North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-01-18 - A Forgery of Kobolds (log)

This article is a work in progress!

This log is from the storyline event on January 18, 2023, from the viewpoint of Avalera.

Note: This log has been heavily edited sheerly for brevity. If there is anything that was removed that seemed important, please feel free to add it in the appropriate place.

Synopsis

Late in the evening of the eighteenth day of Lormesta, Magister Enisius Dhenin requested a meeting with adventurer's of Wehnimer's Landing. Upon meeting in the pavilion of the imperial campsite, the magister shared a request: At the behest of his brother, Elidal Dhenin, he would be sending out a scouting party of individuals with the intent of gathering information regarding the feras forge that Gnul ensconced in the Sentoph region.

After discussion of the ideal scouting candidate, a varied assortment of individuals were chosen. These included dwarven sorcerer, Gutstorm, giantman empath, Irval, sylvan ranger, Kelfyr, a human warrior, Perigourd, paladins, Avalera, a human, and Ulfwine, a half-elf, and the halfling wizards, Skoll and Earthdiver. The group, later referred to as the Kobold Krew, were instructed on their mission then given a faceted black-violet feystone pin - an illusion pin crafted to make them appear as kobold - and a small glass sand-filled talisman, a device to be used to map the area were the forge is located.

The kobold krew set forth, accomplished their mission, and returned generally unscathed. The talisman's were then broken to magically create a map that would allow an attack with the burrowing orb borrowed from dwarves by Amos.

Log

The Scouts

[The Circle Stone] 
Crafted from thick lengths of heavy black leather, the tent's edges sway slightly.  A varnished wooden desk is set near the back, with evenly stacked sheets of vellum organized neatly upon it.  A rune-etched circular stone table dominates the center of the pavilion, bordered by several wooden stools.  Wisps of yellow, green, and cyan smoke curl up from crystal beakers that continuously bubble within a rhimar-lined rack.  You also see the glossy pink Astrilyn disk shaped like a jellyfish, the Guarrin disk, a melancholy wasteland spirit that is flying around, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a happy ocean spirit that is flying around, an animated flayed gigas disciple, a flame-etched glass mirror and a tent flap.

The air ripples and Enisius blinks into existence.

Enisius is greeted and returns the gesture.

Enisius says, "There's a lot of you, but yes, I suppose that works better."

Enisius says, "More to choose from."

Perigourd asks, "Choose for what?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Evia asks, "Rousing game of darts?"

Enisius says, "Sab...Commander Sablo believes he has located a possible entrance to Gnul's feras forge."

Enisius says, "We are not certain, but it is possible."

Irval asks, "So strike while the iron is hot? You know since its a forge and all? Least a scouting mission to verify?"

Enisius says, "Yes, scouting mission."

Enisius says, "We are not ready to launch a strike. We need to know more of the area."

Enisius says, "So my brother has asked that some of you undergo that task."

Perigourd says, "One should always know the field they're to fight on."

Enisius says, "...and I have been taken from application reviews, to help prepare some useful aide."

Enisius says, "We believe the forge is far beneath the Sentoph."

Speaking quietly to Enisius, Raelee mutters, "Always another crisis to interfere with our actual work.  Do get used to it."

Speaking to Enisius, Guarrin asks, "When will this scouting mission occur?"

Enisius says, "There have been some kobolds spotted from time tot ime in the area, and their tracks lost. We believe they are traveling there."

Enisius says, "Tonight."

Enisius nods at Guarrin.

Enisius says, "I have..."

Enisius pulls a faceted black-violet feystone pin from his robes.

Enisius says, "There is not enough for everyone. Only some of you will be able to go and scout."

Enisius looks at his palm.

Enisius says, "This. is. a. gathering. mission. only."

Enisius says, "Repeat."

Enisius says, "This. is. a. gathering. mission. only."

Kayse clarifies, "Intel...."

Enisius says, "So half of you are excluded."

Enisius smirks.

Enisius says, "The pin will create a temporary illusion, making the wearer appear like a kobold."

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

Enisius says, "I will need you to also take some of my magical trinkets with you, as you travel to the forge. Their magic will help map the area, so when you return, they will be broken and their magic released."

Enisius says, "It is absolutely critical you do NOT break them before you return to me."

Speaking drunkenly to Enisius, Gutstorm slurs, "Sign up me up!"

Enisius says, "I did not count, my apprentices crafted them quickly for me. They will not last forever."

Enisius says, "Who...."

Gutstorm glances at Enisius and raises his hand.

Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd asks, "How long will they last?"

Perigourd says, "It would be nice to know how long the cover will maintain."

Enisius asks, "Who among you is trustworthy, can be stealthy, and behave?"

Gutstorm glances at Enisius and raises his hand.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me me!"

Gutstorm nods enthusiastically!

Missoni nods encouragingly at Perigourd.

Enisius says, "I do not know. You will sense when they begin to weaken."

Enisius glances at Gutstorm.

Enisius says, "No."

Perigourd nods at Enisius.

You say, "I have trustworthy and I can behave. Stealthy, I can try."

You say, "Sober falls under "behaving"."

You nod at Gutstorm.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me am debashtated."

Lylia says, "...I would vouch for him."

Lylia glances at Gutstorm.

Enisius peers quizzically at Lylia.

Speaking to Enisius, Irval says, "I can assist in this endeavor...Also I can heal a bit. In case."

Enisius asks, "You, vouch for that thing?"

Gutstorm gazes admiringly at Lylia.

Obvious exits: none

Lylia adds, "IF he were alone. IF he were not with his whole crew of friends. Yes."

Lylia says, "He is a sorcerer under all...this."

Enisius glances at Gutstorm.

(Lylia gestures vaguely at Gutstorm.)

Stormyrain says, "I have seen him sober."

Irval says, "Better to make it back alive."

Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd says, "Out of all of us, he may be the best to portray a kobold should talking need be done."

Enisius says, "Do NOT attack. Do NOT strike. Do NOT break the talisman."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me wont rob da bank, me shwear to nook ferda forch!"

Enisius asks, "Do you understand?"

Enisius peers quizzically at Gutstorm.

Enisius says, "Tell me you understand."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me unnershtan."

Gutstorm turns toward Enisius and renders a sharp hand salute.

Enisius glances at Gutstorm.

Gutstorm looks rather relaxed.

Enisius says, "..show me your best kobold."

Enisius nods at Gutstorm.

Gutstorm falls over.

(Raelee gives Enisius a dismayed look.)

Gutstorm stands up.

Enisius sighs.

Perigourd nods approvingly at Gutstorm.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "How dat?"

Enisius glances at Raelee.

Lylia says, "I have seen him sober. Hunted with him, and discussed sorcery with him."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Xorus says, "They pronounce it more like 'Sawwrrry' than 'Shorrry'."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Oh right, Shorree!"

Enisius asks, "Who else wishes to be considered?"

Enisius says, "Oh..."

Kelfyr says, "I'll go."

Enisius says, "We will need someone who is able to teleport everyone home."

Perigourd says, "I'll volunteer as well, if desired."

Enisius says, "Incase there is no easy way out."

Enisius glances at Irval.

Enisius glances at Kelfyr.

Irval says, "I can do that."

Enisius says, "...show me your best kobold."

You say, "I would go also. Working under the cover of night is what I do."

Stormyrain smiles at you.

Kelfyr grumbles.

Kelfyr says, "If you want me to squat down behind you while Gut shoves you over, I certainly can."

Earthdiver says, "Wot to do wot to do."

Enisius nods at Kelfyr.

Enisius says, "Noted...you will go."

Enisius nods at Kelfyr.

Enisius asks, "You are able to teleport others?"

Enisius peers quizzically at Irval.

Enisius nods.

Enisius says, "Gutstorm, Kelfyr, Irval."

Enisius peers quizzically at you.

Enisius says, "We need those who can when needed apply stealth, be observant, return with good details.."

Enisius asks, "You offered you?"

You say, "I am safe under the cover of night, it's rather what I do."

Enisius peers quizzically at you.

You say, "The Lord of Night will guide me."

Enisius says, "No one is safe under night, but I believe I understand your proposed meanig."

You ask, "I am relatively safe under the cover of night?"

You say, "If that is a more accurate statement."

Enisius nods to you.

Enisius says, "Closer."

You undo the fastenings of your imflass metal breastplate and remove it.

Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd says, "I'll go as well."

Enisius looks around the room.

Earthdiver says, "Do you need more?  I can also go."

Enisius glances at Perigourd.

Enisius nods at Perigourd.

Perigourd turns toward Enisius and renders a sharp hand salute.

Enisius glances at Earthdiver.

Kelfyr says, "When this all goes sideways, will be good to have someone drag my corpse back to civilization."

Enisius says, "You are large...you may fit. We will try."

Enisius nods at Earthdiver.

Earthdiver says, "No fighting."

