From Splendor to Shadow (FR 3.5)

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"A troll...and you survived!" Orgen is truely impressed. "That must have been a tough day." He fingers the leathery guts, takes it out and inspects it. "But, ehh, what does it do? Is there a vocal component involved?"

[Barthac]

Tra’vin stands apart in the small room. A few candles provide a faint flickering light. The priest is wearing a simple grey robe. The symbol of Kelemvor, a set of scales held aloft by a skeletal arm, hangs on a simple chain around his neck. The symbol silver wrought pendant catches the light in a dull gleam.

Tra'vins strong voice reverberates in the cramped room, We are assembled here to remember the lives of these two men, Isten Littlefoot and Aeric Bergof. I am told they were brave beyond measure and they have earned the loyalty of their companions that are assembled here.

The lives of mortal men are a journey. We start weak and unable to provide for ourselves. We are reared by other mortals and taught the ways of life. We grow strong in our youth and refuse to think about our own death. As we grow old and lose the luster of youthful ignorance we might begin to fear death. In the days before the Godswar, death was rarely the end of life in this world. Evil and darkness plotted our suffering and bound our souls to this world in twisted darkness.

Mortals learned to fear death.

I am here now to bring you the message of Kelemvor, Lord of the Dead. His wisdom is great and his rulings are just. Death is merely a transition. The next road on our life’s journey. This road is sacred, however. Kelemvor works to undo the evil of the old Gods and works to make death a final resting peace. Kelemvor’s blessing is one of lasting death, an uninterrupted journey on the road of the afterlife and eternal peace.

For these two men, we pray that in the wisdom of Kelemvor, they know this everlasting rest and find peace on their journey. May they pass swiftly into the eternal and slumber without disturbance.

Tra’vin turns and kneels. Holding the holy symbol in his hands he begins to pray, Kelemvor we commend into your charge the souls of these two men, Isten and Aeric. O Great Master of the Crystal Spire, we ask that you guard them and allow them a peaceful journey.

He begins to chant in a clear, deep, bass voice,

Lowly and solemn be,
The mortal’s cry to thee.
A hymn of pleading breath,
Declaring the dead belong to thee.

From his harvest home
Must each tired peasant come.
Leader and king must yield
their naked soul to thee.

Lord in that hour,
when life has no power,
When spear, and shield, and crown
In end are all cast down,
Bring us into ease,
passing into peace.

We bow beside the grave,
and call on thee to save.
Hear or suppliant breath,
Bring us peace even with death.

[Aeryr]

Estef

-The blessing of the lady shines upon you brother.

After parting ways with Kevan Estef gets back to her room and opens the packet emptying its containment in the bed and checking everything that is in there. It's going to be a long trip, let's make sure everything is fine before leaving.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen

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The man chuckles.

"Heh... I was young once and foolish too mind you! Noone escapes the youthful ignorance that makes you plunge deep into dangers grasp for glory. Thankfully not only I survived but also managed to learn valuable lessons that day!"

He then proceeds to explain how to effectively use the rope that daily extends up to 350 feet and how you must never untie the final knot or it will be ruined.

*Enter Plot Transposition to scene*

You arrive once more and in good time at the HQ of the Bowels of the Earth. You are without delay seen inside and taken to the room across the one you sat last time. This time apart from the Goliath though there are others... a total of 4 more people, including a nervous looking kobold, are present and sitting around a large table filled with charts and maps.

"Welcome Orgen" speaks the Goliath and proceed to introduce you to the others *insert post at the end of the spoilers...*

@ Estef

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Everything agreed upon is there. You feel confident that with your abilities and with your talents this should make your days in the dark easier...

Having finished checking, preparing and provisioning *enter Plot Transition* you arrive at the Bowels of the Earth HQ and shown in.

You arrive last forming a group of 6, one being a young kobold that seems nervous but confident as he looks upon sets of maps and charts on the large table in the middle of the room.

The Goliath goes around the room introducing each other.

@ Miranda

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More individuals comes pouring in the room slowly but steadily. A total of 4 more have come inside in quick succession. The Goliath has everyone introduce themselves.

