4. The First Expedition

Index > Game Forums > The Halls of Arden Vul

Be sure to read and follow the guidelines for our forums.

38 of /40
<< First < 36 37 38 39 40 >
load previous

GM

Burbage

May 14, 2025 2:31 pm
May 14, 2025 2:31 pm
4. The First Expedition
Chapter House
You can all see the image that is reproduced on the mosaic; it’s not something that is unique to Ella.

Being made from mosaic tiles, the resolution of the image is rather low. And you have to stand a certain distance away from it to get the full effect. As such, it’s not possible to discern any subtle details or movements. Continuing to watch, the two groups remain next to each other for a minute or so, before the group of five head towards the stairs that lead to the surface, whilst the six smaller individuals return whence they came. The image reverts to a static image of the entrance chamber.

Feel free to take any of the goodies you found in the seat compartments. Just add them to your character sheets and update your encumbrance accordingly.

---
4:50 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Thrudmarr Halvorsson

dracul104

May 14, 2025 3:19 pm
May 14, 2025 3:19 pm
4. The First Expedition
"Thrud find things!" Thrud exclaims triumphantly as he discovers the compartments beneath the seats. He proudly holds up the silk headdress and places it atop his own head, grinning broadly.

"Pretty hat!"

When Ella calls out about the mosaic, Thrudmarr is too distracted by the new treasures to notice. He continues rummaging through the stalls, picking up the glass squares and holding them up to his eyes. He laughs with delight at the colored world through the glass, completely oblivious to the magical scene unfolding on the mosaic floor.
OOC:
I can carry about 25 more pounds before before becoming encumbered, but I only have room for about 10 more pounds in my small sack.

The mosiac scene, maybe I'm mis-remembering but I thought the halflings were working for the Darlings? Which means we should consider the halflings hostile immediately if we should encounter them again, given they would know we tricked them before and killed their boss.

Ellagel Noreddottir

matmaisan

May 14, 2025 3:56 pm
May 14, 2025 3:56 pm
4. The First Expedition
"T'is indeed a magnificent hat, Thrudmarr Halvorsson," Ella commented as she stood back up, after a few moments of wondering at the mosaic. The builders of this place had great might in them, to build such durable artefacts. Her attention is next attracted to the glass squares: "May I examine those?"
OOC:
As far as I understand things, The halfling band is running a "licensing scheme" at the most commonly used entrance to the mines Halls: you pay them to be allowed to enter and explore the place. Dalton's Darlings had a licence, and we claimed to be with the Daltons, which led to our run-in with them. We now have their licence, but we have no idea if it is transferable, or which attitude the halflings will have with us. I don't expect them to be hostile: their granting of a licence does not oblige them to protect or care for the licence holders.

On the other hand, if the five figures were indeed the remaining Darlings, we might want to follow them out through that passage. Personally, Ella would much favour a different entrance so as to avoid the halflings entirely and avoid being ambushed by the Darlings when we step out. Then again, Jacky's mule is up there, and we would probably run into the Darlings at the Sign of the Broken Head, seeing as it is the closest safe haven...

Last edited May 14, 2025 7:08 pm

Thrudmarr Halvorsson

dracul104

May 14, 2025 4:22 pm
May 14, 2025 4:22 pm
4. The First Expedition
When asked for glass squares, Thrudmarr nods and hands them over.
OOC:
I've added both potions, the leather pouch with coins, and the headdress to my lootin' sack. Leaving out the book (which Zach is currently preoccupied with) and the colored glass which I wouldn't be able to fit both of in there.

Jacky Thistletop

testlum

May 15, 2025 4:08 am
May 15, 2025 4:08 am
4. The First Expedition
Jacky rubs his nose as indeed the images manifest on the strange mosaic. "That's interesting, though I quite can't make anything out clearly," Jacky admits. "You could be right, Ella. If those five figures are the Darlings - I wonder if they still call themselves that - let's be ready for an ambush when we head back up the surface. And speaking of..." He looks around. "What do you say we call it a day and head back to the tavern?"

Zacharias Polipulis

Avraham

May 15, 2025 6:54 am
May 15, 2025 6:54 am
4. The First Expedition
Hearing the discussion, Zach tears his eyes away from the…provocative…illustrations and listens in to Jacky, Ella, and Thrud. Somewhat puzzled he asked Aren't these ruins ancient? Why would there be some magical representation of a group of recent thugs? I thought this was supposed to be centuries old?

Grimidek Granite

WhiteDwarf

May 15, 2025 2:46 pm
May 15, 2025 2:46 pm
4. The First Expedition
Aye, strange indeed. Perhaps an entity native to this dungeon is monitoring who gets the licenses?

GM

Burbage

May 15, 2025 3:15 pm
May 15, 2025 3:15 pm
4. The First Expedition
Chapter House
There is nothing particularly remarkable about the glass squares. They are coloured squares, made of glass. Perhaps the only noteworthy thing is that they are clearly expertly crafted. They are both exactly the same size (8" x 8" x ½"), perfectly square and without any imperfections. They also look as fragile as normal glass, and so will need to be transported carefully.

---
4:50 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Jacky Thistletop

testlum

May 16, 2025 8:53 am
May 16, 2025 8:53 am
4. The First Expedition
"It might simply show whatever's happening at the moment we watch it, instead of something from the past," Jacky agrees. "For whoever's sitting on those." He waves at the stalls.

