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Archiv => Archiv - Online-RPGs D&D/d20 3E => Drow Campaign => Thema gestartet von: Zanan am 08.09.2008, 18:07:13

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.09.2008, 18:07:13

After their venture to the shrines of Lolth on behalf of one of the Dark Mother's crusader orders, Zhadristan, Paval, Sheiriya and their companions have returned to Sschindylryn. More specifically to the trade cavern near the City of Portals. While Zhadristan and Sheiriya sauntered off together, the rest simply dispersed and went after their own business. That was about two month ago.

As Zhadristan and his beautiful 'consort' venture through the bazaar - just after the arrival of a couple of caravans - Sheiriya overhears a patrol getting orders to look for a number of people which have a striking likeness to the group members. She tells Zhadristan about this and soon after arriving in their guesthouse, the landlord informs them that a few 'priestesses' were asking questions about them - not that he said anything (being paid good money to keep his teethbox shut). While he does not say so, you get the impression that he would like to see the backs of you sooner rather than later.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 11.09.2008, 20:23:44

Paval exits the Dark Path guild, happy with the scout that will aid him in his travels. Although as a trader he knows about travelling in the Underdark, he knows that numbers always help and an extra pair of eyes and extra experience is vital.

Today, Paval looks like a normal drow. His skin, what can be seen, is coal black and his long white hair is loose around his face. He is wearing his cowl of his cloak over his head but his face is clearly visible.

Acting on feeling and intuition rather then thought or decision he walks into a guest house. As he looks around, wondering why his feet brought him here he takes out a small purse of gold, hoping that that will allay any suspicions of the landlord.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 12.09.2008, 14:16:15

While walking about, Paval too notices the city patrols as well as some drow warrior-priestesses making inquiries about people he knows as well as one "elven" male who is not (yet) a slave.

The inn he has entered is a well-known gathering point for sellswords, scouts, travellers and other adventurous people. There are quarters where deals can be struck in private, at a pirce. Paval spots a number of people which he can size up, though none of them is familiar to him from previous ventures.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 15.09.2008, 18:22:37

Paval buys a number of provisions for his journey. He wants to leave as quickly as possible for personal reasons as well as to get away from inquisitive priestesses.

He looks around, wondering if he can persuade anyone to join him on his journey.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 15.09.2008, 19:27:11

"I think it's time to leave this place. I don't like the thought of being questioned by an overeager priestess." Sheiriya tells Zhadristan in his mind when they get to their room, after having given the innkeeper some extra money.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 18.09.2008, 08:43:00

I wish they would go to hell, the sour Zhadristan answers. He fetches the few belongings he has in the room to pack his bag and begins to put on his battle gear.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 18.09.2008, 20:12:36

"Unlikely, since their mistress is not there." She gets together what she might have left in the room and then looks at herself in the mirror. Her hair looses its metallic silver shine and becomes pure white while her face changes to become a different one. Her close fitting leather clothing dilates and then shifts to being something more ordinary.
Then she switches the places of her rapier and the longsword, storing the first mentioned in the magic glove and the other in her scabbard which expands to fit to the new weapon. At the end she stuffs her highly adorned cloak into her belt and dons a normal piwafwi.
"What do you think about this?" she asks when she turns around to Zhadristan.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 19.09.2008, 19:13:06

Paval buys a drink from the landlord, since the guest house has a public room for the buying of drinks. Someone called him here, of this he is certain but he is not certain why he was called here.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 22.09.2008, 08:06:45

"When we are going to be on our way out, even I will have to take care not to loose you", Zhadristan says.
He runs through the usual preparation, checking that all wands, potions and weapons are in place. "Shall we?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 22.09.2008, 11:40:51

A rather nondescript drow enters the guesthouse and makes his way to the table Paval waits. Once he gets the drow's attention, the hired scout says: "Vendui. Is this the place you hope to meet your company? The spiders grow more restless by the minute, for whatever reason. Better to leave sooner rather than later?! It could well be that they shut the gates."
He scans the guestroom warily, though does not seem to be in any hurry himself.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 23.09.2008, 18:11:48

A short while later, the door opens yet again, this time with a bang. In it's frame stands an filthy looking drow male, a cocky smile on his face. He enjoys the attention his entry generated for a moment, then swaggers over to the bar and slaps on it's surface. "Red wine!" he barks at the keeper, "Chilled!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 23.09.2008, 19:52:10

"Yes, we shall." She walks towards the door. "Is there a special place you prefer to go to?" she asks Zhadristan telepathically. "What about the world above? Wouldn't that be interesting?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 24.09.2008, 09:24:54

That stops Zhadristan in his tracks. "The surface?", Zhadristan echoes and burst of thoughts runs through his mind. "This is madness. Everything is. I curse my own stupidity in dealing with them again. I should have known it. I should have stayed out of their way after I escaped my damned house."
He clenches his fists for a moment and then exhales deeply in an effort to calm his rising anger. "Above? Really?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.09.2008, 17:44:37

Paval glances up at the nondescript drow.

"So you made it," he rasps. He takes another sip of his drink. "Then let us leave."

He stands and makes ready to leave. Just then a filthy drow enters the establishment. Clearly, a commoner judging by the request for chilled red wine. He smiles.

He turns to the scout, "Let us leave."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 24.09.2008, 20:32:36

Sheiriya does not wait for Zhadristan as she descends the stairs. "Why not. I've never been there." Either she has not noticed his state of mind or she does not show she has. Downstairs she waits for the right moment to get into the main room of the guesthouse without being seen by the landlord.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 25.09.2008, 10:03:18

The scout's eyes follow Paval's and the drow wonders what the landlord's reaction to the 'commoner' will be. "Are we going to travel alone then?" he asks. Then he caughts sight of Sheiriya descending the stairs sneaking away while the landlord's attention is on the 'commoner'. "Neat," he mutters.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 25.09.2008, 10:52:55

"Sure, why not", Zhadristan tells the air in front of him and shakes his head. He laughs silently as he descends the stairs to catch up with Sheiriya.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 26.09.2008, 07:44:26

"Good question," Paval speaks in reply to the scout. "But we can hardly stay here, and it is foolish to go recruiting for party members when time is of the essence.

"For the moment, I need to avail myself of the facilities - too much tea this morning. Wait here." Paval heads to the lavatory.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.09.2008, 14:54:53

"Tea?", the scout says. Then, after half a moment, he mutters: "Ah, that tea!" He walks over to the entrance that Sheiriya and Zhadristan are heading to, reaching it just before the twosome. Appearing to open the door for the beauty of a female, he just stops short, nodding towards someone behind the two. Nearly out of nothing, a priestess has appeared, her snake-headed whip drawn back to strike: "Stay where you are! Hereby and in the name of Lolth I place you under arrest!"
The scout closes the door and turns towards Sheiriya, a slim long dagger levelled at her chest. "My profound apologies, fair one! Orders, you know!?!"
The landlord turns his head towards the four people at the back of his establishment. As it dawns on him who might have just been captured, a pained look appears on his face.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 26.09.2008, 16:04:07

"By the eight-legged bitch, who do I have to kill for a drink here?" the dirty drow at the bar asks very loudly.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.09.2008, 22:20:33

The landlord pales by four shades hearing the 'commoner's' words, not taking his eye of the priestess. The latter is apparently oblivious to the insult though.

A few of the guests turn their eyes on the 'commoner', though none seems all to eager to get involved. One of the servants cautiously walks towards the 'commoner' and asks him politely about his wishes - taking a close look at staying far enough away from him.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 27.09.2008, 17:41:03

"In the name of Lolth?", Zhadristan laughs out almost hysterically. "And you bring only one with you? If I would not believe you were mad, I would feel offended. What do you want from us? Our contract with your superiors is fulfilled, we have no more business with you."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.09.2008, 22:37:49

The male pointing a blade at Sheiriya mutters: "Shall I be offended at the 'only'? Well, maybe not. I'll think about that later."
The priestess raises an eyebrow dangerously as the male speaks the name of the Dark Mother without much respect. "I know of no deal of yours with someone else! The orders are that you and your consort have to be turned in!" The female holds up a small crystal ball in her off-hand, proclaiming: "We are being watched right now and if you fail to comply with my orders, the might of the Spider Queen will strike you down from out of this sphere!"
Neither Zhadristan nor Sheiriya can determine whether this claim might be true, the scout slowly edges out of line with the sphere and Sheiriya ... just in case.
"First, we will leave this place!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 28.09.2008, 12:40:47

"Ask the priestess about that." Sheiriya tells the male who theatens her with the blade. "I guess in her opinion you don't count." For the moment Sheiriya does what the priestess tells her. Hopefully there will come a better time to act.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 28.09.2008, 16:29:44

The drow at the bar finally turns around and in an irritated tone of voice says to the group in general: "Would you stop your blathering? No-one can concentrate on their jobs right now." He then addresses the priestess directly: "By the way, I don't like being spied upon. So, drop that orb!" His last words seem to carry a very suggestive power.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 28.09.2008, 20:27:06

Whether upon his command or because of the surprise about being spoken too by that lout, the crystal orb drops to the floor. It does not shatter and the priestess spares only a tentative look at the male. Nearly out of nothing, a hand-crossbow appears in the off hand of the scout, aimed at the 'commoner'. "Your associate," the scout asks.
Not replying to this, the priestess orders: "Out of here, now!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 29.09.2008, 07:04:55

"No, but I think we would get along just fine", Zhadristan tells the scout. Then he says to priestess, "We have no quarrel with you, we will follow."

Dear, are you listening?, Zhadristan wonders in his mind. I take the priestess.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 29.09.2008, 07:57:47

"The priestess in no priestess. Sheiriya tells Zhadristan after a few moment. "I don't know what she plans, but she wants to help us." She turns towards the door and gives the scout a questioning look. "Would you be so kind? We are supposed to leave," she asks.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 29.09.2008, 15:25:51

"Uh ... yes," the male replies. Hardly taking an eye of the female and the 'commoner', he casts a quick look at the door. Shadows swirl around the doorknob and draw it open, remaining where they are. The scout casts a look to the outside and slips through the open door, still keeping his eyes closely trained at his targets.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 29.09.2008, 17:42:41

You will have to explain that later, Zhadristan replies. He follows outside, but not before giving the owner of the place an icy look.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.09.2008, 21:15:14

The scout slips to the outside, followed by the two drow and the priestess. Half an instant afterwards, the shadows pull the door tight again.
The priestess lowers her whip, while the scout steps back a few steps, not as relaxed as the female. The latter says: "Forgive my rudeness, it is me Paval. The whole city is in upheaval and I deemed it best to provide you a quick escape from this place and the city. Besides, I will untertake a venture and the abilities shown by you lead me to the conclusion that I would be better off having you two accompanying me. Subject to your agreement and my ability to pay for your ... services, of course."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 01.10.2008, 10:26:40

"I was right, you are mad", Zhadristan tells him. He gives Sheiriya a questioning glance.
"But I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Who is your companion?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 01.10.2008, 12:10:35

Inside the guest house, the dirty drow hesitates. The two troublemakers behave a bit oddly, especially the priestess. He tilts his head as if listening to something, then says: "Right.", and after picking up the discarded crystal ball, he follows the group outside.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 01.10.2008, 13:13:42

"As far as I can know, he tells the truth." Sheiriya informs Zhadristan. Then she speaks to Paval as well. "You started this scheme and so I think we should stick to it and not stand around talking."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 01.10.2008, 19:32:14

"Let us make haste to the appropriate portal. If the opportunity to accompany does not seem appealing, at least I can provide you with a suitable exit from too many questions," Priestess Paval whispers.

She (He) then grasps the whip more firmly. "Come along! No arguments!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 02.10.2008, 08:20:56

Zhadristan will play along then.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 02.10.2008, 11:22:08

At that, the scout lowers his weapons a little, not willing to draw any unnecessary attention. Regarding Sheiriya's question, he starts: "He ... she hired my services from the Dark Path, Tathlyn the name is." He bows just a little, then takes point position after hearing Paval's orders. Slowly he walks towards one of the exits of the trademeet cavern, one that does not look guarded right now. The threesome know that this exit eventually leads to another cavern which features a dark lake and various fungi farms and rothe kennels. While the exit is being guarded with regards to 'foreigners' drow can usually enter unmolested. There are, after all, a number of shops in this cavern, as well as a more exotic slave market.
The drow keeps his weapons hidden, those who walk behind him can spot a small bat clinging to his cloak, eyeing the three drow with small but crimson eyes.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.10.2008, 10:56:01

Very few priestesses are to be found in this part of the city. The scouts leads you through a number of small bazaars, stopping every now and then to discern whether you are being followed. Finally, he enters a run-down shop, bereft of anything of value. Crates and barrels line the walls, a handful of small magical lights illuminates tapestries depicting maps of surface and Underdark realms alike. In the far corner of the, a handful of kobolds sit on the ground and play a game of bones, while on a desk near one of the more brighter lights, a drow female is busily copying some book. She lifts her head as the group enters, while the kobolds stop playing.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 05.10.2008, 12:25:29

When they enter the shop Sheiriya pretends to study the maps but instead concentrates on the drow with the book.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 05.10.2008, 13:11:18

The dirty drow doesn't seem to care if he looses his quarry. He wanders in the general direction they took, stoppng all the while and quietly asking questions into thin air, then continuing on.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 06.10.2008, 07:51:32

Zhadristan scans the room, barely taking notice of the kobolds. He notices the maps, looks at Sheiriya as if to say something, but then he just shakes his head in resignation.
"Time to talk. What is this all about?", Zhadristan addresses Paval.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 06.10.2008, 20:56:14

Priestess Paval bows slightly but politely to the drow female copying the book. "What is this place? S/He asks Tathlyn. For the moment, S/He pretends not to have heard Zhadristan.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 07.10.2008, 09:30:55

"The Dark Path comes calling again," the female says. Tathlyn nods and bows his head slightly. "Greetings to you, Kaer'vinnal Hae'ikae! My employer is indeed in need of your services." The female draws a sheet of black silk over her latest drawings and walks around her desk to stand before you, introducing herself:
"Kaer'vinnal Hae'ikae, trader in maps, books, and information."

Tathlyn, having heard Zhadristan request, makes a short handsign saying "Wait a little."
Then he adresses Paval as he would a female priestess: "The Dark Path is glad to have found a partner as knowledgable and confidential as Mistress Hae'ikae. She will provide us with both information about the place you are seeking as well as means to get there."
"For a right price," the female adds, "of course."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 07.10.2008, 10:34:20

The drow tracks the group until he reaches the shop they entered. He followes them, holding out the crystal ball and says, with a genuine smile on his lips: "Hello, you lost something back there."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 07.10.2008, 13:10:32

A little bit irritated by the newcomer Sheiriya turns towards him and hisses "Be quiet!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 07.10.2008, 13:56:21

The scout as well as the Mistress Hae'ikae turn their heads towards the newcomer, a slight scowl on the latter's face.

Sheiriya's words ring very plausible in the newcomers ears, won't stop him from blathering on though.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 08.10.2008, 19:48:28

Priestess Paval looks over at Sheriya, "Is this male yours? He certainly isn't mine."

Priestess Paval bows politely to the drow map-seller.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 08.10.2008, 22:25:10

The newcomer looks crestfallen and quite a bit confsed because of the rebuke, then whispers very loudly: "I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.10.2008, 22:58:31

Tathlyn quietly says: "We met him in that guesthouse. None of my associates. Then again, he might think differently ..."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 09.10.2008, 13:06:16

Priestess Paval looks at the newly arrived, and slightly impertinent, drow male. "Male," S/He says, "If you remain, you accompany us. If you leave now, I judge that you have committed no harm. As I do not know your House or your Matron I can not command you but if you are with a House then I suggest you leave.

If you are free to choose then make your decision now."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 09.10.2008, 18:02:21

The drow male smiles, then suddenly bows formally and says: "I'm terribly impolite not to introduce myself earlier. My name is Jhaelvirr Khalazza. I have no house, but I've been told to stay with you."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 10.10.2008, 15:29:16

The shop owner looks at the door to see whether any other people linger about, just to make sure. Turning on Paval, she asks: "Very well, I'll await you in my map gallery ( pointing to a door behind her) and prepare the formalities." She removes herself from the desk, bows a little and walks away, leaving the door to the gallery open and her guests with enough room to clear any 'open issues'. The kobolds, while still playing their bones game, keep a close look at the customers.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 10.10.2008, 18:03:29

So, you have been told to stay with at least one of us. Who did tell you that? Sheiriya asks Jhaelvirr when mistress Hae'ikae has left the room.

4

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 10.10.2008, 19:55:03

Zhadristan rests his gaze on Jhaelvirr, waiting for his reply.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 11.10.2008, 09:41:14

Paval also waits for Jhaelvirr's answer.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 11.10.2008, 12:55:01

"The spirits told me, of course," Jhaelvirr answers.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 11.10.2008, 21:17:11

Sheiriya waits a moment if the Paval priestess wants to say something to drow's answere first.

4

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 12.10.2008, 11:24:02

"the spirits that are found in a bottle or the ones that are seen leaving the bodies of recently insolent males?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 12.10.2008, 16:25:05

Tathlyn keeps a discrete silence while listening to the talking. Out of a habit, it seems, he occasionally checks for his equipment with his fingertips.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 13.10.2008, 06:46:53

Zhadristan appears rather annoyed by Paval's words, but he still remains quiet.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 13.10.2008, 14:43:09

"The spirits in a bottle..." Jhaelrvirr frowns, then laughs. "That's a good one. I have to remember it. No, not those spirits. The spirits that are all around us. Some are powerful, some are so minor that they can barely make themselves heard." The male's face takes on a strained expression as his voice become even more deep and coarse and falls into a lecturer's speech pattern. "Surely you can hear them, no? Well, it doesn't matter. They are there, and they can offer valuable information as well as powerful abilities if you know how to tap them." A thin film of perspiration forms on Jhaelvirr's forehead, and his eyes desperatly look about. He clamps his mouth shut with an effort, then speaks through his teeth: "Can we please change the subject?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.10.2008, 20:00:55

Priestess Paval smiles, "I'm aware of the spirits that are around us, some of them at least. You have answered well, Master Khalazza. Very well indeed.

"Let us join Mistress Hae'ikae in the Map Gallery."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 14.10.2008, 11:08:43

Tathyln keeps his face as desinterested as possible when talk about spirits and ghosts starts. He nods at Paval's request and heads onwards and into the next room. It is abot 30 feet in diameter, it's dome-like ceiling supported by four plain columns. The walls as well as about a dozen racks are covered by maps and tapestries depicting - in various detail - places all over Faerûn, surface and Underdark alike. It does not take an expert to note that not all were created by the same artist. Some of them look quite old, others seem to be still wet. On the far side, a quill magically copies a drawing of the main cavern of Sschindlyryn. The scratching of its tip is the only noise in this room.
While you were debating, Mistress Hae'ikae has cleared a semi-circular stone bench near the centre of the room and invites people to sit, if they fancy this.

"So," the trader begins, "What is it that you need, Mistress ahem ... she who employs the Dark Path?" A discrete tone creeps into the last bit of her sentence.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 16.10.2008, 15:50:14

Tathlyn gives the trader a small piece of parchement, which the latter reads and nods thoughtfully.
"Sarenastar, not many people want to go there. Let me see." She moves to a rack closeby and has a look at the maps on it, not once turning her back at Paval - obviously aware of courtesy.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 17.10.2008, 07:46:19

Zhadristan just plays along and tries not to get involved.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 17.10.2008, 13:39:46

Sheiriya follows the others into the map galery but keeps a "magic eye" on the other room, especially the entrance.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 17.10.2008, 23:11:17

You hear a quiet chime in the other room and after a few moments, the door opens. There is some chatter which can be clearly discerned as kobold speech. One of these figures shows itself at the door shortly thereafter, bowing deep towards all drow and mistress Hae'ikae in particular.
Not leaving her eyes of Paval - out of respect - she nods towards the kobold. It works its way up to the female and gives a short report in Draconic. The trader dismisses it and displays a concerned face.
"The priestesses have entered this cavern too now and start searching the buildings. We have a few more moments, but you won't be able to leave this cavern by normal means."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 18.10.2008, 11:51:31

"We would like to get to the Forest of Mir." Priestess Paval says. "If you can do this swiftly, we would be most pleased."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 18.10.2008, 12:31:17

Looking shortly at the the scout, Mistress Hae'ikae says: "100 gold for each of the two maps, 300 for you all to exit Sschindylryn through my gate ... which will, coincidentally, cut your travel by a week and a half."
She retrieves one map from the rack, while getting another out of a cupboard.
"I'll give you this scrollcase on top of this, if you remember to visit my place first when considering another trip into Har'oloth and requiring maps and the like. It will keep your items dry and save." The traders puts the maps into the case and waits next to one of the pillars.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 18.10.2008, 15:33:31

Jhaelvirr follows the others into the map room, listening intently to the conversation. After hearing the priestess talking about 'Mir', he asks: "What's a forest?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 18.10.2008, 19:31:47

Priestess Paval pays over the gold. S/He overhears Jhaelvirr's comment "You'll discover what a forest is soon enough."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 20.10.2008, 15:05:32

Mistress Hae'ikae hands the scroll case to Tathlyn and motions towards a door barely visible behind the large tapestry. As the drow approach, it swings open to reveal a drow male clad in a gray, hooded robe. He bows towards the group and leads them onwards through a narrow corridor. You bypass a number of closed doors and enter a room which is locked by a door made of massive iron bars. It is octagonal and has no exits, only two drawn semicircles on the floor.
Way behind you, the chimes of the door 'ring' again.
Looking unconcerned, the drow bows down and touches arcane runes inlaid into the semicircles. Slowly, magic turns the stone on the open half of the circle into something that looks like molten mithril, creating a full circle. He steps back from this circle and invited you to use the portal. The scout seems to have no problem with the apparent fire of the molten stones and steps into the circle, disappearing instantly.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 20.10.2008, 16:01:53

Jhaelvirr scowls at the priestesses back, but says nothing. Sullenly, he enters the portal chamber. As he sees the doorway activated, his scowl vanishes, and his eyes lighten up.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 22.10.2008, 07:57:09

In front of the portal, Zhadristan takes the lightning wand from his belt. He better has some good answers on the other side, he signs to Sheiriya before stepping through.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 22.10.2008, 12:56:43

Still looking into the entrance room by her magical means Sheiriya gets a look at the newcommers. If they are priestesses she dismisses the sensor at once. Before she steps through the portal puts her magic glove on. Building portals should be a lucrative job, the thinks by herself.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 22.10.2008, 13:44:41

It are indeed a couple of adamantine-armor clad priestesses and as many warriors stepping into the room. Mistress Hae'ikae is at her desk again, writing once more.

