First Steps, The Caverns
Void Crater and the City of VOC 
After its discovery many more were drawn to the crater in search of fame and fortune with its twisting labyrinths and endless catacombs, some even say at deeper levels the rock itself moves creating an ever changing landscape.
Over time the city of VOC grew around the crater, creatures of all races came and for the most part put aside their differences in the pursuit of wealth, although for most only death or worse awaits within the crater and VOC.
Unlike many others you are not a traveler from some distant land but an orphan of VOC, born and most likely to die in the crowded and filthy streets amongst the cracked black stone towers of VOC.
Not wanting to starve you have scrapped together what provisions you could to join an expedition on one of the guild run platforms which will descend you into the crater, where your fortune or death awaits you.
You stand upon a wooden platform with a ragtag group of other would be adventurers, the platform is slowly lowering into the crater, below a dark mist swirls concealing what lies below.
The foreman stands on a crate at the rear.
"Now from the looks of ye lot this might be ya first delve into the crater so listen up or it could be ya last. Ya copper piece gets ya to the first level, now don't let that fool ya although most of the real nasty stuff has been cleared things do wander in from time to time, but for the most part ye wanting to be looking out for thieves and bandits looking to releave ya ov ya hard work.
Now the platform will wait for ya while ya look around but when ya hear the horn ye better come running or y'all be spending the night down here and that would be the end of ya.
Grab what ya can and get out that's how we do it, y'all free to keep what ya find, though the guild will gladly pay ya 1gp per lb for any void stone ya find in there, now that's a bargain. Ya can't miss it, black as night it is looks a little like glass but puts out a strange purple glow, it's the stuff that all the beacons, wards and gates are made of around VOC to make sure all the nasty business in here stays in here, no one wants this stuff in their backyard eating their family and pets ya get me. Now look sharp we're pulling up.
Looking around you see many more platforms just like this all traveling to different areas and levels.
Looking out from the platform you see a clear space which looks like it was once a cliff ledge that has been carved out, there seems to be some old pillars of architecture that predates the city of VOC and rubble lays piled up in corners.
There are cave entrances to the left, right, and two directly ahead. All the other teams have gone and you are left standing at the platform alone with the Foreman.
"Thanks, Four Man, old chum. May I enquire where the other three man's are? Or is this a regional dialect of some, behoves."
Eames
Eames started directly booking it to one of the cave openings before stopping dead in his tracks to examine the pillars, he's curious what millenia they were built in and what they're made of he's audibly oohing and aahing at the stonework as he does so, rambling about all the theories of what it could be out loud
Kold, The People's Voice
"Erm... Excuse me Four, I'm going to go help the eager beaver. Tra!"
Kold, The People's Voice
I approach Eames and cast Guidance on him
Kold, The People's Voice
"Boop!"
Peecheep
*@Peecheep picks up a basket and a pickaxe then follows after @Kold, The People's Voice and @Eames as he does he turns to the Foreman.*
"Sorry about our friend, he doesn't mean anything by it, he's just not particularly bright..... We think he was dropped on his head as a child."
*He touches the hood of his cloak in respect and disembarks the platform.*
Foreman
*Grunts*
"Whatever rat."
Peecheep
*muttering under his breath as he joins @Eames and @Kold, The People's Voice *
"Not a rat...mouse..."
Kold, The People's Voice
" "I grin at @Peecheep
Peecheep
"Yes Lizard I am here, someone's got to keep an eye on you."
Eames
Eames, locked in attention to the pillar shoots upright feeling the guidance cantrip affect him. "Oh! And who might you be? A fellow adventurer of the depths? I'm Eames," he says with a wide smile
"Oh! You seem to have attracted a friend to you." Eames gets on his hands and knees to investigate the
talking Fey Mouse.
"Wow! Some kind of subterranean void mouse touched by Fey magical heritage! And we've only just emerged off the platform! What wonders will the rest of these ruins bring?!" He starts scurrying around the mouse and focusing on it, examining Peecheep from all angles.
Peecheep
"I'm not from around here, I traveled to VOC from the Eastern Woods, but yes I know this Dragonborn. The names @Peecheep and this is @Kold, and what's your name human?"
Eames
"Eames little sir, how do you do?" Eames extends his hand, mostly his forefinger to shake the mouse's hand. "Did you know, fey creatures have heritage all around this area and are no stranger actually to the Void crater?! Millenia ago, the forces of man and fairy joined in an uneasy alliance..." he begins into a long tirade of the void stone wars from millennia ago, holding unblinking eye contact with Kold and Peecheep enthusiastically the whole time
Kold, The People's Voice
"I beg your pardon? You have not heard of me? Well, my fortunate adventurer. You're in for quite the treat..." *Flops out bagpipes*
"It is I! Kold, The People's Voice!"
*Bagpipes*
*Guidance*
*Performance check*
But the bagpipes only let out a growling *VWEEEERREEPP*
"Ah.. Need to change the reeds.... Never fear! It is still I! Famous bard, novelist, and jiggolo! Slayer of both rod and beaver!"
"Kold! At your service!"
I let out a deep bow, eagerly anticipating recognition
While studying the pillar@Eames finds that it is made of stone, the stone seems to be granite but not from this region or at least not from this regions current geological composition.
It looks as though there was once a form of writing on the pillar but it has long since faded. Judging from the current depth, this structure would have predated the crater but was exhumed when the crater struck and tore open the world.
Peecheep
04:28 PM
*Shakes @Eamess hand, ignoring the history lesson and Kold*
"It's a pleasure, looks like the others have all gone on ahead, just us three left."
