My priority is to finish fapping to this scrying spell cast on a whorehouse, smoke some herb, yawn, and go outside.

>>17139997
To lead our people to a brighter tomorrow. Standing in our way is the Golgormet Empire, their agents like hounds on our doorstep. In addition, more than one ethereal force has meddled in our affairs, be it the dragon curse that plagued our workers, the drow royalists, the rival Alloyheed Brotherhood, or anything from beyond this plane.

Though these foreign powers are mighty, but the people will endure.

>>17140022

lol. This would be an awesome quest.

>>17140238

What do you think needs to be solved first?

>>17140297
Oh no, the actual quest didn't start till I went outside. I want to be the first kobold sorcerer to wield both the hand and eye of vecna.

>>17140310
>>17140022
These two posts are me. My kobold's name is Kasadarach the mildly annoying, voted in sorcery school 'most likely to be stoned'.

>>17140297
We must first travel to the surface, finding out what our mysterious orb friend from the future mentioned as the key to winning this war. In the meantime, our comrades and allies will keep the war in check while we search.

>>17140354

What do you remember being mentioned as the key to winning the war?

>>17140491
A draconic magic source; the orb was, convenient ly, very vague on what it is exactly or where we'd learn it from. The only thing he highlighted was the fact that it was draconic in nature; nothing more.

>>17140599
Well, draconic or primal. It was definitely ancient.
Those standing stones that we were talking about last week are our first lead.

>>17140634
Well, there was the session before that where we talked with a mysterious orb of someone we put in there. Basically, it told us, flat-out, that whatever we found was draconic. Now, it could be those stones, but you never know.

>>17140599
>>17140634

Ah yes, those stones you have a good map to. Going there requires going up a far north river.

>>17140729
If memory serves me, we're supposed to warn the Council about where the Empire will strike from, and to identify the Drow temple that they used as a forward base, before we go to search for that power.
Maybe we should identify that first?

>>17140729
Past the Gnomes, correct? We'll have to arrange for an envoy to alert them to our coming arrival up on the surface.

Also, remember sunglasses...or goggles.

>>17140768
Oh yes; we should mobilize the GRU for a reconnaissance mission to determine which temple, and then a covert strike.

Ghost bump, but heading to bed. See you in the morning, OP.

Aaaaand bump.

Return to us, OP!

>>17140768
>>17140772
>>17140796

You send a squad of GRU out to investigate a few places of drow worship for Golgremet activity. You discover that the gnomes are nowhere near where the passage to the surface is after you look at a territorial map. You send warning to the council over this, and tell them your plan.

>>17145373
Wait, I thought that the Gnomes were our connection to the surface via our underground river? Or was it Halflings?

>>17145373
>>17145389

So, did our neighbors just disappear, or what?

>>17145389

It was Halflings, out on a still unsettled stretch of land known as the Red Plains. Fording Rest is one of the few halfling settlements anywhere.

The council sends you the words of the great surface explorer, Mruko Paolo: "Always travel with the end in mind." They give you a small token to give to Slam'lok's people.

Anything you'd like to do before heading off?

>>17146533
>>17146346
Meditate before we begin our journey, ready some sunglasses, and teell our brother that we love him (mockingly).

>>17147615

You finish watching the unseen servants pack, and meditate for a while. You write a mocking note of scathing skulduggery and sign it with a false statement of brotherhood and camraderie. You cackle at it as you drift off to sleep, the skeleton crew with you as you slowly cruise up, and up, and up,

>>17148046
The river is well guarded on our end, but is any leg of the journey, by any use of the word, "dangerous"? Also, who else is accompanying us? Tayn? Turen?

>>17148091

>> is any leg of the journey, by any use of the word, "dangerous"?

Oh my, yes.

The dark, low-eilinged caverns slosh with black, brackish water, and slowly you drift about, slowly, lazily! You will drift off.

As for real danger, though, not, not yet. Not till the plains.

>>17148260
Very well; keep our mind straight for when we reach the surface. In the meantime, enjoy the cruise. Review the map of the path to the stones, highlighting any specific areas we'll have to cross through (nations, environments, and peoples) to reach our destination.

>>17148282

You sleep, imagining yourself skirting around on slippers made from that other material you will soon commission.

You wake up and see the fantastic, reddish glory of the rising sun.

You feel the rush of air all around you outside, and the sky is a gray-blue. Sky... A brand-new concept.

You will pass through a few stopping stations on the journey, and you may choose to stop at any beforehand:

The Southband Company (halfling traders, close by)
The Burning Chicken Trading Company (gnoll traders, make a few goods, have a lot of others)
The Elven Merchants (Various)

>>17149045
Let us stop by Southband Company, seeing as how we're on relatively good terms with each other. Don't make a big scene about our arrival, however; keep it very discrete for the average eye.

>>17149065

You sail on till the wind on the massive river becomes chilled and the sun descends to a comfy height. The sound of lilting violin and trumpet ring out from river rafts as you come in closer to the halfling outcast's outpost.

You pull up alongside a heavy-set, crimson-clad halfling. "Hey! Merchants from below? I have plenty of healing potions for you this time!" He says, leaning over the side of his ship.

