Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026 
|
Post by Geckilian on Dec 7, 2016 11:36:30 GMT -7
A truly large cavern hosts the enclave of Sul'Amon. Unlike many other settlements in Salisara, the surroundings look like a fully fledged town. Buildings are inset to the walls and 'roads' have been quarried to connect multiple caverns. It seems like work is constant as the town expands continuously, especially with the influx of new citizens for protection against the disappearances and deaths abundant in Salisara.
The overall population seems remarkably varied. Whilst humans are naturally fairly common, so too are dwarves, gnomes, kobolds and even the occasional rock troll can be seen helping with heavy lifting. Though no one looks particularly armed or armoured, there is a militia of sorts, each commonly wearing a faintly glowing tabard, no doubt soaked in the bioluminescent fluids of the various fungi and lichens native to the caverns.
In the very centre of Sul'Amon is a town hall of sorts, used as the headquarters of the troll Zartak who leads the town. As with all the buildings it looks to have been made to be practical rather than visually impressive, and the thick walls, defensive stakes and stone parapets suggest it's been designed with a siege in mind. It is here where the meeting will take place for adventurers who've answered the call for aid and the entranceway is flanked by a pair of heavyset trolls who stare blankly ahead, clearly not paying that much attention to the various people coming and going.
Those of you who have heeded the call, no doubt lured by the opportunity to help others or for impressively large amounts of coin and valuables, will meet each other on the walk towards the town hall. You'll all notice several of the populace looking at you all with differing levels of hope or pity. Regardless, all of you will clearly notice that compared to those who live here, you're all considerably healthier and better equipped.
((OOC notes will be placed in double brackets. After you guys have introduced yourself to each other and effectively said hello, or tomorrow whichever comes first, then I'll continue.))
|
|
|
|
Post by ambnz on Dec 7, 2016 12:31:06 GMT -7
A knightly looking fellow, full clad in expensive looking golden-plate armor and a white cloak, steps forward towards the hall. His voice is high but pleasant, and he speaks with a noble ((transatlantic)) accent.
"Salutations, my good fellows. The name's Lazarus, Lazarus Gregori. No need to be intimidated, I know some of you must have heard my family name before. Fear not though, I represent only myself today, and I'm sure that we're all here for similar reasons. I look forward to working with you all."
A bit further behind him, an older fellow clad in a dusty and torn suit and top hat follows a bit more uncertainly. "Oh, eh, hello!. I'm Reginald. Gravedigger by trade, still a bit new to this adventuring business. I look forward to working with you all as well, hope that my skills and knowledge might be of service. Oh, not that any of you might need a funeral any time soon. Just, I mean, you know, in case one of us dies hopefully you'll fine some comfort in knowing that I can put your body to rest the proper way. I'm well versed in all sorts of religious services, just try and let me know what you'd prefer before you, ya know, move on. I know adventuring types typically prefer the ol' magical up and at'em in the case of untimely death, but, it's something to keep in mind."
|
|
|
|
Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 7, 2016 14:02:49 GMT -7
A hobgoblin approaches Lazarus and Reginald. He carries a quarterstaff, and beneath his cloak one might catch a glimpse of a chain shirt. Those familiar with mithral would recognize it as such. Hanging at his side is a small satchel, from which a weasel occasionally pokes its head and looks about.
"Greetings, sirs. Judging by your look, you're not one of the common rabble here. I assume you're here about the request for help from this Zartak fellow?" He extends his hand. "I am Kanir, currently a proprietor of Blacklung Mine. My partner should be along shortly. We've heard of these strange dark clouds and have come to ensure that they pose no threat to our interests."
|
|
|
|
Post by ambnz on Dec 7, 2016 14:38:47 GMT -7
"Ah, yes, that's what I'm here for. Pleased to meet you." Reginald responds politely, but doesn't seem interested in saying much else to you."
