Chapter 2: A Return to Adventure

[Powderhorn]

Summer, Day 6

A decision being made to continue scanning around the top first reveals that the city is relatively large, with what can be seen above ground being about two miles square. The "center" is marked by more ornate ruins aboveground, while the external areas seem to consist of, from what you can guess so far, single-story buildings almost entirely covered over by dead leaves and trees turning to dirt over quite a long period of time.

The middle, perhaps more archaeologically interesting buildings, have an above-ground portion that consists of grand sweeping arches, and even a rounded tower that reaches well above yourselves - what would be considered reaching three stories tall from where you think the ground floor of this city is. Alas, a tree has fallen into it and broken the roof.

All around can be seen what was once a grand and glorious city. Now, merely a hollow shell of it remains, and even that is being erased by time.

[8w_gremlin]

Brother Koji

taking stock of the large city and the layout and state of repair, Koji starts wondering if they could use this as the basis of a more permanent colony with hard work could they repair and clear a block or two of the ruins, or perhaps if not, at least use the area for building resources.

"Do you think we could repair, or use the building material?" he comments as the others look around. "I'd really like to take a look at that tower, it seems more significant to the other buildings..." he lingers on the construction of the doors, taking in their proportions and compares them with his and his companions forms. Anything to get an inkling into who built this.

Edited July 26, 2023 by 8w_gremlin (see edit history)

[matt_s]

Resources are in very short supply, Stavard agreed. We likely will be able to salvage useful material from this place. The stone, however, will be too heavy to haul to our little hamlet to be worthwhile.

Let us - carefully, mind you - explore carefully block by block from the middle working our way out. There are old and majestic workings here, forged by the ancient masons from an age when the marrow of the bones of the Earth was fresh.

Be sure to document carvings, pick up any sculptures or pottery pieces, and collect any weapons you find in this place.

[Powderhorn]

Summer, Day 6

While it seems entirely possible to use these resources if they can be transported, it also seems likely that with some work, the area could simply be built up - yes, on the bones of the last civilization - but built up none the less.

The central tower does seem important, and, too, while the inside has been broken into, it also seems entirely possible to access the rest of the building from that hole. What would be inside, however, remains unknowable from this vantage.

[8w_gremlin]

Brother Koji

"let us press forward and see what the central tower contains, any other suggestions or ideas?" Koji asks hoping to encourage the group forward.

 

[matt_s]

Aye. The tower it shall be. No better place to start than the center of things. As well we ought to keep sharp eyes and ears for other presences here such as the scouts reported.

Still prodding ahead with the haft of the spear, Stavard will lead the way to and into the central tower.

 

[Powderhorn]

Summer, Day 6

Working your way to the tower, it is a steep climb, but the assistance of the tree that had broken into it provides enough of a handhold that it is readily practical for seasoned adventurers, such as yourselves.

The roof of the tower itself has a faint greenish tinge that isn't from the forest, as near as can be told, but is sun-bleached paint that you can only imagine how it might have looked in its prime.

You look into, and are able to slip into, what was once the upper floor of this tower. A second, ground floor lays below. Hints of pigment above suggest some grand artwork once dominated the ceiling of the tower. The walls are more clearly seen to be marble, but here too mosses and lichens work their way into the cracks - once perfectly fitted together - to slowly consume the place.

Below, the tower connects to what appears to be the rest of the building, though from this vantage it is impossible to see further. In the center of the floor of the tower, however, stands a prominent feature - a large, blackened stone formation that rises from the floor. Despite the years, it retains a stark, commanding presence.

Edited July 30, 2023 by Powderhorn (see edit history)

[SirLoganofGilead]

Oliver has had his eyes peeled on their surrounding as the other two made most of the decisions about where to go and what the next steps might be. As they climbed the tree to the tower he switched from his pistol to his rifle to cover his comrades better, then put both away as he himself climbed, and finally back to his pistol as they entered the tower. The transitions were smooth and prepared, but still noticeable to those watching. As he looked around the inside of the tower, his eyes scanning for anything odd, the black stone pulled his vision to it.

"This place would be far more defensible than what we have built thus far if that is the way anyone is leaning." As he talks, he makes his way closer to the stone. Looking for any marking or signs of what the thing might actually be.

