The Return of Shadow, D&D 3.5 homebrew

[kladams707]

Tim doesn't answer at first, a bit surprised to see the broom sweeping w/o anyone else.

(Izu)

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I'm not sure, but I'd imagine fairly soon. Hopefully

[Anna_Irving]

Izu Viselle

Izu frowns and his scribblings speed up. The broom, too, seems to sweep a little faster. It sweeps the dirt on the floor to the door and leans itself against the wall. A small dustpan floats over. The broom and dustpan collect the dirt, the front door opens, and the dustpan shakes itself out somewhere outside the door. The door closes. Broom and dustpan floats back to their original positions.

Next a wet rag floats from the back room and starts wiping the shelves.

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filler post ahoy!

[AjaxTorbin]

Izu Viselle

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The temple of Pelor caters to the sick and needy, healing any who come regardless of their ways or faith. Rufus Tageret is the ranking priest of three clerics at the temple. (Stereotypical Pelor temple)
Several weeks ago a large group of dwarves came into the region and built a small earthen battlement out of a hill a quarter mile from town. According to rumor there is something going on in the Iron Hills, exactly what is unknown and the subject of conjecture.

Izu, Tim:

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There is a tapping on the door, If you look out you see a young human boy, no more than a dozen summers of age on him. His clothes are plain, but well made, the pocketed vest he wears bears the symbol of Pelor, a god of the sun and healing.
“Sir,” he says if you speak or open the door, “Is there a mister Arthurson there, I have a note for him.”

If you open the door the boy will hand Tim a note and quickly leave

In a neat precise style the note says simply:
Dear sir, my name is Rufus Tageret, I am a cleric at the temple of Pelor near the center of town, and have been asked by an injured party to invite capable individuals here to speak of employment. If you are interested, then come to the temple today at midday, further information will then be forthcoming.

sorry for teh slow responce.
to move things along, it is now noon and i will assume you all go to the temple

Located on the east side of town the ‘temple’ of Pelor is rather plain and unimposing, only notable because of its stone construction rather than the usual wood and log buildings found around these parts.
Inside is plain, with simple flag stone floor many windows and a sun ray motif throughout.

As you arrive you see a small crowd milling about, a vendor has set up shop nearby and is selling fresh apples.
Mong the crowd you see the other PC’s.

A seven foot tall gigan with both a greatsword and greatclub over his brestplate armored back; a wiry man of medium height and build, his ragged brown hair looking unkempt. His equipment gives him away as a warrior of some sort, a long sword and small shield on his back. He walks with a man who is of medium height and build with cinnamon hair over eyes redened and sunken from stress.
There is what looks to be an exceptional specimen of noble breeding and upper class social grooming when as you look upon him from a distance. Alluring emerald eyes shine as gems set in a pristine mask of ivory wreathed in lustrous auburn locks of flowing hair. His green eyes are slightly sunken to give the appearance that he has missed more than his fair share of soundly slept nights. His sleeves are sliced to ribbons past the midpoint of the forearm and stained a pinkish hue.

Order of arrival is order of posted response.

When you first enter you see several clerics and petitioners talking, a young boy dressed like the messenger who delivered your note is lighting a row of candles ringed around a large bronze sun statue located on the wall opposite the door.
An older man with a short grey beard and staff marked with the sun symbol of Pelor takes note of your entrance, his gaze noting your dress and manor.
"Ah, you must be the warriors I was told about, I am Rufus Tageret, high preist of Pelor, I will take you to the your prospective employer."

if there are no questions; He leads you the rear of the temple where there is a door leading a hall with several doors lined up on the either side. He knocks one as he opens it an inside is a bed, and laid upon is a dwarf with his broken legs held aloft by a brace. To his right beside the bed is a stand with a suit of platemail hanging from and a large warhamer leaning on the bedside.
The dwarf in the bed is gazing upon a map and looks up as Rufus enters.

"What 'tis it there priest?” he askes.

“I have brung the individuals who responded to my notes master dwarf.”

“Well, bring ‘em in then, I’ll see if’n their fit for workin.”

While the room is small, there is room for all of you to enter although heavy movement is rather restricted.

After you all enter:
“Well, I supose it’ll do. Thank ye Rufus, can ye shut the door on yer way out?”

