20051112 Golem01

<H1> Golem Armor: A New Beginning </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Thorfinn the Lucky </TD>
 <TD> 12th Human Bard </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Mirto </TD>
 <TD> 14th Human Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kha'Narek </TD>
 <TD> 10th Githzerai (CL12) Monk </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Olaf Olafson </TD>
 <TD> 9th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Estus </TD>
 <TD> 19th/1st Human Cleric/Parthenian Friar </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Ladron </TD>
 <TD> 7th Human Thief </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Mercator Julius </TD>
 <TD> ?th Humanoid Aristocrat </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Foradun </TD>
 <TD> 6th/5th Githzerai Psychic Warrior/Soul Knife (13th ECL) </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco (Absent) </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H2> Council in Kennetar </H2>
Estus decides to report into the Imperial consulate at Kennetar. From Home, he casts Sending and sends word that he would like to have a private meeting with Consul Domos. The Consul returns word that he can arrange the meeting.
Later that morning, Estus teleports to the city and goes through the normal entry process. As he enters the consulate, there appears to be a great deal of activity. As Estus considers the upcoming meeting, he thinks about the Myrmidon.
<B>Background:</B> There are two types of fighting class in the Imperium: Imperial Warriors (i.e. the army) and Mercenaries. Mercenaries are recognized as a legitimate fighting force. They are responsible to the person that hired them.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Estus:</B> (Tells of the current situation of the Golem Armor and the Myrmidon)
<B>Consul:</B> My sources have told me he is on the move. The other thing we know is that Centurion Sogoros is known for his reliability when paid. So, whoever hires him Centurion Radir Sogoros gets what he pays for.
<B>Estus:</B> What can I do?
<B>Consul:</B> My informants tell me we're at the tipping point one way or another. Any major weight placed on the balance would shift things either way. We are certainly at a point to annex the Plateau. It is believed in most learned circles that this would be the beginning of a protracted war. It is much preferred to annex the entire Westmarch in one go. Because the moment Imperial troops march, victory is inevitable. My preferred approach is to have a peaceful settlement. For example if we could set up Donner as a potentate of this region, let's say as a new province of the Imperium. We might be able to obviate all of this.<BR /> His claims are rapidly being recognized. His political staff seems quite adept.
<B>Estus:</B> I would prefer to see an end to this without bloodshed.
<B>Consul:</B> If you could ingratiate yourself well enough with Donner, we could install him as some sort of political subordinate to the Empire. Then we might be able to avoid a great deal of war. And quite frankly so doing, taking out the legs out from under them.<BR /> My original plan was to get everyone to join peacefully and I would be governor. But given the current situation with the Marvads, I don't think it's possible. However, if I can prevent war from ravaging these lands, I still believe that we can all benefit.
<B>Estus:</B> I don't really have that level of influence over Prince Donner.
<B>Consul:</B> Unfortunately, my authority only extends in these lands. I can only provide information and no protection. However, I must know more about the employer. Intentions. And some indications from Donner and recognizes some assistance in this affair--and some special consideration for it.<BR /> If you can make him aware of this situation, I think we can make him understand. I know he is straight backed. From the tales of his exploits, I know that he does not fear death.<BR /> However, he might consider what is going to happen to the populace in either scenario. He could rule them largely unfettered. And he could preserve them largely from much harm. As you are aware, the Imperium plays for keeps when it comes to war. Win or lose.
<B>Estus:</B> I will have more info later today.
<B>Consul:</B> What ever must be done, must be done within a year. Right now we are at balancing point. I see three options:
<OL>
<LI> The way of treaty. That would be preferred.
<LI> The forces of the Occident end up under military control. If that occurs, the Westmarch would most likely end up under the control of House Marvad. Under that situation, the Westmarch would end up a Occident province.
<LI> Adelphus Marvad finds a way through his plots.
</OL>
<B>Estus:</B> Well, once I finish this mission for Donner, I would expect that he would be quite amenable to negotiation.
<B>Consul:</B> He may need to meet us sooner than that.
<B>Consul:</B> If you really want information, I'd suggest talking to some of the local information sources.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus leaves the consulate and leaves a message that he'd like to meet with Ansrak. Later, Estus gets a message to meet him in a particular bar in the evening. Estus also picks up the copies of the books. For the rest of the day he decides to kill some time at the local temple of Apollo. Talking to the High Priest, Estus is informed that the temple of Hades has been heavily recruiting. He spends some time talking to the acolytes.
