Between a rock-gut and a stone palace

Please take a moment to introduce yourselves to Vasily.


I will post a more detailed introduction later, but go ahead and do your meet & greet.

Vasyli eyes the new-comers with a bit of surprise but reveals a toothy grin never-the-less. He keeps drinking with the various dwarves at an "open cave" bar.

King Wilhelm welcomes the adventures to his city of Grimhold as heroes and friends of the Dawi (mountain dwarves name for themselves, literally translated as "Longbeards")



Grimhold extends from the surface to nearly 1 mile underground.   It features a wide open cavern cityscape, deep tunnels and an extensive mining operation.

In the tradition of the ancient Dawi Kings who are laid to rest in the stones of Grimhold,  King Wilhelm declares 7 days of celebration and games in honor of the party's great victory.

The celebration begins with King Wilhelm opening the Dawi's Book of Grudges.  The Book of Grudges is a historical tome with stone pages.  Great battles, catastrophes and other significant events that cause suffering to the Dawi are carved into the pages.   The demon Malachora was first recorded in the Book of Grudges many centuries ago.  King Wilhelm himself carves the names of the heroes in stone:  Marvin VinMarvin, Warhol and Gor'Zax Odred.   In the ledgers of the Book of Grudges, the debt of suffering inflicted by Malorcha on the Dawi has been balanced by the deeds of the heroes.  




Many games of skill and strength are enjoyed, including drinking, rock smashing, rock bowling, wrestling and more drinking!






The Resonators sing heroic ballads to the Earth herself, so that the rock and stone may know the party's deeds.  In Dawi beliefs, the Earth remembers the songs forever.

someone's been watching the Rings of Power. (great use though!!)

Marvin enthusiastically partakes in the festivities, imbibing with gusto, booting and rallying as necessary.

He drunkenly acosts Vasily “Can I call you Little V? Cuz you’re shooper big and ish way funner to shay you’re lil. Or not…but you’re cool man… like I really dig the whole blackshmish thing you’re doin…”

"ha ha ha... little one think he's is bigger than Vasyli. Vasyli likes little one. Reminds Vasyli of his baby cousin. Vasyli only answers to Vasyli. Unless you can OUTDRINK Vasyli!"

He reaches into his bag of holding, pulls out a small chest that has ice in it and two glasses, then a bottle of vodka. He pours two glasses for himself and Marvin and offers a toast "to the great heroes who killed witch!"

Warhol drinks with the oldest of the Dawi focusing on conversation, learning their customs and history. He remains fascinated by the world beyond his willowy banks. If welcomed to join the resonators, he will bust out the didgeridoo jam-band style.

Are the Dawi known to the VinMarvin clan?

Whitey wrote:Are the Dawi known to the VinMarvin clan?

good question!

make whatever kind of Intelligence check you think is appropriate like History or Nature or something

navyik wrote:Warhol drinks with the oldest of the Dawi focusing on conversation, learning their customs and history. He remains fascinated by the world beyond his willowy banks. If welcomed to join the resonators, he will bust out the didgeridoo jam-band style.

Performance check for jamming with the chorus



some basics of dawi lore they freely share:

Religion - primary diety is Moradin (father of Thunor), the Allhammer.  The holy day of The Allhammer is Deep Solace, and is celebrated on the 18th day of Unndilar.  He shaped the mountains from the chaos of the Founding, and stands as the patron protector of home and family.  Especially devout followers of Moradin spend the day in isolation, meditating on the meaning of family and how they may be better mothers, fathers, siblings, and children.  Dawi communities, such as that of Grimhold and Kraghammer celebrate with a full day of feasting and drinking.

Culture - Grudges and accounting play a large role in Dawi society.  For example,  legal disputes between Dawi families can be solved by an insult fight during which "grudge throwers" actually throw stones with the grudges carved into them at each other.

Dawi Language - In the Dawi language (Khazalid) you start the sentence with the most important part and sometimes end it with it too.  Khazalid has no word for "forgiveness".  

