The town of Torch is a moderately sized town on the end of the Seven Tears River. A town famous for its ease in crafting with skymetal due to a violent purple flame on the top of a hill which lead to the name of the town. This has lead to a economic boom in the town, though one would not expect this as most of the money is taxed by the Technic Legion.
The famous torch of Torch has mysteriously gone out, and if not returned soon could spell doom for the town due to the high taxes imposed on them. Teams have gone out to try to discover what happened however not have returned.
Councilor Khonnir Baine has also gone missing. He has lead two expeditions in search of a cause behind the torch's sudden extinguishing. The first time he returned, the second he has not. As such, the Torch city council has offered a 4,000 gp reward for his return. Even if dead, the reward will still stand as they claim to have a scroll of resurrection that they will use to revive him if need be.
Khonnir Baine went missing in tunnels he had discovered by the weeping pond. they were discovered after he noticed signs of unusual traffic near the banks which lead to the discovery of the submerged tunnels. It was here that he has performed his two expeditions and here is where he is expected to be missing.
"Return the fleshbag, functionality optional? Probability indicates that the ends will exceed the means required. This is a positive value task. I suggest we proceed."
Doctor Rhaym smiled (well, others have described it as a rictus) as he snapped his bag closed and patted the child he had stitched up on the head.
"There you go now. Just keep the stitches clean and change the bandages every day and you'll be fine. I will bill you next month."
He turned to R@mshackle as the child scampered off.
"What? Master Baine is missing? That cannot be tolerated! We will assemble a posse... search party immediately!"
He unrolled his sleeves and swept his longtailed coat on.
"Who else is going?" He looked around.
The warpriestess looks at the machine man oddly as he waxes philosophical about...well, something. To the doctor she smiles warmly, nodding. "You can count me in. There is something amiss, beyond the missing flame, and someone needs to get to the bottom of it."
With that being said, she starts to gather her possessions, getting ready for the hopefully short trek.
"Frankly, I had hoped to run down the rumor that the source of all the migrane headaches in this area is in the town's water source. But finding my old master is more important!" He said, puffing his chest out and hooking his thumbs behind his supenders.
Lilly nods to Rhaym, agreeing whole-heartedly with his assessment. The curious rumor about Jarritt the Junkmaster would have to wait until they returned. "Let us be off, then, unless someone needs to get anything?"
Her dark eyebrows raise up slightly in question, pretty features already impatient.
"All systems are nominal."
"Ok, then..." Lilly glances askance at the machine-man. She supposed it would take some time to get used to his company and technological way of speaking of things.
So we have to traid into the Frakking Sewers to find that Frak of a Councilor who probably found death ? That is amusing also. Well like Tin men said Systems are all green so let's head out and Rock And Load. she says with a smile making a gun with her fingers
Lilly squints her eyes, her brow furrowing. She'd have to brush up on technology, apparently, because she wasn't getting much out of the conversations. Regardless, the intent was clear, and she starts to trudge off towards their destination. Taking a look at everyone, she migrates to the front of the party.
"Only trace amounts of tin are present in my construction." R@mshackle responds as he tromps along.
Really ? well i Frakking guess they they show she responds smiling at the android.
Lilly continues along towards their destination, not understanding the banter between her companions, so disregarding it. She keeps her eyes open for threats, her weapon in hand to discourage anything thinking of a quick meal.
Celest gets up and goes home to her bunk squeezed among so many others at the flop house. She passes the tavern to figure out when her next shift is. What the hell day is it? Why's the light all weird. Usually the sky has that salty pink bruise color going on that reminds her of salted pork and makes her wanna vomit when she feels like this.
She really wanted to vomit.
Like right now, so she wouldn't have to smell it in her bunk. The miner underneath, and the stable-hand above would no doubt complain. And for the love of all the Gods if that traveling minstrel was up playing her lute, Celest was going to brain her with it.
Gods! She hated this town.
Torch could go to blazes for all she cared.
Still she needed it until she could collect enough to move on--which guild taxes weren't helping.
Maybe, she thought, she could head back south. Wind her way through the River Kingdoms keepin' low until Taldor, or Andoran were it was at least warm and nobody knew her.
She flung open the door to the Foundry too loudly. And yelled too loudly at the noise. "Ah frak! Frak. Where in the Nine Circles is everyone?"
"Frak..." She adds through gritted teeth
Then in rapid succession after learning the backstory--"4,000 gp! Unholy Flaming-frakcakes on fire! I'm so there! Where's my alchemist mercy?"
She downs all but the last one on her equipment list with a stout ale.
NOW...
Near the base of Black Hill, the party stood at the edge of the Weeping Pond.
This placid-looking pond, some eighty or so feet in diameter, is set off from the surrounding area by a crescent-shaped escarpment.