Only Paval, Jhaelvirr and the male drow remain in the room with the portal.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 22.10.2008, 20:14:14

Priestess Paval steps into the portal.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 23.10.2008, 09:39:13

The other side of the portal reveals itself as a pillar of stone that has the appearance of a massive molten candle and looks much like those around him. You cannot see farther than 10 feet before these pillars block the way in either direction, pillars that are at least 20 feet tall. A small way meanders through this forest of stone and Tathlyn waits till everyone has appeared before signalling to move on.
"We do not know whether those on our trail will use the portal too, so we should move on somewhat, shall we not?" he signals.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 23.10.2008, 16:07:18

Jhaelvirr looks on as the others step through the gateway, humming to himself and moving his body back and forth to the tune. With the priestess vanishing, he followes her closely, narrowly managing not to bump into her on the other side.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 23.10.2008, 20:21:03

Priestess Paval examines the floor.

"Yes, we should move away from here quickly. However, perhaps we should leave a few marks that form a false trail?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 23.10.2008, 21:21:13

As some priestesses came to mistress Hae'ikae the moment we entered the portal room, moving quickly should be advantageous. Sheiriya states and makes her crossbow ready. "If the portal is known in this region this place really calls for an ambush." she tells Zhadristan.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 24.10.2008, 08:42:35

"I would like to be the one to ambush for a change", Zhadristan replies with a glance at the portal.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.10.2008, 11:01:07

<DSL>If we wait, we may only encounter the vanguard and be surprised by the main party. Let us make haste, but also leave a few signs that say we went in a direction different to where we went.</DSL>

Priestess Paval runs around the portal making lots of boot-marks on the ground <assuming that is possible>.

<DSL>]Let's go. Master Tathlyn lead the way if you please. Mistress Sheiriya, if it pleases you, I request that Zhadristan scouts for us.</DSL>

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 24.10.2008, 11:34:26

While the others do mind- and silent-talk, Tathlyn takes a closer look at their surrounding, and quietly murmurs: "I would have bet that I stepped out of another stone last time around ..."
After feeling comfortable enough, the scout adresses the group, quiet again.
"Mistress Hae'ikae's portal only opens once a day or so. I have used it before. Whoever came in after us won't be getting here the easy way. Laying false trails always has merit though," he adds towards priestess Paval.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.10.2008, 20:24:57

"I have a plan," Priestess Paval says, "I'll cast a spell that'll make it seem like any who come this way are under attack. It probably won't affect them but the point is to make them think they are under attack."

Priestess Paval asks Tathlyn to lead the way. S/He makes sure all are a safe distance away before casting Symbol of Sleep.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 25.10.2008, 08:09:45

Zhadristan walks up to Paval and responds to his signing aloud, sounding very angered. "If you want something from me, you will address me."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 25.10.2008, 11:34:04

Priestess Paval glowers at Zhadristan, "In future, I will address you but until I knew what the relationship was between you and Mistress Sheiriya I would ask her out of common sense. You and her are close, that is apparent to all.

"You are taking offence when none was intended. Please direct your angst outward to possible threats not inward towards imaginary insult."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 25.10.2008, 13:42:22

Sheiriya tries to hide a snicker when Zhadristan walks over to Paval. "Oh, are you my official pet drow now?" she sends to the first mentioned.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 25.10.2008, 16:26:53

"I see", Zhadristan replies and swallows some of his anger. "Then let us proceed to a better place where we can rest and talk. I suppose your companion knows the way?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 25.10.2008, 19:08:50

More to himself than anyone else, the 'companion' whispers. "Does he know the way? Well, maybe he does. It his job to know the way so he better should, shouldn't he?"

The cavern is some 50 feet high, so you can see the ceiling - unless it is obstructed from view by the many pillars and stalagmites rising like teeth up into the heights. They all are surprisingly thin. Tathlyn gets an arrow and a shortbow out of a quiver, pointing towards a small path leading away from the portal. "Let's try this route," he signals.
The scouts stops after some 20 paces, waiting for Paval to do his spellcasting. He sends his bat flying about the cave and after Paval joins up with the group, leads you onward towards a tunnel which peels itself out of the darkness 200 paces on. About a quarter of an hour later, you reach a high-domed circular cavern, some 60 feet wide. The scout signals that the way leads downards through a crack at the far wall, but he will wait till people had a chance to talk to one another. Seemingly disinterested in this, he walks over and has a look at said crack at the floor.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 25.10.2008, 23:47:41

From time to time Sheiriya uses her magic to take a look from above or to places she could not see right now, like around corners.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.10.2008, 11:06:10

Apart from you, the cavern is bereft of any life. A few piercer hulls lie in one corner, some skeletons of these creature still cling to the ceiling.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 26.10.2008, 16:43:11

Paval is cautious, looking all around and listening out for sounds. S/He follows Tathlyn's lead.

"As soon as we are camped at a safe location we can talk."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 28.10.2008, 00:26:22

Tathlyn, after 'listening' to the sounds of the Underdark for a time, signals an all clear. This place seems to be as safe as it gets.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 28.10.2008, 21:54:45

The scout waits for the others to clear the air between them. He sends his bat about once more while untying a rope from his belt.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 31.10.2008, 14:07:14

Zhadristan lays down his pack and finds himself a more or less comfortable spot to sit. "Despite ending up, well, wherever we are, I think you still deserve thanks for your timely appearance", he tells Paval.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 31.10.2008, 19:04:06

Sheiriya changes back to her normal appearance as she walks over to Zhadristan and Paval. First she just listens to their conversation.

3

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 01.11.2008, 10:24:38

The scout looks over to the threesome and gulps as he sees Sheiriya. After a while, he draws his eyes away and gets the scrollcase out and scans the maps.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 02.11.2008, 18:33:18

Jhaelvirr looks around and comments: "Nice spot. Very homey," to no one in particular. He then rumaged around in his bag, producing a piece of chalk. He knees on the floor, a few paces away from the group and starts drawing on the ground. He stops, closes his eyes and concentrates for a moment. When he opens his eyes again, the drow emits an audible sigh and raises, putting the chalk away and leaving the unfinished pattern behind.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.11.2008, 11:45:12

Once the talking has finished, Tathlyn puts the maps back into the scrollcase and stores it away. He fastens hisrope to a stalagmite and throws it down the shaft.
When the foursome have arrived, he speaks in a low and quiet voice: "The portal has shifted us a great deal nearer to our destination. We will have to get down here and then move up to the north for a day or so, depending how much ... resistance we meet at the Darklakes. There is a ruined kuo-toa settlement too, a trading post. From there, we need about two days to get nearer to the surface." He looks at the others and waits for questions.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 05.11.2008, 13:16:05

"What kind of resistance do you expect to meet?" Sheiriya asks the scout. Meanwhile she exchanges her weapons, so that the spider hilted rapier is at her side again, and dons her embroidered cloak.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 05.11.2008, 14:47:29

Jhaelvirr pipes up: "Can we go around the lakes? I hate fishes."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.11.2008, 15:09:02

"Well, the scout," replies, "We will not go through the lakes, at least not through the water. It is quite shallow in most places anyway. As for creatures, ... (he tries in vein for a right word to address her properly) ... perhaps a few kuo-toa. It is usually a rather quiet place."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 07.11.2008, 17:19:57

The crack in the floor reveals itself to be a series of volcanic chutes running vertically through the stones. While very smooth, they present no real challenge, since there are quite a number or cracks. Some of these feature sharp edges, so you still have to be quite careful. At be the bottom of the shafts a low cave filled ankle-deep with fine basalt dust awaits. No tracks can be spotted, yet the scout keeps a wary eye at the various openings. He draws an arrow out of his quiver and waves it in a manner to attract everyone's attention. Then Tathlyn uses the tip of the arrow to draw a dpee line in the dust, a line which nigh instantly fills full up again as if it was quicksand.
In a quiet voice, he says: "Such ground can fool you very easily, especially hereabouts. There are always some minor tremors from the volcan below our feet and they can easily flatten the surface - making you believe that no-one has walked here for ages." He places the arrow back in his quiver and continues his short lecture in Underdark survival: "Never forget to check the ground as well. There might be cracks and chutes filled with fine stones and dust and they swallow you in no-time ... and I for one wouldn't welcome the idea of dust-suffocating in such a hole." After tying his rope to his belt, he points at a nearby, four feet high tunnel and adds: "Alas, this cave does not have these traps. Now it goes up again ..."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 11.11.2008, 09:59:49

Tathlyn leads you through a series of small tunnels, all clearly of volcanic making. The dust clings to your clothes and you leave a fine trail behind. The scout signals this towards you, both 'telling' you that the last in line should from time to time sweep the floor to cover your trail as well as informing you that no-one went before you in a long time, since he did not spot any trail himself.
Some 6 miles on, the tunnels direction changes and you get the feeling that you get closer to the surface, if only marginally.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 11.11.2008, 20:26:26

"That's an interesting ground." Sheiriya replies when Tathlyn shows them dust field. She readies herself to use the magic of her boots if needed. If she can arrange it she will nor be the one to take care of not leaving a trail.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 13.11.2008, 13:56:32

The tunnel meanders up and down, the walls smooth and clean as if a purple worm has dug its way through the stone looking for special treats here and there. It is a tiresome journey, but at the end of the first day, you clearly feel the humidity increases. Tathlyn signals that the Darklakes are just ahead now and suggests resting here and now, as all the next stops may be either wet or inhabited by some other folk ... or creatures.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 17.11.2008, 13:51:05

Jahelvirr trots along sullenly. It seems something is depressing him. When the group stops, he lifts his head, sniffs the air, and growls: "I smell dead fish," before flopping down on the ground where he stands.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 18.11.2008, 10:56:32

There is nothing disturbing your rest bar a few weird sounds echoing from the Darklakes. Tathlyn informs you a bit more about this area, telling you that the Darklakes are a series of caverns filled with shallow water, some knee-deep, some deep enough to drown a great wyrm. If one knows the way, it is easily traversable, if its inhabitants do not object. Few aquatic creature linger here due to everchanging water levels, but some flying creeps such as cloakers, large bats and the like may pose a problem. There are parts which feature luminous 'plants', but most of those simply want to attract creatures into the cold embrace of death. Nodding at the sounds, the scout adds that the Darklakes also serve as a mating ground of the rothè.
"I'll steer us clear of any fishmen lands, though we will eventually meet them at the trademeet." He closes his report, adressing the slumped form of Jhaelvirr.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 19.11.2008, 20:11:40

Paval crouches down next to the slumped Jhaelvirr to check if he is OK.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 20.11.2008, 09:50:23

"I'm wondering of dead fish could smell worse than you already do." Sheiriya tells Jahelvirr when she walks past him to look for a place to rest.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 22.11.2008, 10:24:16

Before moving on, the scouts quietly urges his fellow to avoid stepping into the water. Not because they might disturb what is living in it, but the sound carries very well through the region and catching no attention is - as always - high on the agenda.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 25.11.2008, 11:10:54

Tathlyn gets his bow out and takes up point position. Then the scout moves quietly into the large cavern, carefully checking in all directions before giving you an 'all clear' sign. The 'Darklakes' present themselves as a series of caverns who - by the looks and sounds of it - go on for miles. While this entry cave is clad in utter darkness, some others in the distance are not. 'Light' of fungi, moss and other things illuminate some areas and you can clearly spot movement there. In here it is warmer and much more clammy - which is no wonder since the floor features many little ponds. Tathlyn manoeuvres you through this area without stepping into the water, which is dark and smooth. The only sound - your breathing apart - in here is the odd drop of water hitting the floor.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 26.11.2008, 15:02:49

Zhadristan follows quietly behind Tathlyn with his wand out. He keeps a nervous eye on the water, looking out for any disturbance on the surface.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 26.11.2008, 17:26:48

Jhaelvirr keeps as far away from the water as possible, looking grumpy. He seems to be muttering quietly to himself, but makes no sound.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 29.11.2008, 18:40:15

After a while, Tathlyn stops and waves to you to keep low and stay silent. Ahead, a larger cavern expands and you can see a herd of rothe calmy standing in the mid of a shallow lake, eating some waterplants. More importantly, some large, cat-like predator lurks in the shadow of the wall next to your path, intently staring at his prey. Like an arrow from a bowstring, it suddenly rushes at the rothe, taking great strides while avoiding most of the water, jumping on the small islands. The rothe do react to the attack, but a couple of them are too late and while one gets away from a claw-swipe, the other dies an instant after the jaws of the predator closes around its spine. In a stampede-like rush, the surviving rothe flee the scene, moving out of your sight. Slowly the sounds subside and the predator also leaves the scene with its prey firmly in its jaws, fortunately not in your direction.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 30.11.2008, 12:19:55

"I hope those rothe don't belong to anyone," Paval mutters, "they could blame us for the reduction in numbers. Let's move on as swiftly as safety will allow us."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 02.12.2008, 09:46:08

"Nay," Tathlyn anwers Paval's rhethorical question. "These are wild ones. We skirt this cavern, moving along the left wall. It is quite large and we have to be wary of the odd cloaker clinging to the ceiling."
All the while, echoes from animals or unknown Underdark creatures reach your ears, but Tathlyn does not seem surprised or unsettled, for now.

As he said, you move along and keep to the wall of the rothe cavern. Luckily, no predator nor cloaker shows itself, so can 'enjoy' the scenery: a vast cavern clad in eery green-emerald light, produced by water-plants, moss and fungi growing all over the ceiling and walls. No wonder that the rothe gather here to feed.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 06.12.2008, 13:47:23

You slog on through the cavern, sometimes ankle-deep in the water which at times suddenly illuminates around your feet. Tathlyn signals that this is quite normal, but urges you to keep your eyes open for predators from above. Nothing attacks you though and the scout finally stops in one of the more wider cavern, leading you up on an 'island'. The place, some 60 feet in diameter, is dry enough and covered by thick moss. Once the sounds of the waves you created subside, silence - deep and gloomy - hangs around you. Tathlyn signals that you'll rest here and, if you can keep up the pace, you'll leave the Darklakes area by the end of the next day.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 07.12.2008, 08:11:02

"The sooner we leave, the better", Zhadristan says. "Or so I hope. Where are we headed then?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 07.12.2008, 14:25:19

"Could you give me a short update what cloakers are?" Sheiriya asks Zhadristan when Tathlyn tells them to look out for them.

On the island she reaches down to touch the moss and find a soft spot. At least its not hard floor. -- Where will we get when we have left the darklakes? Sheiriya asks Tathlyn, using sign language.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 07.12.2008, 19:03:47

"They are like bats with their wings folded, only bigger. Much bigger. When they unfold their wings to attack, they look like.. hmm.. well, cloakers", Zhadristan answers and smiles apologetically.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 08.12.2008, 20:56:39

"Ah, like cloakers. I wouldn't have thought..." Sheiriya replies jokingly. "If you find one let me have a look before you rost it with your electricity wand."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.12.2008, 23:38:02

"We will have to climb upwards for about half a day, following an old river's waterfall. This one is dry though. Afterwards, we'll follow the same river's bed upstream for another day, it will lead us nearer to the surface too. It will take us about two more days to get close to our first stop then, if the maps are correct. A place where we may or may not get more information. We'll take it from there, I suppose?" The scout looks at Paval after this short, quiet excourse.
Nothing disturbed you during your rest so far.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 13.12.2008, 22:25:53

The rest passes without anything or anyone molesting you. You do get the feeling though that someone or something watches you from afar, but that is pretty common in such a large spaced cavern.
Tathlyn leads you out of the cavern, the last mile through an area of dense fog and mist, as something seems to heat the water from below. You hear the occasional buzz of some flying beasts, but none come close enough to be seen. The tunnel you enter is littered with hundreds of bones, large and small, of dozen of species. They are all long dead and nothing can be found or looted from here. As Tathlyn predicted, the 'path' seems to be the bottom end of some Underdark river's waterfall, a place where all the dead creatures found their final rest long ago. It rises up sharply in front of you and soon you find yourself climbing up smooth walls.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 14.12.2008, 17:42:14

You really mean 'climb' and not a steep way we could more or less 'walk', right? Sheiriya asks Tathlyn during the rest.

When it finally comes to the climbing Sheiriya murmurs something like "spread my wings and fly" before she starts. Most of the time she helps herself by levitation.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 14.12.2008, 18:50:38

Jhaelvirr trods along silently, but starts scratching himself vigorously all over when the buzzing starts.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 17.12.2008, 16:15:33

The climbing up the 'waterfall' is not as difficult as expected, as the water left many easily accessible spaces in the stone, spaces you can uses as natural ladders and ledges. Yet, the constant movement drains away the strength quickly and Tathlyn uses a few of the larger holes for an occasional rest. As you reach what looks to be the top or cliff of the fall, Tathlyn bides you to wait while he checks out the area above you. After a while, a rope drops down near you and the scout shows up again.
"There's some sort of barge blocking the opening of the fall and it will serve us well. Nothing is up there so using it will easy these last few steps. We'll take another breather near the far wall of the place above ere we venture on."
You can easily climb up to what looks like a large stone basin with a ungainly hole as a vast sink. Stuck in the this sink is a large Underdark river barge, pretty much destroyed but not as old as one would assume. The caverns ceiling, some 50 feet distant, is littered with glittering minerals.
Once everyone has made it to the top, Tathlyn nods at the barge and says: "As it looks, there is an occasional flood somewhere upstream and some ... stuff ... even makes it was down here. Let's hope no water will come our way while we are walking the river bed."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 19.12.2008, 07:59:27

"Hope? That is the plan, hope for the best?", Zhadristan asks Tathlyn. "Is there no other way?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 19.12.2008, 14:10:47

The scout smiles at Zhadristan's request. "There is and it will take us about a tenday and a half to even get there. But rest assured, I wouldn't have ventured here had I believed that there was any chance that water would be coming our way now."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 19.12.2008, 14:46:53

"Taking chances is more fun," says Jhaelvirr, who looks completely drenched. "Besides, the water helped against these bug-stings."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 21.12.2008, 08:50:09

"In your case that would be a benefit of a flood indeed", Zhadristan tells Jhaelvirr. "But in any case, I think we will get opportunity to take chances soon enough."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 22.12.2008, 17:55:08

"Bah, you're just jealous," answers Jhaelvirr with a smirk.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 23.12.2008, 07:44:25

Zhadristan can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 29.12.2008, 11:48:46

There are a triplet of openings to this bassin chamber, one of which comes straight through the ceiling and is not accessible. The other two lie nigh opposite to one another. Tathlyn points to one almost totally clad in darkness and moves ahead, urging you to keep quiet again with a few handsignals.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.01.2009, 14:17:14

You soon find yourself in a well-smoothed Underdark riverbed again, a tube-like tunnel which wormed its way to the apparently soft stone. Sound carries well in here and you clearly hear yourself and the others of the group breathing, while any rubble beneath your feet make uncomfortable loud sounds. For a the better part of the day, nothing happens, but then you hear clicking sounds ahead of you, approaching fast. The darkness gives nothing away though.
Tathlyn looks about but - much like you - does not spot any decent cover.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 07.01.2009, 21:33:43

As soon as she hears the sound Sheiriya puts the ring on her finger that makes her invisible to darkvision, moves to the side of the riverbed and stand still. If there is still time she readies her crossbow. "Do you know what that is?" she asks Tathlyn mentally.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.01.2009, 13:54:13

Sounds like something insectoid, rather large though ... he projects back.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 08.01.2009, 15:53:49

"I suppose noone feels like running?", Zhadristan says and looks at the members of the group, a hint longer on Jhaelvirr than at the others.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 10.01.2009, 11:07:57

USing silent speech, the scout signals that "running" would be useless, as we would not be fast enough and the next good hiding spot is miles away. Apart from that, insectoids have a knack of finding prey not just be 'eye-sight'. He adds that these seem to be just one or two creatures, and given the tunnel's width, they should be defeatable. With that, he looks out for a spot that give him some cover.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 12.01.2009, 10:01:45

"No," answers Jhalevirr, dead serious, "but I feel like dancing," and starts a little jig before he vanishes.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.01.2009, 14:35:50

Paval summons a medium earth elemental and orders it to take a forward position. He then casts Dancing Lights and sends the lights as far forwards and upwards as he can.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 15.01.2009, 11:09:32

Just as the stony creature emerges from the floor, a couple of large insectoids (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_gallery/MM35_PG15.jpg) appear in your vision. One scampers along the floor, while the other hurries along the ceiling, 8 feet above the ground. They are still some 90 feet away when you first spot them, giving you time to take in the thread they might pose.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 15.01.2009, 18:46:42

Zhadristan shields himself with a spell prior to testing his lightning wand on the upper insect.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 17.01.2009, 09:46:33

Paval readies Sound Burst.