Politics - The Dawi are largely isolationists.  They have established vibrant trade with most surface cultures as they offer rare minerals and crafts in exchange for needed materials like wood, cloth and other textiles.  The Dawi are in constant conflict with other subterranean races as they fight for control of tunnels and mining opportunities.

Zax for his part spends his time in rock smashing games. He is not one for drinking or drinking games. Zax finds kindred spirits with the Dawi Battle Ragers that share his "Full Frontal Assault" philosophy.

Dawi Guilds can be comprised of representatives from many different classes. Guilds are more about functional role than form (specific class)

some examples:

Resonators - clerics, druids, sorcerers, warlocks
'Lunkers - rangers, rogues, anyone that is good at scouting\sneaking
Ragers - fighters, barbarians, melee rangers, hexblade warlocks
Engineers - wizards, clerics, artificers

Marvin’s History roll:

Tue Sep 27 2022 08:47:11 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 4 to total : 17, + 4, TOTAL: 21

after a few drinks with Marvin, Vasyli will spend some time with the Engineers, just sort of gleaning what's going on and if there are any issues lately with crafting and what not

Whitey wrote:Marvin’s History roll:

Tue Sep 27 2022 08:47:11 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 4 to total : 17, + 4, TOTAL: 21

YES

Whitey wrote:Marvin VinMarvin comes from a long line of VinMarvins. His clan of halflings has lived in the forests along the border between Merciana and Korioth for generations. His father Mario VinMarvin has seen the border move a dozen times in his two centuries. Being an agreeable lot, the VinMarvins tend to don the colors of whichever king  happens to control their lands in any given decade. Currently in service to the Mercianan king, Marvin’s uncle Vincent VinMarvin is the 1st Junior Vice Game Warden for the region. Uncle Vinny let Marvin tag along on the elder’s appointed rounds throughout his youth and then proudly pinned the king’s seal on his nephew when he became of age.

Adding on to the VinMarvin history... The VinMarvins have encountered the Dawi in the past and have even "donned their colors" for a period of time. It was before Uncle Vinny's time as a Warden, but Great-Grandfather Martin VinMarvin has told tales of dwarves that came up from deep underground. He described their realm like a hive of ants, with so many passages and side tunnels that a surface warden could easily get lost down there in the dark. Martin's stories include many likely exaggerations about talking rocks, crystals with magical powers and even mushrooms that walked like men!

whit10 wrote:after a few drinks with Marvin, Vasyli will spend some time with the Engineers, just sort of gleaning what's going on and if there are any issues lately with crafting and what not

GM note - the festivals last for 1 week. This is an interlude period for any party bonding roleplaying you may want to do. I see some has already happened.

This is also a chance for any social encounters and exploration of the Dawi, if you want.


As soon as everyone is satisfied with this portion, we can advance to the next "scene" which will be after the week long celebration.

Warhol learning from the Resonators, Vasily talking to the Engineers, Marvin learning from history.... this is exactly what I had in mind. The more you do here, the more prepared you will be for the next scenes. If you want, no pressure. Zax is already bored and would have charged forward already



Vasily is welcomed by the Dawi Engineers. They demonstrate, but do not teach him, crafting with Mithral and Adamantine.


Go ahead and make a social check to "Gather Information" - you can pick how you want to proceed whether by Persuasion, Deception, Intimidation, etc

Could Vasyli use Investigation to glean what he can about crafting Adamantine and Mithral from their demonstrations; as well as any other observation he can get from just being around them for a week (or more since he was already there)?

Marvin will, perhaps unwisely, pound down some vodka shots with Vasyli and then stagger over to seek audience with King Wilhelm.