"A businessman! Yes I heard of Zartak's request and made my way here post-haste. Always happy to help a fellow merchant protect their interests. I must say, I appreciate the name of your business venture. Verry clevah. Do you happen to be some sort of wizard by any chance then?" The knight says, pointing to the small weasel.
|
|
kenpui
Approvals
Crabs Giver
Everyone's Favorite
Posts: 309
|
Post by kenpui on Dec 7, 2016 15:18:09 GMT -7
A rather tightly clothed undine walks into the hall, rather decently clothed his arms are completely barren to reveal his various tattoos and other flesh while his pants seem a bit baggie immediately wrapped around his waste they quickly are wrapped up with what appear to be bandages over the shins to allow free movement. A curved blade smoothly and masterfully made can be seen sheathed horizontally across his lower back while his gloves are cut on the fingers to allow him to retain the sensation of touch. A small emerald necklace that seems to be fake can be seen wrapped around his neck.
Not very kind nor warm to others the undine with an almost glowing set of cyan eyes look around and scowls ever so slightly as he waits patiently for a debriefing.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tycho on Dec 7, 2016 16:35:57 GMT -7
A half-orc with closely-cropped black hair marches into the assembly area, his white buff coat standing out in the relative dimness of Salisara. His stonebow rests on a sling over his shoulder, and he looks around eagerly, eyes darting beneath his fur-trimmed woolen cap. The community reminds him of stories about the desperate origins of Krome, people banding together against surrounding hostility.
He snaps a short salute upon seeing his presumptive partners.
"Streltsy Novaya Piotr Zakaev, on station," he announces proudly.
He seems much more excited to see the armor-clad knight than to see the gravedigger, and more interested in the presence of a hobgoblin than that of an undine.
|
|
|
|
Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 7, 2016 19:10:04 GMT -7
Kanir returns Piotr's salute and then smiles. "A pleasure to meet a fellow soldier out here. Too many of these 'adventurers' lack any sort of discipline. Glad to have you in the squad."
He turns back to Lazarus. "No, I'm no wizard, although I do have some understanding of the arcane arts. In fact, I'm on a journey to learn as much about magic as I can. I'm working to develop a new combat style that blends might and magic together. My people have little faith in me, but they'll see." His smile turns to a slight sneer. "Oh yes, they will see..."
|
|
|
|
Post by Rayl on Dec 7, 2016 19:16:55 GMT -7
Working his way through the crowd is easy for Talon, as hi simply has to give anyone going too slow a short glower from his half-face. As he got close enough to hear Reginald talk about funeral rights for the party, Talon would speak up and say "Hopefully, that shouldn't be necessary. My Patron gives me the power to keep you all fighting, so that more souls get delivered to him."
Meanwhile, as Lazarus and Kanir conversed, Sirru would fall into step behind Kanir, tapping him on the shoulder and nodding. While wrapped in his usual bindings covering his body, there is still room left for him to see. With the flow of the crowd, and simple time, Lazarus may catch a glint of Sirru's softly glowing red eyes..all Three of them, infact.
|
|
Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
|
Post by Geckilian on Dec 7, 2016 20:39:35 GMT -7
From within the town hall emerges a fairly emaciated looking man clad in softly glowing robes. The patterns and cut suggests a man of faith, and those with knowledge of the various religions recognise the adherence to Alseta, The Welcomer. Looking around at the various people assembling, he'll over a wan smile and gesture inside.
"Hello to all of you. I'm Dreith. You're welcome to come inside, Zartak is waiting. There are a few others already here, but you all make up the majority of the visitors it seems." he says, his voice worn and quiet. Nodding almost to himself as he finishes the welcome, he'll head inside past the oblivious troll guards and makes a slight beckoning motion to all of you.
Inside the building, assuming you follow, you'll notice the walls have been seamlessly put together in a fine display of dwarf craftsmanship, though there are barely any adornment for comfort or pleasantries. Breath mists in the air from Dreith as he heads down the corridors and past several closed doors before entering what appears to be a large hall. A solid stone table covered in scattered papers and maps is in the middle of the room which appears to be lit by torches in brackets around the walls, though a large chandelier almost overburdened with candles occasionally drips wax.
