Waterbrick Down Posted July 26, 2015 Author Posted July 26, 2015 "Here goes nothing..." Ellaria muttered, deciding to come out with the truth. "Greetings from Eubric, High Chief. I am alchemist Ellaria Arbour from the Guild of Invision, but I am also a member of Heroica, like my partner Atramor Gibbin here. Surely you have heard of our organization? Now what I am going to telly you might sound alarming to you, but trust me; we are not the bad guys here. The reputation of the three dwarven cities is at stake here, so please hear me out. We came here under the pretense of merchants, but in truth we were hired to investigate the curious case of your low supply of mythril, despite eyewitnesses saying you have plenty to go around. During our research, we have encountered hostile golems, scarlet worms trained to dig tunnels, and thieving dark dwarves. So far they have stolen a map of the underground and a mythril drill. The trail leads to a fellow named Xor, who we believe might be behind this conspiracy, working together with the dark dwarves. Somebody is stealing your precious mythril from right under your nose, High Chief, and we can help you find out who, if only you help us. Please, is there anything you might add to help us out?" Ellaria knew her move was risky, but she was tired of the pretense. Surely the dwarven leader realized they were here to help. Atramor glanced between Ellaria and the High Chief, uncertain that the leader of the dwarven clans would be cooperative, but unsure of how to proceed without his direction. "Help us help you help us all out, mate. Heroica's saved your cities before, they could be at risk again." The robed dwarf furrows his brow. "Ah, I see my apprentice was in error. I am very familiar with Heroica and their aid they have given these fine cities in the past. The mythril shortage weights heavily upon me, it has always been the life-blood of the three clans, creating prosperity and wealth each in their own way. The golems have always been a problem since your organization's last dealings with them, though not one we couldn't handle, and certainly not as bad as before. Dark dwarves are always thieving, though this news of an entire piece of equipment gone missing is out of the ordinary, I'll see to it that the city watch is alerted. This Xor fellow, he works at the Eastern Depot, I believe. Do you have proof that he is stealing the mythril and if so where is it going? The trade commission has been keeping track and it simply seems that production is simply low coming out of the mines, perhaps the veins are finally drying up after so many years of digging." Left at the quiet inn, Tesni decided to look at the town again. She knew some of her friends were off to the temple, but she decided to return to Fodmins. To be under the ground with stone enemies a risk, she needed some earth elemental power at her side. Another nice axe to put her emerald into would go some way to helping. Tesni heads back to Fodmin's, the familiar sounds of hammered and forged metal greeting her as she enters the shop. "Ah, the sword mistress returns! And to what do I owe the pleasure, my lady?"
Jebediahs Posted July 26, 2015 Posted July 26, 2015 "So, thought you and your villainous friends could make a quick escape out of town did you?" So focused on reaching his destination, Nur failed to hear the dwarf's approach. Completely dumbfounded by Dumora's accusation, he attempted to respond. "Wait...what?"
Sandy Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 The robed dwarf furrows his brow. "Ah, I see my apprentice was in error. I am very familiar with Heroica and their aid they have given these fine cities in the past. The mythril shortage weights heavily upon me, it has always been the life-blood of the three clans, creating prosperity and wealth each in their own way. The golems have always been a problem since your organization's last dealings with them, though not one we couldn't handle, and certainly not as bad as before. Dark dwarves are always thieving, though this news of an entire piece of equipment gone missing is out of the ordinary, I'll see to it that the city watch is alerted. This Xor fellow, he works at the Eastern Depot, I believe. Do you have proof that he is stealing the mythril and if so where is it going? The trade commission has been keeping track and it simply seems that production is simply low coming out of the mines, perhaps the veins are finally drying up after so many years of digging." Ellaria was relieved that the High Chief did not turn out to be the mastermind behind everything. "Our colleagues are at the Eastern Depot as we speak, getting the proof you need. What we need from you, should you be so kind, is a clearance to act with your blessing, so we won't be hindered by bureaucrats or other officials in these cities, and have access everywhere we need to go. Our mission here has been greatly delayed by the fact that we are foreigners, but we only have your best interest in our hearts. Surely you want the mythril trade to continue, so your cities will not wither away? We will get to the bottom of this - Heroica will not let you down."
