Gralhruk

Bronn the Salvor (Mountain Dwarf Artificer) AC: 18 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +2+2 Dex | Passive Perception: 10Darkvision 60' |Spell Slots: 1st 3/3 | Concentration: None | NotesCurrent arcane armor: Infiltrator Blade of the Resistance: 1/1 Powered Steps: +5' speed Dampening Field: Advantage on Dex(Stealth) Defensive Field: 2/2 (Guardian armor only) There were days when a dwarf had to wonder if not only was the world against him, but also all of the horrors in the deeps, gods in their heavens, and demons in the abyss. Because it should have been really simple to bluff these morons on to some other mark and get the group moving out of the chaos of this damned city. He had it all under control - well, maybe, anyway - but between Iymbryll's shouting down guards and this new numbskull's slaying without asking questions, the chance at a quick and simple resolution was gone. Plus, now he was going to have to run again and he really hated running. He opened his mouth to berate someone but he couldn't decide on a target for his irritation and before he had a chance to come to some internal solution everyone was moving. He checked on Anne first but she seemed oddly at peace, almost smiling, and Iymbryll was a whirl of peacockian activity, barking orders at the rest of them. He settled for a rather weary, "Shite," and a shrug as his gaze fell on Belfyr. "I don't trust this guy either," he said to the half-elf, wondering where this next race was going to lead them. Mechanics ___________________________________________________ Main Hand: Jeweler's Pick Off Hand: Shield ___________________________________________________ Action: Bonus Action: None Move: None Manipulate: None ___________________________________________________

Bronn the Salvor (Mountain Dwarf Artificer) AC: 18 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +2+2 Dex | Passive Perception: 10Darkvision 60' |Spell Slots: 1st 3/3 | Concentration: None | NotesCurrent arcane armor: Infiltrator Blade of the Resistance: 1/1 Powered Steps: +5' speed Dampening Field: Advantage on Dex(Stealth) Defensive Field: 2/2 (Guardian armor only) As Iymbryll called out to the caravan guards, Bronn resisted mightily the urge to put a hand to his head in disgust. He wanted to scare these thugs off without having to fight them or slow their escape from the city. They had a mission, and getting it done sooner was better. Involve guards in anything and it was liable to get messy, and he hated mess. Still, there wasn't much to do for it now except back the play so he just kept his eyes on the foe and looked as imperturbable as ever. Likewise, he resisted the urge to glance the Captain's way as he threatened these fools with torture and imprisonment for the forseeable future. I mean, he was all for getting this lot out of here but that seemed a bit harsh. Then again, Iymbryll had surprised him once or twice with a depth of venom he hadn't thought was in the fastidious elf. Hard to pull off, especially in this peacock getup he'd got on now, but he seemed to be managing it just fine. It'll be okay. Sure it will. Best to be ready in case things to go shite though. Mechanics ___________________________________________________ Main Hand: Jeweler's Pick Off Hand: Shield ___________________________________________________ Action: Bonus Action: None Move: None Manipulate: None ___________________________________________________

Bronn the Salvor (Mountain Dwarf Artificer) AC: 18 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +2+2 Dex | Passive Perception: 10Darkvision 60' |Spell Slots: 1st 3/3 | Concentration: None | NotesCurrent arcane armor: Infiltrator Blade of the Resistance: 1/1 Powered Steps: +5' speed Dampening Field: Advantage on Dex(Stealth) Defensive Field: 2/2 (Guardian armor only) Bronn eyed these supposed guardsmen, not budging even the slightest as the leader demanded they turn over their own. It wasn't happening, not while this dwarf was around. He guessed his initial impression was right, that these were mere thugs, and the way they acted all squirrely as a bunch of real guards passed by told confirmed it in his mind. He'd spit on a few guards himself, and there weren't any he could recall that took so lightly to the insult. Still, a fight with these clowns was a waste of resources, and he didn't want anyone in that caravan stopping either. "You deaf? The Captain here is the one asks the questions. He outranks you, so get goin' and mebbe we won't flag down that wagon and have them throw you in back too for disobeying a superior." Of course, there was always the possibility he was wrong. But he guessed they'd know either way soon enough. A third possibility dawned on him, that these might be bounty hunters of the same ilk that had been after them at the Poisoned Apple, but by his guess those were professional soldiers. This lot seemed amateur in comparison. Mechanics ___________________________________________________ Main Hand: Jeweler's Pick Off Hand: Shield ___________________________________________________ Action: Bonus Action: None Move: None Manipulate: None ___________________________________________________