No vegetation grows on the banks of this pond, and the waters carry a bitter stink of sulfur and other chemicals, enough to make the eyes water after spending too much time on the shore.
A shallow stream runs southeast of the pond and finally empties into Crowfeather Lake.
According to the report made by Khonnir Baine, there was an underwater tunnel, the mouth of which was below the north side of the escarpment and led some 85 twisting yards into the Hill before emerging into a complex of air filled tunnels.
But before that, they had to swim.
Doctor Rhaym's lip curled as he smelled the stink coming off the water.
"Wonderful..."
Opening his doctor's valise, he pulled out several potion bottles filled with a white fizzy liquid. He held one out for each party member.
"Here, take one. It is a potion of Water Breathing and should last about 6 hours, if that... PRIEST wasn't just praying over a pail of milk."
A severe looking man, nevertheless well groomed and well dressed, he carefully took of and packed his coat and boots into his valise and sealed it before drinking his Water Breathing potion.
He remembered his old master, Khonnir Baine; the man who trained him to be an Alchemist, and to be a respected member of the township of Torch. He shuddered at the thought of what might have become of him without Master Baine's influence. There were people who thought of him as too brusque, and gladly sold him into servitude to the Technic League to help defray the monumental tribute levied by the League annualy. Without Master Bain, that might still happen.
As the group arrives at the Pond, they see a Young Man, roughly 5'10" tall, blonde hair, grey eyes. He stands with this Back to the lake and Nose in a book. Clad in Shining scale mail, he has a Hammer on his belt and a Shield slung on his back. As you approach, he glances up with an inquisitive look on his face, returns the book to his satchel, and waves a greeting
"Hail, I believe you are the group I've been waiting for.."
Celest looks the Doc over. His pallor hasn't changed. So: "Down the hatch!"
She wipes her mouth with the back of arm out of habit.
Lilly approaches the pond warily, dark eyes flitting left and right as she spies the folks already there. Her right hand flexes inside its gauntlet, loosening up should she need to draw her weapon. She relaxes when it appears clear they are help for the task at hand.
The warpriestess stands almost six feet, a dark tail of black hair peeking out from under her mail coif. Dark brown eyes peek out of a pale, yet comely face, although her relative curves or lack thereof are hidden beneath a suit of scale mail. The woman seems quite strong, as she moves about in the armor with ease.
"My thanks, Doctor. Will it still be safe to enter that cesspool?" She again eyes the pool with mistrust.
Lilly thinks back a couple of years ago...to the time she found the young girl by the little-used road, her parents lying dead nearby. The warpriestess had barely gotten a question out of her mouth before an automaton had come bursting out of the trees to the east, screeching in some awful robotic language. Loose wires hung everywhere, and dents and cracks showed where the thing had seen better days. More by reflex than anything else, the woman drew her sword and slashed along a couple of wires, strange oily fluid spewing in all directions as the thing wailed and screeched in alarm before finally growing still. After talking with the young girl, Lilly determined that some person had been using this machine to guard something long ago, and that these poor travelers had just happened to meet it by coincidence, years or decades later. Metal and wire was not meant to have sentience...
;
Elise gazes at her reflection in the pond, seeing her night black, shoulder-length hair falling straight down across her ghost white skin. But her gaze was focused less on herself, and more on It. The shadow that hung over the pond. The amorphous, slithering, tentacled mass. Though she was used to seeing it under normal circumstances, there was something eerie about watching her shadow squirm and ripple in the water. It seemed more intelligent, more alive, and ... hungrier.
The Doctor's offer of a potion brings her back to the present. Standing to her full height, she is tall and delicate, able to meet even Lilly's gaze at the same level. She and Lilly had remarkably similar features in some ways. But inside, they were quite different.
"Well, of Khonnir Bane went here twice, I'm sure it's not that bad. How long do we have? I'd hate to be stuck in the tunnels with no way back."
-- Flashback --
Elise definitely didn't want to go back home after she was Changed. Better that those who loved her thought she to be dead. She was drawn to Numeria, having heard of the strange technology and rumors of otherworldly creatures to be found in the land. She sought shelter in Torch, a place nominally free from the control of the creepy Technic League. It was lonely for a time, but Elise found a "friend" in R@mshackle, a strange automoton that was not put off by her own strangeness. From there, she found her way on this expedition.
"Well, of Khonnir Bane went here twice, I'm sure it's not that bad. How long do we have? I'd hate to be stuck in the tunnels with no way back."
"I've swam in worse, though when you said: 'went here,' you don't think he--?"
After a beat, assuming everyone looks ready, she says: "To the Nine Circles with it. Only the Whispering Tyrant wants to live forever."
And with that dives in with a dagger gripped between her teeth.