 

[matt_s]

Stavard approached the tower behind Oliver, keeping a sharp eye to supplement the marksman's equally careful watch. He extends a hand or spear haft as needed to assist anyone needing a hand up in their climb, but for someone accustomed to the rigging of a pitching merchantman, it is no trouble at all.

This stone is peculiar indeed, comments Stavard. He holds his palm a hand's breath away, trying to see if it has an aura of hot or cold, or something even stranger. Then, he raps the stone with the haft of the spear. Is it hollow? Does it chime? Are there visible crystal facets or "joints" within it, or it is one uniform mass? So many questions brought forth in this place, far from the comfort of ship, wind, and tide he knew so well.

[8w_gremlin]

Brother Koji

As Oliver leads the team into the main tower, Koji watches the man, who seems to be well suited to this kind of work and marvels at his fluidity and purpose. As they are given the tentative all clear Koji can't help to remark on the stone work. "is this marble, that's a hard rock to cut and fashion, the stone work is remarkable, "

His eyes are drawn to the large, blackened stone formation "Now that is different, Basalt? Obsidian? no, what is it. " Koji watches as Stavard makes some basic tests "odd that it hasn't been overgrown..."

Koji takes out his pad and makes some notes and a sketch of the stone.

Edited July 30, 2023 by 8w_gremlin (see edit history)

[Powderhorn]

Summer, Day 6

While the air below ground is notably cooler than outside, the stone itself - quickly identified as solid obsidian by Stavard and Brother Koji - seems to radiate a sort of warmth. The room beyond, which you could not see into before, extends to be about 40' wide by 80' long, with rows of benches to observe the floor of the tower - and the stone itself which seems to dominate.

The floor, covered in dust, clearly was some sort of mosaic from the shaped and patterned stones. The walls are now completely overgrown with mosses and lichens - what lay beneath is entirely covered. The ceiling has more paint peeling from above - this a single story structure. Looking up from the floor of the tower, what remains of a mezzanine level can be seen, most of it collapsed, but the fixtures to the walls still present. This, clearly, was some sort of viewing platform, able to view the artwork above and this stone fixture below.

On the edge of hearing, uncertain if it is really there or not, a cacophony of sounds can be heard - Oliver is able to untangle them, however. Chanting. Screams. Wailing. Bleating. They intensify as people approach the stone.

[matt_s]

Stavard paused as he came to terms with the totality of the locale.

More peculiar than I had imagined. Those noises will echo in me ears for more than a few turns of the glass, I tell you that much. Sure as all hell that I won't be touching it with my bare hand.

This stone must have been some object of worship. Either vile in its creation or vile in its defilement, I do not know. But the works of the ancients endure even those wrought in a foul hand animated by wickedness and spite for the beauty of creation.

Now giving the stone a wide berth, he surveys the room for doors and other items of potential interest.

I do not wish to linger near this stone longer than necessary. Won't blame any of you for feeling the same way.

[SirLoganofGilead]

Oliver shudders at the sounds coming from the stone. Instead of moving away, he seems to be drawn toward the stone. He moves to within inches of the object but is very careful not to touch it. He stares into the stone as if expecting to see the source of the sounds that clamor in his ears. When he feels himself wanting to touch the stone, he abruptly turns away from it, walks about 10' away, and fires a round into the obsidian. "What if it breaks?"

[matt_s]

Stavard had ventured to many ports on ships small and large borne by tides gentle and malevolent and sailed alongside men and women from parts foreign and local, the speakers of a thousand tongues some clinging to the very precipice of oblivion as generations dwindled and intermarried and consigned themselves to dust.

This meant he knew quite a few expletives.

Now was a good time to use them. He did.

[Powderhorn]

Summer, Day 6

When Oliver shoots the stone object, what can only be described as a surge of something goes through the air. The sounds that were heard on the edges of hearing suddenly rush forward, and suddenly, from the stone, what can only be described as ghosts start pouring out - sheep, one after another, and finally a beautiful elf.

The screaming and bleating becomes localized to these ghosts, and their pale, lifeless eyes blaze with fury as they leap to attack!

 

Combat

Everyone excepting HARLAN needs to make a Mental Save with a +3 modifier to their roll, or fall to the ground, burning their MAIN ACTION to get back up.

Combat will resolve in post order.

If you choose to flee, you need to spend a MAIN ACTION at the top of the stairs to escape. Currently HARLAN is at the top of the stairs.

As the ghosts are still exiting the stone, PLAYERS may go first.

 

Battle Map