Queless returns to the Spires of the Morning and gathers his companions. The members of the Foes of the Fang are not quite ready to host their meeting regarding the recent vampire attacks, although they agree to adjourn as soon as Queless and his friends return from investigating the Field of Triumph. By chance or perhaps Tymora's luck Loli Savage shows up to spend some time with Misha Borne of the Light, her boyfriend. Although Karis Savage is none too pleased by Loli's choice in a boyfriend he takes it in stride and keeps focused on his mission. Misha has gathered some key information from the Foes of the Fang and is ready for a vampire encounter, along with the items the group received from the "FOTF". Morin Granitefist, champion of Moradin Soulforger, the God of the Dwarves is all rested and ready for action. Their new companion Ghen Dwvelt of Kelemvor, the God of Death and Judgment is stoic and steadfast, ready to leave immediately. He claims he will throw down his life if need be in defense of the great Morin Granitefist and his companions. To add to the confusion, the Velvet Champion has returned to his roots and agreed to lend a hand. He returns home to fetch his rapier, cloak and cape, and large brimmed hat complete with "quite a cheesy looking and over-sized fluffy feather" as Morin calls it. The Velvet Champion grins from ear to ear upon his return as a few members of the group snicker and cover their faces. "Perhaps you judge me by my appearance, but you shall see some action soon friends. I'm a little rusty with the blade, but there's a reason they used to call me the contre-carte".
Before everyone leaves they check and recheck their gear and make sure they aren't forgetting anything, or anyone for that matter.
"Morin, Council Member Mendothian was abducted last night. So were several guards. I spoke to another Council Member who was a cleric of Tyr. It seemed like he knew what was happening. I guess there will be a mage watching us from afar. It makes me wonder, if they are so powerful, why don't they simply vanquish this vampire themselves? Please do not take what I said the wrong way Morin, we should be honored to work with such people. What is the hold up with those priests?? They know that time is against us."
Morin nods grimly "My friend, sometimes when strong and just folks are handed power it goes to their head. They're too damned busy pushing papers around and not paying enough attention to their people's needs. We'll step in and vanquish this fiend and then they'll all be makin' their political moves, all claiming they were the ones who sent us to save Waterdeep. I don't care though, I just care about banishing this dreadful beast from our world. He dost not belong here!"
Queless approaches VC after Morin makes jokes about his feather. "Nice hat, VC! I take it there'll be no more rickshaw rides from you. We have credit at Aurora's Whole Realms warehouse. I think we should gear up before defending into the depths of the sewers. Ye might want to change thine attire as there will be no way to remove the stench of the sewers from thine clothes."
"Yes, thank you very much Queless. I shall go change and return shortly. We shall all run together to the Field of Triumph to get warmed up for our possible encounter with beasts evil and foul."
Queless yells across the room to Morin and Ghen who are busy making small talk. "MORIN! GHEN! Art thou ready to leave yet? Shall we first go to the Fields of Triumph or wouldst it please thee to purchase our gear at Aurora's first? What about ye, Karis. Doth ye need any sundries?"
Karis looks him in the eyes. "I need to polish the boots." He then takes a bite of an apple he was carrying with him. *CRUNCH*
Queless makes a list of goods to pickup at Aurora's Whole Realms Catalog warehouse.
Shield (kite)
Mirror x 3
smoke bomb x 3
spool of twine
a box with small bells (different sizes)
Lantern
Lantern oil
Chalk
Bag of marbles (100)
3 wind-up noise makers
After visiting Aurora's Whole Realms to pick up supplies the large group makes for the Field of Triumph, Waterdeep's Arena.
SEA WARD / FIELD OF TRIUMPH
This huge open-air stadium is the site of many spectacles staged for the populace of Waterdeep. From late spring to late autumn, thousands of people flood through the awe-inspiring Lion Gate to witness shows of magic, martial skills, horse races, and
monstrous exhibitions of creatures big and small. The Field also acts as a public forum for such important public events as the Open Lord’s proclamations to the city and special gatherings for foreign dignitaries.
Upon arriving at the Field of Triumph the gates are closed and no events are currently being hosted. A couple guards dressed in Roman era type garb lean against the wall, half awake, with their helmets partially over their eyes blocking the bright sunlight. As the group approaches one of the guards glances up and seems quite startled. He jumps and then shakes the guard next to him. "Ked, we got company."
"Ked" is roused from his slumber and he steps forward brandishing a spear. "Hail and well met travelers. You have found the Field of Triumph, the great Arena of Waterdeep! We are currently closed in preparation for new exciting events. Please watch for colour fliers which will be passed out at market next week! Thank you for coming and have a glorious day!" after finishing his pre-programmed speech, Ked turns his back to the group and lazily saunters back to his post in front of the closed gate and portcullis (the main gate of the arena).
The Fellowship of Lightning and friends are left smirking and exchanging glances. Morin whispers "We're trying to kill a vampire and this schmuck is busy advertising next weeks programme?" Someone makes a silly face and the entire group explodes in laughter at the situation.
Queless wipes the tears from his eyes, and trying to stifle his laughter steps forward and says "Guardsmen, we are the Fellowship of Lightning. We were granted access to The Field of Trimuph by Council Member Dethrick Melbar of Tyr. We request your compliance to his wishes."
Ked steps forward to meet Queless. "A Drow leader? Now this is most strange. Beg your pardon sir, but I've only seen a Drow once in my life and he was not well liked enough to be leading a group. If you truly have gained the support of all these comrades, you must be very rich indeed. Perhaps you can use THAT kind influence to get inside." Morin steps forward and sticks a finger in the guard's eye. "Aye, he IS rich. Rich in friends who won't let assholes like you go harrassing him because he's a different color than you. Now take these documents, look them over and get the nine-hells outta our way. We got bigger problems to fry than you today!"
