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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 13, 2012 8:34:33 GMT -5
You are at the north wall of the great chasm cavern, the encroaching blackness trying to quell your light. The north wall here stretches up and away; nearly everything else is beyond your vision. The route south is marked with worn lanterns. It proceeds to a small keep. There is an almost audible silence here, as if the great dark were pushing in on you…
You proceed cautiously. As you progress, the silence is not as pervasive as you had thought; you hear faint, sibilant whispers, slight metallic clinks, and maybe water drops, all palpably distant.
You arrive at the edge of the great chasm. Over the jagged, rocky rim the endless black stretches downward. The vastness pulls at you. A natural bridge spans the gap, though the other end is lost in darkness to the south.
Astride the bridge is a squat tower. Several crossbow-armed dwarggs lean over the battlements, eyeing you. A portcullis bars progress over the bridge and south. An armored dwargg comes out of a door and addresses you.
“Heh. Hello, loves. Heading south, eh? To visit the snaca tribe there? Or go to the mushroom caverns? Or are you chasing the other adventuring party that went there yesterday?
“Well, no real concern o’ mine, loves. Just so you pays the toll.” He grins. “Or you can duel me.”
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 13, 2012 8:37:05 GMT -5
[Marc may still be on vacation, so I will play Reynaldo (with a gentle hand!) if need be, but we can get some interaction going here.]
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Post by blacknigel on Jun 14, 2012 17:23:19 GMT -5
At the dwargg's mention of another toll and dueling, Khanmahtt tears his attention from the yawning chasm, and focuses on on the mailed one. But before he can speak Rrowullh steps forward.
"There is no need for my Brother to entertain your garrison." With a glance towards Reynaldo he continues to speak as he begins to fish out the wrapped passcoin.
"Mushroom cavern may be. It is a wonder I have heard worth seeing. Other Adventurers? No, we know nothing but what you have just said. How did they settle your toll, by blood or by coin?"
"You are right that our journey requires we cross your bridge. But we do not want a great quarrel with the snakes. Just now though we were attacked by a band of them, in the passage from the Trading post. This makes the second time the snakes have attacked us in very few days. We wish to find out why they wish US, and the Hue-mans at Thunder Keep, harm. This purrpose I tell to you, I said to the Nekromantzer Khlectoh also."
Unwrapping the coin most of the way, Rrowullh holds the coin forward carefully by it's green wrappings. "He gifted us this passcoin. You will see it has tasted Snaca blood as witness to my tale."
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 15, 2012 8:33:45 GMT -5
When Rrowullh asks how the other party paid, the dwargg says, "They paid in blood, the poor dearies. They thought their elven swordsman was a match for my champion. It was greatly to our advantage; the elf had nice thingses, and was a hearty meal that evening. The party continued south to the mushroom caverns. Looking for the same thing you are, eh, loves?"
Rrowullh continues, and at the mention of snacas back toward the trading post, his eyes blaze. He turns away and seems to lose interest until you mention Klecto, then his eyes sweep the entire party. When you produce the bloody coin, you can almost see his skin turn a whiter shade of pale.
"I...I see. Of course you may pass this keep. Cover that up." He looks behind and motions to several dwarggs on the battlements above you. They relax, and the dwargg captain motions you through the gate, into the keep.
It is a small, squat structure, and you wonder why its weight does not threaten the integrity of the bridge. But now that you are crossing it, you se that the bridge has been structurally augmented by the dwarggs.
There are a score or so crossbowman in the keep. They eye you and whisper. the dwargg captain looks very uncomfortable as he takes you across a small courtyard and to the portculis on the south side. He motions and it is raised.
"We will watch for your return, and there shall be no trouble when you do." he gestures soutward, to the rest of the bridge.
[You may head on, or if anyone takes this opportunity to ask or do something else, let me know.]
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Post by blacknigel on Jun 15, 2012 17:19:15 GMT -5
Rrowullh continues, and at the mention of snacas back toward the trading post, his eyes blaze. He turns away and seems to lose interest until you mention Klecto, then his eyes sweep the entire party. By "his eyes blaze" and "seems to lose interest", do we get the impression he was pre-occupied by a report of snacas on the north side of the bridge?