Eames
Eames smiles and shakes Peecheep's hand, " Thank you for indulging the lesson, and a pleasure to make your acquaintance, to both of you actually!" he says turning his attention to Kold, "The acoustics of that instrument seem to be out of tune my friend. That, or there's some sort of augmented reverb from the crater surrounding? I'll have to take notes. Nevertheless, it's a pleasure to meet you ... I'm sorry, can you tell me your name again?" He looks unrecognizingly at Kold.
Kold, The People's Voice
"Kold! The People's Voice! Fear not, my indubitable friend. You'll learn it before long Yes, you'll scarcely be able to escape the name of Kold as it reverberates off the lips of my fans across the planes! Much like these rocks, perchance."
*Dramatic thinker pose*
Kold, The People's Voice
"Oh... and, you are?"
Eames
"Eames! Thanks for the help there Kold! That was a divination cantrip you just cast there wasn't it? Did you study somewhere here in VOC?"
Kold, The People's Voice
"...Study? My dear boy. These talents of mine are innate. Raw. Powerful. Challenging. Talent. Pleased to meet you, Eames! I am not from VOC. I happen to be passing through as part of my world tour/book-signing/vacation. Would you perhaps like a copy of my latest book? I'll even sign it for you. I feel you could probably benefit from this particular book." I offer you a little wink.
"And what brings you to VOC?"
Eames
"That's so interesting! And thank you, I'm always happy to add another book to my collection. I'm actually from VOC, born and raised. Came in here to figure out the secrets of this crater and hopefully make some crowns along the way. Speaking of, we should all probably get going, us stragglers aren't gonna get too far at this pace."
Eames
What's the title of the book? What are some of the things Eames sees at a cursory glance?
Looking at the book given to him by Kold, The People's Voice he reads the title and inside cover message:
Hair Growth: For Dummies!
How the Dashing Gentleman Staves Off
Baldness (and Increases the Size of His Manhood)
By Kold, The People's Voice!
Silver-Blooded Bard of Brilliance, Beauty, and Braggadocio
(Eames checks the title of the book and quickly flips through its pages before putting it in his pack)
Peecheep
*Looking around the open space his nose twitching and large ears taking in the sounds around them.*
"Which passageway should we take?"
Eames
"Hmmm... most of the others went down the middle two if I remember right, so there's probably more void stone that way but more competition. let's try this one," Eames gestures to the Far Left cavern.
Moving into the passageway the walls seem dry and covered in sediment, occasionally you see the glint of void stone in the wall which on seeing @Peecheep moves up and chips away at the rock removing the small sample with the pickaxe and placing it in his basket which he took from the platform.
As the group reaches a bend in the tunnel they can hear the sound of metal clashing on metal and the grunts and calls of combat.
Kold, The People's Voice
"Yes yes, money and all that..." I follow on. "Enjoying the book, old chap?"
Eames
As you turn to Eames you find he has already rushed forward towards the sounds of combat, the geometric shield he carried now slung upon his arm.
Kold, The People's Voice
"Wait, where are you going? I thought we were talking about meeeee?" I call back, before reluctantly ploddong off after him.
Eames
Rushing to the cavern shield up, Eames cautiously looks for the sounds of combat and commotion
Turning the corner the group finds the source of the commotion, all too late they arrive to see three large men they recognize from their trip down on the platform picking through the belongings of two of their fellow adventurers.
As you dash around the corner they look up and realize that their crime has been discovered.
Crater Explorer
"That's inconvenient, Boyz you know we can't let word of this get out."
Kold, The People's Voice
"OooOo find anything good?" *fingers wiggle*
Peecheep
05:55 AM
*Moving around the corner and seeing the oncoming thugs. @Peecheep forms a shard of ice in his hand then throws it at the @Crater Explorer *
"Your treacherous days are done."
(casts ice knife)
The ice knife strikes @Crater Explorer sticking into his chest before exploding in a cloud of ice powder and sharp ice crystals.
The @Crater Explorer drops to the ground unconscious and bleeding heavily from the ice knife chest wound, while his two larger companions are showered in ice shrapnel.
The large Crater explorer dashes forward to try and quickly close the gap between the two groups.
Kold, The People's Voice
"I'll take that as a no, my devious little cherubs!"
Kold, The People's Voice
I draw my blade and then think better of it.
"Ahh, screw it. Time for the encore!"
I let out a small flourish with my blade, ending by slamming the flexible tip into the rock wall beside me, which causes the reverberation to make a tremendous *GONG* sound.
I cast Toll the Dead!
@Large Crater Explorer clasps his ears as a look of
dread passes across his face and life force is drawn from his body, he staggers a little and looks pale but is otherwise still in the fight.
@2 Large Crater Explorer dashes forward to join the fight.
Eames
09:51 AM
With his shield drawn, Eames unclasps the large blade-less hilt and handle of an incredibly old sword. The thick and ancient wood studded at equal lengths with runes which now glow a sky blue as he whispers its command word under his breath.
Where the old blade is missing, a new blade emerges made of pure arcane force which he uses to strike at the already wounded bandit.
(Bonus Action: Shillelagh
Main Action: Attack)
@Eames strikes hitting the @Large Crater Explorer in front of him.
@Peecheep draws his blades and moves in to strike at @2 Large Crater Explorer
@Peecheep slashes at @2 Large Crater Explorer with his scimitar, but misses his thrust with the dagger, he then disengages away from the brute with a backwards flip.
The @Large Crater Explorer swings his mace at @Eames twice.
The first blow catches @Eames of guard causing serious damage, but his quick actions save his life as he deflects the second attack.
Kold, The People's Voice
"You're looking rather poorly, my good man! Rise and SHIIIIIIINE"
I cast Healing Word on Eames.
Kold, The People's Voice
Then I cast Toll the Dead once more on @Large Crater Explorer
The sound reverberates but the Large Crater Explorer is able to resist.
@2 Large Crater Explorer strikes at @Eames with his mace.
clipping the fighter.