Later that evening, Estus goes to the bar. Along the way, he notices the neighborhood would be quite dangerous under normal situations. After a bit of walking, Estus finds the bar. As he walks into the bar, the room is bathed with the Daylight radiating from the Golden Cloak and everyone is staring at him. Estus notices that everyone in the room is carrying several different weapons. Estus notices Ansrak sitting at a table with a couple of others.
</p>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Thief:</B> (Whispering to Ansrak) Boss, that's him
<B>Ansrak:</B> (Sighs) I figured.
<B>Ansrak:</B> Greetings, Estus.
<B>Estus:</B> Donner said that you might have some information for me.
<B>Ansrak:</B> Most likely.
<B>Estus:</B> Are we sufficiently secure here?
<B>Ansrak:</B> We are among friends.
<B>Estus:</B> At the moment, I'm afraid that I don't know that much. But I can tell you what I've been told and what sort of information I'm looking for...
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Ansrak gathers the following information over the next few days:
<UL>
<LI> The last known owner of the Golem Armor was Faros the Cursed. He was murdered by his consort who apparently found his expediter more attractive than him. His chief expediter was a fellow Jadoran of Minos. And Minos is the island where the minotaurs come from. Jadoran was a Minotaur expediter. It is unclear where the armor ended up, but if Jadoran was involved, he probably ended up with it.
<LI> While investigating, Ansrak talked to a drunk bard that came over with the Imperial garrison.
</UL>
<H2> The Order of Saint Pelio </H2>
While Estus waits for Ansrak's information, he heads to the temple of Apollo in Aquitaine. There, he finds that there is a whole monastery of monks waiting for him.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Monk:</B> We are an offshoot order. We have been waiting here for you.
<B>Estus:</B> Where are you based? 
<B>Monk:</B> We have been practicing in Garond for a number of years. 
<B>Estus:</B> (Amazed) I had no idea.
<B>Monk:</B> I'm Father James. I'm the abbot of the Monastery. When we heard you were restoring the order, we had to make our way to you.
<B>Estus:</B> Well, this is good fortune indeed. I had been looking for some people who would be interested in the teachings of the Parthenian order.
<B>Father James:</B> But the teachings/writings have long been lost...
<B>Estus:</B> Fortunately, there were two books detailing some of the teachings of the order of Parthenian Friars and I was able to commission two copies.
<B>Father James:</B> Well, this is indeed amazing. I'm sure we would find these books quite informative.
<B>Estus:</B> I would also be happy to provide some training. I have spent some time training with Father Pelio.
<B>Father James:</B> You've <I>met</I> with Father Pelio?
<B>Estus:</B> It a long story. I was looking for an item to aid as a focus in the magic of Holy Aura. In doing so, I ended up on a quest for Father Pelio. In doing so, I ended up travelling to Hades and training with him for several weeks.
<B>Father James:</B> Well, that is an amazing story. We are of the Order of St. Pelio.
<B>Estus:</B> Well, I wasn't aware that there was anyone left alive who knows of Father Pelio.
<B>Father James:</B> We are a small sect.
<B>Estus:</B> Well, I would certainly like to meet the rest of the order and see the headquarters.
<B>Father James:</B> Well, we can certainly go to Garond.
<B>Estus:</B> Well, I have to be in Kennetar in a few days, so I would prefer that we go there as quickly as possible.
<B>Father James:</B> Today? And you have to be in Kennetar in a few days?
<B>Estus:</B> Yes, I have magical means of traveling.
<B>Father James:</B> I see. Well, we of the order believe in traveling by foot. How else could we protect those who travel?
<B>Estus:</B> An excellent point. Under normal circumstances, I agree. However, I do have a means of getting us there quickly, while still allowing those to patrol.
<B>Father James:</B> Well, I suppose this once would be okay.
<B>Estus:</B> Very well, I can prepare the spell in the morning. How many of you are here?
<B>Father James:</B> Two dozen or so.
<B>Estus:</B> (Calculates for a moment). Not a problem.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
That morning, Estus and the order of St. Pelio travel via Wind Walk to Garond. Along the way, they encounter two sets of bandits robbing travelers. By midday, they arrive at the temple. However, the edifice is more reminiscent of a shack rather than any temple. Inside the building, there are several frescos engraved in the walls, including some of Father Pelio.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Estus:</B> So, how many are there in the order?