Waterbrick Down Posted July 27, 2015 Author Posted July 27, 2015 So focused on reaching his destination, Nur failed to hear the dwarf's approach. Completely dumbfounded by Dumora's accusation, he attempted to respond. "Wait...what?" "The Naga you were with last night. She was found dead in the streets this morning, you were apparently the last one seen with her." Ellaria was relieved that the High Chief did not turn out to be the mastermind behind everything. "Our colleagues are at the Eastern Depot as we speak, getting the proof you need. What we need from you, should you be so kind, is a clearance to act with your blessing, so we won't be hindered by bureaucrats or other officials in these cities, and have access everywhere we need to go. Our mission here has been greatly delayed by the fact that we are foreigners, but we only have your best interest in our hearts. Surely you want the mythril trade to continue, so your cities will not wither away? We will get to the bottom of this - Heroica will not let you down." "Done. As I said, the Mythril trade has led to the success of these cities and my blood would boil if there was some nefarious scheme to have them crumble. It is good to know that the kindness of your organization still extends over all these years. Tell me, has anyone else been assisting you with this endeavor?"
Sandy Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 "Done. As I said, the Mythril trade has led to the success of these cities and my blood would boil if there was some nefarious scheme to have them crumble. It is good to know that the kindness of your organization still extends over all these years. Tell me, has anyone else been assisting you with this endeavor?" "Umm, I don't mean to sound rude, but I will get that in writing, right? Well, we have been guided by a certain Vindicator of Mythra, named Dumora Copperstrike. But she only lead us here, she has not been a part of our investigative team. Perhaps you know her?"
Waterbrick Down Posted July 27, 2015 Author Posted July 27, 2015 "Yes indeed, I do know about Ms. Copperstrike. A valiant soul isn't she? See my assistant on the way out and tell him you need a Form V2, he'll see to the rest. And finally, my dear children, tell me about your current standing with the Smith Father Orrik?"
Sandy Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 "And finally, my dear children, tell me about your current standing with the Smith Father Orrik?" Ellaria gave a sideway glance at Atramor. "Erhm... I honour Orrik as the creator of the earth and the source of all creativity. I myself am a devout follower of Sylvania of the Forests, though, but I assure you that our views do not clash. Might I add that I am deeply moved by the artistry of your city. A whole building carved out of a giant diamond... Breathtaking, I must say! Now, if you will excuse us..." Ellaria prepared to leave while they were still in the High Chief's good graces.
Jebediahs Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 "The Naga you were with last night. She was found dead in the streets this morning, you were apparently the last one seen with her." Damn, I'd regretted retiring to my chambers alone but now even moreso. "I had nothing to do with her demise and am willing to return to the city so that we might get this sorted." En Sabah Nur completely abandoned his current course of action and attempted to head West back to town.
Waterbrick Down Posted July 28, 2015 Author Posted July 28, 2015 Ellaria gave a sideway glance at Atramor. "Erhm... I honour Orrik as the creator of the earth and the source of all creativity. I myself am a devout follower of Sylvania of the Forests, though, but I assure you that our views do not clash. Might I add that I am deeply moved by the artistry of your city. A whole building carved out of a giant diamond... Breathtaking, I must say! Now, if you will excuse us..." Ellaria prepared to leave while they were still in the High Chief's good graces. "May your journey be a profitable one then, my children and know that Orrik accepts all who eventually come to him." Atramor and Ellaria bid farewell to the High Chief and before exiting receive a V2 Form from the attendant that would grant them movement through out the under-mountain with ease, being on the High Chief's personal business. Damn, I'd regretted retiring to my chambers alone but now even moreso. "I had nothing to do with her demise and am willing to return to the city so that we might get this sorted." En Sabah Nur completely abandoned his current course of action and attempted to head West back to town. "Save it for the High Chief. I'll be holding on to your weapons in the meantime." Does Nur relinquish his equipment?
Sandy Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Ellaria was glad to get out of the Temple without being arrested, but then she paused. "Atramor, did you get to know what you needed? We should be heading to the Eastern Depot too, if we are done here."
CMP Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Ellaria was glad to get out of the Temple without being arrested, but then she paused. "Atramor, did you get to know what you needed? We should be heading to the Eastern Depot too, if we are done here." "Don't think so, but I doubt the High Chief knows the ins and outs of the mines 'round here anyway. He was a bit more, er, devout than I pictured." "But the depot is where all the stone and mythril shows up after it's been mined, aye? It'd be easy for these dark dwarves and golems to steal the mythril while it's headed to the depot. If Xor's in on it, it'd be easy just to report less mythril bein' mined, rather than more of it bein' stolen."
Jebediahs Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 "Save it for the High Chief. I'll be holding on to your weapons in the meantime." Does Nur relinquish his equipment? "But of course. I will comply. Though Alfred can continue to carry my belongings if ye wish. I wouldn't want you to get overwhelmed." The cheeky grin that followed was bound to make things worse for the mage.
