how exactly she go here and where she explored prior to her capture and skinning by the Aspis.
Edel asks his charmed Orc friend Chagg.. "You said your own masters are above. Surely they had their scrolls stamped at the Gatehouse when you entered and it was checked in the reception above. They must be viewing 'lots for sale' as we speak."Is anyone ever allowed through without a stamped writ into the reserved market? And who checks the writ? Those on guard, or also the ones inside?"
The guards at their posts and the Slave Pens examine the wax seals and signatures. Unauthorized merchants are held until validated. If not legitimate, folk are punished severely." He says, trying to warn you of future possibilities if you intrude.
Despite Galadria's preference to treat captives more humanely, and unless Durrant wants to intervene on behalf of the Orc he charmed,, the Slaver's minion can be summarily executed by the dwarves who have no such conscience regarding shedding the blood of those guilty by association.
Next actions how do you go about trading the Sundew with the Aspis?
Do you go to the Aspis Cave or try the passage at the rear of the Ladder Cave which leads deeper into Aspis territory?
any other actions, comments and questions?
Re: Exploration continues:
Edel
"Yes, but we were trying to prove to our masters we can do well by ourselves" - Edel commented - "It is not easy to rise in the ranks, but if we could find a special slave, and bring it to our employers, we would be one step ahead of the others" - he added - "Any way I can get my hands on one of those stamped scrolls? Do you have one to allow you to roam the tunnels?"Straither wrote: ↑Tue Apr 01, 2025 10:35 amEdel asks his charmed Orc friend Chagg.. "You said your own masters are above. Surely they had their scrolls stamped at the Gatehouse when you entered and it was checked in the reception above. They must be viewing 'lots for sale' as we speak.
The guards at their posts and the Slave Pens examine the wax seals and signatures. Unauthorized merchants are held until validated. If not legitimate, folk are punished severely." He says, trying to warn you of future possibilities if you intrude.
-
OGRE MAGE
- First Gentleman
- Posts: 39189
- Joined: Tue Mar 04, 2014 3:16 pm
- Location: The Birthplace of RPG's
Re: Exploration continues:
With one of the stunned young weasels still wrapped around his neck to keep it warm, Mortar smiles wide when the others spot his new animal companion. (I will assume Brick took care of the others.)
"When this thing wakes up, I'm gonna try to communicate with it, as my kind often do. Maybe I can train it to sniff out orcs instead of us infiltrators."
He points to the sticky dead plant monster Brick brought with them. "Hopefully this will make a nice treat for those ant-men-thingys. I'd trade a potion for this smelly blob anyday!"
He looks over Elwita's current condition, wondering if he could use his magic to fool her into thinking she was fine again. "We could really use someone with your skills to join us down here. I can promise you all the revenge you can handle once we figure out where to go to find the main threats in here."
"When this thing wakes up, I'm gonna try to communicate with it, as my kind often do. Maybe I can train it to sniff out orcs instead of us infiltrators."
He points to the sticky dead plant monster Brick brought with them. "Hopefully this will make a nice treat for those ant-men-thingys. I'd trade a potion for this smelly blob anyday!"
He looks over Elwita's current condition, wondering if he could use his magic to fool her into thinking she was fine again. "We could really use someone with your skills to join us down here. I can promise you all the revenge you can handle once we figure out where to go to find the main threats in here."
Re: Exploration continues:
Olleg, Dwarf
Impressed by Elwita's resolve, Olleg says to her, "I would be honored to fight alongside another stalwart dwarven warrior. The suffering of our kin will not go unanswered!" Turning now to eye the captive orc, he grimly states, "Those who consort with slavers and such monsters do not deserve our mercy."
Unless another character objects, Olleg will proceed to quickly and cleanly dispose of the bound orc.
Impressed by Elwita's resolve, Olleg says to her, "I would be honored to fight alongside another stalwart dwarven warrior. The suffering of our kin will not go unanswered!" Turning now to eye the captive orc, he grimly states, "Those who consort with slavers and such monsters do not deserve our mercy."
Unless another character objects, Olleg will proceed to quickly and cleanly dispose of the bound orc.
Re: Exploration continues:
Brick
Brick will have taken care of the other weasels if the DM is Ok with it.
"Hi new comer Dwarfes, I am Brick."
Brick will have taken care of the other weasels if the DM is Ok with it.
"Hi new comer Dwarfes, I am Brick."
Re: Exploration continues:
Vennar
"If there are two ways through the Ant-men and goes to the larval Queen I doubt the Ant-men would want you to go that way, perhaps the other would be a better option unless the orc knows."
"If there are two ways through the Ant-men and goes to the larval Queen I doubt the Ant-men would want you to go that way, perhaps the other would be a better option unless the orc knows."
Re: Exploration continues:
Nothing to object from Edel's part, though if you can do it away from sight of the charmed orc, that might be good. And leave the corpse near some ants so they disappear with the evidence
Re: Exploration continues:
Olleg, Dwarf
Realizing that dispatching the party's captive in front of the charmed orc might not encourage further cooperation, Olleg asks Brick or Elwita for help in moving the bound orc into the ladder room. Once in the ladder room, Olleg will execute the prisoner and leave the orc's body with the ogre's remains, being careful not to provoke any ants still in the room.
Realizing that dispatching the party's captive in front of the charmed orc might not encourage further cooperation, Olleg asks Brick or Elwita for help in moving the bound orc into the ladder room. Once in the ladder room, Olleg will execute the prisoner and leave the orc's body with the ogre's remains, being careful not to provoke any ants still in the room.