Ellagel Noreddottir

matmaisan

May 16, 2025 1:08 pm
May 16, 2025 1:08 pm
4. The First Expedition
Ellagel acquiesced silently to Jacky’s hypotheses. She thought this was some kind of guardroom or observation post, with an arcane twist; the builders of these halls had invested much, and certainly with precise reasons. What those were remained, at this time, an unfathomable question.

The elf considered the well-crafted glass blocks for a few more moments. She would carry them carefully in her backpack, after nestling them in blankets or some other soft material.
OOC:
Three further questions:
- Are these squares fully translucent? If so from both sides?
- are they indistinguishable as far as colour is concerned? What is their tint?
- does it look like she could read through the glass squares, as if they were glass lenses?

I have two hypotheses for now: they are either (i) enchanted lenses that allow translation or revealing of hidden features or (ii) they are mundane or enchanted components of a larger / more complex artifact, some kind of puzzle…
Last edited May 16, 2025 1:10 pm

testlum

May 16, 2025 1:51 pm
May 16, 2025 1:51 pm
4. The First Expedition
OOC:
It might be interesting to try and focus sun/moonlight through them while you get the chance outside.

GM

Burbage

May 16, 2025 3:21 pm
May 16, 2025 3:21 pm
4. The First Expedition
Chapter House
matmaisan says:
OOC:
Three further questions:
- Are these squares fully translucent? If so from both sides
Yes, and yes.
matmaisan says:
OOC:
- are they indistinguishable as far as colour is concerned? What is their tint?
One is tinted yellow, the other green.
matmaisan says:
OOC:
- does it look like she could read through the glass squares, as if they were glass lenses?
Yes, although there is no magnification or distorting effect.

---
4:50 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Thrudmarr Halvorsson

dracul104

May 17, 2025 12:55 am
May 17, 2025 12:55 am
4. The First Expedition
When Jacky mentions returning to the tavern, Thrudmarr nods. "Pack heavy. Go back to inn and rest. Ummm, which way up again?"

Zacharias Polipulis

Avraham

May 18, 2025 1:22 am
May 18, 2025 1:22 am
4. The First Expedition
Jeremy has the map, I think.

Ellagel Noreddottir

matmaisan

May 19, 2025 1:59 pm
May 19, 2025 1:59 pm
4. The First Expedition
Crouching by the living mosaic, the Ellagel still busied herself with the party's findings. From below she spoke to her companions.

"We should look for another entrance," the elf spoke, as she felt the tide of opinion turning toward a return through the already mapped areas. "Only fear is stopping the Darlings from ambushing us at the pyramid, and their fear must have run out now.... replaced by a thirst for vengeance. The great cavern, I say."

As she does so, Ella attempts to gently place the glass square over the animated mosaic, seeing if it brings any new elements into focus.
OOC:
Regarding our means of egress, she's not going to go it alone, so if you all prefer to head back, let's do it.

Ella would like to test both of the squares against the mosaic floor, the religious book found earlier, and the volume of Erotica that so absorbed Zach recently...
Last edited May 19, 2025 1:59 pm

GM

Burbage

May 19, 2025 5:22 pm
May 19, 2025 5:22 pm
4. The First Expedition
Chapter House
matmaisan says:
OOC:
Ella would like to test both of the squares against the mosaic floor, the religious book found earlier, and the volume of Erotica that so absorbed Zach recently...
Ella spends a turn experimenting with the coloured glass squares but uncovers nothing unusual.
Holding for clarification/consensus on your plans for returning to the surface.

---
5:00 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Rolls

Secret Roll

Zacharias Polipulis

Avraham

May 19, 2025 8:48 pm
May 19, 2025 8:48 pm
4. The First Expedition
Zacharias sighs and sits down on one of the plundered benches. Ladies and gentlecreatures, we can either return to the surface or camp here. Personally, I think that returning is a good idea, for we can convert some of this plunder into gold, with which we can refresh and rearm ourselves. But I'm not one for making big decisions. You all decide which way I should point my sword and shield. Until then, I am taking a nap. With that, Zach closes his eyes and makes himself comfortable.

Grimidek Granite

WhiteDwarf

May 19, 2025 11:53 pm
May 19, 2025 11:53 pm
4. The First Expedition
Aye, we should return ta de surface. Collect gold fer our loot so fer, n’ come back fer ya fight a-nudder day!

Jacky Thistletop

testlum

May 20, 2025 1:47 am
May 20, 2025 1:47 am
4. The First Expedition
"We heard the waterfall near the place where we met Gog, didn't we? There could be a way out there."

Ellagel Noreddottir

matmaisan

May 20, 2025 1:05 pm
May 20, 2025 1:05 pm
4. The First Expedition
Ella looked on as Zacharias made ready to nap. She heard Jacky's idea to look for an exit next to the waterfall the party had heard earlier. Her own suggestion of seeking out this great cavern hung in the air.

We agree to leave. What ought we do? Public

Head back through the pyramid (might risk running into the Darlings)
Seek out the Great Cavern (on this level, but will probably involve fighting beastmen)
Seek out the waterfall a level below (involves exploring, there might not actually be an exit there)
Last edited May 20, 2025 1:06 pm
load next
Index > Game Forums > The Halls of Arden Vul
38 of /40
<< First < 36 37 38 39 40 >

You do not have permission to post in this thread.