<B>Father James:</B> We regularly send our brothers and sisters walking the road. There's probably a score beyond what you see here.
<B>Estus:</B> Well, I would certainly like to donate the last few coins I have to the order. (Looks in his purse. Grimaces apologetically.) I'm afraid that I've already given most of my money to other causes.
<B>Father James:</B> Well, any donations would be gladly accepted.
<B>Estus:</B> (Dumps remaining 5000GP) Well, I hope that can be put to good use.
<B>Father James:</B> (Stares at piles of coins)
<B>Estus:</B> Father, are you all right?
<B>Father James:</B> Yes, yes. Of course. Well, we can certainly find some good use for this money.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus also leaves the books of the Parthenian order with the monks. That evening, he talks and trains with the acolytes and monks. The next day, he teleports to Kennetar and meets with Consul Domos again.
<H2> Enter House Julius> </H2>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Domos:</B> We have a new emperor.
<B>Estus:</B> Really?
<B>Domos:</B> As of two days ago?
<B>Estus:</B> Who?
<B>Domos:</B> Well, it's a new House. Our new Emperor Talos is of House Julius. House Julius has held the throne before and now holds it again. I don't have a lot of details about how the change of rulership took place. It was certainly not expected, but then a good change of rulership should certainly not be expected. This doesn't change what we're doing. It doesn't change the situation we're in now, but it does bear notice.
<B>Estus:</B> How do you expect things to change?
<B>Domos:</B> House Julius has quite possibly a different set of priority for the empire. It is unclear what this means. However, this won't affect the plans of House Marvad for the Westmarch.
<B>Estus:</B> What else can you tell me about them?
<B>Domos:</B> House Julius is known for political savvy. Those who survive any political fallout. They make the right friends at the right time, the right enemies at the right time. They are a very adept political house.
<B>Estus:</B> (Thinking of the Tenseval Taine's Machine: "The Machine works in mysterious ways.")
<B>Domos:</B> This is also important. We have been contacted by a member of House Julius who wishes to assist you. I would watch this individual very closely and use him to the fullest.
<B>Estus:</B> Understood.
<B>Domos:</B> It is not wise to turn down an offer. It is also not wise to accept it without your eyes wide open.
<B>Estus:</B> I see. Is he here in Kennetar?
<B>Domos:</B> He has contacted me to contact you.
<B>Estus:</B> Can you tell me his name?
<B>Domos:</B> Mercator. Snow can tell you more details.
<B>Estus:</B> Well, I might as well meet him now.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
Estus also checks in with Snow.
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Snow:</B> His arrival seems rather coincidental. I would say that he was probably dispatched in expectation of the change of house leadership. I would conjecture that he would be part of a scheme to make sure that things transition smoothly.
<B>Estus:</B> It does seem strange that he would ask for me rather than the consul.
<B>Snow:</B> I would say though that it's not like House Julius to send random people to unsettled regions. Especially as closely tied to the change in Emperor. It's more likely for them to plan so far ahead, that this noble was sent ... to help cement their presence. With all that said, he's obviously capable.
<B>Estus:</B> Anything else I should know about him?
<B>Snow:</B> As you'll see, he's more than he appears.
<B>Estus:</B> Can he be trusted?
<B>Snow:</B> I'll just say that he comes from good stock.
<B>Estus:</B> Very well, thank you for the information.
<B>Snow:</B> And I would watch yourself. Some of the best assassins in the Empire are rumored to be of House Julius.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus goes to meet the representative from House Julius. As he walks in, he takes a close look at his guest (Spot Roll 25). Estus notices something different about him. He's a little bit thicker in the shoulder. Slightly more muscle to bone ratio than there ought to be. And his skin seems a bit rough. Perhaps scarred, nearly scaled. And his skin has distinctly dark, deep reddish brown cast to it. Perhaps he comes from a sunny land. The pupils of his eyes seem to go the wrong way--slits instead of dots.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Mercator:</B> (Stands and bows) I'm at your service.
<B>Estus:</B> I was told that you may have some information for me.
<B>Mercator:</B> Let us sit down over a meal and discuss it.
<B>Estus:</B> Certainly. I've been travelling quite a bit and I could use something to eat.
<B>Mercator:</B> I understand that you might have a couple of projects. My superiors thought I could be of help.
<B>Estus:</B> Indeed, your family has quite the reputation for getting things done.
