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The Stepchildren of Fate (Updated 6/3)
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<blockquote data-quote="htetickrt" data-source="post: 2216707" data-attributes="member: 16534"><p style="text-align: center">A Little Reconnaissance</p><p></p><p>As discussed, upon reaching the surface Quid invokes a potent prayer, calling a paragon of celestial beauty to her side. A brief telepathic exchange ensues, eventually leading to an agreement to exchange time for time, though the extensive bickering over the fine print would have driven any non-Waukeenar mad long before the end of the bargaining process.</p><p></p><p>Kyree taps his feet impatiently against the soft earth as the astral deva leaves. “Time to go now?”</p><p></p><p>Quid sighs, forced down too soon from her transaction high. “Sure. Kai, are you coming? We’ll shop afterwards.”</p><p></p><p>Kai nods. “Will the rest of you be fine here?” she inquires, but Trella and Earl are already gone, off into the woods.</p><p></p><p>Rhien smiles slightly. “Try to enjoy yourself. I’ll watch the entrance.” Kai’s answering look is difficult to decipher.</p><p></p><p>******************************</p><p></p><p>“So, that’s where we stand.” Having brought the newly resurrected Khail up to speed, Quid returns to cataloguing the value of her recent purchases before their inevitable depreciation makes her dealings seem less beneficial.</p><p></p><p>Khail studies the sky, watching the thick black clouds roll in. “I am sorry I could not be of more help against Solom.”</p><p></p><p>Rhien heads off such talk. “We are just happy to have you back.”</p><p></p><p>Kyree mutters, “Yeah, happy,” while thumbing through a stack of yellowed parchment. Perched on his shoulder is a fine example of a hawk; the fact that it has not yet been introduced to the party does not seem to bother it as it aggressively preens itself.</p><p></p><p>Khail is nonplussed. “Is something different about you, friend Kyree?” he asks, and then when Kyree does not respond, follows with, “Who is your new friend?”</p><p></p><p>It takes the elf a full minute to register the latter question. When he finally does so, he favors the paladin with a smile. “This is Spot. He was nearly struck by an arrow during the tribute to Solonar, and decided to come with me after I healed him. Isn’t he splendid?” Kyree ruffles Spot’s feathers affectionately. Quid mouths the word ‘splendid’ behind the elf’s back, almost causing Kai to choke on her lunch.</p><p></p><p>The elf notices and narrows his eyes. “I heard that. We elves are nothing if not observant.”</p><p></p><p>“Enjoyed your time in Deepingdale, did you?” Quid queries, stifling her own laugh.</p><p></p><p>“Greatly. They gave me some literature to read. And the archery competition was the best in which I’ve participated.”</p><p></p><p>“Glad to hear it.”</p><p></p><p>“Can I interest you in a tale about Solonar? He has something for everyone, I think.”</p><p></p><p>Quid gapes incredulously. “Are you proselytizing? To me?”</p><p></p><p>“Um, maybe?”</p><p></p><p>“I’m a Waukeenar, Kyree.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, do they not like archery?”</p><p></p><p>Quid throws up her hands. “No, we find it morally offensive,” she exclaims, and storms off into the crypt entrance, to escape both Kyree and the incipient rain.</p><p></p><p>Kyree follows once the first drops spot a sheet of parchment. “What’s wrong with her?” he asks no one in particular. The others choose to assume the question is rhetorical.</p><p></p><p>A few hours later, Trella returns, skipping through the heart of the thunderstorm. Behind her is a hulking brute of a bear, his cold eyes glaring at those assembled as if he had just found his next meal. The druid, unperturbed by rain or beast, smiles at the assemblage, bites off a hunk of stale bread and old cheese, and says, “Guys, Mr. Flopsy. Mr. Flopsy, guys.” The dire bear roars a hello. Or perhaps he is just angry; it’s difficult to tell.</p><p></p><p>Quid starts. "Flopsy?"</p><p></p><p>Trella replies, "That's MR. FLOPSY to you, b*tch." The druid playfully thwacks Quid in the arm, then laughs, strips off her clothes, and delights in the torrential rain beating against her naked form. Khail blushes and suddenly finds his muddy boots very interesting.</p><p></p><p>His awkward silence is thankfully broken with the sudden appearance of the beautiful astral deva. Kyree, having noted her invisible entrance a moment earlier, chuckles, “Saw you.”