Peppermint_M Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Tesni heads back to Fodmin's, the familiar sounds of hammered and forged metal greeting her as she enters the shop. "Ah, the sword mistress returns! And to what do I owe the pleasure, my lady?" "Well, one of those fine greatswords and stick the emerald to it. I have the gold I assure you." Tesni grinned.
Waterbrick Down Posted July 29, 2015 Author Posted July 29, 2015 Ellaria was glad to get out of the Temple without being arrested, but then she paused. "Atramor, did you get to know what you needed? We should be heading to the Eastern Depot too, if we are done here." As Ellaria and Atramor begin to make their way towards the Eastern Depot they are stopped by a group of armed city guards. "Just one moment, miss. You wouldn't happen to be a Dr. Arbour, now would you? "But of course. I will comply. Though Alfred can continue to carry my belongings if ye wish. I wouldn't want you to get overwhelmed." The cheeky grin that followed was bound to make things worse for the mage. "Good, this way." The Vindicator places the weapons within her pack, frowning as she surveys them. The group headed back into town just as Ellaria and Atramor were being stopped by a group of guards. Dumora addresses the guards. "Good work gentlemen, now we just need to find the fierce one." The vindicator turns to Ellaria "You're being held as accomplices in a murder, so please don't make this unpleasant. I will go into details, but first where is your other companion?" "Well, one of those fine greatswords and stick the emerald to it. I have the gold I assure you." Tesni grinned. "Ah, a weapon such as that would cost you upwards of 350 Gold."
Sandy Posted July 29, 2015 Posted July 29, 2015 As Ellaria and Atramor begin to make their way towards the Eastern Depot they are stopped by a group of armed city guards. "Just one moment, miss. You wouldn't happen to be a Dr. Arbour, now would you? "Good, this way." The Vindicator places the weapons within her pack, frowning as she surveys them. The group headed back into town just as Ellaria and Atramor were being stopped by a group of guards. Dumora addresses the guards. "Good work gentlemen, now we just need to find the fierce one." The vindicator turns to Ellaria "You're being held as accomplices in a murder, so please don't make this unpleasant. I will go into details, but first where is your other companion?" "Just wait a minute, Dumora. We are not murderers and you know it!" Ellaria procured the V2 form and showed it to the guards. "We are acting in the name of the High Chief himself, so you better release En Sabah Nur this instant before he hears about it. The High Chief authorized us to investigate the thefts that you, Dumora, are well aware of. Now, I would like us to work together, but if you would rather let your prejudice cloud your judgment, you can get out of our way." Ellaria stared down at Dumora as defiantly as she could, trying to appear as tall as possible.
Jebediahs Posted July 29, 2015 Posted July 29, 2015 Nur's eyes grew wide then he snickered to himself, clearly amused by the current events and the girl's bravado.
CMP Posted July 29, 2015 Posted July 29, 2015 (edited) Atramor raises his eyebrows, impressed by Ellaria's demands. "We have things to do, cities to save, Dumora. Weren't ya' supposed to be back in Krumpknob by now? Who the hell got killed? We've been guardin' your damn towns more than any of ya' have over the past two days. Did ya' ask the dark dwarves ya' let into your house if they killed this person, or maybe the golems lurkin' on the edges of your city? We're tryin' to fix all of your damn problems, we don't have time for this garbage." Edited July 29, 2015 by CallMePie
Waterbrick Down Posted July 29, 2015 Author Posted July 29, 2015 QM Note: Sorry folks, got pulled onto an extra 8 hour shift at work, big update coming in another 24hrs. "Just wait a minute, Dumora. We are not murderers and you know it!" Ellaria procured the V2 form and showed it to the guards. "We are acting in the name of the High Chief himself, so you better release En Sabah Nur this instant before he hears about it. The High Chief authorized us to investigate the thefts that you, Dumora, are well aware of. Now, I would like us to work together, but if you would rather let your prejudice cloud your judgment, you can get out of our way." Ellaria stared down at Dumora as defiantly as she could, trying to appear as tall as possible. Atramor raises his eyebrows, impressed by Ellaria's demands. "We have things to do, cities to save, Dumora. Weren't ya' supposed to be back in Krumpknob by now? Who the hell got killed? We've been guardin' your damn towns more than any of ya' have over the past two days. Did ya' ask the dark dwarves ya' let into your house if they killed this person, or maybe the golems lurkin' on the edges of your city? We're tryin' to fix all of your damn problems, we don't have time for this garbage." The guards lower their weapons at Ellaria's presenting of the V2 Form. Dumora starts fuming as a slight tremor shakes the ground. "Whose been killed? The Naga your friend the mage here was being so cordial with yesterday evening. Her body was found dead in the streets early this morning as I was making my way out of town for Krumpknob, her body hacked to pieces by what resembled axe wounds. After alerting the guards and questioning some of the local residents and Cog's & Company whose door she was found outside of, I discovered the last person she had been seen accompanying was surprise, surprise, your bodyguard, Doctor, if you really are doctor that is. Something's been fishy ever since you showed up down here. "
CMP Posted July 29, 2015 Posted July 29, 2015 "You're the only one here with an axe, lady." Atramor pulled open the sides of his cloak to display his significant arsenal of weaponry. A pair of claws glinting with fire and mythril, a demonic kris with its pommel encrusted with over half a dozen gemstones, a silver katana with its sheath sewn into the cape, a bundle of scrolls, a ship's worth of explosives, and neither hide nor haft of an axe.
