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Into the Depths (Topic #37521)

From Forge to Claw (#37235) > Game Threads (#37302) > The Forgotten Forge (#37303) > Into the Depths

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Current Date:
27th of Therendor, 998YK

Once again the guild is called upon by Lady Elyadren. A urgent mission awaits!


OOC (LP)


Current Game Thread:
Message Interrupted (LP)

Prior Game Thread:
Sideplot - Infestation (LP)


Combat Over!
Map is edited after each round. Warning! Map edits are not displayed as new posts.





Characters:
Gorth (LP)       Action Points: 6
Rowelliam (LP)       Action Points: 6
Tyi Ko'rrin (LP)       Action Points: 5
Zazi (LP)       Action Points: 3


Party Loot (LP)









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Game Master
(cobaltvector)

4/11/2012 12:24:00 PM
PostID: 420524
Dorasharn Tower:

One of the oldest towers of the Central Plateau, located near it's north-eastern edge, close to the inner wall of the Sharn. Stretching from it's foundations in the Cogs up to Middle-Central, it is not one of the largest towers of the city, but it is one of it's oldest. The upper levels, conveniently starting near the Tradefair district, display the retro-fitted elements of pre-war design that are common place in most of the city. As you plumb the towers' depths the tower's ancient history begins to show itself, giving way to signs of Dhakaani architecture. The tunnels and corridors grow narrower and darker as you descend. Occasional window slits look out upon the crowded walls and foundations of other towers, and infrequently placed torches sputter here and there, giving off pallid pools of light and clouds of smoke. Even so, rough and dirty people crowd the narrow corridors, and the smell of sweat and sewage permeates the stale air.

Reaching the bottom most 'inhabited' section of the tower, you find that route mentioned on the map has since been blocked off. According to the map, you must reach the E-213 valve cluster. It's obvious that a secondary pathway must have been made to the value cluster for it's continued maintenance and that the map had not been updated with the change.

However, the sound of scattered activity does provide the hope that there might be a local that knows how to get to the valve cluster. One tunnel opens onto a large chamber where a mix of goblins, humans, and shifters gather around a small pile of garbage spread across three rotting blankets. One of the goblins shouts, "No pushing! No pushing! There's always enough for everyone at the Rat's Market!"

"Rat's Market" is a colloquial term for a number of floating mercantile concerns that periodically spring up in the lower levels of the city. Most of their merchandise consists of salvaged goods from the sewers and refuse heaps of lower Sharn, although stolen items sometime wind up in the depths as well.
  This post last edited on 4/17/2012 1:50:40 PM   Like this post
Rowelliam
(Mark)

4/17/2012 11:51:27 AM
PostID: 420946
Feeling more than a little bit out of his element, hearing about how life works this far below Sharn, but never being down this far, Rowelliam stops in mid-step as he hears the words 'Rat's Market'.

He will wait a moment to see if anyone else in the party feels a bit more...at ease, in this enviroment, and if so, let them decide who might be best to talk to and try to get some directions. Not seeing another elf for quite a while, Rowelliam is feeling rather out of place. And the whole party will surely appear well equipped and could easily be seen as a target for a large group who might be in need to more items to sell.
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Cathbadh
(Anonymous)

4/17/2012 3:37:52 PM
PostID: 420970
Cathbadh was not enjoying this at all. After having joined up with the others, he had reluctantly followed them down to the depths of the tower. The deeper down they went, the more uncomfortable he felt.

He had began to feel slightly claustrophobic as the corridors grew narrower. It wasnt so much that they were in an enclosed space (he had slept in many caves in the past), but the awful smell, combined with the fact that this place was so unnatural, that creeped him out. Down in the depths of Sharn, the druid felt completely isolated from the natural world.

By the time they had reached the large chamber, it was clear to anyone who looked that Cathbadh was a fidgeting mess. His eyes darted over and back quickly between anything that moved, his hand clenched tightly around his wooden quaterstaff (his only connection to the surface, apart from his hawk, who, strangely enough, was fast asleep on his shoulder, seemingly unbothered by his surroundings), and his breathing sounded far too controlled.