Rufus nods and leaves.

“Well, yer probably wondering what this is all about, and its quite simple, I need ye to go in the mountains and start up a forge fer me. I would of course be willin to pay fer this service, but I dina exactly have much in the way of gold but have worked goods that ye’d be welcome to.”

He pulls a piece of paper from under the map on his bed and turns it so you all can see, it a list of goods, weapons, armors and what have you.

[Anna_Irving]

Izu Viselle

This conversation is before we leave the shop.
(Tim)

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After the messenger leaves, Izu turns to Tim. "The note is addressed to you, Tim. It'd look strange if I went too, unless we had a good reason. Would it be all right if I say I'm traveling with you now? Everyone here knows I've been planning to leave Bit so it wouldn't be suspicious."

And Sajia did tell me to "go along with him."

If Tim objects or has another idea, Izu would agree to it.

The shop is cleaned and stocked as well as could be. The rag wrings itself out and lies still. Izu finishes scribbling, rolls up the parchment, and stands up.

"If you'd like to go now, I can show you the way. I grew up in Bit so I know the area well. Or if you want to do something else first, we can go if we hurry."

[kladams707]

Before temple:

(Izu)

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Sure, that would be fine to say you're traveling w/ me. You can lead the way to the temple

[Anna_Irving]

Izu Viselle

Everyone:

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I forgot the post Izu’s description earlier so I posted it in the OOC thread.

Izu leads Tim across the bustling town, winding through the streets pedestrians with practiced ease. Along the way, he enthusiastically points out locations: cheap but good diners, smithys of armor and weapons, inns both big and small, anywhere he thinks Tim might be interested in.

Arriving before the temple, Izu looks around and turns to Tim. “I took us through some shortcuts. I knew we’d be the first here!” Inside the building he sees the high priest and waves.

After the dwarf makes his request, Izu prompts for more details. “It’s very difficult to make a decision without more information. Could you be more specific please? For example, where in the mountain will this forge be? How large does the forge need to be? Do you have the forge parts or do we need to cart it into place? Is there a room already prepared or do we have to prepare that as well? What is the time frame for this task?”

(DM)

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- Sorry, should’ve been more specific about the dwarf question. I also wanted to know what Izu would know about this particular injured dwarf.
- Details: dwarf
- Details: plate armor & warhammer
- Details: map (Izu can read common & dwarvish)
- Heal check? Spot? To attempt to learn more about his injury without actually poking & prodding. I assume it’ll be a heavily penalized Heal check as in CAdv 101?
- Sense Motive on dwarf. I don’t know how you want to handle this, I could roll once for the entire conversation or roll for each piece of info. (1d20+7)[26]

[AjaxTorbin]

Izu Viselle
(DM)

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- Sorry, should’ve been more specific about the dwarf question. I also wanted to know what Izu would know about this particular injured dwarf.
- Details: dwarf
- Details: plate armor & warhammer
- Details: map (Izu can read common & dwarvish)
- Heal check? Spot? To attempt to learn more about his injury without actually poking & prodding. I assume it’ll be a heavily penalized Heal check as in CAdv 101?
- Sense Motive on dwarf. I don’t know how you want to handle this, I could roll once for the entire conversation or roll for each piece of info. [roll0]

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1. Dwarf is unknown to you. Six days ago a small party of dwarves set out to the south-west, three left, and one was said to have returned.
2. Armor is dwarven craft fullplate, the runes engraved on it indicate he is an elder son of his clan(IE an heir to the clan leader)
3. Warhamer is is engraved, it is a hammer of Clouting and Flaming. a common design among dwarves of the iron hills.
4. The map is of the area, the moutains to the south espicaly, there are large dots on it, most have an 'X' through them. it shows the name of teams, and their search area(s) Stoneforge, Ironweaver, Glorduum are just a few of teh names.(it seems to you the whole of the Iron Hill clans are scouring teh country side)
5. dwarf is very injured, one leg was smashed and is being regrown.
6. S.motive: he seem preoccupied with somthing else; something weighs heavily on his mind.