However, since the creatures are still some distance away he tries to study them to discern if they are hunting or fleeing.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 17.01.2009, 11:09:55

When Sheiriya sees the first insectoid she tries to use her magic to fill it with a little bit of fear.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 18.01.2009, 00:06:21

A blinding light appears in the darkness of the tunnel and races through the upper ankheg. Once you can blink the stars from your eyes you see the carcass of the creature vanish backwards into the darkness, twitching in its death throws. The other one seems oblivious to its fellows fate and charges towards you undeterred. Nothing appears to hunt it but its own hunger.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 19.01.2009, 18:26:07

The invisible Jhaelvirr draws upon his mystic powers and another blinding bolt of electricity forms in the darkness of the tunnel, this time hammering down at the ankegh right out of the tunnel's ceiling. It punches a wicked looking hole into the chiting body, gore splashes in all directions. The beast makes a few more steps, then stumbles to a hold some 40 feet in front of you - its appetite somewhat quelled.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 22.01.2009, 14:28:12

After 'bleeding' for a moment or two, the large bug turns about and scampers off into the darkness of the tunnel, leaving a slimy trail behind.
Tathlyn steps out of his hiding spot and stores his weapon again. "We are much closer to the surface now, since these creatures are not that common within Har'oloth. If we can keep up the pace, we will reach an exit of this tunnel in a few hours."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 22.01.2009, 16:07:39

Paval orders/requests that the earth elemental takes a vanguard position and to remain within sight.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 25.01.2009, 12:41:18

"That close? Is there anything special we should look out for or was that all?", Zhadristan asks the scout.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.01.2009, 14:37:02

Tathlyn considers this for a few moments. "Well, the greatest danger will probably come from the faction within the drow settlement we will be approaching sometime this day. While you don't have the various Houses going after each others' throats like in the Underdark, up here it is not just religion that keeps them apart. Though religion usually plays a big part in any warring here too. Let's just hope that there is some kind of truth up there right now and no-one is out caravan-hunting or the like." He gives the elemental an appraising look before continuing. "When we reach the end of the tunnel, there will be a network of small caves and caverns. A few creepers like them (nodding at the ankegh) hang about there sometimes, but the patrols of the settlement chase them away. It could well be that exactly that happened a wee bit earlier. Let's make for those caverns and see what is happening there, shall we not?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 27.01.2009, 12:01:42

Jhaelvirr rejoins the group after he fell back to not get too close to the bug-things. He dust himself off, despite being not being dirtier than before. Once he gets closer, you can notice a certain snake-like quality to his features.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.01.2009, 11:25:06

Tathlyn sheds a sidelong view at the strange-looking Jhaelvirr, then takes point and leads you onwards. About a mile on, you find the corpse of the second ankegh, who apparently died from the grievous wounds. The next hours pass along without incident, then you reach the end of this tunnel and a maze of cracks and corridors. The scout picks one of the widest and half a mile on you face up to a group of hobgoblins, lead by a couple of drow males. They all wear dark breastplates and sporting a 'house' rune you do not recognize.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 30.01.2009, 13:37:54

Paval looks at the group, trying to work out if they are friendly or hostile.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 30.01.2009, 14:16:00

Zhadristan stops rests his hand on the lightning wand at his belt just in case.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 01.02.2009, 12:19:54

Tathlyn moves forward and, after exchanging a few hand-signs, talks to the leader of the guard. After a while he returns and says to Paval: "We have some luck on our side. These warriors belong to the house ... or rather clan of the very person you want to speak to. As the situation with the city is not safe right now, they offer to safeguard us to their clanhold once their turn of the watch is over, three hours from now. Does that suit you or shall I arrange a quicker meeting?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 01.02.2009, 13:30:17

Jhaelvirr looks nervously at the newcomers and murmurs: "I've never trusted Drow, and I never will. I could never forgive them for the death of my boy."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 01.02.2009, 16:58:44

"We can wait three hours," Paval says. "It gives us time to remove some of the travel dust and to make ourselves more presentable."

" It also gives us time to get some more information," he adds in an undertone.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 02.02.2009, 14:52:57

"Well," Tathlyn starts again, "they told me that She is there right now, though as far as I know She is not always herself. Or so said the rumours in this place. I think it will be best to visit her in person?"
He looks at Jhaevirr, not exactly understanding the drow's words' meaning. Spotting his peculiar looks, he raises an eyebrow and returns his gaze to Paval.
"This place is home to a folk of about 3,000, most of them drow. As I said, religion is not something that holds as much sway here as it does in Har'oloth, but one should not openly try to proselyte anyone, as anymosities between the various faiths are usually at a premium here too. Speaking of which, methinks She does not venerate any drow deity, but some kind of demon lord."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 02.02.2009, 18:38:20

"Then, perhaps, we should go straight to her." Paval replies, and makes ready to go.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 03.02.2009, 08:18:12

"And on the way, you could tell us a little more about.. her", Zhadristan suggests.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 03.02.2009, 13:26:53

"Ooohhh, yes please," Jhaelvirr says enthusiastically.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 03.02.2009, 18:21:48

While they wait for the next turn of the watch, Tathlyn settles down somewhat off the gates. "We do not know much about her as such. She is usually referred to as She of the Nine Secrets, for she's one of the best information traders you can meet. That, as the rumours go, has to do with her being no mortal as well as her patron ... or rather matron is a prominent secret-seller on the Planes. There are, as far as we know, no other cults of her on Faerûn, though we are not omnipotent either, of course.How she came here and why she was accepted amongst the dwellers of this place is a mystery too. But her diplomatic potency aside, she is said to be a formidable opponent too. Not least backed by the fact that someone chose to have a few 'doubles' of her running about. One hardly can tell between fake and truth, but luckily enough, that won't be my problem."
A squad of skeleton ogres march through the gates, accompanied by a few drow-sized skeletons giving harsh orders. All are clad in white robes and armor. The commander speaks with the drow who guard the doors, apparently going through the routine of changing watch turns.
"What we do know is that She hails from the Abyss and if you want to deal with her, nothing but souls or good information will do."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 09.02.2009, 07:57:28

Sheiriya settles down during the rest and makes herself presentable. When she ist finished it looks like she has not been in the underdark at all.
"Could you specify what demon lord she is supposed to revere?" she asks Tathlyn.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.02.2009, 12:46:16

Tathlyn shakes his head. "I told you as much as I knew. It could well be that the Dark Path knows more about her, but did not share this information with me. But maybe we will find out soon enough?" He nods at the drow, adding: "They seem to have accepted the faith well enough, so it might not be that much different from ... errm ... what is usual for our kin."

(You do not seem to readily recognize the faith he described or the demon lord Tathlyn talked about.)

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 09.02.2009, 15:42:53

"Well, I got to pretty up, too. So if you'll excuse me for a few minutes," says Jhaelvirr and vanishes from sight.

A short while later he rejoins the group, being much paler than before and sporting something in his forehead that looks suspiciously like a closed eye.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.02.2009, 15:52:57

Tathlyn murmurs something like: "I wonder whether the demon-worshippers can be any worse than what I have to put up with ..." more to himself than to anyone of the group.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 09.02.2009, 16:32:09

"What was that information you want to trade again?", Zhadristan asks their guide.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.02.2009, 17:15:24

"Dark Path stuff about one of Sschindylryn's inhabitants. That's what she will want to have. No money could intice her to reveal what your comrade wants to know, so he paid the Dark Path and we pay her," he signals once Paval cannot see his hands. He then says: "Simple stuff about Sschindylryn." to all willing to listen.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 11.02.2009, 08:28:56

Sheiriya looks up when Jhaelvirr returns. "Your spirits should give you a little update about the words pretty up," she tells him.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 11.02.2009, 08:50:43

"I see", Zhadristan answers with an appreciative nod.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 11.02.2009, 12:42:56

Jhaelvirr shrugs and answers: "What is that saying? Ah, yes: 'Beauty lies in the eyes of a beholder'. At least I don't look common."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 11.02.2009, 14:48:21

The drow have finally left the guard duty in the hands of the skeleton creatures and take you through the gates. The watch splits and takes you in its midst, making sure that none of you slip away unnoticed. You travel upwards for about 500 paces and enter a large cavern, bypassing four massive stonestatues. While they remain utterly inert, you do get the feeling that they might start walking any moment. The cavern is home to about a dozen pillar-houses and twice that amount of rothe kennels. Large patches of moss and funus grows all over the place and slaves - most of them some sort of humanoids rather than goblinoids - tend to the beasts. Other look after fenced-up fungus farms. All are watche over by drow, hogoblin and even some war trolls. Suspicious looks follow you as well as your guard as you pass the cavern. A slope needs to be climbed to access the next cavern, equally vast. A ring of massive pillars supports a ceiling some 300 feet away. The stalagtites up there seem to be home to some houses or clans too, as quite a few are lit with faerie fire and the like. The guards lead you up to a pillar lying somewhat away from the centre of the cavern.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 16.02.2009, 16:25:29

The walls if this pillar are painted in dim colours, dominated by blood-red. At its bottom it has a diameter of some 250 feet, which decreases only a little till its top. Four wartrolls guard the entrance - a fortified gate - accompanied by half a dozen drow of both genders. Above the entrance you spot some twenty openings in the stone, large enough to drop magic, stones or balista bolts at anyone daring to attack the place. High above the ground, ledges and balconies can be spotted too.

The leader of the watch arrives at the gates and speaks to the commander of the gate's guard. She takes a look at you, then motions you all forward and the watch takes you into the dimly lit entrance hall behind the gates.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 19.02.2009, 12:00:19

On the way to the cavern Jhaelvirr "hears" someone speaking in his mind. "Hey you presence inside this ones mind. Can you hear me?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 21.02.2009, 09:56:16

The entrance hall is nearly as well fortified as the gates themselves are, but through the doors that open to three sides you see a bustling life. To your right, the kennels of some lizards are tended by a diverse mixture of races - slaves most likely. Ahead, you spot a score of drow debating over a rack of weaponry, while to your left the watch squad vanishes in what looks like "barracks".

A male figure clad in robes as dark as night approaches you. "Be welcomed in the halls of the House of the Unspoken Word. You have requested to speak to She of the Nine Secrets and She will give you an audience. What do you wish to trade?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 22.02.2009, 19:41:19

Having never been there before, Zhadristan watches everything with curious and vigilant eyes.
In the hall, he waits for their leader to answer the questions.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 25.02.2009, 09:55:11

Tathlyn takes a step towards the herald and bows slightly. "Knowledge for knowledge, information for information. As is the custom with you mistress."
The herald nods. "Let me evaluate that which you want to trade."
The scout looks at Paval, giving a short look that says: "Do not!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 04.03.2009, 17:54:17

The herald waits a while and as there is no-one providing him with an answer, he says: "Very well, She will take the usual precautions and you will be allowed to see her as soon as it pleases my mistress!"
He snips with his fingers and a couple of drow hurry close. He tells them to get you to the guest quarters and bides you farewell, for the time being.

You are being led by the two servants to a broad and winding staircase, which leads you up to the next level of the tower. After passing a few corridors, you are being brought to a large circular room from which 10 doors exit. Half of them stand open and show empty yet lit rooms. Three doors are close and a couple more guarded by two drow each. The servant lead you to one of the empty rooms, large enough to house twice your number. The centre of the main room houses a large fireplace one which a rothe is being broiled on a rack. Another half dozen servants tend to the guests standing around the pit or sitting on the long tables placed all over this room.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 06.03.2009, 18:17:17

None of the other guest show a particular interest in you, even though the selections seem to be pretty diverse. You spot a pair of dog-headed creatures in fine hooded-cloaks, a human mage that is surrounded by a pair of small eye-ball beholders, half a score of duergar and a pale tiefling female in black leather armor.

Tathlyn looks a around, gathers some food and prepares to wait till the herald returns.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 06.03.2009, 19:12:48

Jhaelvirr looks around, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. He starts to walk over to the "hounds". Only then he notices the buffet laid out in the room. "Free food!" he calls out and all but jumps on it.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 06.03.2009, 20:48:47

If not hindered Sheiriya strolls around in the main room and studies the others guest. Of course she avoids being intrusive.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.03.2009, 12:30:29

The wizard with the floating eyeball-beholders are summoned first and his visit last just a few minutes. He returns a few degrees paler and half of his eyeball-beholders missing. A single ogre-sized thing from one of the previously closed rooms follows the herald next, who indicates that your turn will come after the lady in black.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 10.03.2009, 13:10:44

It takes another hour before the lady returns from her visit with the mysterious "She". The people within the waiting hall are tight-lipped and share as little information as possible. A few murmurs are raised as you are taken to the throne room ahead of some visitors before you, but they are quenched by the appearance of a war troll.

The herald leads you on through a maze of black corridors, always heading up in the massive pillar. Finally you stand in front of a massive iron gate, featuring dozens of golden inlays. The motifs are of apparently ancient human making, depicting some magical surface realm. A couple of fiendish servants - tieflings by the looks of it - open the door. The herald steps in and pronounces your arrival, then retreats to the outside again. The tieflings, both clad in dark breastplate armor, close the door behind you and invite you closer to the throne. The latter stands in the middle of a large circular room lined by numerous pillars. Most of the room is clad in darkness, even the braziers seem to shed shadows rather than light. The throne appears to be sculped like some vast snake which coils about a central chair. On top of it sits a figure cloaked in a wide robe, which covers all the ground and the throne itself, leaving only a pair of hands and a beautiful female - you would say drow - face for your eyes to see.

"Who is it that wants to speak to She of the Nine Secrets?," a darkly melodic voice asks. Power carries with that voice and sets you to the edge of your nerves.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 11.03.2009, 20:20:29

Feeling the power of that voice Sheiriya abandons the thought of inspecting the figure on the throne by magical means. Instead she waits for someone else to speak up.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 17.03.2009, 09:43:45

Tathlyn bows deeply and slowly retrieves a couple of scroll cases out of his bag. He offers them to the lady on the throne, still 15 paces away. One of the tieflings steps forward and takes the scrolls out of his hands. He casts a quick glance on the drow before delivering them to the throne.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 18.03.2009, 15:51:14

"My name is Paval Thune, I have come to humbly seek your opinion because my Lady has commanded me. She may also be known to you, although I would not dare to presume that I know how much either of you know about each other. However, I am confident that you have heard of Her and She knows of you.

"I have been commanded to seek you, I am told by my Lady that you have guidance to give me."

Paval bows low before and after his introduction.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 19.03.2009, 15:50:48

"Commanded to seek me?" the voice queries. "Now that is intriguing! Me giving guidance? That is even more intriguing!"
The figure seems to lean ever so slightly nearer to Paval, as if taking a closer look. Two arms appear from under the cloak and take the offered scrolls, unrolling one of them.
"Tell me of that guidance I shall offer then, Paval of the Lady Unnamed!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 19.03.2009, 21:00:44

"It is not for me to say if you shall offer me guidance, it is only my place to request it. And I only request it on behalf of my Lady. She has commanded me to find a skull. It is not, of course, any old skull for She has but to say it and She can have mine such is my love for Her. This skull may be a title for a person, as in The Skull, or it may be an artefact. It's purpose is to 'keep what will be forgotten.'"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 20.03.2009, 11:26:32

"Keep what will be forgotten," the cloak-clad figure echoes. "A skull."
"These words have been spoken before, on a distant world - now dead." As if commanded, the tieflings step back from the throne and vanish into shadows of the room, though you still feel their presence. The female in front of you lowers her head and appears to read the scrolls provided by Tathlyn. Finally she utters: "Sufficient."
"When this world was young, travellers from the place now dead ventured here and brought along artifacts ... so says the legend. Artifacts ... so that the faith of your Lady takes root among those she deemed to be her kin on here. It did, but only slowly. Her kin here was far more volatile than where the visitors came from. Destruction unforeseen laid the resting place of the artifacts low, dragons of the deep ravaged the survivors. Lost they were, these artifacts. Lost to time and lore. But we remember."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 20.03.2009, 13:50:30

Still chewing on a piece of half-raw meat, Jhaelvirr follows the exchange with his eyes wide open, all the while rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. After mentioning the skull, he cannot hold back, whips up an arm and blurts out: "Oo, oo, oo, I know what it is! It's a jewel box, that's what it is! To keep the jewels lest they'll be forgotten!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 21.03.2009, 14:29:54

"I see you carry your private jester along, how refreshing!" the voice comments with a chuckle.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 21.03.2009, 15:23:03

Jhaelvirr stops abruptly to wave his arm about and looks around, a frown on his face. "Jester?" he says. "What jester?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 22.03.2009, 10:11:14

In reply to She of the Nine Secrets, Paval bows deeply. "I am pleased that these words mean something to you."

After Jhaelvirr's outburst, Paval says, "I find jesters are only amusing when you kill them. If you want to make him amusing, please be my guest. However, he is not my jester, and is entirely responsible for his own actions."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 24.03.2009, 09:59:29

Ignoring the jester for the time being, the cloaked figure turns her attention towards Paval again. "I am right to assume that these matters ... matters of your Lady's faith ... are for the ears of all who partake in your venture?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.03.2009, 16:06:47

"My opinion is that matters pertaining to my Lady's faith are only for those who share Her faith. However, I am merely the beggar at your door, hoping for a gift of wisdom. If you choose to say what you wish to say to all hereby assembled then I am still rewarded."

Paval bows politely, once again.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 25.03.2009, 08:47:30

"And my opinion is that you either let me in on it or I am out", Zhadristan impatiently says to Paval, "because if I wanted to be ordered around while having no clue, I would not have had to come all this way."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 25.03.2009, 14:18:13

You can almost hear the cloaked female smile upon that remark.
"An illustrous group you seem to have assembled, Paval of the Lady Unnamed. Not that this is of any concern to me, of course."
"To the North lie the region the surfacers call the High Moor, a region that once was a sprawling elven nation, ere some malcontent neighbour deemed it necessary to obliterate it. When destruction came to pass, those who brought said artifacts of your Lady's faith to this world escaped and found vaults and caverns to suit their calling. The small realm these people created was located to the South of Miyeritar, but still north of here. The surfacers call the mountainous region the Grey Peaks, in the realms below you can find scattered dwarven holds of a settlement named Xothaerin. They've mined deep and dealt with the dragons I spoke about earlier. Yet, their kingdom fell and most of their holds lie empty now, safe the odd wandering monster. My explorers told me that a few dwarven sages and warriors keep up a constant vigil over an ancient tomb system. One of the dwarven kings interred there claimed the dragon hoard that contained your Skull, but the name of that king is for you to discern. It is said that all those kings were placed inside their tombs with their regalia or greatest treasures."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 25.03.2009, 21:35:14

Paval ignores yet another interruption and listens to what She of the Nine Secrets has to say.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.03.2009, 16:53:54

"The dwarven sages I gleaned this knowledge from never told me and mine what this Skull is or whether it is indeed a skull of some creature. It was, though, valuable enough to that king that it was buried alongside him."
She of the Nine Secrets leans forward a little again. "I sense that you will surely ask yourself why I would know that the Skull is actually there then, don't you?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 26.03.2009, 18:28:09

"That would be my next question, yes," Paval says, smiling a little.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.03.2009, 20:39:11

"Ah ... some souls can oh so easily be dealt with," she replies. "As it happens, enemies of that dwarven king's clan tried to loot the tomes and had extensive knowledge about what was interred with those sarcophagi. All of them were slain and most were claimed by their dwarven deities, but two renounced their gods.For those cleric-thieves who accompanied the scavangers denied them healing when they were caught in fatal traps. My ... heralds made sure that they went to the afterlife they deserved after bartering for that with information my matron deemed valuable." After a pause, she continues: "Sadly, those two were just some lockpicks and not those who actually read the books, but one cannot get each wish fulfilled, can you? Nevertheless, the thieves full well knew what was in that grave and gave a detailed account on most items. The Skull was amongst them and the cleric-thieves were particularly interested in it. But even they did not exactly knew how it looked like." She leans a bit further back, sitting up straight again. "Maybe you can tell me upon your succesfull completion of your venture and return?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 30.03.2009, 11:04:43

"I take it that if I tell you what the Skull looks like this would constitute a new trade?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 01.04.2009, 17:16:07

"Maybe," she replies. "Artifacts have a habit of changing possessors and who knows who will come at my door in 50odd years time. The better the information, the better the price."
"Obviously, any information about this dwarven pit might be interesting ... to someone at some point in the future. So do not hesitate relating this to me or one of my sages should you ever 'happen by' again."
The last line carries a definite 'was that all?' tone.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 01.04.2009, 19:45:21

"It is perhaps not worthy of your time to discuss future possibilities. In fact, I am sure I have already taken up much of your time already.

"I thank you sincerely for the advice and answers you have given me. I have much to think about."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 02.04.2009, 15:07:34

"So you might have. The price was fair, so make the best of the information you received."
While that statement does not seem to ring right in your ears, it was a clearly taken up as a dismissal by the tieflings, who offer to lead you out of the hall.

After a few minutes, you are all back into your chamber.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 03.04.2009, 15:42:32

Paval sits down in a comfy chair and wonders if there is something to drink.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.04.2009, 22:34:37

There is a decent supply of drinks available, while food is served in the large central room of the guest quarters.

Tathyln settles not that far away from Paval. He waits calmly for the question of the others or further explanations by the leader of this venture.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 06.04.2009, 07:58:10

When Zhadristan returns to the room, he talks to Paval. "So we are going after this artifact in old dwarven tombs. That sounds like fun, why did you not tell us? So, do you know what it is good for?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 06.04.2009, 10:52:30

Paval takes a sip of some wine. "I will tell you what I know," he says, letting out a loud sigh, as if he is battling against some instinct to be not be so open. "But before I speak of this I must ask you to swear a holy vow.

"Alternatively, if the vow is difficult for you to make I need to know that I can trust you. If you can convincingly demonstrate that my trust in you is deserved then I won't ask you make the vow.