<B>Mercator:</B> I am also interested. I have my own agenda. Sometimes opportunities for advancement only take two paths. Assassination and getting extraordinarily lucky. And I think this might offer opportunities for the second. It seems that there is much focus on the Westmarch at the moment.
<B>Estus:</B> I'm a bit surprised. I always thought that those families with Imperial aspirations would have their attention turned inwards on the Imperium.
<B>Mercator:</B> People may not realize that it's the center of things for a while. I might put myself in a place for advancement.
<B>Estus:</B> I can believe it. I have learned much in the few months that I've been out here.
<B>Mercator:</B> I have found that travelling here, I have encountered things that I've never seen in the Imperium. It's quite uncivilized out there.
<B>Estus:</B> Yes, the plateau constains many dangers.
<B>Mercator:</B> Just in case it comes to your ears from others. Part of my mission is that it may cause some expense to House Marvad. I think you can gather your own conclusions. from that.
<B>Estus:</B> (Nods in approval) I can indeed.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<H2> Meeting of the Minds </H2>
Estus takes Mercator to Home to meet the other adventurers who are interested in aiding him. There, he finds Thorfinn, Mirto, Kha'Narek, and Olaf who have just joined from Borgar's mission.
Thorfinn tells some of the stories (32 Bardic Lore check). It is quite sordid. Jadoran of Minos was an unusual Minotaur by any standards. Fought his way to freedom--after betting on himself, he managed to buy his own freedom. The gambling is highly regulated--the betting part of the Imperium is the most reliable part of the Imperium. Jadoran was known for being unusually uncanny. Given a net and trident he would find ways to trick people into stepping into the net.
This was probably a couple of generations ago. He did join the Guild. And apparently his specialty was secret, unregulated fight pits. Particularly, he focused in hard labor areas. Construction sites and mining zones. 
Rumor has it is that he had quite the way with the ladies. He was the expediter for Faros the cursed. Jadoran seduced Caleata and together they murdered Faros. At one time, Faros was Governor of the Occident. Jadoran and Caleata vanished shortly after the murder.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Estus:</B> So, you have information?
<B>Ansrak:</B> I have a little bit more information. But first things first, I have a guy who would be willing to go along.
<B>Estus:</B> Is he reliable?
<B>Ansrak:</B> I'd say that he's reliable.
<B>Estus:</B> And he won't have problems following orders?
<B>Ansrak:</B> Not at all.
<B>Ansrak:</B> My last contact told me Jadoran was a member of the Guild of Valor's End. Near the Ebbon Void mines. That sounds like a pretty good place to start.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Thorfinn and Mercator both know of Valor's End. It's in the foothills in the northern end of the Parapets on the Imperial side. It's the biggest coal mine in the Imperium and is a large source of fuel for the industrial parts of the Imperium.
The original establishment of the mines required a lot of fighting. Many warriors died to establish Imperial ownership of the mines. The town was named in a bitter/ironic fashion after all the blood shed over it's founding.
<H2> Beginning at Valor's End </H2>
Estus casts Greater Teleport and brings the group to a few hundred yards outside of town. There is a strange taint to the air. Apparently, the effects of the coal mining can be felt even this far from the mines. Estus decides to have Mercator appear as the main leader for the group. Ladron breaks off from the rest of the group to appear as though he arrives separately.
Valor's End looks like the battered spouse of towns. Everything is run down. The roads are bumpy. Three categories of people: miners and families (super dirty), soldiers (better armed and well fed), a couple of people in charge (surrounded/guarded by soldiers).
As the party gets settled in a nearby inn, Thorfinn goes and gathers information. He finds a higher end lounge, the White Cloak (5 GP to get in). The place is moderately nice, but nothing special. There is a house guy singing and nods his acknowledgement to Thorfinn.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Man:</B> We have a new guest. He might have some new tales, from the
 far North if I'm not mistaken.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Thorfinn walks up and begins telling various tales (Tale Telling check: 31). After finishing his performance, Thorfinn gets invited to every table. As he makes the rounds, he finds out Centurion Sorgoros came through town a little while ago. In fact, he has set up an encampment just south of town. He is in search of something, but unclear on what. He's been here for about a week, but he hasn't found it yet. He finds out the entire battalion is mercenary. He finds out that several mercenaries spend their time at a bar called The Gauntlet. One patron goes there incognito because the fights are fun to watch. The most powerful man in town is Darius Julius, the foreman of the mines, and he never comes to the town. He dictates who gets to live in subsidized housing and those who doesn't.
