Chapter 10: Eye of the Storm

[Jeff]

Team K

Cael's expression softens. He nods at both men. "Come with me, gentlemen." He turns and leads both human and halfling out through one of the central hall's several exits. When he reaches the top of a broad and spiral stairway that swirls down into darkness, he lifts a torch from the wall. He turns and eyes Kal's sharash blade. "And please, keep your weapons down."

Then he leads down. After a minute of descent, you realize just how dark it is down here. Only the torchlight holds it back. It's chill, but not dank. Cael speaks quietly.

"There is a vault below. A holy place. Once you have seen it, you will have a final chance to decide whether you wish to proceed or not. To enter, you must give sufficient tribute. It is...draconian in nature."

Condign

A ways off still, Condign ambles his way toward the temple through the streets of Stormreach. Or at least, toward where he thinks the temple might be. He's seen it once now, but now he might also be getting lost. This city is a maze in its own right. Take away all the free people, raise the giant walls higher, fill the cloud with roiling, evil clouds, and toss in a few fiends, and this could be the Labyrinth.

[Jeff]

Team B

While trying to appear surreptitious, it's difficult to tell who may be seeing or hearing your act. But out of the corner of his eye, Shorak does notice one person, a human woman in the robes of a career wizard sitting at a chair about fifteen feet away, deliberately angling herself so her back is to you. She appears intent on a book in front of her, and he can see some gear dropped on the other chairs as if the rest of her group is in the privies.

But Shorak's pretty sure she's trying to eavesdrop.

[Darren]

Team K

Kal feels a shiver crawl its way up his spine and back down again. 'Must be the cold,' he tells himself.

He walks behind Cael, his sharrash at his side. As they descend and darkness settles around them, the blade of the weapon springs to life almost of its own accord. Looking to Cael, Kal asks, "Is this alright? I do not wish to offend, buy my eyes are not so accustomed to the dark."

[Joe]

Team K

Streko brings up the rear of the caravan, as it were. He takes slow steps, making sure his shorter legs don't end up tripping him on the staircase.

He decides to allow the meager light from Kal's and Cael's two sources to be the only illumination. Besides, should there be trouble, Olladra's light will hopefully be enough to blind any enemies and allow them time to either escape of launch their own attack.

Not that he expects it. But, then again, he's been by Kal's side a bit too long to think this will go smoothly and easily.

[Dave W.]

Team B

Apr 11, 2012 10:45:32 GMT -4 Ken said:

[Belarin:]"Oh?!" says Nerrin derisively, his voice rising slightly. "But this IS something you can protect me against, Redoubt?" He indicates the blood stains, burns, and rips on his clothing. He shakes his head in exasperation.

"Yes, well, next time you're on fire I will be sure to throw myself on you to extinguish - it."

Finallly, he says morosely, "Not even out of Stormreach and I'm nearly killed. Perhaps you're right, Redoubt. Maybe I should sell the map to someone else and live to make a profit."

Adamant switches to a softer tone, "Yes, Master Nerrin, as I have said, getting the ... object ... will be challenging beyond imagining. And keeping an ... object ... this powerful will be even more so."

[Dave B.]

Team B

When Nerrin/Belarin mentions selling the map, Shorak takes another very slow sip of his drink. At the same time, he surreptitiously takes a look around the room. He's trying to gauge if there is anyone showing any interest in their conversation.

Taking note of the wizard, Shorak turns back to Belarin/Nerrin. "Well, Master Nerrin. Where to next?" He tilts his head in the direction of the female wizard, while quickly indicating her as a potential map buyer with his eyes.

"Wink, wink. Nudge, nudge. Know what I mean, know what I mean?"

[Jeff]

As they descend and darkness settles around them, the blade of the weapon springs to life almost of its own accord.

Ummm...light? Not sure what "the blade...springs to life" means.

Team K

"Best without, actually," Cael says somberly, and leads on down the stairway. The light is dim, but serviceable if you watch your footing.

At the bottom of the stairway, probably a good three or four "stories" below ground, Cael leads you through a small chamber and then to a formidable iron door. He touches a hand to the handle, speaks a word of command softly, and you hear it unlock. He hands Kal the torch he was carrying, then summons a soft magelight of his own so he can find his way back. "Here I must leave you. I can only offer this advice, my lords: If you trust in fate, then leave aggression behind. Give what you feel is sufficient, and keep your minds open." He offers a smile and turns to go.

[Darren]

Team K

I was referring to Kal's light spell which he usually casts on the blade of his sharrash. I guess I should have been more clear.

At Cael's admonishing, Kal consciously extinguishes the spell he had placed upon his halfling weapon. The gloom hangs over him heavily.

Taking the torch from the elf, Kal nods appreciation. "Thank you, Cael. I will take your words to heart."

