North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-01-12 - Another Form of Combat Drill (log)

Lormesta 12-13, 5123

Synopsis

Amos brings word that he's been communicating with Clan Leader Rodverg of Zul Logoth and has secured a digging machine with a mithril drill that he's named the Badger, controlled by a glaes orb. While he intended to use it for mining baystone and still does, he's arranged a deal with future Baron Elidal and Commander Sablo to borrow it for operations to find Gnul's feras forge, suspected to be deep within the earth. Amos will pilot and everyone will ride on it when the time comes.

Log

Awaiting Amos

A glistening flake of snow descends from the sky, flurrying about on the cold wind.

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the Asben disk, a grizzled wolf, a grim wasteland spirit that is flying around, the Khorsoro disk, the Taravangian disk, the Vasilious disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the Arahnim disk, the drake-incised Draelor disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, the Kalindon disk, some manna bread, a large acorn, a massive grey wolf, a large acorn, a large acorn, a warcat-etched black thorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a piece of ebon parchment, a black iron cauldron, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Asben, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Town Councilor Kiyna, Tikba, Drektor, Bernadette, Markx, Khorsoro, Prothiel who is sitting, Great Lord Taravangian, Vasilious, Arahnim, Irval, Arena Hero Beldannon, Pukk, Draelor, Kalindon

Pukk says, "I guess Cryheart isn't coming."

[General] Ouendi exclaims, "The whispers and the silvery light guides us all! You merely need heed it!"

[General] Yardie exclaims, "I don't know of this cold you speak of. The South has been great!"

Asben asks, "So we're joining Pukk now?"

Speaking innocently to Vaemyr, Pukk asks, "Wha??"

[General] Directed to Dendum, Lylia thinks, "All shall gather at the warmth of a mutual hatred well-stoked, or at least that is a close approximation to a Faendryl saying. Similar sentiment, perhaps."

Pukk recites:

"Join Vaemyr while you can!"

A curtain of ashen snow falls steadily from the sky.

Speaking to Queatus, Pukk exclaims, "I see you survived your courtship with Stormy. Count yourself lucky and congrats!"

Speaking to Pukk, Stormyrain snarls, "I will end you."

Speaking to Queatus, Pukk says, "Most times we just find the body par...."

Pukk flails his arms about.

[General] Dendum offers, "The words of the city do not form in the same way as the words of the forest but under both is sometimes similar meaning."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Pukk exclaims, "But I'm not as pretty as he is!"

[General] Lylia thinks, "Great truths permeate the rock, the forest, the skies themselves."

Speaking to Ouendi, Dendum says, ""You have come in time for more snow."

Ouendi squeakily says, "But.. I don't -like- snow."

Speaking to Dendum, Kiyna says, "One of our chief exports, snow."

Speaking quietly to Queatus, Pukk whispers aloud, "I don't know if you know this but there seems to be a ghost following you. It looks pretty roguish...kinda like me..but it's not me I promise."

Ouendi squeakily says, "Its cold. wet.. gets everywhere.."

Speaking to Kiyna, Dendum offers, ""Market for this seems flooded...is even snowing in Sol Haven."

Speaking to Dendum, Kiyna admits, "We may have over-produced."

Earthdiver says, "It is only slightly colder here."

Pukk says, "Uh oh. Kiyna and Dendum are going to summon babies."

[General] Amos thinks, "This storm is endless. Like the promise of Wehnimer's Landing."

Pukk exclaims, "We are doomed!"

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "Evening Amos."

[General] Tikba thinks, "Hello, Amos."

[General] Bernadette thinks, "Good eve Amos."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you. Unlike the promise of Wehnimer's Landing, we may hope the snow melts away one day."

[General] Pukk exclaims, "I knew it! Amos is resposibile for all th is bad weather! It's a plot by Amos!"

[General] Kiyna thinks, "Hello, Amos."