Eames
Feeling Kold's spell affect me, I bolster it with my own magic and strengthen its effects before planting my feet and swinging back on the nearest attacker.
Main Action Attack
Bonus Action Second Wind
Swinging his sword @Eames delivers a devastating blow knocking the @Large Crater Explorer to the ground unconscious and bleeding.
@Peecheep leaps forward attacking with his scimitar and dagger once more.
The @2 Large Crater Explorer deflects the scimitar but the dagger finds its mark.
@Peecheep then disengages by jumping back the way he came.
Peecheep
"Too slow brute Ha Ha!"
@Kold, The People's Voice your turn
Kold, The People's Voice
"Very good. Now, your turn!"
*Gong*
Toll the dead
@2 Large Crater Explorer turns pale and clutches his ears as he feels his vitality drained from him, but he still stands in defiance, although you can tell he is badly injured and his eyes dart this way and that looking for an opportunity to escape.
The @2 Large Crater Explorer disengages from the combat and tries to run back down the passageway past his dead comrades and the bodies of the other crater explorers they murdered.
Eames
Not wanting the bandit to get away, Eames chases after him and tries to knock him unconscious
Swinging his weapon @Eames delivers a strong blow with the pommel of his sword hilt to the back of the @2 Large Crater Explorers head who falls forward on the floor unconscious.
As the sound of battle subsides the party is left standing in the passageway the corpses of the dead slumped in pools of blood around the area, amongst them the unconscious 2 Large Crater Explorer and the discarded belongings of the murdered explorers, as well as their attackers who the party just defeated.
Eames
After Eames ties up the last bandit, he goes to check the bodies of the fallen adventurers to see if there are any survivors amongst them
Eames
He lets out an exhausted sigh, "Whoa, they weren't kidding about the bandits down here. Are you two alright? I don't know if I would've been able to handle that on my own, thanks!" He shakes both their hands before continuing to check on the bodies of the adventures and the bandits.
Unfortunately the explorers who were attacked are dead, their attackers made sure there would be no witnesses to their crime.
The Crater Explorer who was hit by the ice knife is alive but bleeding out.
The Large Crater Explorer which @Eames cut down is unconscious but stable.
The 2 Large Crater Explorer is unconscious and tied up against the wall.
Eames
I go to the bandit bleeding out by the ice knife and tie them up while also using the energy blade to suture their wounds shut and stabilize them (healing word) before moving on to the bandit I cut down and restraining them too
Eames
"We should get these guys to the foreman before they go off and cause any more trouble"
Eames
He loots the bandits before hauling them back to the entrance
Kold, The People's Voice
I too will attempt to stabilise and restrain. "Murdering fellow adventurers? What would mr Four Man say if he could see it now...."
checking the passageway @Eames finds:
Five explorer packs, two maces, ten pounds of void stone, two heavy crossbow with forty bolts, one scimitar, and one light crossbow with ten bolts.
the dead explorers are wearing leather armour but it was mildly damaged during their murder.
Eames
"I can't tell what's from the bandits and what's from the adventurers. I don't wanna sound like a scavenger but it might be best if we take the gear. Don't want anyone else getting bright ideas if they see what happened here."
Eames
He takes the gear but doesn't take the armor off the bodies and with @Kold, The People's Voice they drag the bodies and the bandits all to the lift and foreman
Before moving on Eames takes the ten pounds of void stone and an explorer pack, Kold takes the scimitar.
The three party members carry everything back, @Peecheep encourages the restrained explorers to carry the majority, Upon seeing the tied up, explorers, the dead bodies and the bloodied equipment the Foremans face turns red.
Foreman
"What in the nine hells happened here?!"
*He grips his maul tightly.*
Kold, The People's Voice
"Greetings, Mr. Four Man! We have brought you a gift! 3 murdererous bastards and their unequivocal victims, may their souls rest easily as they return to the metaphor metaphor etc etc... We found these scallywags looting the freshly slain bodies of the fallen. And for our efforts? THEY ATTACKED US? Can you even believe it? Surely I cannot. Although..." *Starts frantically writing down*
".... Upon the victims bodies, the vultures..... Slashing at us with their claws of lies.... oh yes, yes.... very good....." I mutter under my breath
Eames
Eames nervously smiles and nods, trying to back him up
The Foreman looks a little confused, but seems to understand, and more importantly believes what Kold is saying, takes the prisoners and secures them to a post on the platform, lays the bodies to the side. and stores the equipment.
Foreman
"This happens more often than I care to admit scum!"
*Kicks the closest captive*
"Feel it's easier to rob others of their findings, rather than put in the work themselves!"
*spits at them*
"But don't worry non, we have ways of dealing with this sort."
*Looks at the captives and grins menacingly, at which point one of the large captives begins to sob uncontrollably.*
"Thank you for bringing them back, most would've just left the mess behind for the 'Cleaners' to take care of, your a good lot, what's ya names then?"
Kold, The People's Voice
"You haven't heard of the world renowned KOLD, The People's Voice?! Well settle down, Mr. Man. Allow me to serenade you with tales of my exploits!"
Foreman
"Got it Kold, and your friends?"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Master Eames! And wee boy Peecheep!"
Eames
"Happy to help sir. I feel sorry for those adventurers. Any chance you'd know any better spots to explore down here? As you can tell we've had a bit of an inauspicious start"
Foreman
"Most groups rush off straight ahead so taking the left or right pathway means less competition, it also means if you find trouble you're on your own."
Eames
"Thanks, looks like you were very right about that
"@Kold, The People's Voice, any direction you feel like going? Looks like I just keep finding trouble."
Kold, The People's Voice
"I vote we go back the trouble way! Oh, are there any extra pickaxes?"
Both Kold and @Eames grab themselves a pickaxe and basket for the void stone from the pile on the platform.
