[Game Thread] Prologue: Zelkor's Ferry

[thewattinator]

Illidris Vaithrond Finishing her class of wine, Illidris walks over to the group with the cranky old man and Zelkor. As she did, an elf in white robes suddenly summoned a dinosaur, then turned and walked out without another word. She made it to the table just as a well armed woman finished talking about her hope for survival down in Rappan Athuk. Your grave will have to be somewhere, she said in a soft, lilting voice. If it means cleansing that foul pit and restoring balance to the natural order of things, would that really be so bad? Turning to the rest of the group, she smiled slightly. Not that I have a deathwish. But it sounds to me like you are thinking about braving the Dungeon of Graves, something which I also intend to do. Perhaps we might join forces?

[baahk36]

Vashtyr "My name is Vashtyr, and my preparations are more than sufficient. Although no deity supports me. Frankly I think I'd be too embarrassed to support any religion that wound have me as a member. Yes I too am here to enter the dungeon. I'll know what I seek within when I find it. It shouldn't be too hard to recognize after all. Most things will be lucky to close within a few feet of me before I kill them. Vashtyr felt much more comfortable now that the talk ha turned from judgments on his personal lifestyle to the brass tax of entering the dungeon. "If I'm feeling benevolent I might even be able to keep you from tripping over a tripwire and getting yourself decapitated."

[Insacrum]

Tyzvalia Dorcan Tyzvalia watched the elf approach, and introduce herself. "I would personally hope my grave, and it's marker would reside with others of my order. Regardless, I think any and all help would be accepted." She looks to the others seated, "Are we to assume that we are all headed into the Rappan Athuk? And if so, doing so together? I do not wish to impose if it was your choice to do so alone."

[Xian]

Dorian Greyeagle The tall Shoanti man walked into the edges of the town and into the Taverns that the Spirits had guided him to. Ever a man of his instincts, he followed them to this place and now looked upon the scene. Looking, but he kept to himself. Perhaps most in the tavern would dismiss him as just another uncivilized, uneducated Shoanti... then again his war paint and overall appearance did not lend itself to conversation to all but the most inquisitive. "Greetings. My name is Dorian Greyeagle." Dorian introduced himself. "The Spirits that serve Master Erastil have brought me to this place and to you gathered here... do you quest for the cleansing of Rappan Athuk, as well? If so, then well met... if not then I apologize for having bothered you."

 

OOC and Dice Rolls Dice DM requested roll 1: 1d100 63 Dice Intelligence Check: 1d20+3 (10)+3 Total = 13

[thewattinator]

Illidris Vaithrond I will be going down one way or another, said Illidris. That place is a blight and I intended to see it dealt with. If I have company, so much the better. She nodded to Dorian as he sat down. I am Illidris. Illidris Vaithrond, one of the wardens of the Redleaf Order. It is a pleasure to meet you. And the rest of you too, she added, looking over those assembled. It seems we have quite the company...

[Quarterpound]

DM Text Dorian has heard the following rumors:

[austarrowsplitter]

Amos Lightspring the Nephilim Amos smiled at the others and said, "I, too, intend to delve into that dank pit of evil. Though I'm afraid I don't have any specific deity 'backing' me, as it were, I can channel the power of the divine thanks to my... let's call it an 'unusual' pedigree. I'd rather not go into it any further than that. The point is, I can provide healing, I can cast magics to hopefully harm whatever creatures lie within that foul place, and I've also learned a few tricks for getting past traps in my studies. The lore I seek is often hidden in dangerous, forbidden places, and it behooved me to learn my way around a set of thieves' tools, even if I am not a thief." He then pondered for a moment and added, "I don't so much care where my grave is. To be honest, I'm more worried about what's going to happen to me after death."

[Quarterpound]

Zelkor laughed at the bravado coming from the gathered adventurers in his inn. Some of the merchant's guards and trappers joined him, though more out of nervousness than anything else.

"And how will you be entering Rappan Athuk?" he asked after he had recovered. "Will you choose the Mouth of Doom? The Mausoleum? The Well? Choose wisely, so when you die we can come gather your personal effects and turn a profit!"

