The Wreck of the Harmonious Spirit (D&D 3.5 IC)

[CircleNavigator]

Once both vials are sealed and stashed away, she rejoins the others, uite pleasantly surprised. Excellent find, Master Djin. he commends the man (she will have to remember and do the same in her report to Zipnog, certainly). The presence of natural heat might yet prove useful if we wish to establish an outpost later, hm, the governance would likely be amenable to the idea, if notified of the mineral deposits… she muses on. A good way to keep operations as covert as desired too, given the lack of smoke. We might want to explore how much of the expedition's manpower and gear we can fit in spaces so heated. Mayhaps if repairs should fail… But it is too early to entertain such scenarios, is it not. a mark is added to her crude map of the canyon, as well as to the legend – "hot springs; useful", she scribbles beside it.

Spoiler: TELEPATHY in ORC!

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And then, I see you are awake, Taknorogan, is that right. Seems like we endured you just fine. More willing to talk, now. she asks, her intonation flat as ever.

Taknorogan again engages Utra in a telepathic conversation in orc, insisting.

“I am as calm as a gentle breeze. Our contest was hardly fair, five against one. Your survival proves nothing.” Wincing in pain as he adjusts his posture. “I would challenge any of you individually for leadership of this group of.” His words drift off, as he is unsure to the purpose and identity of his captors. “Who are you? What are you doing in this place? What reason have you for disarming a Nok-Korosh trap this far down river? Without a baited trap the Nok-Korosh will scour the ice for its prey. There are several villages on the move this very night, including my own. What have you done?” In this way, Utra is accused by the one in chains.

Spoiler: Known Language: Orc

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The word Nok-Korosh literally translates as Warrior’s Heart, a name given to any formidable creature revered by a clan. The honorific can refer to anything, from a fearsome wolf to a victorious warlord.

[CircleNavigator]

Seeing the orc awaken he asks in OrcYou ready to talk like civilized folk and not idiots? There was no need for that nasty unpleasantness from the other day now was there. Nod if you're willing to now talk

Seemingly calm, bound, and disarmed, Taknorogan nods. When his native tongue is spoken aloud by Orion Moonshadow. If the gag is removed from his mouth, he speaks these unsettling words.

"There is a temple I visited as a boy, filled with the bones of your kind. I thought you were extinct."

[CircleNavigator]

"I am going to take a dip once this orc is conked out again. Do we have any means to create a fire to warm us up without magic?"

Still armed, Djin alternates his pupils between the opening and the orc.

Once inside the cave Naomi collects debris that might burn and starts a fire with her Flint n steel

Abundant driftwood can be collected from the beach and the river’s edge. Unusable for repairs but suitable for fuel. With her flint and steel Naomi starts a small fire. A smoky odor dissipates away from the flames, while the pleasant aroma of sizzling fish and tubers fills the whole cavern. Each member of the party is able to obtain a full undisturbed rest. Djin stands watch at the only entrance, completely concealed but with an unobstructed view of the whole canyon.

[CircleNavigator]

Utra's words were enough to give Skaruvus pause, and as he landed gracefully back on his paws from the Orc's defense of his grapple, he let his weight settle back slightly, raising his head to show a slightly more diplomatic posture.

And then he speaks in a language that very few, if any could recognize, something that feels more primal and rooted in the earth.

Spoiler: Druidic

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"You who has become my opponent, I listen to the wind and sky when they speak... As arbiter of beast and grove, would you become my fellow, my predator, or my prey?"
If anyone can speak Druidic, this is immediately recognizable as a highly formal entreatment offering truce and warning of deadly conflict should the truce be broken without prior agreement.

Surreth returns to the valley, having located people walking upright. Gripped within a muscular talon is a small branch from a shrub dwarfed by high elevations. The natural clue, seemingly nothing more than a stick with a triad of ripe orange berries, holds libraries of information. With this one token Skaruvus is able to know from where Surreth has come.

[Yas392]

Djin nods at Naomi for the fire and touches her to heal her with his healing belt.

[CircleNavigator]

Djin nods at Naomi for the fire and touches her to heal her with his healing belt.