"However, the vow doesn't require that you believe in my deity just that you won't act against the interests of my faith,

"So are you all willing to make a binding promise? One that I can trust?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 06.04.2009, 12:04:48

Tathlyn nods. "Well, the Dark Path is in existence for over 600 years, mainly because we keep to our agreements. I was signed up by you and will honor my contract till my last breath. For that's what we do. Else I wouldn't be here."
He calmly adds: "Obviously, my share of any treasue and loot is part of the deal ..."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 07.04.2009, 14:04:47

"What Tathlyn said", Zhadristan agrees. "A contract is a contract."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 08.04.2009, 13:22:07

"... is a contract," adds Jhaelvirr absentmindly while staring at a wall, and continues: "But only amongst..." His voice trails off into silence again.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 08.04.2009, 17:43:31

Paval looks at Sheriiya to see what she says

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 12.04.2009, 18:23:50

Sheiriya returns Paval's looks. "Well, I cannot imagine a way now to demontrate you that you could trust me in the future. And for swearing a binding vow that would force me to not act against the interests of your faith is something I don't like as it could easily come to a situation where this could result in harm to me," she tells him. "But let's see. Do you have a way to discern lies?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 12.04.2009, 22:41:10

"Yes,"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 13.04.2009, 10:10:20

"Then I would suggest we seek a moment of privacy and you can decide if you could trust me."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.04.2009, 18:20:20

"That seems to be a good idea," Paval says, pleased that what he was going to suggest had been suggested by her. "I shall prepare my spells and then conduct the necessary 'ceremony'. Do you all want your own privacy?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 14.04.2009, 21:15:55

"Who'd not want a moment of privacy with ... ahem, no," Tathyln says, "I'm comfortable here and don't think that I need to perform any more and private vows?!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 16.04.2009, 08:11:06

"With whom would you like to have some privacy?" Sheiriya asks Tathlyn mentally. Her thoughts seem to have a playful tone.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 16.04.2009, 13:32:52

The scout shifts uncomfortably in his seat, not used to being addressed mentally. "Ahem ... you? I mean, you occassionally look into a mirror, don't you? And since you do not appear to be a priestess ... if you know what I mean?!"

No-one seems to interrupt you here or is looking to get you out of She of the Nine Secret's stronghold.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 17.04.2009, 15:46:55

"Well, maybe you could be helped ..."
Meanwhile Sheiriya waits for Paval to prepare his spell.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 17.04.2009, 19:40:06

Meanwhile Paval waits for the other two to answer his question.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 21.04.2009, 11:27:39

Paval finds somewhere private, and begins his first spell. He casts Commune.

He asks his deity a number of questions.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 23.04.2009, 10:57:06

Paval casts Discern Lies and asks each male in turn:

"Will you help me in my mission?"

"Do you promise to help me in my mission until I release you from your promise?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 23.04.2009, 14:22:38

"I'm bound to my contract and you have my word that I will fulfil it," Tathlyn replies, once his turn is up.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 23.04.2009, 19:23:23

Jhaelvirr snaps out of his 'meditation', and answers gravely: "As long as the spirits will it, I will help you."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 24.04.2009, 13:04:33

"My word stands", Zhadristan says.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.04.2009, 14:02:55

Paval smiles then turns to Sheiriya, "We should take our moment of privacy? I have the necessary spells prepared."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.04.2009, 18:40:19

Once Paval and Sheiriya had their private conversation, Tathyln inquires about the immediate plans of their leader. "Straight to these dwarven tombs then?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 27.04.2009, 21:42:15

"Yes, time is of the essence."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 28.04.2009, 12:54:45

"Good, we should head to the local bazaar then and acquire some food and all, maybe the odd magical trinket or weaponry for those in need too?" He gathers his items and heads for the exit of the room, while waiting for Paval's reply.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 28.04.2009, 17:09:44

Paval, having thought that he had already replied, says "Well, let us be on our way."

He collects his things and follows Tathlyn to the local bazaar.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.04.2009, 13:01:50

You leave the house of the mysterious lady unmolested by any guards and Tathlyn leads you into a rather flat cavern, filled on one side with a host of makeshift tents, booths and shops carved out of stalagmites. Most of the traders are drow, but more exotic folk linger about too. A few drow in the company of a couple of minotaurs wielding large clubs watch over the place from the sawn-off top of a large stalagmite.
"We need food for about a tenday," Tathlyn explains while scanning the shops for suitable stuff.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 30.04.2009, 20:42:05

Paval hopes that he might find a periapt of wisdom and bracers of armour. He also wonders what cloaks are on sale.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 04.05.2009, 08:11:53

"All that talking of surface and forest and I have seen none of that yet," Sheiriya says to Paval. "Will this change in the near future?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 04.05.2009, 23:16:23

"That may depend on our scout, Master Tahtlyn, I should expect we should see some of the surface. But my main question is concerned with how quickly it will take us to get to our new destination."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 05.05.2009, 19:46:59

"If you would find a way to teleport four people time should not be the main problem," Sheiriya suggests.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.05.2009, 21:55:03

Listening to this reasoning, Tathlyn shakes his head.
"Well, the trip would be - considerably - shorter if we walk the surface for some time, especially if we could use translocation magic. We might come across some surface folk too, yet, they generally pose less a threat than what we may encounter within har'oloth."
He looks at Paval: "Obviously, we have to go down to the dwarven holds again, which might be done either through the Underdark, or through their settlement ..."

The bazaar offers quite a variety of magical equipment, as well as all sorts of mundane stuff. It seems that the trade with the surface is flourishing.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 06.05.2009, 10:32:33

"There are two issues. The first is to get to the general vicinity quickly. The second is to get to the dwarven holds. For the dwarven holds, I suggest we gain entrance by the Underdark. Dwarves are not friendly creatures and they tend to be protective over their ancestors.

"For the first issue, we should travel by the speediest route possible. With my colouration, I can pass as a Moon Elf, which is useful for the Light Above. Master Tathlyn, if we travel by the surface, we will need horses. I've ridden these creatures before and there is a nobility to them. Such a mount would befit your elegance, Lady Sheiriya, for they are graceful yet strong.

"We have a further advantage in that I have often travelled the Light Above and the Underdark as a merchant. I make clothes from leather and other animal skins. I can also weave good quality cloth given a loom. I have some stock with me. And we can buy goods here to further the disguise."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 06.05.2009, 14:58:25

When the words "horse" and "riding" are spoken, Tathlyn cast a wary, "not so sure about that" look at Zhadristan. "We can buy most of the equipment needed as a guise here, no doubt. Yet, I only rode lizards before. I doubt we get horses here, but maybe I or Malla Sheiriya finds a trader with some connections to traders on the surface?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 06.05.2009, 22:24:45

"We just need a fast way of travelling. Horses are a suggestion. If there is a quicker way to get there, then let us know."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 07.05.2009, 09:47:09

Zhadristan agrees with Tathlyn on that. "I have never ridden one of those horses either. Can they even see in dark? Or do you actually want to travel during the day? Because otherwise, why bother with disguises?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 07.05.2009, 10:48:25

"I assumed night travel all along," Tathlyn agrees. Looking over to the bazaar, he adds: "I could try and get us some sunlight protection here, they are most likely to have somesuch hereabouts. I will make some discreet inquiries about getting there too."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 07.05.2009, 10:52:41

"It's not that dark up above," Paval replies. "There are lights in the sky. Daytime is glaring. As for a disguise, we would be wise to have one formed now, no matter when we travel. Up above, they have borders, and guards have borders. There are always travellers on the road, and travellers talk. Missing travellers cause searches, so don't think of just dispatching them.

"Careful preparation will add speed to our steps."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 07.05.2009, 18:38:50

"This sounds scary..." says Jhaelvirr with a touch of real fear in his voice.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 08.05.2009, 08:24:29

"Graceful yet strong sounds nice, but I'm afraid I've never ridden one before," Sheriya repiles. "If horses are unintelligent riding beasts I would speak against using them as three or four of us don't know how to handle them. That leaves us with walking or using magic."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 08.05.2009, 13:21:57

"Which returns me to my question," Paval says, facing Tahlyn after Sheiriya has spoken.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 10.05.2009, 16:50:44

"Horses then," Tathlyn says. "I think it is best you have a look at the bazaar while I try to arrange something with regards to surface transportation. I may also get some information about the current going-ons up there and along the way. Since I ought to be careful with the amount of information I use, it may take a while tough." He scans the bazaar again, "I'll also look for provisions while I'll be away. Still, if you fiond something to your taste, feel free to add it to the menue."

He waits for a nod from Paval before stalking off into the bustling bazaar.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 12.05.2009, 07:51:37

"So, when will we meat again, and where?" Sheiriya asks before the group disbands.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 12.05.2009, 22:31:40

"Here, in three hours," Paval suggests.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 13.05.2009, 09:33:27

Tathyln nods and heads off into the bazaar. Those who follow him notice quite a lot (by drow city standards) surfacers amongst the traders and potential buyers, mainly humans and hobgoblins. There's also the odd half-orc, but the bulk of people are still drow. You notice that most of the latter wear clothes and armor that is not out of drow hands - though apparently not less effective, or, for that matter, much less magical.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 13.05.2009, 20:14:29

Sheiriya takes a stroll through the bazaar, too. She is especially interested in the guests from the surface to get an impression what would be a good disguise.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 18.05.2009, 00:29:06

Jhaelvirr does not venture out, but stays in the guest room. When you leave him, he's in an uncharacteristically serene mood. He kneels in a corner of the cave and seems to be meditating.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 19.05.2009, 11:01:12

Tathyln returns with a small but strudy looking pack lizard. It carries a few bundles which the scout describes as food and other necessary equipment. He says that there will be a short trip through the Underdark before you hit the surface realms in an outpost of this drow city. There you can change the lizard for the horse-things if required.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 26.05.2009, 20:40:05

"There is a caravan going in the same direction as we are," Sheiriya tells the others when she comes back to the others. "They are looking for people for special missions but I don't know exactly which kind."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.05.2009, 15:45:52

Tathlyn looks to the beautiful drow.
"Are they off yet or can we catch them here? Haven't seen any caravans leaving while we were here. Well, at least hereabouts."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 27.05.2009, 15:58:52

"They are already off but it should be possible to catch up with them if we want to," Sheiriya answeres. "The question is if that would be fortunate for us."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.05.2009, 23:01:23

"Well, we could at least follow their trail and hope that they sweep the more creepy monsters out of our way to the surface." Tathlyn remarks.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 03.06.2009, 11:29:54

After everyone has returned, Tathlyn leads you out of the bazaar cavern and towards one of the settlement's exits. A few leering eyes follow the movement of Sheiriya, who does apparently not belong to any faith. Some of the looks you all receive are more measuring, like people calculating of the approximate strength of the group. No-one does follow you at the moment though, nor does the city watch stop you from leaving the place.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 10.06.2009, 15:17:36

Paval adjusts his belongings and looks forward to the journey.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 20.06.2009, 14:58:44

You get along the initial traderoute quite well, even though you don't see (or hear) any signs of said caravan. To the tunnels and caverns clings a smell of damp earth and from time to time you can actually see roots of trees dangling from the ceiling. Still, the track seems to lead you horizontally to the surface and presents no direct openings to the world above. After about half a day, Tathlyn calls for a rest. By Underdark standards, the tunnels are filled with noise, as drops of water continuously fall to the ground and small rivulets of water meander along the way.
"We should hit the surface this evening. Usually, the entrances are guarded, either from the inside, or by drow hunters on the outside."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 24.06.2009, 20:43:07

"So, finally I'll see this world above," Sheiriya remarks. "Is everybody prepared to disguise as something different if there are those drow-hunters?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 25.06.2009, 00:12:28

Jhaelvirr looks confused. "Drow hunters? Why would they hunt us? That would be suicide."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 25.06.2009, 10:33:33

"Maybe because there are not many sources for naturally black leather that doesn't need to be dyed," Sheiriya muses. "And trying to kill a drow is no suicide. I know that from experience."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.06.2009, 11:04:51

"In any case," Tathlyn goes on, "We will wait till nightfall ere we leave the Underdark. I would hope that we can catch up with that caravan . As far as I know, there are certain resting places that would suit our sensitive eyes during the day. Has anyone not been to the surface thus far, you apart?!" He directs the last line at Sheiriya.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 26.06.2009, 13:24:43

"Me neither," Jhaelvirr answers with a scowl.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 26.06.2009, 20:19:05

"I have never seen the surface, I only heard a few things about it", Zhadristan says.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.06.2009, 21:02:02

Tathlyn turns a wary look at the leader of the pack.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 29.06.2009, 14:59:18

While waiting for a reply of Paval, Tathlyn gives a short rundown about the surface.
"Well, to us the surface world seems like a vast - and I really mean VAST - cavern that stretches on and on and on. There usually limit towards the "ceiling", though by our standards you would and could imagine one when the so-called stars are in the so-called sky at night. There are no walls either. You may see high mountains and hills, but they are limited in height. Somewhat akin to volcano chutes, the air up their near the top of these hills is said to be poisonous. But we won't go there anyways - I would assume." He stops and takes a sip from his waterskin.
"Very different to the Realms Below is the noise. While we have virtually utter silence within Har'oloth, the surface is buzzing with various sounds all day long. The creatures that inhabit the surface, from the tiniest vermin to the largest dragon all make sound - and there are creatures everywhere. But not all things that make sounds or fly about, crawl at your feet or linger in a bush are dangerous. Just do not shoot or flamestrike everything that moves up there. For that might turn the attention of the true dangers on us."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 02.07.2009, 13:54:39

"If suddenly all sound subsides, we might be in real trouble. Only the presence of something powerful, or utterly foul, may cause the creeps and fly-things to go quiet. Maybe we should take it from here and you have a "look" for yourselves?!"
He leads you onwards, carefully guiding you nearer to the surface. You hear the distant sound of water flowing and splattering on the ground, when suddenly a tremendous thunder roars through the tunnel and shakes the stone and earth around you.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 05.07.2009, 21:35:23

Instantly Sheiriya takes the ring that makes her invisible to darkvision out of her belt and puts it on her finger.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.07.2009, 12:47:32

"This is some sort of thunderstorm up there. Something natural. Lots of water falling from the above, alongside lightning and thunder that any spellhruler would be proud of. We will wait here till it subsides."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 10.07.2009, 14:47:03

"Well, so it's no real danger. ... Or is it so much water that one could drown?" Sheiriya says. Just in case she lets the magic ring stay in place.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 13.07.2009, 10:18:38

"No," the scout replies. "At least not in a normal thunderstorm. One shouldn't be caught in a gulch or the like, where water may come down after gathering somewhere else." After a while, Tathlyn adds: "I think it has become safer now."
He leads you further up the tunnel, whose exit to the surface world is a wide flat cavern. It opens to a wooded slope, large trees towering above you. As the scout said, heavy drops of water fall from the leaves and hit the ground with a splash that creates more sound than a human slave's footstep within Har'oloth. While the hills and trees obstruct most of your view, you do spot the night's sky above, where heavy clouds race across a star-covered 'ceiling'. No beasts or creatures lie in wait just now, as Tathlyn quickly affirms.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 13.07.2009, 13:07:39

Jhaelvirr hurries out of the cave and looks around in amazement. He kneels, scoops up a handful of wet earth, then licks it and throws a grin back at the others. He continues over to one of the trees and feels it's bark. Then he starts jumping into puddles.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 16.07.2009, 20:50:50

Sheiriya is not sure which is stranger - the surroundings or Jhaelvirr's behaviour. Then she decides to ignore the drow and concetrates on the world around her. After her time in the underdark there is more movement around her than she got used to ... but in some way it reminds her of home.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 17.07.2009, 09:50:35

"So this is it", Zhadristan says to himself as he looks around and listens without paying much attention to the others.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 19.07.2009, 12:27:10

As you step out onto the wet forest floor, you get a better view of the landscape. Far to the Northwest, a mountain range is lit up by the thunderstorm's occasional lightning, whereas to the east you can see the glimmer of light too, most likely some sort of settlement. There is no visible trail running down into the glade from the entrance to the Underdark. Tathlyn looks about again, checking for any immediate dangers. Signalling that all is fine, he leads you onwards, towards the mountain range.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 20.07.2009, 15:09:48

The ground beneath your feet, soggy and heavy forest floor, makes some interesting noises, noises quiet uncommen in the stony lands of Har'oloth. Soon, a myriad of little flying somethings swirl about your faces, trying to prick your skin and suck your body fluids. Only Sheiriya remains unmolested by the mini-stirges.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 24.07.2009, 08:43:29

Her initial enthusiasm comes to an end qutie fast when she has to walk over the soggy ground. After a while she takes of her ring and becomes visible to darkvision again. "Well I would prefer to have some riding beasts now," she says to no one in special.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 24.07.2009, 10:45:41

The scouts nods and replies: "The camp of the 'traders' is some three miles down the slope. That was an arrangement by the Underdark traders, since they would not want to give away all the positions of the entries to the Realms Below by leading any surfacers straight to them." He points at some barely visible light a few miles away. "That should be the place. With a touch of luck, we might catch up with the caravan there. If not, we will find shelter for the 'day' and I might get some info where the caravan was heading next."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 26.07.2009, 17:31:40

"Except from the chance of not needing to walk over this damp ground - Why do we want to meet with the caravan? For reasons of security?" Sheiriya asks Tathlyn.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.07.2009, 16:40:40

"That's the point." Tathyln says. "If I got the correct information, they look for certain creatures for some sort of gladiatoral arenas and the like. Hence they have visited the Realms Below. Mixing in amongst them will draw less curiosity towards a band of travelling drow than anything else we can muster - bar magical travel that is. Obviously, we don't have any aspiratuons for gladiator fighting and somesuch, do we?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 29.07.2009, 21:24:52

"I will not fight for anyone's entertainment", Zhadristan says. "Do they not travel during the day?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.07.2009, 12:20:02

"As far as I was informed, they do travel in broad daylight, but use some sort of carriages for the more exotic people," the scout replies. "One should not be overly concerned about the daylight, it is very irritating at first, but one can live with it. If we keep to the shadows and shade, we should be fine. Just some certain drowmade equipment might suffer, if you carry somesuch. The one crafted with the use of faerzress in particular."
You come closer to the settlement, which reveals itself to be some kind of fort, i.e. solid wooden buildings, a few barns and all surrounded by a twin palisade of sturdy pales. A few of the building have light in their windows, the gates are also shed in what looks to be magical lights.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 30.07.2009, 15:55:41

"Why not fight for your own entertainment," Jhaelvirr asks curiously.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 03.08.2009, 12:55:56

"The answere is simple. Fighting is no entertainment for me if I am involved in it. At least the kind of fight we are talking about," Sheiriya tells Jhaelvirr. "If you relish it you could have my share of the next fight, in addition to yours."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 03.08.2009, 13:10:16

Far behind you, near the exit to the Underdark, you hear a loud, banging sound. Tathlyn nods and says quietly: Someone's apparently tracked us and did not manage to circumvent my little trap. Maybe your charms were too irresistable for some of these onlookers in the city below?" He adds, looking at Sheiriya with a smirk. Do we want to wait here, have a look at our pursuers or try our luck down in the settlement?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 03.08.2009, 19:32:33

"I think we want to have a look. As you said that the caravan will travel in daylight they won't be gone when we get there." Sheiriya says.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 04.08.2009, 14:02:58

"I agree," Paval says, "Let us see who would follow us." He readies a prayer, and makes sure he can get to his weapons quickly. "It might be best if some of you take an ambush position."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 04.08.2009, 20:36:56

Zhadristan nods to Paval and heads off towards a suitable position.
Then he stops after a few steps, turns around again. "So we should not attack right away?", he asks Paval.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 04.08.2009, 20:42:48

"No, let us determine if they are hostile first. We should prepare, if we can, spells that will let us know their intent."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.08.2009, 15:28:52

"Well, I cannot prepare somesuch spells, but people carefully looking for tracks and all should be considered dubious. I assume you will give a certain signal?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 06.08.2009, 23:17:26

Jhaelvirr rubs his hands and says: "Finally some action."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 07.08.2009, 11:48:46

"One spell I can quickly cast is one that allows a person to walk on the air. This spell will last for ninety minutes, and when it sends you are gently returned to the ground. The advantage of the surface world is that a position of height can often give one a good view of the surroundings.

"Moreover we have an advantage in that walking the air leaves no tracks.

"Who has the best sight amongst us and is willing to walk the air?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 07.08.2009, 15:39:13

"Walking through the air does not make any sound, does it? If so, I'd suggest someone uses it, who is not that ... (the scout hesitates somewhat, looking for some word that will not make anyone take offence) ... subtle. I for one can walk quite silent?!"
He scans the way up to the exit, but no-one shows itself as yet.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 12.08.2009, 19:56:41

"I'll have a look," Sheiriya announces. Her body changes into a human female with blond hair and a moment later her clothes undergo a similar transformation. After that she simply disappears.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.08.2009, 10:11:57

Paval shrugs, then finds somewhere to hide where he can readily come into plain sight if needed.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 13.08.2009, 12:02:13

The scout slinks into the shadows and waits there, reading a few pieces of his equipment.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 14.08.2009, 10:51:38

Sheiriya stays away for a while. Tathlyn signals towards those able to see him: She knows what she does, I assume? Has she given you any signs that may show her discomfort ... in her previous endeavours?