“Your Eminensh…I…burp…bring good tidingsh and warm wishesh of friendshish from the VinMarvin clams..heehee..clan. I am Warden Marvin shon of Mario shon of Marcush shon of Martin who was known to your peoplesh. I am in servish to His Mergihhh…Marpin….Majesheshty…hee hee..King of Mersheriabba through my Uncle Vinshent VinMarvin, Firsht Game Warden to the Kling. Fank you for your hoshpitality we are pondered…uh honored…to feasht at your fable…burp…table.”

whit10 wrote:Could Vasyli use Investigation to glean what he can about crafting Adamantine and Mithral from their demonstrations; as well as any other observation he can get from just being around them for a week (or more since he was already there)?

Sure, go for it



In general guys, as you can probably tell, I am usually pretty open to letting you roll whatever type of check you want, assuming you can make a reasonable justification for why that skill fits the situation

Whitey wrote:Marvin will, perhaps unwisely, pound down some vodka shots with Vasyli and then stagger over to seek audience with King Wilhelm.

“Your Eminensh…I…burp…bring good tidingsh and warm wishesh of friendshish from the VinMarvin clams..heehee..clan. I am Warden Marvin shon of Mario shon of Marcush shon of Martin who was known to your peoplesh. I am in servish to His Mergihhh…Marpin….Majesheshty…hee hee..King of Mersheriabba through my Uncle Vinshent VinMarvin, Firsht Game Warden to the Kling. Fank you for your hoshpitality we are pondered…uh honored…to feasht at your fable…burp…table.”

King Wilhelm and his court are highly amused by Marvin.  It is not mockery but pure enjoyment of a guest at their celebration.

The court goes quiet however at the mention of Martin who was known to their people.  Nervous looks are exchanged as Wilhelm consults the Book of Grudges.  Marvin's head swims as he tries to track what is happening.   Luck seems to always be watching out for the VinMarvins as Wilhelm proclaims, "We hold no Grudges against the VinMarvins!"  

The mood in court instantly returns to laughter and merriment.

Investigation check:

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 9 to total : 20, + 9, TOTAL: 29

Huzzah!! Nice way to start!

whit10 wrote:Investigation check:

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 9 to total : 20, + 9, TOTAL: 29

Huzzah!!  Nice way to start!

Indeed!


Vasily can tell that the Dawi are intentionally NOT showing him the entire process.  They are omitting key steps.  He suspects they know he is some type of magical craftsman and are hiding their trade secrets from him.  

Forging Adamantine and\or Mithral takes more than just a combination of metals.  There are some missing ingredients that contain magical properties.

The forges that Vasily has seen are also not hot enough to smelt Adamantine for sure, maybe not Mithral.  He has overheard whispers of something called the Grim Forge.  At first he thought it was Grimhold, the name of the city, but he has caught the slight difference in Khazalid between Forge and Hold.  


As for what else is going on with the Engineers.....   They grumble generally about a lack of materials to work their craft.  They blame the Mining Guild.  The Mining Guild blames the 'Lunkers for not keeping the tunnels clear.  The 'Lunkers blame the Ragers for losing forts which supported the tunnels.  The Ragers blame the Engineers for not providing enough advanced weaponry to defend the forts.  Many Grudge Stones have been hurled over this dispute.

ok, fair enough. If possible, Vasyli would like to see if he could use his Background ability: Researcher

When you attempt to learn or recall a piece of lore, if you
do not know that information, you often know where and
from w hom you can obtain it. Usually, this information
comes from a library, scriptorium, university, or a sage
or other learned person or creature. Your DM might
rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an
almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot be
found. Unearthing the deepest secrets o f the multiverse
can require an adventure or even a whole campaign.

This doesn't have to be at this moment though... just something for the future.

With his respects paid to the King and feeling quite chuffed up about the outcome Marvin pinballs through the festivities until he spots any of the ‘lunkers who might have a bow.

“You a good shot wif that? As it…burp…mattersh…in battle?”

whit10 wrote:ok, fair enough.  If possible, Vasyli would like to see if he could use his Background ability: Researcher

When you attempt to learn or recall a piece of lore, if you
do not know that information, you often know where and
from w hom you can obtain it. Usually, this information
comes from a library, scriptorium, university, or a sage
or other learned person or creature. Your DM might
rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an
almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot be
found. Unearthing the deepest secrets o f the multiverse
can require an adventure or even a whole campaign.