Re: Exploration continues:
Tunnels: Aspis Territory
Weasel's reactions: [1d100]=48
Not the most charismatic of Gnomes, Mortar tries to communicate with the awakened Giant Weasels kit. It gives a very uncertain reaction, particularly as it last viewed him in his Orcish illusion form before being sedated by the colour spray spell. It yips at the unfamiliar smell but offered a few meat-jerky treats, a sniff into the pouch of flour and salt and the adolescent weasel settles on the leash at least. The as yet unnamed creature responding to Mortar'sOrcish commands to "Down . Sit."
I am fine with Mortar keeping it reined in and communicating to it in Orcish/Gnomic and will roll a basic Reaction check to determine how it responds to any given command until I get a very favourable or hostile result.
The illusion works to temporarily heal her trauma, you know she will need proper regenerative healing to restore her. But for now, she is less 'death wish' orientated.
The only death wish us enacted upon the captive Orc, Olleg and Elwita dragging him into the ladder cave where the Ogre's remains stick limply out of the last pit. The Orc knows what is coming but doesn't struggle, a swift cut and he bleeds out. From the passage in the rear of the cave, the regular drumbeat is heard, one which stirs Elwita's trauma memories. She is convinced that the Aspis hold other dwarves captive and use them as hosts for birthing endoparasitic Insectoids. "They beat the drums during their mating and birthing rituals." she says defiantly.
Edel with his charmed Orc Chagg and Brick can go back to the Aspis Cave entrance and try to use the Sundew carcass as a trade or bribe for the group to be able to access the tunnels and passages beyond the Aspis territory.
Jacupo & Rogger continue to be torchbearer guards for the party, watching the slippery staircase for patrols.
next actions please
Weasel's reactions: [1d100]=48
Not the most charismatic of Gnomes, Mortar tries to communicate with the awakened Giant Weasels kit. It gives a very uncertain reaction, particularly as it last viewed him in his Orcish illusion form before being sedated by the colour spray spell. It yips at the unfamiliar smell but offered a few meat-jerky treats, a sniff into the pouch of flour and salt and the adolescent weasel settles on the leash at least. The as yet unnamed creature responding to Mortar'sOrcish commands to "Down . Sit."
I am fine with Mortar keeping it reined in and communicating to it in Orcish/Gnomic and will roll a basic Reaction check to determine how it responds to any given command until I get a very favourable or hostile result.
Durrant can recheck the spell he found on the back of the calendar portrait. I noted this by random chance to be 'bearded dwarven babe' and the spell recreating just that image unlike the full Alter Self illusionist spell. I am more than fine ruling that limiting it to one specific image can be balanced by it being cast upon any willing recipient not just 'self', so with that in mind, I am happy to have Durrant cast the spell upon Elwita. She can view herself in a hand held mirror and touching her face, be convinced she actually has a flowing beard, soft skin and freckles associated with a renewed vivacious youth. Galadria & Vennar, in on the ruse can bind her skin and face with 'a protective mask'.He looks over Elwita's current condition, wondering if he could use his magic to fool her into thinking she was fine again
The illusion works to temporarily heal her trauma, you know she will need proper regenerative healing to restore her. But for now, she is less 'death wish' orientated.
The only death wish us enacted upon the captive Orc, Olleg and Elwita dragging him into the ladder cave where the Ogre's remains stick limply out of the last pit. The Orc knows what is coming but doesn't struggle, a swift cut and he bleeds out. From the passage in the rear of the cave, the regular drumbeat is heard, one which stirs Elwita's trauma memories. She is convinced that the Aspis hold other dwarves captive and use them as hosts for birthing endoparasitic Insectoids. "They beat the drums during their mating and birthing rituals." she says defiantly.
Edel with his charmed Orc Chagg and Brick can go back to the Aspis Cave entrance and try to use the Sundew carcass as a trade or bribe for the group to be able to access the tunnels and passages beyond the Aspis territory.
Jacupo & Rogger continue to be torchbearer guards for the party, watching the slippery staircase for patrols.
next actions please
Re: Exploration continues:
Brick
Brick will carry the sundew carcass over to the entrance.
Brick will carry the sundew carcass over to the entrance.
Re: Exploration continues:
Galadria
Will follow Brick and Edel and is happy to help negotiate "safety in numbers" she says moving out
Surprisingly, in present company, Galadria is quite charismatic if needed with CHA 11
Will follow Brick and Edel and is happy to help negotiate "safety in numbers" she says moving out
Surprisingly, in present company, Galadria is quite charismatic if needed with CHA 11
Last edited by corum on Sun Apr 06, 2025 7:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
OGRE MAGE
- First Gentleman
- Posts: 39189
- Joined: Tue Mar 04, 2014 3:16 pm
- Location: The Birthplace of RPG's
Re: Exploration continues:
Mortar moves along with the others, trying to catch up with all the events that happened while he was away.
"So, these ant men......can we talk to them? Because I think it might behoove us to trade that pile of sticky funk to them for safe passage through their area, plus one far more important thing. We should find out if they have a safe place for us to rest up for a while. My magic is nearly spent for the day, and once the guards find those dead bodies we keep leaving behind, they are going to be looking for us even harder."
He looks around at the rest of the groups current condition. "Have we been inside here long enough to justify a rest period?"
"So, these ant men......can we talk to them? Because I think it might behoove us to trade that pile of sticky funk to them for safe passage through their area, plus one far more important thing. We should find out if they have a safe place for us to rest up for a while. My magic is nearly spent for the day, and once the guards find those dead bodies we keep leaving behind, they are going to be looking for us even harder."
He looks around at the rest of the groups current condition. "Have we been inside here long enough to justify a rest period?"