Kold, The People's Voice
"Nyeh heh heh!"
Kold, The People's Voice
I go running back passed where we found the bodies, looking for voidstone
Eames
I follow Kold, keeping an eye out for more voidstone ore to mine.
The group returns back to the passageway where they encountered the explorers, yet on reaching the location find that the passageway has been 'cleaned' there is no sign that the bloody murders and combat ever occurred.
Looking around it seems that the void stone in this location has been gathered already, probably by the murdered explorers.
Within the open space there is a narrow opening leading into a large cavern ahead.
Eames
"Whoa he wasn't kidding about the 'Cleaners', now I'm really curious! There's so much to understand down here!"
Eames
"Kold, mind if I take the lead that way? If there's more trouble like we found I'd rather it hit me first," Eames says while gesturing to his shield.
Eames
I approach the cavern opening, sword activated, shield in hand, and take the Dodge action as I near the entrance.
Within the tunnels is dark and the group is forced to light a torch since except for Peecheep they don't possess nocturnal abilities like darkvision.
Looking into the cavern from the entrance it looks much like the rest of the rocky tunnels.
Ahead you notice a large outcrop of void stone sticking out of the left side wall.
Opposite the outcrop is a pillar of stone that reaches the ceiling with large boulders around it.
The boulders look wet as water drips from stalactites on the ceiling and around the pillar of rock.
In the moist dark corners of the cavern you also notice fungus blooms creeping up the walls and mushroom patches.
I cautiously approach the pillar (Dodge) while bringing my cape around my mouth for any potential spores. I got to inspect the pillar, careful not to go too far in front of my allies
As @Eames moves close to the pillar to investigate he is quickly made aware that one of the slick wet boulders is actually alive, and it's not alone, as @Eames staggers back from the lunging ooze he sees out of the corner of his eye the fungus once motionless in the wet gloomy corners of the cavern now bristling with waving tendrils.
The @Gray Ooze lurches forward striking at @Eames with its pseudopod.
But the fighters quick reflexes prevail and he is able to jump away just in time.
@Peecheep seeing a fungus creeping up behind Kold leaps into action attacking the tendril flailing mushroom with his scimitar and dagger, dealing considerable damage.
He then disengages jumping out of reach of the creatures tendrils.
The fungus moves slowly towards the group tendrils flailing.
@Violet Fungus is very close to Kold and lashes out with its tendrils.
but the dragonborn is able to avoid the attacks.
Kold, The People's Voice
III cast Bane on the badies!
Kold, The People's Voice
"Be sure to take that fancy blade of yours and turn these Cordyceps into Cordycepses!" *Bardic Inspiration for @Eames
The three Violet Fungus feel the bane of Kolds presence. while @Eames receives inspiration thanks to @Kold, The People’s Voice .
The @Gray Ooze lunges at @Eames once more.
but again @Eames dodges the attack.
@Peecheep nimbly jumps forward attacking @Violet Fungus
His swift strikes destroying the spongy mushroom.
Eames
Eames yells out, "Watch out! We're surrounded!"
He brings his shield up and swings at the grey ooze in front of him
@Eames imbues his sword hilt once more striking at the @Gray Ooze dealing the slippery blob a forceful hit.
the remaining fungus slowly wobbles towards the ongoing combat.
Kold, The People's Voice
I thrust my raiper into the ooze!
@Kold, The People’s Voice strikes the @Gray Ooze with his rapier, as he removes it he notices that the metal has tarnished.
Kold, The People's Voice
"Motherf........"
Kold, The People's Voice
Baric Inspo for ratfriend
"Bite it's bits?? off!"
Peecheep
"I'm not putting that thing in my mouth, it melted your sword for crying out loud!"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Spitters are quitters!"
The @Gray Ooze turns on Kold after his attack flinging itself at the bard.
but the dragonborn is able to dodge the pseudopod.
Eames
"Peecheep! Do not eat that ooze!"
Eames
Eames swings at the ooze
@Eames strikes the @Gray Ooze one more with his embeued sword hilt the force damage rippling over its gelatinous body before its cellular structure collapses and it liquifies into a puddle on the floor.
Eames
"Phew Let's finish up those fungi quick! Focus on them one at a time!"
Eames
"Peecheep, the ooze is down! Be careful and make sure not to go down on it!"
Peecheep
"I don't know what's wrong with you two!"
@Peecheep moves forward towards @3 Violet Fungus and strikes at it with his scimitar and dagger.
He then jumps away disengaging to a safe distance.
The Violet Fungus slowly keeps moving towards the group, @3 Violet Fungus reaches @Eames and lashes out with its tendrils.
@Eames is able to block the barrage of attacks as the Fungus suffers under Kold's Bane.
Eames
"Whoa! Whatever you cast on these fungi seems to be working Kold!"
Kold, The People's Voice
"The bell tolls. FOR YOU!"
*For whom the bell tolls intro*
The @3 Violet Fungus shudders as the sound reverberates within its spongy body.
Eames
I attack the wounded fungus with my energy sword!
Striking out @Eames busts open the Fungus its broken spongy body scattered across the cavern floor.
Eames
"One more left I think, stay on your toes!"
@Peecheep runs up slashing with his scimitar and stabbing with his dagger at the last remaining Fungus.
two big hits leave the Fungus split and crumbling, as @Peecheep disengages away behind the outcrop of void stone.
The broken and twitching Fungus drags its broken body towards @Kold, The People’s Voice lashing out with its tendrils.
But it is unable to latch on to the bard.
Eames
"Nice!"
Kold, The People's Voice
"TIME MARCHES ON!"
*Gong*
The badly damaged fungus shakes for a moment before it's mushroom top pops leaving spongy mushroom all over the cavern floor.
