Pt. 6: Mountain of Doom

The heroes continue down the road. The weather is warm and clear and the team makes good time. By late afternoon, the road comes to a crumbling end. The mighty peak of White Mountain looms on the horizon.

Not far from the road, a rushing mountain river twists through the woods. On the river bank stands a fairly impressive trading post, consisting of several buildings. A series of tepees are erected in the distance.

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There are a few people wandering about. Of particular interest are the two large-sized golems standing near the entrance of the trading post. The golems' build is very similar to Ray. Two figures approach the party: a human man, dressed like a gunslinger, followed by a goliath in tribal attire.

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"We don't get many travelers coming down the Olde Road," the man says. "Usually, it's just the wardens, but you ain't them. State yer business. We've got plenty of goods to trade and sell."

Virgil tips his hat at the pair as they approach, "Howdy, friends. I am Sheriff Lafett from Pestilence, these are my companions. We are, in fact, in the company of a warden (nodding to Klandor and Vrym). We are just passing through, but the Olde Road has been long and we could surely use some fresh supplies. (looking back and forth between the gunslinger and the tribal) What folks dwell here at the foot of the White Mountain?"

The gunman studies the gnome for a moment, then turns back to Virgil. "You said you a lawman, eh? My name is Ernst, and this is Kojak," he says, gesturing to the goliath behind him. "We help run the trading post. This is neutral territory and we're open to all types of folk, so long as they've got money or something worth trading.

"There aren't many people who dwell here, except those of us that staff the trading post. Them injuns over yonder have come down from up the mountain. They're awaiting some medical doctor to arrive with medicine. Apparently there's an outbreak amongst the tribe.

"We've got some canned food, dried meats, and various supplies. What do you need specifically? And if it's a trek up the mountain, the quickest route is by river. We've got canoes for sale. Or you might ask the injuns to take you in their boats."

Traveler Monk wants to get a better look at the other Golems (and see if he can learn anything about or spot their owners), but wishes to be discreet about it..

"Master Ernst, I wish to browse the wares. May I look around your post? Have you an apothecary? Or perhaps there are useful herbs or remedies somewhere?"

"What? Oh, sure," replies Ernst, seemingly distracted. "Mind you, this ain't no pharmacy, but you'll likely find some herbs inside. What exactly are you looking for? There ain't no apothecary around here, but I heard one of the injuns camped out by the river is a medicine woman. Goes by the name of Stormcrow."

...crickets...



anyone?   



...crickets...

"What tribe is she from?"

"The main tribe in these parts is Navajo," explains Ernst.

"I could introduce you," says Kojak, chiming in. "After the Battle of Little Creek, they made me an honorary member of the tribe," he adds, smiling.

"I would like to speak to this woman then."

The goliath leads Neraka over to a campfire near the river. Several native folk are there, sitting and passing a peace-pipe.
"Mistress, this stranger wishes to speak with you," says Kojak to a seated elderly woman. She casts her gaze on the half-orc and raises an eyebrow.
"Your coming has been foretold," she says. "Take a seat, wolf-son, we could certainly use your, uh, special talents here. A terrible evil has come to this land. Tell me of your journey." She smiles and hands the pipe to Neraka.

Virgil decides to browse the trading post while Neraka practices Diplomacy.... just looking for anything interesting or unusual

perception:
Roll(1d20)+14:
2,+14
Total:16


"Elderberry jam, my favorite!"

Neraka will relate his tale to her... including the recent bits (and Gerald will pantomime the more dramatic bits).

Neraka will also offer her the sage he carries with him from Texas. "there's powerful medicine in this"

Chirs2 wrote:Virgil decides to browse the trading post while Neraka practices Diplomacy.... just looking for anything interesting or unusual

perception:
Roll(1d20)+14:
2,+14
Total:16


"Elderberry jam, my favorite!"  

The two golems stand rigid as statues on either side of the doorway that Virgil enters. Inside, it is dim and pungent of dried meat and herbs. The trading post is full of wares, but they seem fairly standard. A sign near the door reads: "arcane behind counter."