This doesn't have to be at this moment though... just something for the future.

you know where - Grimhold
from whom - Engineers

they are just not willing to share with you, yet. perhaps some deeds of yours in the future will change their minds...

Warhol’s didgeridoo check
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +4" :

15 + 4 = 19

ok, Vasyli is good for now then

Whitey wrote:With his respects paid to the King and feeling quite chuffed up about the outcome Marvin pinballs through the festivities until he spots any of the ‘lunkers who might have a bow.

“You a good shot wif that? As it…burp…mattersh…in battle?”

Marvin finds what he thinks are a group of 'Lunkers engaged in a rock tossing game.  Marvin has seen similar games on the surface.  They are hurling baseball sized rocks at ceramic targets set up on different heights and distances.  The wagers are usually made in drinks for the thrower if they miss or drinks for the crowd if they hit.   It seems like a win\win game to Marvin.



Marvin notices that all the 'Lunkers are carrying crossbows, not bows.   They explain that bows are too big for tight tunnels.  

A 'Lunker named Gatgrig offers Marvin a match.  Other Dawi reset some more ceramic targets.

navyik wrote:Warhol’s didgeridoo check
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +4" :

15 + 4 = 19

well played!

Several bushy eyebrows are raised at the strange noise coming from the talking turtle.  It takes a few moments for the chorus to harmonize with Warhol, but it blends well with the deeper throat-singing of some of the males.  

Warhol learns how to use his music, or possibly singing, to awaken certain glowing crystals that seem to grow in the deeper depths of Grimhold.





Performance check required

whit10 wrote:ok, Vasyli is good for now then

The Engineers share some of their magical crafts that they make for other guilds, mostly the 'Lunkers.  None of these items require Attunement


Vasyli is gifted an Apprentice's Ring
+1 bonus to Arcana, Nature, History checks


Vasyli is gifted a lantern of revealing

A Lantern of Revealing can burn up to 6 hours with a pint of oil in it, shedding bright light in a 30-foot radius. While in this area, any invisible creatures or objects are rendered visible.



They also gift him a tactical web belt (robe of useful items)

This robe has cloth patches of various shapes and colors covering it. While wearing the robe. you can use an Action to detach one of the patches, causing it to become the object or creature it represents. Once the last patch is removed, the robe becomes an ordinary garment.

The robe has two of each of the following patches:

• Dagger

• Steel mirror

• 10-foot pole

• Hempen rope (50 feet, coiled)

• Sack

16-22 — Iron door (up to 10 feet wide and 10 feet high, barred on one side of your choice), which you can place in an opening you can reach; it conforms to fit the opening, attaching and hinging itself

31-44 — Wooden Ladder (24 feet long)

69-75 — Rowboat (12 feet long)

97-00 — Portable ram



Vasyli needed a couple minor items to get him up to snuff

"Vasyli accepts these gifts from great the great Dawi. You have Vasyli's gratitude." He humbly bows

“Gimme that shtone. I see three of each sheramics. I’ll aim for the…burp…middle onesh.”

Assuming Marvin throws at DISADV due to the booze? Can he negate by employing  Steady Aim, reducing movement to 0 for the turn (6 seconds)?

Also, can Marvin use his proficiency bonus? He has proficiency in simple weapons. Doesn’t get any simpler than a rock.

Whitey wrote:“Gimme that shtone. I see three of each sheramics. I’ll aim for the…burp…middle onesh.”

Assuming Marvin throws at DISADV due to the booze? Can he negate by employing  Steady Aim, reducing movement to 0 for the turn (6 seconds)?

Also, can Marvin use his proficiency bonus? He has proficiency in simple weapons. Doesn’t get any simpler than a rock.

Yes, I agree with DIS due to booze.  I was thinking the same thing.  The Dawi are apparently thinking the same thing as they bet heavily against Marvin.