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 14.08.2009, 12:55:50

Paval shrugs again in reply. He replies in sign language Do not try to understand females, we men are always wrong.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 16.08.2009, 16:24:44

Indeed. the scout signals back. It would be a travesty to loose one with her looks though, one that is no priestess.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 16.08.2009, 18:14:51

There is nothing remarkable about her looks or indeed anyone else's. It is all flesh, no matter how well some think it shaped, and it will all decay in time. If we lose her, we lose her. Let us hope she at least screams so that we are warned.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 20.08.2009, 15:11:21

Tathlyn slinks back into the shadows, the the looks on his face are more in concern of Sheiriya than agreement of Paval's comments. Maybe his ideas on the she-drow's screams are somewhat different.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 20.08.2009, 20:03:17

Seeing the expression on Tathlyn's face, Paval shakes his head. He remembers the dead faces of those who once wore such a look and believed they were different. He shakes his once more to clear away such reminiscences. Danger may be nearby.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 21.08.2009, 09:54:18

After some time Sheiriya reappears in the place from where she had left and changes back to her normal appearance. She looks around if she could spot any of her comrades. When she does she tells them: "I found three creatures which I told to go back into the underdark. Maybe they'll decide to turn around again after a while. Apart from them I saw no one who might have triggered the trap."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 21.08.2009, 11:24:08

Paval looks to Tathlyn for his comments.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 21.08.2009, 15:05:06

"I say kill them anyway," says Jhaelvirr, the eye on his forehead half open. "It's dangerous to turn your back on enemies."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 24.08.2009, 12:44:04

"Creatures?", Zhadristan puts in.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.08.2009, 10:38:58

Sheiriya reappears on the path and swiftly changes her look from human to drow again.
"They are all gone now, all three." she brushes her clothes - not that there's anything on it to be brushed away - and adds. "Some female-hunting human scum too weak to resist my charms." Pointing at the horizon, who starts to show the first signs of gray, she murmurs, "maybe we get ourselves moving again, ere your dark skins and good looks have to suffer the shiningbright, right?"

Tathlyn steps out of the shadows and nods in agreement. Looking at Paval, he asks: "Shall we go to that settlement then, or are we going to bypass it?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 31.08.2009, 12:46:29

"I think it would be best to bypass it and make good speed. If we need something then we can find another settlement along the journey."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 01.09.2009, 00:18:11

"We could burn it down if we don't need it", says Jaehlvirr enthusiasticly.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 01.09.2009, 13:21:48

"Why don't you burn it down, and catch us up?" Paval says, brightly.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 02.09.2009, 18:48:34

"Oh, come on. It's only fun if you share the experience."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 03.09.2009, 10:55:09

Paval chuckles, "I see your point, but there is also fun in hearing a new story told. If you wish to burn the settlement down do so. Maybe the Lady Sheiriya can tell you what her erstwhile acquaintances looked like so you can make the burning look like their fault."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 04.09.2009, 08:45:11

"Oh this is a very good idea!" Zhadristan says. "but there were three of them."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 04.09.2009, 11:03:19

Tathlyn tries to discern the logic behind the suggestions and re-suggestions. He points at the stronghold and says: "Not wanting to curb your enthusiasm, but there a good four-score of people inhabiting this place, veterans and, as I had hoped to make clear, people willing to deal with drow. Not doubting your abilities (looking at Jhaevirr), but turning them into corpses might prove a touch more difficult than you expect. In any case, it may be wise to discern whether the caravan has left or visited the place before you ruin it?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 08.09.2009, 21:52:51

Paval acknowledges Tathlyn, "Let us bow to the wisdom and guidance of our scout and guide. Please Master Tathlyn lead on and we will follow."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 09.09.2009, 16:04:21

"Spoilsports," mutters Jhaelvirr into his non-existing beard.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 11.09.2009, 15:53:18

"You could still burn it after we have the information. If you like I'll wait and watch," Sheiriya encourages Jhaelvirr and smiles at him.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 15.09.2009, 14:07:51

Not waiting for the reply, Tathlyn leads you onwards bides you to wait some 200 feet away from the fort, well covered in the darkness of the nearby woods. He mutters something that sounds vaguely arcane and the shadows around him deepen. You find it hard to distinguish him from the surrounding area, especially as he moves closer to the fort. You cannot see what he's doing or whether he actually peers over the wall. After some time, the scout comes back and says: "If they were here, there is no sign of them. It looks like they changed the beasts of burden and moved on. So let us go too and make some good ground, ere the blazing light creeps over the horizon, shall we not?!"

You/He reckons that you have a couple or so hours left before the sun makes her appearance.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 15.09.2009, 15:00:58

"Yes, let us make haste."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 17.09.2009, 16:22:37

Not looking back, the scout leads you near the treeline along the road. For those having their first excursion to the surface, loads of new things - smells, sounds, voices, sight - distract you from the passage. Birds of prey whistle through the trees, various insect harp their voices and deer and boar flee as you approach. It ain't that easy to navigate through the woods with the silent steps of Underdark travelling either, dry wood and brushes startle you time and again - much to the chagrin of the scout. Finally, the sun creeps over the horizon, but as you are moving along the western edge of the forest, you can still make some good ground ere the light becomes really mean. The scout finds a ruined tower among a ring of large boulders and you can settle for a break in their shadows.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 22.09.2009, 15:52:11

The rise in temperature is something new to most of you, as the Underdark's surroundings rarely offer such a stark contrast as you suffer here. No creatures - insects apart - bother you while you rest. While the light is hurting your eyes, you do adapt to the shadowy light within the woods soon enough. It becomes clear that any fighting would better be done at night, or, at least, not in bright daylight. While resting, the scout advises you that should a fight or the like happen by, the sound level should be kept to a minimum. For while the Underdark usually harbours the more dangerous creeps, the surface lands is home to numerous less dangerous but pretty pesty inhabitants - most of which make a habit of slaying drow first and ask them about their business later. As soon as the sun settles behind the wooded hills to the west, Tathlyn gets you up and walking again.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 23.09.2009, 02:04:14

Paval stays alert during the next evening's travels. He has travelled in the World Above before.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 27.09.2009, 11:12:07

"Quite a diference to the underdarks I would say," Sheiriya says to Zhadristan during the rest. "What do you think about it?" She has made it herself as comfortable as possible and kills the time by looking at the surroundings.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.09.2009, 11:42:16

You make good progress, even though the scouts calls for a halt every now and then and tries to figure out whether someone or something follows you or is nearby. A crescent moon sheds some light on the landscape, though passing clouds leave islands of darkness 'float' over the surrounding woods and plains. After a few hours of silent walking, you spot flashing lights in the distance, accompanied by muted shouts and screams. This goes on for a few long moments, ere a flickering light remains, which illuminates the tips of trees which cover the hill that blocks your view to the events. Half a mile ahead of you, a dark shadow leaves the forest and stalks towards the battle. Tathyln signals: Troll and asks, whether the group wants to investigate the battle too. As it lies directly in your path, you woould not have to make a detour to get there, but to bypass it.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 30.09.2009, 18:26:12

"It is awful", Zhadristan says. "I am almost in a constant state of alarm because of all the noise."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 02.10.2009, 14:00:16

Jhaelvirr, now sporting tufts of fur, patches of scales as well as chitin, and yellow eyes, adds: "Not to mention all the noises coming from all those spirits around here. There is so much life, so much energy. Quite exhilarating, I tell you."

When the scout signals his warning, the dirty drow signals back: Let's watch, but we should be careful.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 06.10.2009, 07:42:18

"Are your spirits now living in those patches of hair and the like?" Sheiriya asks Jhaelvirr. "By the way. Take a bath when we get to a pond, will you?"

---

Yes, let's have a look at the fight, Sheiriya signals.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 06.10.2009, 21:52:42

As soon as the troll has vanished, the scout leads you onwards. It is a nearly open stretch of land which you have to pass, covered by high grass and some bushes. Tathlyn tries to stay away from Jhaelvirr, apparently finding his constant changes a bit too uncomfortable for his liking. No animals or the like scamper to safety before you, as the troll has done enough to scare them off. You reach the stretch of wooded hill that obstructed your view on the scene of battle, with no sign of the troll. Tathlyn simply follows its trail through the woods until you reach the ridge of the hill. There he hunkers down and takes in the scenery before you.
The caravan trail moves between a number of equally wooded hills and in the valley before you, a treck of half a dozen wagons lies shattered and destroyed before you. A few of them have been blasted apart by magic, their content spread all over the place and partially burnt. The beasts of burden of all wagons are dead, as apparently are about 20 people. To the west a score of riders move away from the scene of battle, not showing any sort of haste. Below you, the troll reappears and makes its way to the nearest wagon. A sudden high wail reaches your ears and tells you that not all these people are as dead as first thought. In fact, a couple or so move slowly about, trying to get away from the monster.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 07.10.2009, 16:31:48

Paval casts Flame Strike at the troll.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 08.10.2009, 08:02:10

"Males..." Sheiriya thinks when Paval casts his spell. "... They always want to fight. Let's help ..."

(Only if the riders are so far away that they won't hear her: )
Sheiriya calls something in a language most of the others probably do not understand.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.10.2009, 18:59:57

A column of roaring flames appears over the troll and its victim and cascades down on them both. Far too focused on its prey, the giants can not react in time and takes the full brunt of the magical fires, crying out in anguish. The grass near the creature burns on after the magic disappears, forcing the troll to jump aside. It then cocks its head as it hears the female voice and focusses its eyes on you. Letting out a wrathful growl, it starts hurtling towards you.

Tathlyn slinks into the shadows of a nearby tree.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 08.10.2009, 19:49:45

"Have fun, boys," Sheiriya encourages the males. Then she looks for a place to sit and watch. If the troll turns towards her she will tell it (magically of course) to concentrate on the others.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 09.10.2009, 21:41:32

Jhaelvirr sighs and his form blurs until there stands a giant spider in his place. It scampers off to the side and vanishes in the darkness.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 09.10.2009, 23:14:44

"Hey, where do you go?" Sheiriya's voice sounds in Jhaelvirr's mind. "There is the fight you longed for."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 13.10.2009, 19:17:38

Zhadristan casts a spell to shield himself. As the Jhaelvirr-spider moves away, he takes up position to keep the troll from easily getting to those less suited for close combat.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 14.10.2009, 10:12:17

Paval waits until the troll is nearly in range before casting Circle of Doom.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.10.2009, 16:59:06

As the troll scampers into view, Zhadristan places himself in front of Paval, confronting the monstrous beast. The cleric cast a spell and a wave of darkish magic rolls away from him, washes over Zhadristan and hits the troll. It seems not to deal that much damage, Zhadristan remains unharmed. The troll, its chest covered in fresh human blood, slows somewhat, growls deeply and throws its crude but wicked javelin at the spiderform that is Jhaevirr (-10 HP). Then it switches its grip on the axe it holds, taking it into both claws. Burning hate shows in its eyes. Behind it, Tathlyn sneaks into view with dark magic surrounding his left hand. He wields it like a weapon and slashes across the trolls back, who howls in pain at the sudden strike.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 27.10.2009, 13:39:45

Paval readies his short-bow, and manoeuvres to get a clear shot at the troll.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 27.10.2009, 19:43:47

"Nice hit." Sheiriya observes, sending her thoughts to Tathlyn's mind. She settles back and lets the others entertain her.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 30.10.2009, 11:31:07

Zhadristan moves in to get his share of the troll.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.10.2009, 13:32:47

As the troll presents its broad chest, Zhadristan picks a spot between its armor and thrusts his sabre hilt deep in the beast's body. Jerking away from the sudden pain, the troll denies him another strike, alas, Zhadristan keeps his weapon.
The spider-that-is-Jhaevirr closes in on the troll too, who now faces three opponents at once.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 30.10.2009, 23:53:05

Eight-legged Jhalevirr stops abruptly after he is hit by the javelin. He rears up on his hind legs, brings his abdomen forward and shoots a strand of webbing at the troll, hoping to ensnare it.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 31.10.2009, 10:23:35

Zhadristan launches another series of attacks.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 04.11.2009, 17:16:29

A sticky webstrand of the Jhaevirr-spider hits the troll squarely on the chest and entangles its arms somewhat. Its erratic reaction to that means that Zhadristan's first jab goes awry, but he punches his blade through the troll's thigh with another swift attack. The troll, while trying to cast the web off, spots Tathlyn behind its back and furiously batters the drow with axe, claw and bit. The drow suffers badly and vanishes from sight. Half a second later, two arrow plant themselves into the trolls shoulders, as Paval takes the opportunity to use his bow.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 05.11.2009, 12:45:49

With a little smile on her face, Sheiriya enjoys the show.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 08.11.2009, 19:09:46

Jhaelvirr joins the fray by scuttling over to the green-skin and trying to bite it with his poisenous mandibles.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 15.11.2009, 08:13:23

Zhadristan maintains his attacks on the troll.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 16.11.2009, 12:28:09

Jhaevirr lounges at the troll, bit the spider-scared beast whirls away from this attack. This also spoils Zhadristan's strikes, worse still, as the troll turns, his sabres gets stuck into a skull trophy and his ripped from his hands. Being deprived of its initial target, the troll swings its battleaxe at Zhadristan and draws a bloody line across the drow's sabre-less forearm (- 14 HP). It snaps and claws too, but the agile fighter escapes with ease. Two of Paval's arrows bounce off the trolls armor, doing no damage at all.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 17.11.2009, 11:16:35

While he dodges the troll's swings, Zhadristan snatches his lightning wand from his belt to blast the troll.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 23.11.2009, 12:42:20

Somewhat away from the battle, Tathlyn materializes and hurls a tiny peeble at the troll. As it progresses towards the beast, the stone grows in size, soon equalling that of a hill giant's head. Yet, the drow's aim is off and the stone whistles past the troll and slams into a tree nearby. Jhaevirr bites at the troll, but fails to penetrate its tough skin. The troll whirls about, aims his large axe at Zhadristan an lets fly. The weapons spins at the drow and causes another bloody gash to appear in his shoulder (-17 HP). Then it turns on the spider and claws and bites at Jhaevirr, without success though. Paval sends another couple of arrows into the troll's back, but they seem to have little effect. Still shaken from the hit of the axe, Zhadristan levels his wand at the troll and blasts the creature into oblivion. It's hulking body sprawls on the ground and continues to spasm, making it unsafe to remain near the dangerous claws.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 24.11.2009, 13:26:33

"Nicely done." Sheirya lauds the males. She arises and walks over to the others. "Should we take precautions concerning the troll or just get over to the caravan?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 24.11.2009, 15:56:49

"If we don't destroy it with fire or the like, it will recover from the damage and may sniff its way towards us later on." Tathlyn says, while utilizing his magical belt once more.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 25.11.2009, 10:18:17

Paval agrees with the decision to burn the troll. Then he sees to the caravan, determining if any of them can be cured or raised from the dead. Obviously, before that, he checks to make sure the area is safe and also investigates the caravan.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 29.11.2009, 09:18:17

"Go ahead", Zhadristan tells his companions as he retrieves his sabre. He also drinks a healing potion to take care of the wounds he received.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 29.11.2009, 14:51:07

As you come near the wrecks of the caravan waggons, an old wolf runs away and vanishes in the woods nearby. All is silent and quiet, the animals as well as all members of that treck seem to be dead. You spot 17 bodies, all humanoids, mainly half-orcs, humans, dark-skinned half-elves and the odd hobgoblin. A couple of the half-elves seem to have been spellcasters, while most of the others were simpler mercenaries or traders. A couple of dead slaves can be seen hanging in the burned wreck of their waggon, still tied to the chains of their cage. Anything of value or with even a hint of magic in it is either gone or burned. Half of the bodies are beyond 'repair'.
Tathlyn has a look at a few of the dead and says: "These are some of those who were described to me as slave trader people from the Underdark. T'seems that we have to rely on our own to get to our destination, not utilising this folk. By the looks of them, I wouldn't have wanted to join up with this rabble anyway."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 29.11.2009, 15:55:20

"Ah well," shrugs Paval. "It helped pass the time I suppose. Let us continue our journey."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 02.12.2009, 07:31:05

"Well, the question is: Where are those who wanted to get away from the troll? Should they all have died during the fight?" Sheiriya walks around, looking for living bodies and thinking minds (detect thoughts). If she finds something valuable or simply beautiful along the way, even better.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 02.12.2009, 10:35:05

The bodies have been throughly looted, fingers cut off where rings did not comply to the pressure but on them by the robbers. Not that the slavers - by their looks - would have done it any different had they ransacked a caravan. The troll apparently killed the last living member of that treck.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 07.12.2009, 15:41:34

As you gather and are about to leave the place, you spot that some of the riders did not move off as far as expected but returned and now look at you. All in all, there are six riders, some carry lances, others no visible weaponry. They are about a quarter of a mile away.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 10.12.2009, 10:19:48

Upon command, it seems, they spread out somewhat, denying any spellhurler an easy target. Slowly they begin their advance.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 10.12.2009, 12:41:41

Paval casts Wall of stone to create a wall of stone as a barrier in front of them. He then casts Deeper Darkness on the wall. He prepares to retreat, but readies Insect plague.

(Nb: helped by the lab next door playing Iron Maiden)

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 10.12.2009, 20:58:23

"Looks like you even get another fight," Sheiriya observes. "I guess we should spread out, too."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 12.12.2009, 09:25:05

"Or run, decide quickly," Zhadristan says to Paval.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 12.12.2009, 17:33:10

"Running seems a good idea," Paval replies. "Lead the way Tathlyn." Paval is ready to move out.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 12.12.2009, 18:11:18

Tathlyn turns about and leads the fleeing drow onto the trees, some 50 yards away. Once you reach them, you notice that the horse-folk do not pursue you, instead looking on and apparently doing nothing. After a while and a few gestures, they turn and move off.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.12.2009, 10:15:01

"We should remain on our guard," Paval says. "Many a victory has been won by pretending to withdraw. Although, in our case, I advice us to pursue a careful but hasty departure from here."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 16.12.2009, 17:21:50

Changing back from spider to do, Jhaelvirr nods and says: "I agree."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 17.12.2009, 20:58:10

"To bad. We could have gotten horses," Sheiriya says jokingly. "By the way: How far do we have to go?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 18.12.2009, 10:54:04

Tathlyn looks at the female drow and points to the horizon. "If we keep our speed, we should be there in about three days. It could well be that these riders - now that they know we are here - angle back and try to catch us." He utters this with not that much concern, just like a professional remark. "Of course, we now know that they are about too."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 19.12.2009, 21:15:40

"And they don't know if we had some business with the caravan or if we just were there by chance. Well, let's keep our speed."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 20.12.2009, 11:41:22

The scout explains that for the sake of safety, the group has to angle back somewhat and cross the tradeway further down the west of you current position. The diversion does not take that long and soon you reach another densely wooded region of hills, just north of the tradeway. Tathlyn keeps pressing on, even after the sun has shown her bright face at the eastern horizon. You bypass the odd wild beast or feasting ogre, ere the scout draws you to a hold under a large cliff. He explains that you now move parallel to the north of the tradeway for about a day, then turn straight to the north to reach the dwarven mines.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 20.12.2009, 19:08:18

With nothing much to do but follow Tathlyn's advice, Paval takes heed and the chance to rest and pray.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 21.12.2009, 10:55:53

As soon as the sun closes in on the horizon to the west, Tathlyn gets you going again. You make good ground during that night with no beast, monster or surfacer in sight. The scout spots the ruins of a crumbled tower on a slope deep in the woods close to dayfall and you rest there. As the afternoon draws near, a half-mad cackle can be heard above the tower and a shadow passes over the tower ...

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 25.12.2009, 12:38:13

Paval is alert and looking out for danger and threats.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 26.12.2009, 17:54:52

Sheiriya looks up for a short moment and then if she sees nothing directly, concentrates on something for a moment.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 29.12.2009, 17:16:33

"There is an ugly female flying around on some kind of stick. I guess she has already seen us," Sheiriya informs the others, directly speaking to their minds. "Any idea who or what that is?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 29.12.2009, 18:13:46

Zhadristan shakes his head, having no idea.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.12.2009, 10:58:06

"Flying on sticks?" Tathlyn signals, shaking his head. "Going by the ruckus it makes, it will soon atract other creeps though." He readies his weapons and tries to get a better view, etching along a wall.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 30.12.2009, 15:05:16

"And for the same reason it unlikely that we have to keep 'quiet' ... I'll talk to her." Sheiriya thinks to the others.

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Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 30.12.2009, 16:45:47

Paval waits patiently.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 31.12.2009, 14:27:53

The cackle stops after a few moments. Then all of you hear the cries of an old female, talking to you in Common.
"Disturbed the home of Hreishar you have, weaklings. Hreishar will call her children for the feast the weaklings will provide! Just wait there and we will come looking for you, tasty ones!" Another cackle accompanies that message.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 31.12.2009, 14:33:44

"This does not sound at all promising. Let us leave this place or find defensible ground. We need to decide quickly."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 31.12.2009, 15:39:50

"Send your children away and they won't die," Sheiriya calls to the female using her magic to give her word more persuasive power.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 01.01.2010, 11:34:57

"Whohoo, you little weakling will taste all the better if you are filled with magicks!" comes the reply from above.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 01.01.2010, 13:04:31

"Hmm, I suppose it can't always work," Shririya mumbles. She dons her magical glove and readies her crossbow.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 02.01.2010, 14:24:12

Paval casts Shield of Faith on himself.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 02.01.2010, 15:32:21

Jhaelvirr just returns from his daily period of solitude. This time, his appearance appears to be no more unusual than before. "What's all this ruckus about?" he asks with a feral snarl in his voice.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 02.01.2010, 16:54:20

"Oh nothing much really," Paval says "Someone is threatening us with death and destruction. The usual deal really."