Within the room are several others, all of whom are dressed in armour of clothing that clearly suggests they're not local. A pair wear fine plate though the other three are dressed in various styles of leather and are standing more spaced apart. Lastly there is the troll Zartak, replete in his glowing and unadorned robes. His eyes glint in the firelight as he gravely regards those entering the room, gesturing for newcomers to find their place in the room. He looks expectant, as if expecting introductions, though the look on his face suggests he's not expecting much.
((Feel free to narrate your actions if you follow (or not). If there's anything you're looking out for you're also welcome to roll perception.))
|
|
|
|
Post by ambnz on Dec 8, 2016 8:19:13 GMT -7
Lazarus will greet Piotr and Sirru with a small bow of his head. "Greetings! You both seem quite capable as well. T'would seem as though I find myself in the company of a strong group, how fortunate."
Turning back to Kanir, Lazarus will reply "Well, its good to hear that some are putting their arcane talents to worthy use. I'm sure you will grow quite strong, as hatred for one's kin has the tendency to bring out the best in one's abilities."
Turning to follow the man of faith as he leads them through the building, Lazarus will click his heels together and place his over his chest before bowing deeply to the troll once they reach the main hall. "Lazarus Gregori, at your service sir."
Reginald will smile weakly at Talon in response. "Sure, sure, yeah, but, uh, like I said, just in case, yeah? What god do you venerate?"
He will follow Dreith into the hall, and waits for more people to introduce themselves first before saying anything. He will, however, scan the remaining people in the room, quietly trying to assess each of their talents, professions, and religion if applicable.
|
|
|
|
Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 8, 2016 10:18:33 GMT -7
Once inside the room, Kanir steps forward and addresses the troll. "You are Zartak, I take it? I am Kanir, and this is my associate Sirru," he says, gesturing toward his silent companion. "We have received your request for aid, and we will offer what services we can. If the rumors of this phenomenon are true, it should be dealt with swiftly."
As he speaks, he will also attempt to take stock of the others in the room, evaluating them based on his military instincts.
|
|
kenpui
Approvals
Crabs Giver
Everyone's Favorite
Posts: 309
|
Post by kenpui on Dec 8, 2016 10:20:58 GMT -7
Walking along the hallway Kosnica contemplates the life of a thief as he gazes upon the various decorations though quickly shakes his mind off of it believing that he'll be taking his own share soon enough. Gazing around he attempts to see what he should and to look around for any hidden compartments or secret passageways/traps though not ignoring the specific details of what he can gander on the surface as well.
4i|BV7Bn + 7 = 23
Raising an eyebrow of skepticism he continues in with the party to witness the troll as he introduces himself along with the various other party members. Giving a rather cynical crooked smile it's more along the lines of him not knowing how to smile than him plotting. When the gazes draw to him he gives his own introduction.
"I am Kosnica, I've come to assist."
Brief and to the point his bright cyan eyes and upright body posture seem to be of fake military training.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rayl on Dec 8, 2016 11:34:32 GMT -7
Talon would respond to Reginald, simply saying "I do not serve a god" Once in the room, Talon would indeed glance around ((Take 10 for an 18 Perception)) spying for anything more out of the ordinary than the obvious.
Sirru would simply follow silently, however a keen eye would notice once in the meeting room a centipede watching the group closely.
|
|
Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
|
Post by Geckilian on Dec 8, 2016 13:01:24 GMT -7
Kosnica will notice that the passageways leading to the room do indeed appear to have indentations that imply either hidden doors or some sort of window currently blocked up, but whichever it may be is made to fit almost seamlessly. Talon, also looking around, notices nothing out of the ordinary aside from the fact that the stone is quite clean.
Lazarus and Kanir size up the other five strangers in the room. The two armoured in fine plate have dulled the metal with soot in a smeared irregular pattern. Their clothing is similar to each other, in shades of dark blue and brown that blends in to the surrounding stone fairly well. Their skin is pale and the pair look outwardly human. Their poise is reminiscent of trained soldiery, a slight angle to their stances revealing that they're poised to react quickly.