Magical moonstones bathe Naomi in healing light. Significantly lessening her injuries. Naomi’s range of motion returns to normal. Twisting motions no longer cause her any pain. Her breath comes easily, instead of being unsteady and laborious. It is clear to all, she is on the mend.

Naomi loses her injured status. She is no longer penalized with -1 to hit.

[Yas392]

Once his allies finished questioning and the orc is knocked out for the next 8-10 hours, he will bath in the hot spring before going to sleep.

[Breitheamh]

As the others tend to the Orc's bleeding wounds and bind him so that he will not be a threat going forward, Skaruvus considers all that they have experienced thus far. Something felt different about the Orc, who clearly valued strength above all else. He felt a kindred spirit within the Orc, though it felt less like a fellow member of a flock, and more like what a mother bear feels for a father wolf...

He stayed silent while helping to gather some firewood and beginning to cook the fish he'd caught earlier, listening intently as the others spoke and the wind whispered. After ensuring that everyone had enough to eat, his ears prick up for a moment, and he leaves the cave entrance and holds his arm aloft just in time for Surreth to land in perch on the leather brace.

Skar plucked the small branch from the bird and examined it, considering the implications of the item and the time it had taken Surreth to return. Finally, he spoke.

"I am having the report of Surreth; we may be finding peoples past the mountains of the distance." He holds up the branch with the orange berries. "We will be finding more berries of this where they are being."

As the day winds down, Skaruvus, after some deliberation, gently pulls the rag from the Orc's mouth, and speaks to him again in the language of their shared tradition.

Spoiler: Druidic

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"I see that you value strength, as is right. Without strength, how can anything live. And it would appear that you are of your own possessing great strength.
I hope that you recognize our strength, as the wolfpack; though any one of us may be bested by the elk, together we will bring it down.

If you would speak with me, I would ask questions, as the wind has taken me far from where I was born, and you have knowledge of this place that we do not."

[Metastachydium]

Utra feels a sudden, cold shock, as though she touched one of those rippling arcs of light dancing about a wet ground struck by lightning. If Taknorogan could see her tense up, he'd, perhaps, mistake that for fear. It isn't fear. It is excitement, barely though it may seep into the even expression on her face. I'd rather we silenced him as fast once more as it is possible, Master Skaruvus. she says quietly. He just revealed, hm, a fascinating little detail that shines some light on his recent predicament, so to say. she explains. There is a creature he calls a Nok-Korosh at large in the area. It would appear to be a predator of some sort, but he specified no further, hm. He was to serve as a bait, or, mayhaps, a sacrifice, to draw it into the canyon and away from local tribal communities, such as his own. As such she goes on we cannot exclude the possibility that he might try nd call out to it, given the chance, can we, now. And as much as I would like to observe what inspires such fear in one like him…

[CircleNavigator]

As the others tend to the Orc's bleeding wounds and bind him so that he will not be a threat going forward, Skaruvus considers all that they have experienced thus far. Something felt different about the Orc, who clearly valued strength above all else. He felt a kindred spirit within the Orc, though it felt less like a fellow member of a flock, and more like what a mother bear feels for a father wolf...

He stayed silent while helping to gather some firewood and beginning to cook the fish he'd caught earlier, listening intently as the others spoke and the wind whispered. After ensuring that everyone had enough to eat, his ears prick up for a moment, and he leaves the cave entrance and holds his arm aloft just in time for Surreth to land in perch on the leather brace.

Skar plucked the small branch from the bird and examined it, considering the implications of the item and the time it had taken Surreth to return. Finally, he spoke.

"I am having the report of Surreth; we may be finding peoples past the mountains of the distance." He holds up the branch with the orange berries. "We will be finding more berries of this where they are being."

As the day winds down, Skaruvus, after some deliberation, gently pulls the rag from the Orc's mouth, and speaks to him again in the language of their shared tradition.

Spoiler: Druidic

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"I see that you value strength, as is right. Without strength, how can anything live. And it would appear that you are of your own possessing great strength.
I hope that you recognize our strength, as the wolfpack; though any one of us may be bested by the elk, together we will bring it down.