Paval has a look around the old tower, just in case there is anything there which mentions Hreishar.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 02.01.2010, 18:52:42

"If we do not want to get away I think we should attack that female before her children arrive." Sheiriya points out.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 02.01.2010, 19:27:15

"we really should. Or do we want to make a habit out of running from surfacers?" Zhadristan says and takes one of the wands from his belt.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 04.01.2010, 14:54:44

When Hreishar makes another pass, Sheiriya dissappears from the ground and re-materialises behind the flying one. The latter looks like an old human female with darkish skin, clothed in rags and a loose cloak. Various bones and skulls from animals and humanoids alike make up the rest of her garments. Sheiriya sends a crossbow bolt after Hreishar, but it pierces the cloak and deflects harmlessly away. A mere moment later, five tiny yellow balls of magic race up from the ground (and Zhadristan's wand), smashing into the female. The magic fizzles across her body though, seemingly doing no harm at all.
Hreishar whips her flying thing about and stares at Sheiriya, a horn in her hand and fire in her eyes.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 04.01.2010, 16:28:59

Paval continues to search the tower, for a clue.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 05.01.2010, 07:44:23

The crossbow still in her hand Sheiriya starts moving down and gives her magic another try.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 06.01.2010, 09:32:09

Zhadristan raises his arm to point his fist at Hreishar. He speaks a word and sends a bolt of force up to the opponent.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 07.01.2010, 17:59:37

Jhaelvirr lazily looks up and gestures into the hag's general direction. A ray of lightning arches toward her.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.01.2010, 12:00:04

Despite the aerial combat, Paval checks the ground levels of the tower ruins, spotting some sort of a trap door in a dark corner. Drawing it open, he sees that it is no more than a now earth-filled entrance to some lower level, atop of which some creeps have made their lair. Various furs and pelts cover the ground, bones and some rough bags lie about.
Over his head, Hreishar barely avoids a black-shafted arrow from Tathlyn, only to be hammered by a bolt of force from Zhadristan's ring. It sends her spinning about somewhat, but she keeps in the saddle of her flying stick well enough. Still viewing Sheiriya as the more potent threat, she levels a spell at the female, some purple magic ray that fails to harm Sheiriya. The latter responds with magic of her own, something that makes Hreishar cry out in annoyance. AN arc of lightning strikes Hreishar from Jhaevirr's outstretched hand, though she manages to avoid the full brunt of the attack by leaning back on her stick.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 08.01.2010, 14:17:48

"Ha, good that she held on, it is more fun this way!", Zhadristan says and reaches for his hand crossbow. He casts a spell on himself and watches the flight of the Hreishar.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 08.01.2010, 19:59:50

Paval investigates his find cautiously and carefully. He is looking for traps and information. He is also making sure he is available for his companion should they need them, although they sound on top of things so far. Paval has an intuition about Hreishar.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 09.01.2010, 13:55:19

Sheiriya continues sinking. The rest depends if Hreishar comes close to her or stays away.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 13.01.2010, 14:56:31

"This is boring," comments Jhaelvirr to no one in particular as he shoots another bolt of lightning at the hag. Then he yells: "Come down here, you ugly bitch! Let's fight for real!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 14.01.2010, 12:04:31

As Hreishar angles back towards Sheiriya, Zhadristan whispers a spell and aims his crossbow at the flying female. His bolt strikes true enough, but for some reason, neither it nor the poison it carries seem to take effect. Hreishar races up to the slowly sinking Sheiriya and tries to bite at her. Her filthy jaws snap together just in front of Sheiriya as she whistles past. Down from the ground another bolt of lightning strikes out, yet once more the agile Hreishar drags herself out of the way of the main blast. Somewhere in the shadows, Tathlyn curses quietly at his failed attempts to fire off an arrow.
Paval does not find any traps down there, only filthy clothing and those bags. Having a closer look at some of them, he spots one filled with an assortment of skulls - probably collected as trophies. Others are filled with herbs and spell components, vials and a sacrificial knife.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 14.01.2010, 16:03:46

Paval collects up the bags, bringing them with him. Acting on a hunch, he looks around to see if Hreishar has a familiar nearby.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 14.01.2010, 22:11:57

If Sheiriya is nearly at the top of the trees she stays there otherwise she continues sinking. Apart from that she waits for Hreishar to get near her again.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 18.01.2010, 16:15:26

Paval does not see any sort of creep or something that he would view as a familiar or the like.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 18.01.2010, 19:17:09

Paval casts True Seeing on himself.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 19.01.2010, 15:12:47

Jhaelvirr grumbles something, then reaches for a small crossbow, aims at the flying thing and looses a bolt.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 21.01.2010, 15:17:59

Since his crossbow proved useless, Zhadristan aims another lightning bolt at the bypassing Hreishar. The magic hits her again, but once more, she yanks her flying thing out of the path and does not take the full brunt of the blast. Tathlyn fires three arrows off in quick succession, hitting the flying female twice. Both arrows bounce off her though, much to the dismay of the drow. Sheiriya waits till Hreishar bypasses her, lashes out at the female and trying to grab her, but a flailing arm get's Sheiriya's attentions off. At the ground, Paval casts a spell, but can still see so familiar hiding about. He does notice something that looks like an illusionary wall near to the lair. Jhaevirr moves about, trying to get a clear shot at Hreishar, manages to do so, scores a hit, but yet again, no effect becomes apparent. Hreishar notices the pesty menace from below, but angles around ones more and unleashes some vile-looking bolt at Sheiriya. Her magic do take effect and the drow female suddenly feels very fatigued.* A cry of delight arises from Hreishar's raw throat.

* -9 STR

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 21.01.2010, 18:03:55

Paval casts Restoration on Sheiriya. Then moves to investigate the illusory wall.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 22.01.2010, 13:13:10

"Care to see how well she can fly in the dark?", Zhadristan asks Jhaelvirr.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 22.01.2010, 21:58:02

Sheiriya gasps when the magic hits her. In the hope that Hreishar won't attack her with the same magic again right away, she continues sinking and concentrates on something.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 27.01.2010, 14:52:25

Jhaelvirr closes his eyes as if he has to control his frustration, then sighs, reloads his crossbow and fires again.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 31.01.2010, 11:51:37

Zhadristan creates a cloud of darkness around the flying female, who howls in annoyance. The other hold their attacks to see what happens next. Hreishar flies straight ahead and appears on the far side of the cloud, only visible to Tathlyn and Jhaeviir. The latter looses another bolt, but it again fails to penetrate Hreishar's protections. Neither do the two arrows of Tathlyn, who smash into Hreishar's body, giving the drow something to think about. So to does Sheiriya, who suddenly remembers that her mind-boggling spells won't work on these kind of creatures. Hreishar turns about in on her stick and throws something to the ground near the three male drow, which explodes with a loud bang. It rings in your ears, but to no apparent effect.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 31.01.2010, 16:47:39

With Hreishar not visible to her and her magic being useless, Sheiriya disappears.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 31.01.2010, 17:20:47

Paval investigates the illusory wall.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 03.02.2010, 18:48:39

If the Hreishar comes in his sight again, Zhadristan will use his ring again.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 06.02.2010, 17:16:47

Still reeling from the bang, Jhaelvirr mumbles something to himself and staggers in the dircetion of the tower to check out what Paval is doing there. While he does that, he casually looses another lightning strike at the hag.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.02.2010, 11:03:02

Sheiriya vanishes from sight, leaving Hreishar with but three visible targets right now. Having dropped his bow, Tathlyn throws a small stone at the flying female, a stone that suddenly expands vastly in size and smashes into her, sending her tumbling away somewhat. In the shadows of the tower, Paval takes a closer look at the illusion and discovers a small staircase leading into the lower parts of the tower. By the looks of it, Hreishar has not noticed it (as yet), since leaves, rubble and earth lies on the stairs in abundance - undisturbed for ages. In the meantime, once he gets a clear sight of her, Zhadristan sends another bolt of force at Hreishar, but it narrowly misses her. Now being seriously threatened, she yanks her stick to the side as another bolt of electricity arches up from Jhaevirr's hands, striking her again. She makes another bypass over the treetops, sends a jet-black bolt of magic into Jhaevirr's chest (drawing away 7 points of strength) ere howling "I'll have your heads for this, pesty creeps!". Then she flies off and out of sight.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 08.02.2010, 13:56:44

Paval readies Insect plague but does not cast it until he sees the witch again.

He calls over to his companions about the staircase.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 08.02.2010, 15:05:54

Jhaelvirr collapses onto the ground, dragged down by his own weight. He tries to get up again, but can barely lift a hand. "Uh, guys? A little help would be appreciated here..." he shouts meekly into the evening.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 08.02.2010, 21:13:49

Paval seeing Jhaelvirr collapse on the ground, rushes over to him, and casts Restoration.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 12.02.2010, 13:04:42

Zhadristan stands guard and watches out for the Hreishar and her children, whatever they may be.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 13.02.2010, 11:24:21

When Sheiriya reaches ground level she "walks" over to Jhaelvirr and Paval before she leaves the ethereal plane. "I could use something like that, too." she tells Paval after he has cast the spell.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 13.02.2010, 16:54:04

"Thanks, mate." Jhaelvirr says and picks himself up. "By the way, there is a stair behind that illusiory wall over there."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.02.2010, 17:20:01

"I could cast that again," Paval tells Sheiriya. "But before I do why don't you jaunt over behind that 'wall' and tells us what's down the stairs. Unless this ethereal side of your character is something you can regularly do?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 14.02.2010, 15:29:55

"I could become ethereal again and have a look. Butmy time on the ethereal is limited. Chances are I won't reach the end of the stairs. So, show me where those stairs are."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 14.02.2010, 17:07:47

"Very well, Paval replies, "I'll cast my spell on you again now, my lady. Then if you would be so kind as to become ethereal again and investigate, we'll be grateful." Paval casts Restoration on Sheiriya.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 15.02.2010, 10:47:07

"Thank you."
Sheiriya lets Paval guide her to the illusionary wall and the stairs. She then uses ethereal jaunt again and hurries down the stairs.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 16.02.2010, 10:17:10

After making sure that Hreishar is gone, Tathlyn joins up with the others. The illusionary wall, if inspected looks to be quite old. While undergrowth and dead leaves have made their way inside, no creature seems to have made its way past it for ages. It was probably already in place when the tower was still inhabited. The stair winds its way down into the darkness of the tower's basement.
Tathlyn starts to suggest that he would go first, checking out whether the place is safe, when he sees Sheiriya disappearing.
"Well, she's already on the way, I assume?" Waiting at the bottom of the stairs, you see a wide corridor which shows a few doors, a set of alcoves and a number of skeletons lying sprawled on the floor.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 16.02.2010, 12:52:36

Down in the corridor Sheiriya "walks" on as long as she stays ethereal. Back on the material plane she stays where she is and tests if she could reports to the others telepathically. Preferebly the place where she comes back isn't the location of a shattered skeleton or the like.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 20.02.2010, 14:28:38

The skeletons do not move and only the odd small vermins rushes too the side if Sheiriya closes in too much. The skeletons are victims of some long-ago assault, all having died violant deaths. What is of interest to the female are the small bolts protuding out of the ribcages of the skeletons, since they are clearly of drowmaking. The rooms that open to the sides of the corridor are nigh empty, cleaned and burned long ago.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 24.02.2010, 07:46:09

"So far, nothing tried to kill me," Sheiriya reports back to the others telepathically. "It's all quiet. ... By the way, I guess we are not the first drow to come down here."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.02.2010, 10:24:28

Paval looks at the others, "So, do we explore the stairs and what lies beyond, or do we wait for the witch to return? If we do explore the stairs then we might get trapped by the witch."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 24.02.2010, 10:31:18

As she lingers about in the darkness, Sheiriya notices an ever so slight draft. If she investigates it just a littel, she spots a whole in the floor of what looks like a large storage room. There probably was a cave-in - whether caused or used by the drow - and some 40 feet below the floor one can spot a natural cavern.
Tathlyn takes the scene in and says: "Maybe so. Still, if our cousins came to this place below, there seem to be tunnels beneath this range, caverns that can be used for travel. We are not that far off from the mines of the dwarves and it might be a good choice to seek an entrance to them here, rather than trying to bypass the surface holdings?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 24.02.2010, 12:47:12

As there seems to be no immediate danger, Sheiriya indeed takes a look. Just in case she uses her ring of the darkhidden to become invisible to darkvision. "There is a hole to a cavern in one room," she informs the others. I'll have a look." That said she cautiously aproaches the hole and activates the levitation to get down into the cavern.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.02.2010, 18:32:07

With this new information, Paval moves towards the stairs, looking for traps and unsure footing.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 01.03.2010, 17:35:18

There is nothing to be seen or heard of Hreishar, so Tathlyn also moves closer to the cave in, after a closer inspection of the skeletons. He confirms Sheiriya's observation about the crossbow bolts. Certainly of drow making, if a bit odd in style. Taking one to mull on where he's seen somesuch before, he closes in on the hole in the floor.
Sheiriya can easily glide to the bottom, noticing some magical indications about the creation of this shaft. The floor of the cavern below is wet an moss-covered, this place looks pretty natural and "untamed". The drow apparently entered through a smallish crack in the wall. Near the bottom of the shaft, Sheiriya spots the bones of some happless wilderness creatures, who dropped down and died here ages ago. Nothing can be heard.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 01.03.2010, 18:11:45

Sheiriya levitates above the moss and waites for the others. "I'm down in the cavern, straight below the hole. There seems to be no danger here," she informs the others.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 02.03.2010, 12:53:29

Cautiously, Paval joins Sheiriya in the cavern.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.03.2010, 12:19:28

Tathlyn waits till all the others have climbed down too and remains a short while behind. After climbing down to the cavern's floor, he takes a closer look at the surroundings and signals for the others to wait here while he explores the crag in the wall.
He return two dozen moments later, signalling: "There is a network of tunnels leading away from this place, all very natural. They have not been used for a few months, if not years. No danger from any creatures either. More important is that there are some runes of the Dark Path telling about the exact location of this place - to any passerby down here who can spot and read them. We made good headway and could reach the outer mines sooner than I expected. Apparently, the dwarves were busier than first thought. The only obstacle that we have to bypass is a deep orc stronghold half a day to the northwest. Either that or trying to get entrance through the surface fortifications of the remaining dwarves?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 05.03.2010, 13:32:46

"Orcs or dwarves. Orcs or dwarves. Hmm. Haven't killed a dwarf in a long time. But there are more orcs than dwarves. Hard decision."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 05.03.2010, 19:52:53

"Underground and away from the sun is best, I say," Paval comments.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 05.03.2010, 19:59:33

"Agreed", Zhadristan says.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 08.03.2010, 21:36:25

"Dwarves would be more interesting to me but I guess I can't make you walk through the sunshine," Sheiriya says.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.03.2010, 22:57:42

Tathyln leads you onwards for about half a mile, then stops and looks at his companions, some (may) still bear the marks of the fight. "Shall we rest for a short while ere we take on the road through the bowels of the world again?" he inquires.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 10.03.2010, 07:38:14

"That's a good idea," Paval says. "We can also take the chance to discuss our plans. It could be that we can find some way of gathering information about which route would help us in our task."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 11.03.2010, 12:48:08

After everyone settles down, Tathlyn describes - in loose terms - the way ahead. That stronghold of the deep orcs will essentially be the main obstacle on the way ahead, he has not heard of any greater monster activity in this area. Not that there won't be a chance of meeting a wandering beholder or the like. Usually though, the group need only to be wary of orc patrols. Attracting any attention by the orc should be avoided, one never knows how much they have bred in the last few years and running into a few scores of the brutes ain't not that great an idea. So Tathlyn votes for a "quiet and silent" approach here.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.03.2010, 10:56:49

Paval casts Divination, with regard to the biggest obstacle they will face in the next few days.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 13.03.2010, 15:09:10

Jhaelvirr decides to try out something very old and very primal this time. When he reappears, he is covered in ancient white war paint and tattoos. His ears and bottom lip are pierced with what seems to be bone needles.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 15.03.2010, 09:52:22

While Paval can discern the patterns of Jhaevirr's tattoos as something ancient, possibly proto-drowish, he has no idea what they mean. After preparing the small ritual that is required, the drow utters a number of arcane syllables and then falls silent for a few minutes.

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Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 16.03.2010, 10:12:02

Paval muses on the result of his divination then offers up a prayer of thanks to Kiaransalee.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 18.03.2010, 12:18:19

"By the way. Does anybody know what kind of being this Hreishar was?" Sheiriya asks during the rest.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 18.03.2010, 13:01:10

No-one bar Sheiriya knows that Hreishar actually was an outsider. The thing she was using was some sort of flying device, surely handy for fast overland travel.

Your rest passes by without any monster showing up. The tunnels Tathlyn leads you through are very raw and natural, nothing has come this way on a regular basis for ages. After nigh half a day of trecking, you reach the outskirts of old and apparently long-neglected mines. You spot the odd vein of ore in the walls surrounding you, but for some reason the miners stopped expanding their network of shafts and tunnels. Tathlyn advices to tread carefully, as the fungi timber used here is not in a good shape. a mile on, the tunnel opens into a vast crack in the Underdark and you can spot several bridges arching over the chasm. Passes have been hewn into the stone either side of the chasm walls, supported here and there again by fungi timber. About a mile to the left, you spot a light source, probably marking the way to the deep orc stronghold.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 22.03.2010, 10:47:43

The light is stationary and does not move. Tathlyn signals a question, asking whether anyone can scry on this source from afar. Apart from a whining draft, no other sounds can be heard here.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 22.03.2010, 12:57:13

Not from this distance. Seiriya signals. Ask me again when we are only about 150 metres away from that light.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 22.03.2010, 13:01:10

Paval shakes his head in response.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 23.03.2010, 10:33:29

Then let us go closer, Zhadristan signals.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 23.03.2010, 14:41:43

Tathyln nods and leads you on, carefully checking the stability of the ledge. Above and below you, more passages have been carved into the walls as well, with slender bridges reach across the chasm to connect the two sides. They do not look like what you would expect of dwarven craftsmenship, more like stone formed with the help of magic. Your path has not been used for ages, as small debris litters the ground. From below, the odd stalagmite reaches out of the darkness, none of you can spot the bottom though.
Every now and then, a magical torch marks an entrance to a tunnel, you bypass a few, all seem long neglected, the magic of the torches very old. Some 50 metres from the bridge and the better-lit tunnel entrance, Tathlyn brings the group to a halt. He looks invitingly at Sheiriya.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 23.03.2010, 20:26:35

Sheiriya concentrates on the magic that will hopefully allow her to get a view at the source of the light and its surroundings.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 23.03.2010, 23:55:10

While the magical lights are clearly brighter (and possibly not that old), the entrance seems to be unguarded. Whether the creature that sits right in the middle of the bridge that leads to this entrance is a guardian though one can hardly tell. Something does not seem right, maybe it is the fact that Sheiriya can see through him at times that makes this chap looking odd? He sure is a dwarf ... of sorts.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 24.03.2010, 07:48:38

Using sign language Sheiriya tells the others what she can see. I could go there and see if that dwarf is hostile to us, she suggests.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.03.2010, 11:30:06

"Sounds more like a spook to me, if you can see through it. That aside, who would sit in such a place in nigh darkness staring into the latter?" Tathlyn says, getting his bow ready.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 27.03.2010, 13:34:58

"And what could we expect from such a spook thing?" Sheiriya asks. "You seem to know something about them."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 28.03.2010, 00:40:35

Tathlyn shakes his head. "The only thing I know about somesuch is that they don't spill blood when you hit them, if you hit them." He looks at Paval for any more detailed answers.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 28.03.2010, 10:48:47

"Hmm, I should be able to channel the power of my goddess and command such a creature," Paval muses.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.03.2010, 14:27:28

"So we proceed and if it attacks, we lay it to rest ... or try to?" Tathlyn inquires. "After you try your luck, of course."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 30.03.2010, 15:10:53

"Let some of us proceed," Paval suggests. "No need for us to show our full strength."

"I'll join the first party." Paval then casts True seeing to make sure there are no surprises.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 01.04.2010, 12:26:19

Sheiriya, Paval and Tathlyn approach the bridge, with Jhaevirr and Zhadristan keeping an eye on the surrounding tunnels and darker areas (I assumed). As you draw near, the creature spots you and takes on more substance. To Sheiriya and Tathlyn, the dwarf looks very real indeed now, only Paval can see that it is indeed some sort of incorporal being. He stands up from his sitting position and greets the newcomers with "Hail, travellers. Welcome to my home!", spoken in Undercommon. The dwarf makes no offensive gesture, nor does it seem to bear any sort of weaponry, bar a dagger in his boot. On the other side of the bridge, you do spot a few weapons, a halberd, some crossbow bolts and a heavy crossbow.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 01.04.2010, 15:31:53

Paval looks to Tathlyn, since he normally handles negotiations and is quite the diplomat.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 01.04.2010, 19:20:48

Craning his neck, Jhaelvirr tries to get a good view on the dwarf while keeping an eye out for ambushes. Afraid of getting cross-eyed (and easily bored), he finally abandons his post and joins the others, eyeballing the odd person on the bridge.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 04.04.2010, 19:44:11

Sheiriya does not wait for Tathlyn to speak but just starts talking. "Hail. Thank you for welcoming us to your home. I am Trasa Listeri. May I ask who you are?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.04.2010, 00:27:46

The dwarf takes a second look at the newcomers and presents a more disgruntled look. "Uh ... kin of the spider, right-ya? What a rare occurance here. Not seen any of yous since ... uh ... a while!" He still does not look threatingly, hands empty and steady at his side. "Grodnar Thricedeed's the name, son of Brelor. And, if I may add, my lady, never met a fairer one than yous." With that, he bows deeply.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 05.04.2010, 01:22:31

"Thank you Grodnar Thricedeed, Brelor's son," Sheiriya says. "Yes, you are right. I belong to the kin of the spider as you name it. Maybe we should sit down and have a little conversation?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.04.2010, 11:21:01

"Aye, aye, come nearer and we'll have a chatter." He replies, waving her to come nearer while trying to unbuckle a drinking horn from his belt. "Any company is better than nane."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 07.04.2010, 19:39:38

As the approach turned out well, Zhadristan joins up with those who went ahead.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 07.04.2010, 21:16:00

"Of course you are right," Sheiriya agrees. She looks at the floor and tries to find a more or less clean spot to sit down. "By the way, what brings you here?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.04.2010, 17:19:30

The dwarf rushes forward with blinding speed as Sheiriya tries to sit down, saying: "Oh wait lady, let me clean this up for you." He still appears very unthreatingly, looking only to the bridge's floor, holding a large handkerchief in one hand. He barely touches Sheiriya's hand in a gesture of cavalier-ship, but the glancing touch sends a jolt through her body (15 points of damage).