Of the remaining three, one appears to be a relatively nondescript scoundrel, a bland face completed with greasy hair and shadowed eyes. A small bandolier of knives and vials adorns his chest, matched with a belt also adorned in kind. The second looks like a scholar of some kind, a clean and pressed travelling coat laid over some nicely made, if not opulent, clothing. A small satchel hangs off one shoulder, and none of his gear appears to show any wear. The last is looking over you all with mild disdain from glinting red eyes. Though her face is obscured with a porcelain mask and grey hood, her lithe form, small crossbow and rapier embossed with a spider motif all point towards a Drow heritage.
Zartak nods at the introductions. "I'm indeed Zartak. We'll be favouring spreading out to pin down the problem, so the more of you the better." Without much preamble, he'll point to the various maps on the table. "Here's some of the surrounding area on the deeper levels. The first reports of the black mist, or smoke, whatever it is, originated down on these levels. Likely half a day's travel for surfacers, though if you're used to Salisara it'll likely be quicker." he says, looking up at the various people around the room.
With a slightly grim smile, Zartak continues. "We've had no reports as to what the clouds specifically do, only that those enclaves they've passed through have either been completely empty of life, or filled with undead. For the former the bodies are missing, though for the latter the amount of undead that've been seen match the population living there. So, we don't know where the extra bodies are going." Gesturing to all of you, he'll then tap the maps. "Feel free to grab a map and start delving. Any information you think is pertinent, come back and tell me. Find survivors, bring them back here and tell me. You'll be well rewarded for doing so. Questions?"
|
|
|
|
Post by ambnz on Dec 8, 2016 15:04:16 GMT -7
Lazarus speaks up. "Yes, one quick question for you good sir. Do you, or for that manner, does anyone in our present company, have any ideas as to what size the groups should be in order to maximize the efficiency of our delve in order to cover as much territory as possible?"
Reginald will wordlessly tip his hat to the rest of the room, smiling nervously.
|
|
|
|
Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 8, 2016 17:38:59 GMT -7
Kanir asks "Have you sent any other parties down before us? And how have they fared?"
|
|
Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
|
Post by Geckilian on Dec 9, 2016 14:41:03 GMT -7
Zartak glances towards the elven woman and gestures towards her to speak. Her masked face turns towards Lazarus and, in a voice accented with drow undercommon, says, "It depends on how competent you are. I'll be going alone. For someone like you? I doubt there are enough people in this room to pick up the slack." With a quiet sigh of mild irritation she'll briskly nod at Zartak before heading out of the room.
With a wry grin, Zartak will look to Lazarus. "That was more abrupt than last time. She recommended groups of three to four last time, though of her group she was the only one that came back. That also answers your question," he says, turning to Kanir, "which is that you'll all be part of the third cycle. The lady who left has been with us from the first. Those two," he says as he points towards the pair in plate, "from the second. You all, and those three, are new." He has a brief look at some of the papers on his desk, before looking up again.
"From the names I have here, we've lost fourteen."
|
|
|
|
Post by Tycho on Dec 9, 2016 21:14:36 GMT -7
At the news that fourteen fighters had already been lost to the depths, Piotr unslings his crossbow and busies himself fussing about with the roller and prod lacing. That isn't good news at all.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rayl on Dec 10, 2016 10:41:29 GMT -7
((Sorry about missing yesterday, Woke up 30min before I had to leave for work, and got home kinda late cause of the weather.))
Talon would be the next to speak up, stating "You could say I have experience dealing with the Undead. As for groups, I suggest teams of three or four. If possible, we should team up with those we know, and my only acquaintance here would be Kanir. Kanir, feel free to bring along whoever else, just make sure some of them like to stand in front." Talon would then pull out a book, and would ask "Would anyone like to hear a few prayers? I'm told they tend to calm one's nerve and steel them for combat."
Sirri would watch the Drow lady closely, his stance seeming excessively defensive. After she leave, he would seem to relax somewhat, however still seems on edge. In response to Talon's suggestion, he would take a couple steps closer to Kanir, again putting his hand on his shoulder. He then says, quietly and in a oddly familiar accent, "I can see further than most in these tunnels. And while Kagu may not have eyes, I make up for that myself, partially."
|
|
Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
|
Post by Geckilian on Dec 10, 2016 18:47:07 GMT -7
With a nod at Talon's words, Zartak will go back to poring over his notes, clearly trying to make connections from the various reports brought back. When Talon mentions the prayers, the two plate-clad mercenaries nod their assent with stoic expressions. In contrast the three other vagrants glance at each other and shrug before heading off together. As they exit the room you can hear them introducing themselves in the group.
