Blingdenstone, the City of Speaking Stones Part 1:
The Eyes of the Tiger
Dramatis Personae:
Thecker Powdercraft, the Deep Gnome Wererat Gunslinger and Inquisitor of Bahamut
Lady Claire Thundersword, the Human Wererat Swordcaptain of the Purple Dragon Knights and wielder of Dawnbringer who is the only thing she trusts and has an imaginary personality in addition to the real one
Hans, Claire's Basalt Wolf Figurine
Sajin Silvertongue, the Deep Gnome Wererat Assassin who can't sneak
Mezzem, the Kobold Wererat Priestess of Bahamut
Natali, the Tiger Therinthrope Beastmaster
Yklwa, Tali's Deinonychus animal companion
Lady Claire Thundersword, the Human Wererat Swordcaptain of the Purple Dragon Knights and wielder of Dawnbringer who is the only thing she trusts and has an imaginary personality in addition to the real one
Hans, Claire's Basalt Wolf Figurine
Sajin Silvertongue, the Deep Gnome Wererat Assassin who can't sneak
Mezzem, the Kobold Wererat Priestess of Bahamut
Natali, the Tiger Therinthrope Beastmaster
Yklwa, Tali's Deinonychus animal companion
Topsy and Turvy, the Deep Gnome Wererat Rogue Twins
Comrades we have lost:
Ront, the Orc Fighter- turned into hamburger by Pwent
Buppido, the Derro- smashed by Orvald
Eldeth Feldrun, the Shield Dwarf- killed during escape
Hera Adaar, the Abyssal Tiefling Wild Sorceress- swept away
Luna Trelawny, the Human Divination Wizard- skull caved in by rock thrown by Fidget, then finished off by black pudding
Sarith Zekarit, the Drow Scout- drowned
Phillip Johnson, the Human Cleric- in a seemingly irreversible coma, left in Hemeth's care
Jim Jar, the Deep Gnome- eaten by grell
Prince Derendil, the Quaggoth- killed by sea troll
Shuushar, the "Awakened" Kuo-toa- turned into shuushi by sea troll
Hemeth, the Duergar Arms Dealer- parted with group in Gracklstugh
Thimblepwent Battlehammer, the Dwarven Battlerager Barbarian- turned into dog food
Orvald Abershaw, the Mousefolk Barbarian-became a squeaky toy last seen in Bahamutsville under Zin-carla
Zenit 'Dracon, the Drow Fighter-abandoned the party because Orvald died last seen in Bahamutsville
Lythana Belmyr, the Half-Drow Blood Hunter of Eilistraee- sacrificed to Demogorgon
Codsworth, the polite Flumph- shredded by crossbow
Zarrus, the Tiefling Favored Soul Sorcerer of Mephisto- vanished during gnoll fight
Ol' Sparky, the Deep Dragon- last seen thrown into a portal to the Abyss by a glabrezu
Aura, the Air Genasi Storm Sorceress- accidental self-vaporization (bitch blew herself up)
Kyri, the Minotaur Scout- vaporized by a jackass
Thimblepwent Battlehammer, the Dwarven Battlerager Barbarian- turned into dog food
Orvald Abershaw, the Mousefolk Barbarian-
Zenit 'Dracon, the Drow Fighter-
Lythana Belmyr, the Half-Drow Blood Hunter of Eilistraee- sacrificed to Demogorgon
Codsworth, the polite Flumph- shredded by crossbow
Zarrus, the Tiefling Favored Soul Sorcerer of Mephisto- vanished during gnoll fight
Ol' Sparky, the Deep Dragon- last seen thrown into a portal to the Abyss by a glabrezu
Aura, the Air Genasi Storm Sorceress- accidental self-vaporization (bitch blew herself up)
Kyri, the Minotaur Scout- vaporized by a jackass
Fidget Stonegear, the Deep Gnome Inventor- big badda boom
Miarielle, the Lythari Priestess of Corellon- bigger badda boom
Kazul, the Copper Dragonborn Shadow Monk of Bahamut- skull caved in by another rock from Fidget
Glabbagool, the Gelatinous Cube- stayed with the kobolds
Kara Reginleif, the Half-Valkyrie Wererat Champion from the Zhentarim who compulsively keeps everything she finds- vorpaled to pieces by demon Easter bunnies
Kazul, the Copper Dragonborn Shadow Monk of Bahamut- skull caved in by another rock from Fidget
Glabbagool, the Gelatinous Cube- stayed with the kobolds
Kara Reginleif, the Half-Valkyrie Wererat Champion from the Zhentarim who compulsively keeps everything she finds- vorpaled to pieces by demon Easter bunnies
Stool, the Myconid Child- unwilling dance partner to drunk stone giant
Rumpadump, the Myconid Child- frozen by demon Easter bunny
Friendly fire overall: 120
Party members killed: 21
Overall party members lost: 27
NOTE: Things will be mostly from Claire's perspective, anything with italics is from a third party, since the knight can't be everywhere at once.