Kold, The People's Voice
*HARVEST TIME*
*GUIDANCE*
As the fighting stops quiet returns to the large cavern, interrupted only occasionally by the dripping of water from the stalactites onto the rocks and floor.
Kold, The People's Voice
*Digging to get bits*
Looking around Kold is able to scrape together a handful of Violet Fungus tendrils, they are kind of gross due to their necrotic enzymes and Kold looks desperately for something to put them in instead of in his hands.
Peecheep
"Here you can use this to carry those, they look disgusting."
*@Peecheep gives Kold one of his pouches.*
+1 Pouch
+5 Violet Fungus Tendrils
Peecheep
*@Peecheep then starts to chip away at the void stone outcrop sticking out of the left side wall in the cavern.*
Eames
I start harvesting the voidstone in the room as well and then I inspect the pillar
Kold, The People's Voice
I join in the harvesting
Eames
Eames daps up Kold and in doing so cast guidance on him for the harvest.
"Great work there Kold, you two sure are handy to have around"
Kold, The People's Voice
I return the dap and also cast guidance "Likewise, my fine bladed friend!"
Kold, The People's Voice
"A question! Where exactly do you derive your power?"
Eames
"Nothing as fancy as you, I use simple runes and sigils to pull ambient energy from the weave and channel them through the handle of my sword into the shape of the blade"
Eames
"The handle seems to have an ancient 'memory' and pulls the energy into the shape it 'remembers'. Simple tricks to a mage such as yourself"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Curious... How did you learn this rune magic?"
Eames
"Picked up some of the basics auditing classes at the arcanum, I did some odd jobs around there for a while and picked up a thing or two."
Kold, The People's Voice
"Fascinating. There is power in words, naturally. But runes? Truly quite astounding..."
Investigating the pillar finds that it is similar to the ones at the disembarkation point, with more strange and faded symbols he's never seen before.
Whatever civilization built these pillars predates the crater and probably the current human civilization of the COT.
Eames has read about the Great Repository of Summer in the Eastern Woods and imagines there would be records there of pre-crater history.
Eames
Eames takes out his journal and scrawls down as best he can the markings that remain on the pillar. He'll do so too with the pillar on the entrance on his way out.
Eames
"Hmm I might need to check this out later. There's much to follow up here Kold, did you wish to continue? I can keep going for a little while longer but my pack is beginning to be full and I'm starting to tire after all these fights."
+1 Ancient Text Rubbings
As the trio chip away at the void stone deposit on the left wall, collecting the shards that fall as they go, @Kold, The People’s Voice delivers a particularly hefty blow with the pickaxe.
The pickaxe goes through the stone and slips as its point meets no resistance on the other side.
The outside shell cracks and crumbles away revealing that the outcrop was actually hollow, and that behind the void stone appears to be a sink hole of some kind.
The void stone must have grown around the opening concealing the hole.
Kold, The People's Voice
"Forbidden slippery dip?"
Kold, The People's Voice
I head over to the hole and call down.
"ECHO?!"
"ECHO echo echo echo"
Kold, The People's Voice
"I think someone is down there."
Kold, The People's Voice
I light a candle from my pack and drop it down.
Watching the candle fall it seems to go on forever, yet occasionally you notice side passages which branch off illuminated as the candle passes, until eventually the candle disappears from view swallowed by the darkness.
Peecheep
"That's a deep hole."
As you stand there looking at the hole you hear the bell ringing from the platform.
Peecheep
"Oh it seems like the platform is getting ready to depart back to VOC."
Eames
"That should do it for us lads! We better get going, the mines are dangerous enough at company time, I'd hate to see it on the off hours." Eames throws on his pack and starts heading back towards the entrance.
"I should be heading back down here tomorrow, will you two be heading down this way as well? You're reliable company and I'd appreciate having someone watch my back down here."
Peecheep
"You can count on it..... Where are you staying in VOC?"
Eames
"I'm kind of in between houses right now money's getting tight at home and so are the accommodations. I'm sure my girlfriend's family doesn't mind if I stay one more night."
Peecheep
"Kold and I are staying at 'The Gargoyles Rest' you should join us, it's reasonably priced, and close to the boarding platforms for easy access to the Crater."
Eames
"That sounds like a great idea Mr Peecheep! Thanks!"
He holds out his hand to carry the mouse on his shoulder.
Peecheep
*looks at @Eames hand then at @Eames his nose twitching*
"I'm not a pet. Besides human, you're big but not that big, I'm two feet tall, you ever carried a two foot tall ball of fur and muscle on your shoulders, not to mention that I would almost certainly be way too heavy for those skinny arms of yours........ but thanks for the offer.... I guess. First round of drinks is on me and boy am I hungry."
Kold, The People's Voice
"Clean place. Reasonably priced."
Kold, The People's Voice
"Little boy is THICC it seems!"
Peecheep
"I'm a mouse not an interpreter, what do you mean, The Gargoyles Rest isn't so bad."
Kold, The People's Voice
"No, I like it! Particularly when it isn't overrun by wererats!"
Peecheep
*raises an eyebrow at Kold*
Peecheep
"I'm trying to sell our new friend on going thirds in a room, not have him running back to his girlfriends house."
Peecheep
"No wererats @Eames don't worry........."
*under his breath*
"Probably...."
Eames
"Haha I'm happy to share a room friends! And I grew up with 6 little sisters Mr Cheep, I've carried my fair share of 2 foot tall critters haha" Eames jokes on his way to the platform.
The trio head back to the platform without incident, arriving there they find the @Foreman helping wounded onto the platform, you notice that there seems to be half as many returning than originally disembarked.
Kold, The People's Voice
"Good man!"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Oh.. it appears this endeavour is particularly... perilous?"
Foreman
"It's quite normal, survivability is low for first timers and most never make it to the lower levels of the crater."