Ladron goes the low route. He goes to a different tavern and there's no one guarding the door. The place appears to be full of miners. Ladron buys a few cheap drinks for miners and he makes some quick allies. The word he hears is that the miners are not really happy about the group of soldiers in town. They're muscling everyone around like they own the place. Going in and out of the mines. It appears like no one says "boo" to them? Apparently Darius Julius is letting that happen. He already has a battalion for guarding. The soldiers are clearly looking for something in the mines, searching with lanterns.
Mercator finds the house of the mine Foreman. He identifies himself as Mercator Julius. The servants leave for a while, but eventually, Mercator is allowed in.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Darius:</B> Is the Emperor so concerned about resources?
<B>Mercator:</B> Let's not get full of ourselves. I see that there are several soldiers here. Can you tell me what they're doing?
<B>Darius:</B> They're on some kind of recovery mission. They're looking for something that was stolen. Apparently, it was stolen by a thief.
<B>Mercator:</B> I heard that House Marvad was looking for such an item. I had heard that they hired a mercenary group to do the work.
<B>Darius:</B> You think these fellows are working for House Marvad?
<B>Mercator:</B> Yes, I do. And I think they could be trouble for our House.
<B>Darius:</B> Well, except for their leader, I think they're manageable.
<B>Mercator:</B> Well, 500 mercenaries is quite a bit. They could be a problem.
<B>Darius:</B> Ha! Those mines are trapped to high hell. I could push a button and murder a hundred of them.
<B>Mercator:</B> Well, it seems that there's another faction that's interested in finding this item before the mercenaries.
<B>Darius:</B> Are there bounties on any of the mercenaries?
<B>Mercator:</B> Nothing like that. The group that I'm traveling with is led by an Imperial citizen. I'm hoping to play them off each other and remove a piece off the board.
</p>
<B>Darius:</B> So, what do you want me to do?
<B>Mercator:</B> Should you trigger some traps or word gets out, then they might blame those of House Julius. If they were to fight each other, we could escape blame.
<B>Darius:</B> I would be happy to annoy House Marvad.
<B>Mercator:</B> What remains to determine then, is whether that group could entice you to act sooner rather than later against the
<B>Darius:</B> That fella, Centurion Sogoros. He's paying a 100 GP per day for access to those mines. He's doubling my output and that's off the books if you get my meaning..
<B>Mercator:</B> Well, if you saw those travelers from the unsettled lands. I think they have at least ten times as much money as that other "fella". Now their skills that they might find us in a short amount of time.
<B>Darius:</B> So, what are you suggesting I do?
<B>Mercator:</B> I'd suggest that it's in your and I favor to find this item and send the mercenaries on their way.
<B>Darius:</B> Do you know what it is they're looking for?
<B>Mercator:</B> It's a suit of armor. It's the Golem Armor.
<B>Darius:</B> If it's as valuable as all this, it's might be more valuable for us to take.
<B>Mercator:</B> Yes, but this group comprises individuals of such power that going against them wouldn't affect us politically. The priests that's with them is said to be able to call Miracles. And I'm not talking about the minor closure of wounds.
<B>Darius:</B> That's a tricky one. But the card against them is in all fairness, if the mercenaries are in quite. If my mercenaries help, they might help as well.
<B>Darius:</B> Well, I'll tell you what. I will permit these westerners to poke around in the mines as they like. Give them the same free run of the places. If the mercenaries quibble, my men will step aside. When everyone has gotten whatever thing they look for, I would ask only that the westerners agree to help me eliminate the mercenaries.
<B>Mercator:</B> It seems a waste to eliminate the mercenaries...
<B>Darius:</B> Oh, they're incredibly wealthy...
<B>Mercator:</B> Preventing any survivors would 
<B>Darius:</B> Well, fortunately divinatory 
<B>Mercator:</B> How many are there?
<B>Darius:</B> There are several hundred.
<B>Mercator:</B> It's not the mercenaries that I'm concerned about. It's their leader and his closest advisors.
<B>Darius:</B> This one who can invoke miracles from Apollo. Is he a man of his word?
<B>Mercator:</B> Well, certain priests if they violate their vows, cease to be able to call miracles.
<B>Darius:</B> Is it your belief that if this man doesn't keep his word, he may lose his ability to cast miracles.
<B>Mercator:</B> Yes. And those who he hangs out with are dedicated.