[General] Pukk exclaims, "Amos is resposibile for this abnormally cold weather so that we have to buy coats and blankets from his consortium! Boo Amos! Boo!"

[General] Directed to Pukk, Yardie thinks, "That...was actually funny."

Ouendi squeakily exclaims, "Call lyrical Sammy, rar!"

Xorus says, "Looks like a storm is coming in."

Ouendi squeakily says, "Crowded.."

Pukk recites:

"Since Cryheart is derelict in his group leading resposibilities we will join Vaemyr!"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Lylia asks, "How good to be elected, yes?"

Speaking to Asben, Diablic asks, "Can you lay down a moment please?"

Speaking painfully to Lylia, Kiyna repeats, "Praise and adulation..."

Ouendi squeakily asks, "Are you going on a picnic?"

Pukk says, "I should be officially given the title of Landing Herald."

Beldannon quietly says, "I never listen to you."

Pukk asks, "I mean, how else will the people know who to join?"

Speaking to Pukk, Dendum intones, ""The Pukk is now Landing Herald."

Speaking to Dendum, Asben asks, "Now?"

Lylia says, "You could simply start walking in the right direction and let everyone else fall in line."

The coppery barn owl hoots at Pukk.

Speaking to Pukk, Kiyna says, "I feel confident in my capacity as councilor to give you an official title. Your title is "Pukk". Hereafter you shall be known as "Pukk" in an official sense."

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "No...if I do that then I might get killed first...I will just tell them and hope all goes well."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk exclaims, "I'm glad to have you on my side!"

[General] Amos thinks, "We've a bit of news to discuss it seems."

Ouendi squeakily asks, "Is it a dangerous picnic?"

[General] Amos asks, "Is that Baron still about?"

Tikba murmurs, "Which bit does he mean?"

[General] Dendum thinks, "Well...is around somewhere."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Xorus...I'm sure he is around here somewhere."

[General] Elidal thinks, "I am Amos, but not for long. I would not dare share the stage with you tonight. Feel free to proceed."

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "The Baron to be? Aye he's probably around somewhere certainly."

[General] Lylia thinks, "More knowledge is always welcome, thugh I do not know where Elidal is tonight."

[General] Tikba thinks, "He is surely within the campsite or at the outpost."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Xorus..I think Amos is looking for you."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Ah, found him. Now, I know you are glad you asked."

Pukk says, "Somebody is watching us."

[General] Kiyna asks, "Your headquarters? Or your tavern, for old time's sake?"

Pukk says, "It's probably that Amos character.."

[General] Amos thinks, "The merchant road outside of town. I will be along shortly."

Vaemyr says, "Hmm leaving soon."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Pukk says, "I know this job is new for you but this is the point where you start roaming aimlessly until we figure out where we are going."

[General] Dendum asks, "Listen...Dendum is Gno of the Forest...has much love for forest and outside places...but why in the many great and wonderful odd decisions are all the humans and giant humans wanting to stand around in the snow?"

Speaking to Pukk, Vaemyr says, "I will do my best Cryheart imitation, we will get there sometime next week."

Pukk says, "Good idea."

Pukk exclaims, "You are learning!"

[travel]

Tikba tentatively asks, "Did he mean the merchant road, near the cliffs?"

Lylia asks, "Did he say the Merchant Road? Or the Mine Road?"

Bellaja says, "Merchant."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Vaemyr is tonight's Cryheart since Cryheart is late."

Vaemyr says, "I uhh missheard I think sorry hah."

[General] Perigourd asks, "Or is he early?"

Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "I missed you terribly."

[Coastal Cliffs]

A brisk wind from the Bay lashes against your skin as you move along the coastal cliffs overlooking the deep blue of the Darkstone to the north. Scraggly tree roots dangle from the rock face and provide a crude shelter for nesting fenvaoks. You also see an inlaid leather grimoire soaring around with its gilt-swept ethereal violet pinions, the Guarrin disk, the web-draped Missoni disk, the Geijon disk, a lazy wild greyish-black dog, the merchant road and a gilt mithril gate.