At the back counter, two natives are bartering with the proprietors: a human fellow and an atlan. The men are speaking in Navajo. A collection of items sit on the counter they are speaking about. No one seems to pay the marshal any mind. The only other customer is a mountain man standing by the east wall, perusing a display of rifles.

whit10 wrote:Neraka will relate his tale to her... including the recent bits (and Gerald will pantomime the more dramatic bits).

Neraka will also offer her the sage he carries with him from Texas.  "there's powerful medicine in this"

Stormcrow accepts the sage and thanks him. She is intrigued by the tale, listening carefully and bemused by Gerald's antics.
"I have seen strange things like those you speak of. My people now believe the dark ones have established a fortress deep beneath the mountain. We do not know if there is an entrance. Occasionally we see them walking on the surface. How they arrive, we are not certain.

"A few we have slain, and always they change back into their hideous natural form. But those are the servants, the spies. Some have tried to infiltrate out tribe, but we discovered and rooted them out. I have an eye for seeing the True Form." She takes another long draw from the pipe. When she exhales, she seems to disappear in a cloud of smoke.

"Others we have seen," she continues, "always wearing masks and dark robes. It seems they can not bear the light of our sun. They are the masters and we call them the Voiceless Ones. None have ever been slain or captured that I know of.

"If your party wishes, you may accompany us back to the tribe. We are awaiting a shipment of medicine from the government. It is supposed to arrive today or tomorrow... You see, some of our people are sick. A mysterious condition they have, beyond my own powers and knowledge of healing. As my guests, you would be welcomed by the tribe as friends, but considering the situation, I would not blame you if you declined." She smiles, somewhat cynically. Many of her teeth are gold.

If Neraka partakes of the peace-pipe, he gains +2 Wisdom for 24 hours.

Robyo wrote: A sign near the door reads: "arcane behind counter."

At the back counter, two natives are bartering with the proprietors: a human fellow and an atlan. The men are speaking in Navajo. A collection of items sit on the counter they are speaking about.  No one seems to pay the marshal any mind. The only other customer is a mountain man standing by the east wall, perusing a display of rifles.

Virgil will approach the rifles and the mountain man while he waits for the proprietors to finish.

Check out the rifles with Arcane and Firearms bonus
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +13" :

15 + 13 = 28

"Howdy, friend."

Sweet!

I haven't checked in - thought Rob was going to be gone for 10 days!!!

Back on track here for now....but FYI, Ill be off the grid most of next week.

Chirs2 wrote:Virgil will approach the rifles and the mountain man while he waits for the proprietors to finish.

Check out the rifles with Arcane and Firearms bonus
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +13" :

15 + 13 = 28

"Howdy, friend."

The man gives Virgil the glance over. It's plain that he has a glass eye. "Do I know you?" he coughs.

Vigil doesn't notice anything innately magical about the rifles on the wall. But while scanning the room, he happens to notice amongst the gear at the back counter, a bandolier containing rune-enscribed bullets.


*edited post for accuracy.

MAS wrote:I haven't checked in - thought Rob was going to be gone for 10 days!!!

Back on track here for now....but FYI, Ill be off the grid most of next week.

10-4, have fun off the grid!

Robyo wrote:
The man gives Virgil the glance over. It's plain that he has a glass eye. "Do I know you?" he coughs.

Vigil doesn't notice anything innately magical about the rifles on the wall. But while scanning the room, he happens to notice amongst the gear at the back counter, a bandolier full of rune-enscribed bullets.

Virgil makes a mental note of the bandolier but returns his attention to the mountain man, "You do now, Virgil Lafett's my name. My friends and I are just passing through and we are looking for a guide up to the White Mountains."

(Virgil doesn't know about Neraka's chat)

Chirs2 wrote:

Robyo wrote:
The man gives Virgil the glance over. It's plain that he has a glass eye. "Do I know you?" he coughs.

Vigil doesn't notice anything innately magical about the rifles on the wall. But while scanning the room, he happens to notice amongst the gear at the back counter, a bandolier full of rune-enscribed bullets.

