Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is LIVE! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
A Six-Fold Tale: The Map of Mynares
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Insight" data-source="post: 5204604" data-attributes="member: 11437"><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em>Our story begins in the Lowervain city of Paralane, on 17 Wanderlust, in the 403rd year of the Imperial Reckoning... </em></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: gold">Challenge 1: "Streetwise"</span></strong></p><p>In this part of the skill challenge, Syl (and those she recruits) must find out more about the old map, gather allies willing to pursue what's found on the map, and keep the map's existence and contents safe from prying eyes.</p><p></p><p><u>Skills</u>: Diplomacy, History, Religion, Streetwise.</p><p></p><p><em>5 successes before 3 failures</em></p><p></p><p><u>Decision Point - Success</u>: Syl finds allies willing to pursue the map and what secrets it holds. They are willing to share whatever loot is found and give Syl a "double share" for finding the map in the first place. Neither the <strong>Thieves' Guild</strong> nor the <strong>City Watch</strong> are made aware of the map's existence.</p><p><u>Decision Point - Failure</u>: Syl finds allies willing the pursue the map but insist on sharing the loot equally. Either the Thieves' Guild or the City Watch (or both) learn of the map's existence and are in pursuit of Syl and her allies.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Game Notes]<u>Note</u>: Failure in this part of the skill challenge results in a -2 penalty applied to every skill check made in Challenge 2: "Dungeoneering".[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><u>Results</u>:</p><p>New in Paralane, Syl finds the city a bewildering place. She barely understands the language and knows that she must interact with Shinn and others who also may not understand her. Thus, Syl comes up with the idea to find someone who knows both Shinn-tongue and the Vyntari dialect. It makes sense to Syl to hang around the academic parts of Paralane and see if she can either find a native Vyntari speaking Shinn-tongue or anyone speaking Vyntari.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Game Notes - Streetwise Skill Check]Syn gets a total of 16 on her Streetwise check, which is barely enough to beat the DC.</p><p></p><p>1 Success versus 0 Failures[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Syl comes upon <strong>Gaius Lanster</strong>, owner of an illumination house nearby.</p><p></p><p>"Pardon me, sirrah," Syl says once Lanster has finished his conversation with some potential customers. "Might I trouble you for some assistance?"</p><p></p><p>The older man finds Syl's stilted language interested and detects her not-so-well hidden Vyntari accent. "You're far from home, young lady."</p><p></p><p>Syl feels a little more comfortable, now that she no longer needs to maintain a charade about her origins. She is well aware that Vyntari are not necessarily welcome in Shinn lands. "Yes," she says. "Might you know of a translator I could hire?"</p><p></p><p>"Your command of our dialect isn't bad."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, but... it would be easier."</p><p></p><p>Lanster looks around the square. "Unfortunately, I am far too busy to aid you. I happen to own a scrivner and illumination business, however, and I'm certain that someone in my employ could aid you. Come with me."</p><p></p><p>Lanster leads Syl to the illumination house, where the young Vyntari pickpocket passes many scribes and artists hard at work at calligraphy or illustration, working on books that will eventually sell for well more money than Syl had ever seen in one place.</p><p></p><p>Lanster takes Syl to a room upstairs, wherein a single elf of the Vanth persuasion reads through scrolls. "Perhaps he can help you," Lanster says. "Vas?"</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil Lethandris, seeing Syl standing in the doorway, rises to his full height and clears his throat. "Well met, young lady," he says. The elf is about to tell his master something, but Lanster vanishes. "What can I do for you?"</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Game Notes - Diplomacy Skill Check]Vastyrnil makes a Diplomacy check to aid Syl and scores a 19, enough to give Syl a +2 bonus on her check. For her part, Syl gets a 21 total, which is well more than enough to beat the DC.</p><p></p><p>2 Successes versus 0 Failures[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>"Look, you seem like a scholarly type and a nice enough elf," Syl says. "I... I have this map I found. Could I show it to you? Can you promise not to tell anyone what it says?"