Speaking to Xorus, Pukk says, "Glad to have you Baron."

[General] Geijon thinks, "He can use a night off sometimes."

Vaemyr asks, "Guessing here?"

Speaking to Pukk, Xorus says, "I think he meant the other Baron."

Vaemyr says, "I had to take us in the wrong direction first, it is only proper."

Speaking to Xorus, Pukk exclaims, "Wait...we can't have more than one!"

Pukk exclaims, "That will confuse things!"

Xorus says, "The Earl and his favorites."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Well there weren't many pickins but Vaemyr fought long and hard and won the honor of leading the group tonight."

Speaking to Dendum, Kiyna says, "I don't mind being out in the snow, with this crowd of tallfolk here. Like so many trees, they keep the snow from settling on me."

Speaking to Lylia, Alosaka says, "We need a new game, anyway."

Speaking squeakily to Kiyna, Ouendi says, "Dance between the flakes."

Speaking to Kiyna, Akenna says, "Sometimes there are advantages to being short."

Lylia says, "I enjoyed the old one, but I think people had tumbled to what we were about."

Speaking to Kiyna, Kelfyr says, "Until you get another wild hair and climb up on someone's shoulders again."

Speaking to Cryheart, Geijon says, "Nice catch."

Speaking to Kelfyr, Kiyna says, "Sometimes I need to see better. Shoulders are a valid place for a truefolk to stand."

Speaking respectfully to Xorus, Alosaka asks, "Lord Xorus, could you enlighten me. What is honor, for a Faendryl Sorcerer?"

Speaking to Alosaka, Perigourd says, "Allowing your partner to shield you from blows."

Amos' Announcement

Lord Amos just arrived.

Cryheart says, "Evening."

Speaking to Amos, Vaemyr says, "Good evening, Amos."

Amos nods.

Amos says, "Evenimg."

Xorus says, "Integrity of the self is inversely proportional to the integrity of that which is disintegrated."

Amos grins at Kayse. [appears to just be a greeting, not a response]

Speaking in Giantman to Amos, Guarrin greets something you don't understand.

Evia says, "Fancy meeting you...or anyone..here."

Amos nods at Stormyrain.

Amos bows to Guarrin.

Guarrin faces Amos and smartly brings his right fist up to his chest. Holding it there, he bows deeply.

Amos says, "I appreciate you trudging out in the snow."

Amos says, "It is home to me, but some of you..."

Amos chuckles.

Amos says, "Since the Baron will not be present this night, the announcement is up to me."

Speaking to Amos, Dendum remarks, "Is nice to see the bay under the moons."

Vaemyr says, "Still not as bad as up in the wilds of Cold River."

Amos nods at Dendum.

Speaking to Amos, Kiyna says, "I don't like the sound of that..."

Pukk says, "He's...oh the other baron..."

Pukk whispers something to Xorus.

Amos says, "Over the last few weeks, I have had several communications with Clan Leader Rodverg of Zul Logoth."

Pukk says, "You mean Clunk. Everybody knows that Clunk runs that mountain."

Amos says, "As some of you may recall, they have been helpful in the mining projects for baystone."

Amos says, "There was something I sought. Purchased, created, it did not matter."

Amos says, "It turns out, the Clan Leader was able to secure what I needed from the Grenroa."

Speaking expectantly to Amos, Kiyna asks, "And the identity of that something is...?"

Amos says, "Its original purpose was to help in our mining operations..."

A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Falvicar.

Amos says, "Which, it still can and will."

Pukk says, "It's the Kobold God."

Earthdiver says, "Does it dig holes."

Amos says, "But the new Baron and his inexperienced commander have..."

Amos says, "Worked out some terms to borrow it briefly."

Vaemyr asks, "Thinking this might be an answer to our giant worm problem?"

Amos says, "I am told it will be used in the upcoming strike against Gnul's forge."

Mourdeyan asks, "Whot?"

Goldstr says, "Ahhhh goods to hear."

Speaking to Amos, Dendum asks, ""Tunnel maker?"

Kelfyr says, "I hope you required a hefty collateral."

Irval asks, "Did we find the forge yet? ive been search high and low all over the bowels daily. Seen not a sign of its whereabouts?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Pukk says, "I wouldn't call it giant...some giantkin are more endowed that others."

Speaking to Pukk, Irval says, "Eye's up."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "It may be on the far side of Thanatoph. No current path exists to reach there."

Amos reaches into his greatcloak and produces a chipped glaes orb.

Earthdiver says, "Does it locate plinite."

Mourdeyan says, "A marble."

Dendum says, "Ehh...smaller than expected."

Lylia says, "Much is obscured in this driving snow. It is not surprise the forge has not yet been found."

Amos says, "That is not it."

Speaking squeakily to Dendum, Ouendi says, "Size can be deceptive of potency."

Vaemyr says, "I'm guessing there's a reason we're meeting, outside of town."

Amos steps back a bit.

Amos nods.

Speaking to Falvicar, Pukk says, "You can be my shield."

Dendum remarks, ""Truly but...that is very very small."

Mourdeyan says, "Gads, not a barrel of those blasted peanuts."

Amos touches a rune along the glaes orb and turns it forward twice.

Speaking to Pukk, Falvicar says, "I'm a Blade of the Night.. not shield. But I'll parry attacks for ye."

Pukk says, "Uh oh...I have a bad feeling about this."

Speaking to Mourdeyan, Evia says, "Maybe is magic beans."

The ground rumbles.

Pukk exclaims, "I knew it!"

Amos touches a rune along the glaes orb and turns it forward twice.

Earthdiver says, "Is it the Juggernaut."

Mourdeyan says, "I knew it."

Earthdiver asks, "Juggermini?"

Amos steps back a bit.

Speaking to Earthdiver, Vaemyr says, "I think it might be similar, aye."

Mourdeyan says, "A peanut marble."

Cryheart says, "Interesting."

Bellaja says, "Just what everyone needs. A ground shaker."

The voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yer machine no work, it no shwaller Geijon."

Speaking to Wolfloner, Pukk exclaims, "Careful I think Amos lured us out here to kill us all!"

Suddenly the ground erupts and a great fissure rips open, dirt and grit flying in every direction! The ground unravels upward, dust rising and gears whirling as a large mithril drill-nosed vessel burrows up out of the ground and lurches forward to a halt.

Xorus remarks, "The town is already precariously on top of hollowed out caverns and tunnels."

Lylia says, "I have heard 'thumpers' before. This does not seem quite the same. Those make a terrible sustained racket that --"

Earthdiver says, "Excellent."

Amos says, "The Badger."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

Speaking to Amos, Perigourd says, "Nice name."

Evia says, "Well, my my."

Earthdiver says, "Minijugg."

Pukk exclaims, "It's a mole golem!"

Evia says, "Big Bertha the Borrer."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Bellaja says, "You were right. It is a hole digger."

Vaemyr says, "Impressive."

Speaking to Amos, Thrassus asks, "How far down can it burrow?"

Missoni muses, "Fascinating."

Tikba thoughtfully says, "Very useful."

Speaking in Guildspeak to Gutstorm, Lylia says something you don't understand.

Amos says, "Gnul's claim to the earth is now...void."

Alosaka says, "I can see why you wanted that for mining."

Pukk asks, "Gnul and void?"

Amos nods at Alosaka.

Earthdiver says, "Nice."

Amos says, "I still do. So do not get it destroyed."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Can me ride on it Amos?"

Amos says, "When the time comes, you will all be able to travel on the Badger."

Geijon says, "Airship, water ship and underground-ship. Great."

Amos says, "Sablo has suspicions the forge is deep within the earth."

Speaking to Amos, Pukk says, "It's more of a mole."

Kelfyr says, "In, I hope."

Kelfyr says, "On seems...less than ideal."

Earthdiver says, "I trust we have some way of finding coordinates."

Earthdiver says, "The ground is a...a large place."

Amos says, "The Mole does not sound as ferocious."

Amos nods at Pukk.

Ulfwine says, "That is an impressive machine."

Guarrin curiously asks, "How many can it carry?"

Speaking to Amos, Kiyna says, "If you wanted ferocity, you could do worse than The Roa'ter."

Pukk says, "Well if you have it blessed it will be a holy moley."

Ouendi squeakily asks, "What about 'The Shrew'?"

Alosaka mumbles, "The world made new."

Speaking to Amos, Thrassus asks, "What is it powered by?"

Evia says, "It needs a name, maybe Bubba...no we have one of those."

Amos asks, "Dwarven blood?"

Amos shrugs at Thrassus.

Speaking to Ouendi, Lylia says, "I already laid claim to that one."

Thrassus snickers.

Amos says, "I do not know its workings."

Speaking to Amos, Vaemyr says, "I thought for sure you'd find some bird name for it though, it goes against all tradition."

Amos says, "Only that it works. It was costly."

Speaking to Amos, Kelfyr asks, "In silver or trade?"

Lylia says, "Most birds do not burrow."

Speaking to Amos, Ulfwine asks, "'So who will be operating it?"

Dendum says, "So this digs...and then it comes out...in middle of cave or something..."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We need to git shum gnome to toy wittit, make it more threatnin."

Amos says, "Both."

Amos nods at Kelfyr.

Speaking to Lylia, Kiyna adds, "Some owls do, though."

Irval says, "We need a direction..."

Amos says, "I will operate it."

Mourdeyan says, "Those most familiar wif ballistae I wager."

Irval says, "Else we could end up anywhere."

Amos asks, "Sablo has told me there will be scouts?"

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps the plinite is there."

Amos asks, "Who first pin point the forge?"

Amos nods.

Amos says, "Once I learn more of that, we can map the path there."

Amos says, "It is designed to easily enough travel and return with ease."

[General] Saiteari thinks, "That helps someone find you."

Speaking to Geijon, Evia says, "At least we won't have to stand around bashing the ground till we break it open."

Kelfyr whispers to the group, "I don't know whether to be assuaged or concerned by his level of confidence in this plan."

Lylia says, "Even if the forge is buried deep, forges require heat and produce smoke. There are ways to keep smoke flowing along the soil instead of creating a distinctive plume, but no way to hide it entirely that I would assume Gnul knows."

Amos nods at Lylia.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Lemme taker ferra tesht drive Amos."

Irval asks, "Ive looked. Over and over. Ive memorized the bowels. And there is not a sign of it being near that direction. Course itd be dangerous to forge anything near those fumes. But perhaps where those fumes are coming from might be a sign?"

Thrassus says, "I would assume it is within the Glatoph volcano."

Speaking to Lylia, Kiyna says, "For all I know, stone giants can -eat- smoke."

Speaking to Lylia, Dendum reminds, ""The Dwarves have long been experts at hiding forges....."

Perigourd says, "It would be a good cover for it."

Speaking to Amos, Dendum asks, ""Dwarves have any idea?"

Alosaka says, "It's one of the only nearby active volcanoes."

Speaking to Kiyna, Lylia says, "Even if they breathe it in, they must perforce breathe out, too."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me a dwarf, lotta idearsh."

Speaking to Lylia, Evia says, "Gnul himself, inhales all the smoke, then carefully blows it out his other end."

Speaking to Lylia, Vaemyr says, "The best method I would gather is them utilizing one of the normal shafts that gasses escape the volcano in the first place, which would help mask and hide those traces though."

Amos begins chuckling at Evia!

Speaking to Amos, Dendum asks, ""The sober dwarv...wait never mind that would not narrow down enough....the dwarves under the mountain have any ideas about where a Gnul would hide a forge?"

Amos shrugs at Dendum.

Amos says, "I have asked. We shall see."

Speaking to Amos, Kiyna says, "This is good. Thank you, Amos."

Amos says, "Gnul destablizes this region."

Speaking in Giantman to Amos, Guarrin says something you don't understand.

Amos says, "We need to stop that."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "It not good unlesh it werk, no make him head bigger."

Mourdeyan says, "Well, it int Gutsy, sober an him don't have even a passin aquaintance."

Alosaka says, "This is the most promising development we've had in quite some time."

Vaemyr says, "Something we can all agree with I think."

Amos nods at Guarrin.

Alosaka says, "Hopefully the forge isn't being run by a bunch of baby griffins."

Speaking wryly to Alosaka, Tikba says, "Hopefully it is. We have proven we can vanquish those."

Speaking to Alosaka, Ulfwine says, ""Maybe too soon, my friend."

Speaking to Amos, Irval says, "Gnul's head will adorn my belt and or act as a paper weight. Ive not decided yet."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me think we need elf blood to make da drill run shmooter."

Amos grins at Irval.

Speaking to Irval, Dendum reminds, ""Gnuls head is size of wagon."

Mourdeyan says, "Aye, we just jump in their maws and hurl em at tha ground."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "If he's a stone giant, his head is as large as you are, or larger."

Speaking to Dendum, Irval says, "So it will be a BIG belt."

Dendum exclaims, "Or big paper!"

Amos presses his glaes orb, rolling it to the side, then backwards.

Evia says, "The faithful of the forge might find the ear of Eonak, the great artificer."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Purrin like a halflin eattin tartsh."

The large mithril vessel lurches forward, its drill spinning and whirling as it burrows back quickly into the ground, leaving dirt and rock and tremors in its wake.

Guarrin muses, "It may be cramped in there for the trip."

Amos tucks a chipped glaes orb into a weathered black leather pocket inside of his bear hide greatcloak.

Earthdiver says, "That is a nice controller."

Goldstr says, "Verra nice."

Ouendi squeakily exclaims, "What if.. we attached wagons to the end of it as it burrowed.. then everyone could ride!"

Amos says, "It will be ready, when you are prepared to take the fight to the forge."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "AMos shtick yer arm up inna air ferra minoot?"

Amos says, "No."

Avalera carefully asks, "Flight?"

Vaemyr whispers something to Amos.

Amos says, "Goodnight."

Avalera says, "Ah, fight."

Pukk says, "It will be when you leave."

Vaemyr says, "Have a good evening."

Mourdeyan says, "Toodles."

Evia says, "Progress."

Amos nods at Irval.

Speaking to Amos, Pukk exclaims, "Now turn off this winter and leave us be!"

Earthdiver says, "Should we fill in the hole it made."

Speaking to Amos, Dendum exclaims, ""Good luck collecting great and mighty weapons....seems to be dangerous hobby....however one many share!"

Earthdiver says, "Someone is going to fall in that."

Amos says, "Firefly..."

Amos nods at Kayse.

Amos grins.

Kayse gazes in amusement at Amos.

Speaking to Amos, Kayse inquires, "Yes?"

Amos says, "It needn't be a weapon."

Amos nods at Dendum.

Dendum nods at Amos.

Amos says, "Half of you are more dangerous than the Badger."

Amos waves.

Pukk says, "Mole..."

Lylia says, "Considering seizure of the forge instead of its destruction? Good."

Gutstorm grunts at Amos bashfully, averting his eyes.

(Kayse moves to stand by Amos' side.)

Vaemyr says, "It's certainly a useful tool."

Dendum says, "Eh probably sells better if one calls it a weapon..."

Amos agrees with Kayse.

Lylia says, "It may not be a weapon, but it shall convey weapons to where they are needed."

Goldstr says, "We be ready when da forge be found."

Amos pushes his greatcloak out wide, embracing the snow and cold, and walks off towards town.