[Toil3T]

Mrogg keeps silent until the dwarf and Izu have spoken."I am Mrogg Tern. I am willing to help. But I, too have questions. Is there likely to be confrontation? Do you have enemies that may try to prevent the construction of the forge? What monsters, if any, lurk in the area?"

[Tacitus]

Tormod

The eccentric nobleman remains mostly quiet as the others question the dwarf but his right eye glimmers almost imperceptibly as the iris shifts to a sickly green instead of the darker hues as would be the norm for the man. The nuances of eldritch energies would become visible to his eyes as both the arcane and divine bled into his normal vision. He was passively searching for means of deception through magic until he decided he would speak.

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Spellcraft, if needed: (1d20+5)[11]

[kladams707]

As Mrogg and Izu ask the questions he's mostly thought about, Tim listens, awaiting the dwarf's answer. They've asked most of my questions. If I have one or two that haven't been answered, I'll ask.

[AjaxTorbin]

Tormod

The eccentric nobleman remains mostly quiet as the others question the dwarf but his right eye glimmers almost imperceptibly as the iris shifts to a sickly green instead of the darker hues as would be the norm for the man. The nuances of eldritch energies would become visible to his eyes as both the arcane and divine bleed into his normal vision. He was passively searching for means of deception through magic until he decided he would speak.

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the only magics you see so far are the ones on his weapon, some from his backpack and armor(evocation, enchantment and abjuration)

[AjaxTorbin]

“Are ye all daft? Dina ye hear me? I said start up a forge, not construct one. It already there all ye have ta’ do is stoke it up.”
He points to the spot marked on his map with a circle, “Look, here about three days easy walk ther’s a old somthing or the other, sum temple I think. And in the back o’ it ther should be a way into an old city belongin to my folk. Tarruk it be known as, and in side there is a forge of the same name-” He pauses suddenly here, “Look, ther’ll be fightin most likely, and danger from the mountain, its been unguarded fer ten generations. All ye have ta’ do is go in and place a item I’ll give ye in the forge and it’ll start. if ye do this I can pay ye well.”

Izu:

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S. motive: you are very sure he is holding something back, like he is uncomfortable talking further.

[Toil3T]

"Sounds simple. So long as we keep an eye out for dangerous creatures or bandits, I don't see any problems with this task. I speak dwarfish well, which will probably be useful in Tarruk. Once the forge is started, do you want us to come back and let you know, in which case we could probably escort you there when you are able to travel, or do you want us to keep it safe until you can get there?"

[Tacitus]

Tormod

The altered nature of his sight blends back into the norm with but a blink of his eye, gone without apparently anyone noticing his survey. It is then that he speaks up, "This is all well and good, but is there a particular reason it has to be started without you? I don't mind leaving this place for a bit, no pun intended, but I don't seem to understand your haste in the matter."

[Anna_Irving]

Izu Viselle

Izu looks expectantly at the dwarf, waiting for him to answer the other people's questions.

(DM)

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- Izu will try to memorize the map throughout this converation. I assume Know:Geography +10 will be helpful. There’ll be a penalty because he’s trying to do it without getting noticed he's doing it.

[kladams707]

Tim Arthurson

Tim finally speaks up in response to Tormod's question.

"I'm wondering the same thing as. This doesn't sound like a normal forge if we merely have pop something in to start it."

[Toil3T]

Mrogg too waits for an explanation. That's a good question. Why didn't I think about that?

[AjaxTorbin]

“Look, I need ye ta do this before any o’ the other clans find it. Twas my clan that was given over to guard it in ancient times and MY clan will be ta’ one to guard it now. I swore in front o the clan fathers that I’d find it with me own resources, but, um, something caused the-” he pauses abruptly again, “Look, me brothers have already been killed and my legs are useless for the next fortnight,” he abruptly rolls the map shut and starts waiving it about, “All ye have te’ do is take this here map wit ye and place me clan symbol over the forge, that will start it and when the smoke rises from the mountain I’ll be knowen ye’ succeeded. If ye want te know more than that ye have to swear not to tell a soul anything aboot the forge.”

Izu, Mrogg:

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Knowledge: dwarven oaths are very serious things, they are passed down from father to son etc. etc. This dwarf has taken a great risk by swearing to find the forge, if he (or his factors) do not, his clan will loose face with the other clans.

