Author Topic: Depths of Arhosa  (Read 34714 times)

Offline Stratovarius

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Depths of Arhosa
« on: March 29, 2019, 10:06:17 AM »
The machinery of Doguldhwr whirred, echoing to the thump of hammers, the hiss of metal being quenched, and the faint clink of pick-axe on ore. Other noises permeated the cavern - running water from the underground river that was the reason for Doguldhwr's existence, drips from the moisture that condensed out of the clouds of steam, even the faint bellow of cattle. Through this atmosphere of sound walked the populace of the city, oblivious to the din. For them, such a racket was nothing more than the sound of their civilization, ever solid, always grinding forward. It had been many generations since the city had sounded otherwise, protected by distance, thick walls of rock, and the legendary Ironguard.

Unless one listened to the populace, and not the city. While the city sounded much as it ever had, there was a susurrus of anxiety, half-hidden but tucked into the underbelly of conversation. It floated along the streets and through the taverns, alighting gently on some, passing by others, found from one end of the cavern to the other. A closer listen, to individual words and phrases, revealed a hint of an answer here, a tempting notion there, but they were as ephemeral as sound, overlapping, intertwining, but never reaching a state of harmony.

Of course, anyone who had even approached a public space in the last few weeks knew the underlying cause of the concern - trade. Trade with other Tokunnir cities had slackened, and messengers had returned with cryptic answers, or occasionally not returned at all, from forays across the deeps to sister-cities. For a populace so large that it could not feed itself in the long term, such trade was the lifeblood of Doguldhwr, and while this season supplies were healthy, would the same be true for the next? Or the next after that?

The Tokunnir of Doguldhwr had turned their eyes to the future, and they did not like what they saw.

***

It felt wrong that such momentous decisions should be taken in a room so barren of majesty. But that was what they had done. A barren side chamber of the council of elders, devoid of anything but walls, flooring, and furniture, had played host throughout the day to groups of Tokunnir, sometimes supported by their Constructed servitors. Each had been given an assignment, a packet of sealed instructions, and sent forth sworn to secrecy. Because the council knew what had ravaged the trade caravans, knew why the messengers did not return. Or at least guessed. There had been much study from the loremasters, based on the fragmentary reports of those who did arrive. An old enemy had returned. Perhaps. Or a new one had arisen. Either way, what they did know was contained in the sealed instructions, bound closed by a rune that would only dissipate outside of the bounds of Doguldhwr.

He could not suppress the sigh as he greeted the next group. So many willing, so few likely to succeed. The sigh turned into a smile as a thought occurred to him, that whatever else might happen, the Tokunnir spirit that had seen them survive the Llethu invasion, survive the fall of the Arhosan Empire, remaining whole and undamaged, was still here. Restored, he began a monologue he had spoken many times today.

"Greetings! Given you are here, and thus understand what you have signed up for, I'll save you the preamble. Your quadrant to explore is east north-east of the city. You'll find your instructions in this sheaf." He fixed a stern glare on the group before him. "It will not open before you depart the city. If there are any questions before such a time, now is when you should ask." He paused, and a chuckle sounded in the room. "And no, you aren't going to get extra supplies. I've heard that one from half of you lot today. Anything else, speak on."
« Last Edit: March 29, 2019, 10:11:05 AM by Stratovarius »

Offline skydragonknight

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2019, 06:53:36 PM »
It had not been the homecoming Professor Beardsley had been expecting. The rowdy drunkenness of his fellows at his old haunt had been replaced by a more somber atmosphere, the normally rare and welcome silence now gave the establishment a feeling boredering on the eerie as its frequency approached perpetuity.

He had spent the last two to three years traveling, poking his head through dusty tomes and even dustier ruins. His only trouble with being an 'adventurer' - the term used to describe the various sell-sword ruffians he frequently encountered and also the trade by which those selfsame dunderheads referred to him by - was how much effort it took to clean his beard of the dust after a successful delve. A problem not shared by his associate Lifter, a Constructed built by his arguably-sane uncle just prior to his passing and had been willed to him 'because the Rockbird Stew he made on Founder's Day was delicious.' This is also why he doesn't visit his family often.

The professor nods at the Tokunnir, taking the envelope and briefly inspecting the seal for authenticity, before settling it nicely into his pocket. While he was no 'cryptozoologist' or whatever the fancy term the other races used to describe the creatures lost to history's weave, he was no stranger to encountering mentions of them in ancient writings. And if it's not just some overgrown Dire Mole, then he might be able to witness such a creature in the flesh, and even author his own account!

