Stop! Read the main "Action is the sole..." thread first! It will tell you when to come here.
Only for those going down the elevator:
Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
Moderator: Admin
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
The elevator descends nearly 200 feet into the dark. At the bottom you light your torches to see a large underground tunnel going both ways, with some rusty rail track on the ground, though no carts are present. Cirrus (and anyone else who wishes to go with her) scouts ahead, reporting back that the westerly path has a guard standing in front of a side tunnel about a quarter mile down, though you could not get a look beyond. Your group heads that way, quietly.
Four people are frozen in place in the middle of the room. From their descriptions, you guess these must be the hostages. There is a middle aged man, a boy in his teens, an old woman, and one young lady who looks a little like Bregolon, though without the ethereal elven beauty. Her nose is very human and her cheeks plump. Their four faces are contorted in suffering. The man is posed in the middle of rending his own clothing, and the others show signs of having done the same. For instance, the old woman’s blouse is missing a shoulder.
If the bandits left to meet your other friends, it’s clear they did not take the hostages with them.
On a few pegs on the wall hang some heavy fur cloaks, two false beards and a few pouches containing makeup for a disguise. On the ground is a backpack covered with ivy. Inside it are some bracers made of stiff bark, some nuts and berries in a pouch, and a garland of flowers. Weaved into the garland is a bit of ribbon with a foreign inscription.
Near the frozen hostages is a table littered with detritus from a recently cast spell, or perhaps several spells (burnt herbs, etc.). The table legs are carved with flowers.
4 (crossed out), 5 (crossed out), 8 (crossed out), 9 of 18.
Read only if you scout ahead with the scout skill
As you proceed, you hear the far off noise of some rock sliding. Eventually, you reach the spot where the guard was, but he is there no longer. Instead, the side tunnel opens into a large, cavernous room. Inside is a bizarre sight:Four people are frozen in place in the middle of the room. From their descriptions, you guess these must be the hostages. There is a middle aged man, a boy in his teens, an old woman, and one young lady who looks a little like Bregolon, though without the ethereal elven beauty. Her nose is very human and her cheeks plump. Their four faces are contorted in suffering. The man is posed in the middle of rending his own clothing, and the others show signs of having done the same. For instance, the old woman’s blouse is missing a shoulder.
If the bandits left to meet your other friends, it’s clear they did not take the hostages with them.
On a few pegs on the wall hang some heavy fur cloaks, two false beards and a few pouches containing makeup for a disguise. On the ground is a backpack covered with ivy. Inside it are some bracers made of stiff bark, some nuts and berries in a pouch, and a garland of flowers. Weaved into the garland is a bit of ribbon with a foreign inscription.
Read only if you are elven or have decipher script
Near the frozen hostages is a table littered with detritus from a recently cast spell, or perhaps several spells (burnt herbs, etc.). The table legs are carved with flowers.
Read Only if you have Recall or are a wizard
The other side of the room has a locked wooden chest with a note pinned to it. The note contains several numbers crossed out, as if in a running tally:4 (crossed out), 5 (crossed out), 8 (crossed out), 9 of 18.
Read only if you use pick simple locks on the chest
Read only if you sense magic on the chest
Read only if you use disenchant on a hostage
Read only if you have first aid and you examine the hostages
Lastly, in one corner of the room the ceiling has recently collapsed. There is a pile of rubble, though everything else seems to be stable and the beams are holding. One waist high boulder covers a crack in the wall. There is clearly a recess behind, though you are uncertain how big it is. From the recess comes a noise that is a cross between a growl and a hiss. If you have press and you wish to, you may move the boulder out of the way.Read only if you use press to move the boulder
There is another exit tunnel on the far side of the room. You glance down it and hear faint noises, but you are uncertain what it is. Whatever is making the noise is far away.
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
Dakkon approaches the hostages in the center of the room, sheathing his sword to get a closer look. (using first aid)
"These hostages must have a spell cast on them - they are frozen in time." he scowls, "I cannot heal their injuries while they are in this state..." he pauses, taking a closer look at the injuries, "Actually, it appears that the injuries are self-inflicted, as though they have scratched and torn their own skin. What could cause them to do this?"
He steps backwards, re drawing his sword and turning to face the entrance.
"These hostages must have a spell cast on them - they are frozen in time." he scowls, "I cannot heal their injuries while they are in this state..." he pauses, taking a closer look at the injuries, "Actually, it appears that the injuries are self-inflicted, as though they have scratched and torn their own skin. What could cause them to do this?"