Never having heard of the Rat Market, though the name gave him a fair idea of what it might be, he eyed the group of people suspiciously, waiting for one of his guild mates to do what he rarely does.
  This post last edited on 4/21/2012 7:50:34 AM   Like this post
Zazi
(Jeeeeoker)
avatar
4/17/2012 5:32:13 PM
PostID: 420983
Zazi spent much of the previous afternoon trying to figure out a way that she could carry Bonel's satchel around without compromising her mobility in combat. Slinging it over her shoulder would cause it to get in the way of her ability to twist and use both hands. To strap it to her back securely would leave any straps outside her armour vulnerable to being cut, and any straps beneath her armour difficult to remove. She finally gave up and decided to carry it in one hand as she did the night she acquired it.

There had been some ink and paper in the satchel when she stole it, and she left those items in her room at the guild house, seeing no use for them in the sewers. Into the satchel she placed her water skin and a bit of food, enough to last one day.

--

Her coins are still with her, concealed beneath the front flap of her armour and securely fastened to the front of her belt in a place where no one would dare try to grab. The journal, similarly, is still tucked between her breasts and her armour, safe from prying eyes and sticky fingers.

--

The smell is the first thing that causes Zazi's expression to turn sour long before the Rat's Market comes into view. Her jaw clenches and her fingers tighten their grip around her spear. In fact, she takes her spear into both hands as the party approaches the gathering, and slings her satchel strap over her left shoulder so as not to lose it. This optimizes her for posturing over fighting, so that she might use the butt end of her spear to clear a path for herself amongst the shorter creatures that might crowd around. While she was never all that great at intimidation, she hopes that by displaying her weapon openly in both hands like this she can discourage most of the Market's denizens from trying anything rash.

While Zazi spent most of her childhood in the relatively cleaner areas above ground, she had on occasion visited Rat's Markets similar to this when she needed to sell things or steal things, and understood them well enough to wrinkle her nose in contempt at the scene she had hoped to transcend by becoming an adventurer.

With a soft sigh, she leaned close to her companions and grumbled in a low voice, "Two gold should get some attention. But not a copper to anyone until we reach the valve". She then drifted to her usual position on the left flank and concentrated on watching her own space, and the backs of her comrades, for potential pick pockets.
  This post last edited on 4/20/2012 5:46:40 PM   Like this post
Game Master
(cobaltvector)

4/23/2012 8:17:45 PM
PostID: 421377
A ragged-looking goblin with a patch over one eye and decayed teeth beckons you over to his stall.

"Forget the others, come to Skakan's stall! I have the finest merchandise, salvaged by only the most reputable sources. All sold at incredibly low prices!"

"How about a rare stick of sealing wax, only partially used, for a mere sixty coppers? Or perhaps you could use this fine woolen blanket with just a hint of mildew? Only thirty-nine coppers. Hungry? How about a skewer of smoked rat meat; seasoned to perfection by my lovely wife? On special! Only two silver a skewer!"

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Rowelliam
(Mark)

4/24/2012 6:05:29 PM
PostID: 421391
"Show no coinage, yet, be careful. Lets see if we can buy directions or a guide, though." Rowelliam says quickly and quietly to the others.

Only after saying that will he slowly walk towards Skakan or any of the others in this area.

"Sorry, we did not come prepared to go shopping. We are actually just traveling through. However, we are interested in someone from who we can get directions."

Rowelliam does his best to appear confident and tries to hide any discomfort he may feel. He tries to use his diplomacy to talk to Skaken in the correct way, however he knows he is talking too much like the elves from way up in the higher parts of the city.

When he knows he is losing it, he quickly quiets down and hopes one of the others jumps in. He looks them all quickly in the eye with a pleading look...c'mon..jump in here and help me....
Secure Rolls:
Diplomacy 1d20(1)+6 = 7
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Zazi
(Jeeeeoker)
avatar
4/24/2012 7:36:55 PM
PostID: 421393
Zazi catches Rowelliam's look of uncertainty, and decides to play the brash counter to his well-mannered diplomat. "Cluster E two thirteen. You know it?", she calls out from her position behind the elf's left shoulder, raising her chin to take on an air of superiority as she gazes at the goblin. At the same time, she plants the butt of her spear against the ground by her feet and pushes her hips close to it to make herself appear an inch taller by virtue of her posture.

Zazi never really likes thinking of herself as an elitist - in fact she hates people who act superior to others - but in this circumstance she finds that she can't help herself. Despising goblins must be in her blood. The day an orc doesn't look down her nose at a goblin is the day dwarves and elves start getting married.
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Game Master
(cobaltvector)

4/24/2012 11:37:48 PM
PostID: 421404
"I have many things on sale this week. A ball of twine for 2 copper? Maybe you'd like some tobacco to calm the nerves, it's only 5 silver and I promise that there's only a slight taste of rotted leaves. Bland cooking getting you down? Pepper, discarded from some the better warehouses with only the smallest amount of frass. For the gourmet, 6 silver. Or, perhaps, if I could point out the way to a certain valve cluster, what would it be worth to fine explorers such as yourselves? One hundred silver?"