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 16, 2012 8:59:18 GMT -5
Rrowullh continues, and at the mention of snacas back toward the trading post, his eyes blaze. He turns away and seems to lose interest until you mention Klecto, then his eyes sweep the entire party. By "his eyes blaze" and "seems to lose interest", do we get the impression he was pre-occupied by a report of snacas on the north side of the bridge? That is the impression you get momentarily, until Klecto is mentioned.
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Post by blacknigel on Jun 16, 2012 15:32:26 GMT -5
Rrowullh re-wraps the coin and tucks it away as he follows the Captain. "We destroyed all 6 of them; 3 spears and 3 bows" he volunteers. "We saw no others on the main path. Do the snakes try your defenses often? The Hue-mans were very surprised when they breached the Keep's walls."
When the party enters the courtyard Khanmahtt begins casually eyeing the garrison dwarggs, looking to see if he can spot the Dwargg champion, or more importantly, any spoils from the duel with the elf. Quietly to Harzak, "Which if any of these do you think slew the elf? The Shahdout saw a figure in an 'Ebon Shroud.' I think that is linked to the elf. Purrhaps there are more clues about the Adventurers the Captain mentions. If we are following them by accident, be prepared is best. Yes?"
Raising his voice to be heard by the whispering garrison, "I am called Khanmahtt, and before I leave the worthy depths of the Blackledge Dwargg's, I ask if any here would welcome tools of Kludd the Mighty? His fine belt and sturdy blade, he has allowed me to trade to you worthy guardians. Anydwargg?"
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 17, 2012 9:51:19 GMT -5
Rrowullh re-wraps the coin and tucks it away as he follows the Captain. "We destroyed all 6 of them; 3 spears and 3 bows" he volunteers. "We saw no others on the main path. Do the snakes try your defenses often? The Hue-mans were very surprised when they breached the Keep's walls." He still seems reluctant to discuss it after seeing the passcoin, but he says, "We have fought the snakies since the the Forging. Sometimes they are more bold than other times. Recently their attacks have increased."
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 17, 2012 10:09:00 GMT -5
Raising his voice to be heard by the whispering garrison, "I am called Khanmahtt, and before I leave the worthy depths of the Blackledge Dwargg's, I ask if any here would welcome tools of Kludd the Mighty? His fine belt and sturdy blade, he has allowed me to trade to you worthy guardians. Anydwargg?" Initially your words draw no reaction. Then, from a door in what must be the barracks, a bare-chested dwargg with a bright red beard steps into the courtyard. He carries no weapon. You sense the garrison is instantly alert, as well as silent. "Kludd 'the Mighty,' eh?" He spits a harsh laugh. He comes close to Khan, and his eyes have the unmistakeable glint of insanity. He looks at the axe and the belt with a sneer. The captain says something to this dwargg in their tongue (which the dwarves with you do not understand). The newcomer shrugs and says in Trade, "I care not. Necromancers mean turds to me. But it is a shame they were too scared to fight me." He looks over the nine companions before addressing Khan. "The only thing I would barter for belt and axe is death. But the captain says you may pass. So maybe next time, eh, furface? My name is Dekkomn. Remember it." With that he strolls casually to a bench along a wall and draws water from a barrel. No other dwarggs respond to Khanmahtt's offer.
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 21, 2012 9:03:39 GMT -5
The party passes through the gates and into blackness. There are no lanterns on or beyond the rest of the bridge. Vertigo siezes you. The only illumination is from your lanterns and torches, which throw a weak circle around you that shows the bridge going south, and ebon abyss on either side.
Harzak moves forward, again using his vision to detect any enemies lurking ahead.
You have gone perhaps 50 yards with the bridge still stretching on, when you hear steps behind you. Turning, you see a solitary dwargg, evidently younger than the rest of the garrison.
"Cat-man," he calls out cautiously. "I would trade for the blade."
When he stands before Khanmahtt, he holds up two spearpoints.
"This spear point is from the elf who was slain by Dekkomn. The other is caprian, from a renegade who went berserk in the trading post last year.
"These are not magical, but I have held onto them for an occasion such as this. Will you take these items for Kludd's dagger and belt?"