He steps backwards, re drawing his sword and turning to face the entrance.
Xil Zymasi, Crew of the Red Wind // Dakkon Wrynn, Dark Elf Outcast
Feel free to PM me if you have any forum/website questions/issues. I can take care of them for you.
Also, note that although my name is red, I am not a GM and therefore cannot answer logistical questions (such as rules) definitively. That said, I'll certainly try to help!
Feel free to PM me if you have any forum/website questions/issues. I can take care of them for you.
Also, note that although my name is red, I am not a GM and therefore cannot answer logistical questions (such as rules) definitively. That said, I'll certainly try to help!
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
Faust moves into the room slowly. His hand lights on fire to closely examine the elven script.
"This is a letter of love. It seems marriage is involved. I shall keep this and see if it belongs to any of the hostages once we rescue them. If not, we can deal with it later.
He moves to the hostages after the Dark Elf examines them.
"Yes. Yes. This is magic. Displace Time it is often called by the Havenites, it would require a magus of some talent at least...it seems as though it has been cast multiple times...strange. They will come out of eventually. They're hurt, but as our new friend...self hurt. I hope they are not driven mad."
"This is a letter of love. It seems marriage is involved. I shall keep this and see if it belongs to any of the hostages once we rescue them. If not, we can deal with it later.
He moves to the hostages after the Dark Elf examines them.
"Yes. Yes. This is magic. Displace Time it is often called by the Havenites, it would require a magus of some talent at least...it seems as though it has been cast multiple times...strange. They will come out of eventually. They're hurt, but as our new friend...self hurt. I hope they are not driven mad."
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
After receiving no responses from his companions Faust sighs loudly.
"Well, I don't have the ability to take these people out of their predicament. We need to wait I suppose. Someone should stay behind as guards. Janus and I will go forward and flank the bandits."
Faust motions to his companion, Janus, and they go toward the entrance of the mine.
"Well, I don't have the ability to take these people out of their predicament. We need to wait I suppose. Someone should stay behind as guards. Janus and I will go forward and flank the bandits."
Faust motions to his companion, Janus, and they go toward the entrance of the mine.
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
While some are distracted examining the frozen figures, the locked chest, etc., and some stay as guards, a few of you venture forward down the rear tunnel. It indeed ascends. After a time, the noise you heard earlier gets louder, and you realize it’s the sound of battle. Shortly after, you come across two dead bodies on the ground: bandits. When you look closer, you realize they are not human at all, but another race in disguise: Long ears, delicate cheekbones. They are elves!
One has a tattoo on his neck:
“You’re here for your friends? We did not kidnap them for ill. We were trying to save them, to stop them from harming themselves.”
If Dakkon is here, you recognize the face of one of the bandits who personally attacked you in the market, clubbing you with his staff when you tried to intervene. Though, he was covered by a hood then...
“I’m sorry about that….Please. There is no time to explain…”
Three more gold golems lumber closer from further up the tunnel, bringing the total to six.
[It’s combat time! You may attack the elf, or the golems. Rules for how this’ll work to come in a bit]
One has a tattoo on his neck:
Read only if you have decipher script or if you can read elven
Further down, the tunnel widens. You are still a ways from the surface. Blocking your path is one more ‘bandit’, this one alive, though no longer in disguise. His hood is back, and you see pointed ears. His simple woodland clothes are covered with moss, and he holds a staff in one hand. He is feverishly casting magic to block off his attackers: three lumpy golems made of gold. Several more elves lie dead in the tunnel. He notices you and spins in defense. After a pause, he makes a snap decision and speaks quickly:“You’re here for your friends? We did not kidnap them for ill. We were trying to save them, to stop them from harming themselves.”
If Dakkon is here, you recognize the face of one of the bandits who personally attacked you in the market, clubbing you with his staff when you tried to intervene. Though, he was covered by a hood then...
“I’m sorry about that….Please. There is no time to explain…”
Three more gold golems lumber closer from further up the tunnel, bringing the total to six.
[It’s combat time! You may attack the elf, or the golems. Rules for how this’ll work to come in a bit]
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
Sorry for the delay. Ran into a snag. I should have this posted tomorrow morning.