If you would speak with me, I would ask questions, as the wind has taken me far from where I was born, and you have knowledge of this place that we do not."

Skaruvus’ metaphor rings true to Taknorogan, his outward contempt lessens as he speaks freely in the poetic language of life. An unwritten melody, known only to those to whom it has been revealed. A common bond and understanding eases the conversation into one of helpful honesty.

Taknorogan has many friends in this valley and beyond. He knows the locations of all the circles and the layout of the tunnels. Furthermore he knows the location of strongholds and other points of interests held by the Skullcrushers. Martial overlords of the region, hostile to all outside their ranks. A hunting party of Skincutters approach this canyon though the tunnels this very night. They are not hostile, Skaruvus is told. They are here for the hunt, for glory, and strength. To kill the…

The druidic word used by Taknorgoan is far less ambiguous than its orcish counterpart. Dragon.

[CircleNavigator]

Utra feels a sudden, cold shock, as though she touched one of those rippling arcs of light dancing about a wet ground struck by lightning. If Taknorogan could see her tense up, he'd, perhaps, mistake that for fear. It isn't fear. It is excitement, barely though it may seep into the even expression on her face. I'd rather we silenced him as fast once more as it is possible, Master Skaruvus. she says quietly. He just revealed, hm, a fascinating little detail that shines some light on his recent predicament, so to say. she explains. There is a creature he calls a Nok-Korosh at large in the area. It would appear to be a predator of some sort, but he specified no further, hm. He was to serve as a bait, or, mayhaps, a sacrifice, to draw it into the canyon and away from local tribal communities, such as his own. As such she goes on we cannot exclude the possibility that he might try nd call out to it, given the chance, can we, now. And as much as I would like to observe what inspires such fear in one like him…

Taknorogan attempts to puzzle out language spoken between the druid and the telepath, but it is beyond his comprehension.

Spoiler: Knowledge Rolls

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Knowledge Religion (23)
DC 10 It is fairly common knowledge often overheard in taverns and public houses, that worshipers of Gruumsh are often nomadic
DC15 Research indicates, the orc pantheon demands routine pilgrimages to avoid being cursed
DC20 An obscure fact known to few is, that several overlapping pilgrimages are taking place at this time.

Knowledge local (19)
DC 10 It was confirmed by Taknorogan that he intends to challenge for leadership.
DC15 Research indicates, one may not challenge without a worthy deed.

Knowledge History (20)
DC 10 It is fairly common knowledge often overheard in taverns and public houses, that dangerous animals are hunted for prestige
DC15 Research indicates, the more dangerous the animal, the more prestige gained by felling it
DC20 An obscure fact known to few is the Nok-Korosh has a special significance across Orc cultures, allowing one to challenge for leadership.

Knowledge Nature (26)
DC 10 It is fairly common knowledge often overheard in taverns and public houses, traps are baited with something attractive and digestible by the animal being trapped.
DC15 Research indicates, this trap was baited for a large or larger flying creature which eats humanoids.
DC20 An obscure fact known to few, allows the possibilities to be narrowed to only a few creatures. The most logical a white dragon.
DC 25 Secret knowledge was once revealed to you, that an adult white dragon is more animal than any of its kin. It possesses a breath weapon of cold and a frightful presence. Only magical weapons can effectively penetrate its hide. Immune to the cold but vulnerable to fire. It possesses the ability to ice walk and cast a fog cloud. Its tail can be used as a weapon and its wings are capable of creating a gust of wind able to carry away small creatures.


Paragnostic Lore (27)
DC 10 The dragon is revered in Skincutter lore above any other creature of the frostfell
DC 20 Epic heroes throughout history have defeated the dragon, making weapons and armor from its bones, hides and scales.
DC 25 Taknorogan’s namesake is famed for slaying a great white wyrm in the ancient sagas

[CircleNavigator]

Once his allies finished questioning and the orc is knocked out for the next 8-10 hours, he will bath in the hot spring before going to sleep.