[baahk36]

Vashtyr Idly Vashtyr pulled an arrow from his quiver and made a show of inspecting it. The arrow didn't need it, all the shafts in Vashtyr's quiver were perfect, but it was a habit he had fallen into long ago that he saw no reason to try and change. "The mausoleum you say? Well if we're so certain to die like you think I would think that a place designed to hold the dead would be an ideal place to start. Save time on carrying our bodies to a burial spot." Plus if we're lucky we'll find some undead there. I've always wanted to try my hand at a couple of zombies.

[Insacrum]

Tyzvalia Dorcan Tyzvalia watched the interplay between the archer and Zelkor. Perhaps this brute of a man had managed to get things named for himself without deeds to back it up, but she was in no positions to see the validity of her hypothesis. "I believe that our archer friend here might be right. If we start with the Mausoleum, there is actually no reason for your assistance in cleaning up any mess we might make in the process of killing ourselves."

[Quarterpound]

The crowd in the tavern laughed nervously at the suggestion of the Mausoleum. Zelkor snorted and shrugged.

"Seems I'll be gettin' that gear from you quicker than expected. You adventurer types are all the same, thinking your experiences elsewhere will keep you safe when you enter Rappan Athuk.

Well let me tell you something, newbies. Let's not even talk about the labyrinth of evil beneath us. How're you gonna get there? The forests are wild with bandits and worse. You're more likely to be eaten up by a water troll or skewered by pirates than to actually get to the Mausoleum.

Sheeet... once you get there if the rats and their ilk don't feast on your bones, the green watchers will!

Hey! Billy! Tell 'em about the green watchers!"

The room hushed once again and an old man, missing an eye and a hand, straightened from leaning against the wall.

"They can take on any shape. That cyclopian graveyard, filled with statues and headstones... you won't ever see 'em til its too late.

Great green, stone wings, burning black eyes, onyxian claws... they tore the leader of my group and our rogue in half before we even knew they were there. The priest stood his ground for just long enough for me to run away... last I saw was the green watchers tearing him limb from limb.

I wandered in the wilderness for days before finding Zelkor's Ferry again. Not before goblins took my hand and eye, though..."

[austarrowsplitter]

Amos Lightspring the Nephilim Amos just shrugged and said, "Say what you will, but I don't think any of us are changing our minds. Still, the Mausoleum does sound interesting. Unless you think there's a better way in, Zelkor. After all, I'm sure you'd like us to get as far as possible so we can get better loot for you to scavenge." Dice Diplomacy?: 1d20+8 (15)+8 Total = 23

[Ulfskar]

Amandil Istar Loki (companion) After doing his best to make the Necromancer feel uncomfortable, and succeeding, Amandin headed back to the tavern to see if anyone had gathered the courage to step outside... let alone actually head towards Rappan Athuk yet. Amandil and his awesome pet dinosaur walk back into the tavern to find everyone still standing around being indecisive. Wanting to get his death wish started he wasted no time rousing those that were brave enough to follow him into oblivion. "What's all this standing around for? I thought there were other adventurers here brave enough to enter Rappan Athuk, but if I'm mistaken I guess I can go alone and you can all stand here talking about which way to go and which way to not go for the rest of your life. Zelkor. Lead me and those brave enough to the Mausoleum. I've heard tale of unturnable black skeletons and would like to show them a superior force. Those brave enough to follow, finish your drinks and settle your bills. It's time to test your worth." Amandil then went back outside the tavern with Zelkor and waited for two minutes to see who was brave enough to follow. OOC Jerk leader award?

[Quarterpound]

Zelkor snorted.

"The Mouth of Doom is closer and you'd only have to deal with some goblins.

And as far as taking you anywhere, shiny robes, I ain't going nowhere. I'll point you in the right direction, sell any supplies you need, and pretend to shed a tear when you die. That's the best I can do."

He hoped the smelly, robed man heard him as he stepped outside.

[Ulfskar]

Amandil Istar Loki (companion) As Amandin was about to step outside he heard the cowardly man speak from behind. "If you are too afraid to step outside, then so be it. Kick out those brave enough to do so and point us in the direction of the Mausoleum."