As it moves, Paval notices the incorporal form too, while to most others the chap looks to be a pretty normal dwarf.

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Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 10.04.2010, 18:35:47

"Ouch!" Sheiriya cies out and jumps away from the dwarf. A longsword materializes in her left hand.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 12.04.2010, 15:51:06

In a swift movement, Paval retrieves his holy symbol and shows it to the dwarf. Perplexed, the creatures eyes are fixed to Paval's hand, while the latter hisses: "Begone from here!"
Eyes wide and looking shocked, the dwarf stumbles backwards, notices that he has left the bridge and plunges into the abyss below screaming - much like he most probably did when he died.
"Let's move on!" Paval says. "That thing was some kind of undead who likes to draw people near to the place where they died and push them into the same death that they have suffered. No need to spend any time hereabouts!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 12.04.2010, 20:00:35

"Nicely done!" Zhadristan tells Paval as he follows on.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.04.2010, 01:04:28

"All thanks is to the goddess, I am but her instrument," Paval replies piously.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 13.04.2010, 15:04:07

"A pity," states Jhaelvirr, as he looks after the dwarf in the darkness. "I bet he was a fascinating creature. I'd have liked to chat with him a bit."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.04.2010, 23:39:55

"You would have found the conversation one-sided," Paval suggests. "Let us move along, but before we do, might I suggest that the next time we decide to conceal our numbers that we do so. We all gathered around our friendly dwarf too quickly in my opinion."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 14.04.2010, 17:04:09

The bridge ends at what looks very much like a long abandoned guard post. It seems to have been overran and looted to the core aeons ago, though a few bits and pieces of weaponry and armor do lie about. They look rather new and are, by the looks of it, of orcish making. The tunnel that opens before you was in days gone by blocked by a sturdy stone door, but it was destroyed long ago, only af ew bits and pieces cling to the frame. The corridor behind it is devoid of any sound or creature, so Tathlyn steps in warily, checking all dark corners. As Sheiriya steps through the gate as well, it suddenly springs to magical life. The rest of the door falls apart as blue sparks of energy race up and down the frame, ensare the female and before she can even utter a shriek, Sheiriya is gone. As fast as the magic erupted, it subsides again. Dust and the smell of highly charged air fills the empty space where the female just stood? Wide-eyed, Tathlyn looks about, signalling "What was that and why did it not activate when I passed the door?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 15.04.2010, 10:30:38

"It better had!", the equally wide-eyed Zhadristan says. He takes a closer look at the trap to see if he can find any clues about its origins. "Must be old like everything else here, maybe you were just lucky. Just lucky..", he mutters.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 15.04.2010, 11:12:37

The gate's magic has gone silent again, nothing reacts to any closer inspection. Tathlyn inquires: "Was she of our kin? Maybe the magic was targetting certain cre- ... ahem ... well, you know?"

Despite the talk and the burst of magic, silence lies heavily over the tunnel and the gate.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 15.04.2010, 21:31:13

Paval casts Sending with Sheiriya as the target.

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Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 16.04.2010, 21:30:03

"Interesting development," Jhaelvirr says. "I wonder what exactly she... it was."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Sheiriya am 17.04.2010, 21:45:19

Spoiler (Anzeigen)

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 18.04.2010, 08:54:55

"She has replied," Paval says, "It sounds as though she is OK but can not return to us. For the moment, we shall have to continue without her."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 20.04.2010, 15:11:28

Tathlyn nods and turns towards the dark corridors of the mine. As you follow him, the scout leads you through corridors still filled with dwarvish working equipment, though it seems that this areas was not part of the mining area as such. Soon you come to the understanding that the part of the mines you are travelling in are more or less some sort of living and storing complex near to an exit to the Underdark. From what Tathlyn can tell of Paval's vision, he assumes (aloud) that the place the drow is looking after will lie in the mine proper or some nearby burail grounds of the dwarves. That is where he leads you, based on how dwarven mines are usually constructed. Silence reigns for most part of you travel, there is an occasional shriek to be heard, yet one can hardly tell where it came from or what it actually was.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 21.04.2010, 07:39:03

Paval casts 'Augury" hoping the result will guide the party to the right location.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 22.04.2010, 12:39:41

Eventually you reach something like a crossroad. Two tunnels arch slowly upwards, while another simply departs into the darkness to your left. Tathlyn signals that it is more likely to find burial grounds down here rather than closer to the surface, hence he would choose this direction. The mining as well as working equipment you have found so far looks like that being used for precious metals and gems, rather than simpler ores. After a while, you clearly leave the working areas behind and enter what could well have been a ceremonial hallway, lined by statues and reliefs. All is dust covered, some of the statues have toppled but in general, the area looks rather unmolested by any scavengers. In the distance, yo do hear some muffled sounds, the clang of steel against steel ...

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 22.04.2010, 15:45:49

Paval readies his weapons and acts cautiously.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 22.04.2010, 16:44:49

Jhaelvirr for once keeps his mouth shut and slinks into the shadows, with a fierce grin on his painted face.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 26.04.2010, 15:01:12

You move along a corridor again lined by alcoves featuring dwarven statues. Almost all of them seem to be intact. Ahead, you see some light, most likely created by magic. The clang of steel and some deep growls are much closer now. The left wall remains statue-line, the right one though dissappears and makes way for some kind of ballustrade. looking over or through it, you see a large, dimly-lit room with long lines of alcoves, sarcophagi and dais with stacks of bones. This is clearly a dwarven burial ground. On the far side, you spot some movement, but it cannot be discerned from hereabouts.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 26.04.2010, 16:26:47

Paval summons a dretch.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 26.04.2010, 17:42:12

Zhadristan draws his weapon as well, and tries to remain unseen until the situation is clearer.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 29.04.2010, 10:47:47

A couple of opportunities are open to you. Either you follow the corridor, which turns to the right a bit further down the way, then apparently down towards the floor of the hall. Or you take up a position here and fight from higher grounds. If you want to fight.

Down there, the fight rages on. You spot a large figure heading towards you, being followed by two skeleton-things. The big one easily jumps over a sarcaophagus, then turns and lashes out with a massive warhammer, smashing on of the skeleton's into a spary of bones. The other though lashes out with some sort of rapier and pierces the big ones thigh. From the growls and the horns on its head, you determine that the big one has to be a minotaur or the like. He looks far more "civil" than your average labyrinth rabble-defender.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 29.04.2010, 12:20:00

Paval orders the dretch to take a position in front of him. Paval then calls on Kiaransalee to give him the power to control or rebuke the undead.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 01.05.2010, 11:04:59

The dretch obeys its temporary master, while the latter asks his dark queen for assistance. These vaults seem to reduce her influence (or something along those lines), as Paval cannot establish a good enough hold on the undead's mind (who clearly is active). It stops its pursue of the hulking figure and scans the room for this mental intrusion.

Tathlyn slinks into the shadows and follows the corridor to get nearer to the field of battle.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 01.05.2010, 16:18:01

"Be careful," Paval mutters.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 04.05.2010, 15:05:29

The skeleton seems not to notice the source and strodes towards the wounded bulky chap in front of it. The latter hefts its massive warhammer and awaits the undead.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 06.05.2010, 16:18:49

With a deep growl, the hulking figure jumps at the skeleton and smashes its warhammer down the bone warriors left side, armor and bones fly away, but still the undead jabs twice at its attacker (5 HP). A couple of arrows whizz past the two fighters, hammering into something stony at the far side of the hall.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 06.05.2010, 17:44:38

Jhaelvirr also stays in the shadows, sneaking after Tathlyn.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 06.05.2010, 19:32:54

Paval casts Stone Shape on a nearby stalagmite, shaping it to make it look like a heavily armed drow soldier.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 11.05.2010, 15:12:46

Tathlyn sends another two arrows at the skeleton. The first one hits the undead's righ shoulder and dissolves into a stream of acid. Thus distracted, the skeleton misses its jabs at its hulking opponent, but Paval gets the impression that it has spotted the "drow" on the balcony. Half a heartbeat later, the warhammer hits hard again, sending bones and armor flying. Almost broken, what remains of the undead still rises up and seems determined to fight on.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 12.05.2010, 08:22:51

Zhadristan watches the fight from his hiding spot, but does not take any part in it.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 12.05.2010, 13:51:09

Paval tries to channel Kiaransalee's power to command or rebuke the undead again.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 13.05.2010, 11:16:11

Paval calls upon the power of his goddess and this time the skeleton has to respond. It crouches slightly and - waving it's weapon - retreats away from Paval and the hulking creature. The latter is not to be denied and follows the undead. A wicked swing with its warhammer sends to skeleton flying and it smashes into a nearby sarcophagus. Bones, parts of armour and weapons clatter to the floor and is followed by a silence only interrupted by the heavy breating of the skeleton's conqueror.

With a fluid movement, Tathlyn jumps on a nearby sarcophagus, holding is bow in a non-threatening way. In Undercommon he calls: "Korach, is that your lice-infested pelt getting pricked by that bony one?!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 13.05.2010, 14:30:46

The hulky figure turns around and eyes drow. "Seems like you still need to work on your aim, Tathlyn," he replies. He exchanges his warhammer for a greataxe but holds it in a non-threatening way.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.05.2010, 22:11:36

Paval whispers a small prayer of thanks to his goddess. He watches the exchange between Korach and Tathlyn with interest but says nothing.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 16.05.2010, 11:25:55

Casting a glance towards the exit of this vault, Tathlyn approaches the hulking figure, giving a few quick hand signs to Jhaevirr and Paval, essentially simply saying: ally.
"Never knew you were up this far north, must have been good coin to pursuade you!?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 16.05.2010, 14:25:31

"I got here step by step but the last one seems to be one to much. Which reminds me ..." The minotaur speaks a short command word. "... that there still are a wraith and some kind of necromant awaiting their execution down that corridor. What way do you want to go?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 16.05.2010, 14:33:45

Jhaelvirr just smiles and waves at the horned one.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 19.05.2010, 11:42:08

Tathlyn glances over to the place where Paval, the dretch and Zhadristan stand. "Since just one leads out of this place, we probably walk along the same path. Still, it is not for me to decide." He looks about and spot the wrecked bodies of two people lying in the far corner of the room, still smoldering. "Your employers?"

He signals for Paval and the rest to come closer, after checking whether there is anything approaching from the exit, which is not the case.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 19.05.2010, 18:15:15

Zhadristan sheaths his weapon and approaches. He leaves it to Paval to decide.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 20.05.2010, 11:32:23

"Let us deal with the wraith and the necromancer first. It may be that we can learn something from the necromancer." says Paval in Drowic.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 21.05.2010, 23:33:41

"Well, yes they were. To bad that they cannot pay me anymore." Korach answeres Tathlyns question. He then waits for a moment what the newcommers will decide to do.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 22.05.2010, 13:53:29

Paval looks at Tathlyn.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 22.05.2010, 23:47:16

While the other are deciding what to do Korachs walks over to his former employers to look for something useful in their possession.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 23.05.2010, 16:49:14

"As you wish," Tathlyn replies. "That brute belongs to the Dark Path, though he ain't hired as scout, but bodyguard, as you might guess. Perhaps I can talk him into our little venture - for the time being - so we get his muscle and power as well as expertise in dismembering bone folk like these?" He points at the smashed skeletons. "In any case, I can ask him whether he knows this place better than we do?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.05.2010, 10:19:43

"Why don't you just ask him if knows this place better than we do instead of asking us if you should ask him?" Paval grumbles. "We're hardly likely to say no to more information are we?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 24.05.2010, 11:10:52

Instead of replying, Tathlyn inclines his head ever so slightly and walks after the minotaur. While the latter is rummaging through the remains of his previous employers, the two Dark Pathers talk quietly.
Nothing emerges from the tunnel while you have - for the first time - a chance to look about. This seems to be some ancient dwarven burial site, with sarcophagi being apparently reserved for some nobles. There are graves in the floor too, covered by marble plates and showing reliefs and images of those interred here. The walls are lined with alcoves, filled near to the hilt with bones and skull of dwarves long dead.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 24.05.2010, 21:09:37

Paval takes a moment to pray to Kiaransalee for guidance.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 28.05.2010, 09:18:43

Leaving the minotaur with his dead ex-comrades, Tathlyn returns to the group. He points to the exit tunnel and says: "Korach and his employer came from down there too. The tunnel splits some 50 feet down from where we're standing, one corridor going into another part of this complex, the other one down into different section of the mines. It is the latter from where Korach came." He stops for two moments, ere adding: "While we are at it, his name is Korach and he swings a wicked trident. That's what he is good for, that what he gets hired for. Right now, he's willing to accompany us and lay these slayers of his associates to their final rests. We'll see how it develops from there."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 28.05.2010, 09:45:38

"Thanks for the information," Paval replies. "What languages does Korach speak and can we search these bodies?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 31.05.2010, 10:05:37

"He speaks that minotaur dialect of Giant, Common and Undercommon well enough. Can't say he'd appreciate if we search his comrades, but they didn't look that good, nor did their equipment."
The scout prepares for entering the tunnels, adding to what he said before: "There's some sort of ghostly undead with the necromancer. These ones can lurk in walls and will be hard to detect. Hence, we should be prepared for sudden attacks."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 31.05.2010, 13:22:49

"A challenge, then," Jhaelvirr opines.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 31.05.2010, 15:00:13

Paval makes a point of speaking in Undercommon from now on.

"By the grace of Kiaransalee, I can say a prayer (Hide from Undead) that will hide us from the gaze and senses of most undead. Please come near me so that I can bestow this upon you."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 31.05.2010, 22:16:52

"Perfect", Zhadristan says in undercommon and moves up to Paval.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 31.05.2010, 23:33:26

Paval says his prayer and touches each of them in turn so they all benefit.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 01.06.2010, 07:38:07

Having heard Paval's words Korach walks over to the drow, too. "So we will follow the same path for the moment. My name is Korach as Tathlyn has already told I guess." When Paval has finished casting his spell he asks "What actions will break the spell and will it break for all of us?

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 01.06.2010, 08:47:58

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Korach," Paval replies. "Three things will break the blessed condition bestowed upon us by Kiaransalee: your own will, acting in a manner to obviate the blessing, such as striking an undead, and time, the blessing will expire after about two hours. It should also be noted that some powerful undead may still be able to sense us, but it is better to be protected against most instead of none.

"Let us be on the way, if Master Tathlyn would be so good as to lead us."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 02.06.2010, 15:08:28

While waiting for the blessing, Tathlyn readies his equipment, storing his bow away and drawing a thin dagger. Once the casting has been done, he leads you onwards into the darkness of the tunnel. As he described, there is a corridor branching off to the left. Nothing is there and Tathlyn leads you on for another 100 paces ere he stops at some sort of crossing. The corridor splits into three, neither looks as if dwarves have cut them. Rough, natural walls line them, but a closer look tells you that some minor magic does indeed have altered the nature of the stone. There is no danger or magic lurking, only some dwarven engineer or architect must have been taken in by the minerals in the walls.
The tunnel leading straight onwards opens up into an empty room only 20 paces onwards, nothing is in there bar a couple of long-plundered sarcophagi. Tathlyn does a couple of arcane gesture and concentrates for a few long moments, then he moves into the tunnel to your right. This one quickly shows signs of dwarven workmanship once more, smooth walls are lined with alcoves and statues of dwarves and their gods. The scouts stops every now and then, you gather that he uses magic to look around corners or into darker places somewhere ahead. Guiding you through a smallish complex of corridors and rooms, he stops in a antechamber of some larger hall. The door of the latter is open and you can discern the sound of some voices from that direction. A couple of moments on, Tathlyn turns to you saying quietly: "There's a large room ahead, it has this entrance and one on the opposite side too. There are some stairs leading upwards on the western and eastern side too, but as it looks only to some ledges with a couple of sarcophagi. The necromancer talks to a couple of other people, while the shadow is hoovering nearby. There is one other person on the eastern ledge, looking at the tombs there. The room is lit by a number of light sourses, not too bright, but sneaking up will hardly be possible."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 02.06.2010, 17:57:50

Korach lowers his voice to a whisper. "What do you mean by large? Could you give a rough estimation?" he asks Tathlyn.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 03.06.2010, 10:25:17

Tathlyn explains the size of this quadrangular room (some 30 by 30 metres, roughly 6 metres high).

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 03.06.2010, 13:10:53

Paval suggests "Maybe myself and Master Korach should go ahead and introduce ourselves. The rest of you should stay here until it is certain we either need help or the necromancer is shown not to be hostile.

"What do you all think?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 03.06.2010, 14:02:19

"I don't think this to be a good idea," Korach gives his opinion. "Last time the necromancer attacked even before we really noticed him. That about him not being hostile. In addition I'm quite hostile to him right now. My way would be a direct attack."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 03.06.2010, 22:16:21

"Then I suggest the attack take the form of two waves. I will be part of the second wave. The first wave enters the room first and begins the attack, the second follows shortly afterwards.

"The reasons for this suggestion are that if we all enter the room together we are constrained by the door, and present a better target. If all went together we immediately tell the enemy how many there are of us. If the first wave make a good impact, then the arrival of the second wave will help demoralise the enemy. Finally, I will summon some help.

"Assuming, of course, all agreed to this plan."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 04.06.2010, 17:10:15

"Then I will be part of the first wave. Can you cast magic that mutes all sound?" Korach asks Paval.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 04.06.2010, 18:01:12

"I like the big ones way of thinking already", Jhaelvirr says with a smirk, and adds: "I can counter the necromancers magic, once. And then stand back to fling lightning. Or sneak up and stab someone in the back. Where do you want me?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.06.2010, 10:23:56

Tathlyn listens on, while dipping the tips of two arrows into a small vial. "I'll try to hit the thing on the ledge with one of these."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 05.06.2010, 10:29:57

Paval picks up a small stone, and marks it. "I will cast Silence upon this stone," he says, addressing Korach, "that way, when you can control the silence to a degree. Obviously, it'll be the last spell I cast before you go in.

"I can also ask Kiaransalee to place a shield of faith around those of you in the first wave. This will protect you somewhat, and do bear in mind that we all are invisible to undead at the moment."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 05.06.2010, 10:50:48

Zhadristan will cast a shield spell on himself. "I am with the first wave then." he announces.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 05.06.2010, 12:41:58

"That would be perfect," Korach states before he addresses Tathlyn again. "I plan on charging into the room to hopefully have a moment of surprise. Can you tell me if there is something I should know. Like where the necromancer is and if there is some rubble or the like near the entrance. I don't want to run into something when I enter the room."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.06.2010, 18:14:27

Tathlyn concentrates for a moment, then shakes his head. "No obstacles between the entrance and the necromancer. Maybe someone could quieten the sounds of us and especially Master Korach? Thus the chances that we surprise them are even better?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 19.06.2010, 17:35:17

When everybody is ready and Paval has cast the silence Korach starts for the large room.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 21.06.2010, 10:14:23

Before the casting, Tathlyn says that he will signal for the attack at an opportune moment. On Zhadristan, he imbues the protection against the vile touch of the ghostly creature, then readies his own weapons. That done, Paval casts a spell on the stone, hands it to Korach and points ahead. They for skulk towards the room with Tathlyn leading them, pointing at objects on the ground and spots for better cover. He waits a moment after setting his sights on the room, then signals for the ambush to start.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 21.06.2010, 15:44:40

"Allright, then I'll hide and sneak after the first wave into the room," Jhaelvirr says with a wild smile on his painted face. "That way, I can pick my targets."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 21.06.2010, 17:37:00

The moment Tathlyn gives the signal Korach runs into the room and aims directly at the necromancer.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 25.06.2010, 10:45:39

Korach thunders "silently" into the room and aims at the necromancer lord. While the three figures about him spot the onrushing minotaur, the necromancer only turns at the last moment and watches Korach's axe descent. It sinks deeply into the necromancer's chest, nearly cutting the man in half. A gush of blood spray those to the left of him. One, a female cries out in surprise, than anguish, as Tathlyn arrow sinks into her side. She staggers a couple of feet away, then focusses on the attackers. The undead circles around the now-dead necromancer, ready to strike at Korach, while the second robed figure, also steps back from the blooded axe.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 27.06.2010, 22:04:26

Korach roars in satisfaction but of course it is not heard within the magical silence. Then he faces the undead and attacks it with all the strength he has.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 30.06.2010, 14:23:06

Zhadristan rushes towards the female who received the arrow and attacks with his sword.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 30.06.2010, 19:42:42

Jhaelvirr stays true to his sword and hides in the shadows. After the minotaur charges in the room, he sneaks after him, all the while readying himself to react to any magic cast by a foe.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 08.07.2010, 11:51:19

The undead whirls about, lashes at Korach but its aim is too short and it misses the hulking figure*. The creature on the ledge already turned when it heard the necromancer final scream, scanned the hall in a split second and sends two arrows hurtling at Paval, the only drow he sees that is not moving about. His aim is dead right, as he plants an arrow close to Paval's heart (30 hp), while his second shot sinks into the drows thigh (6 hp). Korach whirls his bloodied axe about and sends it through the semi-solid undead mass in front of him, meeting some resistance. His second swing disperses the flying cloud which formerly was a wraith.** A triplet of arrows race accross the room, two of which hitting the male that stood to the left of the necromancer. Something on those missiles make the chap grow pale, but he retains its balance for the time being.

