Book One: Chapter Five: "Veiled Trespasses"

Swifthand wrote:If no one has any other business to attend to, Davin will stow the Drow swords in the bag of holding and search for a suitable spot to camp.

"We did it - the land of the Dwarves. Now things get tough."

-Swift

Malazek wrote:The party pulls over and sleeps. It's the quietest night since they left Qalibar's tomb. On the morning of the 9th, they set off again, riding in a Goblin deathwagon. Seeing little reason to continue their ruse, they take turns standing and no longer bother with the disguises. In fact, they walk for several intervals of the journey, so they might stretch their legs.

OOC: Will add more when I get home from work; don't have the map I need with me.

Malazek wrote:OOC: Ugg. Tried to post earlier, but couldn't get the boards to load. Again.

The lonely road continues on. The roads that cross it on the map seem to be walled off; some with doors and others without. None of the boxes, bodies, or other debris litter this section of the road; it's well maintained, considering nobody is here.

Around the distance that might have been a days travel on foot, the hearse passes a stone tower built right into wall of the tunnel. Though machicolations and balistrarias wrap the circumference of the tower, nobody is here to man it.

But it seems like a good place to stop. After a bit of lockpicking, they heroes enter right through the front door. Inside the tower, they find empty weapon racks, empty armor manequins, and empty beds. A small kitchen occupies the second floor, but it too is empty.

A top the the tower they find a tonne-stack of dry timber and a large barrel of oil. Next to the kindling, they find a small box filled with tinder twigs. Must be some kind of signal fire.

For whatever reason it's been abandoned, the beds make for a comfortable rest (despite being a few inches too short for everyone except the brother's Rihn). In the morning, the head out.

The next day is equally un-interesting, and ends at a similiar tower! This one, too, has been deserted. After a more thorough search, this tower provides no further clues.

So they sleep. And set off the next morning.

Comparing their surroundings to the two maps, the party surmises that they must be getting close to the "loop" that the maps says winds up to the Dwarven Road.

So ... what to do with the wagon and Rothé team?
Obviously, it's too loud to just roll into Dwarven territory with.

Swifthand wrote:"Vangg - how close are we to the Wise Stone? And was there a permanent Portal there?"

-Swift

151prooftattoos wrote:Dungeoneering=25

OOC: Will post answer when Mal gives more info

Malazek wrote:

151prooftattoos wrote:Dungeoneering=25
OOC: Will post answer when Mal gives more info

Vangg's best estimate is that the "loop" (which is a ramp) connects with the Undermountain Highway, less than half a day south of the Wise Stone. He'd expect the rise to be heavily guarded; but then again, he would've expected this stretch of tunnel to be guarded, as well. Also, there is "probably" a permanent portal there; but Vangg's never heard mention of it.

OOC: Wow, 5 days without access. It feels good to be back.

Malazek wrote:

Malazek wrote:So ... what to do with the wagon and Rothé team?
Obviously, it's too loud to just roll into Dwarven territory with.

Swifthand wrote:Davin suggests we slaughter the Rothe team and eat some thick steaks, salting the rest to add to our rations (I am sure the extra companions have put a pinch on what we had). Assuming that is agreeable, the Ranger proceeds, dispatching the beasts as humanely as possible. As far as the wagon is concerned, we either leave it whole, or leave it burning - either is fine with Davin.

"So, we are just under a day's travel to the Wise Stone. It is time we alert the Emperor, the Velatian Vanguard, and the Watermancers of Imil of our plan and progress. We should suggest they get troops and magic-users ready to man the Wise Stone after we change it to the Tranquil Lake."

The elf grins ferally at the assumed close of the parties plan.

"I suggest something simple to the Emperor: 'We approach Wise Stone. We will change elemental alignment to Water. Need troops and mages to garrison. Force Dwarves to face two fronts. - Ferall's Heroes.' This message will probably suit the Vanguard as well if we just sign it from Straegis. The Imilites are another matter. What should we send to them, Alex? Let us get our Sending's done and get to our business - I can almost taste the fresh air that awaits us once we are done!"

Nature=34 (taking care of the Rothe)

-Swift

Halcyon wrote:"Vangg, does one of the doors we've passed access a back route to the Wise Stone? Perhaps the map shows something?", asks Verity.

Malazek wrote:

Verity wrote:"Vangg, does one of the doors we've passed access a back route to the Wise Stone? Perhaps the map shows something?", asks Verity.

OOC: Vangg is certain there is no other backdoor; this way IS the backdoor.

Malazek wrote:So, the party eats their Rothé steaks and continues on on foot.

End Book One
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____

OOC: You get 501 XPs for various Skill Challenges (two involving disguises, and one for intimidating Gujoy) AND 1000 for completing the Major Quest: "Sneak through the Belly of the Mountains." That brings everyone to 27,090! Welcome to Paragonhood.

Level up. Gain the following:
- Gain +1 to ALL attributes.
- Pick a Paragon Path. Gain it's Paragon Class Features.
- Gain it's Paragon Path Encounter Power.
- Gain a Feat.
- Gain HPs.