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
Here’s how this will work. You may fight up to three rounds (stop whenever you like). Describe your battle. Add flourishes, etc. If you take a “Wound” three times, you will need Surgery (or die). Take one or two Wounds, you are fine (no mechanical disadvantage). After combat is over, as long as you are alive, any Healing (or Regeneration) will remove all Wounds. After everyone has acted, if there are any monsters left you may each do another three rounds. Repeat.
You may attack either the gold golems (there are 6), or the elf bandit, depending on who you trust. The elf appears to be a formidable magician, giving the golems a run for their money. Or you may do nothing. If you don't attack the golems, they will ignore you, for now.
Round one:
If you fight a golem:
Choose one of the following, then reveal it.
Choose one of the following, then reveal it.
Roll two dice (http://www.random.org/dice/), add or subtract the modifier from your choice above, then add these additional modifiers:
+1 for weapon specialization (or anything akin to it).
+1 if you are wearing armor of any kind.
-5 if you are attacking the elf.
9 or higher= you defeat your opponent.
7-8 = neither you nor your opponent do significant damage.
6 or less = your opponent ‘Wounds’ you.
[b]Round Two:[/b]
If you fight another golem:
Choose one of the following, then reveal it:
Choose one of the following, then reveal it:
+1 for weapon specialization (or anything akin to it).
+1 if you are wearing armor of any kind.
-5 if you are attacking the elf.
9 or higher= you defeat your opponent.
7-8 = neither you nor your opponent do significant damage.
6 or less = your opponent ‘Wounds’ you.
Round three
If you attack a golem:
Choose one of the following, then reveal it:
Choose one of the following, then reveal it:
Roll two dice (http://www.random.org/dice/), add or subtract the modifier from your choice above, then add these additional modifiers:
+1 for weapon specialization (or anything akin to it).
+1 if you are wearing armor of any kind.
-5 if you are attacking the elf.
9 or higher= you defeat your opponent.
7-8 = neither you nor your opponent do significant damage.
6 or less = your opponent ‘Wounds’ you.
You may attack either the gold golems (there are 6), or the elf bandit, depending on who you trust. The elf appears to be a formidable magician, giving the golems a run for their money. Or you may do nothing. If you don't attack the golems, they will ignore you, for now.
Round one:
If you fight a golem:
Choose one of the following, then reveal it.
charge at it
spin and strike
Feint.
Cast Attack of the elements --spell required
Disenchant --skill required.
Fire Arrows from afar --archer required
Attack from behind --basic critical strike required
Channel Magic --skill required
Heal the elf of his injuries--Healing required
If you fight the elf:Choose one of the following, then reveal it.
spin and strike
Feint.
charge him
Light a torch and attack with that
Furious assault --Rage required.
Attack from behind --basic critical strike required
taunt, then attack --skill required
Channel Magic --skill required
Fire Arrows from afar --archer required
Disenchant --skill required.
Cast Attack of the elements --spell required
Roll two dice (http://www.random.org/dice/), add or subtract the modifier from your choice above, then add these additional modifiers:
+1 for weapon specialization (or anything akin to it).
+1 if you are wearing armor of any kind.
-5 if you are attacking the elf.
9 or higher= you defeat your opponent.
7-8 = neither you nor your opponent do significant damage.
6 or less = your opponent ‘Wounds’ you.
[b]Round Two:[/b]
If you fight another golem:
Choose one of the following, then reveal it:
Lunge.
aim for the head
Tackle it.
Parry, then strike --Parry required.
Shatter --skill required.
Sneak up from behind--knock out required.
Trip the golem with your weapon
Wait for the perfect moment --Master Critical Strike or Touch of Death required.
Cast a spell --Wizard required
Heal the elf of his injuries--Healing required
If you fight the elf:Choose one of the following, then reveal it:
Disarm --skill required.
Lunge.
Trip the elf with your weapon
Heavy overhanded swing.
Block --Defensive Matrix required-- then strike.
Cast a spell --Wizard required
Wait for the perfect moment --Master Critical Strike or Touch of Death required.
Evade.
Cast Sleep --skill required.
Roll two dice (http://www.random.org/dice/), add or subtract the modifier from your choice above, then add these additional modifiers:+1 for weapon specialization (or anything akin to it).
+1 if you are wearing armor of any kind.
-5 if you are attacking the elf.
9 or higher= you defeat your opponent.
7-8 = neither you nor your opponent do significant damage.
6 or less = your opponent ‘Wounds’ you.
Round three
If you attack a golem:
Choose one of the following, then reveal it:
swing low.