Quarted

Yes, bwatford agreed to fast track the purchases

Hmm, in that case I suppose it probably doesn't make sense. I don't see anything else in his inventory that appeals to Mara in particular or the group as a whole, so maybe take a look at what Zain has to offer? Edit: Unless maybe the Clockwork King can turn the chain shirt into chain mail.

Bronn the Salvor (Mountain Dwarf Artificer) AC: 18 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +2+2 Dex | Passive Perception: 10Darkvision 60' |Spell Slots: 1st 3/3 | Concentration: None | NotesCurrent arcane armor: Infiltrator Blade of the Resistance: 1/1 Powered Steps: +5' speed Dampening Field: Advantage on Dex(Stealth) Defensive Field: 2/2 (Guardian armor only) Bronn grunted in response to this dung-headed fool's not so subtle attempt to identify magic wielders in their group. At first he'd assumed they were just looters, looking to mug them for money or gear. This, though, smelled of the damned Raghesians and their thrice-damned inquisitors. "We got a Captain right here, seems to me he'd know if there was anything to report," he said, drawing himself up and folding his arms over his chest, the sinewy muscles of his forearms writhing with the gesture. His dark eyes were hard as he fixed the others with an unblinking stare. "Best if you lot go back and tell them everything is fine here." Mechanics ___________________________________________________ Main Hand: Jeweler's Pick Off Hand: Shield ___________________________________________________ Action: Bonus Action: None Move: None Manipulate: None ___________________________________________________

I am fine with that purchase plan (potions and armor). Things that will help us survive seem like good value.

Mara Jade (Changeling Monk) AC: 16 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15 | Ki: 1/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1 Mara, in whom a secretive nature was part and parcel, felt a small stab at the idea that she was somehow in support of the evil that was Vecna. Secrets were a part of life, and as with much else it was how they were used that determined morality. What Vecna thrived on was a lack of trust and a requirement of utmost selfishness in order to survive - secrets were only a means to that end. Even so, she might have simply nodded if it weren't for the magical sword, a plight that struck very close to home. "In good faith, we can speak of all save Zespara. The dwarf adopted their current form as a means to save themselves; to give up that information without consent would be a betrayal of trust." Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Empty Action: Bonus Action: None Move: Back to the main level Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

Mara Jade (Changeling Monk) AC: 16 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15 | Ki: 1/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1 Standing once more in front of the Clockwork King, surrounded by his mechanical contraptions and forge-crafted servants, Mara felt the full weight of the oddity of their situation hammering on her being. It was not just that they had been catapulted to the alternate reality, severed from almost everyone they had know, nor was it merely that the world had slid inexorably into a nightmare of its former self. Worst of all for her was the idea that she was like these automotons - created, not born, with nothing real of her own. Tucked within her sleeves, she pressed her slim hands against her belly, closing her eyes for a moment, recalling a time long ago and the beginning of a life anew. The memory pushed back the darkness that surrounded her, lent an inner calm that squashed her nagging doubt. Her eyes opened again, surveying the scene with serene patience. Mara glanced at Andraste beside her. "Yes, I agree. We have accomplished much, hopefully proven ourselves to her so that she will trust us with more information." She gave a brief smile, like a ray of sunlight peeking through the clouds. Despite the somberness of all they had been through, her dark eyes danced merrily. "We put our past lessons to good use today - a difficult task, handled with skill. I will take it as a sign of our good fortune in all of this ill we have found." Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Empty Action: Bonus Action: None Move: Back to the main level Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