Virgil makes a mental note of the bandolier but returns his attention to the mountain man, "You do now, Virgil Lafett's my name.  My friends and I are just passing through and we are looking for a guide up to the White Mountains."  

(Virgil doesn't know about Neraka's chat)

"My name is Bill Williams," he says putting out his hand to shake Virgil's. "Around here they call me Old Bill or One-eye. I reckon I could be your guide. It'll cost ya twenty dollars a day. Now what is it you're looking for? Nobody comes to White Mountain just for the sight-seeing."

Arcturus2 wrote:Traveler Monk wants to get a better look at the other Golems (and see if he can learn anything about or spot their owners), but wishes to be discreet about it..

"Master Ernst, I wish to browse the wares. May I look around your post? Have you an apothecary? Or perhaps there are useful herbs or remedies somewhere?"

Where is Traveler now? Did he follow Virgil into the trading post? Observing the natives? The golems owners aren't apparently present, or perhaps they belong to the proprietors, Monk is still unsure.

Robyo wrote:

Arcturus2 wrote:Traveler Monk wants to get a better look at the other Golems (and see if he can learn anything about or spot their owners), but wishes to be discreet about it..

"Master Ernst, I wish to browse the wares. May I look around your post? Have you an apothecary? Or perhaps there are useful herbs or remedies somewhere?"

Where is Traveler now? Did he follow Virgil into the trading post? Observing the natives? The golems owners aren't apparently present, or perhaps they belong to the proprietors, Monk is still unsure.

Sorry I've been gone a couple days..

Traveler Monk accompanied Neraka to visit the Indian woman.

He had nothing to add to what Neraka said, so he just listens quietly to the exchange.

John Henry is strollin' round with Virgil...

Arcturus2 wrote:Traveler Monk accompanied Neraka to visit the Indian woman.

He had nothing to add to what Neraka said, so he just listens quietly to the exchange.  

Alright, Monk gains +2 Wisdom if he also joins in the peace-pipe ceremony. The medicine woman smiles at Traveler, she respects his silence.

MAS wrote:John Henry is strollin' round with Virgil...

Ok, then JH is with Virgil in the trading post. The two Navajos at the counter have closed their deal. They seem moderately pleased as they exit the building. The items they traded are in clear view, sitting on the counter. Though it is dim inside, one can see there's a bandolier, some rope, a holy symbol, and a greathelm. The two proprietors begin putting the items in a case.
"You fellas need any help?" asks the atlan.

History check from Virgil, please.

Robyo wrote:

MAS wrote:John Henry is strollin' round with Virgil...

Ok, then JH is with Virgil in the trading post. The two Navajos at the counter have closed their deal. They seem moderately pleased as they exit the building. The items they traded are in clear view, sitting on the counter. Though it is dim inside, one can see there's a bandolier, some rope, a holy symbol, and a greathelm. The two proprietors begin putting the items in a case.
"You fellas need any help?" asks the atlan.

History check from Virgil, please.

History
Roll(1d20)+1:
3,+1
Total:4

   doh!

"Let me chat with my partners, I'll get back to ya shortly." Virgil nods to the mountain and heads over to the counter. "It's been a long road and I am needing some more rounds. Can I take a look at that bandolier on the wall?" Virgil indicates the one he noticed with the rune etched bullets.

Nothing rings a bell in Virgil's mind.

"Eh?" says the atlan. "Sure thing, pardner, but I need a deposit first. Something worthy, like yer gun. These bullets 'r magical!" He holds up the bandolier so the customers can see it better. The bullets appear to be crafted from various substances.

"Magic bullits.....well I'll be....."

Robyo wrote:Nothing rings a bell in Virgil's mind.

"Eh?" says the atlan. "Sure thing, pardner, but I need a deposit first. Something worthy, like yer gun. These bullets 'r magical!" He holds up the bandolier so the customers can see it better. The bullets appear to be crafted from various substances.