Heavy overhanded swing.
Defend an Ally
Light a torch and attack with that
Elaborate, Fancy maneuver.
Evade.
Double Strike--duel wield required.
cast sleep-skill required
Delay to Heal self or ally with potion or skill.
Delay to Buff all with sage buff.
Heal the elf of his injuries--Healing required
If you fight the elf:Choose one of the following, then reveal it:
swing low.
Heavy overhanded swing.
Defend an Ally
Elaborate, Fancy maneuver.
Attack while the elf is distracted
Double Strike--duel wield required.
Tackle him.
Delay to Heal self or ally with potion or skill.
Delay to Buff all with sage buff.
Roll two dice (http://www.random.org/dice/), add or subtract the modifier from your choice above, then add these additional modifiers:
+1 for weapon specialization (or anything akin to it).
+1 if you are wearing armor of any kind.
-5 if you are attacking the elf.
9 or higher= you defeat your opponent.
7-8 = neither you nor your opponent do significant damage.
6 or less = your opponent ‘Wounds’ you.
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
Janus closes his eyes, and his perception of time slows with his heartbeat.
He envisions the elf magician - a strong talent by the way he bears himself - in the empty stillness. Wiry, but with a certain energy about him... Janus dismisses him with a thought, and instead brings the shining golems into focus. These were the real threat.
Golems. Toughened against magic, but still... Gold's low melting point suggests one course of action.
The mage narrows his eyes, power crackling through his fingertips, and sends a blast of fire roiling over the hulking humanoid shapes. [Roll: 11 + 1 for cloth armor = 12, golem defeated]
Exhilarated, Janus sprints foreward, bounding over the molten, shimmering mound. "Press forward while we can!" he calls to his allies. A golem mounts a swing, and the wizard ducks under it, the fist just barely whizzing over his hair.
With a grunt, Janus levers his spear against an ankle, wedging the butt into the ground. Straining hard, the mage knocks his attacker into a golden heap with a clang. [Roll: 9 - 1 for tripping, +1 for cloth armor = 9, golem defeated]
"Hah!" he barks, thrusting a boot against the fallen golem's dented dead. "Taking a rest, are we?"
Time slows once again for Janus, as he catches a glint of metal from the corner of his vision. Gold? Maybe. Likely a golem, then. The shattered hust he stands upon is unstable, but the spear in his hand is strong. Janus turns - nothing for it, no time to cast a spell - and with a powerful jerk of the hips, brings his spearhead down hard. [Roll: 6 + 2 heavy overhanded swing, + 1 cloth armor = 9, golem defeated] With a resounding clang, Janus breathes a sigh of releif as the golem slumps, spearhead embedded in its cranium.
With a huff of breath, the mage smiles for a change at his companions. "Think they got the point?"
He envisions the elf magician - a strong talent by the way he bears himself - in the empty stillness. Wiry, but with a certain energy about him... Janus dismisses him with a thought, and instead brings the shining golems into focus. These were the real threat.
Golems. Toughened against magic, but still... Gold's low melting point suggests one course of action.
The mage narrows his eyes, power crackling through his fingertips, and sends a blast of fire roiling over the hulking humanoid shapes. [Roll: 11 + 1 for cloth armor = 12, golem defeated]
Exhilarated, Janus sprints foreward, bounding over the molten, shimmering mound. "Press forward while we can!" he calls to his allies. A golem mounts a swing, and the wizard ducks under it, the fist just barely whizzing over his hair.
With a grunt, Janus levers his spear against an ankle, wedging the butt into the ground. Straining hard, the mage knocks his attacker into a golden heap with a clang. [Roll: 9 - 1 for tripping, +1 for cloth armor = 9, golem defeated]
"Hah!" he barks, thrusting a boot against the fallen golem's dented dead. "Taking a rest, are we?"
Time slows once again for Janus, as he catches a glint of metal from the corner of his vision. Gold? Maybe. Likely a golem, then. The shattered hust he stands upon is unstable, but the spear in his hand is strong. Janus turns - nothing for it, no time to cast a spell - and with a powerful jerk of the hips, brings his spearhead down hard. [Roll: 6 + 2 heavy overhanded swing, + 1 cloth armor = 9, golem defeated] With a resounding clang, Janus breathes a sigh of releif as the golem slumps, spearhead embedded in its cranium.
With a huff of breath, the mage smiles for a change at his companions. "Think they got the point?"