</p><p></p><p>"Of course," Vastyrnil replies, sensing some urgency from the young Vyntari woman.</p><p></p><p>Syl unfurls the map, gently, and shows it to the elf. "I can't make any sense of it. I just know that this is a <em>treasure map</em> and I want to find out where it leads."</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil swiftly closes the door and whispers, "You must take care! My master is a member of the Thieves Guild. If he overheard such a thing..."</p><p></p><p>"He looks like an academic to me."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, well... " the elf says. "Looks can be deceiving. Let's have a look at this map."</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Game Notes - History Skill Check]Syl makes a History check to aid Vastyrnil's check and gets a 1. No bonus from her terrible roll! Luckily, Vastyrnil doesn't need it as he gets a 22 on his own History check, well more than enough to beat the DC.</p><p></p><p>3 Successes versus 0 Failures[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil and Syl spent an hour trying to decipher the map. While Syl has no idea regarding the map, the Vanth elf makes several translations and notes.</p><p></p><p>"We must discuss this further," Vastyrnil says. "Somewhere else. There is a tavern down by the docks. It's safe enough. The Thieves Guild has declared the place off-limits. I'm not sure what that means, but perhaps we'll have less prying eyes and ears."</p><p></p><p>Syl agrees and meets Vastyrnil at the Tackle Box in an hour.</p><p></p><p>The Tackle Box is teeming with rowdy looking types; nothing more than Syl had dealt with in Vor-Blaan, but the patrons were certainly no one with whom the elf would gladly associate. Still, the place is so busy that no one pays any attention to the conversation taking place between a young Vyntari woman and a Vanth elf. The manage to find a table with perhaps a bit of privacy.</p><p></p><p>"One thing that I can reveal," Vas says. "I believe that the location of the entrance to place described on your map is a place called the Well of Mynares. I believe that the Well of Mynares is right here in Paralane!"</p><p></p><p>"That's good news," Syl replies. "So, now what?"</p><p></p><p>"I suspect that such a place may be guarded. In addition, there are many notes on this map that I cannot read. They are in the dwarf script."</p><p></p><p>Syl sours. "I don't suppose you have any friends who read dwarvish."</p><p></p><p>"I do not. It is possible, however, that we could find a dwarf willing to help us."</p><p></p><p>"Us?" Syl asks with a bit of a smile.</p><p></p><p>"Well... uh.... " the elf stammers. "You know, I was thinking... " </p><p></p><p>"I know what you were thinking, elf. Do you think I need help finding the entrance?"</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil studies Syl's face, or at least, what can be seen of her face above the electric blue scarf she wears. Is she toying with Vastyrnil, or does she have serious concerns? "Yes," the elf eventually answers. "Even if I were to accompany you, there is the possibility that our combined skills would not be enough. Especially if this is a treasure horde, as you seem to assume."</p><p></p><p>"What skills do you think I have?"</p><p></p><p>Again, Vas studies Syl. She obviously acquired this map from <em>somewhere</em>, possibly through larceny or adventuring. "I am going to hazard a guess that you possess certain... skills of acquisition, to be gentle about it."</p><p></p><p>"And I'm going to guess that you're more than some boring scribe," Syl counters. "Now that we have <em>that</em> out of the way..."</p><p></p><p>"We are still going to need a dwarf," the elf points out. "Perhaps one in a bit of a desperate state."</p><p></p><p>"What makes you say that?"</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil looks around the crowded tavern. "Dwarves tend to stick together. I realize that they have their own little factions and whatnot, but, in the final analysis, it's dwarves against everyone else. We need to find a dwarf desperate enough not to tell his friends. We need to keep this as quiet as we can."</p><p></p><p>"Also," Vas says before Syl can leave the table. "My notes and research suggests that this Well of Mynares is located somewhere near the jail. Understandably, I am a bit concerned about sneaking around in the part of town."</p><p></p><p>"I'll keep it in mind," Syl replies. "Let's split up and look for some desperate dwarves."</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Game Notes - Combined Diplomacy and Streetwise Checks]For this stage, both Syl and Vastyrnil will make their own skill checks. Both must be successful in order to get a Success for the skill challenge.