Lilly nods at Celest, quaffing her potion and saying a quick prayer to the Inheritor before following the smaller woman.
"I'm sorry,this is all very new to me. Allow me to Introduce myself, I am Thomas Eldrich, Son of a Local blacksmith. I have been Sent here by Brigh to accompany you on your Journey?(the last part comes across as more of a question than statement)
"Where are we headed..?"
Mid sentence, Celest Dives into the water
"This way it seems... Would you happen to have one of those Potions for me?"
Thomas Enters the Temple of Brigh, and is almost immediately met by one of the Clerics.
"we've been expecting you, Brigh told us you have been chosen for a task. Here, Take this Book, and Wait by the Weeping Pond. for a group of Adventurers, you will want to bring any arms you may have.."
But why? Why me? what task am I supposed to complete?
"Brigh will guide you, the book contains all the answers you will need. Brigh go with you.."
The young man Gathers his things and heads out to the local Pond, reading the copy of Logic of Design he received from the Temple along the way.
Elise shrugs. "Come on, everyone. It's supposed to be only a short swim." She downs the milky potion, takes a deep breath, and dives on in.
Lilly sinks to the bottom in a short time, due to her heavy mail. She starts to half-swim, half-walk her way forward, squinting her eyes in the gloom as she holds her breath. Her lungs start to burn, and she opens her mouth, experiencing a momentary panic before the water flows into her lungs and rejuvenates her. Calming herself, she continues forward, trying to keep up with Celest.
"Blulb."
"Blulb?"
Doctor Rhaym nodded at Thomas and handed him another potion of Water breathing.
As ready as they were going to get, the expedition waded into the smelly, and surprisingly warm, water. As the water rose over their heads, they saw the light overhead fade to a darkly yellow haze, until they were about ten feet below the surface.
Those who walked along the bottom slipped and slid in the muddy bottom layer. No creatures threatened them.
Eventually they came to the rocky wall of the northern slope. Feeling along, you found the cave entrance and swam into the darkness.
Entirely submerged, the tunnel itself was about 6 feet in diameter, with a thin layer of mud on the bottom. It twisted and turned as it made its way into the hillside.
Until the tunnel sloped up and they broke into air.
The water here averages only 2 feet deep, and maintains the same unhealthy taint found outside in the Weeping Lake.
The foul-smelling air makes the eyes water in this cave, but despite this worrying effect, has no further impact on creatures.
Dampness hangs in the air of this cave, condensing into heavy moisture on the slick, stone walls.
The calm, dark waters wind around to the east up north, along a stony, soot-scarred beach.
A five-foot-high ledge sporting several stalagmites rises to the east, beyond which a low-ceilinged cave beckons.
Celest holds up quietly at the opening , waiting for the light to arrive.
"Uhhh Hello?! Is somebody there? I sure hope so cause that sounds like a lot of water moving around. . . . S$#@ where did I put that? . . . Ah, here we go! Come on light this time you son of a b+***!"
The Party hears the striking of flint and steel and a torch comes to light illuminating a you man's face.
"Wait, what are you doing here?!"
The young man's eyes widen as he takes in the new comer's tight wet leathers clinging to her curvy and athletic body.
"Whoa! Hey I didn't mean to come off rude there what I meant to say was . . . How you doin? I'm Flynn---Flynn Ryder. Maybe, you've heard of me?"
The man offers Celest a toothy smile of perfect pearly whites.
Lilly emerges from the gloom, her teeth clenched to prevent a cursing fit. Her dark eyes take in the newcomer with mistrust as she draws her longsword, the hiss of steel kissing leather reverberating through the small beach area as she says quietly, "Who are you, pal?"
Flynn gives the dripping 6ft tall beauty dressed in scalemail a full once over.
"Wow, Caiden's grace. Are there more of you guys coming? Wow, just like a Skald's tale too. . . tall and well equipped---armed, that's what I meant. Though your black hair against your pale skin is---quite stunning."
"Well I suppose you couldn't hear the introduction being so um, submerged as you were, and this light is not really the most flattering for me, but I'll be happy to reintroduce myself."
"The name's Flynn---Flynn Ryder, perhaps you've heard of me?"
The young man gives Lilly a perfect smile and holds up his empty hand to show he is no threat.
The warpriestess does not smile at the man's words, flattering though they might be. She steps slowly over to Celest's side, her longsword remaining between herself and this Flynn fellow.
"Yes, we have a few more coming, so don't try anything funny, sir. Why don't you answer a few questions...why are you here? How did you get down here? Why should we have heard of you?"
"Yes, we have a few more coming, so don't try anything funny, sir. Why don't you answer a few questions...why are you here? How did you get down here? Why should we have heard of you?"
"And are you currently seeing anyone?"
Lilly turns her head, giving her companion a flat stare before turning her attention back to the handsome rogue.
"What? You wanted to know more about him, right?" Celest said in a harsh whisper.
"Well, I am here because there are lucrative opportunities within these halls and I am an adventurer."
"And I would say I am currently seeing two gorgeous women before me. Love the wet look---it's just so---you feel me? But, if the question was am I single? Then yes . . .very much so."
The rogue gives the ladies a hurt little look.
"But you're being serious aren't you. You've never heard of The Notorious Flynn Ryder? "
His smile returns.
"But of course not, we are at the ends of the earth are we not?!"
"Time to make legends---anew."
"So you now have my name, could I have the luxury of knowing the names of the two beautiful creatures before me?"
A ghostly green glow can be seen for several seconds before Doctor Rhaym emerges from the submerged tunnel, a glass vial of some phosphorescent liquid giving off a green colored torchlight.
He spat out the water still in his mouth, took a breath and straightened his clothes as he stepped into the knee deep water.
He nodded to Celest and Lilly. "Ladies..." He spoke courteously in greeting.
Then he gave a double take at Flynn.
"What... who... How did YOU get here?" He sputtered, his finger pointing; astounded at his presence.
"What... who... How did YOU get here?" He sputtered, his finger pointing; astounded at his presence.
"I suspect he's a plant. You know stunning beefcake left to hang in some dungeon cell as temping bait to innocent adventures, then when he's endeared himself with the party enough to be allowed a watch by himself he goes all werewolf, or tentacles, or something. I say we strip search him, hog tie him and set a watch on him. I'll go first." She rolls up her sleeves and steps forward to frisk the stranger for hidden weapons. "And Doc, could you keep your voice down we're in the middle of a dangerous dungeon after all."
Lilly's lips compress at Celest's flippant answer to her look. Her attention is immediately returned to the glib rogue, who apparently thought sulfurous, underwater caverns were the perfect place to pick up the ladies. "You, single? I never would've guessed." She gives the man a wry look, still keeping the blade between herself and the man as she advances slowly towards him.
As the Doc rises from the water, she nods to him, then chuckles at his exclamation. She found it rather amusing that the 'notorious' Flynn Ryder was known by the Doc, and not the two 'gorgeous ladies'. She can't help but giggle at Celest's proffered suggestion, eyes flitting to the man for a moment before returning to Celest. "I suspect he might enjoy that too much, Celest. Maybe tie him up, then see where it goes from there?"
Lilly's tone is somewhat teasing at this point. Doctor Rhaym obviously knew the man, and might not be on good terms. But the fact that outright hostilities had not started seemed to indicate the man wasn't a known adversary.
"Well sir, two people met and fell in love. Then . . . Hey, I'm not sure I like how this conversation is going exactly."
Flynn backs up at the same rate the ladies advance. He quick draws his Rapier.
"Now look, remember I didn't pull a weapon on anybody, until you started talking about werewolves, tentacles and, and all that noise. And I DO have a lit torch, I don't want anyone, or their hair getting burned."
"Besides. I was here first and you all showed up, right? I told you why I was here."
Elise travels slowly through the water, letting the doctor lead the way. She was not nearly the equal of the others in combat, after all. Not to mention she was a bit nervous. But as she rises to the surface, she is taken completely aback as she sees Celeste grappling with a strange man. "Hey, lay off her, you creep!". Elise assaults the man, who feels an oppressive darkness gnawing at his subconscious.
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"Whoa ladies! Noise!" Celest hisses, interposing herself between everyone. She rounds on the legend. "And you, for your information most legends are dead and buried hence the legendary status. So if you're trying to save yourself the cost of Technic League burial tax you've come to the right spot. Going on your own is the worse way to approach a job like this, why do you think I'm hanging out with these people?" "Oops. Was that in my outside voice?"
Then after a beat: "Doc, do you know this masher?"
"Lay off whom!? I'm not touching anyone here I am just trying to not get tied up. Well---tied up and left for dead that is---Wow, are all you guys dark haired? That's kinda hot actually."
"Now I would prefer to remain a living legend."
"Look are two of you guys the Doc and Lilly? I am sure that Sophia and Ramsbuckle or whatever his name is told you that I was---Hey are you casting something on me!"
"I-----uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhh what the f&%~ lady?!"
"Doc, do you know this masher?"
"What? No! We only just left the Town council barely half an hour ago! How do people know where we're going, and how do they keep getting ahead of us?!" He said, his voice rising with frustration.
Realizing that the situation is not quite what she thought, Elise stops any further mental assault. "Oh, sorry about that, sir. I just saw you, and then Celeste, and then . . . oh. Well, sorry again for doing that to you. The effect is quite temporary.". Damn it, I'm screwing things up again. Now he's going to be weirded out like the rest of them.
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