Sandy Posted July 30, 2015 Posted July 30, 2015 "Whose been killed? The Naga your friend the mage here was being so cordial with yesterday evening. Her body was found dead in the streets early this morning as I was making my way out of town for Krumpknob, her body hacked to pieces by what resembled axe wounds. After alerting the guards and questioning some of the local residents and Cog's & Company whose door she was found outside of, I discovered the last person she had been seen accompanying was surprise, surprise, your bodyguard, Doctor, if you really are doctor that is. Something's been fishy ever since you showed up down here. " "You call that proof? Did you even ask Nur what he saw before you started accusing him? What comes to me, I must come clean that although I am an alchemist of the Guild of Invision, I am also a member of Heroica like the gentlemen here. Our mission here is not to make business deals but to investigate the mythril shortage. The answer to it lies in the Eastern Depot, we believe. Like I said, we have been authorized by the High Chief himself, so step aside or these city guards will have to arrest you for hindering the High Chief's will." Ellaria looked at the guards for confirmation that they would act according to the document she was holding.
Peppermint_M Posted July 30, 2015 Posted July 30, 2015 "Hmm, I think I'll have to say hold that thought. I can hear a bit of a ruckus." Tesni took her leave politely and did her level best to sneak. As well as any heavily armed and armoured berserker was known to sneak.
Waterbrick Down Posted July 31, 2015 Author Posted July 31, 2015 (edited) "You call that proof? Did you even ask Nur what he saw before you started accusing him? What comes to me, I must come clean that although I am an alchemist of the Guild of Invision, I am also a member of Heroica like the gentlemen here. Our mission here is not to make business deals but to investigate the mythril shortage. The answer to it lies in the Eastern Depot, we believe. Like I said, we have been authorized by the High Chief himself, so step aside or these city guards will have to arrest you for hindering the High Chief's will." Ellaria looked at the guards for confirmation that they would act according to the document she was holding. The guards shifted uncomfortably as another tremor shook through the ground as the Party stood at the eastern outskirts of the city. "Nur here fits the right time and I could have sworn one of you was carrying an axe. You're willingness to deceive only strengthens my feelings that something isn't right. You might have won the ear of the High Chief, but I doubt he would have been so kind if he knew about..." At that moment Tesni shows up just as the ground quakes and shakes, however it is no natural disaster as a giant scarlet head lined with teeth breaches the surface near by the party. Moments later a second worm surfaces as guards and the party go tumbling about due to the convulsing earth. After regaining their feet the Party notes the two worms stand between them and the city and Dumora and the guards, the path to the Eastern Depot clear. What does the party do? Edited July 31, 2015 by Waterbrick Down
CMP Posted July 31, 2015 Posted July 31, 2015 (edited) I assume we have full/health ether from sleeping in beds. "See, now this sure would be a real pain in the megablocks if ya' had the only four heroes here unarmed and in custody, now wouldn't it?" Atramor casts his Scrolls of Ice and Fire Armor on himself, once each. Edited July 31, 2015 by CallMePie
Waterbrick Down Posted July 31, 2015 Author Posted July 31, 2015 QM Note: Yes everyone's at full health and ether.
Jebediahs Posted July 31, 2015 Posted July 31, 2015 OoC: Neat. "Ya see! That trembling wasn't because of me! Not that anyone thought I was responsible for the quakes in the first place... My equipment please, my good woman. Let Heroica handle this." Nur could not ignore the opportunity to get to the Eastern Depot but he really needed his stuff.
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