</p><p></p><p>Syl makes a Streetwise check and scores a 12. Not enough to beat the DC.</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil makes a Diplomacy check and also scores a 12. </p><p></p><p>3 Successes versus 1 Failure[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil finds a pair of dwarves, twin brothers, who are very drunk and very angry. Vas recognizes one of them as a priest and wonders if this fellow, once sober, might be a good candidate to help with the map. The elf summons Syl, but she is unable to convince the dwarves to do more than rail at the "whores who took their gold".</p><p></p><p>"We should watch them anyway," Vas suggests, to which Syl nods in agreement.</p><p></p><p>And watch the dwarves Syl and Vas do, until the dwarves exit the Tackle Box and start wandering down the street towards the pier. Syl notices a young man, armed with a battle axe and shield, follow the dwarves out the door. </p><p></p><p>"What do you suppose is going on there?" Syl asks her elven friend.</p><p></p><p>"Can't say I'm entirely sure, but if we want those dwarves to aid us, they likely won't be able to do so dead."</p><p></p><p>Vas and Syl quickly exit the Tackle Box and, spying the pair of dwarves several blocks away and the Shinn in pursuit, are careful not to reveal themselves to either party.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Game Notes - Combined Stealth and Diplomacy Checks]Syl and Vas must first make Stealth checks to remain hidden from their quarry. If that is successful, they must see what happens and intervene if necessary. All of these checks must be successful in order to get a Success for the skill challenge.</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil is going to aid Syl's Stealth check as a group check. Vas scored a 15 on his Stealth, which is enough to give Syl a +2 bonus. Syl get a 24 for her Stealth result, which is enough to beat the DC for an unlisted skill.</p><p></p><p>The elf takes the lead on the Diplomacy check. Syl attempts to aid, but only gets a 9 on her own Diplomacy check. Luckily, Vas gets a 15 on his Diplomacy, which hits the DC exactly.</p><p></p><p>4 Successes versus 1 Failure[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Vas and Syl pursue, using cover where possible. The man with the axe doesn't seem to be "hunting" the dwarves as much as watching them. The dwarves drunkenly wander onto an abandoned pier. Syl and Vas can hear them bemoaning their existence, their voices obviously still fully influenced by drink.</p><p></p><p>As the axe man approaches the dwarves, Vas gives Syl a glance and then presents himself. "What's going on here, then?"</p><p></p><p>The man with the axe turns to see Vas. "None of yer business, elf."</p><p></p><p>"Those dwarves seem highly inebriated," Vastyrnil points out.</p><p></p><p>"No kidding."</p><p></p><p>"You're not here... to kill them, are you?"</p><p></p><p>The man looks down at his axe. "Man who owns the Tackle Box, he's a friend of mine. Asked me to watch out for them. This isn't the safest neighborhood, you know."</p><p></p><p>Vas smiles. "Indeed."</p><p></p><p>"I'm Hamil," the man with the axe says. "Those two are twin brothers, Jhani and Thalnek. Named for the dwarf heroes, if you didn't know."</p><p></p><p>"I have to confess I'm not as apprised of dwarven history as perhaps I should be," Vastyrnil confesses. "In fact..."</p><p></p><p>The dwarves stumble forward. "What's all this?" Jhani says. "An elf an' a Shinn followin' us. Brudder, you know anythin' 'bout this?" Thalnek waddles behind his twin, saying nothing.</p><p></p><p>As Syl watches this play out, she also keeps an eye on the dark streets. It's quiet here at the docks. Maybe a little too quiet. After a time, Syl thinks she sees someone watching. She signals her elf friend.</p><p></p><p>Vas looks over at Syl. "Listen, fellows," he says. "I have to admit that we're missing a party here. My friend, over there, do you see her?"</p><p></p><p>Hamil and Jhani nod in the affirmative.</p><p></p><p>"I suspect she's signalling me. Perhaps some unsavory individuals would like to make our acquaintence. I'd rather they didn't."</p><p></p><p>"Lissen, elf," Thalnek says. "Why you and that broad followin' us, then?"</p><p></p><p>"That is a matter of some importance," Vas replies. "I dare say that I'm a bit embarassed to admit this now, in your state, fair dwarves, but Syl and I need your help."</p><p></p><p>Jhani gives Vas a sideways glance. "What's an elf need with a pair of drunken dwarves?"</p><p></p><p>Syl begins to signal more urgently.</p><p></p><p>"All right," Vas says. "How about we have this conversation somewhere a little more private?"</p><p></p><p>All parties agreed, Vastyrnil and Syl lead Hamil, Jhani, and Thalnek to the elf's apartment, located in the academic district.