The platform loads up and returns to port, on arrival guards are on deck and take away the three murderers, and a medical team collects the bodies of their victims and helps the injured to a nearby infirmary tent.
As the survivors disembark the @Foreman hands them a pin or attaches it to their clothes.
Foreman
"Welcome home, This pin is prof of your success today, it grants you access to levels one through four, now don't forget you can cash in your findings at the market at guild prices."
*Points to an area of tents and stalls leading up to the main gates of the City.*
Peecheep
"I don't know about you but I'm going to trade in this void stone and then head on over to The Gargoyles Rest."
Eames
"Sounds like a perfect plan Mr Cheep. Let's get paid and get some rest, there's more dungeon ahead tomorrow!"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Fantastic idea!"
Kold, The People's Voice
Are there artisans that can craft stuff with the voidstone?
They notice;
Void Stone Exchange
Trophy Hunters and Taxidermist
Archeologist
Weapon and Armour Repair
Regents and Alchemy Exchange
Librarian
Artifacts Collector
Cartographer
They first stop at the Void Stone Exchange where their void stone is weighed and they are paid the current guild rate of 2gp per pound.
Kold, The People's Voice
Yas truth. III go and see how much the regents and alchemy exchange will pay!
The current rate is:
Violet Fungus tendrils 100gp per lb
Kold, The People's Voice
"My good friend, this is decent the price you're offering, I assure you that I, Kold, The People's Voice!-appreciate your business. However, you must understand that this is dangerous work we are doing in the Crater, as I am sure your know. 3 men died today that we alone witnessed, 3! Perilous. And due to the hazard, I am sure you will not begrudge me when I request that you offer a smidge more for these fine fungi. Finegi. Are you able to offer say, 125 gold?"
Tasha - Guild Regents/Alchemy
"Friend, these aren't the first Violet Fungus tendrils I've seen and as a common encounter on levels 1-4 as well as seen on levels 14, 16, 17 through 19, 24 through 27, and 30, so not particularly rare and not particularly valuable, and only really good for necrotic poison for blades, traps or ammunition, and not particularly strong....... 110."
Kold, The People's Voice
"You drive a hard bargain. Deal. In fact, III even throw in my latest book...."
Kold, The People's Voice
I pull out my latest work. "The Balls of Enlightenment". A thick, leather-bound book with a etched picture of Kold dressed as a hooded monk on the cover.
Eames
Eames then heads to a librarian to confirm his hunch about the stone etchings he found in the caverns and see if they have more leads about their meaning.
Kold, The People's Voice
I wanna see if there is studded leather armour for sale. Or a bonus scimitar
Quin Librarian
*@Quin Librarian looks over the rubbings @Eamesade of the pillars and nods*
"Yes yes these are from the 1st level, an interesting collection of pillars and ruins, the markings and architecture is uniform throughout the first through fourth layers and can be found in each quadrant of The Crater leading us to believe that the city was quite larg and well established.
The Great Repository has an extensive collection and has studied the ancient language, it seems that the civilization predates the crater and was likely buried prior to the impact.
From what we have been able to understand they were an avian species with commerce, religion, philosophy, and a complex social hierarchy.
Levels one and two have been extensively studied due to a large amount of traffic through the area, but if you come across anything below that point I will happily pay you for any rubbings, or text parchment you find. Our current rates for any text from the Avian Civilization is 500 gp per sample from level three and four."
Eames
"Wonderful!!! Avian based precursor species Pre Impact?! Thank you Mr Quin! I'm glad others are also working on pursuing and deciphering these mysteries! If there's anything published of these Precursors I would be most interested in reading it.
Alternatively, if you hear of any quests or expeditions down to the depths specifically for research purposes I am more than happy to sign up for them. Please just send word to the Gargoyles Rest and I'll come running
I look forward to delving further down and finding these works for you sir!"
Eames
Eames then accompanies Kold to the armorer
Grom - Weapon/Armour Repair
"Small you are small what can Grom fix for you."
Kold, The People's Voice
"Greetings my vision of beauty. Do you bappen to have any armour or weapons to suit a handsome bard of the swords, such as myself?"
Grom - Weapon/ Armour Repair
"Small lizard we fix not sell, but you are in the greatest ok luck, plenty of ... unoccupied armour today, I fix I sell you. What you looking for maybe I have in small size."
Kold, The People's Voice
My 7ft tall ass be like "The tighter the bettef, my dear! Studded Leather, perhaps? Unless you have something more... magical."
Grom - Weapon/Armour Repair
"This not supermarket it repair shop I check small size you wait."
Grom - Weapon/Armour Repair
"Nope no good you go shop in town."
Grom - Weapon/Armour Repair
"You need repair!?"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Yes, could you repair my rapier?"
Grom - Weapon/ Armour Repair
"Yes this I can do is my job....."
*mumbling*
"not bloody shop... so small."
Kold, The People's Voice
"I'm sure you get a lot of gear coming through, no?"
Grom - Weapon/ Armour Repair
"yeah lots some previous owner still inside"
*She laughs*
"here good as new 4gp"
Kold, The People's Voice
I slide her a copy of "The Dragon's Charm" and wink. Then I head back to the inn.
After passing through the Guild Markets the group make their way up through the Main Gates and into the Gargoyles Rest.
Walking into the Inn the group sees that The Gargoyles Rest is a very large and busy Inn, most definitely to do with its location close to the platforms.
The Inn area is wide and long and takes up two levels with staircases leading to the second floor on the left and right.
The first floor has a large main circular bar in the center of the room with at least ten bartenders in the center of which is a very large stone gargoyle with void stone eyes which watch the entrance. around the gargoyles base are shelves of liquor and barrels and hanging from its open right claw is a sign with the menu.
Tables are spread around the room which all have lanterns in the center. and there are two large fireplaces at the rear on either side of what looks to be kitchen doors.