***** Eleasias 23, 1489 DR (The Year of the Warrior Princess)
We signed on as guards on Mattock Goldscales's caravan in exchange for him bringing us to Blingdenstone. Finally we could stop walking blindly, we had a guide who knew the way- and gave way better instructions than the mephit.
That night at camp, during my watch with Tali and Thecker, we heard a gnome begin screaming. I jumped up, illuminated Dawnbringer, and bolted toward the sound. The gnome was being attacked by a jelly, and Dawnbringer sliced it up right away, saving the svirfneblin's life.
***** Eleasias 24
About halfway through today's travels we reached a crossroad, and a couple of gnomes stepped out of the walls. This place is weird. One of them introduced himself as Dasco Pickshine, who was apparently part of the family that runs the mines. Dasco asked if he could send some stuff to Blingdenstone with us, and warned us against some odd ooze attacks. He said there were a lot of them, and many of them looked different- one looked and smelled like lava. Lovely. Just what we need.
Dasco led us through the wall he'd emerged from- apparently it was an illusion- and we joined him for highsunfeast. As we ate more lizards were loaded up with the stuff Dasco wanted us to take. It was a pleasant little meal, and he proved to be interesting company- when he remembered to speak Undercommon.
We continued on our way to Blingdenstone, and after another half hour or so we heard gooey, squishy noises coming from up ahead- probably oozes. We broke off from the caravan and began moving forward to find the source of the noise. The pudding before us looked like melted white chocolate- it was probably one of the odd ones Dasco had mentioned.
Thecker opened fire on the pudding, but her bullets didn't seem to do much of anything to it. The pudding lashed out at Tali, and her flesh started melting off... not good... Tali couldn't see, her eyes were mostly melted away. Another pudding emerged and went for Thecker. Sajin stabbed it and got hit with back splash for his efforts- I doubt that did much to it. Thecker began shooting the one on her again, and seemed to really hurt it- then Turvy came in and killed it.
I hacked at the pudding on Tali with Dawnbringer, trying to block any splatter from hitting Tali; I was badly hurt in the process, but I needed to protect my helpless friend. Thecker shot it a couple of times and it vanished.
We decided to move slower for the rest of the day to keep an eye out for more oozes, and since we were so close to the city Mattock decided it would be best to just push into our normal resting time to get there that night.
Finally we arrived at the gates of Blingdenstone, and found massive 300 foot tall stairs towering over us. At the top of the stairs was a colossal metal gate that was definitely built to withstand a siege. Honestly, Cormyr could benefit from the architecture of the svirfneblins. We got the carts and lizards set up on the cart lift, and everyone started climbing the stairs. Those stairs were not built for human sized feet, and it took Tali and I three times as long as everyone else to get to the top. I had to guide my poor, blind friend up these tiny steps, while Thecker heckled us because she's a bitch.
Apparently kobolds were used as cannon fodder when the drow took Blingdenstone, and had been sent in to set off all the traps so that the drow could just get through the city without those. When she reached the top two boulders popped out of the ground- elementals- and grabbed hold of the priestess. Thecker managed to diffuse the situation by personally vouching for her, which if that means the same thing here as it does in Cormyr, it's Thecker's ass if Mezzem fucks up. It's a good thing the kobold is so mild mannered, and nothing like your typical kobold.
When Tali and I finally reached the fucking top of these damned stairs- I really wish I could fly after that obnoxious climb- the 40 foot gates opened for us, and we were led through a maze. These gnomes really were careful- I am taking notes on how Cormyr could use something like this to help protect us, it feels like we're always at war. Eventually we arrived at another gate, with two stone towers flanking it, we went through that gate into another winding tunnel.