Taking a deep breath, Kal begins to push forward, then stops and turns to look at Streko. "Thank you, as well, for coming this far with me. I will understand if you want to turn back and I will not blame you if you do. I must go forward, though. My destiny lies on the other side of that door. I'm convinced of it." He holds Streko's gaze for a moment, but does not wait for him to reply. Turning and taking another deep breath, he pushes the door open and walks forward.

[Joe]

Apr 12, 2012 9:31:40 GMT -4 Darren said:

Team K

I was referring to Kal's light spell which he usually casts on the blade of his sharrash. I guess I should have been more clear.

At Cael's admonishing, Kal consciously extinguishes the spell he had placed upon his halfling weapon. The gloom hangs over him heavily.

Taking the torch from the elf, Kal nods appreciation. "Thank you, Cael. I will take your words to heart."

Taking a deep breath, Kal begins to push forward, then stops and turns to look at Streko. "Thank you, as well, for coming this far with me. I will understand if you want to turn back and I will not blame you if you do. I must go forward, though. My destiny lies on the other side of that door. I'm convinced of it." He holds Streko's gaze for a moment, but does not wait for him to reply. Turning and taking another deep breath, he pushes the door open and walks forward.

Streko chuckles and follows behind his friend.

"My Lord, your destiny and mine have been interlinked since our days on Khorvaire, where a certain organization had it out for you...then me...then everyone else around us. I will not abandon you now, as I know deep in my soul that you would never abandon me, should my destiny come knocking on a cellar door. Lead on, lest our wondrous elven guide leave us in the gloom."

[Jeff]

Team K

With Cael now gone, Kal and Streko venture alone into the dark corridor beyond the door. For a few moments, it's eerily silent, and the narrowness and rough-hewn walls leave you wondering if this a traditional dungeons with cells and abandoned prisoners.

Then two things happen quite suddenly:

1. A powerful gust of wind jets out at you from the darkness ahead, snuffing out the lone torch in Kal's hand. Before you can do anything about it or summon new light...

2. The stony floor suddenly drops out from beneath you!

Darkness and vertigo and your own startled intakes of breath accompany on the fall down...and you're both instantly reminded of the scary, bowel-lurching, and ultimately enlightening fall in that shaft beneath Sharn...but surely this can't be as extreme as that?

Surely this is death at last.

The fall is uncomfortably long, but a sudden howl of wind hits you and actually seems to slow your decent. Then you stop falling, instantly, with a thud, an expulsion of air as it leaves your lungs, and a curious rustle of...coins?

Both human and halfling have tumbled down onto a semi-soft ground but more focused wind has deliberately cushioned their fall. They feel a bit battered but are none the worse for wear. It's extremely dim down here, and it feels like they're in larger, more echoing chamber. There's some very distant torchlight coming from somewhere far, creating the barest of ambient light in here. It'll take a few moments to adjust to the gloom. You can hear each other breathing, but you just can't see well.

And now you're sure of it: you're lying on a bed of coins that seem to stir with each bit of movement, suggesting it's a very large mound.

Kal feels Tangat's concern reach him empathically, wanting to know if he's all right.

[Brian]

Condign

Without trying to be too conspicuous--well, as much as a red-skinned and horned tiefling can be--Condign wanders the streets in a generally north and west direction, taking in the sights and sounds and smells of the harbor city.

When he has walked a good distance, seemingly getting no closer to the temple area, he stops at a merchant stand and asks if he is anywhere near the Temple of the Sovereign Host.

[Ken]

Team B

"I don't know," says Nerrin morosely in response to Shorak. Belarin avoids glancing in the direction that Shorak indicated, but he senses the drow's meaning. "Well, we should still meet with that Deneith heir after we get settled. He's done some work for my former House superiors, and word is that he'll pay well for information about the artifact. I hadn't really considered selling the map before... but now...? Well, Shorak, let us say I may consider offers."

He takes another drink and then places his empty mug loudly on the table.

[Joe]

Team K

Streko begins chuckling again. "Seems as if destiny decided to open wide, rather than knock. And, if I may hastily point out, the fact that it feels as if we landing on a mound of coins...and we are in search of dragon prophecy...leaves me more than just a bit concerned."

Streko looks around, attempting to get his bearings, make out objects, and otherwise adjust to the dimness.

"This must be the holy vault that Cael mentioned. Perhaps it would be best to leave an offering? After all, I do believe Cael mentioned something giving tribute. Something Draconian in nature?"

[Jeff]

Team B

The mage-looking woman at the next table half turns in her chair, drumming her fingers on the open pages of her book. Seeming impatient, or indecisive. She keeps glancing at the door, as if anxious for her companions to return.

[Jeff]

Condign

The merchant that Condign chooses turns out to be rather helpful and friendly...but the man can't stop glancing at Condign's horns. He doesn't seem intimidated, just perplexed to be asked for directions from a devil-man.