@ Calden and Tra'vin

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Your heartfelt prayer goes a long way with the Goliath. He almost tears up when you conclude but in the end manages to maintain his composure and gives you a firm shake of the hand.

"Thank you for your words father. They mean a lot to me and to my companions... " he says with a heavy voice. With this, he takes you to a small side room filled with chests and boxes and opens one made from dark wood.

"Take these... they could have saved my companions had we managed to have them with us... now it is your turn to go there and I believe its important that you have them..."

You are handled an ivory scroll case containing a scroll of dimension door and a scroll of teleport along with a belt of healing.

"Use them in case of emergency... the belt can be used to either cure grave wounds once a day or smaller ones three times a day and such variation. Worst case scenario you can use it to stem bleeding and such problems..." he explains.

((You also gain 200 XP for the very nice prayer))

You then both return and sleep restfully.

You wake up some hours later and shown to the main room of the head quarters where a group has started assembling. Apart from the actual Goliath and a kobold the others are slowly arriving and seem to be very different people.

@ ALL

(1) You all gain 250 xp for your efforts so far.
(2) Please describe your characters and also introduce yourselves to the group. The goliath prompts you to also tell what your capabilities are as knowing each other gives you a benefit in tough situations.
(3) Feel free to RP!

[Daftendirekt]

The shapely brunette waits for all others to arrive before properly introducing herself. Once they are all gathered, she stands up, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, and bows, hand on the finely crafted hilt of her thinblade, the tight leather of her boots squeaking somewhat as she does so.

"My name is Miranda Filligar," she begins. "I'm damn good with this blade here, I'm quick, I'm smart, and I can talk my way out of near any situation. You might call me a jack-of-trades, as I dabble in a bit of everything."

Her piece spoken, Miranda sits back down in her chair, propping her feet casually up onto the table and leaning her arms on her armrests.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

When Miranda is done introducing herself, Orgen stands up. He is a tall human man, perhaps 25 years old, and has a somewhat rugged appearance. He puts his bow in front of him and leans a bit on it. His face features a week-old beard and a friendly smile, partly buried in his long dark hair.

"Well met, lady Filligar, my name is Orgen." As he carries on, you notice his eloquence does not match his barbaric appearance. "On this mission I proudly represent the church of Oghma, and as such it is my task to retrieve knowledge and preserve it for our society." He grasps his bow and lifts it. "But I imagine that is not very interesting to all of you. This bow, which I learned to master many a year ago will be my contribution to combat. Survival, scouting, determination and the way of the hunt are the northern virtues I have to offer." He leans on his bow once more. "Also, the Great Worm has blessed me with the power of divination and healing."

Orgen makes a small bow and seats himself again.

[Barthac]

A large man in heavy armor speaks up, The followers of Oghma have always been an honorable lot. My name is Tra'vin and this he motions to the smaller man behind hom Is my brother Calden. I am a disciple of Kelemvor, the grantor of undistrubed rest.

He has a large sword strapped to his back with a shield and a heavily laden pack. As a follower of the Lord of the Dead, I am well versed in the ways of combat and will not fade from conflict. I stand ready to present those to Kelemvor who would disturb the restful death of others.

He casts a sideways glance at Calden, anxious to hear his brothers introduction.

[LordDice]

Grinning and throwing his arm around Tra'vin as he speaks "Ahh Brother, so serious all the time. I'm Calden, Professional Gambler and Caster of many spells !"

With a somewhat washed out coloration, he almost looks a little too pale, with a chain shirt tucked in under his clothes and daggers stuck all around his belt he's not quite as unprepared as he sounds.

"Oh, well I guess I'm also quite good at sneaking around...although in my case it's usually sneaking away" He says, chuckling lightly.

[Aeryr]

Estef

As expected Estef is the last one to arrive and introduce herself. She wears simple clothes, made of soft fabrics and dyed with dark colors, mostly black and dark violet. She doesn't seem to be carrying any weapon, only a quiver at her back and a long rope around her waist. Her hair is kept behind her face in a long braid. She vows slightly to everyone and smiles.