"We left the dark tunnel behind and stepped into what looked like another world. These weren't sinister drow caverns or harsh, bare stone, but a subterranean land of warm colors and welcoming smells. The deep gnomes I saw going about their business glanced up at us with suspicion, but I instinctively understood we faced no threat here.
"One of the guards escorting us abandoned his severe frown to give a deep nod as he prompted us past the inner gate. 'Welcome to Blingdenstone, travelers.'"* We decided the first place we needed to go was Thecker's home, so we could drop crap off. The tunnels were tight and unpleasant, especially since I was still acting as Tali's guide. Those shrinking mushrooms would have been useful here, too bad they were on Clover when she blew up. We dropped off our first bags, and headed back to the gates to begin unloading our lizards. Thecker suggested we stop at the temple first to see if the clerics there could help Tali.
The temple in Blingdenstone was called the Ruby in the Rough, and is dedicated to the svirfneblin god of earth and nature: Segojan Earthcaller. The cleric who seemed to be running things was young and jumpy, and introduced himself to us as Glyphic Shroomlight. Unfortunately for Tali, Glyphic was too inexperienced to regenerate her eyes. He suggested we go to the Diggermattocks about that, they might have the resources to help m friend.
Our next stop was Fidget's house, and he was even more disorganized than I had thought. That place requires some archaeologists or something. Thecker managed to get herself trapped in the damn room, and it took forever for us to get her free. We were tired, and just wanted to be done, so we decided to get the lizards back to Thecker's house using Tali's armor. I took the armor since I can move faster than her, and we smuggled all of our pack lizards back- this saved us from having to carrying all those bags individually.
When we finally finished that, we went to the Foaming Mug and got good and drunk. We were finally done with traveling for a little while, I hoped, and would get a brief respite before heading to the surface.
***** Eleasias 25
Right after morningfeast we headed over the the Diggermattocks to find out if they could help Tali. The Diggermattocks were the ones who led the expedition to reclaim Blingdenstone, and were essentially the rulers of the city. Their home was clearly a makeshift palace, and I knew as we approached that I needed to enter court mode. I couldn't lead our conversation because I knew they'd listen better to Thecker. I just hoped nobody ran their mouth and got us in trouble.
"Two dozen or so occupy this well-lit cavern, some moving briskly with messenger pouches in hand while others huddle around several stone tables covered in maps and other papers, talking in hushed, serious tones. The back of the room was dominated by a dais carved from the rock of the cavern, atop which rest two stone desks facing each other. Two svirfneblin- one male, one female- sat behind the desks, conferring with advisers and each other. They turned their attention to us as we entered."* Dorbo and Senni Diggermattock greeted us, and were very interested in our adventures and the trials we faced to get here.
We told them about that weird elemental circle the basilisks were in, they said the Stoneheart Enclave had been looking for something like that. While it was clear they weren't sure if they believed our story about the circle, they said they'd investigate it. After hearing our story about Seymour they were intrigued by us, and asked us for assistance on a few matters in the city.
Dorbo told us there was a group of "vermin" that had taken over some of the old living quarters, and the House Center. He called them the Goldwhiskers, and from his description, they sounded like wererats; internally I was snickering about the irony of him ranting about the wererats while surrounded by them. Dorbo said they said they had been living in Blingdenstone since after the fall. He wanted them all exterminated, but Senni interjected that she would be fine with a parley. She said that even the Goldwhiskers were descendants of Blingdenstone's citizens and they had every right to rejoin the svirfneblin community. Since she was the political voice of the city, we opted for her desire to parley.
The Diggermattocks also told us that they believed there was some sort of monster or magic in the unclaimed settlement that was responsible for the ooze attacks. We were tasked with tracking the oozes and figuring out what was causing the increase in attacks. I suppose it's a good thing Glabbagool went with the kobolds, he would have probably gotten a worse reception than Mezzem.
They said if we helped them with these things they would help us get to the surface, but right now they were too taxed from so many threats surrounding the city. I hoped they would follow through, I miss the sun.