Virgil gives the atlan a hard stare as he draws one of his pistols.  He opens the chamber of the revolver and carefully removes the Cold Iron bullets.  Virgil shows the shopkeeper the magical runes etched on his pistol and sets it down on top of the counter.  "Everything stays above the counter and in plain sight.  Now let's see what ya got there."

Chirs2 wrote:Virgil gives the atlan a hard stare as he draws one of his pistols.  He opens the chamber of the revolver and carefully removes the Cold Iron bullets.  Virgil shows the shopkeeper the magical runes etched on his pistol and sets it down on top of the counter.  "Everything stays above the counter and in plain sight.  Now let's see what ya got there."

The trader eyes Virgil's pistol with great interest as he hands over the bandolier. Virgil made his arcana/firearms check earlier, so:
~bullets (all gyroscopic grooved, which improves accuracy, while decreasing range = +5 to hit, 1/2 range)
x3 wood bullets (x2 damage vs dhampir)
x3 silver bullets (x2 damage vs lycanthropes/shifters)
x3 rune bullets (made with cold adamantium = +2 to hit, x2 damage vs anything, except mithral, and x2 damage vs incorporeal)
x1 explosive bullets (x3 fire damage, burst:1)
...two bullets are missing/were used.

"One of them injun fellas said they picked this stuff up in an abandoned mineshaft," explained the atlan. "He said there was a bunch of statues down there too."

Robyo wrote:
The trader eyes Virgil's pistol with great interest as he hands over the bandolier. Virgil made his arcana/firearms check earlier, so:
~bullets (all gyroscopic grooved, which improves accuracy, while decreasing range = +5 to hit, 1/2 range)
x3 wood bullets (x2 damage vs dhampir)
x3 silver bullets (x2 damage vs lycanthropes/shifters)
x3 rune bullets (made with cold adamantium = +2 to hit, x2 damage vs anything, except mithral, and x2 damage vs incorporeal)
x1 explosive bullets (x3 fire damage, burst:1)
...two bullets are missing/were used.

"One of them injun fellas said they picked this stuff up in an abandoned mineshaft," explained the atlan. "He said there was a bunch of statues down there too."

Virgil shoots a quick glance to JH and then switches his attention to the shopkeeper's story, "You don't say! Why in Asgard would there be statues in an abandoned mineshaft...." Virgil eyes the bandolier, "We got a deal?"

Chirs2 wrote:Virgil shoots a quick glance to JH and then switches his attention to the shopkeeper's story, "You don't say!  Why in Asgard would there be statues in an abandoned mineshaft...."  Virgil eyes the bandolier, "We got a deal?"

"Hell, I dunno, it's just what them injuns said," the trader reponds. "I told them not to be hauling them things in here either! Ain't interested."

Regarding the trade, he looks at his partner, who shrugs. "Alright pardner, the bandolier for the arcane Peacemaker. You want anything else?"

Robyo wrote:
"Hell, I dunno, it's just what them injuns said," the trader reponds. "I told them not to be hauling them things in here either! Ain't interested."

Regarding the trade, he looks at his partner, who shrugs. "Alright pardner, the bandolier for the arcane Peacemaker. You want anything else?"

Unless Virgil noticed anything else magical, "Just the bandolier and the bullets it holds for the Peacemaker. That will do it for now."

After the transaction, Virgil will go find the others to relate the shopkeeper's story and the mountain man's offer to be a guide.

Chirs2 wrote:Unless Virgil noticed anything else magical, "Just the bandolier and the bullets it holds for the Peacemaker.  That will do it for now."

After the transaction, Virgil will go find the others to relate the shopkeeper's story and the mountain man's offer to be a guide.

Nothing else magical that he can see. The greathelm appears to be made for a head larger than a typical man. The holy symbol is that of Palendine.

When Virgil (and JH?) exit, they find Neraka and Monk visiting with the native folk. Klandor is napping under a wagon. No idea what Oli is up to. Old Bill approaches the party as well, interested in securing work as a paid guide.

Robyo wrote:

Chirs2 wrote:Unless Virgil noticed anything else magical, "Just the bandolier and the bullets it holds for the Peacemaker.  That will do it for now."