<B>Darius:</B> Tell ya what. Propose this: 1) Meet with me and 2) I'll allow him and his fellow travelers access to the mines and he agrees to assist me to eliminate the mercenary leader.
<B>Mercator:</B> As an intermediary, I feel that perhaps that we should work out some small understanding between ourselves.
<B>Darius:</B> How do you mean?
<B>Mercator:</B> I'd like a cut...
<B>Darius:</B> Hmmm...I'll tell you what. I wouldn't be able to clear. I'd be willing to give a tenth piece.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Thorfinn visits The Gauntlet. He buys rounds of beers and tells bawdy stories, making the soldiers laugh. He finds that they're looking for a secret door in the mines somewhere. And that secret door leads into a former section of the mine that had been walled off. Somewhere on the second level is a secret door.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Thorfinn:</B> Think the Centurion will give up?
<B>Soldiers:</B> (Laugh uproariously) You are funny.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> Why is that?
<B>Soldiers:</B> He ain't gonna die. He's faced down some of the nastiest critters.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> Where have you guys been looking?
<B>Soldier:</B> On the second level, that's where they've been searching.
<B>Soldier:</B> You remember the Battle of the Gap? In a mountain pass between Occident and Roma, Ten men held a mountain pass against an entire army of the Roman government. Six weeks. You know who the sergeant of that squad was? You know who that guy was? My boss!
<B>Thorfinn:</B> What happened to all those guys?
<B>Soldier:</B> Most went their separate ways. Two are still with them. The other two guys are bad news... Those are some tough customers.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> What else have you guys encountered?
<B>Soldiers:</B> We have gone against rebel trolls, arena insurrections, and there ain't man or beast or even heard of that could put him down. He's a tough boot with a sword. They're smart too. This looks like a dumbass brute force mission, but how many other mission commanders that every man under his command can be a mayor?
<B>Thorfinn:</B> And who travels with him?
<B>Soldier:</B> There's the Ares priest. A couple of wizards. More than that--five of them now. Some of the fellows started readin' just to start up. And I tell you, we've been well paid. Choice jobs. Choice rewards. Three weeks ago, we had just finished a siege. Yeah, it was another troll rebellion--they just can't keep their hands off the populace. And he reaches out a pocket and the biggest demon comes out of it and jumps in the hole.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> Well, it certainly sounds like you guys have it made.
<B>Soldiers:</B> The thing of it is, he charges high prices. And people who pay him have all sorts of crazy problems. So, I've seen buddies eaten by shit you never dreamed of.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Ladron goes to another bar and talks to the miners. Most of the time, mining is the usual dangers. Once in a while, it gets dangerous when a new opening breaks into the Underdark. This can especially happen at the lower levels of the mines. There are big heavy doors on the 6th level that can be used to seal off the lower levels. In those cases, they'll usually just keep hiring adventurers until they succeed. The last time the doors were used to seal off the mine, a purple worm had come through in the lower levels.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Darius:</B> Welcome.
<B>Estus:</B> Greetings.
<B>Darius:</B> Let's talk.
<B>Estus:</B> Very well. Your cousin indicated that you were willing to help us out in exchange for some return help.
<B>Darius:</B> Well, sort of. You see, I'm quite happy to help you but you need to understand that if I help you, the guys here plus some of his friends might be inclined to take some revenge on me.
<B>Estus:</B> So, you'd want protection in exchange?
<B>Darius:</B> Yes. But first, can you tell me what are you going to be doing in my mines??
<B>Estus:</B> I'm here to find a suit of armor.
<B>Darius:</B> You're not going to use it for yourself.
<B>Estus:</B> No. I intend to keep it out of the hands of certain individuals.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus casts Divination using the Deck of Fate about accepting the deal. It's clear that you'll come into conflict with a powerful military enemy at some time. It looks like there some kind of laborer who is on your side. A card representing honor.
Later that evening, Ladron meets up with the miners of Valor's End.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ladron:</B> So, what do you guys have that need moving?
<B>Miner:</B> Once in a while, we manage to sneak a few diamonds out here and there, but there aren't any places we can sell them here.
<B>Ladron:</B> How much do you have?
<B>Miner:</B> We've been collecting for quite a while. We can show you what we've got.
<B>Ladron:</B> I'll be glad to take a look. And what sort of cut were you expecting?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Ladron and the miner continue to discuss details about smuggling the diamonds out of town. In the process, they end up discussing the layout of the mines.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Miner:</B> What are you looking for in particular?