Izu:

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you memorized the area of the map with the forge marked on it.
Knowledge History: There was once a great dwarven city in this area called Teruk, or something.
Knowledge Lore: according to legend there was once a set of five forges made in the very fires of creation itself(dwarven myth says this was Moradins Flame) these forges were known as the Pillars of Moradin. They were the Forge of life(said to be destroyed), The Forge of Tarruk(lost several thousand years ago) The forge of Gerokk(built in the north under the mountain of Grosneghgrok) The forge of Death(located in the south) and the forge of Kebasre(key-Base-eyre)(unknown stateus)
Each of these forges are said to be able to make the most fantastic artifacts, each specializing in a particular type, the one remaining forge that is known, The Forge of Gerokk produces some of the finest magic weapons in all the world.

And that is a natural twenty on a knowledge roll.

[Toil3T]

"If our lives are going to be in danger it may be better to tell us what happened to your brother and yourself."

[Anna_Irving]

Izu Viselle

Izu looks at the tall Gigan. I agree with him, but that could’ve been said better.

"I’m sure he was planning to tell us everything. After all, it would make no sense for him to gather all the uncontracted sword-folk and spell-folk in town and send them unprepared. There might not be any other uncontracted folk until the trading season ends. If we fail, he’d have to wait until then. That’s a long time to wait – especially if other clans are looking for the forge too.

But more importantly, if he DID withhold something and one of us is injured or even killed," Izu looks pointedly at the dwarf’s legs before continuing, "his success, assuming we do succeed against the odds, will be tarnished because he put us, his men acting on his behalf, needlessly in ignorance of danger. The honor due to him and his clan for fulfilling his oath will be diminished. He would not so foolish to risk that after his brothers’ sacrifice.

So, based on necessity and his honor, I believe he will not hide anything. He’s just waiting for us to swear to secrecy." He looks at the dwarf apologetically. "I understand the need for secrecy. This is an important matter that affects you and your clan’s honor. But please consider these two scenarios and how your oath of secrecy would wreck things.

First, let’s assume we travel to Tarruk, and meet something that’s beyond our power. We’re gravely injured. I ride my horse back to Bit for help. If I were bound by your oath, I would not be able to describe why I need help or where the help is needed. The chances of someone blindly following me to an unknown location for an unknown purpose are practically zero. So I wouldn’t be able to get help for them.

Second, let’s assume we finish this task. Afterwards while in town, perhaps I look like someone who’s been palming a few coins off others? The guards would like to talk to me and ask me what I’ve been doing for the past sevenday or past moon. If I were bound by your oath, I would have to not answer or lie to them – and they’re good at picking out lies. Both responses will be suspicious to the guards.

I’m sure you see why an absolute oath of secrecy would be detrimental. I’d like to propose a modified oath: I swear not to tell a soul about the forge except when I or my companion, during the course of fulfilling your task, need immediate aid, OR when being questioned by an authority of law."

I REALLY hate talking like this! It’s jawbreaking!

[AjaxTorbin]

the dwarf looks with narrowed eyes at Izu, "yer as long winded as a ruddy elf, but i see yer point." he sighs, no simple movemnet for the bearded man, "Look, it was a damned cave in. We had gotten in side, there was nothing attackin us. Me brother went poken his nose in a pile o' ruble then next thing we know teh roof is fallin down."He looks almost defeated for amoment, teh starts to blunder on again, "In the back o' teh temple, theres a room that should lead into the mines, from there you should be able to find the forge, place the amulate in the reseptical and be back here b'for a tenday." he looks at Tim, "And that be yes, it's a magical forge, older than even the moutain that holds it. But its the life and legacy of my people and needs to be reclamed before something further happens to it."

"Will ye consent to help me wit this? You'd have the thanks of me whole clan, all the Iron Hill clans even would be in yer debt cause they've already started the move, more than a thousand dwarves are counting on this."

[Anna_Irving]

Izu Viselle

Well, the first person who taught me about working through a difference of opinions was an elf, so I guess he’s right. Elven Diplomacy’s pretty much a lot of talking. But the only other way I know, I learned from a Gigan, and I’d rather not try Gigan Diplomacy on him. He’s injured, first of all, and I don’t like brawling!