The group can see that the second floor also has two bars located at the top of each staircase with smaller gargoyles against the wall.
The clientele is diverse and the Inn is busy. On a quick glance the group can tell that most are Crater Explorers, a table of miners probably here for void stone and minerals, adventurers seeking their fortune, cultists here for unsavory purposes, cutthroats, thugs, and gangsters, all welcome in VOC as long as they play by the rules and leave outside politics at the gates.
There are also a lot of guards, some off duty, most on duty, and the group imagines there are probably undercover operators her as well as people walk here and there throythe large establishment.
The group stands at the door for a moment to take it all in.
"Good to be home haha"
Eames
"Whoaaaaa to....." this is a lot bigger than the taverns I go
Peecheep
"It's one of if not the biggest in VOC, and definitely the biggest in the South East Quadrant."
Eames
"...How much did you say a room was? I might not even be able to afford splitting the room Mr Cheep."
Peecheep
"Reasonable prices my friend meals a 8cp, drinks are 4cp, and if we share a room it will only cost us 3sp each."
*Gives a thumbs up, which kind of looks odd since he only has four fingers*
Kold, The People's Voice
"FOOD AN DRINKS AND SLEEP THEN?" I announce to my companions.
@Peecheep takes 3sp from his companions and organizes the room while the others look over the menu.
It seems that the menu changes each month with selections from across the Great Continent.
This month the menu appears to be;
Green Salad from Natasha's Nursery (a Spring delicacy from the Eastern Woods.) 4cp
Tomato Soup and crusty bread from Cottonmouth
(renowned for its fresh produce and mills in the COT) 4cp
Cheese Platter from The Northern Human Territories
6cp
Steak and Kidney Pie (Also from The Northern Human Territories) 8cp
Tasters Selection of wines and liquors from Morracino the trade city state. 3sp
local ales and spirits 4cp
Eames
"Ooh... I um... just ate actually. At the.. caves" Eames' stomach lets out a large growl. "Phew! Sorry to snore so loud gents, I'm more tired than I thought! Probably gonna head to bed then. See you both in the morning!"
Eames hurriedly averts his eyes from the meals being brought out and books it to their room.
Peecheep
"This one's on me. If you don't eat you'll be weak and useless."
Peecheep
"At least have salad, I grew up in Spring, and Natasha's Nursery is amazing."
Kold, The People's Voice
"What a good lad! I humbly accept!"
Peecheep
I wasn't talking to you Kold I was talking to our new companion, I'm pretty sure you carried off more void stone than all of us, not to mention those icky tendrils you sold. If anything, dinner should be on you tonight Mr Moneybags."
Kold, The People's Voice
"Well it was going to be, until you offered..."
Kold, The People's Voice
"No takesie-backsies!"
Peecheep
*Sighs*
"Fine? So three salads then."
The trio eat their salads before turning in for an early night. As they are heading to their rooms they notice bartenders bringing out what looks like cards, chess sets. and tables, perhaps for evening games.
Upon reaching their room, they find that it is reasonable, nothing fancy, three bedrolls a small table and a closet, as they didn't pay for it their room doesn't have a window, but at least it has its own bathroom, unlike the cheaper rooms which have shared bathrooms and dormitory style sleeping arrangements.
There is also a single small chest in the corner for valuables, although the lock doesn't seem particularly high quality.
***********
Rather than head straight to bed Kold decides to see the games, having caught a glimpse of a chess board which intrigued him.
Upon arriving he is directed to a free seat at a table by a bartender. Across from him sits a plain and unassuming elf, she doesn't seem to fit in with the crowd around her, her clothes suggest she is not an adventurer, or explorer, but they don't suggest she is a student of magic or faith either.
She sets her glasses which are oversized and keep slipping down her nose, then stands to greet Kold and shake his hand.
Kold, The People's Voice
"GREETINGS MY LADY!" take her offered hand and kiss the back of it gently.
gather that you are the Chess Master?"
Elf Girl
The young elf pulls her hand away before Kold can kiss it and wags her finger at him. She pulls out a small chalkboard, writes a message, then shows it to Kold. 'Don't even!
She then rubs it out and writes something else before showing it to Kold.
I'm deaf
She then rubs it out and writes;
'Chess game?"
Kold, The People's Voice
I am so sorry. Never to be graced by my marvellous voice... alas, we shall play the Kings Game then!"
Elf Girl
She looks at you oddly then points at the chess board, then holds up the sign again.
Kold, The People's Voice
write "Yes, please!" with a smiley face
Elf Girl
The elf picks up a white pawn anda black pawn and puts them behind her back, you hear the sound of the pieces being shuffled about, then she holds her hands out in front of her, and rocks her left hand, then her right hand.
Kold, The People's Voice
Left, always.
Elf Girl
She hands you the black pawn then takes a seat in front of the white pieces. She replaces the pawn, then looks at the chess board for a moment.
Kold, The People's Voice
Place my black pawn and tiddle my fingers.
Elf Girl
She moves her kings pawn to E4
Kold, The People's Voice
pawn to d6
Elf Girl
Queens Pawn to d4
Kold, The People's Voice
Kings Knight to F6
Elf Girl
B4
Kold, The People's Voice
Knight to E4 to take the pawn
Elf Girl
Kings Knight to f3
Kold, The People's Voice
QP to D5
Elf Girl
Kings Bishop b5
She quickly rights 'check'
Kold, The People's Voice
Qbishop to D7
"Cheeky!"
Elf Girl
Kings Bishop to d3
Kold, The People's Voice
Q Bishop to F5
Tapping claws on table
Elf Girl
Pawn C4
Kold, The People's Voice
take it with my pawn
Pawn C4 that is
Elf Girl
Kings Bishop to c4
Kold, The People's Voice
King's pawn E6
Elf Girl
Queens Knight to c3
Kold, The People's Voice
Kings bishop to B4 to take the pawn
Elf Girl
Kings Knight to d2
Kold, The People's Voice
K bishop to C3 to take the queens knight
Elf Girl
Queen to a4
She quickly shows the sign that has 'check' written on it.