Soothing waters, so rich in minerals as to make the cloudy water opaque, surround Djin’s body. Around him a perpetual rainfall of dripping water splashes into the shallow pool. An overflow trickles over the side, falling then disappearing, presumably into a subterranean cavern far below.

[Breitheamh]

Skaruvus’ metaphor rings true to Taknorogan, his outward contempt lessens as he speaks freely in the poetic language of life. An unwritten melody, known only to those to whom it has been revealed. A common bond and understanding eases the conversation into one of helpful honesty.

Taknorogan has many friends in this valley and beyond. He knows the locations of all the circles and the layout of the tunnels. Furthermore he knows the location of strongholds and other points of interests held by the Skullcrushers. Martial overlords of the region, hostile to all outside their ranks. A hunting party of Skincutters approach this canyon though the tunnels this very night. They are not hostile, Skaruvus is told. They are here for the hunt, for glory, and strength. To kill the…

The druidic word used by Taknorgoan is far less ambiguous than its orcish counterpart. Dragon.

In the course of their conversation, Skar introduces himself to Taknorogan, as Skaruvus Windspeaker, and explains that Surreth, who is currently enjoying a well-deserved fish of his own indicates a settlement beyond the mountains. He shows the berries and explains his reasoning about them, and asks if that settlement is Skullcrusher or Skincutter, and further clarifies if Skincutters are commonly Orc, and what manner of being Skullcrushers are. After hearing and understanding that Skincutter hunters will be heading this way through the caves, and what their quarry is, Skar takes a minute to relay this to the others.

"We may be having the arrival of ones Who Cut Skin soonly.
Taknorogan," he gestures to the Orc, "is telling I they are being friendly, but I am believing this Nok-Korosh you are saying is a dragon. That is what they are hunting."

Putting into context what Utra had gleaned, Skar switches back to Druidic to ask about Taknorogan's trap for the dragon, wondering if this is common practice and how it works, if it would be possible to set a similar trap again and take down the dragon with the group's aid.

[CircleNavigator]

In the course of their conversation, Skar introduces himself to Taknorogan, as Skaruvus Windspeaker, and explains that Surreth, who is currently enjoying a well-deserved fish of his own indicates a settlement beyond the mountains. He shows the berries and explains his reasoning about them, and asks if that settlement is Skullcrusher or Skincutter, and further clarifies if Skincutters are commonly Orc, and what manner of being Skullcrushers are. After hearing and understanding that Skincutter hunters will be heading this way through the caves, and what their quarry is, Skar takes a minute to relay this to the others.

"We may be having the arrival of ones Who Cut Skin soonly.
Taknorogan," he gestures to the Orc, "is telling I they are being friendly, but I am believing this Nok-Korosh you are saying is a dragon. That is what they are hunting."

Putting into context what Utra had gleaned, Skar switches back to Druidic to ask about Taknorogan's trap for the dragon, wondering if this is common practice and how it works, if it would be possible to set a similar trap again and take down the dragon with the group's aid.

Taknorogan knows the mountain where a particular orange berry ripens at this time. Word that there are people present brings joy to his thunderous heart. He describes it as a Skincutter lodge, a traveling market of makers and magicians. Taknorogan seems excited and fully engaged when speaking from his memories. Suggesting their arrival should not be taken for granted, they will depart on a whim.

“Skullcrushers are ogres.” Taknorogan informs Skaruvus. “Leftover soldiers from some war, who decided to conquer all they could for themselves. The skulls they crush are not their own. They break champions in the arena, ending the life of any who would stand against them. Skincutters are commonly orc, though not always so.”

Taknorogan offers an example, he was aided in setting up his trap by a giant with skin cut like his own. He explains the meticulous preparation that went into the first trap. With limited time, and only a handful of people available, it might be possible to set up another trap. But it won’t be easy.