Once we had finished up with them, we headed to the Trader's Grotto, the marketplace. Hopefully we'll find something that can help Tali, and something that'll regrow my fingers- holding a shield is almost impossible right now. The twins had to deliver some gems to a gnome named Kazook Pickshine, they had been given these for delivery back in Gracklstugh apparently. They found him quickly and made their delivery. Before we could really look around, a bell sounded and "the deep gnomes around us all drew weapons and retreated as I saw a guard stumble back, then rise up in the air. A strange shimmer around him revealed the surface of the gelatinous cube that engulfed him."*
Thecker was closest to the cube, and as she ran at it, she almost ran into a second one. She skidded to a stop in front of it and plunged her sword into its gooey mass. Mezzem released a bolt of radiant energy at it that slightly illuminated it, and Turvy came in behind her, shooting his crossbow straight through it, leaving a hole in it. Sajin finished that one off, leaving us with the cube that held the guard. I propped Tali up against a pillar and told Yklwa to guard her, then I hurried up to the cube and slashed at it with Dawnbringer... I lost my grip on her and she fell into the damned cube. To make matters worse, the fucking cube slide onto me and I was now submerged in the acidic goo. It seemed to move for Thecker too, but the bitch dodged.
Another fucking cube appeared and Thecker blasted the hell out of it, then Mezzem finished it off with a burst of radiant light. I managed to scramble out of the damned cube that held me, and stabbed it with my Thundersword, accidentally hitting the guard too... I think I killed him... The cube slithered forward again, moving to Mezzem and Thecker- both of them dodged out of the way, but Turvy was caught by it. Thecker plunged her sword into it, and hit Turvy in the process. Mezzem pulled the guard out of the cube, while Turvy scrambled out of it. In the chaos someone finished it off, but we were too late to save the poor guard. I retrieved Dawnbringer.
The gnomes seemed impressed by us, and Thecker attempted to use that to our advantage in getting a regeneration item for Tali. She found one merchant who was acting shifty about it, and was charged through the nose for a pair of earrings that would fix Tali's eyes. I hoped that once her eyes were back, I'd be able to use them to regrow my fingers- though her sight came first. Being her guide was difficult, though we were becoming good friends as a result.
Even though the merchants seemed impressed by us, none of them were willing to even acknowledge Mezzem, until she told Thecker. She ended up finding a blade that slays dragons.
I found a merchant who had just sat down for second breakfast, and invited me to join him. We had a delightful conversation, and at the end of it he produced a beautiful mace. He called it the Rod of Lordly Might, and showed me its features. This mace could turn into a flame tongue, a spear, a battle axe, battering ram, ladder, and a compass. He said it could also drain someone's life force, paralyze someone, and terrify a group of people. If I wanted it I had to give up Dawnbringer, but he guaranteed she'd be on the surface by the end of the tenday if I did. I discussed it with her, and she really wanted to go to the surface sooner than I was getting there, and that rod would greatly help me. I was giving up my best friend, but I knew she would be safe and getting to where she needed to be. He also gave me a potion of longevity, and I got several years younger! I still needed a couple more potions to get closer to my actual age, but this was still better than before.
We decided to wait until Tali could see before we went to take care of any of the tasks the Diggermattocks had given us.
***** Eleasias 26
Since we were stuck waiting for Tali's eyes, we went to the Cave of Clatter today to commission some equipment. I ordered a chain from a smith called Dwarvenforge, so that I'd stop losing my weapon.
***** Eleasias 27
We picked up our stuff from the smith today, and instead of payment, Dwarvenforge asked me to deliver a box to his kin in Gauntlgrym. He also made a casting to create a
That night when we went to the Foaming Mug, there was a huge gathering in full swing, Tali jumped on the drums, apparently she didn't need to see to drum. There were also some interesting rumors floating around- about an influx of surface coins in Gracklstugh, some dancing myconids who talked about an upcoming wedding, the ghost problem in Blingdenstone was getting worse, the Stoneheart Enclave was closing on a solution to Ogremoch's Bane, and that some insane gnome who had disappeared during the beginnings of the reclamation had been seen near the unclaimed areas of Blingdenstone. Apparently a lot of stuff was happening in this city.
***** Eleasias 28
This morning Tali could see white lights, she was getting closer to sight! Hopefully in another day or so we'd be able to go do something other than shopping or drinking.
Toward the end of the day a mine collapsed, and Mezzem offered her services to clear it.
***** Eleasias 29
Tali can finally see! We could finally set out to do something! We decided to deal with the Goldwhiskers first, but the tunnel we needed was- of course- the one that collapsed yesterday. There was a back entrance through the Reception Hall that would take us to them. The guards made a point to stress that there was no aid beyond those doors for us, which we understood. It was time to meet the wererats.