(Anyone else helping Rowelliam to negotiate can make a diplomacy check)
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Zazi
(Jeeeeoker)
avatar
4/27/2012 4:47:04 PM
PostID: 421569
(ooc: Is umm... anyone else going to post?)

Zazi frowns and glances at her companions, trying to decide whether or not she should say what she wants to say right now. Their neutrality leads her to follow her instincts and open her mouth again.

"Fifty silver, and you take us there personally", she bargains back at the goblin in a harsh tone, a sneer of contempt on her face. Her arms fold over her chest, and she holds her spear lightly in position with the fingers of one hand.

(ooc: Zazi by nature won't bother with diplomacy, but she is going to bargain aggressively, so I rolled Intimidate, size factor included in the roll)
Secure Rolls:
Intimidate 1d20(8)+1+4 = 13
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Rowelliam
(Mark)

4/28/2012 2:17:05 PM
PostID: 421602
Glad that someone else spoke up after how the goblin looked at him after he had spoke, Rowelliam took a step back and gave a slight smile and nod to Zazi. He was glad the attention was off of him for the moment.
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Game Master
(cobaltvector)

4/29/2012 11:51:45 AM
PostID: 421633
"And close up my shop?! I can't just leave during business hours you know. It takes me over an hour just to pack everything up and I'm not dragging it all with me so that means I have to go home first. By the time I take you down there, come back, and set up shop again everyone will have left!

I'll point out the way for 2 silver. Take it or leave it - you won't find anyone else giving you a better deal down here."

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Artemus
(Garrett)
avatar
4/29/2012 12:09:36 PM
PostID: 421639
Uhm I am confused as to where we are exactly.
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Game Master
(cobaltvector)

4/29/2012 2:24:12 PM
PostID: 421646
Garret, I put a summary up on the game panel.
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Cathbadh
(Anonymous)

4/29/2012 4:15:48 PM
PostID: 421648
His gaze shifting quickly between the various shady members of the rat market, Cathbadh leans in close to his guildmates and mutters impatiently: "just give him the 2 silver and get this over and done with. The sooner we get back to the surface the better."
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Rowelliam
(Mark)

5/1/2012 9:41:14 AM
PostID: 421731
Nodding to Cathbadh quickly in agreement, Rowelliam hands the merchant his two silver.
"What are the directions then? And how long will it take us to get there?" After getting the info he adds, "And I expect this payment to also mean that no one will be following us. Am I correct??"
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Game Master
(cobaltvector)

5/1/2012 5:45:29 PM
PostID: 421740
"Follow you? To a sewer valve cluster? I'm not gonna mention you to the watch if that's what your asking? Don't know why anyone else would follow someone down here? Anyways, it's bad for business to blab about anyone's comings and goings. Bad for the health too."

"The cluster your looking for 'been blocked off, a steam valve ruptured causing the main tunnel to collapse, but you can reach it through a maintenance shaft that just on the other side of the market. Small wooden door, about my size, you can't miss it. It's sealed shut, so just smash it the lock, no one here cares and the watch doesn't like to visit. Or be a show off and finesse it open, see if I care."

"From there the valve cluster your looking for is about 2 minutes away. Stay on the straight path, don't take any of the corners, and you'll run straight into it."

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Zazi
(Jeeeeoker)
avatar
5/1/2012 10:25:19 PM
PostID: 421753
Zazi can only hmph. She didn't expect any amount of honesty from the locals, but she'll take it. She keeps her mouth shut for now, arms still crossed, and just casts her gaze off towards the other side of the market to which the goblin is referring, and waits for her companions to start moving. At this point, she's almost hoping for a chance to cease with negotiations and just sink her spearhead into something. Surrounded by her well armed and magically adept allies, she feels rather powerful and invincible, and all this bargaining is just getting in the way of that high. A hard earned bloody victory is the only thing that can sate her now, by grabthar's hammer.
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Rowelliam
(Mark)

5/2/2012 7:44:52 AM
PostID: 421767
"All right, easy enough directions." Rowelliam gives the goblin a smile and adds, "If the directions are good, and we run across you again, I will find something to purchase from you."