After the transaction, Virgil will go find the others to relate the shopkeeper's story and the mountain man's offer to be a guide.

Nothing else magical that he can see. The greathelm appears to be made for a head larger than a typical man. The holy symbol is that of Palendine.

When Virgil (and JH?) exit, they find Neraka and Monk visiting with the native folk. Klandor is napping under a wagon. No idea what Oli is up to. Old Bill approaches the party as well, interested in securing work as a paid guide.

*** Before he exits, with this new information ** Does Virgil recognize the helm as belonging to Marshall Sparks?

Chirs2 wrote:*** Before he exits, with this new information ** Does Virgil recognize the helm as belonging to Marshall Sparks?

That's what the History check was about, so no.

Robyo wrote:

Chirs2 wrote:*** Before he exits, with this new information ** Does Virgil recognize the helm as belonging to Marshall Sparks?

That's what the History check was about, so no.

ah, like a memory check, I gotcha. Chris rolled better than Virgil   

Virgil introduces Old Bill to the others, "Old Bill here has offered his services as a guide to White Mountain. Tell us about your experiences in the mountains, Bill"

'ugh, more white men'. Neraka shakes his head and mutters under his breath

Monk greets Sheriff Virgil, and bows to the new mountain man..

"Did you learn anything of interest, Sheriff?"

Chirs2 wrote:Virgil introduces Old Bill to the others, "Old Bill here has offered his services as a guide to White Mountain.  Tell us about your experiences in the mountains, Bill"

Old Bill smiles, revealing many missing teeth. "Sheeoot fellas, I been up on the mountain since '47. Been trapping and hunting al that time. Had me a squaw wife for a bit, but she ran off with a French fur trader last winter..." And so on. The mountain man goes on and on, revealing many (uninteresting) facts about his life. The adventurers get the distinct feeling Old Bill doesn't have company much, or an opportunity to speak in English.

Traveler Monk listens to Old Bill ramble for a bit and then attempts to steer the conversation towards the troubles in pestilence and the possible connection to the mountain..

"Master Bill, you have been around this mountain as long as anyone. Tell me, have you seen anything-or anyone - unusual on the mountain lately?"

Just in case it helps:

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 1 (16+1)=17

whit10 wrote:'ugh, more white men'. Neraka shakes his head and mutters under his breath

Robyo wrote:
"I have seen strange things like those you speak of. My people now believe the dark ones have established a fortress deep beneath the mountain. We do not know if there is an entrance. Occasionally we see them walking on the surface. How they arrive, we are not certain.

"A few we have slain, and always they change back into their hideous natural form. But those are the servants, the spies. Some have tried to infiltrate out tribe, but we discovered and rooted them out. I have an eye for seeing the True Form." She takes another long draw from the pipe. When she exhales, she seems to disappear in a cloud of smoke.

"Others we have seen," she continues, "always wearing masks and dark robes. It seems they can not bear the light of our sun. They are the masters and we call them the Voiceless Ones. None have ever been slain or captured that I know of.

"If your party wishes, you may accompany us back to the tribe. We are awaiting a shipment of medicine from the government. It is supposed to arrive today or tomorrow... You see, some of our people are sick. A mysterious condition they have, beyond my own powers and knowledge of healing. As my guests, you would be welcomed by the tribe as friends, but considering the situation, I would not blame you if you declined." She smiles, somewhat cynically. Many of her teeth are gold.

hopefully Neraka will share what he has learned, so we can make an informed decision.....

Bill speaks similarly of the strange occurrences on White Mountain that Stormcrow did, mainly concerning the "dark ones."

He adds, "If them dark rascals be holding up deep underground, then that's where you boys ought'a aim to go. There's a couple ways we could approach it. I know about an old abandoned silver mine network, only it's rumored to be hainted. I don't know about all that, never been down there myself.

"Also, at the peak of White Mountain is a wide and deep lake. Some folks say the whole mountain is an extinct volcano, but there ain't no crater, just a lake with an isle at it's center. Them folks say the lake is really just the volcano's crater, but filled-in with water. I say, no one rightly knows, 'cause there's a dragon that lives on that isle and you can't get close enough to set foot anywhere near there without getting swooped down and gobbled up.