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Post by blacknigel on Jun 21, 2012 16:24:45 GMT -5
"Hmm... why a trade now, and not back at your post? Don't want your fellows to know your wealth or interests? No matter." Khanmahtt shrugs, "I am interested in what you offurr, even if the trophies are not mine. If the points be solid and fit to be mounted on new shafts, I think we can trade. Let me see them..." Khanmahtt slowly approaches the Dwargg, and proffers Kludd's belt and blade. [Bret, just to be fair I have to remind you that Khan already sold the axe after the fight. He's offered to trade Kludd's belt and dagger, which he still has.]
As he examines the two spearpoints, "Hmm... yes. The elf didn't fall because of a bad point. that seems clear." Hoping to draw the Dwargg into a minor conversation, "Of his companions, what number seemed shocked by his loss? Was there no Magick mage to prophesy his death?"
[Assuming the two reach some sort of deal...] "A well done trade Master Dwargg. May they serve you well and add to your stench as they did for Kludd the Mighty. I must continue my voyage and you must return to yourr post. It would not do for us to be caught unawares on this bridge by predatorrs of the abyss. Tell me one last thing yes, what dangers besides falling, do I face in this crossing?"
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 21, 2012 22:52:58 GMT -5
[Bret, just to be fair I have to remind you that Khan already sold the axe after the fight. He's offered to trade Kludd's belt and dagger, which he still has.] D'Oh! i had thought so, but I got a bit confused...fixed in the text - two spearpoints (minus the silver) for the knife and belt.
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jun 21, 2012 23:04:23 GMT -5
"Hmm... why a trade now, and not back at your post? Don't want your fellows to know your wealth or interests? No matter." Khanmahtt shrugs, "I am interested in what you offurr, even if the trophies are not mine. If the points be solid and fit to be mounted on new shafts, I think we can trade. Let me see them..." Khanmahtt slowly approaches the Dwargg, and proffers Kludd's belt and blade. [Bret, just to be fair I have to remind you that Khan already sold the axe after the fight. He's offered to trade Kludd's belt and dagger, which he still has.] As he examines the two spearpoints, "Hmm... yes. The elf didn't fall because of a bad point. that seems clear." Hoping to draw the Dwargg into a minor conversation, "Of his companions, what number seemed shocked by his loss? Was there no Magick mage to prophesy his death?" [Assuming the two reach some sort of deal...] "A well done trade Master Dwargg. May they serve you well and add to your stench as they did for Kludd the Mighty. I must continue my voyage and you must return to yourr post. It would not do for us to be caught unawares on this bridge by predatorrs of the abyss. Tell me one last thing yes, what dangers besides falling, do I face in this crossing?" To the first question, he shrugs. "None of their business." You examine the points, and while they are neither magical nor exceptional, they are well made and can be fitted onto shafts for quality spears. To the query concerning the elf's demise, "Yes. The party was very sad at his passing. There were two other elves and a dwarf, and four humans. How would I know about their divinations? But they mourned him and moved south, and went to the mushroom cavern from the base of the bridge." About the crossing: "You have only 20 more yards to go. The only threat are winged horrors, but you can hear them before they strike. "Your biggest threat is from the snacas. The captain downplayed the situation, but they are indeed more aggressive than they have been in the last few decades. They take many casualties and continue to press." If you agree to the two spearpoints for the belt and knife: "Well bargained, Conmat. My name is Gobitt. The champion Dekkomn is my friend. When you return this way - surely you must - bring a weapon for a gift and I will make sure you are friends." With that he turns and plods back to the gate. [Should you refuse the spearpoints for the belt and dagger, let me know. otherwise we proceed.]
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Post by blacknigel on Jun 22, 2012 10:19:22 GMT -5
"Ahgreed Gobitt, I'll see what sort of weapongift I can find for Dekkomn. Some thing nasty I expect yes?" Khanmahtt rejoins his companions so they may continue their crossing, with keen ear for the cry of winged terrors.
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Post by Lord Inar on Jun 24, 2012 22:46:58 GMT -5
OK I'm back!
Reynaldo smiles at Khanmatt. "It seems you have made some friends among the dwarggs of these hills. There may be hope to civilize them further yet!"
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