>>17149894
"It's always a pleasure; I have some [insert whatever trading materials we brought with us that aren't prosthetics]. Very fine patch of product, this time. However, I must inquire about your guild leader; he and I have to speak business."

We'll talk to the head honcho around here, tell him that we're not /exactly/ here for trade, and then we'll give him some advice about the possibility of Trog infestation. After all, if this is one of the main trade lines for us, it would seem appropriate for the Trogs to stage some raids around here. Basically, just a friendly heads-up is all.

>>17150008

"It's always a pleasure; I have some fine ores, tools, and alchemical goods. Very fine batch of product, this time." You say to the halfling as your ship drifts closer. "However, I must inquire about your leader; he and I have to speak business."

"Fraghuar Pahnzul is the man you seek." The halfling says. looking over your ship. "He's the head of us outcasts, here to make sure we get a fair price, same as the word-bound in Fording Rest."

>>17150160
"Very good then, Halfing. Feel free to browse our selection in the company of my compatriots while I meet with Fraghuar. Please, don't feel shy to touch."

Motion for our retinue to keep an eye on the goods while we're gone. Then, hope off the boat, and take a good, deep breath; take in that surface scenery...then complain how open and spacey everything is.

Once that's done, let's find Fraghuar.

>>17150201

"Very good then, Halfling. Feel free to browse our selection in the company of my compatriots while I meet with Fraghuar. Please, don't feel shy to touch." You say, motioning back to the merchants who had come along.

Tayn and Turen appear from the depths of the crew, each of them with a small pack for survival in the surface. They seem intrigued by the surrounding area, which is made of mostly small lean-to huts made from cast off tree branches.

You soon find Pahnzul in a small hut full of other halflings, most of whom are eating. They seem to pay you some attention amidst their feast. Pahnzul has light brown, thinning hair, and is rotund, in a chair towards the center of the feasting hall.

>>17150450
Let the Halfing enjoy his meal and company; no need to pry immediately. If there's a guard around, alert him that we wish to speak with Pahnzul. Then, let's stand outside until we're ready to be received.

"So Tayn, Turen; what do you think of the surface? Too bright for my tastes."

>>17150534

"So Tayn, Turen; what do you think of the surface? Too bright for my tastes." You ask the two, after having gotten the guard's attention.

"The going theme here seems to be extra room." Tayn says. "Good to keep in mind in a fight."

"It's really neat to see the surfacers going around by boat up here! I've read that they can travel for nearly a month on a boat to get to some places!"

The guard by Pahnzul nods over to you from across the room.

>>17150859
"It appears we're summoned..." Head inside. Give our greetings and names to him when prompted; we're foreign dignitaries here, so we'll wait for him to ask of our business before we go talking our mouth off.

>>17150891

You nod to the others, going up to the larger halfling. He speaks with a gruff, sneering voice. "Haven't seen many of your kind up above here." He sniffs, wriggling his mustache. "Tell me, why exactly are you up and about here, anyway?"

>>17151273
"We are here for resupplying, mainly. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fraghuar Pahnzul." Nod slightly in due respect. "I am Mynthar, magistrate of the CCCP."

Gesture to Tayn and Turen.

"These are my compatriots, Tayn and Turen."

Clear our throat.

"I will be the first to admit that our presence here might seem strange, but rest assured, we are here on a sort of leisurely trip."

Smile, then try to massage the situation.

"I have come bearing many goods, and wish to see that our merchants are both satisfied with the current trade deficits between our two groups. Perhaps even some idle chatter when you have the time?"

>>17151353

"We are here for resupplying, mainly. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fraghuar Pahnzul." You nod towards him. "I am Mynthar, magistrate of the CCCP." You gesture to Tayn and Turen. "These are my compatriots, Tayn and Turen. I will be the first to admit that our presence here might seem strange, but rest assured, we are here on a sort of leisurely trip." You gesture back towards the docks. "I have come bearing many goods, and wish to see that our merchants are both satisfied with the current trade deficits between our two groups. Perhaps even some idle chatter when you have the time?"

The halfling nods, looking out over the room. "Well, then you should be fine with us here. We may be out here, but I run a fair caravan." Pahnzul nods. "We may talk any time. The caravan is here for another few weeks at least." He snickers. "We promise not to float off early."

>>17151823
"Tell us; what do your eyes say of the ore market these days? Our people within the Crystal Caverns have seen a slow climb in the more precious ores, but nothing like we've experienced in our recorded documents. Not to be outdone, the cost of scrolls, especially those of a divine nature, are always in demand in the Underdark."

We're not really trying to accomplish anything per say; we're just talking the talk.

"Now, though our trip is innocent, our warnings are not..." Frown. "You have heard of the growing conflicts with the Trogs?"

"Yes, we are finding, through more than one front, that they've been...rather malicious, in terms of selecting their targets. Now, I mean no ill to you and your caravan; I come, in fact, to alert you."

Fetch a map of the Underdark, if we have one and lay it out for him. Gesture to some general areas of Trog activity which pretty much covers everything, from the Crystal Caverns themselves to the Alloyheed Brotherhood to the Drow royalists.

