Shackled City, Act I - Life's Bazaar

[Mark Chance]

It's easy to find and open the secret door to Jzadirune now that Ghelve has revealed its location. The door swings open once more to reveal a stone staircase, its steps shrouded with cobwebs and dust. It descends 20 feet to a ten-foot-square landing, then bends to the right and plunges into darkness.

Galen looks a bit nervous for a moment as he stares down the passage. Then, with visible effort, he suppresses his fear, touching the holy symbol of Pelor he wears about his neck.

"Are we ready to do this now?" he asks. "I have a three sunrods. I can also cast light, but its duration is quite limited. Mere minutes compared to several hours from the sunrods. When we move in formation, I should be in the second rank from either the front or the rear, so as to best be able to use my longspear and cast spells."

 

[Scotley]

William Human Paladin

"I expect the sunrods will be most helpful. I will be glad to take the front rank, but I would expect that this place is protected by some traps. If one of you has a knack for such things it might be wise for you to lead."

 

[Dichotomy]

As the group looks down the stairs, Konstantine swallows a lump in her throat.

I guess this is how it goes. Into a dungeon to save some children. This is why I came to Cauldron, isn't it? The thrill of adventure. I don't feel any thrill. I'm scared that something will stab me again. And what good can I possibly do? My magic isn't worth the cost of the spell components, and I don't even know how to swing this sword. But the children need us. Maybe I'll just be a diversion so that the others will be able to save them. At least that would be worth a song.

The bard's mood is somewhat evident in her voice. "Galen, I'm glad you thought of sunrods. I have a torch if we need that." Konstantine turns to the paladin. "I'm afraid I don't have any ability to scout or notice traps. Ummm, I don't really know anything about moving in formation. I don't know where I should go."

The bard's demeanor brightens, as she has an idea. "I could carry the sunrod and the map. That would free the rest of you up in case we run into anything nasty."

 

[Scotley]

William Human Paladin

"An excellent idea Konstantine. I would prefer to keep my hands free for weapons. Let's see where everyone else would like to be and then figure out where you fit best in the order."

 

[Krago o'the Mountain]

[OOC: Sounds like there's a consensus for Galen's sunrods to provide the party's light. I'll wait for Krug and jdvn1 to weigh in on the subject of marching order before pressing onward.]

Krago

 

[Jdvn1]

Dowlee nods and smiles, "An excellent idea, Konstantine. I've also heard you have a wonderful voice--maybe it could provide us with some hope in such a dreadful place.

As for me, I have no reason to be in the front. I am most useful with a bow, and other than that I only have a dagger. If in front was someone that was good with traps, and Galen right behind him, then I would feel safe second-from-back, with William to make sure no one came to flank us from there."

 

[Krug]

"My preference is a bow too. But a scout should be at the front of the party, after all, no? Perhaps a few steps in front of the rest... ," said Eliara.

 

[Krago o'the Mountain]

[OOC: Okay, sounds like a general consensus for the marching ordrer of Eliara, Galen, Konstantine, Dowlee, William, in that order. Onward into Jzadirune!]

Krago

 

[Krago o'the Mountain]

With all the details worked out, the party gathers its courage, and begins its descent into Jzadirune. They pass down the first flight of dusty stairs to the landing twenty feet below, and then turn to the right down the second set of stairs to a second landing. From here, the staircase descends another twenty feet before opening into a room. From this landing, can be heard strange sounds emanating from the chamber below, specifically chirping birds, rustling leaves, and cheery giggles. The landing itself is bare save for an empty iron torch sconce mounted on the south wall.

Actions?

(OOC: I've attached a scanned map for a better visual. The Secret door at the top of the stairs is the one leading from Ghelve's Locks. The red 'X' just denotes a general 'You are here' and is not intended to be of any tactical importance.)

Krago

 

[Jdvn1]

"That..." Dowlee pauses and readies her bow. "... is an odd sound down here. Let us press on that we may leave here as quickly as possible."