He gives him a few landmarks to work with, and that sets Condign off in the right direction. It doesn't take him long to spot the entrance to the Forgelight district. He knows he's in the right place when he starts to hear the ringing of hammer on anvil.

[Darren]

Team K

Falling. Falling again. Just like the last time. Like the last time? No, this is different. Different...

Kal can feel the painful press of coins into his back. All of this wealth, lying underneath him, and Kal feels...nothing. No desire to take it, no jealousy at its enormity. He rises carefully to his feet, attempting to peer ahead into the light. As he moves a foot, he hears the clink of the coins and again feels nothing. With a smile, he removes the pouch that contains his own coins and opens the drawstring. Then he turns it on its end, allowing the coins inside to spill out onto the ground. As the final one falls, he crushes the now empty pouch into his hand and begins to walk forward as though in a trance.


____________________
It's only money....right?

[Ken]

Team B

Having already been alerted to the attention they may have attracted, Belarin notices the woman's reaction. Maybe the day won't turn out so badly, after all. But he also doesn't want to be in a situation where a group of unknown adventurers tries to pressure his weakened trio into revealing an unfinished map. Still, it seems unlikely that the woman's friends would want to discuss the matter here, with potential rivals present. He hates indecision. He'd rather stick to his so-far-successful pattern of impulsive decisions followed by messy repercussions.

He sorely wishes that Larest would get back to them about their lodgings.

As Nerrin, he says to Shorak, "If I were to entertain offers, Shorak, can you recommend a place where we could meet discreetly with the 'right people'?"

With a jerk of his thumb, he indicates the door, suggesting to Shorak and Adamant that it's about time to leave.

[Joe]

Apr 14, 2012 10:55:10 GMT -4 Darren said:

Team K

Falling. Falling again. Just like the last time. Like the last time? No, this is different. Different...

Kal can feel the painful press of coins into his back. All of this wealth, lying underneath him, and Kal feels...nothing. No desire to take it, no jealousy at its enormity. He rises carefully to his feet, attempting to peer ahead into the light. As he moves a foot, he hears the clink of the coins and again feels nothing. With a smile, he removes the pouch that contains his own coins and opens the drawstring. Then he turns it on its end, allowing the coins inside to spill out onto the ground. As the final one falls, he crushes the now empty pouch into his hand and begins to walk forward as though in a trance.

Streko frowns.

"Kalarian?"

He glances at his own coin purse. The glance becomes a glare. He huffs, dumps the coins in his purse onto the pile and follows after his friend.

"I had best be allowed to follow...or I will come back and make a withdrawal!"

It is Draconian in nature.

"Or perhaps just be grateful that I am still breathing and intact."

[Dave W.]

Team B

Apr 14, 2012 12:38:19 GMT -4 Ken said:

With a jerk of his thumb, he indicates the door, suggesting to Shorak and Adamant that it's about time to leave.

"Really? Not even a meager 10 minute rest after today's excitement? Just liquor up and right back to it?"

"Very well," Adamant stands, "no rest for the 'forged it seems."

Adamant stays near Belarin as they make their way to the door.

--------------
I'm guessing we didn't get a healing surge back here?

[Dave W.]

When Belarin does not rise to leave, Adamant feels very conspicuous suddenly.

"Oh. We're not leaving. Sorry, I have trouble reading expressions sometimes."

He settles heavily back into his chair and tries to look casual.

-------------
Okay, I will ask for a healing surge rest now... Sorry, guys.

[Dave B.]

Team B

"Let me think a bit." Shorak sits back in his chair, taking the occasional sip from his drink.

"Professor Larest? We feel it's time for us to take a rest. Could you remind me again where we should seek out lodgings?"

He relaxes with the last of his drink to await the answer.

Healing surge, please.

[Brian]

Condign

As he makes his way toward Forgelight, with the sound of anvils ringing through the humid air, Condign decides to stop at a stall and browse some of the goods. Then he casually glances around, trying to note anyone following him or paying particular attention to his activities.

___________________________

Could I please get a Perception Check?

[Jeff]

Team K

Only seconds after Streko and Kal empty their coins into the pile, you hear a heavy stirring in the darkness ahead. Then there is suddenly a jet of flame which pushes away some of the darkness...and which ignites a series of thick candles affixed into a massive, ten-foot-tall candelabra which rises up from the expansive floor of coins like a miniature tower of thorns. It's taller than Kal, and the candles themselves are as thick as his legs.

But with the array of large candles now alight, you can see better now...at least, in the area immediately surrounding the candelabra. You can now see what you guessed at only moments before: You are standing in a sizable chamber of smooth, worked stone ringed with numerous, deep and shadowy alcoves and open archways. The coins that litter the floor, and in fact block you from seeing a floor at all (leading you to wonder just how deep this hoard is), also spill into these alcoves. The ceiling is high, out of sight, but you have the impression it's vaulted like a temple's.