Bronn the Salvor (Mountain Dwarf Artificer) AC: 18 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +2+2 Dex | Passive Perception: 10Darkvision 60' |Spell Slots: 1st 3/3 | Concentration: None | NotesCurrent arcane armor: Infiltrator Blade of the Resistance: 1/1 Powered Steps: +5' speed Dampening Field: Advantage on Dex(Stealth) Defensive Field: 2/2 (Guardian armor only) The dwarf wasn't thrilled with the way he'd handled the situation, but then this weren't the place for such discussions, nor did they really have the time to give it the attention it deserved. Seemed his whole life was like that, if he thought about it. It'd have to do and he eyed her critically, wondering how much was just bravado - not but what bravado alone wouldn't carry you some, gods knew. Still, Bronn flashed a grin through his beard at Anne's question, trying to break the seriousness, then tapping the vial lightly with a fingernail. "If I read it right, this is Sovereign Glue or in the business what we call Hag-clag, there bein' an old tale about how it was first made. Anyway, a drop of this'll join to things together, no way to get'em apart. Might come in useful," he nodded, then gestured with his chin at her paint pots. "If I was to guess, I reckon those paints'll do wonders in your hands. Makes your painting real - paint us a door in a wall, and there's a door we can walk through, though I guess there's limits." As they wound their way to the guard barracks, Bronn kept himself alert by being suspicious of everyone and everything around them. Not that there was much, but he liked to keep his mind working. Plus, it helped him from thinking about the shortcomings of this plan, which he didn't want to bring to light since there wasn't currently any better way for them to get out. So it was he noticed a city patrol a short ways behind them, heading in the same direction. Seemed innocent enough at first, but he noted the way they seemed always just far enough back to lose sight of once in a while, but always there again when line of sight was restored. As they entered the alley, Bronn dropped to the back of the group, his ears picking up the sounds of a group of armed men turning in after them. He frowned, and hurried the others along to put a little distance between them. As he considered the bits and pieces of them that he'd glimpsed, the details bothered him - the way they walked, the inconsistencies in their uniforms, the greedy light in their eyes. He became more and more convinced they were running a scam. When it seemed they were far enough ahead, he pulled the others up for a quick whispered meeting. "We're bein' followed, a bunch o' thugs disguised as guards. Not far behind now, but they mean us no good you can be sure." Mechanics ___________________________________________________ Main Hand: Jeweler's Pick Off Hand: Shield ___________________________________________________ Action: Bonus Action: None Move: None Manipulate: None ___________________________________________________

Mara Jade (Changeling Monk) AC: 16 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15 | Ki: 1/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1 Mara could see the eager gleam in Copper's eye - no doubt she was eager to get to the Clockwork King and trade for some of his goods. It was true that they needed to close the portal of flame here, but that alone did not negate the worthiness of the structure. A more normal fire could be lit, likely without drawing suspicion. Perhaps this would make a decent base for them; perhaps not, also, but she did not see any reason to rule it out. "Zespara, do any apart from the Mephits come here now? Guards or priests or the like?" It might give them time to figure out the mystery of the doors down below also. It still bothered her that the dwarves claim to have never been able to open them. It didn't seem right, but then she'd no idea how they might be opened either. Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Empty Action: Bonus Action: None Move: Back to the main level Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

Bronn the Salvor (Mountain Dwarf Artificer) AC: 18 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +2+2 Dex | Passive Perception: 10Darkvision 60' |Spell Slots: 1st 3/3 | Concentration: None | NotesCurrent arcane armor: Infiltrator Blade of the Resistance: 1/1 Powered Steps: +5' speed Dampening Field: Advantage on Dex(Stealth) Defensive Field: 2/2 (Guardian armor only) Bronn frowned, more of a pensive expression than one of anger. A rat was a rat, that was truth - you learned what things were and then you knew what you could expect. Not an easy lesson, and not words he needed to speak or that Anne needed to hear - not when she was already smarting from her schoolmaster's whip. He moved closer and patted her on the shoulder in silence for a moment. "The world's a shite place, made the worse with folk always grasping for something. It'll try to beat you down, for sure, which is why you can't let it. I know who you are and what you're worth, and you do to. Don't you be forgettin' it." His own familial issues were similar but in an oblique sort of way. Olvyyn was driven by his own purpose, and in his mind everything he did was for the betterment of himself and his interests. He had a feeling that the old man would argue that by extension he was motivated by his legacy - his family, namely Anne. No doubt he would call it love, but Bronn didn't call that kind of neglect by that same name. In the end, it was about Olvyyn and nothing else, and he'd sacrifice whatever he needed to in order to succeed. Bronn's own father had been the same but different, hell bent that Bronn should carry the torch for his family name into the future. Where Anne had been essentially abandoned, Bronn had been smothered - his days and evenings a constant barrage of teachings and trainings until his world had been only what everyone else wanted. He was suffocating under the weight of that expectation, his own desires not even a factor in a future already planned out into the end of his days. "We got a job, and one that'll help more people than we even know. We'll get through it, and I'll be there with you." Mechanics ___________________________________________________ Main Hand: Jeweler's Pick Off Hand: Shield ___________________________________________________ Action: Bonus Action: None Move: None Manipulate: None ___________________________________________________