</p><p></p><p>As soon as Syl was certain that the group wasn't followed, Vastyrnil ushers everyone inside. The elf's apartment isn't much more than a place for him to sleep. No artwork or other adornments one normally attributes to elves are evident. The place is practically bare.</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil unfurls the map Syl had brought him. "See the dwarven runes there... and there?"</p><p></p><p>Jhani Grudgeborn, the priest, leans forward. "Yes. Directions. Somewhere here in Paralane." Thalnek, lurching forward, grunts in agreement.</p><p></p><p>"That's what I figured," Vas replies. "And where might this map lead us?"</p><p></p><p>"Hold on," Thalnek says. "You want our help, elf? Gotta give sumthin' to get sumthin'."</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil glances at Syl. "Fair enough. What say you, Syl?"</p><p></p><p>Syl watches the dwarves, then looks to the Shinn warrior. "This is a treasure map. This treasure, wherever it may be, is likely guarded. Maybe by traps, maybe by creatures. The scholar and I were planning to make a play for the treasure, but maybe we two aren't enough to get this done. I wonder if... "</p><p></p><p>"You want us to help you," Hamil says. "For a cut of the loot. I've heard this story before. Look, lady. I don't have much going for me. I've got no noble title. I ain't much to look at. I ain't got no land to my name or no trade-skill to ply. All I got is this axe and an iron gut. I'll have a run at yer treasure."</p><p></p><p>Syl smiles and then looks to the dwarves. "Yer problem here," Thalnek says, "Map leads unner the jail."</p><p></p><p>"As I suspected!" Vas blurts out.</p><p></p><p>Thalnek squints at the wizard. "Keep yer trap shut, longears. I ain't done. Anyhow. Yeah, unner the jail. Dunno how you think yer gettin' unner the jail."</p><p></p><p>"Brother, didn't you serve in that jail, during the occupation?" Jhani asks.</p><p></p><p>"Yeah," Thalnek replies. "Y'know, maybe I'm gettin' sober, but... seems to me that I heard tell of a tunnel or two 'neath one of the cells. Thought 'twas nuthin' but scuttle-talk."</p><p></p><p>"Perhaps you remember which cell?" Syl asks.</p><p></p><p>"Nah," Thalnek quickly replies. "Mebbe in the mornin'."</p><p></p><p>It isn't long before the dwarves nod off, using a thin rug in Vas' apartment as a bed. Hamil slumps in the corner. Vas, of course, sleeps in his own bed. Syl stays outside, remaining wary of any thieves or other parties interested in watching her or her new companions.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em>The morning of 18 Wanderlust, 403 IR...</em></span></p><p></p><p>Morning comes without incident and Thalnek still cannot recall details of the rumored tunnels beneath the Palarane jail. The group decides that they should head to the jail district and try to find out about such rumors.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Game Notes - Streetwise Group Check]The PCs are attempting a group Streetwise check. All (except Syl) will roll Streetwise as Aid Another checks. Those who hit DC 10 will give Syl a +2 bonus to her roll.</p><p></p><p>Hamil gets a result of 11.</p><p></p><p>Jhani gets a result of 14.</p><p></p><p>Thalnek gets a result of 6.</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil gets a result of 4.</p><p></p><p>And finally, Syl gains a total Aid Another bonus of +4 and scores a total of 18 on the Streetwise check.</p><p></p><p>5 Successes versus 1 Failure. </p><p></p><p>This part of the skill challenge is a SUCCESS.[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>After a time, the dwarves determine that the entrance on the map is indeed inside the jail. Leading the rest inside, Jhani and Thalnek take the group into the bottom-most subterranean level. They find a row of vacant cells, save one, occupied by a slim woman or girl, half-covered in darkness.</p><p></p><p>A lone guard watches the corridor. Syl determines that he can see most of the area, including the cell to where the dwarves have brought them. "Now what?" she asks of no one in particular.</p><p></p><p>"Entrance is in there," Thalnek says.</p><p></p><p>The prisoner stirs. "Who's there?" she asks.</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil immediately recognizes muted elven features on the prisoner's face. In the elven tongue, he asks, "Who might you be, young lady?"</p><p></p><p>The woman advances, her face brightening upon hearing the elven language. She responds in kind, "I am Lira. Lira of the Three Woods."</p><p></p><p>"And how came you to be imprisoned here?"</p><p></p><p>Lira comes to the bars and looks down the corridor at the lone guard. "I was accused of witchery."</p><p></p><p>Vas smiles. "I've been known to do some witchery in my time."