Perigourd nods in agreement at Earthdiver.

You say, "No corpse dragging. I can send corpses to town."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me mean, shtealth gatterin mission."

Enisius says, "Do not openly share what you find in your thoughts. We do not know if Gnul is listening. But you may use your symbols to reveal things to others if you wish, things that you see."

Speaking to Enisius, Pukk says, "Then Guts is the wrong person for this."

Kelfyr asks, "Should be remove any spells upon us now? Or will the disguise also encompass those?"

Skoll quietly says, "I can stay here and help gain sight on any of those that follow voln's order."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me not know how to think, me perfect."

Speaking heartily to Enisius, Dwi says, "I tested it...nope...not lissenin."

Kelfyr says, "In a pinch, I can whisper some distance."

Stormyrain asks, "Will targetted thoughts be a risk?"

Enisius says, "The disguise should suffice."

Earthdiver says, "No kobolds on horses, sorry."

Enisius says, "Targetted thoughts? No."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "Pretend you are sneaking into Lylia's room again. Be quiet and stealthy."

Xorus says, "I suggest bumping into each other at times, perhaps walking in circles and fretting about 'wot to do?'."

Lylia shifts her eyes to Pukk.

Irval suddenly stumbles for no apparent reason.

Speaking to Guarrin, Stormyrain asks, "The Gryphons will direct thoughts to you if needed, yes?"

Enisius says, "Gutstorm. Kelfyr. Irval. Avalera. Perigourd. Earthdiver."

Earthdiver exclaims, "I've always wanted one of these!"

Speaking quietly to Enisius, Skoll asks, "I feel the forward command is well equipped; what precautions do we need to take as a base camp?"

Speaking to Dwi, Pukk says, "Gut can just go as a big gnome."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Guarrin says, "Yes. I can keep an eye on Perigourd and Avalera through Voln as well."

Enisius says, "If they are discovered, Gnul may launch an attack."

Enisius nods at Skoll.

Speaking to Enisius, Kiyna says, "Is there anything required of those who do not go? I assume we stand by in case... yes, that."

Enisius nods at Kiyna.

Enisius says, "If all goes well, there will be no disturbance, nothing for us to do but wait for the intelligence to return to us."

Ulfwine nods at Lylia.

Vaemyr asks, "Do you want... some people to perhaps be decoys? Perhaps scouting Thanatoph at the same time?  Being well... not so sneaky?"

Speaking quietly to Enisius, Skoll asks, "Shall we place our faith in luck, or is there something proactive we can do to support?"

Enisius says, "No, there is no need to scout further. We do not wish to draw anything else."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Guarrin says, "The militia should likely be ready."

Tikba says, "We are not placing our faith in luck, but in Gutstorm."

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "So we are doomed, all doomed."

Lylia says, "I know he would not risk disappointing me."

Lylia turns to face Gutstorm.

Enisius asks, "I've two illusion pins remaining. Are there any others with a penchant for stealth, and observation?"

Skoll shrugs at Enisius.

You quietly whisper to Gutstorm, "I'm trusting you not to get us caught. Or me killed."

Ulfwine says, "I have no skill at stealth, as much as I would like to go."

Ulfwine sighs.

Gutstorm whispers, "Every kobolt ferdem shelf!"

Speaking quietly to Enisius, Skoll says, "If by stealth, you mean the ability to cast invisibility, I would throw my name in the ring."

Speaking quietly to Enisius, Skoll says, "As it is better than standing by and doing nothing."

You quietly whisper to Gutstorm, "I will totally leave your stumpy corpse behind then."

Enisius says, "You will not need to be invisible. The pin will disguise you."

Speaking darkly to Enisius, Wolfloner says, "I am very stealthy but clumsy.  Afraid I would break the pin."

Enisius asks, "Do you wish to go?"

Pukk says, "Raelee is good at appearing out of nowhere to scare everybody."

Enisius peers quizzically at Skoll.

Ulfwine nods at Enisius.

Ulfwine says, "I will go."

Speaking quietly to Enisius, Skoll says, "Aye, I do."

Enisius nods at Skoll.

Enisius nods at Ulfwine.

Gutstorm gawks at you.

Kelfyr says, "No weapons."

Speaking to Irval, Vaemyr says, "I probably would not be weilding weapons walking around."

Speaking to Irval, Perigourd says, "I hould think we won't need them to be successful."

Perigourd says, "Should, rather."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "As few as you are, if it turns violent, I would flee with all haste."

Kelfyr says, "Be armed by your bravery."

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