That is my vote also

Mara Jade (Changeling Monk) AC: 16 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15 | Ki: 1/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1 Mara frowned at the notion that the dwarves had worked this forge without ever once setting their formidable skill against those great sealed doors in the chamber below. And Zespara had said the devotees appeared in the chamber - not from thin air, surely. The explanation was that they had come through these supposedly impregnable doors. It made her wonder greatly what was on the other side, though she had no notion of how they might manage it. As she considered, Copper spoke and after only an instant of indecision Mara went to take the orphan's place. Her dark eyes danced at Copper's obvious excitement, and she ignored the twinge of concern at the unknown. The girl was more than able to take care of herself. "I will stand watch," she said simply, trying to recall if she had been so enthused in matters of the craft even in her youth. Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Empty Action: Bonus Action: None Move: Back to the main level Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

Yes, he is dropping the game and taking a break from MW entirely for the forseeable future.

Per Discord - Bob said it is nothing bad, just very busy with life and work.

Mara Jade (Changeling Monk) AC: 16 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15 | Ki: 1/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1 It was an outlandish tale, but she supposed if a dwarf were to transfer their essence into something else a weapon made sense, though she would have guessed an axe over a sword. If Zespara had been here covered in soot since the fall of Mirabar she wouldn't know anything about the state of the city or any of the news since - the mephits seemed unlikely bearers of information. "Was this your forge here?" she asked, wondering if the dwarf understood the connection to the various planes. "It seems connected directly to the plane of fire, and we found a chamber beneath that seems connected to the plane of frost. I am curious to hear what you know of such things, and there are also great iron doors in the basement chamber - frozen shut now, but if opened I wonder where they might lead." As she spoke she considered the sword's request, but they were effectively prisoners here as well. At least for now. "We would be happy to take you with us, but I don't know at what point we will be leaving the city. We only recently found ourselves in this place and we are still trying to understand all that has happened and how we might remedy this situation. I fear it will take some time before we can make promises." Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Empty Action: Bonus Action: None Move: Back to the main level Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

Bronn the Salvor (Mountain Dwarf Artificer) AC: 18 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +2+2 Dex | Passive Perception: 10Darkvision 60' |Spell Slots: 1st 3/3 | Concentration: None | NotesCurrent arcane armor: Infiltrator Blade of the Resistance: 1/1 Powered Steps: +5' speed Dampening Field: Advantage on Dex(Stealth) Defensive Field: 2/2 (Guardian armor only) One might find it hard to believe that a man imprisoned for trying to usurp power and currently out on probation would be put in a position to wield any influence over the leadership of said city. Bronn, on the other hand, had seen far too much bureaucratic stupidity in his lifetime for that. One had only to look at the smugness on the old necromancer's face to know that he would take full advantage of whatever authority he was given. Anne's outburst wasn't a surprise, but by the way she let her tusks get in the way he could tell her emotion was even more raw than it came out. He glared up at the senior Tallindor but bit back any further comment. The old man was a snake, to be sure, but he was predictable in that he put his own interests above everything else. It wasn't hard to understand why he did things and it was futile to try and change what he'd obviously already decided was the right thing for him. He followed Anne out the door unceremoniously, without time to even pick apart the details of the plan or smirk at Iymbryll's new clothes. He caught up with her in the foyer. "He's scum, don't be givin' him any more of your mind than you would a rat turd in the sewer. Ain't worth it." He was family, of course, and that meant something. But blood wasn't all there was - dwarf blood ran thicker than most, but here was Bronn all by himself. Sometimes it wasn't enough, and sometimes who you were was just at odds with where you came from. Mechanics ___________________________________________________ Main Hand: Jeweler's Pick Off Hand: Shield ___________________________________________________ Action: Bonus Action: None Move: None Manipulate: None ___________________________________________________