[Yas392]

Utra feels a sudden, cold shock, as though she touched one of those rippling arcs of light dancing about a wet ground struck by lightning. If Taknorogan could see her tense up, he'd, perhaps, mistake that for fear. It isn't fear. It is excitement, barely though it may seep into the even expression on her face. I'd rather we silenced him as fast once more as it is possible, Master Skaruvus. she says quietly. He just revealed, hm, a fascinating little detail that shines some light on his recent predicament, so to say. she explains. There is a creature he calls a Nok-Korosh at large in the area. It would appear to be a predator of some sort, but he specified no further, hm. He was to serve as a bait, or, mayhaps, a sacrifice, to draw it into the canyon and away from local tribal communities, such as his own. As such she goes on we cannot exclude the possibility that he might try nd call out to it, given the chance, can we, now. And as much as I would like to observe what inspires such fear in one like him…

Past

"I want to hear the whole story from all angles rather than jumping into conclusions. There might be some key nuggets we missed."

Djin gestures to the dark-skinned man and orc in deep conversation.

[Breitheamh]

Taknorogan knows the mountain where a particular orange berry ripens at this time. Word that there are people present brings joy to his thunderous heart. He describes it as a Skincutter lodge, a traveling market of makers and magicians. Taknorogan seems excited and fully engaged when speaking from his memories. Suggesting their arrival should not be taken for granted, they will depart on a whim.

“Skullcrushers are ogres.” Taknorogan informs Skaruvus. “Leftover soldiers from some war, who decided to conquer all they could for themselves. The skulls they crush are not their own. They break champions in the arena, ending the life of any who would stand against them. Skincutters are commonly orc, though not always so.”

Taknorogan offers an example, he was aided in setting up his trap by a giant with skin cut like his own. He explains the meticulous preparation that went into the first trap. With limited time, and only a handful of people available, it might be possible to set up another trap. But it won’t be easy.

Skar continues to explain their conversation for those who cannot speak Druidic:

"Taknorogan is saying that the people Surreth was finding into the place these berries are growing are living in a trading place, for exchanging and learning. This is being a good place to go I am thinking. We should be moving with caring about Skullcrushers. Taknorogan is saying they are being attackers and killers.

If we are wanting to be killing this dragon, the trap of Taknorogan is being a good idea, but is taking time to be setting up right."

[CircleNavigator]

Location: Spiring Mountains

Ahead the passage opens to a swirling vortex of harsh weather. Blowing snow adds to plush blankets of white already covering the mountain pass. A crown of peaks adorn the majestic landscape. Across the unbroken pristine wilderness a column advances. Snowshoes allow even the giant to avoid sinking into the powdery depths. A line of orcs following behind like a loose string.

Both the heights and the valley are obscured by a snowy veil. Allowing the vile Nok-Korosh to descend unseen upon the exposed party. Panic results in a chaotic scattering, terrified hunters lose balance, disappearing beneath the snow. Those around the giant rally to her, following her across the open terrain towards an opening in the rock. Pursued by an encroaching dread, a looming white dragon, wings outstretched. As many as can be saved are helped into the cave, before a cone of ice overtakes the slowest. Sealing the narrow entrance from without, encasing the rock in thick layers of ice. With no way back, the brave Skincutters explore the unused cavern, seeking a passage to the surface.

Time Night
Moon New
Temp Severe Cold
Aurora No
Precipitation Light Snow
Terrain Mountains

[Yas392]

Past

The broken English causes Djin to tilt his head, scratching the back of his head afterward, and move to a free space to somersault. As he completes the last part of the roll, he squats on one knee.

"Lemme get this straight. I get Nok-Korosh equals dragon and the recommendation we use the chains against the dragon but confused and not knowing about anything else. What are the Skullcrushers? The Skincutters are Taknorogan's people, my guess orcs since he is referring to them as friendly, and they are hunting the dragon? Surreth found civilization?"

[Breitheamh]

Skar nods along in agreement as Djin clarifies. "Yes! But Skincutters are not being just Orcs. Sometimes they are being Giants. A Giant was helping Taknorogan set the trap. Skullcrushers are being Ogres? I am thinking this is the word. They are being attackers and warriors in the past times. No one is fighting war, but they are still killing.

Yes" he gestures to the berries, "I was asking Surreth to be finding people, and the time he is taking to fly there and be coming back, and that these berries are growing small, the people are living up in the mountains and more far."