I had completely forgotten about Steady Aim, even though you just flummoxed Josh with it only a few days ago....  YES, I think you can offset the penalties.  Well played, again!


Yes, Dex + prof.

let's do this all at once, give me 3 attack rolls with DC of 17
best of 3 wins


Gatgrig uses a softball wind up pitch and hurls his stones with great force

Rolling "1d20 +6" 3 times

1: 13 + 6 = 19
2: 14 + 6 = 20
3: 2 + 6 = 8


woohoo Gatgrig is hot tonight!  2 ceramic plates explode from the force of his hits

Gatgrig smiles at Marvin, "Show us what you got, Toadstool!"
The crowd joins in with a low chant, "Toadstool... Toadstool...."

Warhol had to use the lucky feat to avoid a potentially sour note!
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +4" :

19 + 4 = 23

“That’s Warden Toadshtool to you blockheadsh!” Marvin let’s fly his three stones:

Tue Sep 27 2022 18:51:32 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 8 to total : 18, + 8, TOTAL: 26

Tue Sep 27 2022 18:51:31 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 8 to total : 12, + 8, TOTAL: 20

Tue Sep 27 2022 18:51:30 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 8 to total : 5, + 8, TOTAL: 13

A tie! “One more shot for all the marblesh!” Marvin aims for the highest, smallest target:

Tue Sep 27 2022 18:55:03 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 8 to total : 18, + 8, TOTAL: 26

“POW!”

navyik wrote:Warhol had to use the lucky feat to avoid a potentially sour note!
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +4" :

19 + 4 = 23

The Resonators are impressed that a surface dweller is able to awaken a crystal on his first try. The small clutch of crystals begin to glow a warm green. The light is faint at first, beginning deep inside the crystal. It grows as Warhol harmonizes the sonic wavelengths to the vibrations of the crystals.

Whitey wrote:

A tie! “One more shot for all the marblesh!” Marvin aims for the highest, smallest target:

Tue Sep 27 2022 18:55:03 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 8 to total : 18, + 8, TOTAL: 26

“POW!”

Gatgrig takes a long pull of rock-gut whiskey and lets fly another stone, also at a more difficult target dc 19

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 6 to total : 10, + 6, TOTAL: 16


The rock narrowly misses its mark. There is a moment of stunned silence followed by raucous cheers, "Warden Toadstool! Warden Toadstool!"
Gatgrig is not a sore loser and happily drinks many times for each Dawi that bet on him.

The 'Lunkers invite Marvin on a walk-about to show him more of their world.

Marvin throws his arm around his opponent and grabs a freshly topped off tankard. “Lead the way ‘Grig! Show me ‘round thish town.”

Are there practical applications for the crystals’ properties that Warhol can divine from this experience?

navyik wrote:Are there practical applications for the crystals’ properties that Warhol can divine from this experience?

Natural sources of light that do not produce smoke in confined underground locations, just to start. The concept, generally, of communion with crystals might be explored further.

Whitey wrote:Marvin throws his arm around his opponent and grabs a freshly topped off tankard. “Lead the way ‘Grig! Show me ‘round thish town.”

The 'Lunkers lead Marvin on a wild montage of drunken exploration. Their tunnels are every bit as disorientating as GGF Martin's stories - ups, downs, side passages, tunnels - Marvin finds himself getting lost just in the suburbs of Grimhold. Briefly, they expose Marvin to some of the flora and fauna of the Underverse. Mostly, this consists of various fungi and molds that can grow without light. Some are edible, some are poisonous, some explode, some are sentient, some are... just mushrooms.

Marvin can now make survival and nature checks without Disadvantage in the Underverse. The DCs are still high, but he at least has some exposure, albeit in a rushed and drunken state.

Ok, I would say you have each exhausted your social options for learning. Well done! I am ready to advance the storyline.
Is there anything else you want to do before we moved forward?

ready to go dude... nice job!

As Marvin’s night winds down with the Lunkers he’ll confide to Grig that he’s pretty embarrassed about his lack of dark vision and wonders out loud if the dwarves have any remedy. Whatever comes of that he’ll accept, then readily crash into an obnoxiously snoring long rest.

When he wakes he’ll need a good greasy hangover breakfast and a solid morning of feeling sorry for himself, then he’ll be ready to go.

https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/anonymous-tip-leads-to-arrest-at-steamboat-springs-high-school/


sorry guys, Anthony witnessed this yesterday and stayed home today. He is pretty shaken up, as are we all. I might need to pause for a little bit.

no worries bro. Sorry he had to deal with this fucking nonsense....

Oh Man sorry to hear that. We have had two lockdowns due to active shooters in Caleb’s district (Arapahoe HS and STEM). It’s hard on everyone, hang in there bro.

Oof.

Thanks for the support.
I am so sad to hear this has occurred in Caleb's district too, ugh


ok, please head over to chapter 1


https://lodgestgaming.forumotion.com/t477-what-dreams-may-come#30140

Whisp appears fascinated and confused at the same time, "Carrion Crawlers?  Dawi?  Witches?  Dreams?  Wait... what?"   He turns his head as if in response to something Qhular said, "Yes, focus.  My apologies.  I get excited at the prospect of collaborative research.  Qhu (Q) is correct, as usual, we should establish some parameters so we don't meander into conjecture.  I will open with Voir Dire to lay out the established facts.  We can then assert theorems and argue their merits."  Whisp can't contain himself and claps excitedly at his own suggestion.  

Qhular and Haywire provide chairs from the back of their steampunk wagon.  Haywire ignites some glow stones and makes a small but warm fire.  He then goes on patrol around the camp site.  Qhular offers an assortment of fungi as snacks.  Some look like your average mushrooms, others look like sea coral, others more like stringy sprouts.  Qhu enjoys the ones that resemble brains, which Whisp informs you are called Gyromitra esculenta.



Whisp begins pacing back and forth, "I am Svirfneblin or what is commonly referred to as a Deep Gnome on the surface.  I trained at the Lunar Tower of High Magic in Menzoberranzen in the school of Abjuration.  I..."  Qhular pauses his snacking to clear his throat rather loudly interrupting Whisp.  Whisp snaps his attention to Qhu, "Really - Relevance?  How can you object to my curriculum vitae?  That is clearly an established fact beyond dispute.... what?  They don't care?  Get to the point?!?!"  



Haywire makes a chugging sound and several puffs of smoke chuckle from his pipes.  Whisp glares at him but regains his composure.  "Fine.  

Fact number one - the nearby Arcane Tower of Plake Sniskin was inhabited by a Beholder named Zormoxiph many years ago.   I was on a research sabbatical to study its impact on the nearby regions of the Underdark.



Fact two - Beholders influence their proximal regions through their dreams much in the same way the area near a red dragon's den begins forming hot springs or lava flows.



Regional effects: When the beholder sleeps, minor warps in reality occur within 1 mile of its lair and then vanish 24 hours later.

Fact three - an Elder Brain and small colony of Mindflayers arrived in the area around the tower a little over a week ago.



Fact four - since their arrival the Beholder's regional effects have grown continually stronger and more persistent.   To put it mildly, there has a been a steady stream of powerful, mutated and unusual beholder kin pouring forth from the Arcane Tower every night.  I would posit that we just fought the emotional manifestations of Zormoxiph's deteriorating mental condition.  




Now, I have a working theory..."  He is again interrupted by Qhular.  "I am NOT finished.  I would appreciate it if you..." Whisp is trying to talk and listen at the same time.  "Yes, yes, of course I remember."   He addresses the party.  "What facts can you share?  Better data in, better theories out, as my Divination professor used to say."  

Whisp and Qhu look expectantly at the party to hear their tale.


totally up to you if you want to roleplay the telling of your recent adventures or just say something like "we tell them everything" or "only this but not that".  it won't have any bearing on experience or help from the NPCs whether you elaborate or not.

gents, shall we just spill it?