</p><p></p><p>"Let's be on with this," Thalnek grumbles, annoyed with all the elf-talk.</p><p></p><p>"Fair enough," Vastyrnil replies in the human language. "We must get past this door. The dwarves have determined that the map's entrance is in that cell, somewhere."</p><p></p><p>"Wait, what?" Lira asks. "There's nothing in here but a dusty cell."</p><p></p><p>"Probably some signs," Jhani says. "Dwarves tend to leave markers when they place a secret door."</p><p></p><p>"I can assure you that... " Lira begins, but stops herself. "Wait, there are some strange scribblings over in this corner," she says wandering into said corner.</p><p></p><p>Syl whispers to Vas, "I can get us into that cell, but what about the guard?"</p><p></p><p>Lira turns. "Look, what's going on? And if it's something interesting, more interesting than rotting in this cell for even one more day, I want in."</p><p></p><p>Syl sighs. "All right. What's the difference between splitting the treasure five ways versus six?"</p><p></p><p>Vastyrnil looks at the others. "I am of the mind that, since Syl found the map in the first place, she ought to have a greater share of the treasure. Two shares, versus one for each of the rest of us. Agreed?"</p><p></p><p>Few could argue with that logic and all are ready to move on.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Game Notes]This part of the skill challenge is worth 300xp, or 50xp per PC.[/sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Insight, post: 5204604, member: 11437"] [size=3][i]Our story begins in the Lowervain city of Paralane, on 17 Wanderlust, in the 403rd year of the Imperial Reckoning... [/i][/size] [b][color=gold]Challenge 1: "Streetwise"[/color][/b] In this part of the skill challenge, Syl (and those she recruits) must find out more about the old map, gather allies willing to pursue what's found on the map, and keep the map's existence and contents safe from prying eyes. [u]Skills[/u]: Diplomacy, History, Religion, Streetwise. [i]5 successes before 3 failures[/i] [u]Decision Point - Success[/u]: Syl finds allies willing to pursue the map and what secrets it holds. They are willing to share whatever loot is found and give Syl a "double share" for finding the map in the first place. Neither the [b]Thieves' Guild[/b] nor the [b]City Watch[/b] are made aware of the map's existence. [u]Decision Point - Failure[/u]: Syl finds allies willing the pursue the map but insist on sharing the loot equally. Either the Thieves' Guild or the City Watch (or both) learn of the map's existence and are in pursuit of Syl and her allies. [sblock=Game Notes][u]Note[/u]: Failure in this part of the skill challenge results in a -2 penalty applied to every skill check made in Challenge 2: "Dungeoneering".[/sblock] [u]Results[/u]: New in Paralane, Syl finds the city a bewildering place. She barely understands the language and knows that she must interact with Shinn and others who also may not understand her. Thus, Syl comes up with the idea to find someone who knows both Shinn-tongue and the Vyntari dialect. It makes sense to Syl to hang around the academic parts of Paralane and see if she can either find a native Vyntari speaking Shinn-tongue or anyone speaking Vyntari. [sblock=Game Notes - Streetwise Skill Check]Syn gets a total of 16 on her Streetwise check, which is barely enough to beat the DC. 1 Success versus 0 Failures[/sblock] Syl comes upon [b]Gaius Lanster[/b], owner of an illumination house nearby. "Pardon me, sirrah," Syl says once Lanster has finished his conversation with some potential customers. "Might I trouble you for some assistance?" The older man finds Syl's stilted language interested and detects her not-so-well hidden Vyntari accent. "You're far from home, young lady." Syl feels a little more comfortable, now that she no longer needs to maintain a charade about her origins. She is well aware that Vyntari are not necessarily welcome in Shinn lands. "Yes," she says. "Might you know of a translator I could hire?" "Your command of our dialect isn't bad." "Yes, but... it would be easier." Lanster looks around the square. "Unfortunately, I am far too busy to aid you. I happen to own a scrivner and illumination business, however, and I'm certain that someone in my employ could aid you. Come with me." Lanster leads Syl to the illumination house, where the young Vyntari pickpocket passes many scribes and artists hard at work at calligraphy or illustration, working on books that will eventually sell for well more money than Syl had ever seen in one place. Lanster takes Syl to a room upstairs, wherein a single elf of the Vanth persuasion reads through scrolls. "Perhaps he can help you," Lanster says. "Vas?" Vastyrnil Lethandris, seeing Syl standing in the doorway, rises to his full height and clears his throat. "Well