-I am Estef Bluestar, archer, explorer, scout and above all survivalist. I am pretty good at that, whatever it takes. It will be a pleasure to join you, and I have to admit that I am relieved that there are other female members in our trip.

[Daftendirekt]

Now that the last member of the party had arrived and introduced themselves, Miranda stood back up and looked around importantly, fingers drumming against the hilt of her sword.

"So, when do we set out then? I'm eager to start right away."

[Aeryr]

Estef

That was a first a person eager to to the underdark. Well, Estef supposed that the sooner they started the sooner they would end. That made some sense. But making sure that everything is alright before departing is an important step.

-Do we have rations for the trip? Who is going to be leading anyway? We should take some time before rushing into the Underdark. Hope everyone is at peace with their Gods.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen smiles. "I believe we will be joined by a guide, an underdark specialist, so I assume he will be leading us. And rations...I was led to believe that the organization sending us would take care of the basics and that we ought to bring some extra ourselves." He shrugs. "I don't care much for preserved food, so I am going to trust on my ability to find my extras in the wilds." Orgen ponders a moment. "I believe enjoying the local cuisine makes traveling much nicer."

[LordDice]

Calden

Looking up from practicing a card trick Calden looks up and chimes in "Eh I'm sure we'll be fine on rations, Besides...like 'Books' over here said...we can always find something to eat"

"I'm more interested in the local ales myself, nothing tells ya more about a place than the quality of their drink"

Spoiler

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Reffering to Orgen as Books....just can't be respectful :/

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda looks around the room expectantly, and then sighs.

"Is this guide supposed to get here any time soon? We're all here, so far as I can tell."

[Barthac]

Tra'ven motions to the kobold. I think our guide is already here.

[Monodominant]

Having let you introduce each other the Goliath commands your attention.

"You are indeed right. Provisions as far as rations, lamp oil, lanterns and torches has been organised by the Company along with a set of tools that you might find useful in your venture underground. Before we continue let me introduce you to your guide..." he says and motions towards the kobold.

"This young fellow here is Punpun a provisional member of the Underdark Guides that will act as your guide for this journey. He is familiar with the mission and the territory below ground and a host of information you will find useful while down below. He will provide martial assistance should this be necessary but this is by far not his area of expertise... he is not the leader per se of your group unless you want him to be but I advise that you take his advise when he gives it..." the goliath explains.

The kobold indeed makes a short bow and looks at each of you for a moment.

"It makes me safe just looking at all of you!" he says with a soft voice before continuing.

"So, gentlemen and ladies... the route we have chosen..." he says and now points to the map " takes us from Waterdeep towards the North East following river Dessarif until the hills past Goldenfields. We will be over ground for a bit more than a week by which time we reach the hills which 'house' many caves, some of which provide us with our passage to the Underdark..." he pauses at this point to ensure everything sinks in.

"Now this is where things get a bit harder to calculate. By my estimation, and given that all information I have from Master Krel here are correct and accurate, we will spend another 2 weeks or so until we reach Drown Multum. The area we will be covering does have some natural hazards but as we are still in the Upper Dark we wont face the unsurvivable conditions of the lower depths. We will still be able to make good use of the groups hunters and scouts and even water should not be hard to come by..." the kobold concludes.

"Any questions so far before we move unto the exact details of your missions?" asks Krel at this point.

[Daftendirekt]

"Sounds straightforward enough so far. Please continue."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen shakes his head. Nope.

[LordDice]

Calden seems to barely be listening, but gestures slightly with his hand to continue.

[Monodominant]

Satisfied with the amount of answers he has got Krel continues.

"We do not expect that you will be conquerring Multum. This mission is more of a scouting, ground laying one. What we need is to locate one or more safe entrances deeper in the city so that other expeditions can be launched.