Izu ponders the dwarf’s request while he takes a look at the list of worked goods being offered as reward. Hmm, let me see… Is it a list of standard dwarven-worked equipment? Also, Appraise roll, please, to get a rough price range. Just min-max range for the entire list is good enough

[AjaxTorbin]

Izu Viselle
Izu ponders the dwarf’s request while he takes a look at the list of worked goods being offered as reward. Hmm, let me see… Is it a list of standard dwarven-worked equipment? Also, Appraise roll, please, to get a rough price range. Just min-max range for the entire list is good enough

Worked metal goods, weapons and armors from:
Mw. Daggers (302Gp)
Dwarvenworked Breastplate (1100Gp)
also there are several X-bows and tool kits listed
AMENDUM: all are PHB weapons and items
most of teh weapons are 'dwarfy' IE: axes and hammers

[Tacitus]

Tormod

The man nods to himself and speaks up, "Lets head off then. This dwarf here needs his healing and though my upbringing causes that festering little ball of hate the elves and fey have for the dwarves bounce around in my gut, he's in need of help and I, for one, am convinced. Lets not waste any more time. Do ye think we can get there faster on horses or does it look like we'll need to go on foot for too much of the journey for it to matter?"

[Anna_Irving]

Izu Viselle

Yes, I guess we should argue about reward later.

Dropping the list back on the dwarf's lap, Izu comments, "I would like to help but I'm not convinced our payment is commensurate with our risk and your return. However, I agree that haste is needed. It's still midmorning, if we hurry we could get a good half-day's travel closer to this temple. I propose that we hold off discussions about our reward until after we succeed." Or fail, Izu thinks to himself morosely. I hope everything goes well. Think positive. And if we do get this done, the dwarves will be happy. Happy people tend to be more generous. Izu will wait for the dwarf to agree before continuing.

"As for horses, I think we shouldn't bother. 3 days dwarves' walk is 2 days for humans. And I know these woods and mountains like the back of my hand," Izu reassures everyone. "I can take us there directly. If everything goes well, I could probably get us there, hmm, half-day today, whole-day tomorrow, oh, morning the day after that." Izu will attempt to use Survival skill to Trailblaze and increase party's travel speed, as in CAdv 103

"Even if we do take horses there, they probably won't go into the mountains. They don't like caves. At least that's what I hear from folks." Izu's best guess whether his Hyrac will enter the mountain with him.

[Toil3T]

Mrogg is taken aback at being put in his place.

"Well, let's get the amulet and go then. I'm getting bored of this town." Mrogg looks the dwarf in the eye. "I agree not to tell anyone about the forge, or anything that is an internal dwarvern matter, unless questioned by an authority figure, or a member of the party requires immediate aid. Will that satisfy you, dwarf?"

[kladams707]

"Alright, it sounds to me like everything is set." Tim says breaking his silence. "I'm w/ you Izu, we can discuss rewards later. The sooner we get going, the sooner this can be done for our friend here."

[AjaxTorbin]

Izu Viselle

"As for horses, I think we shouldn't bother. 3 days dwarves' walk is 2 days for humans. And I know these woods and mountains like the back of my hand," Izu reassures everyone.

YUP

"I can take us there directly. If everything goes well, I could probably get us there, hmm, half-day today, whole-day tomorrow, oh, morning the day after that." Izu will attempt to use Survival skill to Trailblaze and increase party's travel speed, as in CAdv 103

YOU MAY

Izu's best guess whether his Hyrac will enter the mountain with him.

YOU CAN GET HIM IN< WHAT USE HE WILL BE INSIDE THOUGH . . . .

Dwarf:
"I thank ye all . . ." he rubs his chin, "Huh, i all this i done forgot to ger yers name an tell me own, im Killdak son of Ordak, family Glorduum. and i thank ye for this. if ye be needin any weapons i do have some in teh stockcaid south o' town."

[Anna_Irving]

Izu Viselle

"I'm Izu Viselle and I have no family left, but I will do my best to help you. I don't need weapons but we can stop by on the way if anyone needs some. I'm ready to show the way whenever we're all ready."

[kladams707]

"I am Timblond Arthurson, aka Tim. I am in no need of weapons right now either. And I'm ready to go"