As Karis walks by the guard he will point at the guards collar and say "Hey what is this?" As the guard looks down at Karis's finger Karis craks a smile. He just fell for the oldest trick in the book........ *BOP!*
The guard backs off and glares at Morin and Karis as Queless hands the documents to him to look over. The Arena guard Ked nods and wipes a tear of pain from his slightly gouged eye and signals an unseen guard above to open the gates and raise the portcullis. The group moves inside the grand entrance to the Field of Triumph. The entrance here is big enough for a large mob to push through easily. Brown and gray alternating stones make up the walls and floor here. There are passageways leading off to the right and left almost immediately. The first couple lead down stairs, most have guards posted before them. The sounds of strange animals and beasts echo from below. As the group moves further into the arena stairs lead up into the grandstands. The place is empty and silent save for the occasional yawn of a bored guard or the echo of a howling beast being whipped somewhere deep below the stone bricks under the Fellowship's feet.
Queless speaks to the Fellowship as he walks in the middle of the group.
"Guardsman Rionnius and Alderman Wendel and maybe others disappeared here last night. We should ask the guards on duty that night if they saw them."
"Aye" says Morin "Let's spread out so we don't waste time. Each one of you start questioning guards. Half of us will start down here, the other half at the start." Morin points "Get started right away and let's make haste, meeting in the middle. You find anything out, come get us right away!"
Queless begins questioning guards. "Guardsman! Doth ye know who was on duty last night at the time of the disappearance of Guardsman Rionnius and Alderman Wendel?"
"We'd like to see the last place Guardsman Rionnius and Alderman Wendel were seen. Was anything found there?"
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY A BIT BY READING THE SECTION ON PIERGERON'S PALACE IN CHAPTER 10, LOCATED HERE:
http://queless.blogspot.com/2009/04/chapter-10.html
After questioning all of the guards the Fellowship rejoins to share information. Once all the facts are in, they lay them out of the table.
FELLOWSHIP ACQUIRED FACTS RE: DISAPPEARANCES AT FIELD OF TRIUMPH:
*Many Arena Guards report having a visit from a large contingent of Waterdeep City Guards earlier in the day asking about Wendell and Rionnius.
*There have been some strange scratching noises in various parts of the underbelly of the Field of Triumph usually being heard at night.
*An Arena Guard named Jiyh remembers Wendell coming to investigate reports of strange sounds coming from the sewers below the underbelly of the Field of Triumph. Jiyh's shift ended an hour after Wendell arrived so he didn't see him leave, but heard later that he had disappeared.
*Palace Guardswoman Rionnius was seen here yesterday looking for Wendell of the Sewage Construction and Maintenance. She was seen in every part of the Arena before finally visiting the underbelly of the Field of Triumph and disappearing without a sound.
*A city guard named Charles had got out of line early this same morning and throttled a man named Dwight Peeblebrand before the city guardsmen pulled Charles off Dwight and dragged him away kicking and screaming at Dwight. Many Arena guards recall hearing the words "You bastard! I know you're hiding something and I will establish your guilt!" echoing through the hallways of the underbelly of the Arena.
Queless paces as speaks to the Fellowship who are sitting in the bleachers.
"This is good, we hath some leads. As I suspected they were last seen near the sewers. That scratching noise is consistent with what I heard when I was trapped in the sewers a few days ago, and what Morin and I heard during the fire at the Silver Lion Inn."
"We also have names to go on. Guardsmen Jiyh and Charles should be contacted. And if possible we should try to find this Dwight Peeplebrand and see exactly what is going on."
"Rionnious and Wendel are in grave danger. We must descend to the lowest reaches of this place immediately and investigate. Morin and I have been tracking this knave and have learned some of his tricks. Be aware of his undead minions, they steal thine strength and no sooner then they are killed they reappear to fight again. "
"We must also return to the Spires of Morning.... We are racing against time and when that happens you always lose. We need to split up. VC we need your speed to reach the Guardsmen, Karis as a fellow guard I believe you will be able to gain information that no one else can from these gentlemen. If you meet Guardsman Charles see what you can find out about Dwight Peeplebrand and where we might be able to find him."
"Will this cover it? Is there anything I've missed? Please speak up, thine ideas art welcome."
Karis rubs his chin. "Hmmm, it sounds like Charles could know something of interest. But once this Dwight Peeblebrand learns that we are investigating this case he will no doubt run if Charles learned he is of interest to this case." Karis reaches into his pack to pull out some parchment and charcoal. He writes a quick message on the Parchment. Then rolls it up. "Queless" he hands the letter to his companion. "Have this sent to my Lords citadel. Deliver it to Kashum Tendlis, the captain on duty. Then we will talk to Charles together."
"Queless, allow me." The Velvet Champion bolts off with great speed, finds a messenger and sends the letter off coin in hand. "Since that is taken care of, I shall stay with the group!" VC smiles.
The group makes their way down two flights of stairs into the underbelly of the Field of Triumph, looking for an entrance way to the sewers. At one point while searching about, the Fellowship descends down a stairwell and a ramp into a hallway about 100 yards long with a promising stench drifting down it. The group reaches the end of the hallway which is somewhat run down. The bricks here are cracking under stress from the pressure of many years full of packed Arena crowds sitting and leaping upon the stands. At the end of the corridor are a couple cages with dark, furry, growling forms huddled in the corner. Puddles of urine run out onto the cracking cobblestones underfoot which trickles down into the small crevasses between the cracks. At the end of the corridor is a large metal grate which the stench of the wonderful sewers of Waterdeep emanates from. The refuse of lords and low-life's alike scums together like a great maelstrom of filth deep below and creeps along at the speed of a gelatinous cube.
Just as the group is about to pry the gate loose Loli Savage calls out "look lively now!" Turning around the group gets a special treat! A strange looking mutated creature stands in the corridor drooling with anticipation. It has the body, legs (complete with huge claws), and fur of a grizzly bear, the head and teeth of a twisted and mutated feline hunting cat, and the long tail of a wyvern, complete with gigantic stinger. A chain is wound round it's neck which is held by a tall half-elf man wearing light leather armor with a rapier at his side. He has tousled black hair and wears strange alien jewelry around and through his ears. His nose is also pierced and he has strange tattoos covering one hand. You notice that he also has a magical wand tucked into his belt. "Tsk, tsk. You should not be down here. You are not permitted." He twists and whips the chain skillfully which untangles the chain around the beasts neck. Then he tosses a chunk of meat over the creatures head which rolls to the ground in front of the Velvet Champion's feet. "On guard!" VC calls out as he leaps through the air and onto the body of the creature which is charging forward to get the chunk of meat tumbling across the floor. After that he leaps from the creature's back, does a somersault and lands facing his adversary, sword already drawn. The half-elf does not seem phased by this and calmly side steps VC's first attack while unsheathing his rapier. VC smiles "It's been awhile, but this shall be fun indeed!"