The well-armored scholar stroked his beard, before resting his hand on his chin. "The oldest confirmed incident, happened in which quadrant?"
Hmm.

Offline Omck4heroes

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2019, 07:06:15 PM »
Built to serve, and in servitude bound. To any creature but Lifter, or one of his Constructed brethren, such a life would be torturous slavery. For the seven foot tall stone being, shaped vaguely like an oversized Tokunnir, this life was nothing less than the fulfillment of life's purpose. Whom he served mattered little to the mighty golem, though in his new master he detected a similarity of demeanor to the old. He stood now, silently, behind the Professor's right shoulder. The rune carved into his forehead glowed the same dull orange as the molten rock which flows through the veins of the earth, and was joined to other, smaller runes graven by the Constructed's surprisingly dexterous hands. Whatever vague, formless notions may have passed behind the stone titan's glowing eyes, his unmoving visage reflected none of them.
Have you ever stood and stared at it, marveled at its beauty, its genius? Billions of people just living out their lives, oblivious.

Offline Nanshork

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #3 on: March 30, 2019, 09:21:39 PM »
Although lacking the fanciful hair that his people are known for, compared to his fellows the small Chanwyr is downright ostentatious.  He waves away the joke about supplies, he's probably better equipped than most for any sort of trip. 

"What do you think is going on," Tarvon asks with a glint in his eye.

Offline Stratovarius

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2019, 03:20:36 PM »
The question was one he had heard far too many times that day, and he responded the same way as he had all the times previously. “Any information that is relevant is in the document before you. You’ll be able to examine it at your leisure when you leave Doguldhwr.” This time, he added, “I think you’ll find it interesting to peruse.”

Tarvon’s comment was ignored.

Offline Nanshork

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2019, 04:24:31 PM »
Tarvon has no further time to waste on this rude man, not that he expected much better since his race cares more for practical usefulness than beauty for its own sake.

Fasnachu led him here so this will end up being an experience worth having regardless.

Without another word Tarvon nods to the scholar and his machine before stepping out of the room, ignoring the other Tokunnir as he had been ignored.

Offline Omck4heroes

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2019, 05:28:06 PM »
Lifter turns silently to watch as the Chanwyr leaves, his glowing eyes showing nothing of his thoughts. After a moment he turns back to face forward
Have you ever stood and stared at it, marveled at its beauty, its genius? Billions of people just living out their lives, oblivious.

Offline skydragonknight

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #7 on: April 04, 2019, 07:01:38 AM »
The professor does not appear to mind the uncooperative attitude of the Tokunnir, as he was well aware of the stubbornness of his people. In fact, most Tokunnir scholar's believe that the earliest of their people's smithing techniques were the result of the early Tokunnir stubbornly punching pieces of rock for hours until it was the correct shape. The hammer was invented later when the other Tokunnir complained that the 'smiths' were wasting perfectly good alcohol treating their bloodied fists.

He gestures at his companions, signalling them to leave. There was nothing to learn here, so there was no point staying.

 
Hmm.

Offline Omck4heroes

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #8 on: April 04, 2019, 11:01:19 AM »
Following the Professor's command, Lifter turns and walks heavily out the door. He waits just outside, out of the path. When the Professor exits, Lifter falls into step behind him
Have you ever stood and stared at it, marveled at its beauty, its genius? Billions of people just living out their lives, oblivious.

Offline Stratovarius

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2019, 08:17:40 AM »
Nervous whispers followed them through Doguldhwr as the group made their way to the eastern gate. The city was unsettled, and unsure, although such mood did not impact the travellers. Instead, there was a combination of anticipation and frustration, one directed forward, the other backwards.

The gate before them was a massive stone, rolled into and out of place by a blend of magic and machinery, bound together with the power of the runes. After a cursory examination of their papers, the Iron Guard who watched over the portal slid it aside, their steady gaze and purple eyes following the professor and his motley crew as they marched out of the gate.

It was not long before the civilized world of Doguldhwr disappeared from sight, lost round the bends of the tunnel, and they were into the depths. For some Tokunnir, these depths were their home, finding solace in prospecting and life outside the glowing heart of the buried cities. For others, they were a place of almost mystical dread, too cold, lonely, and far from civilization. Most, however, thought of them not at all, having no reason and no cause to.

Outside the radius of the city’s influence, the rune-embossed document shivered and cracked, the seal falling open.