Bronn the Salvor (Mountain Dwarf Artificer) AC: 18 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +2+2 Dex | Passive Perception: 10Darkvision 60' |Spell Slots: 1st 3/3 | Concentration: None | NotesCurrent arcane armor: Infiltrator Blade of the Resistance: 1/1 Powered Steps: +5' speed Dampening Field: Advantage on Dex(Stealth) Defensive Field: 2/2 (Guardian armor only) The dwarf watched darkly as the councilman went to confer with Olvyn, the old bastard looking as smug and imperious as ever. It didn't sit too well with him, though that made little sense considering they had that serpent traveling with them already. Not much this councilman could do or say that'd make the necromancer more dangerous. Not but what he hadn't been helpful on more than one occasion, even going so far as to heal Bronn from what may well have been a deadly wound and being instrumental in their success so far. That was part of it for sure - the bare truth of it was they had needed him, and they needed him still, so he'd need to shelve his distaste. Still, it was tearing Anne up, that was plain - the walls she'd built in all the years of his absence tumbled in the face of his reappearance. It was a situation that ought to have been dealt with in a much different setting, but there weren't time. Belfyr's comment made him glance over at the trinket the chef had found, and his dark gaze traveled through the items scattered around. Gaudy, to the last, and not a piece of armor or a weapon he'd be caught wielding or wearing. Still, those were the only items about and he picked out indications of what was what based on the style and decoration. He inspected a number of items, his thick fingers surprisingly gentle when he handled them. Finally he settled on a small roundish bottle, shaped like a garishly colored toad. The warty head formed a stopper, with the tongue able to be used as a kind of dipper into the liquid within. He unstoppered it and sniffed, swirling the liquid gently but very careful not to spill it or touch any. He nodded to himself as if his suspicion were confirmed. "This might come in handy," he said almost to himself before continuing to Belfy, "Menash's got more stuff here than one person can even know how to use." He shook his head, "At least he's generous." Mechanics ___________________________________________________ Main Hand: Jeweler's Pick Off Hand: Shield ___________________________________________________ Action: Choose a vial of Sovereign Glue from the councilman's collection Bonus Action: None Move: None Manipulate: None ___________________________________________________

Nonesense, he's a special wolf!

Mara Jade (Changeling Monk) AC: 16 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15 | Ki: 1/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1 Mara's eyes widened slightly in surprise as the source of the voice became known and the implications darted through her mind. How one could go from dwarf to sword was beyond her but it was hard to imagine something so strange would be falsified in order to trick them somehow. She studied the blade in Andraste's uncertain grasp, not expecting to learn anything but trying nonetheless. "And more importantly," Mara added on, "is there anything we can do to help you?" She stopped there, though she had many questions of her own. For if this sword had indeed been a dwarf, and the dwarf the owner of the shop, then there was a good bit of knowledge that could be gotten. Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Empty Action: Bonus Action: None Move: Back to the main level Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

Mara Jade (Changeling Monk) AC: 16 | HP: 24/24 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15 | Ki: 1/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1 Mara nodded at Copper's assessment - the door was huge, and so frozen over that it was going to take a good bit of work before they could even attempt the lock. She wondered what sort of creatures needed such a large door, or if it was merely oversized because of the nature of this place. She looked up at the ceiling at the urchin's question, where she could trace the tantalizingly unreadable lines therein. "There are words in that ice, but the letters melt as soon as they form and I cannot read them. An effect of the forge above, most like." It was a conundrum, for if the forge were shut down then the letters might be visible but the chamber itself might be unbearably cold. To say nothing of the door which they must first needs unfreeze if they were to open. She stood serenely, hands tucked into the wide sleeves of her robe. "Agreed, let us go up and decide with the others where to go from here." Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Empty Action: Bonus Action: None Move: Back to the main level Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

Yes, that is a good idea