[Metastachydium]

A dragon, hm. Haven't seen one in ages; a peer once proposed they might be closer to bird than reptile, in some ways. Master Zipnog would be pleased to examine a specimen, particularly a dead one, I'd believe. Mayhaps… Utra begins, cintemplating the ceiling of the cave for a long moment. And there are more practical concerns at play, of course, hm. A predator of this size… Mayhaps not a threat to the ship as such, but operations to retrieve timber… A complication, certainly. she goes on. Now, that is a function of size as well, naturally; and age… The dragon's kind of course. Certainly not a Gold or Red at this climate, nor a Blue; that is a comfort… And still. Now, as for the nearby tribes, our host might not mean to deceive us, not in that regard. Literature… she waves an absent hand; listing authors would likely be a waste of her breath right now. The presence of Skincutters is well-documented in this area, and Taknorogan is certainly one. Their association with Giants, hm, and other kin as well, beyond Orcs, their subjugation to Skullcrushers is known to us. That much is true. she nods. But I ahould, mayhaps, veto putting too much trust in this man. A good source of understanding, yes, but I will not see him realeased into the canyon, no, not at night. Would not be wise, given the precedents. she reminds the others of the zeal the Orc kept fighting, despite attempts to communicate.

Trapping a Dragon, on the other hand… That idea intrigues her ever more with every pasing moment.

[Yas392]

Past

Djin snorts.

"Yeah. The orc needs to earn that trust and has yet to earn it. Since he has a lot of pride, it is harder for him. He could trample us for it, but I am not a fan of might is right."

He turns to the druid.

"By the way, Skar, what color is that dragon?"

[CircleNavigator]

Spoiler

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A dragon, hm. Haven't seen one in ages; a peer once proposed they might be closer to bird than reptile, in some ways. Master Zipnog would be pleased to examine a specimen, particularly a dead one, I'd believe. Mayhaps… Utra begins, cintemplating the ceiling of the cave for a long moment. And there are more practical concerns at play, of course, hm. A predator of this size… Mayhaps not a threat to the ship as such, but operations to retrieve timber… A complication, certainly. she goes on. Now, that is a function of size as well, naturally; and age… The dragon's kind of course. Certainly not a Gold or Red at this climate, nor a Blue; that is a comfort… And still. Now, as for the nearby tribes, our host might not mean to deceive us, not in that regard. Literature… she waves an absent hand; listing authors would likely be a waste of her breath right now. The presence of Skincutters is well-documented in this area, and Taknorogan is certainly one. Their association with Giants, hm, and other kin as well, beyond Orcs, their subjugation to Skullcrushers is known to us. That much is true. she nods. But I ahould, mayhaps, veto putting too much trust in this man. A good source of understanding, yes, but I will not see him realeased into the canyon, no, not at night. Would not be wise, given the precedents. she reminds the others of the zeal the Orc kept fighting, despite attempts to communicate.

Trapping a Dragon, on the other hand… That idea intrigues her ever more with every pasing moment.

Bound to a sturdy stalagmite Taknorogan rests, his warnings come to not. Fate has decreed his inability to intervene, therefore all he can do is wait. A conspiracy evolves, as those around the fire discuss developments in an undecipherable tongue. Doubtlessly plotting his execution, unless he can finally prove himself useful. Is he to die in this place? Encased within the rock, no sky overhead, not even a whisper of wind to take his soul away. Thoughts drift to his dear wife, who would feel most at home tucked away snugly in the mother's embrace. This thought comforts Taknorogan as he departs into sleep.

Taknorogan's Dream
Taknorogan rides on the back of a white dragon, lighting crashing all around him. Through the clouds he soars, before being snatched out of the air by a braided frost giant of colossal proportion, who towers over the landscape striding miles with each step. The ground becomes unsteady, sinking, dragging them both beneath. Through the underworld they fall, being separated by the barrage of dirt and rocks. Until into a cavern surrounding a still pool of pristine water Taknorogan falls. The water glows with an otherworldly blue hue.