But the actual full dimensions of the chamber you can't make out. It stretches on into the darkness. Behind you, you can't see an end to the wide space, either. Nor where you fell down from.

The treasure covering the floor appears to be a diverse mix of gold, silver, and copper. In general, there is a golden sheen to it, reflected in the firelight, suggesting that there's more gold and copper than silver here. The sheer amount of wealth represented here is incredible. But you also can't really discern the extent of it. Protruding from the mounds you see hints of other things. A hilt here, a horned helmet there, the glitter of gems and wands.

Then you hear a deep and strong male voice speak from inside one of the alcoves ahead—from the same opening where the jet of flame originated.

"Ever have the infantile humanoid races required fire to see in the dark. An unfortunate, but telling weakness. But for your small tribute...I will indulge you."

[Darren]

Team K

Kal's heart leaps into his throat. Whether from fear or excitement he cannot say. Perhaps it is a bit of both. He takes tentative steps forward on shaky legs. Surely they are in the presence of a dragon. What else could this horde represent?

"I am..." Kal begins, but his voice cracks. He clears his throat and continues, gaining surety with each word. "I am honored to be allowed audience with you, though I must admit to not knowing exactly why I am here. I am Kalarian Jaeren d'Deneith, dragonmarked heir of House Deneith. I am here..." Kal looks down at his hands, searching for words. "I am here because I seek clarity. I have had a vision of a great bronze dragon, and in that vision I was told to seek a coin the same color as the dragon and bearing its mighty visage. The priest above, the elf Cael, brought us to you. I will speak nothing but the truth with you..."

[Jeff]

Team B

"Professor Larest? We feel it's time for us to take a rest. Could you remind me again where we should seek out lodgings?"

Rest? It is still daytime... Are you tired already?

The matter is still pending, I'm afraid. I will inform you when I have secured our lodgings, though I suspect it will be soon. Can you not...rest up in a tavern somewhere? There are many. Surely you know the best ones, Shorak?

The bookish woman at the next table continues to listen, but makes no move to speak or address you.

_______________________

Shorak and Adamant each use one healing surge. (Shorak heals 12 and Adamant heals 14.)

[Joe]

Apr 16, 2012 11:47:44 GMT -4 Darren said:

Team K

Kal's heart leaps into his throat. Whether from fear or excitement he cannot say. Perhaps it is a bit of both. He takes tentative steps forward on shaky legs. Surely they are in the presence of a dragon. What else could this horde represent?

"I am..." Kal begins, but his voice cracks. He clears his throat and continues, gaining surety with each word. "I am honored to be allowed audience with you, though I must admit to not knowing exactly why I am here. I am Kalarian Jaeren d'Deneith, dragonmarked heir of House Deneith. I am here..." Kal looks down at his hands, searching for words. "I am here because I seek clarity. I have had a vision of a great bronze dragon, and in that vision I was told to seek a coin the same color as the dragon and bearing its mighty visage. The priest above, the elf Cael, brought us to you. I will speak nothing but the truth with you..."

...and I shall speak nothing at all unless spoken to. By the Host...am I in the presence of a dragon? Truly? I so wish to stand behind Kalarian, but would that show weakness? Should I stand at his side and risk a puddle at my feet? Olladra, what in the God's names do I get myself into?

[Dave B.]

Team B

"We came across a little...trouble. I was hoping to save some time, but if you are not ready for us, I can certainly deal with it."

"Well, Master Nerrin. Since the rooms you reserved won't be ready until later today, we can see if there's a private room here that we can use to clean up or I can take us somewhere else. What would you prefer?"

Oops. I used the wrong color on my previous post. Sorry.

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin discerns Shorak's meaning. "A private room here will suffice, Shorak," he says as Nerrin. "To my shock, this place... appeals to me. Must be the sour, depressing mood I'm in."

[Dave W.]

Apr 16, 2012 23:57:16 GMT -4 Ken said:

Team B

Belarin discerns Shorak's meaning. "A private room here will suffice, Shorak," he says as Nerrin. "To my shock, this place... appeals to me. Must be the sour, depressing mood I'm in."

"Or it might be the three mugs of fluids." Adamant retorts. "Be sure to get plenty of water," the warforged encourages Shorak, "we all have considerable soot to deal with."

[Jeff]

Condign

Condign tries to gauge whether anyone is following or watching him. But either they are too subtle for him, or there simply isn't anyone watching. He doesn't sense or spy anyone.

As he stands there, though, he does see a pair of giants walk past that other people move away from to let them go. Hill giants, he's heard them called. Each is at least ten feet tall, and clad in patchwork animal hides with fur still on them. They certainly look like a primitive people, nothing like the ancient, advanced giants who were said to have once ruled all of Xen'drik.