Kold, The People's Voice
Pawn to Có
"Cheeky Cheeky'"
Elf Girl
G4
Kold, The People's Voice
Queen to D4
write love the taste of Pawns in the morning."
Elf Girl
King to castle
Kold, The People's Voice
Knight to D2 to take your knight
Elf Girl
Pawn to f5
Takes the Bishop
Kold, The People's Voice
Queen to G4
"Check"
Elf Girl
King to h1
Kold, The People's Voice
Queen to E4 "Check"
Elf Girl
F3
Kold, The People's Voice
Knight to F3 to take
Elf Girl
Queens Bishop to d2
Kold, The People's Voice
Knight to E1 "Check"
Elf Girl
King to g1
Kold, The People's Voice
Queen to G2.
write "And that is Checkmate."
Elf Girl
She writes on the little board 'Good game'
Kold, The People's Voice
"I'm more than just a pretty face!" write.
Elf Girl
She shrugs, then fills out her card and takes it to a bartender collecting the chess scores.
Kold, The People's Voice
I do the same then!
l cast message to her.
"Lovely to meet you, my dear."
Bout to blow her fucking mind
The Bartender congratulates Kold on his win then fills out a sheet giving Kold 100 points.
Kold, The People's Voice
How does she react? haha
Elf Girl
The elf walks off unable to hear Kold's message because she is deaf.
Kold, The People's Voice
"What do do with these points?"
Bartender
"Collecting points allows you to compete in the monthly VOC Inn competitions, there are also inter-city competitions held every three months, and the championship at the end of the year."
Kold, The People's Voice
"Ahh! Is there a prize? As you have witnessed, I am very excellent at checkers."
Bartender
"Trophies for the winners and Inn as well as monetary prizes for the top three."
After his chess match Kold returns to his room where his companions are waiting.
*************
Eames
Eames thanks Peecheep profusely and when they get to their room ends up spending a good portion of the night muttering to himself and writing in his journal. The thought of what mysteries the dungeon may hold makes it difficult for him to fall asleep but when he does he's out like a log.
Morning arrives and the group meets downstairs in the Inn, supposedly breakfast is included in the room @Peecheep organized, and they find a buffet has been laid out on the bar. It isn't anything fancy, breads. cheeses, fruits, and preserves, as well as leftovers from the previous night that need to be eaten before they spoil. There is also milk, a selection of teas, and coffee.
The trio take what they want and sit at a table to discuss their next course of action.
Peecheep
"So what's the plan? Do we want to investigate the hole we found, or will we see what the lower levels have to offer, with this pin it seems we now have access to levels one through four."
Kold, The People's Voice
"Oh, you know me. I LOVE a forbidden hole."
Eames
"I too wish to explore the hole!" Eames beams to the team in the morning, mouth full of rations.
Peecheep
"I can't believe your eating rations when there's such a delicious buffet breakfast bought and paid for!"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Poor lad. Developed a taste for the poorer things.."
Peecheep
'Anyway if it's the hole.... how much rope have we got?"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Erm... 50 feet. We may need more..."
Eames
"We picked up some packs each yesterday so we should have 150 more feet," Eames starts heading to the buffet and stuffing his pack with the food for later, every time looking around to see if anyone is gonna stop him.
Looking through the available equipment the group has 150 feet worth of rope available for use, with @Eames having an additional 50 feet not currently < equipped and sitting in the chest in the room upstairs.
Peecheep
"Might be enough for a preliminary look..... was there anything we wanted to buy in the city before heading out?"
Kold, The People's Voice
"Absailing gear? Heh... Now we should definitely get a tremendous amound of rope, harnesses, perhaps a grappling hook or two? Oh and potions."
Peecheep
"No one here is particularly muscular, so let's be realistic about what we take or we won't be able to carry out anything we find. Anyways let's hit the shops, then we'll head down to the platforms."
@Peecheep goes to the bar and talks to one of the bartenders and returns shortly after with a piece of parchment.
Shops around The Gargoyles Rest.
potions master;
'The drunk apothecary'
scribe service;
'Scroll and Roll'
equipment;
'The dusty old boot'
Metal workers;
'Hammer Time'
regular prices on armour and weapons
additional upgrades available.
Peecheep
"Seems they get the question of 'Where can I get such and such' quite a bit, so they have this scroll with the shops around the Inn on hand."
Kold, The People's Voice
How much would some appropriate climbing gear for the group set us back?
Peecheep
"Twenty Five gold I think."
Eames
"Good thinking all. We might need to avail ourselves with some torches as well. I'm not too handy in the dark unfortunately and I fear there are more dangers waiting for us in the tunnels."
Eames
"Considering we're keeping our excess valuables here friends, we might need to invest in a stronger safebox as soon as possible. Maybe there's a guildhall that offers services like that around here? They usually insure these kinds of things too."
Kold, The People's Voice
"Ahh. Very good point."
Peecheep
"Pretty sure we can upgrade our lock here for a price."
Eames
"Let's get an estimate on our way out to the crater. Don't wanna waste any more time, we might run late for our lift."
Peecheep
"Good call, there isn't anything in there worth taking at the moment anyways."
The trio store their unnecessary equipment in the chest in their room before heading out to the shops on the list the bartender had given Peecheep.
The group then heads down to the platforms where people are loading gear.
They notice some familiar faces from the previous day who pass platform one and continue down towards the other platforms.
The Foreman sees you and greets you as you arrive.
Foreman
"Morning you three. back for more? But not interested in checking the lower levels now that you have your pin?"