met, young lady," he says. The elf is about to tell his master something, but Lanster vanishes. "What can I do for you?" [sblock=Game Notes - Diplomacy Skill Check]Vastyrnil makes a Diplomacy check to aid Syl and scores a 19, enough to give Syl a +2 bonus on her check. For her part, Syl gets a 21 total, which is well more than enough to beat the DC. 2 Successes versus 0 Failures[/sblock] "Look, you seem like a scholarly type and a nice enough elf," Syl says. "I... I have this map I found. Could I show it to you? Can you promise not to tell anyone what it says?" "Of course," Vastyrnil replies, sensing some urgency from the young Vyntari woman. Syl unfurls the map, gently, and shows it to the elf. "I can't make any sense of it. I just know that this is a [i]treasure map[/i] and I want to find out where it leads." Vastyrnil swiftly closes the door and whispers, "You must take care! My master is a member of the Thieves Guild. If he overheard such a thing..." "He looks like an academic to me." "Yes, well... " the elf says. "Looks can be deceiving. Let's have a look at this map." [sblock=Game Notes - History Skill Check]Syl makes a History check to aid Vastyrnil's check and gets a 1. No bonus from her terrible roll! Luckily, Vastyrnil doesn't need it as he gets a 22 on his own History check, well more than enough to beat the DC. 3 Successes versus 0 Failures[/sblock] Vastyrnil and Syl spent an hour trying to decipher the map. While Syl has no idea regarding the map, the Vanth elf makes several translations and notes. "We must discuss this further," Vastyrnil says. "Somewhere else. There is a tavern down by the docks. It's safe enough. The Thieves Guild has declared the place off-limits. I'm not sure what that means, but perhaps we'll have less prying eyes and ears." Syl agrees and meets Vastyrnil at the Tackle Box in an hour. The Tackle Box is teeming with rowdy looking types; nothing more than Syl had dealt with in Vor-Blaan, but the patrons were certainly no one with whom the elf would gladly associate. Still, the place is so busy that no one pays any attention to the conversation taking place between a young Vyntari woman and a Vanth elf. The manage to find a table with perhaps a bit of privacy. "One thing that I can reveal," Vas says. "I believe that the location of the entrance to place described on your map is a place called the Well of Mynares. I believe that the Well of Mynares is right here in Paralane!" "That's good news," Syl replies. "So, now what?" "I suspect that such a place may be guarded. In addition, there are many notes on this map that I cannot read. They are in the dwarf script." Syl sours. "I don't suppose you have any friends who read dwarvish." "I do not. It is possible, however, that we could find a dwarf willing to help us." "Us?" Syl asks with a bit of a smile. "Well... uh.... " the elf stammers. "You know, I was thinking... " "I know what you were thinking, elf. Do you think I need help finding the entrance?" Vastyrnil studies Syl's face, or at least, what can be seen of her face above the electric blue scarf she wears. Is she toying with Vastyrnil, or does she have serious concerns? "Yes," the elf eventually answers. "Even if I were to accompany you, there is the possibility that our combined skills would not be enough. Especially if this is a treasure horde, as you seem to assume." "What skills do you think I have?" Again, Vas studies Syl. She obviously acquired this map from [i]somewhere[/i], possibly through larceny or adventuring. "I am going to hazard a guess that you possess certain... skills of acquisition, to be gentle about it." "And I'm going to guess that you're more than some boring scribe," Syl counters. "Now that we have [i]that[/i] out of the way..." "We are still going to need a dwarf," the elf points out. "Perhaps one in a bit of a desperate state." "What makes you say that?" Vastyrnil looks around the crowded tavern. "Dwarves tend to stick together. I realize that they have their own little factions and whatnot, but, in the final analysis, it's dwarves against everyone else. We need to find a dwarf desperate enough not to tell his friends. We need to keep this as quiet as we can." "Also," Vas says before Syl can leave the table. "My notes and research suggests that this Well of Mynares is located somewhere near the jail. Understandably, I am a bit concerned about sneaking around in the part of town." "I'll keep it in mind," Syl replies. "Let's split up and look for some desperate dwarves." [sblock=Game Notes - Combined Diplomacy and Streetwise Checks]For this stage, both Syl and Vastyrnil will make their own skill checks. Both must be successful in order to get a Success for the skill challenge. Syl makes a Streetwise check and scores a 12. Not enough to beat the DC. Vastyrnil makes a Diplomacy check and also scores a 12. 