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
Faust's dark eyes move from the golems to the Wood Elf.
"Focus Fire on the golems, we'll deal with the elf after!"
Round One (16, 8 )
Faust darts in front of the party and holds his arms out wide. Cuts begin to form on his forearms as his eyes narrow in concentration. Faust yells loudly as the blood floats out of his wounds and turns into lightning in midair, with excessive grunting he pushes the electricity forward toward two of the golems. The bolts of energy entangle one of the golems and lightning penetrates it's functioning system. The golem falls to the ground. Lifeless. The other golem however, seems unaffected. Faust stops concentrating for a moment as the golem charges him. "Balls." He mutters, scrunching up his face in frustration. The golem swings his arm at Faust, who barely rolls out of the way in time. Faust stands up on side of the golem and...
Round Two (14)
another cut appears on the palm of his right hand. Reaching forward he smudges the blood on the golem's side. Backing away the blood begins to boil and melts a hole in the golem's shiny exterior. Faust smirks as the golem steams to shut down and fall forwards. "How about that, Janus, bloody thing didn't even see me coming. Faust smiles broadly as a third golem charges his way. "You might as well run to your deactivation."
Round Three: (8)
The moment of undeserved pride doesn't help Faust too much as the golem's large hand swipes at Faust. The magus fall-steps backward, barely missing the bone-crushing strike. "Watch it you lout, I just got this outfit!" The golem continue's his assault as Faust barely dodges every attack. Finally, seeing an opening Faust runs up the wall of the cave, with great athletic skill and deftness he jumps off the wall and slams the head of his halberd into the golem's shoulder...which does nothing. The steel of his blade merely bounces off a more heavily armored portion of the golem's "skin." Faust and the golem continue to play a game of cat and mouse as the golem's lumbering strikes can't seem to catch up with the deft Faust's artful dodging. But, Faust's brow is beginning to sweat and the golem's golden mind is catching up to the patterns of the magus' evasion.
"Shiteshiteshiteshite. Damn behemoth get off me! Janus! Wanna help me over here? Or for that matter ANYONE ELSE!"
He looks around wildly for more companions, but loses concentration when he has to duck from another swing.
"Focus Fire on the golems, we'll deal with the elf after!"
Round One (16, 8 )
Faust darts in front of the party and holds his arms out wide. Cuts begin to form on his forearms as his eyes narrow in concentration. Faust yells loudly as the blood floats out of his wounds and turns into lightning in midair, with excessive grunting he pushes the electricity forward toward two of the golems. The bolts of energy entangle one of the golems and lightning penetrates it's functioning system. The golem falls to the ground. Lifeless. The other golem however, seems unaffected. Faust stops concentrating for a moment as the golem charges him. "Balls." He mutters, scrunching up his face in frustration. The golem swings his arm at Faust, who barely rolls out of the way in time. Faust stands up on side of the golem and...
Round Two (14)
another cut appears on the palm of his right hand. Reaching forward he smudges the blood on the golem's side. Backing away the blood begins to boil and melts a hole in the golem's shiny exterior. Faust smirks as the golem steams to shut down and fall forwards. "How about that, Janus, bloody thing didn't even see me coming. Faust smiles broadly as a third golem charges his way. "You might as well run to your deactivation."
Round Three: (8)
The moment of undeserved pride doesn't help Faust too much as the golem's large hand swipes at Faust. The magus fall-steps backward, barely missing the bone-crushing strike. "Watch it you lout, I just got this outfit!" The golem continue's his assault as Faust barely dodges every attack. Finally, seeing an opening Faust runs up the wall of the cave, with great athletic skill and deftness he jumps off the wall and slams the head of his halberd into the golem's shoulder...which does nothing. The steel of his blade merely bounces off a more heavily armored portion of the golem's "skin." Faust and the golem continue to play a game of cat and mouse as the golem's lumbering strikes can't seem to catch up with the deft Faust's artful dodging. But, Faust's brow is beginning to sweat and the golem's golden mind is catching up to the patterns of the magus' evasion.
"Shiteshiteshiteshite. Damn behemoth get off me! Janus! Wanna help me over here? Or for that matter ANYONE ELSE!"
He looks around wildly for more companions, but loses concentration when he has to duck from another swing.
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
There's one golem left.
Let's give the other players a few days to catch up and post. If they haven't done so by the end of Monday, then those who have acted can go ahead and take another round (or rounds) of combat to finish it off (just start at round one again), and we'll assume the others are back guarding the temporarily time stopped hostages.
Let's give the other players a few days to catch up and post. If they haven't done so by the end of Monday, then those who have acted can go ahead and take another round (or rounds) of combat to finish it off (just start at round one again), and we'll assume the others are back guarding the temporarily time stopped hostages.
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
(Sorry for late posting, I just got back to school and am now really busy)
Round One: Spin and Strike - 11
Faust grumbled in frustration as he dodged another blow from the gold golem. He whips his body around, letting the weight of his weapon do the work as the steel edge of the blade sinks into the golems golden skin.
"Gold was a terrible choice for war golems, it bends so damn easy." He mutters as with one final push he fells the golem .
He take a moment to both catch his breath and pull the halberd out of the golems body. "You know Janus, I thought I'd really enjoy using this type of weapon. But, it's no fun at all. No art in it I suppose." His eyes drift to the lone elf, who conveniently didn't help in the fight.
"Now, how shall we deal with you?" He walks over to the elf slowly, his eyes darting around the man's body to check for any aggressive movement. "If you are innocent like you say, then you shall have to answer some questions. Will you join us as we meet up with our other companions? If you are innocent than I shall make sure no harm comes to you."
Round One: Spin and Strike - 11
Faust grumbled in frustration as he dodged another blow from the gold golem. He whips his body around, letting the weight of his weapon do the work as the steel edge of the blade sinks into the golems golden skin.
"Gold was a terrible choice for war golems, it bends so damn easy." He mutters as with one final push he fells the golem .
He take a moment to both catch his breath and pull the halberd out of the golems body. "You know Janus, I thought I'd really enjoy using this type of weapon. But, it's no fun at all. No art in it I suppose." His eyes drift to the lone elf, who conveniently didn't help in the fight.
"Now, how shall we deal with you?" He walks over to the elf slowly, his eyes darting around the man's body to check for any aggressive movement. "If you are innocent like you say, then you shall have to answer some questions. Will you join us as we meet up with our other companions? If you are innocent than I shall make sure no harm comes to you."
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
Janus turns his gaze to the elf, extending a hand to sense for any lingering magic on the elf or in the area.
"We bid you no harm, should you offer us none," he nods to his companion. "This is Faust, I am magus Janus. What is your purpose?"
"We bid you no harm, should you offer us none," he nods to his companion. "This is Faust, I am magus Janus. What is your purpose?"
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
The elf thanks you, then he turns to his fallen comrades, aghast, looking for survivors. It’s clear from the shape of their ears that these elves are different from the merchants you met earlier, though you are not sure how. Only two others remain alive. As the elf with the staff tends to their wounds, he explains.
“I am Immeral. This morning, a servant of one of the high born elves was handing out coins in the market. Special coins, newly minted from some rare metal, and powerfully enchanted. To an elf, they are harmless, but should any of another race take one, they would feel a sense of debt beyond all measure to the last elf who held it… Four humans took those coins, thinking it charity, and it drove them mad. They are possessed now to give all to that elf. If they have no more money or possessions, they will seek to give service. Barring that, they will rend their clothes to give. After all else is gone they will give their blood and lastly their life. We took them not to harm them, but to cure them. That servant was working under orders. He followed us, and we fought him off, though we had to flea down the mine when the watchmen came. This was just a test for tonight, for the Merchants’ Council meeting, when the thieves truly intend to strike. Our spies sent us word of this plot months ago, though none returned alive to tell us which of the three high born elven merchants was responsible…Perhaps it was all three. “
He sees you are confused. “Ah, I and my kin here are wood elves, shunned by our high elven cousins, and feared by many others for our 'primitive' ways. We were not invited to the Merchant’s Council meeting. Our warnings to the other races’ caravans were ignored. Our pleas to the human merchants dismissed. And so, we sought to disguise ourselves to make the convincing easier. Still, when we went to the market to tell the humans to abandon their newly acquired gold coins, they thought us bandits! We had no choice but to take them by force, and we brought them here for our mages to try and cure them, though it’s going badly. I did not mean to seriously harm the dark elf who interfered… “ He sighs. “Our leader had the bright idea to pretend we had taken them as hostages, despite my protests. He thought to force the humans to do what we could not: apprehend those responsible. He went to the surface for the exchange. You would not believe the truth, so what else could we do?”
He looks around “As for these golems, I can only assume one of the high elves sent them.” As he speaks, you see the gold golems slowly start to melt, turning to a muddy grey color.
You take him back to the previous room to rejoin your friends before heading to the surface. There you discover that the hostages have “unfrozen.” The others have been guarding them to keep them from harming themselves. The hostages are frightened, and fidgety, and occasionally must be restrained when a sudden fit of “generosity” overcomes them, causing them to rend their clothing, and scratch their own skin.
“Deprived of the elf who gave them the coin, to 'give' to, they are going mad. Even with him dead, the spell lingers. Only when that elf's body is burned will they be released, which is why we demanded the servant’s body as well.” He walks over to the chest. “In here we’ve stored the coins. We’ve found 9, though our spies informed us there was enough Lycerium metal for the goldsmiths to make 18.”
He suddenly gasps, hearing a noise. He goes to where the ceiling has caved in. He and his two wood elven companions move the boulder aside. Trapped behind it is a weasel, which jumps out, then scurries up his staff and leaps onto his shoulder. He pets it lovingly, then turns to answer your questions.
“I am Immeral. This morning, a servant of one of the high born elves was handing out coins in the market. Special coins, newly minted from some rare metal, and powerfully enchanted. To an elf, they are harmless, but should any of another race take one, they would feel a sense of debt beyond all measure to the last elf who held it… Four humans took those coins, thinking it charity, and it drove them mad. They are possessed now to give all to that elf. If they have no more money or possessions, they will seek to give service. Barring that, they will rend their clothes to give. After all else is gone they will give their blood and lastly their life. We took them not to harm them, but to cure them. That servant was working under orders. He followed us, and we fought him off, though we had to flea down the mine when the watchmen came. This was just a test for tonight, for the Merchants’ Council meeting, when the thieves truly intend to strike. Our spies sent us word of this plot months ago, though none returned alive to tell us which of the three high born elven merchants was responsible…Perhaps it was all three. “
He sees you are confused. “Ah, I and my kin here are wood elves, shunned by our high elven cousins, and feared by many others for our 'primitive' ways. We were not invited to the Merchant’s Council meeting. Our warnings to the other races’ caravans were ignored. Our pleas to the human merchants dismissed. And so, we sought to disguise ourselves to make the convincing easier. Still, when we went to the market to tell the humans to abandon their newly acquired gold coins, they thought us bandits! We had no choice but to take them by force, and we brought them here for our mages to try and cure them, though it’s going badly. I did not mean to seriously harm the dark elf who interfered… “ He sighs. “Our leader had the bright idea to pretend we had taken them as hostages, despite my protests. He thought to force the humans to do what we could not: apprehend those responsible. He went to the surface for the exchange. You would not believe the truth, so what else could we do?”
He looks around “As for these golems, I can only assume one of the high elves sent them.” As he speaks, you see the gold golems slowly start to melt, turning to a muddy grey color.
You take him back to the previous room to rejoin your friends before heading to the surface. There you discover that the hostages have “unfrozen.” The others have been guarding them to keep them from harming themselves. The hostages are frightened, and fidgety, and occasionally must be restrained when a sudden fit of “generosity” overcomes them, causing them to rend their clothing, and scratch their own skin.
“Deprived of the elf who gave them the coin, to 'give' to, they are going mad. Even with him dead, the spell lingers. Only when that elf's body is burned will they be released, which is why we demanded the servant’s body as well.” He walks over to the chest. “In here we’ve stored the coins. We’ve found 9, though our spies informed us there was enough Lycerium metal for the goldsmiths to make 18.”
He suddenly gasps, hearing a noise. He goes to where the ceiling has caved in. He and his two wood elven companions move the boulder aside. Trapped behind it is a weasel, which jumps out, then scurries up his staff and leaps onto his shoulder. He pets it lovingly, then turns to answer your questions.
Re: Down The Elevator (read disclaimer)
“Let us bring these hostages back to your allies. There is little we can do here,” says Immeral, “and the other mages we had keeping them frozen are dead.” He looks pale. “I will need your help, and this ruse has gone on long enough. Come, we can talk on the way out.”
Still uncertain whether to trust him or not, together you and the wood elves lead the hostages back up to the mine entrance where you meet up with the other PCs. Go to the thread “Reunited” to continue the adventure.
Still uncertain whether to trust him or not, together you and the wood elves lead the hostages back up to the mine entrance where you meet up with the other PCs. Go to the thread “Reunited” to continue the adventure.