*A. k. a. "lucky b*st*rd" :-X
** "Lucky b*st*rd" :-X ... :wink:

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 08.07.2010, 21:16:22

When the incorporeal body of the wraith dissipates, Korach looks for the next target. In silence he charges the next opponent who looks like casting a spell. Again he attacks with all his strength.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 09.07.2010, 18:08:11

Paval retreats to a safe place whereby he can heal himself.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 10.07.2010, 09:57:30

The cloaked male takes his time casting a spell that places a darkish aura around his hand. He quickly moves up to the hulking Korach and tries to touch him, though as the spells takes hold, the results are not as significant as he might have hoped (8 HP). His face produces a silent snarl. The female retreats a little before casting a spell on herself, while Jhaevirr sneaks through the shadows and will reach the chap on the ledge soon, since this is the only one who does not have him in his sights. Zhadristan moves up to the female and tries to stab her. She whirls about and her robes caughts the drow's sabre and removes it from his grasp.

(Edited for the touch did actually hit. Mrs. E's spell worked, as she managed her Will save (rolled independently.) Edit 2: Zhadristan included)

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 18.07.2010, 11:42:39

Tathlyn unleashes another triplet of arrows this time against the man on the ledge, one hits but does not take the chap down. Korach looks down at the sorcerer in front of him and gets his axe in motion again. His first chop severs the right arm and cuts deep into the lower body of that poor soul, sending him into the next world ... while screeming silently. (waiting for Zhad's action)

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 19.07.2010, 20:38:52

After loosing his weapon, Zhadristan throws himself at his opponent and tries to score a good punch before attempting to overwhelm her.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 21.07.2010, 18:39:14

He attempts to grab the female caster, who tries to distract him with her mace. The drow grabs her shield arm and closes in, but she wrestles it free again, staring daggers at her opponent. Her hand starts to glow and she attempts to touch Zhadristan with it, but the nimble drow moves aside.

Up at the ledge, Jhaevirr sneaks behind the archer and tries his best to pierce his spine, but his opponents shifts at the vital moment and the attack misses. The chap whirls about, throws his bow to the ground and draws a rapier, ready to face Jhaevirr in close combat. From his looks and build, the drow can determine that his opponent is a halfling.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 21.07.2010, 21:06:23

Below the visor of his helmet Korach shows a big grin when he cuts his opponent down. He turns around to face the female.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 22.07.2010, 13:12:47

While evading her spell attack, Zhadristan draws his Jambiya from its sheaths and slashes at her arm.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 30.07.2010, 10:16:00

The damage is minimal though, but draws her attention to him. Tathlyn rushes into the room to, scanning the place for any hidden dangers ere sending an arrow into the back of Jhaelvirr's little opponent. Zhadristan's opponent casts another spell, wary for any attacks and lashes out at the drow, but once more his agility saves his skin. The female snarls a curse in some unknown tongue.
Jhaelvirr growls and draws a step back. Then it becomes suddenly very dark on the ledge, apart from the little drow-hater, who (at least to Jhaelvirr) is shrouded in magical flames. Only the drow sees the his opponent moving away from him, drawing a potion and gulping the very same, waving his weapon in front of him all the while. Korach rushes up to the female and lashes at her with his axe. He draws a bloody line on her chainmail, which splits apart and is ruined. She flies back a few steps, crushes to the floor and stays down, a steady stream of blood pouring from her not-yet-dead body.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 31.07.2010, 11:55:01

Korach gets rid of the silenced stone and gives the female a boot to check if she really is unconscious. If she is not Korach will help her to the afterlife.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 31.07.2010, 15:20:21

Jhaelvirr tries to evade the little bugger's weapon and reaches over to bring his poisonous touch into play.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 02.08.2010, 14:17:19

Zhadristan will retrieve his sabre.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.08.2010, 10:34:09

Somewhere in the darkness ... Jhaevirr moves forward and tries to touch the little fellow with his hand, but the bugger evades his touch, dancing about quickly while stabbing at shadow opponents.
Paval sees the female prone on the surface, barely moving. Korach walks slowly towards her, death in his eyes. She lifts her eyes towards the minotaur, seems to cast a spell, but coughs weakly and rests her head on the cold stone. Zhadristan, keeping a wary eye on the female as well as the black cloud, retrieves his sabre and looks on. Tathlyn moves somewhat closer to the darkness on the ledge, taking up a better position to shoot at any retreating half-high. The latter feels the presence of Jhaelvirr, whips out two-handed sword and lashes at the drow, surprising him with a rather too-well aimed strike (6 HP).

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 15.08.2010, 18:05:48

Korach closes in on the female and as he lifts his axe, she lashes out with her hand, trying to blast him with some sort of vile magic. While there is pain in her touch, his body does not obey her magics and he cuts her neatly in half, killing her on the spot.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 15.08.2010, 20:44:55

Surprised by the scratch, Jhaelvirr hisses: "You're starting to annoy me, mudcrawler." He takes a few steps back and lashes out with lightning at the little bugger.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 17.08.2010, 07:34:57

Korach gives the female's upper half a kick and then exchanges his axe for the harpoon. He waits for the last opponent to leave the darkness or the darkness to disappear.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 19.08.2010, 11:23:52

In the darkness ...

The little one retreats a bit further and casts magic upon himself. Jhaelvirr lashes out with lightning again, but his agile opponent once more leaps out of the way and what little of the electricity does strike him, is absorbed by some magic field surrounding the wee one.

Tathlyn watches on while scanning the rest of the room for any hidden dangers, but none seems to be apparent.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 19.08.2010, 19:00:30

"Oh blast it!" you hear Jhaelvirr call out. A few moments later the darkness ends.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 23.08.2010, 20:58:40

When the darkness disappears, Zhadristan will circle the remaining enemy to cut off a retreat route.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 24.08.2010, 15:57:02

Jhaelvirr ends his magics and no sooner than the darkness has faded, a couple of arrows strike the little fellow, while another one smashes into the wall behind him. Korachs races in, throwing his wicked-looking harpoon and scoring a fine - if you like brutal - hit. Zhadristan sneaks around the ledge cutting off the wee one's retreat. The latter howls in anguish, turns away from Jhaelvirr and jumps ni,mbly off the ledge, racing towards Zhadristan while leaving a steady stream of blood behind him.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 26.08.2010, 21:10:39

Korach lets go his harpoon and graps his axe again. He then charges after the nimble fellow hoping that Zhadristan and the others will stop him.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 30.08.2010, 14:19:00

Paval casts hold person on the thing running towards him and Zhadristan.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 30.08.2010, 16:41:52

Zhadristan aims his fist towards the enemy and releases a strong bolt of force upon him.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 31.08.2010, 15:37:46

Zhadristan's magical bolt sends the nimble one smashing into the wall. Before he can gather his senses, Paval's spell takes hold and envelopes him in its rigid grasp.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 31.08.2010, 16:38:51

Korach closes in on the last opponent but does not attack him right away if he (she/it) does not move.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 03.09.2010, 08:26:36

"Korach, can you punch him?" Paval asks, "Punch him hard enough to knock him out but don't kill him."

Paval looks around, "Is that the last one?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 03.09.2010, 10:51:10

"Let's try." Korach answeres. He puts his axe on the floor and takes his gauntlets of. With one hand he graps around the small ones neck and gives him a hard punsh on the head with the other.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 03.09.2010, 11:40:06

Korach sweeps the little one of the floor and punches him hard, sending him into oblivion.

No-one or -thing seems to threaten you, the hall is clad in silence and death.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 03.09.2010, 14:50:13

"Here." He hands the unconscious one to Paval. If the latter is not willing to take him Korach just lets him fall to the ground. When there is no further disturbance Korach gets his weapons together and starts cleaning them.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 04.09.2010, 08:49:08

Paval looks at the nimble one, then to Korach "Thank you."

Then he starts to mutter about needing a fire and a sharp knife. In the first instance he uses rope to bind the nimble one tightly.

"Is this the last one?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 06.09.2010, 11:19:51

Tathlyn, after checking the exits and darker corners, signals that no-one is there and that he will take up guard position at the northern exit, near to the stairs. The iron gate there looks to shut right now. Near the centre of the hall, the place of most of the violance and bloodshed, the items of the dead are spilled on the ground, not yet drenched in the blood of the slain.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 08.09.2010, 19:34:30

"Nice work", Zhadristan says to his companions. While Paval and Korach are busy with the captive, he looks over the possessions of the now dead to see if they carried anything of value.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 09.09.2010, 10:51:40

From the two halves of the female you can gather up a magical mace and some sort of vial that contains some eldritch powder. Her magical chainmail is wrecked beyond hope. She also carries the holy symbol of some death god of the surfacers. The one near the well, who talked to the wraith, carried a dagger made of adamantine, a magical brooch and a ring, plus a few spell components.
Once Korach lets go of the halfling, he can be stripped of his magical (small) composite longbow, thrre potions, and a small armor made of studded leather. His cloak seems to have some eldritch properties as well.

You do find some sort of map near the table, depicting crude sketches of this place while others seem to have no relation to these halls whatsoever. From what you can discern, this looks to be the southern part of an extensive network of caverns and tunnels belonging to a dwarven mining settlement. Some of the old mines lie nearby, mines used for the burial of the dwarven dead. You cannot discern what these scavengers wanted here.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 10.09.2010, 21:02:02

Paval turns to Tathlyn, "Do you think it is safe to camp here? I should like to make a fire, and question this captive."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 13.09.2010, 10:45:23

The scout looks about and replies: "We should bar this door (points to the north) and retreat back to one of the smaller rooms which we passed by. Don't expect all too many passers by, but one never knows with these dwarves." He looks at the corpses of the fallen and asks: "Maybe you goddess grants you some power over these, so we can use them as guards?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 13.09.2010, 22:17:05

Paval smiles, not a pleasant sight, then chants a prayer to his goddess.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 18.09.2010, 19:40:11

While Paval does his magical stuff Korach blocks the doors with the lids of some sarcophagi.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 21.09.2010, 10:09:34

Ere the rooms get locked up, Tathlyn gathers in any parchement and scroll the now-dead had with them. Once the group has reached their resting place, he lits a magical light and places anything that looks like a map on a stone table.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 21.09.2010, 11:56:12

Jhaelvirr jumps down from the ledge and sidles over to the small nuisance, asking: "Do I get to hurt him?"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Paval Thune am 23.09.2010, 21:32:42

Paval grins, "Yes, hurt him but only enough so he talks. Life is a precious thing, it should only be spilled drop by drop."

Paval looks at the nimble one all the time he says this. "Anything you say now that could help us would help you."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 24.09.2010, 08:22:01

Meanwhile, Zhadristan collects the valuables of the dead for further inspection during the rest.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 27.09.2010, 18:06:37

Having blocked the doors, Korach walks over to Tahtlyn to have a look at the maps, too. "Do I have it right that the pale one is the man in charge?" he asks the scout.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 29.09.2010, 10:42:26

"Yes", replies Tathlyn, adding more quietly "We're here on his pay, he's the servant of a goddess of the dead." More audible he goes on: " We could use your axe, so if he agrees, I'm sure no one would object if you join up. If you could shed some of your fleas, that is." Presenting a broad smile to the towering minotaur.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 29.09.2010, 16:49:41

"I could help you with that," says Jhaelvirr, holds up a hand sheathed in lightning and grins evily. He then proceeds to lower said hand towards the runt's face.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 30.09.2010, 19:12:04

Korach grins back at the drow. "If it wouldn't be you I would just chop you in half. But in this case, how about you carying my fleas around for me. If you are strong enough for them all, that is."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 03.10.2010, 11:02:40

The drow chuckles and replies: "No thanks, they'll suck me dry in no-time." He points at the maps and invites the minotaur to share a look.
"Seems like those who slew your comrades came from somewhere inside the mines, possibly somewhere above. There are a few empty spaces on the map, but I would assume that most of what is not there is just undiscovered territory ... possibly inhabited by a dragon or beholder or somesuch?"

(looking for a neat map)

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 04.10.2010, 21:53:15

Korach takes a closer look at the map. "I guess we were coming from around here," he says pointing somewhere on the map.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 05.10.2010, 14:43:59

Tathlyn points at the entrance through which Korach and his comrades entered, as well as the one his own group used. He then points at the northern exit of the main hall (the one of the fight), saying: "That's where we are heading. Beyond that ... somewhere in the dwarven mines or burial grounds is the item he (nodding towards Paval) wants to retrieve."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 10.10.2010, 12:24:53

While Paval prpeares for his prayers and spells, he looks upon the maps and feels a sudden draw in his head when his eyes move about a blank space on the map that lies about 2 miles from your current position.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Phaerven am 14.10.2010, 18:41:02

During the rest, Zhadristan sits down and begins to inspect the items they acquired.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 15.10.2010, 12:22:52

"It is there where we are heading," he says to those nearby. "My goddess commands me to find an item of power," he goes on explaining to the minotaur, "and if Master Tathlyn vouches for you, your strong arm and cunning mind is welcome in that quest."

Tathlyn looks up to the minotaur.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 18.10.2010, 11:40:50

(see orga thread)

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 19.10.2010, 20:33:55

"I guess I'm going to be paid for it. If that is the case I'll fight for you." Korach states.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 23.10.2010, 10:33:10

Paval nods. "Since you are a member of the Dark Path, I'll pay you the normal fee. On top of that there is any loot acquired during the mission, apart from the item I'm after, of course."

He then withdraws and walks back into the grand hall. After a while, he returns with a couple of skeletal creatures, one resembles a dwarf, the other one a human. He orders them to guard the exits, then returns to the halfling and starts questioning him, pointing every now and then at the skeletons.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 01.11.2010, 12:33:31

After about half an hour, Paval turns and nods to Jhaelvirr. "All yours, if you want. But care not to be all to messy in here."

He then turns away and seeks a resting place to sleep and call to his goddesss for spells again. Tathlyn walks over to the identfied loot and has a look.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 05.11.2010, 22:04:13

Jhaelvirr grins and walks over to the little creature while drawing a knife. He kneels and says: "Nowhere to run to now, eh? Let's see what you're made of, then." Then he starts cutting.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 12.11.2010, 12:56:07

After a while, Paval draws out a small stone which sheds magical silence, drowning out most of the screams. Only the space where Jhaelvirr enjoys his new plaything remains in full sound.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 12.11.2010, 15:58:16

Jhaelvirr doesn't need long. Leaving the remains of the halfling lying on the ground, he rises and comments with disgust: "There's not even a good eating in that one."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 16.11.2010, 10:53:35

The rest passes by without any interference and as soon as anyone is ready, Tathlyn leads you out into the grand hall again. Nothing has changed since you left the place and as the scout makes his way to the exit, Paval orders his undead minion to stay here and wait for their return. He does add a few specifics about whom to attack ere joining up with the group again.
The exit leads off into a tunnel that looks like some sort of ceremonial hallway, with over-sized dwarven statues lining the walls. You do feel the power of magic lingering on some of the statues and Paval, after doing a closer inspection, tells you to leave them alone. The dwarves apparently wove some protective magic into this place and there is no need to awaken that.
After a while the hallway splits up and since you have got a map right now, Tathlyn leads you close to the area marked white. As you draw nearer, you feel a slight draft of air towards this place. After a walk past derelict mining equipment, you end up on a wide ledge filled with more equipment and heaps of rubble. Beyond it, a vast cavern expands into the darkness, making it clear why there is this white area on the map. There is a slight wail of air to be heard, though you cannot put any direction on its origination.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 16.11.2010, 18:22:31

"I guess we have to get down there somehow?" Korach asks Tahtly "Or will we try the ledge?" he does not care to lower his voice as walking around in his full plate is already loud enough to draw attentionto him.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 23.11.2010, 18:07:56

"We'll try the ledge up to the cliff, I would assume that the stout ones used some sort of bridges, natural or magical to cross this space, maybe there are some pillars or stalagmites we can use." The scout says. "We should be vary of flying predators and the like. They can hide everywhere here and I do assume there's a reason why this area is not mapped."
Paval looks for some piece of debris, grabs a stone and says: "I could put a spell on this one to silence our sounds. But we would not be able to hear any approaching dangers either."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 23.11.2010, 21:59:10

After the last rest period, Jhaelvirr lost all his ancient tattoos and piercings. Now, he looks quite normal except his facial features stretch taut over his skull and his presence gives you an uneasy feeling. Also, his skin seems a bit grayer than normal. He is unusually silent, not even muttering to himself, but regards his surroundings with a hungry gaze.
As you near the ledge, he walks forward and peers downward into the abyss.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.11.2010, 15:25:30

The floor beyond the cliff is some 50 feet away, littered with debris and stalagmites reaching up to 30 feet into the 'sky'. Nothing moves down there.

Paval intones a short prayer and cask said spell on the stone. All sound about him dies an instant later. He hands the stone to Korach, while Zhadristan looks on and Tathlyn joins Jhaelvirr at the cliff.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 28.11.2010, 19:23:47

Korach takes the stone and puts is into a small bag which he could just rip off if needed. Then he grips his axe and and gives a short sign (no drow sign language) that he is ready.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 03.12.2010, 12:12:40

There are a number of bridges - some artificial, some natural - reaching out to some nearby stalagmites and into the darkness beyond. Tathlyn points to one massive-looking bridge on your right, who seems to make good headway into the area you want to explore. It is lined with ancient columns holding lanterns in stony grasps.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 07.12.2010, 11:46:17

Nothing but the clinking noise of Korach's armor can be heard, the silence hangs heavy over the whole place. Tathlyn signals to all who see him that the group should be wary of flying predators. After having armed himself with a long silken rope, to which a weight is attached, he stops every now and then and throws it ahead, checking whether the bridge is real.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 13.12.2010, 16:07:44

You make your way over the bridge, through a tunnelled stalagmite and over another bridge. The stonework is clearly dwarven, but some features have been altered over the cause of time. If you look back, the ledge has already vanished into the darkness.
About a mile onwards, still walking over old dwarven bridges and ledges around large pillars, you begin to walk upon bones and skulls of mainly humanoid creatures. All of them seem to be long dead.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 18.12.2010, 21:56:44

Korach picks up a skull and turns it around before he crushes it in his hand.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Fabius Maximus am 20.12.2010, 00:39:55

Jhaelvirr hisses: "Stop making such a racket!"

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 22.12.2010, 21:43:21

"Sorry," Korach says but you can be sure he is not meaning it, "I didn't want to frighten you."

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 24.12.2010, 17:25:41

If there was a creep about, it does not react to any of the sounds. Tathlyn leads you on, quietly bypassing the heaps of bones. Then he suddenly stops in mid-stride, pointing at something straight ahead. At the exit of the bridge you are walking upon, a largs skull floats in the air, about 6 feet off the ground.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 25.12.2010, 16:10:04

Korach gives Tathkyn a questioning look and points at his axe.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 27.12.2010, 11:43:59

The scout readies an arrow, but Paval signals the two to stop. He scans the bridge for a suitable specimen, then quietly chants a paryer to his goddess, while placing a coin in the mouth of a skull. A few moments later, the skeleton of a dwarven warrior stands in front of him, waraxe and shield in hand. A few pieces of a once proud chainmail clings to the bones, a half-split helmet adorns the bare skull. Paval utters a short command and the skeleton lumbers towards the floating skull, axe raised and a silent cry on its non-existing lips. As the attacker draws his axe back to smash the skull, it explodes nigh soundlessly into a cloud of bone-shards, dust and dirt. While hitting the skeleton, it does nigh to no damage. The skeleton stands at the spot of the floating skull, looking for any opponents, but seems to find none.

"A trap," says Tathlyn, stating the obvious. "It will get more interesting from now on, I would assume."

As you proceed to the end of the bridge, some sort of ruined city is being revealed by the retreating darkness. On shorn-off stalagmites, crude (i.e. dwarven) building come into view. Few sport windows or doors, but those few that can be seen are torn open or smashed apart. A few skeleton lie about too, yet most of them have been grounded to near dust by something that trampled over them. The ground is flat and covered by dust und debris, you can spot all sorts of tracks, but it is hard to say how old they are.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 29.12.2010, 14:51:50

When they enter the city Korach speak a command word that makes his shield float at his side.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 04.01.2011, 16:59:16

Amongst the buildings, a wavering light comes slowly into view, casting reflections on polished columns and walls. The sound of murmuring voices becomes audible too, much like a procession coming your way.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Korach am 05.01.2011, 08:28:03

Korach wouldn't mind staying where he is but he is ready to get to into hiding (as well as he could, that is), maybe inside one of the builidings if Paval or Tathlyn decide that hinding would be the best way.

Titel: Call of the Banshee Queen
Beitrag von: Zanan am 10.01.2011, 15:15:37

Tathlyn says quietly: "Hiding in these unknown rooms might be dangerous, for we do not know what sort of creep lair here. If we retreat a bit back down the bridge, we can force any attackers into a smaller frontline than what would suit them. Perhaps we retreat a bit and leave the skeleton as the sole enemy for this procession to engage?"
Paval nods to that. "Thus we can see what we may or may not face. It could well be that these are simply sword-fodder for the true residents?" He turns on his heels and move to the skeleton, silently casting another spell. Once he's finished, flames leap from the bones and hang about the dwarven warrior skeleton, giving him a grim appearance. Then the drow retreats a few paces down the bridge and looks for some decent cover. Zhadristan, not having left the bridge as yet, follows him.

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Archiv => Archiv - Online-RPGs D&D/d20 3E => Drow Campaign => Thema gestartet von: Zanan am 08.09.2008, 18:07:13