He quickly scans the area checking to see if anyone nearby seems to be eavesdropping on the conversation or if anyone seems to be watching the group very closely.

Like Cathbadh, he is also very ready to move on and get this task over with. Unless anyone else has something to ask, he begins moving towards the door he was directed to.
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Game Master
(cobaltvector)

5/2/2012 8:58:25 PM
PostID: 421828


Certain that none of you are being followed, the group examines the door to the maintenance shaft and finds that the lock is severely damaged and practically falling off. It takes no effort to remove the lock. The tunnel beyond the door is slick with moisture and smells of mildew, but it otherwise clean. The ceiling is short, just above the height of the average human and the tunnel is only wide enough to walk single file. Water occasionally drips from above. The air is heavy, not a surprise giving the proximity to the heat of the forges coming from Cogs, only a few floors beneath your feet. The floor is covered in rough-cut wooden boards in various states of decay, placed ages ago to prevent slipping.

There are no torches or other light sources in the tunnel. Striking a sun-rod, Artemus insists upon entering first in his usual argumentative manner and after a bit of disagreement each you find yourselves relenting and letting him have his way. Artemus leads the group forward, avoiding the many unmarked side-branches along the way. The sound of flowing water growing louder.

As Artemus passes yet another intersection the loud cracking of boards stops him in his tracks. He looks back to the group, signally them to back away quickly, but it is too late for him. The wooden boards and brick floor beneath them crumbles under his weight in an eruption of sound. Artemus falls 30ft, smashing through the level below him and into a natural crevasse, landing on a 10ft wide translucent egg-like mass with a wet thump.

Artemus waves his sunrod feebly, signaling that while injured, that he is still alive. The room around him is covered in a purple veiny substance, almost like the flesh of some horrid creature. There are four curved columns surrounding the mass. Each covered is strange, glowing markings. As Artemus tries to stand you watch helplessly as the mass draws him in.

The mass glows from within, projecting colors and strange half-images on the nearby wall. Artemus screams in agony as he is completely adsorbed. His screams are matched by a dozen others, fading in and out as the egg-shaped mass grows brighter and brighter.

Before a rope can be secured and lowered down for a rescue attempt, the screams have stopped. The glow fades. A clear red liquid pours out as the mass groans and the sides fall away.

Artemus lies in the center of the mass, covered up to his neck in the purple flesh-like material. His face contorts grotesquely, his mouth letting out sick gasps as it changes. Artemus' short, dark hair is replaced by long wavy brown locks. His nose shortens. His cheekbones move higher up his face. His brow becomes shorter and slants back. Two seconds and his face has completely changed to something more feminine and elven.


Secure Rolls:
Spot 5d20{(4)(9)(12)(14)(7)} = 46
Spot 1d20(19) = 19
  This post last edited on 5/2/2012 9:01:09 PM   Like this post
Lunia Silverkin
(Garrett)
avatar
5/3/2012 6:11:26 AM
PostID: 421840
As you watch, the young elven woman slowly opens her eyes, and looks around. Seeing where she is, she makes a sound of disgust, calls out the name "Sharra" and then a short blade can be seen come poking through the disgusting mass of goo that surrounds her.

She cuts upward with her blade, and quickly scrambles free of the putrid pile. She calls again "Sharra?" and is rewarded with a muffled yip. Turning back to the pile she sees a small lump, starts to gently cut into it, and then pulls it open revealing a black wolf with gray highlights in its fur emerge. The woman takes to one knee and lets the wolf lick her face even though it is still half covered in the vile slime.

She seems confused as she stands and looks around. Seeing the discarded sun-rod, she picks it up, and then she apparently sees something else in the pile of goo. She reaches in one last time and retrieves a spear.

Placing the sun-rod under her arm, she gently pulls out of a pouch on her belt a small plant of some kind. She then speaks some strange words "Varlana Animus Voclarum" before returning the plant to the pouch.

She then turns to face to the wolf, with her hands on her knees. "Where do you think we are Sharra?" she asks, and the wolf, seeming to understand, gives a reply by way of a few yips, yowls, and a short bark. "Your right Sharra. I don't know either."

You can see that she is wearing dark brown, and green leather armor, a fur cloak, and a bulging backpack, to which a powerful looking bow is strapped. And she is carrying the spear, and sun-rod of course.

Petting the wolf's head that has taken up a spot beside her, she stands where she is, looking all around with a very confused look on her face.
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