"These are just some of the ratted-out locations of Trog spies and aggression. If they are this thorough, then I fear that they may strike above ground to disrupt trade."

Roll up the map.

"Take my words to heart and tread carefully. For the good of the people."

Speak our next words to both Pahnzul and Tayn and Turen.

"So Pahnzul, I understand your delicacies are very good here on the surface..."

>>17151823
>>17151913
Also, I'm heading to bed OP. See you tomorrow.

Bump.

And one more bump.

Final bump!

bump

OK! After going through a dying comp and a forgotten computer cord, along with the playtest I was about to tell you about... Yeah! So here I am, at last.

Anyway:

"Tell us; what do your eyes say of the ore market these days? Our people within the Crystal Caverns have seen a slow climb in the more precious ores, but nothing like we've experienced in our recorded documents. Not to be outdone, the cost of scrolls, especially those of a divine nature, are always in demand in the Underdark." You watch the pudgy halfling's eyes light up like enchanted search lights, and he chuckles. "Ah, we are of a similar condition up here on the plains, in that we have a limited stock available to sell." He reaches back behind a halfling woman and pulls out a leather case with a strap, which he tosses you. You catch it, hearing the rustle of parchment, and crack it open. Inside is two sets of six scrolls, totalling twelve alltogether. You read the mystic prayers inscribed on the back with a cantrip. Each has a set of three spells. Three are scrolls of cure serious wounds. Three are scrolls of remove disease. You look at the next two of the three, in a silvery-gray backed velvet case, with ebony scroll-stands, and as you read the names, you understand their fancy dressing, and begin to salivate a bit. One is a trio of scrolls of breath of life, good for raising an intact body immediately after the spirit begins to leave the body. The subject body is imbued with healing energy in an attempt to return the subject to life. The other scroll is embroidered with gold leaf descriptions of the hafling home and hearth gods. It is a set of three scrolls of mass heal, from the halfling high priest himself, and a set of three scrolls of heroe's feast, along with a short note from the high priest: "We made this something to be used in a time of dire need, when its appearance might be inspiring to those it heals.

Father Oscrag Wellingsteeple
High Priest of Oligarth"

Oh hey; thought you died, OP. Considering how late it is and the circumstances of your disappearance, I'll understand if you want to call it for the night. :P

>>17162566
Turn our head in surprise.

"I suppose...we could part with some of our stached ores..."

Examine the detail of those last letters.

"These are very fine, I must admit."

You examine them for a few minutes, commenting (and asking questions, if you want, about the goods or other things) on their fine workmanship before handing them back. "Fine goods. Now, though our trip is innocent, it is not without warning. You have heard of the growing conflicts with the Trogs?"

Pahnzul shakes his head. "Sorry, no." He puts a finger to his nose. "Didn't you put a gag order on that, or any info at all, getting to the surface? Or was that someone else I'm remembering?"

(You may address this as well if you want. The following will be worked in after the segment, if any)

"We are finding, through more than one front, that they've been... rather malicious, in terms of selecting their targets. Now, I mean no ill to you and your caravan; I come, in fact, to alert you." You say to them.

"Hah! We are just traders." The halfling says, letting a hand flop down. "Like anything we do affects them!"

You fetch a map of the Underdark and lay it out for him. You gesture to some general areas of trog activity, from the Crystal Caverns themselves to the Alloyheed Brotherhood to the Drow royalists.

"These are just some of the ratted-out locations of Trog spies and aggression. If they are this thorough, then I fear that they may strike above ground to disrupt trade." You say, pointing to the upward ducts.

"Hmm." The halfling exclaims, gruffly.

You note his hesitation and pierce the note indicating the surface with the metal nail of your pointer finger. "Take my words to heart and tread carefully. For the good of the people." You look out over your companions and the leader of these outcast merchants. "So Pahnzul, I understand your delicacies are very good here on the surface..."

The halfling rubs his hands together. "We can cook pies during our time here! Filled with breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" He laughs. "And topped with more!"

>>17162759

I can post a bit more when I get to home.

But yeah, I am somewhat tired, not too long.

>>17162759

"I suppose we could part with some of our staunched ores." You lean in to examine the golden scrolls more closely. "These are very fine, I must admit."

"Only the best from our holy father." The halfling says, holding out a smooth, oddly thin hand towards you. "I'm sure we can work something out in good timee, magistrate."

>>17162878
"Under wraps is preferred, but having the trap over your eyes is foolhardy. Our allies should at least be aware of the coming storm, but rest assured, this conflict will be dealt with. Our strength as a nation, a beacon to the other Underdark tribes, serves as a constant example of liberty and innovation; we cannot fail. Not only for the people, but for the world." Not exactly sure how the CCCP sees itself in relation to other nations, but I"m sure it takes in a sort of city on the hill concept, considering all our innovation...in so far as everyone can look and touch for a modest fee.

"Excellent; I look forward to one during our brief stay here. Now, I am interested in these scrolls you have, just as I'm sure you'll be interested in our new processed ore. It could even withstand dragon's fire...(so says our researchers)."

>>17163089
"Time will be good."