"Besides, the trek up there is mighty dangerous. There are giants up near the peak. The injuns don't go up that high, usually camping below the treeline."

He sees Klandor and Vyrm wander out to hear the tale. When Old Bill sees Vyrm, he lightens up. "Now that's a fine badger pelt! Ought'a fetch a pint of whiskey or more from them traders inside. I sure could use a drink, y'know?"


So to recap:
Bill mentioned two possible entrances to the underdark:
1)The abandoned mine shaft - supposedly haunted or worse.
2)The peak of the mountain is a rumored volcanic crater, but filled-in with water - supposedly guarded by a dragon, and the trek up there goes through giants territory

Also, the shamaness/medicine woman Stormcrow asked if the party wanted to accompany the natives back to the tribe's camp on the mountain (via canoe). They are awaiting medical supplies, but once they've returned to the tribe, certainly some natives can be found to guide them and further explore the mountain.

It is currently about 5pm in the evening. The black swirling void that was once the moon has come out over the horizon, emanating it's menacing vibe throughout the land.

Robyo wrote:

So to recap:
Bill mentioned two possible entrances to the underdark:
1)The abandoned mine shaft - supposedly haunted or worse.
2)The peak of the mountain is a rumored volcanic crater, but filled-in with water - supposedly guarded by a dragon, and the trek up there goes through giants territory

Also, the shamaness/medicine woman Stormcrow asked if the party wanted to accompany the natives back to the tribe's camp on the mountain (via canoe). They are awaiting medical supplies, but once they've returned to the tribe, certainly some natives can be found to guide them and further explore the mountain.

It is currently about 5pm in the evening. The black swirling void that was once the moon has come out over the horizon, emanating it's menacing vibe throughout the land.

Thanks for the recap of options!

Virgil didn't recognize Spark's helm from the mineshaft and Chris still thinks haunted = bad for us. I would vote for the mountain, but I don't care if it is by way of the injuns or Old Bill

Chirs2 wrote:

Robyo wrote:

So to recap:
Bill mentioned two possible entrances to the underdark:
1)The abandoned mine shaft - supposedly haunted or worse.
2)The peak of the mountain is a rumored volcanic crater, but filled-in with water - supposedly guarded by a dragon, and the trek up there goes through giants territory

Also, the shamaness/medicine woman Stormcrow asked if the party wanted to accompany the natives back to the tribe's camp on the mountain (via canoe). They are awaiting medical supplies, but once they've returned to the tribe, certainly some natives can be found to guide them and further explore the mountain.

It is currently about 5pm in the evening. The black swirling void that was once the moon has come out over the horizon, emanating it's menacing vibe throughout the land.

Thanks for the recap of options!

Virgil didn't recognize Spark's helm from the mineshaft and Chris still thinks haunted = bad for us.  I would vote for the mountain, but I don't care if it is by way of the injuns or Old Bill

Nice summary.

Monk thinks we should camp with the Natives tonight, and accompany them in the morning. He's inclined to see if we can help the sick ones in any way.

Also votes for hiring Old Bill for the duration of the trek. An extra hired gun never hurts. He votes for then being guided to the mineshaft, unless the native guides at the main Indian camp know a better way. Monk has plenty of money to pay bill's fee.

To Virgil quietly on the side:

"Sheriff, what is your feeling on Old Bill? Is he good or evil, can you discern?"

regarding hauntings and the mineshaft, Monk does holy damage and his fists count as magical weapons. That may help a bit.

Arcturus2 wrote:
To Virgil quietly on the side:

"Sheriff,  what is your feeling on Old Bill? Is he good or evil, can you discern?"

Virgil gives Old Bill a hard    stare (Detect Evil)

unfortunately, it only detects fiends or undead, not actual alignment   

Bill is neither fiend nor undead.

Camping for the night at the trading post sounds reasonable. What do the other players think?

Virgil is fine staying here for the night

Neraka could use some sleep. Fine with him