3 Successes versus 1 Failure[/sblock] Vastyrnil finds a pair of dwarves, twin brothers, who are very drunk and very angry. Vas recognizes one of them as a priest and wonders if this fellow, once sober, might be a good candidate to help with the map. The elf summons Syl, but she is unable to convince the dwarves to do more than rail at the "whores who took their gold". "We should watch them anyway," Vas suggests, to which Syl nods in agreement. And watch the dwarves Syl and Vas do, until the dwarves exit the Tackle Box and start wandering down the street towards the pier. Syl notices a young man, armed with a battle axe and shield, follow the dwarves out the door. "What do you suppose is going on there?" Syl asks her elven friend. "Can't say I'm entirely sure, but if we want those dwarves to aid us, they likely won't be able to do so dead." Vas and Syl quickly exit the Tackle Box and, spying the pair of dwarves several blocks away and the Shinn in pursuit, are careful not to reveal themselves to either party. [sblock=Game Notes - Combined Stealth and Diplomacy Checks]Syl and Vas must first make Stealth checks to remain hidden from their quarry. If that is successful, they must see what happens and intervene if necessary. All of these checks must be successful in order to get a Success for the skill challenge. Vastyrnil is going to aid Syl's Stealth check as a group check. Vas scored a 15 on his Stealth, which is enough to give Syl a +2 bonus. Syl get a 24 for her Stealth result, which is enough to beat the DC for an unlisted skill. The elf takes the lead on the Diplomacy check. Syl attempts to aid, but only gets a 9 on her own Diplomacy check. Luckily, Vas gets a 15 on his Diplomacy, which hits the DC exactly. 4 Successes versus 1 Failure[/sblock] Vas and Syl pursue, using cover where possible. The man with the axe doesn't seem to be "hunting" the dwarves as much as watching them. The dwarves drunkenly wander onto an abandoned pier. Syl and Vas can hear them bemoaning their existence, their voices obviously still fully influenced by drink. As the axe man approaches the dwarves, Vas gives Syl a glance and then presents himself. "What's going on here, then?" The man with the axe turns to see Vas. "None of yer business, elf." "Those dwarves seem highly inebriated," Vastyrnil points out. "No kidding." "You're not here... to kill them, are you?" The man looks down at his axe. "Man who owns the Tackle Box, he's a friend of mine. Asked me to watch out for them. This isn't the safest neighborhood, you know." Vas smiles. "Indeed." "I'm Hamil," the man with the axe says. "Those two are twin brothers, Jhani and Thalnek. Named for the dwarf heroes, if you didn't know." "I have to confess I'm not as apprised of dwarven history as perhaps I should be," Vastyrnil confesses. "In fact..." The dwarves stumble forward. "What's all this?" Jhani says. "An elf an' a Shinn followin' us. Brudder, you know anythin' 'bout this?" Thalnek waddles behind his twin, saying nothing. As Syl watches this play out, she also keeps an eye on the dark streets. It's quiet here at the docks. Maybe a little too quiet. After a time, Syl thinks she sees someone watching. She signals her elf friend. Vas looks over at Syl. "Listen, fellows," he says. "I have to admit that we're missing a party here. My friend, over there, do you see her?" Hamil and Jhani nod in the affirmative. "I suspect she's signalling me. Perhaps some unsavory individuals would like to make our acquaintence. I'd rather they didn't." "Lissen, elf," Thalnek says. "Why you and that broad followin' us, then?" "That is a matter of some importance," Vas replies. "I dare say that I'm a bit embarassed to admit this now, in your state, fair dwarves, but Syl and I need your help." Jhani gives Vas a sideways glance. "What's an elf need with a pair of drunken dwarves?" Syl begins to signal more urgently. "All right," Vas says. "How about we have this conversation somewhere a little more private?" All parties agreed, Vastyrnil and Syl lead Hamil, Jhani, and Thalnek to the elf's apartment, located in the academic district. As soon as Syl was certain that the group wasn't followed, Vastyrnil ushers everyone inside. The elf's apartment isn't much more than a place for him to sleep. No artwork or other adornments one normally attributes to elves are evident. The place is practically bare. Vastyrnil unfurls the map Syl had brought him. "See the dwarven runes there... and there?" Jhani Grudgeborn, the priest, leans forward. "Yes. Directions. Somewhere here in Paralane." Thalnek, lurching forward, grunts in agreement. "That's what I figured," Vas replies. "And where might this map lead us?" "Hold on," Thalnek says. "You want our help, elf? Gotta give sumthin' to get