The creatures in the cages to the groups right are going crazy at the smell of fresh meat and begin to claw and gnaw at the bars of their cells. (DM NOTE: They both looks like something out of TMNT, mutant gorillas with huge teeth and claws!)
Morin calls out "No need to attack this creature! It's only going for the meat. Back up!"
Queless backs up with Morin while drawing his sword.
Queless mutters to Morin "These beasts be in a frenzy and we're caught with our backs against the walls. Let us try reason first before bloodshed."
He then yells out "We are authorized to be here by the members of the city council. We are dutifully working under contract investigating disappearances of peoples from this area. Actions thou takest against our party THE FELLOWSHIP OF LIGHTNING wilt be actions thou takest against Waterdeep. Recall thine beast or thou both shalt die!"
The beasts in the cages to your right rage and begin to shake the cage bars and scream wildly!
The unique looking half-elf seems to completely ignore Queless and continues his sword fight with the Velvet Champion. So far neither opponent has struck, but the blades clash with such speed they are barely visible. The two dexterous individuals circle each other with fierce grins upon their faces. It almost looks like they're having fun!
Meanwhile the creature before the FOL swallows the chunk of meat whole and lets out a low growl. It stalks forward but then stops and crosses back and forth the width of the passageway. Obviously a large group of armed humanoids all packed at one end of a corridor does not look like very good hunting to this mutant cat creature. It looks to it's master for instruction. "VST! VST! KILL!" the man calls out to her. The creature turns back around to attack, but Morin is already there with his broadsword and uses the flat of the blade to slap her across the face. She is stunned, but for a moment.
Karis stands in front of his sister, holding his sword out at the ready while keeping her back with his other out stretched hand. "Stay your ground..... Stay your ground....." He orders the men. If the beast comes too close then his is the blade that will greet it first. Loli begins to cast protective spells over the group, Ghen Dvelt also takes the cue and begins to pray to Kelemvor for protection in this battle.
SPELLS CAST ON [FOL]:
*PROTECTION FROM EVIL!*
*BLESS*
Karis drops his sword to the ground and takes advantage of the stunned cat. He runs at it like a quarter back about to tackle his opponent. Instead of attacking it however, he uses the cats large body as a platform, leaping off of the beast and judging the distance and direction wrong glances off the wall and hits the floor, rolling down the small ramp directly behind the giant cat.
Queless crouches behind his shield trying to make himself a small target. Queless looks over at Karis then back to the cat. "Thine sword is sharp friend and serves thee well, hopefully thine eyes are as sharp, do watch that stinger. VC needs our help, keep the cat occupied."
The cat creature keeps it eyes trained on Morin while striking randomly with it's stinger. The first strike slams into the cobblestones between Queless and Karis, who is still recovering from his dexterous fall. The stinger hits the ground with such force that some of the stones crack and are loosened with the blow. The cat lunges forward at Morin who blocks its huge teeth with his shield. Loli leaps forward and brings her mace down, grazing its shoulder but causing the cat to recoil a bit in pain. It hisses loudly like an angry kitty cat! Ghen Dvelt unsheathes his bastard sword and prepares for combat. Misha Borne has been chanting this entire time and finally finishes his spell, although the effects are not immediately apparent. He begins to pray again while Loli steps in front to guard him.
Karis leaps into the air and swings his sword hard. (called shot at the stinger) He strikes true! (NATURAL 20!!!) The end of the stinger is chopped clean off and goes flying through the air, nearly hitting the Velvet Champion in the face! He glances back with a sheepish grin and continues sword fighting without looking. "Aye, nice one mate!" he calls out to Karis. "Let's get some more of that action happening around here!" The beast writhes in pain which gives everyone a chance for another free attack!
ATTACK/DAMAGE:
KARIS: 18 / 2, MONSTER
VC: 20 / DISARMS ELF
LOLI: 6 / MISS
GHEN: 17 / 5, MONSTER
MORIN: 5 / MISS
QUELESS: PINS ELF
MISHA: Casts PRAYER = Allies hit/dmg/save @ +1, Enemies hit/dmg/save @ -1. (No concetration required!)
ERIC - THIS IS VERY HANDY WEBSITE:
http://www.mollyworld.com/ADD/players/cleric-spells.shtml
Having side-stepped the large cat Queless assists the Velvet Champion. Wrapping his shield arm around the adversary Queless traps his arms behind his shield and with a kick to the back of his knee pulls him to his heels. The Velvet Champion with a grand swish of his blade knocks his opponents blade clean out of his hands. The blade flies through the air and skitters across the floor stopping next to the cells holding the ape-like beasts.
Karis slashes a small gash in the side of the beast above it's ribcage with his Waterdeep Guard Issued Longsword.
Loli swings hard with her mace, but the creature is too quick and leaps out of the way, headed for Queless and the Velvet Champion.
Morin hurls his war hammer but it whizzes past the beast and slams into the stone bricked ramp with a *thunk*!
Ghen grips his bastard sword tightly and rushes in. A quick thrust into the rear of the beast causes blood to spurt out all over his blade. He rips it out and prepares to invest again.
Misha finishes casting another spell on the party. He says nothing but prepares to cast yet again. He is shouting out strange words and praises Lathander Morninglord profusely.
INIT:
MISHA: 2
VC: 3
QUELESS: 3
HALF-ELF: 6
MONSTER: 7
KARIS: 9
LOLI: 9
MORIN:11
GHEN: 12
Misha begins to cast another spell.
The Velvet Champion places his rapier to the throat of the half-elf. "Doth ye surrender?" The Half-Elf gulps and nods reluctantly. "Call off your beast."
The Elf raises his voice "Tsk Tsk Friends!" The cat ceases attacking and backs up carefully, still wary of the people who were just attacking it.
"Aye." the Velvet Champion grabs a long curved blade from the Half-Elf's belt and unsheathes it. It glows with a bright yellow light and the blade pulses red as the Velvet Champion grasps it in his hand. VC goes to throw it across the room but then stops and looks closely at it. He grips the blade tightly and smiles. "This blade... it feels so good in my hands." VC starts to wander off away from the battle and drops his rapier.