</p><p></p><p>The deva raises an eyebrow, but does not respond. Instead she addresses Quid. “Pursuant to our contract, I have engaged in extensive reconnaissance in what you term the ‘Underdark’ over a span of three of your days. I regret that the opportunity to disrupt the enemy did not arise, though my hewing to subsection three’s clause allowing for no direct confrontations perhaps had something to do with this. To complete the contract, I will now offer up my gathered information.”</p><p></p><p>Kyree looks confused, flipping quickly through his stack of parchment. “I thought I read that devas were more, uh…noble?”</p><p></p><p>The deva frowns. “I am the very epitome of nobility. Why do you doubt this, mortal? I sense no taint about you.”</p><p></p><p>Quid intervenes before he can further anger the celestial. “He’s just not used to the glorious terminology of the contract. Please, proceed with your report.”</p><p></p><p>“Very well, but I will keep my eye on you, strange elf.” Kyree grumbles; the deva addresses Quid.</p><p></p><p>“The tunnel you have already found leads to the Underdark, and for a span of seventeen miles there is naught but roving bands of tainted souls. I would be surprised if one who could compel my presence would have much difficulty with them, though there is an element of stochasticity involved.</p><p></p><p>“The road forks after this. Left a tunnel of thirty-five miles led to a dead end and a trio of odious spirit naga, their sickly yellow eyes viewing me as their next meal. Needless to say my heavy mace bashed in their heads with alacrity, and I took my leave of them. I give you their goods as per subsection five of our agreement, factoring their expected value into the cost of your future service.” She pauses to distribute the minor treasures, before continuing.</p><p></p><p>“Taking then the other passage at the fork, I made my way to the Lake of Shadows indicated on your map. There I encountered a band of stone giants guarding the passage onward, but they were not hostile and our parley revealed to me the presence of kuo-toas and the ‘devil-kraken’ they worship. Plus something called a ‘lobster-crawler.’</p><p> </p><p>“After passing invisibly over the water, I came to a sheer cliff face after an additional eighteen miles. There I met a cadre of kir-lanan gargoyles, and was forced to retreat from the potent shadow dragon they serve after being greatly weakened by its cone of insidious shadows. Knowing I alone could not likely triumph against the dragon, I thought it best to return and impart what wisdom I could, in satisfaction of our contract.</p><p></p><p>“You may now ask of me what you will.”</p><p></p><p>Quid inclines her head respectfully. "Thank you for your report. Can I ask your name, in case I may require future service? I also have a few other questions."</p><p></p><p>The deva answers, "You may call me...Arbitrage. My truename is not for you to know."</p><p></p><p>Quid smiles. “Thank you, Arbitrage. It is a name of honor and beauty. If I may ask, how deep is the water?”</p><p></p><p>“There is no flattery term in my utility function, so your blandishments will not alter my behavior. Not having entered the water, I cannot answer your question.”</p><p></p><p>Quid continues, "Can you hazard a guess as to what the big lobster crawler was that the giants referred to?"</p><p></p><p>“I prefer to act when I have perfect information only. The mathematics are easier that way.”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t suppose you have any additional information about the kraken or the dragon, do you?”</p><p></p><p>The deva smirks. “Do you doubt your contracting skills, Quidlyn of Waukeen? Do you believe there is a loophole I could use to withhold information to sell later at a profit?”</p><p></p><p>“Of course not,” Quid coughs, but a glimmer of uncertainty flashes in her eyes. “But it cannot hurt to ask. It’s just cheap talk, after all.”</p><p></p><p>“Waukeen would be pleased with your progress. No, in answer to your question I do not have any additional information.”</p><p></p><p>Kyree puts in, “Then why did you ask if we had any questions?”</p><p></p><p>“It is de rigueur.”</p><p></p><p>“Huh?”</p><p></p><p>This draws Trella’s attention, and she stops wrestling with Mr. Flopsy to add her own opinion to the mix. “Listen lady, we’ve met solars and fought pit fiends, so drop the ‘tude. We’re not impressed, and no one mocks Kyree but us.”</p><p></p><p>“I was not mocking your friend.”</p><p></p><p>“Whatever.”</p><p></p><p>Arbitrage turns back to Quid. “You have chosen to surround yourself with a most strange assortment of mortals, Quidlyn. I hope you are getting a sufficient return on your investment here.”