sumthin'." Vastyrnil glances at Syl. "Fair enough. What say you, Syl?" Syl watches the dwarves, then looks to the Shinn warrior. "This is a treasure map. This treasure, wherever it may be, is likely guarded. Maybe by traps, maybe by creatures. The scholar and I were planning to make a play for the treasure, but maybe we two aren't enough to get this done. I wonder if... " "You want us to help you," Hamil says. "For a cut of the loot. I've heard this story before. Look, lady. I don't have much going for me. I've got no noble title. I ain't much to look at. I ain't got no land to my name or no trade-skill to ply. All I got is this axe and an iron gut. I'll have a run at yer treasure." Syl smiles and then looks to the dwarves. "Yer problem here," Thalnek says, "Map leads unner the jail." "As I suspected!" Vas blurts out. Thalnek squints at the wizard. "Keep yer trap shut, longears. I ain't done. Anyhow. Yeah, unner the jail. Dunno how you think yer gettin' unner the jail." "Brother, didn't you serve in that jail, during the occupation?" Jhani asks. "Yeah," Thalnek replies. "Y'know, maybe I'm gettin' sober, but... seems to me that I heard tell of a tunnel or two 'neath one of the cells. Thought 'twas nuthin' but scuttle-talk." "Perhaps you remember which cell?" Syl asks. "Nah," Thalnek quickly replies. "Mebbe in the mornin'." It isn't long before the dwarves nod off, using a thin rug in Vas' apartment as a bed. Hamil slumps in the corner. Vas, of course, sleeps in his own bed. Syl stays outside, remaining wary of any thieves or other parties interested in watching her or her new companions. [size=3][i]The morning of 18 Wanderlust, 403 IR...[/i][/size] Morning comes without incident and Thalnek still cannot recall details of the rumored tunnels beneath the Palarane jail. The group decides that they should head to the jail district and try to find out about such rumors. [sblock=Game Notes - Streetwise Group Check]The PCs are attempting a group Streetwise check. All (except Syl) will roll Streetwise as Aid Another checks. Those who hit DC 10 will give Syl a +2 bonus to her roll. Hamil gets a result of 11. Jhani gets a result of 14. Thalnek gets a result of 6. Vastyrnil gets a result of 4. And finally, Syl gains a total Aid Another bonus of +4 and scores a total of 18 on the Streetwise check. 5 Successes versus 1 Failure. This part of the skill challenge is a SUCCESS.[/sblock] After a time, the dwarves determine that the entrance on the map is indeed inside the jail. Leading the rest inside, Jhani and Thalnek take the group into the bottom-most subterranean level. They find a row of vacant cells, save one, occupied by a slim woman or girl, half-covered in darkness. A lone guard watches the corridor. Syl determines that he can see most of the area, including the cell to where the dwarves have brought them. "Now what?" she asks of no one in particular. "Entrance is in there," Thalnek says. The prisoner stirs. "Who's there?" she asks. Vastyrnil immediately recognizes muted elven features on the prisoner's face. In the elven tongue, he asks, "Who might you be, young lady?" The woman advances, her face brightening upon hearing the elven language. She responds in kind, "I am Lira. Lira of the Three Woods." "And how came you to be imprisoned here?" Lira comes to the bars and looks down the corridor at the lone guard. "I was accused of witchery." Vas smiles. "I've been known to do some witchery in my time." "Let's be on with this," Thalnek grumbles, annoyed with all the elf-talk. "Fair enough," Vastyrnil replies in the human language. "We must get past this door. The dwarves have determined that the map's entrance is in that cell, somewhere." "Wait, what?" Lira asks. "There's nothing in here but a dusty cell." "Probably some signs," Jhani says. "Dwarves tend to leave markers when they place a secret door." "I can assure you that... " Lira begins, but stops herself. "Wait, there are some strange scribblings over in this corner," she says wandering into said corner. Syl whispers to Vas, "I can get us into that cell, but what about the guard?" Lira turns. "Look, what's going on? And if it's something interesting, more interesting than rotting in this cell for even one more day, I want in." Syl sighs. "All right. What's the difference between splitting the treasure five ways versus six?" Vastyrnil looks at the others. "I am of the mind that, since Syl found the map in the first place, she ought to have a greater share of the treasure. Two shares, versus one for each of the rest of us. Agreed?" Few could argue with that logic and all are ready to move on. [sblock=Game Notes]This part of the skill challenge is worth 300xp, or 50xp per PC.[/sblock] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
A Six-Fold Tale: The Map of Mynares
Top