Queless pulls out a dagger and puts it to the pinned half-elf's back "Why did thee think it wise to attack? We are lawfully investigating murders. By delaying us you could be considered a culprit. Who are you and what is your duty here?" Answer now or thou shall feel the bite of my blade in thine back."
"I am not afraid of your or anything you can do to me." Says the Half-Elf. "Although I do not wish to die, I don't think you will kill me. You are Drow and I am a Moon Half-Elf. No one will side with you over my death and you will be imprisoned for your entire miserable life. I would spit on you could I twist my head round that far. You are the banished and you have no place here. The God's banished you from the world of light long ago from which you were never to return. You dare show your face here? Why are YOU down here? What are YOU looking for?"
Queless spoke "Thine poisonous words suit thine forked tongue well, fiend. That I am an outcast tis true, but even to mine own people am I an outsider for I was raised by humans. Ever on the outside looking in, yet my blade cuts as deep and mine eyes art as keen as any others. We'll be the ones asking questions. Let me remind you that tis unwise to insult the ones who holds ye life in their hands."
"We are under orders of the Lords of Waterdeep to investigate a series a crimes. We have full authority to be here and to access the sewers below. Thou shall comply with us or face imprisonment. If thou forcefully resist we will kill thee dead. We haven't the time for your oratory about thine heritage, or mine for that matter, nor do we care."
The Half-Elf squirmed under Queless's grasp. Morin rushed up to help hold the Elf with his short sword. The Half-Elf spoke "I'm not going to answer your mundane questions. I have better things to be doing than killing you. Plus, I'm just doin' my job... Why not let me go? If you let me sneak outta the arena I'll give you a few magical relics and some gold."
Queless answered "Thou speakest too much. And not a word given answers our questions. I warn you one last time fool, identify thine self and state thine business attacking us. Answer well or thou shalt find ye self rotting away in one of Waterdeep's dungeon. There no one will find ye."
"Karis! Guardsman. Bind this fool. We shall see how well he keeps his secrets after some persuasion."
Karis pulls out another apple and crunches into it. "I won't tell you guards if you don't." He holds the apple in his teeth and pulls out a strip of leather that he pulls taught. "Let's see if I can still do this old choke hold with this thing..." He slowly walks over to the man and kicks him hard in the groin. "Whoops, I tripped!" Karis kneels down and looks the man in the eyes. "You spill your guts we'll let you go as long as I NEVER see you in my city again. You resist, we'll beat your brains outta that thick skull and throw you into the sewers so the giant rats can have at ya."
The Half-Elf struggles to sit up. "I, I... it's just a job. I was hired to protect the creatures and keep people out. A couple peeps got in though... and we... uh.. they're still alive. You want to see Pebblewreath, he's the owner of the monsters here. He found something awhile ago and doesn't want to let the secret out. He wants to profit off this venture. There's a secret door up the stairs to the left. It leads to an office where he's usually attending to paperwork. Please don't tell him I told you, just let me go as you promised."
"Morin check for that door." Queless said.
Morin nods and walks up the stairs to check for the secret door.
"Karis, if you would. Tie a bit of rope around our new friends ankle."
"Aye, I'll make sure it's tight enough to cut off the circulation. *CRUNCH*" Karis slowly finishes his apple and then binds the Half-Elf's legs tightly.
"Be that door trapped? No matter." Queless pushes the half-elf towards the direction of the door. "Open the door for us. When ye have done so thine job is done. And thou wilt be free to go."
"Alright. I'll open it for you, but after that I'm leaving with my cat. Freida TSK TSK COME!" The Half-Elf calls to his cat. The giant mutated creature creeps up the stairs behind the group cautiously. Morin stands at the landing at the top of the stairs staring at bricks and running his hands over the wall the Half-Elf spoke of. "The trigger is three bricks from the top. Grab the brick and twist to the right, otherwise you set off a trap." the Half-Elf says. Morin does so and the sounds of gears turning issues from the wall to the right. Morin turns that way expecting a door to open, but instead the wall with the movable brick swivels open just enough for a man to squeeze through, but barely. A very narrow passage leads 50 feet down a tiny hallway to a halfling sized brown wooden door with a golden handle and golden lion head knocker. A sign hangs above the door which reads:
'Trespassers Beware: Death Awaits Ye Beyond'
"And what of this door Moon elf?"
"I don't go down there unless Pebblewreath is with me. He sets some traps in this hallway and that door."
As Queless turns to face the half-elf, who's frantically trying to untie his ropes, Morin casts a spell. [detect traps]
"Moradin, have the stones tell me their secrets." [3 turns = 30 minutes]
After observing the hallway for a minute he turns to the party. "These humans know nothing of stone craft. Though I must give them credit for trying. There is a trap on the floor in front of the door, one above it, and one directly on it. There are also possible signs that another trap is just beyond the door which I can just make out by peering underneath." Morin says.
"Well, well, I suppose we should free thee." Queless observes the half-elf's hands, specifically his fingernails and eye color. They have a slight purple tinge to them and his eyes are gold with silver specks. "We shall disarm thee now, tis a small price to pay for thine life. Let it be a lesson to you: do not cross a drow who lives in daylight."
"Should we meet again, it will be your life." Queless said to the Half-Elf.
[DM TO PC: You already took the half-elves rapier, VC has the curved blade, he has a wand and a ring on each hand. An ancient looking silver necklace is also around his neck which has small brown beads upon which elven text is inscribed. ]
[HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC:
FREE IDENTIFY IMMEDIATELY!!!
VC has a Curved Al Qadim Dagger +3 (1d4+3) which is Intellegent and NE
Ring of Sustenance Bday Present
Ring of Agility (DEX +1!) Bday Present
Necklace of Summoning Heroes of SSI Gold Box DOS games (Once per week summon a random hero from any of the old Forgotten Realms Strategic Simulation DOS games to assist you either in battle or with information. Hero will stay for 1 hour or until slain at which point they return to binary within the necklace) Bday Present
Wand of Spelljamming (Functions Unknown (Bone?)!) Bday Present]
Once freed the half-elf runs up the stairs to freedom.
"What in the nine hells happened to VC?" Queless looked around for VC.
"He is wandering around downstairs talking to that glowing knife." Loli said.
Morin brushes Queless aside. "This is no job for an elf. Stand aside and let me show you how Moradin deals with these tricks. Thou may stand above me with thine sword, but that is all."
Morin examines the traps trying to find their trigger.
[ From PHB: Close examination will enable the caster to sense what intended actions might trigger it {the trap}.]
Morin starts casting a spell. "Moradin Soulforger, with thine hammer did thou create the dwarves from the deepest bedrock. Grant me power over the stone here. I command the earth to occupy all spaces within these walls! Let not a hair pass between thine cracks."
[Morin casts stone shape. His goal is to crush any traps inside the walls or floor. If the floor is a dead fall, the stone will crush the hinge and fuse to the panel. And if there is enough area left in the spell he will open the door frame, forcing the door open]
Queless steps back smiling to himself, happy to have such good companions. Thinking to himself "Fellowship of Lightning, eh? Me thinks there is a bright future here."
Queless then grabs a quick bite from his rations and drinks some water.
Morin locates the traps and fuses solid rock over them. He carves a separate tunnel through a side wall and around the door into the room. Upon entering he spots a trap on the other side of the door and fuses the rock from the bricks over the top of it. The room beyond this passage holds but a tiny cramped office full of all manner of paperwork and a halfling sized chair and desk. A magical glowing globe illuminates the desk and a strange clicking can be heard emitting from some kind of device with turning gears which rests upon the desk. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and has numbers on a circular face on the front. Morin waves Queless in. "Tis safe now. Come on down, but only Queless. Not enough room for everyone down here."
"Queless, VC is leaving us. He's going upstairs and he won't respond to my inquiries." said Misha Borne of the Light.
"Morin, hold fast. Our companion has decided to wander off.... Perhaps he's been bewitched or something."
"Aye, better that you all are out of the way as this area is not safe yet. I have spotted another trap. Call if ya need my assistance!" Morin nods at Queless.
Queless addresses the FOL "Misha and Karis thou shalt guard this passage way with Morin whilst I try to slap some sense into VC. Loli please accompany me to help VC regain his senses. Let's make haste!"
Queless and Loli run to where Misha last saw VC. On their way back to VC's former location they spot him heading up the stairs on his way out of the underbelly of the arena. He seems caught in some form of trance. Even the way he moves has changed. His back is slumped over and he has a strange scowl on his face. The Velvet Champion glances back just before he rounds the corner. "Don't follow me you little peons, unless you have a fucking death wish!"
Ked steps forward to meet Queless. "A Drow leader? Now this is most strange. Beg your pardon sir, but I've only seen a Drow once in my life and he was not well liked enough to be leading a group. If you truly have gained the support of all these comrades, you must be very rich indeed. Perhaps you can use THAT kind influence to get inside." Morin steps forward and sticks a finger in the guard's eye. "Aye, he IS rich. Rich in friends who won't let assholes like you go harrassing him because he's a different color than you. Now take these documents, look them over and get the nine-hells outta our way. We got bigger problems to fry than you today!"
As Karis walks by the guard he will point at the guards collar and say "Hey what is this?" As the guard looks down at Karis's finger Karis craks a smile. He just fell for the oldest trick in the book........ *BOP!*
The guard backs off and glares at Morin and Karis as Queless hands the documents to him to look over. The Arena guard Ked nods and wipes a tear of pain from his slightly gouged eye and signals an unseen guard above to open the gates and raise the portcullis. The group moves inside the grand entrance to the Field of Triumph. The entrance here is big enough for a large mob to push through easily. Brown and gray alternating stones make up the walls and floor here. There are passageways leading off to the right and left almost immediately. The first couple lead down stairs, most have guards posted before them. The sounds of strange animals and beasts echo from below. As the group moves further into the arena stairs lead up into the grandstands. The place is empty and silent save for the occasional yawn of a bored guard or the echo of a howling beast being whipped somewhere deep below the stone bricks under the Fellowship's feet.
Queless speaks to the Fellowship as he walks in the middle of the group.
"Guardsman Rionnius and Alderman Wendel and maybe others disappeared here last night. We should ask the guards on duty that night if they saw them."
"Aye" says Morin "Let's spread out so we don't waste time. Each one of you start questioning guards. Half of us will start down here, the other half at the start." Morin points "Get started right away and let's make haste, meeting in the middle. You find anything out, come get us right away!"
Queless begins questioning guards. "Guardsman! Doth ye know who was on duty last night at the time of the disappearance of Guardsman Rionnius and Alderman Wendel?"
"We'd like to see the last place Guardsman Rionnius and Alderman Wendel were seen. Was anything found there?"
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY A BIT BY READING THE SECTION ON PIERGERON'S PALACE IN CHAPTER 10, LOCATED HERE:
http://queless.blogspot.com/2009/04/chapter-10.html
After questioning all of the guards the Fellowship rejoins to share information. Once all the facts are in, they lay them out of the table.
FELLOWSHIP ACQUIRED FACTS RE: DISAPPEARANCES AT FIELD OF TRIUMPH:
*Many Arena Guards report having a visit from a large contingent of Waterdeep City Guards earlier in the day asking about Wendell and Rionnius.
*There have been some strange scratching noises in various parts of the underbelly of the Field of Triumph usually being heard at night.
*An Arena Guard named Jiyh remembers Wendell coming to investigate reports of strange sounds coming from the sewers below the underbelly of the Field of Triumph. Jiyh's shift ended an hour after Wendell arrived so he didn't see him leave, but heard later that he had disappeared.
*Palace Guardswoman Rionnius was seen here yesterday looking for Wendell of the Sewage Construction and Maintenance. She was seen in every part of the Arena before finally visiting the underbelly of the Field of Triumph and disappearing without a sound.
*A city guard named Charles had got out of line early this same morning and throttled a man named Dwight Peeblebrand before the city guardsmen pulled Charles off Dwight and dragged him away kicking and screaming at Dwight. Many Arena guards recall hearing the words "You bastard! I know you're hiding something and I will establish your guilt!" echoing through the hallways of the underbelly of the Arena.