</p><p></p><p>“Don’t worry, I am,” Quid replies, smiling.</p><p></p><p>“Good. It would be difficult to enter the highest levels of Waukeen’s service without demonstrating such. Regardless, this completes my end of the contract. I will return to call on you when Waukeen requires your aid. Be ready." The deva vanishes.</p><p></p><p>Khail sighs. “Such a creature of beauty, yet so base her discourse.”</p><p></p><p>Quid scowls. “Who are you calling base?”</p><p></p><p>“Hmm? Nothing; I meant nothing by it. It is just that business is so coarse an endeavor.”</p><p></p><p>“Coarse?”</p><p></p><p>“Well, yes, I think it so. Nothing personal, of course. You are devoid of taint.”</p><p></p><p>“Well gee, thanks Khail.”</p><p></p><p>The paladin turns to Kyree. “Have I said something wrong?”</p><p></p><p>Kyree shrugs. “She’s just touchy about religion. Probably because she doesn’t know the teachings of Solonar the way I do.”</p><p></p><p>Quid shakes her head. “I’m surrounded by idiots,” she mutters.</p><p></p><p>Trella interjects, “Speaking of idiots, does anyone want to cowboy up some funds for invisibility and flight items? Sounds like that’s the best way to go.”</p><p></p><p>Kai replies, “It sounds like the journey is long, and with the size of our band,” she glances at Mr. Flopsy, “I’m not sure it’s feasible to keep everyone flying and invisible the whole way. Wind walking might be a viable option. Still, we could end up trapped between two warring factions, or worse.”</p><p></p><p>“Plus, anything that would be fooled by simple invisibility would likely not be much of a threat, anyway,” Quid adds. “We could wind walk past the kraken, though.”</p><p></p><p>Kai answers, “Let’s walk to the lake, and speak with the giants when there. Perhaps they have a way of dealing with the kraken, so that we can conserve resources for the dragon.”</p><p></p><p>Trella nods. “It’s a plan then. We leave first thing in the morning.”</p><p></p><p>“Why then?” Rhien asks.</p><p></p><p>“I want to enjoy the rain a little more,” Trella answers with a laugh. “Come on Mr. Flopsy, let’s get muddy!”</p><p></p><p>****************************</p><p></p><p>Two dozen or so hours later, the druid’s mood is far less upbeat, as she and her companions creep along the Deep Wastes of the Underdark, straining to sift the slightest sound of trouble from the ambient noise of the echoing tunnel. Not for the first time, Quid curses as she stumbles into a frigid stream.”</p><p></p><p>“Argh! I think it’s been days since I’ve had feeling in my toes.”</p><p></p><p>“We’ve only been down here for about eight hours, Quid,” Kai grumbles, trying not to think about the water seeping into her own boots.</p><p></p><p>“Seems like days, anyway.”</p><p></p><p>“Shhh,” Kyree cuts in. “I hear chanting ahead. We’ve got company.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="htetickrt, post: 2216707, member: 16534"] [CENTER]A Little Reconnaissance[/CENTER] As discussed, upon reaching the surface Quid invokes a potent prayer, calling a paragon of celestial beauty to her side. A brief telepathic exchange ensues, eventually leading to an agreement to exchange time for time, though the extensive bickering over the fine print would have driven any non-Waukeenar mad long before the end of the bargaining process. Kyree taps his feet impatiently against the soft earth as the astral deva leaves. “Time to go now?” Quid sighs, forced down too soon from her transaction high. “Sure. Kai, are you coming? We’ll shop afterwards.” Kai nods. “Will the rest of you be fine here?” she inquires, but Trella and Earl are already gone, off into the woods. Rhien smiles slightly. “Try to enjoy yourself. I’ll watch the entrance.” Kai’s answering look is difficult to decipher. ****************************** “So, that’s where we stand.” Having brought the newly resurrected Khail up to speed, Quid returns to cataloguing the value of her recent purchases before their inevitable depreciation makes her dealings seem less beneficial. Khail studies the sky, watching the thick black clouds roll in. “I am sorry I could not be of more help against Solom.” Rhien heads off such talk. “We are just happy to have you back.” Kyree mutters, “Yeah, happy,” while thumbing through a stack of yellowed parchment. Perched on his shoulder is a fine example of a hawk; the fact that it has not yet been introduced to the party does not seem to bother it as it aggressively preens itself. Khail is nonplussed. “Is something different about you, friend