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Offline Omck4heroes

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2019, 11:53:20 AM »
While the others looked over the revealed document, Lifter positioned himself in the tunnel leading towards the depths, acting as a barricade against danger far more effective than any wall
Have you ever stood and stared at it, marveled at its beauty, its genius? Billions of people just living out their lives, oblivious.

Offline Nanshork

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #11 on: April 11, 2019, 09:25:58 PM »
Tarvon reads over the professor's shoulder.

"Doesn't even answer my question," he mutters.

Offline skydragonknight

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #12 on: April 13, 2019, 09:52:22 AM »
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The professor carefully considers the words of the documents, stowing it away for the time being. He would contemplate what kind of creature might be responsible as they moved. He then takes out the enchanted compass and examines the needles, eyes fixed on the red needle. "The first site should offer the most valuable clues, provided the site is undisturbed."

He begins his march at the brisk pace of four hundred feet per minute, which is sure to leave no one behind.
Hmm.

Offline Stratovarius

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #13 on: April 13, 2019, 10:51:26 AM »
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Offline Nanshork

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #14 on: April 13, 2019, 11:43:41 AM »
After double checking all his his pockets to make sure that he hasn't lost anything, Tarvon follows along.  He pulls out his flute and plays a little traveling song to pass the time.

Offline Omck4heroes

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #15 on: April 15, 2019, 11:08:15 AM »
Lifter falls into step just behind the professor, plodding along steadily, ducking occasionally so as not to hit his head on a bit of low hanging ceiling
Have you ever stood and stared at it, marveled at its beauty, its genius? Billions of people just living out their lives, oblivious.

Offline Stratovarius

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #16 on: April 23, 2019, 01:15:13 PM »
It took the better part of a week and more than a few missteps for the three companions to find their way to the location indicated on the parchment. Days spent traversing empty, lightless tunnels, filled with nothing more than the trickle of water down cavern walls, and the rare scuttle of something that preferred prey of an easier sort.

There was such a stark contrast between life inside the walls and life outside. Even here, along what was supposedly a trading route, there had been nothing to indicate any special importance to the tunnel other than disturbances of the dust, and a slight polish to the stone of the floor. No sconces marked the walls, no way signs or welcoming outposts had greeted their passage.

The battle site was little different than what they had seen before, if one discounted the dark stains that carved riverine paths through the dust, the chipped rock walls where weapons had sparked from them, and the broken detritus that lay scattered on the floor. Here, the tunnel was mostly straight, curving gently downward in a way that would slow but not otherwise impede uphill travel, and other than the slope, unremarkable from the passageways that they had travelled through themselves. No dark portals broached the solid walls, nor the ceiling, nor the floor. By whatever means the ambush had been sprung, it was not visible.

A thin breeze moved the air, carrying the rank smell of dried blood, but of corpses there were none. The Tokunnir had taken theirs, and whatever attacked had left none behind. While no fleshy remains existed, those of a more durable kind lay scattered about. Broken weapons, chips of wood and stone, the glimmer of a broken mail link, all easily visible wherever one turned. Some were painted crimson, clearly damaged on impact. Others looked pristine, breakage aside, the clean workmanship of the stonecrafters visible in every geometric design.

Whatever story the battlefield was to tell, it did not speak its knowledge upon first glance.

Offline skydragonknight

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #17 on: April 24, 2019, 09:42:36 AM »
The professor inspects the damaged weapons and debris, looking for clues based on the damage they received. He nods to his companions, encouraging them to look around but be on guard.
Hmm.

Offline Stratovarius

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #18 on: April 24, 2019, 10:25:17 AM »
The professor held a shard of metal to his eye, muttering quietly as he examined it. The muttering become more pronounced when the first item was swapped a second, nearly identical, fragment. Further examinations followed, as each of the two objects in turn received repeated scrutiny. Until at last he was satisfied.

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Next his attention turned to the fragments upon the ground, sifting through them until one, more pale and luminous than the rest, caught his eye. It was a tiny chip of bone, fresh and white, almost seeming to be polished with its intensity. The fragment was unmarked except at one end, where two punctures had sheared it from whomever the bone had once belonged to. Were they the marks of teeth, the crushing blow of a warhammer's crowned surface, or something else? Too hard to tell, at the first.

Offline Nanshork

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Re: Depths of Arhosa
« Reply #19 on: April 25, 2019, 12:17:54 AM »
While the professor stares at metal shards Tarvon starts a more general investigation.

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