The remaining pair look to Lazarus and Piotr, and the first says, "You two look to be of a mind like ours. Would you like to join us? We may not be the most experienced down in these caverns, but we can certainly hold our own."
|
|
|
|
Post by Tycho on Dec 11, 2016 8:47:37 GMT -7
Piotr nods carefully, not certain what sort of a mind they think he has, but certainly willing to go along with the people who seem to have some idea what's going on. He slings his stonebow, checks the releases on his bandolier, and straightens to attention.
"Show us the way."
|
|
|
|
Post by ambnz on Dec 12, 2016 7:20:40 GMT -7
Lazarus will nod. "Indeed! I'd be happy to accompany you. What are your names, gentlemen?"
|
|
|
|
Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 12, 2016 18:15:10 GMT -7
Kanir gives a nod to Sirru, then answers Talon. "Yes, that is a wise course of action. And fear not; I can take the lead, if it comes to that." He gives his staff a twirl. "Just be sure that you can provide adequate support."
He turns toward Reginald and Kosnica. "Well, it looks like we have three teams so far. And what of you two?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Rayl on Dec 13, 2016 10:33:47 GMT -7
Nodding, Talon grabs his Book of War Prayers out of his pack and begins flipping through it. He stops on a page, nods, and begins speaking the phrases aloud. "When doing battle, seek a quick victory. A long battle will blunt weapons and diminish ferocity. A wise man will strive to feed off the enemy. One bushel of the enemy's provisions is worth twenty of your own. The important thing in doing battle is victory, not protracted warfare. One who knows when he can fight, and when he cannot fight, will be victorious." He continues reading for another ten or so minutes, with similar phrases and tidbits of advice.
((Book of War Prayers, +2 Morale vs Fear Saves Once or until 24 hours, whichever is first))
Sirru would listen to Talon, and spends the time mostly readying himself for the task at hand, re-checking his gear and wrappings. He even seems to take out what looks like a small piece of dried meat, and then gives it to the centipede that is always near him for whatever strange reason. The crazy part is that the centipede takes the meat, and seems to chomp on it, probably happily.
|
|
Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
|
Post by Geckilian on Dec 13, 2016 11:49:00 GMT -7
The plate armoured pair will nod at both Lazarus and Piotr. "My apologies," says the first, "where are our manners? Jhoren and Cassia Veldorn, at your service." The pair will again incline their heads politely, the former with a grave expression of seriousness at odds with the pleasant relaxation of the second. As talon begins his prayers both of them listen with respect to his words of faith, though they show no outward sign of their own . As he finishes, they turn back to the pair joining them.
Jhoren taps his sword hilt idly. "We've mainly kept to the north, though as of late several of our quarry had fled to Salisara. Whilst tracking them we came across rumours of these mists of sorts. Since it sounded like a bigger threat than who we hunt, we thought diverting our attention was in order." Straightening his scabbard and hoisting a backpack, he starts to head outside. "Come, let's walk and talk."
Cassia takes the lead as her hand casually rests on the pommel of her sword in readiness, her other hoisting her own travelling gear. Turning to the pair joining them, she asks with a smile, "So what brings you two to Salisara? Similar work to us? You both look far more regimented than the others who gathered." As the group exits the building, Cassia unfurls a piece of parchment from a weatherproofed scroll case and lets it hang down for their companions to see. "To answer your request Piotr, we've explored two levels below this current cavern, here and here on the map, and skirted close to some of the sightings, but haven't encountered any mist so far."
Snapping the map back up and storing it away again, she looks thoughtful as Jhoren speaks. "No remnants of enclaves either and, aside from a few creatures, no overt threats. It'll pay to retread the ground even if only quickly to ensure we have a fallback point, but we should be able to delve another few levels now there are four of us. Are there any provisions you two need, or are you good to go?"
|
|