<B>Ladron:</B> Secret locations.
<B>Miner:</B> Secret. Well, that's tough to do.
<B>Ladron:</B> Why is that?
<B>Miner:</B> You've got to hide the workmen then the workmanship. We haven't seen that since quite a while back. Thirty or forty years. There was one fella, who was Guildmaster here for a while. He had himself a hidey hole down there.
<B>Ladron:</B> He died?
<B>Miner:</B> He left.
<B>Ladron:</B> Do you know of any others?
<B>Miner:</B> Well, I wasn't around, but I heard about it later...
<B>Ladron:</B> Yeah, I've heard some stories about the previous Guildmaster.
<B>Miner:</B> Oh, like what?
<B>Ladron:</B> Like he was maybe a minotaur..?
<B>Miner:</B> We've got some minotaur workers here.
<B>Ladron:</B> Good workers then...
<B>Miner:</B> Well, they're strong, but not very bright.
<B>Ladron:</B> Are there lots of minotaurs around?
<B>Miner:</B> Oh, there are a few dozen around...
<B>Ladron:</B> Are they slaves?
<B>Miner:</B> Miners like us. Some slaves, some indentured.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<H2> Into the Mine </H2>
That evening, the party heads to the mines disguised as workers. As they approach the mines, they can see that all of the light sources in the mines are magical. The guards examine the party's passes and let them pass through.
The party wanders until there is no one around. Estus casts Find the Path, targetting Jadoran's vault. They end up walking into a section on the second level which looks as though no one has passed through in a while. Eventually, Estus' spell leads him straight into a wall. He continues on and walks right through the wall. Upon closer inspection, the wall appears to be a well-crafted illusion. Estus puts on the Golden Cloak and bathes the chamber in light, but the light does not penetrate the illusionary wall. Estus takes a few minutes to memorize a Wall of Stone and seals the entrance with a real stone wall flush with the illusion.
Walking a little further, the party smells like something died here a while ago. As the party proceeds further, there are ten bodies lying dead. The bodies are pierced by about 60 different steel rods protruding from the floor, walls, and ceiling. Kha'Narek quickly goes through the trap (Escape Artist skill). Meanwhile, the rest of the party slowly maneuvers their way through.
Several corridors later, Estus leads the party down a hallway. He reaches up and press a certain spot on the wall and keeps walking. Ladron examines the switch and doesn't find the trap. He looks again in the next five feet. Ladron finds a bunch of little small holes that release a gas or a liquid. He expects that this trap is turned off until it is turned on again.
The party continues following Estus until he reaches a dead-end corridor. Estus pushes on four different spots on the wall. The door sinks in and rolls to the side. As the party goes through, Ladron finds three traps associated with it. One is likely a chemical distribution system, one a spring loaded projection, and the third is magical.
At this point, it seems less like a mining tunnel and more finished. The Find the Path leads up to and stops at a large iron door. Estus casts Clairvoyance to see on the other side of the door. Just on the other side of the door, it looks to be some kind of complex mechanical apparatus. Ladron examines the door (Take 10) and is certain there is at least one mechanical trap that involve collapsing the tunnel around the party. After some effort, Ladron is unable to safely disarm the trap. Estus suggests using the Etherealness spell to continue.
Beyond the iron door, the corridor continues for 30 more feet and then gradually opens up. Then it becomes a rounded area. As they enter the room, they spot four figures (perhaps living beings? perhaps statues?) facing towards the entrance. Mercator moves closer but it is difficult to tell what they are. There appears to be a shaft below one of the figurines that leads down. Upon closer inspection, there appears to be another chamber below this room.
As they move down the shaft, there appears to be something right at the edge of the party's vision (60') looks to be someone there. The parties sees that it is two figures holding hands. One appears to be a minotaur. There is a gash across his throat from ear to ear. The other is a horrific looking woman whose face is twisted in a permanent scream as though she has been drowned. The horrific sight of the two figures (a ghost and a banshee) causes damage to the party (the entire party fails the first save, losing STR, DEX, and CON, and all but two fail the second save, losing the same stats again).
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
<P>
Jadoran of Minos, One Minotaur Ghost Rogue <BR /> Caleata, One Elf Banshee Sorceress (?)
</P>
<P>
<B>Base Experience:</B> Deferred
</P>