Friendly fire overall: 120
Party members killed: 21
Overall party members lost: 27
NOTE: Things will be mostly from Claire's perspective, anything with italics is from a third party, since the knight can't be everywhere at once.
***** Eleasias 23, 1489 DR (The Year of the Warrior Princess)
We signed on as guards on Mattock Goldscales's caravan in exchange for him bringing us to Blingdenstone. Finally we could stop walking blindly, we had a guide who knew the way- and gave way better instructions than the mephit.
That night at camp, during my watch with Tali and Thecker, we heard a gnome begin screaming. I jumped up, illuminated Dawnbringer, and bolted toward the sound. The gnome was being attacked by a jelly, and Dawnbringer sliced it up right away, saving the svirfneblin's life.
***** Eleasias 24
About halfway through today's travels we reached a crossroad, and a couple of gnomes stepped out of the walls. This place is weird. One of them introduced himself as Dasco Pickshine, who was apparently part of the family that runs the mines. Dasco asked if he could send some stuff to Blingdenstone with us, and warned us against some odd ooze attacks. He said there were a lot of them, and many of them looked different- one looked and smelled like lava. Lovely. Just what we need.
Dasco led us through the wall he'd emerged from- apparently it was an illusion- and we joined him for highsunfeast. As we ate more lizards were loaded up with the stuff Dasco wanted us to take. It was a pleasant little meal, and he proved to be interesting company- when he remembered to speak Undercommon.
We continued on our way to Blingdenstone, and after another half hour or so we heard gooey, squishy noises coming from up ahead- probably oozes. We broke off from the caravan and began moving forward to find the source of the noise. The pudding before us looked like melted white chocolate- it was probably one of the odd ones Dasco had mentioned.
Thecker opened fire on the pudding, but her bullets didn't seem to do much of anything to it. The pudding lashed out at Tali, and her flesh started melting off... not good... Tali couldn't see, her eyes were mostly melted away. Another pudding emerged and went for Thecker. Sajin stabbed it and got hit with back splash for his efforts- I doubt that did much to it. Thecker began shooting the one on her again, and seemed to really hurt it- then Turvy came in and killed it.
I hacked at the pudding on Tali with Dawnbringer, trying to block any splatter from hitting Tali; I was badly hurt in the process, but I needed to protect my helpless friend. Thecker shot it a couple of times and it vanished.
We decided to move slower for the rest of the day to keep an eye out for more oozes, and since we were so close to the city Mattock decided it would be best to just push into our normal resting time to get there that night.
Finally we arrived at the gates of Blingdenstone, and found massive 300 foot tall stairs towering over us. At the top of the stairs was a colossal metal gate that was definitely built to withstand a siege. Honestly, Cormyr could benefit from the architecture of the svirfneblins. We got the carts and lizards set up on the cart lift, and everyone started climbing the stairs. Those stairs were not built for human sized feet, and it took Tali and I three times as long as everyone else to get to the top. I had to guide my poor, blind friend up these tiny steps, while Thecker heckled us because she's a bitch.
Apparently kobolds were used as cannon fodder when the drow took Blingdenstone, and had been sent in to set off all the traps so that the drow could just get through the city without those. When she reached the top two boulders popped out of the ground- elementals- and grabbed hold of the priestess. Thecker managed to diffuse the situation by personally vouching for her, which if that means the same thing here as it does in Cormyr, it's Thecker's ass if Mezzem fucks up. It's a good thing the kobold is so mild mannered, and nothing like your typical kobold.
When Tali and I finally reached the fucking top of these damned stairs- I really wish I could fly after that obnoxious climb- the 40 foot gates opened for us, and we were led through a maze. These gnomes really were careful- I am taking notes on how Cormyr could use something like this to help protect us, it feels like we're always at war. Eventually we arrived at another gate, with two stone towers flanking it, we went through that gate into another winding tunnel.
"We left the dark tunnel behind and stepped into what looked like another world. These weren't sinister drow caverns or harsh, bare stone, but a subterranean land of warm colors and welcoming smells. The deep gnomes I saw going about their business glanced up at us with suspicion, but I instinctively understood we faced no threat here.