Queless paces as speaks to the Fellowship who are sitting in the bleachers.
"This is good, we hath some leads. As I suspected they were last seen near the sewers. That scratching noise is consistent with what I heard when I was trapped in the sewers a few days ago, and what Morin and I heard during the fire at the Silver Lion Inn."
"We also have names to go on. Guardsmen Jiyh and Charles should be contacted. And if possible we should try to find this Dwight Peeplebrand and see exactly what is going on."
"Rionnious and Wendel are in grave danger. We must descend to the lowest reaches of this place immediately and investigate. Morin and I have been tracking this knave and have learned some of his tricks. Be aware of his undead minions, they steal thine strength and no sooner then they are killed they reappear to fight again. "
"We must also return to the Spires of Morning.... We are racing against time and when that happens you always lose. We need to split up. VC we need your speed to reach the Guardsmen, Karis as a fellow guard I believe you will be able to gain information that no one else can from these gentlemen. If you meet Guardsman Charles see what you can find out about Dwight Peeplebrand and where we might be able to find him."
"Will this cover it? Is there anything I've missed? Please speak up, thine ideas art welcome."
Karis rubs his chin. "Hmmm, it sounds like Charles could know something of interest. But once this Dwight Peeblebrand learns that we are investigating this case he will no doubt run if Charles learned he is of interest to this case." Karis reaches into his pack to pull out some parchment and charcoal. He writes a quick message on the Parchment. Then rolls it up. "Queless" he hands the letter to his companion. "Have this sent to my Lords citadel. Deliver it to Kashum Tendlis, the captain on duty. Then we will talk to Charles together."
"Queless, allow me." The Velvet Champion bolts off with great speed, finds a messenger and sends the letter off coin in hand. "Since that is taken care of, I shall stay with the group!" VC smiles.
The group makes their way down two flights of stairs into the underbelly of the Field of Triumph, looking for an entrance way to the sewers. At one point while searching about, the Fellowship descends down a stairwell and a ramp into a hallway about 100 yards long with a promising stench drifting down it. The group reaches the end of the hallway which is somewhat run down. The bricks here are cracking under stress from the pressure of many years full of packed Arena crowds sitting and leaping upon the stands. At the end of the corridor are a couple cages with dark, furry, growling forms huddled in the corner. Puddles of urine run out onto the cracking cobblestones underfoot which trickles down into the small crevasses between the cracks. At the end of the corridor is a large metal grate which the stench of the wonderful sewers of Waterdeep emanates from. The refuse of lords and low-life's alike scums together like a great maelstrom of filth deep below and creeps along at the speed of a gelatinous cube.
Just as the group is about to pry the gate loose Loli Savage calls out "look lively now!" Turning around the group gets a special treat! A strange looking mutated creature stands in the corridor drooling with anticipation. It has the body, legs (complete with huge claws), and fur of a grizzly bear, the head and teeth of a twisted and mutated feline hunting cat, and the long tail of a wyvern, complete with gigantic stinger. A chain is wound round it's neck which is held by a tall half-elf man wearing light leather armor with a rapier at his side. He has tousled black hair and wears strange alien jewelry around and through his ears. His nose is also pierced and he has strange tattoos covering one hand. You notice that he also has a magical wand tucked into his belt. "Tsk, tsk. You should not be down here. You are not permitted." He twists and whips the chain skillfully which untangles the chain around the beasts neck. Then he tosses a chunk of meat over the creatures head which rolls to the ground in front of the Velvet Champion's feet. "On guard!" VC calls out as he leaps through the air and onto the body of the creature which is charging forward to get the chunk of meat tumbling across the floor. After that he leaps from the creature's back, does a somersault and lands facing his adversary, sword already drawn. The half-elf does not seem phased by this and calmly side steps VC's first attack while unsheathing his rapier. VC smiles "It's been awhile, but this shall be fun indeed!"
The creatures in the cages to the groups right are going crazy at the smell of fresh meat and begin to claw and gnaw at the bars of their cells. (DM NOTE: They both looks like something out of TMNT, mutant gorillas with huge teeth and claws!)
Morin calls out "No need to attack this creature! It's only going for the meat. Back up!"
Queless backs up with Morin while drawing his sword.
Queless mutters to Morin "These beasts be in a frenzy and we're caught with our backs against the walls. Let us try reason first before bloodshed."
He then yells out "We are authorized to be here by the members of the city council. We are dutifully working under contract investigating disappearances of peoples from this area. Actions thou takest against our party THE FELLOWSHIP OF LIGHTNING wilt be actions thou takest against Waterdeep. Recall thine beast or thou both shalt die!"
The beasts in the cages to your right rage and begin to shake the cage bars and scream wildly!
The unique looking half-elf seems to completely ignore Queless and continues his sword fight with the Velvet Champion. So far neither opponent has struck, but the blades clash with such speed they are barely visible. The two dexterous individuals circle each other with fierce grins upon their faces. It almost looks like they're having fun!
Meanwhile the creature before the FOL swallows the chunk of meat whole and lets out a low growl. It stalks forward but then stops and crosses back and forth the width of the passageway. Obviously a large group of armed humanoids all packed at one end of a corridor does not look like very good hunting to this mutant cat creature. It looks to it's master for instruction. "VST! VST! KILL!" the man calls out to her. The creature turns back around to attack, but Morin is already there with his broadsword and uses the flat of the blade to slap her across the face. She is stunned, but for a moment.
Karis stands in front of his sister, holding his sword out at the ready while keeping her back with his other out stretched hand. "Stay your ground..... Stay your ground....." He orders the men. If the beast comes too close then his is the blade that will greet it first. Loli begins to cast protective spells over the group, Ghen Dvelt also takes the cue and begins to pray to Kelemvor for protection in this battle.
SPELLS CAST ON [FOL]:
*PROTECTION FROM EVIL!*
*BLESS*
Watching the cat and the group waiting for the right moment. Seeing Morin stun the cat Queless calculates a leap to get behind the beast, hoping to assist VC against the half-elf. The space between the cat and the wall is slim but Queless charges through and makes it to the other side of the cat unscathed.
Karis drops his sword to the ground and takes advantage of the stunned cat. He runs at it like a quarter back about to tackle his opponent. Instead of attacking it however, he uses the cats large body as a platform, leaping off of the beast and judging the distance and direction wrong glances off the wall and hits the floor, rolling down the small ramp directly behind the giant cat.
Queless crouches behind his shield trying to make himself a small target. Queless looks over at Karis then back to the cat. "Thine sword is sharp friend and serves thee well, hopefully thine eyes are as sharp, do watch that stinger. VC needs our help, keep the cat occupied."
The cat creature keeps it eyes trained on Morin while striking randomly with it's stinger. The first strike slams into the cobblestones between Queless and Karis, who is still recovering from his dexterous fall. The stinger hits the ground with such force that some of the stones crack and are loosened with the blow. The cat lunges forward at Morin who blocks its huge teeth with his shield. Loli leaps forward and brings her mace down, grazing its shoulder but causing the cat to recoil a bit in pain. It hisses loudly like an angry kitty cat! Ghen Dvelt unsheathes his bastard sword and prepares for combat. Misha Borne has been chanting this entire time and finally finishes his spell, although the effects are not immediately apparent. He begins to pray again while Loli steps in front to guard him.
Karis leaps into the air and swings his sword hard. (called shot at the stinger) He strikes true! (NATURAL 20!!!) The end of the stinger is chopped clean off and goes flying through the air, nearly hitting the Velvet Champion in the face! He glances back with a sheepish grin and continues sword fighting without looking. "Aye, nice one mate!" he calls out to Karis. "Let's get some more of that action happening around here!" The beast writhes in pain which gives everyone a chance for another free attack!
ATTACK/DAMAGE:
KARIS: 18 / 2, MONSTER
VC: 20 / DISARMS ELF
LOLI: 6 / MISS
GHEN: 17 / 5, MONSTER
MORIN: 5 / MISS
QUELESS: PINS ELF
MISHA: Casts PRAYER = Allies hit/dmg/save @ +1, Enemies hit/dmg/save @ -1. (No concetration required!)
ERIC - THIS IS VERY HANDY WEBSITE:
http://www.mollyworld.com/ADD/players/cleric-spells.shtml
Having side-stepped the large cat Queless assists the Velvet Champion. Wrapping his shield arm around the adversary Queless traps his arms behind his shield and with a kick to the back of his knee pulls him to his heels. The Velvet Champion with a grand swish of his blade knocks his opponents blade clean out of his hands. The blade flies through the air and skitters across the floor stopping next to the cells holding the ape-like beasts.
Karis slashes a small gash in the side of the beast above it's ribcage with his Waterdeep Guard Issued Longsword.
Loli swings hard with her mace, but the creature is too quick and leaps out of the way, headed for Queless and the Velvet Champion.
Morin hurls his war hammer but it whizzes past the beast and slams into the stone bricked ramp with a *thunk*!
Ghen grips his bastard sword tightly and rushes in. A quick thrust into the rear of the beast causes blood to spurt out all over his blade. He rips it out and prepares to invest again.
Misha finishes casting another spell on the party. He says nothing but prepares to cast yet again. He is shouting out strange words and praises Lathander Morninglord profusely.
INIT:
MISHA: 2
VC: 3
QUELESS: 3
HALF-ELF: 6
MONSTER: 7
KARIS: 9
LOLI: 9
MORIN:11
GHEN: 12
Misha begins to cast another spell.
The Velvet Champion places his rapier to the throat of the half-elf. "Doth ye surrender?" The Half-Elf gulps and nods reluctantly. "Call off your beast."
The Elf raises his voice "Tsk Tsk Friends!" The cat ceases attacking and backs up carefully, still wary of the people who were just attacking it.
Queless says to VC "Disarm our new friend whilst I have him well held."
"Aye." the Velvet Champion grabs a long curved blade from the Half-Elf's belt and unsheathes it. It glows with a bright yellow light and the blade pulses red as the Velvet Champion grasps it in his hand. VC goes to throw it across the room but then stops and looks closely at it. He grips the blade tightly and smiles. "This blade... it feels so good in my hands." VC starts to wander off away from the battle and drops his rapier.
"I am not afraid of your or anything you can do to me." Says the Half-Elf. "Although I do not wish to die, I don't think you will kill me. You are Drow and I am a Moon Half-Elf. No one will side with you over my death and you will be imprisoned for your entire miserable life. I would spit on you could I twist my head round that far. You are the banished and you have no place here. The God's banished you from the world of light long ago from which you were never to return. You dare show your face here? Why are YOU down here? What are YOU looking for?"
Queless spoke "Thine poisonous words suit thine forked tongue well, fiend. That I am an outcast tis true, but even to mine own people am I an outsider for I was raised by humans. Ever on the outside looking in, yet my blade cuts as deep and mine eyes art as keen as any others. We'll be the ones asking questions. Let me remind you that tis unwise to insult the ones who holds ye life in their hands."
"We are under orders of the Lords of Waterdeep to investigate a series a crimes. We have full authority to be here and to access the sewers below. Thou shall comply with us or face imprisonment. If thou forcefully resist we will kill thee dead. We haven't the time for your oratory about thine heritage, or mine for that matter, nor do we care."
The Half-Elf squirmed under Queless's grasp. Morin rushed up to help hold the Elf with his short sword. The Half-Elf spoke "I'm not going to answer your mundane questions. I have better things to be doing than killing you. Plus, I'm just doin' my job... Why not let me go? If you let me sneak outta the arena I'll give you a few magical relics and some gold."
Queless answered "Thou speakest too much. And not a word given answers our questions. I warn you one last time fool, identify thine self and state thine business attacking us. Answer well or thou shalt find ye self rotting away in one of Waterdeep's dungeon. There no one will find ye."
"Karis! Guardsman. Bind this fool. We shall see how well he keeps his secrets after some persuasion."
Karis pulls out another apple and crunches into it. "I won't tell you guards if you don't." He holds the apple in his teeth and pulls out a strip of leather that he pulls taught. "Let's see if I can still do this old choke hold with this thing..." He slowly walks over to the man and kicks him hard in the groin. "Whoops, I tripped!" Karis kneels down and looks the man in the eyes. "You spill your guts we'll let you go as long as I NEVER see you in my city again. You resist, we'll beat your brains outta that thick skull and throw you into the sewers so the giant rats can have at ya."
The Half-Elf struggles to sit up. "I, I... it's just a job. I was hired to protect the creatures and keep people out. A couple peeps got in though... and we... uh.. they're still alive. You want to see Pebblewreath, he's the owner of the monsters here. He found something awhile ago and doesn't want to let the secret out. He wants to profit off this venture. There's a secret door up the stairs to the left. It leads to an office where he's usually attending to paperwork. Please don't tell him I told you, just let me go as you promised."
"Morin check for that door." Queless said.
Morin nods and walks up the stairs to check for the secret door.
"Karis, if you would. Tie a bit of rope around our new friends ankle."
"Aye, I'll make sure it's tight enough to cut off the circulation. *CRUNCH*" Karis slowly finishes his apple and then binds the Half-Elf's legs tightly.
"Be that door trapped? No matter." Queless pushes the half-elf towards the direction of the door. "Open the door for us. When ye have done so thine job is done. And thou wilt be free to go."
"Alright. I'll open it for you, but after that I'm leaving with my cat. Freida TSK TSK COME!" The Half-Elf calls to his cat. The giant mutated creature creeps up the stairs behind the group cautiously. Morin stands at the landing at the top of the stairs staring at bricks and running his hands over the wall the Half-Elf spoke of. "The trigger is three bricks from the top. Grab the brick and twist to the right, otherwise you set off a trap." the Half-Elf says. Morin does so and the sounds of gears turning issues from the wall to the right. Morin turns that way expecting a door to open, but instead the wall with the movable brick swivels open just enough for a man to squeeze through, but barely. A very narrow passage leads 50 feet down a tiny hallway to a halfling sized brown wooden door with a golden handle and golden lion head knocker. A sign hangs above the door which reads:
'Trespassers Beware: Death Awaits Ye Beyond'
"And what of this door Moon elf?"
"I don't go down there unless Pebblewreath is with me. He sets some traps in this hallway and that door."
As Queless turns to face the half-elf, who's frantically trying to untie his ropes, Morin casts a spell. [detect traps]
"Moradin, have the stones tell me their secrets." [3 turns = 30 minutes]
After observing the hallway for a minute he turns to the party. "These humans know nothing of stone craft. Though I must give them credit for trying. There is a trap on the floor in front of the door, one above it, and one directly on it. There are also possible signs that another trap is just beyond the door which I can just make out by peering underneath." Morin says.
"Well, well, I suppose we should free thee." Queless observes the half-elf's hands, specifically his fingernails and eye color. They have a slight purple tinge to them and his eyes are gold with silver specks. "We shall disarm thee now, tis a small price to pay for thine life. Let it be a lesson to you: do not cross a drow who lives in daylight."
"Should we meet again, it will be your life." Queless said to the Half-Elf.
[DM TO PC: You already took the half-elves rapier, VC has the curved blade, he has a wand and a ring on each hand. An ancient looking silver necklace is also around his neck which has small brown beads upon which elven text is inscribed. ]
[HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC:
FREE IDENTIFY IMMEDIATELY!!!
VC has a Curved Al Qadim Dagger +3 (1d4+3) which is Intellegent and NE
Ring of Sustenance Bday Present
Ring of Agility (DEX +1!) Bday Present
Necklace of Summoning Heroes of SSI Gold Box DOS games (Once per week summon a random hero from any of the old Forgotten Realms Strategic Simulation DOS games to assist you either in battle or with information. Hero will stay for 1 hour or until slain at which point they return to binary within the necklace) Bday Present
Wand of Spelljamming (Functions Unknown (Bone?)!) Bday Present]
Once freed the half-elf runs up the stairs to freedom.
"What in the nine hells happened to VC?" Queless looked around for VC.
"He is wandering around downstairs talking to that glowing knife." Loli said.
Morin brushes Queless aside. "This is no job for an elf. Stand aside and let me show you how Moradin deals with these tricks. Thou may stand above me with thine sword, but that is all."
Morin examines the traps trying to find their trigger.
[ From PHB: Close examination will enable the caster to sense what intended actions might trigger it {the trap}.]
Morin starts casting a spell. "Moradin Soulforger, with thine hammer did thou create the dwarves from the deepest bedrock. Grant me power over the stone here. I command the earth to occupy all spaces within these walls! Let not a hair pass between thine cracks."
[Morin casts stone shape. His goal is to crush any traps inside the walls or floor. If the floor is a dead fall, the stone will crush the hinge and fuse to the panel. And if there is enough area left in the spell he will open the door frame, forcing the door open]
Queless steps back smiling to himself, happy to have such good companions. Thinking to himself "Fellowship of Lightning, eh? Me thinks there is a bright future here."
Queless then grabs a quick bite from his rations and drinks some water.
Morin locates the traps and fuses solid rock over them. He carves a separate tunnel through a side wall and around the door into the room. Upon entering he spots a trap on the other side of the door and fuses the rock from the bricks over the top of it. The room beyond this passage holds but a tiny cramped office full of all manner of paperwork and a halfling sized chair and desk. A magical glowing globe illuminates the desk and a strange clicking can be heard emitting from some kind of device with turning gears which rests upon the desk. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and has numbers on a circular face on the front. Morin waves Queless in. "Tis safe now. Come on down, but only Queless. Not enough room for everyone down here."
"Queless, VC is leaving us. He's going upstairs and he won't respond to my inquiries." said Misha Borne of the Light.
"Morin, hold fast. Our companion has decided to wander off.... Perhaps he's been bewitched or something."
"Aye, better that you all are out of the way as this area is not safe yet. I have spotted another trap. Call if ya need my assistance!" Morin nods at Queless.
Queless addresses the FOL "Misha and Karis thou shalt guard this passage way with Morin whilst I try to slap some sense into VC. Loli please accompany me to help VC regain his senses. Let's make haste!"
Queless and Loli run to where Misha last saw VC. On their way back to VC's former location they spot him heading up the stairs on his way out of the underbelly of the arena. He seems caught in some form of trance. Even the way he moves has changed. His back is slumped over and he has a strange scowl on his face. The Velvet Champion glances back just before he rounds the corner. "Don't follow me you little peons, unless you have a fucking death wish!"