I wont give you an exact number but what we need from you is progress enough so that along with divinations and historians we are able to locate which part of the city we have breached and how to orient ourselves when we go back in. Basically go as deep as you want but just as long as some key area is discovered you can return. At the same time we require that you... to put it in plain words... loot anything of value in those areas. As there might be dangers down there after you clear said areas it would be too easy for others to build on your success and take what you have left behind.." he pauses at this point to look to Orgen.

"Anything from books, maps and tomes that Orgen here identifies as valuable must be taken with you along with works of art that have survived, treasures and coin...

For those of you that have actually had the time to go through the Company's bylaws you will know that any coinage or precious stone found in an expeditions belong to you along with any items you take from defeating potential foes you meet while on a mission. From other works of art and treasures you are entitled to 15% of their value in gold payable upon their return here. Lastly as this is a dangerous mission the Bowels of the Earth offer a reward of 2000 gold for your group on top of everything else..."

[Aeryr]

That sounds like a nifty sum of gold. Estef smiles to herself, she certainly will need to approach that Orgen in hope that they would both found something interesting and worth keeping.

[LordDice]

Calden

Rubbing his hands together in a comical gesture of greed he quickly pipes up. "Ahh looting, now there's something I can get behind almost as much as a good game of cards ! See brother, wouldn't you rather be doing this than praying all day at a temple...or whatever boring crap you do all day when I'm out having fun"

"Now, we've got enough horses or whatever to pack out all the sweet loot we'll be finding right ? or maybe some of those fancy bags that can hold a wagonfull. Cause looting is a blast, carrying loot for days to get back ain't."

[Monodominant]

The Goliath laughs.

"You get a donkey that will carry your provisions as your load will be quite significant up to the point you reach the underdark... from then on as you can imagine beasts of burden like pack horses/mules and the like dont go in the dark passages... as for bags of holding and the like... I am afraid no, we dont give such valuable items to a newly hired group..." he says.

"If you get so many artifacts and relics that you cant carry them with you, hide them so the next expedition will get them. That is why I said that we dont expect you to explore the whole city... maybe a few rooms, streets or houses... we dont even know if it will possible for you to go very deep... the city has resurfaced but I doubt its no longer flooded at all..." he goes on.

"In any case. Thats all from me. If you need nothing additional then I suggest we head over so I can give you your provisions and you set off immidiatetly... no reason to delay and you have a long journey there and back!"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen nods in agreement and has nothing to ask or add. He was not the type to be concerned about the amount of looting that could be done and ways to get the goodies home.

[Monodominant]

"Well then! Speak up the rest of you or come on follow me!" says the Goliath impatiently looking at the others.

If noone else responds with any concerns or doubts he moves ahead and out of the room and deeper into the Bowels of the Earth headquarters to a large storage room one level down.

[Barthac]

I have no questions. I trust in your experience planning such expeditions, Tra'vin nods to the goliath gracefully and follows him out of the room.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen also stands up and follows the Goliath.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda leaps nimbly up out of her chair, smooths her clothing, and swaggers out of the room after the goliath, hand on her sword hilt.

[LordDice]

Calden quickly follows along, the gleam of greed slightly in his eyes as he pictures the looting.

[Monodominant]

The goliath sets five sacks unto the floor with the help of the kobold and another man that joins your group when you are down below.

This man, the quartermaster, consults Krel on the length of your mission and then begins to move back and forth in this area bringing forward provisions and the like.

"I will peg you down for provisions for 5 people for one and a half month. That is enough for you to get there and come back and I am putting in the real premium stuff that will survive even the dump underground" he says as he fills the first 2 sacks.

"Should you end up needing more try to go on half-ration and we will discuss repayment later on if you need to purchase your own along the way!" he says as he closes them

"Now, I will put on 1 bottle of wine for each of your from our stocks for something to keep whoever is guarding at night company... dont go over board though... you are supposed to be alert and protecting your friends!" he says and winks at you.

"That said, I am also putting in some torches, flasks of oil, whetstones and a set of digging tools, climbing tools and 2 large coils of rope and a rope ladder... thats pretty much the standard gear... if you want something else specific you can buy it from me for a bit less than what you could find in the markets of Waterdeep so now is your chance..."