"One of the guards escorting us abandoned his severe frown to give a deep nod as he prompted us past the inner gate. 'Welcome to Blingdenstone, travelers.'"* We decided the first place we needed to go was Thecker's home, so we could drop crap off. The tunnels were tight and unpleasant, especially since I was still acting as Tali's guide. Those shrinking mushrooms would have been useful here, too bad they were on Clover when she blew up. We dropped off our first bags, and headed back to the gates to begin unloading our lizards. Thecker suggested we stop at the temple first to see if the clerics there could help Tali.
The temple in Blingdenstone was called the Ruby in the Rough, and is dedicated to the svirfneblin god of earth and nature: Segojan Earthcaller. The cleric who seemed to be running things was young and jumpy, and introduced himself to us as Glyphic Shroomlight. Unfortunately for Tali, Glyphic was too inexperienced to regenerate her eyes. He suggested we go to the Diggermattocks about that, they might have the resources to help m friend.
Our next stop was Fidget's house, and he was even more disorganized than I had thought. That place requires some archaeologists or something. Thecker managed to get herself trapped in the damn room, and it took forever for us to get her free. We were tired, and just wanted to be done, so we decided to get the lizards back to Thecker's house using Tali's armor. I took the armor since I can move faster than her, and we smuggled all of our pack lizards back- this saved us from having to carrying all those bags individually.
When we finally finished that, we went to the Foaming Mug and got good and drunk. We were finally done with traveling for a little while, I hoped, and would get a brief respite before heading to the surface.
***** Eleasias 25
Right after morningfeast we headed over the the Diggermattocks to find out if they could help Tali. The Diggermattocks were the ones who led the expedition to reclaim Blingdenstone, and were essentially the rulers of the city. Their home was clearly a makeshift palace, and I knew as we approached that I needed to enter court mode. I couldn't lead our conversation because I knew they'd listen better to Thecker. I just hoped nobody ran their mouth and got us in trouble.
"Two dozen or so occupy this well-lit cavern, some moving briskly with messenger pouches in hand while others huddle around several stone tables covered in maps and other papers, talking in hushed, serious tones. The back of the room was dominated by a dais carved from the rock of the cavern, atop which rest two stone desks facing each other. Two svirfneblin- one male, one female- sat behind the desks, conferring with advisers and each other. They turned their attention to us as we entered."* Dorbo and Senni Diggermattock greeted us, and were very interested in our adventures and the trials we faced to get here.
We told them about that weird elemental circle the basilisks were in, they said the Stoneheart Enclave had been looking for something like that. While it was clear they weren't sure if they believed our story about the circle, they said they'd investigate it. After hearing our story about Seymour they were intrigued by us, and asked us for assistance on a few matters in the city.
Dorbo told us there was a group of "vermin" that had taken over some of the old living quarters, and the House Center. He called them the Goldwhiskers, and from his description, they sounded like wererats; internally I was snickering about the irony of him ranting about the wererats while surrounded by them. Dorbo said they said they had been living in Blingdenstone since after the fall. He wanted them all exterminated, but Senni interjected that she would be fine with a parley. She said that even the Goldwhiskers were descendants of Blingdenstone's citizens and they had every right to rejoin the svirfneblin community. Since she was the political voice of the city, we opted for her desire to parley.
The Diggermattocks also told us that they believed there was some sort of monster or magic in the unclaimed settlement that was responsible for the ooze attacks. We were tasked with tracking the oozes and figuring out what was causing the increase in attacks. I suppose it's a good thing Glabbagool went with the kobolds, he would have probably gotten a worse reception than Mezzem.
They said if we helped them with these things they would help us get to the surface, but right now they were too taxed from so many threats surrounding the city. I hoped they would follow through, I miss the sun.
Once we had finished up with them, we headed to the Trader's Grotto, the marketplace. Hopefully we'll find something that can help Tali, and something that'll regrow my fingers- holding a shield is almost impossible right now. The twins had to deliver some gems to a gnome named Kazook Pickshine, they had been given these for delivery back in Gracklstugh apparently. They found him quickly and made their delivery. Before we could really look around, a bell sounded and "the deep gnomes around us all drew weapons and retreated as I saw a guard stumble back, then rise up in the air. A strange shimmer around him revealed the surface of the gelatinous cube that engulfed him."*
Thecker was closest to the cube, and as she ran at it, she almost ran into a second one. She skidded to a stop in front of it and plunged her sword into its gooey mass. Mezzem released a bolt of radiant energy at it that slightly illuminated it, and Turvy came in behind her, shooting his crossbow straight through it, leaving a hole in it. Sajin finished that one off, leaving us with the cube that held the guard. I propped Tali up against a pillar and told Yklwa to guard her, then I hurried up to the cube and slashed at it with Dawnbringer... I lost my grip on her and she fell into the damned cube. To make matters worse, the fucking cube slide onto me and I was now submerged in the acidic goo. It seemed to move for Thecker too, but the bitch dodged.