Seated at the water's edge, relaxed, splashing his feet is Mr Zipnog, Wendell, famed cartographer, ornithologist, and author. Perhaps a psychic remnant of their telepathic connection, or a manifestation of the Druidic bond, by whatever magic, the gnome speaks to Taknorogan. Sharing knowledge of the wreck of the Harmonious Spirit, the endeavour for supplies, and of additional hardship befalling the crew in the passing hours.

End of Dream

Awakening with the passing of time, Taknorogan remembers what he has learned. Being one to instinctively trust revelation, the druid speaks. Repeating his words in both Druidic and Orc.

“Your people are in great danger unless you return to them swiftly. All that you need is here in abundance. Let our enemies be the same.” His words echo through the cavern.

Spoiler: Knowledge Rolls

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Knowledge Architecture and Engineering (18)
DC 10 It is fairly common knowledge often overheard in taverns and public houses, that a trap must be placed in an obvious accessible position
DC 15 Memory serves, to recall a set of complex chains suspended high above the entrance to the cavern, most of which are still in place. Perhaps designed to entangle a flying creature.


Paragnostic Lore (20)
DC 10 Outside of the epic sagas, dragons are never hunted alone. Groups coordinate to bring down large prey.
DC 20 Each dragon possesses known elemental vulnerabilities and opposing invulnerabilities. Traditional polar dragonhunting always involves the use of fire.

[Metastachydium]

White most likely; either that or, mayhaps, Silver, hm… That would be some easy talking, I believe. But then, the more unusual deserves some consideration… Utra replies, quick and blunt as ever, in the Druid's stead. The nature of the chain trap, high up, at any rate… Hm. I would expect something winged. We can, mayhaps, even repurpose the existing contraption. Some additions? We shall need fire, in abundance, and…

“Your people are in great danger unless you return to them swiftly. All that you need is here in abundance. Let our enemies be the same.” His words echo through the cavern.

Taknorogan suddenly snapping awake earns something vaguely resembling an expression of displeased annoyance on Utra's face. The words, nevertheless, ring uncannily true. Hm, what makes you think that. she asks the Orc in his own tongue.

Spoiler: Telepathy, also in ORC

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Put your mind at ease, then answer. she instructs him further mentally.

Through the link, intangible tendrils of diviner's magic begin to seep into Taknorogan's head, looking for little images, fragments of thoughts, words; and drag their shape back into the Halfling's own mind. A little hand is raised, demanding a few moments of silence.

Spoiler: OOC

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Utra casts Detect Thoughts (DC 16, put she hopes to find Taknorogan's guards deliberately lowered).

[CircleNavigator]

White most likely; either that or, mayhaps, Silver, hm… That would be some easy talking, I believe. But then, the more unusual deserves some consideration… Utra replies, quick and blunt as ever, in the Druid's stead. The nature of the chain trap, high up, at any rate… Hm. I would expect something winged. We can, mayhaps, even repurpose the existing contraption. Some additions? We shall need fire, in abundance, and…



Taknorogan suddenly snapping awake earns something vaguely resembling an expression of displeased annoyance on Utra's face. The words, nevertheless, ring uncannily true. Hm, what makes you think that. she asks the Orc in his own tongue.

Spoiler: Telepathy, also in ORC

Show

Put your mind at ease, then answer. she instructs him further mentally.

Through the link, intangible tendrils of diviner's magic begin to seep into Taknorogan's head, looking for little images, fragments of thoughts, words; and drag their shape back into the Halfling's own mind. A little hand is raised, demanding a few moments of silence.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Utra casts Detect Thoughts (DC 16, put she hopes to find Taknorogan's guards deliberately lowered).

A few seconds after drawing her focus to the tarnished copper coin squeezed between her fingers, Utra gains insight into the thoughts of Taknorogan. In the area of her study she detects the presence of a thinking mind, a single unremarkable intelligence (Intelligence Score 10). Probing further, Taknorogan's thoughts wash over Utra's mind as if they were her own. Wise enough to know how to shield his internal monologue from intrusion, he could sing an Orcish drinking song, the repetitive words drowning out any revealing information, but he does not. Taknorogan's thoughts become known to Utra. Sharing with her all the words and imagery contained within his dream. Of particular interest is Mr. Zipnog's report of severe cold consuming fuel at an accelerated rate, while also halting all repair work. The crew, cramped and squeezed together, with rations cut, have begun fighting among themselves, with whispers of covert plotting against the captain.

[Breitheamh]

Skar notices the Orc drifting into sleep as Utra answers for him. A logical assumption, certainly.

But with Taknorogan's exclamation upon waking, Skar bolts up from his seat and responds to the Orc in Druidic.

Spoiler: Druidic

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"You learn much in your sleep, then? Your dreams speak to you, as the wind to me?"

"I am believing we can be trusting this man. His sleeping wisdom is speaking well to I."

[Metastachydium]

Utra lowers her hand and stares at the ceiling for a few moments rather baffled. Oddly, I'm inclined to agree, hm. she says at last. I looked into his mind; he heard Master Zipnog speak, saw the ship… Too many faces I easily recognize, I might add. She sighs. Could it be a trick. Mayhaps a form of bending the mind, such that… she waves away the thought. I sensed no spell that could siphon my own thoughts, hm, and his not very clever, a rather mediocre intellect. I saw the shape of his mind, you see.

The Halfling likes the equation laid out in front of her ever less. It is against her vocation and nature to rush this little mission, and if all that were at stake was the life of a few ignorant sailors… But to jeopardize the whole expedition? To rob all findings so far of their due impact and purpose. Her lips press together tight, until there's little more to be seen than a waxen line, sharp as a blade. But if his truthful, that's pnly more cause for concern. He showed me things, hm… The weather out at sea is truning colder, mayhaps. Shortages seem to have worsened, repairs halted. An impending mutiny, even… she almost stands, but thinks better of it. I have the means to verify his account, through divination. Shall I do that. she asks, gears grinding almost audibly in her head. Or do we simply trust him and move faster. Either way, a warning to the captain would mayhaps be becoming, if any of you can quickly deliver one.

[CircleNavigator]

Once his allies finished questioning and the orc is knocked out for the next 8-10 hours, he will bath in the hot spring before going to sleep.

Djin is now clean. His outwards appearance is impeccable.
He gains +2 to all Charisma based checks until further notice
This Bonus will fade with time
Strenuous or messy activity will more quickly degrade the bonus

[CircleNavigator]

Once inside the cave Naomi collects debris that might burn and starts a fire with her Flint n steel

Pangs of hunger awaken the party one by one, the land outside still in the depths of night. A full eight hours have passed, those who partook in sleep are well rested. The morning light is still some hours away. Their hiding place remains undiscovered throughout the night. Taknorogan's allies have not yet made their appearance. Naomi's watch is quiet and uneventful. From the hidden entrance she can see chains crisscrossing the canyon overhead. Some anchored into canyon walls while other heavier chains appear to be hammered into sturdier stone atop the cliffs. Naomi remembers the tracks she found earlier. Leading to a footpath ascending the ridge.

[Yas392]

Past

Djin waits for Skar to answer until he notices the druid being non-responsive from his hyper-vigilance on the captive orc and the Shugenja answering for him on behalf.

"White, huh? Not going to worry too much. We can beat it with a bit of brains, that's for sure."

When Skarvarus and Utra bring up trust and the divination about the conspiracy against the captain.

"This orc still needs to earn my trust. I am not putting my all in him. Only a little because you guys trust him. We should send Surreth to confirm the vision before we have one of us inform the Captain. No use wasting time going back and fro if it is not immediate."

[CircleNavigator]

Pangs of hunger awaken the party one by one, the land outside still in the depths of night. A full eight hours have passed, those who partook in sleep are well rested. The morning light is still some hours away. Their hiding place remains undiscovered throughout the night. Taknorogan's allies have not yet made their appearance. Naomi's watch is quiet and uneventful. From the hidden entrance she can see chains crisscrossing the canyon overhead. Some anchored into canyon walls while other heavier chains appear to be hammered into sturdier stone atop the cliffs. Naomi remembers the tracks she found earlier. Leading to a footpath ascending the ridge.

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