Kyree?” he asks, and then when Kyree does not respond, follows with, “Who is your new friend?” It takes the elf a full minute to register the latter question. When he finally does so, he favors the paladin with a smile. “This is Spot. He was nearly struck by an arrow during the tribute to Solonar, and decided to come with me after I healed him. Isn’t he splendid?” Kyree ruffles Spot’s feathers affectionately. Quid mouths the word ‘splendid’ behind the elf’s back, almost causing Kai to choke on her lunch. The elf notices and narrows his eyes. “I heard that. We elves are nothing if not observant.” “Enjoyed your time in Deepingdale, did you?” Quid queries, stifling her own laugh. “Greatly. They gave me some literature to read. And the archery competition was the best in which I’ve participated.” “Glad to hear it.” “Can I interest you in a tale about Solonar? He has something for everyone, I think.” Quid gapes incredulously. “Are you proselytizing? To me?” “Um, maybe?” “I’m a Waukeenar, Kyree.” “Oh, do they not like archery?” Quid throws up her hands. “No, we find it morally offensive,” she exclaims, and storms off into the crypt entrance, to escape both Kyree and the incipient rain. Kyree follows once the first drops spot a sheet of parchment. “What’s wrong with her?” he asks no one in particular. The others choose to assume the question is rhetorical. A few hours later, Trella returns, skipping through the heart of the thunderstorm. Behind her is a hulking brute of a bear, his cold eyes glaring at those assembled as if he had just found his next meal. The druid, unperturbed by rain or beast, smiles at the assemblage, bites off a hunk of stale bread and old cheese, and says, “Guys, Mr. Flopsy. Mr. Flopsy, guys.” The dire bear roars a hello. Or perhaps he is just angry; it’s difficult to tell. Quid starts. "Flopsy?" Trella replies, "That's MR. FLOPSY to you, b*tch." The druid playfully thwacks Quid in the arm, then laughs, strips off her clothes, and delights in the torrential rain beating against her naked form. Khail blushes and suddenly finds his muddy boots very interesting. His awkward silence is thankfully broken with the sudden appearance of the beautiful astral deva. Kyree, having noted her invisible entrance a moment earlier, chuckles, “Saw you.” The deva raises an eyebrow, but does not respond. Instead she addresses Quid. “Pursuant to our contract, I have engaged in extensive reconnaissance in what you term the ‘Underdark’ over a span of three of your days. I regret that the opportunity to disrupt the enemy did not arise, though my hewing to subsection three’s clause allowing for no direct confrontations perhaps had something to do with this. To complete the contract, I will now offer up my gathered information.” Kyree looks confused, flipping quickly through his stack of parchment. “I thought I read that devas were more, uh…noble?” The deva frowns. “I am the very epitome of nobility. Why do you doubt this, mortal? I sense no taint about you.” Quid intervenes before he can further anger the celestial. “He’s just not used to the glorious terminology of the contract. Please, proceed with your report.” “Very well, but I will keep my eye on you, strange elf.” Kyree grumbles; the deva addresses Quid. “The tunnel you have already found leads to the Underdark, and for a span of seventeen miles there is naught but roving bands of tainted souls. I would be surprised if one who could compel my presence would have much difficulty with them, though there is an element of stochasticity involved. “The road forks after this. Left a tunnel of thirty-five miles led to a dead end and a trio of odious spirit naga, their sickly yellow eyes viewing me as their next meal. Needless to say my heavy mace bashed in their heads with alacrity, and I took my leave of them. I give you their goods as per subsection five of our agreement, factoring their expected value into the cost of your future service.” She pauses to distribute the minor treasures, before continuing. “Taking then the other passage at the fork, I made my way to the Lake of Shadows indicated on your map. There I encountered a band of stone giants guarding the passage onward, but they were not hostile and our parley revealed to me the presence of kuo-toas and the ‘devil-kraken’ they worship. Plus something called a ‘lobster-crawler.’ “After passing invisibly over the water, I came to a sheer cliff face after an additional eighteen miles. There I met a cadre of kir-lanan gargoyles, and was forced to retreat from the potent shadow dragon they serve after being greatly weakened by its cone of insidious shadows. Knowing I alone could not likely triumph against the dragon, I thought it best to return and impart what wisdom I could, in satisfaction of our contract. “You may now ask of me what you will.” Quid inclines her head respectfully. "Thank you for your report. Can I ask your name, in case I may require future service? I also have a few other questions." The deva answers, "You may call me...Arbitrage. My truename is not for you to know." Quid smiles. “Thank you, Arbitrage. It is a name of honor and beauty. If I may ask, how deep is the water?” “There is no flattery term in my utility function, so your blandishments will not alter my behavior. Not having entered the water, I cannot answer your question.” Quid continues, "Can you hazard a guess as to what the big lobster crawler was that the giants referred to?" “I prefer to act when I have perfect information only. The mathematics are easier that way.” “I don’t suppose you have any additional information about the kraken or the dragon, do you?” The deva smirks. “Do you doubt your contracting skills, Quidlyn of Waukeen? Do you believe there is a loophole I could use to withhold information to sell later at a profit?” “Of course not,” Quid coughs, but a glimmer of uncertainty flashes in her eyes. “But it cannot hurt to ask. It’s just cheap talk, after all.” “Waukeen would be pleased with your progress. No, in answer to your question I do not have any additional information.” Kyree puts in, “Then why did you ask if we had any questions?” “It is de rigueur.” “Huh?” This draws Trella’s attention, and she stops wrestling with Mr. Flopsy to add her own opinion to the mix. “Listen lady, we’ve met solars and fought pit fiends, so drop the ‘tude. We’re not impressed, and no one mocks Kyree but us.” “I was not mocking your friend.” “Whatever.” Arbitrage turns back to Quid. “You have chosen to surround yourself with a most strange assortment of mortals, Quidlyn. I hope you are getting a sufficient return on your investment here.” “Don’t worry, I am,” Quid replies, smiling. “Good. It would be difficult to enter the highest levels of Waukeen’s service without demonstrating such. Regardless, this completes my end of the contract. I will return to call on you when Waukeen requires your aid. Be ready." The deva vanishes. Khail sighs. “Such a creature of beauty, yet so base her discourse.” Quid scowls. “Who are you calling base?” “Hmm? Nothing; I meant nothing by it. It is just that business is so coarse an endeavor.” “Coarse?” “Well, yes, I think it so. Nothing personal, of course. You are devoid of taint.” “Well gee, thanks Khail.” The paladin turns to Kyree. “Have I said something wrong?” Kyree shrugs. “She’s just touchy about religion. Probably because she doesn’t know the teachings of Solonar the way I do.” Quid shakes her head. “I’m surrounded by idiots,” she mutters. Trella interjects, “Speaking of idiots, does anyone want to cowboy up some funds for invisibility and flight items? Sounds like that’s the best way to go.” Kai replies, “It sounds like the journey is long, and with the size of our band,” she glances at Mr. Flopsy, “I’m not sure it’s feasible to keep everyone flying and invisible the whole way. Wind walking might be a viable option. Still, we could end up trapped between two warring factions, or worse.” “Plus, anything that would be fooled by simple invisibility would likely not be much of a threat, anyway,” Quid adds. “We could wind walk past the kraken, though.” Kai answers, “Let’s walk to the lake, and speak with the giants when there. Perhaps they have a way of dealing with the kraken, so that we can conserve resources for the dragon.” Trella nods. “It’s a plan then. We leave first thing in the morning.” “Why then?” Rhien asks. “I want to enjoy the rain a little more,” Trella answers with a laugh. “Come on Mr. Flopsy, let’s get muddy!” **************************** Two dozen or so hours later, the druid’s mood is far less upbeat, as she and her companions creep along the Deep Wastes of the Underdark, straining to sift the slightest sound of trouble from the ambient noise of the echoing tunnel. Not for the first time, Quid curses as she stumbles into a frigid stream.” “Argh! I think it’s been days since I’ve had feeling in my toes.” “We’ve only been down here for about eight hours, Quid,” Kai grumbles, trying not to think about the water seeping into her own boots. “Seems like days, anyway.” “Shhh,” Kyree cuts in. “I hear chanting ahead. We’ve got company.” [/QUOTE]
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