Another fucking cube appeared and Thecker blasted the hell out of it, then Mezzem finished it off with a burst of radiant light. I managed to scramble out of the damned cube that held me, and stabbed it with my Thundersword, accidentally hitting the guard too... I think I killed him... The cube slithered forward again, moving to Mezzem and Thecker- both of them dodged out of the way, but Turvy was caught by it. Thecker plunged her sword into it, and hit Turvy in the process. Mezzem pulled the guard out of the cube, while Turvy scrambled out of it. In the chaos someone finished it off, but we were too late to save the poor guard. I retrieved Dawnbringer.
The gnomes seemed impressed by us, and Thecker attempted to use that to our advantage in getting a regeneration item for Tali. She found one merchant who was acting shifty about it, and was charged through the nose for a pair of earrings that would fix Tali's eyes. I hoped that once her eyes were back, I'd be able to use them to regrow my fingers- though her sight came first. Being her guide was difficult, though we were becoming good friends as a result.
Even though the merchants seemed impressed by us, none of them were willing to even acknowledge Mezzem, until she told Thecker. She ended up finding a blade that slays dragons.
I found a merchant who had just sat down for second breakfast, and invited me to join him. We had a delightful conversation, and at the end of it he produced a beautiful mace. He called it the Rod of Lordly Might, and showed me its features. This mace could turn into a flame tongue, a spear, a battle axe, battering ram, ladder, and a compass. He said it could also drain someone's life force, paralyze someone, and terrify a group of people. If I wanted it I had to give up Dawnbringer, but he guaranteed she'd be on the surface by the end of the tenday if I did. I discussed it with her, and she really wanted to go to the surface sooner than I was getting there, and that rod would greatly help me. I was giving up my best friend, but I knew she would be safe and getting to where she needed to be. He also gave me a potion of longevity, and I got several years younger! I still needed a couple more potions to get closer to my actual age, but this was still better than before.
We decided to wait until Tali could see before we went to take care of any of the tasks the Diggermattocks had given us.
***** Eleasias 26
Since we were stuck waiting for Tali's eyes, we went to the Cave of Clatter today to commission some equipment. I ordered a chain from a smith called Dwarvenforge, so that I'd stop losing my weapon.
***** Eleasias 27
We picked up our stuff from the smith today, and instead of payment, Dwarvenforge asked me to deliver a box to his kin in Gauntlgrym. He also made a casting to create a
That night when we went to the Foaming Mug, there was a huge gathering in full swing, Tali jumped on the drums, apparently she didn't need to see to drum. There were also some interesting rumors floating around- about an influx of surface coins in Gracklstugh, some dancing myconids who talked about an upcoming wedding, the ghost problem in Blingdenstone was getting worse, the Stoneheart Enclave was closing on a solution to Ogremoch's Bane, and that some insane gnome who had disappeared during the beginnings of the reclamation had been seen near the unclaimed areas of Blingdenstone. Apparently a lot of stuff was happening in this city.
***** Eleasias 28
This morning Tali could see white lights, she was getting closer to sight! Hopefully in another day or so we'd be able to go do something other than shopping or drinking.
Toward the end of the day a mine collapsed, and Mezzem offered her services to clear it.
***** Eleasias 29
Tali can finally see! We could finally set out to do something! We decided to deal with the Goldwhiskers first, but the tunnel we needed was- of course- the one that collapsed yesterday. There was a back entrance through the Reception Hall that would take us to them. The guards made a point to stress that there was no aid beyond those doors for us, which we understood. It was time to meet the wererats.
 |
| Photo from Out of the Abyss Adventure Module by Wizards of the Coast |
 |
| Photo from Out of the Abyss Adventure Module by Wizards of the Coast
*Author's note: Many of the events, locations and characters that occur in this story are from the Out of the Abyss Adventure Module by Wizards of the Coast. Anything with an asterisk next to it is a quote from the book.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment