The Valley of Torita (Skynet & Arcadia)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Skynet on 29-03-2014, 05:50:24</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>29-03-2014, 05:50:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://i.imgur.com/uKUqiOx.jpg?1)</div><br>It was a fine day in Torita, the people happy to see the first week of spring warmth after a cold winter.&nbsp; Even the shadow of the distant floating castle could not take away the much-wanted seasonal warmth.&nbsp; Fishermen, boat merchants, and others who relied upon the river for a living descended the cliff sides to the streams below.&nbsp; Like every year before it, a new influx of travelers came to the valley, some merchants making a temporary stop, others pilgrims of esoteric dragon cults, and some adventurers delving into the valley's many ruins of eras long past.<br><br>Xasra was one such adventurer.&nbsp; Unlike the fresh newcomers she had established herself in Torita for some time.&nbsp; She, along with many other women valued for their beauty and 'exotic' looks, plied her trade as an erotic dancer in the White Rabbit, one of the city's private gentleman's clubs.&nbsp; A cut above the cheaper establishments of its ilk along the docks, the fine leather couches, silk red curtains, and finery of its mostly male patrons marked it as a playground of the upper class.&nbsp; One of the first dark elves to be seen on the surface in a long time, Xasra was the White Rabbit's new favorite.&nbsp; When she parted the stage's curtains in her new form-fitting dress (http://i.imgur.com/ReZ3gPg.jpg) and high heels, the crowd wildly cheered while the other dancers watched from the sidelines with barely-concealed jealousy.&nbsp; Asila, one of the elven dancers and the closest friend Xasra had in this city, joined her on the catwalk shortly thereafter.&nbsp; The two elves moved seductively under the dim lighting as they slowly, gently removed each other's clothes.<br><br>"Just follow my lead," Asila whispered in her native tongue as her face fluttered close to Xasra's in an intimate gesture.&nbsp; Their hands slid over each other's bodies as they writhed and twirled to the soft music backstage.&nbsp; The eyes of the crowd took in and followed each and every move, eager to gaze upon their perfect elven flesh.<br><br>One of the men, Luke Hartford, was interested in Xasra as well, but for different reasons.&nbsp; He enjoyed her enticing motions and mesmerizing rhythms as much as the next man who loved the touch of women, but he had an important message for her from the Baron.&nbsp; Those in power knew that despite her current occupation, the dark elf had other talents which would be put to better use serving a worthier cause.<br><br>"Excuse me, ma'am," Luke said to Lady Esmerelda, the owner of the establishment.&nbsp; "I wish to meet with Xasra after the show.&nbsp; I have a message for her on official matters."<br><br>"If I had a silver piece for every time I heard that.&nbsp; Look, don't touch, that's always been our rules."<br><br>Luke flashed the signet ring of Baron Larkas, ruler of Torita and the surrounding provinces, along with a sealed envelope bearing the Nethalese coat of arms.&nbsp; "I'm here only to deliver a letter, and help answer any questions she might have."<br><br>Esmerelda's scowl did not let up, but she saw truth in his words.&nbsp; "Alright, you can meet her in one of the back rooms, but I'll be accompanying her.&nbsp; And no funny business!"<br><br>"That's all I ask," Luke said, kissing the ring in her hands.<br><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Map of the Valley</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://i.imgur.com/x13AA2j.png?1)</div></div><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Xasra's Character Sheet</div><div class="spoiler_body">For ease of reference, I'll be reprinting your character here:<br><br><strong>Xasra</strong> 1st level Neutral Dark Elf (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=200073.0)<br><br>Hit Points 4&nbsp; Armor Class 6&nbsp; Fray Die 1d6<br><br><strong>Abilities</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>Saving Throws (Roll over)</strong><br><br>Str 10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Breath Attacks 15<br>Dex 13&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Poison or Death 12<br>Con 11&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Petrify or Paralyze 13<br>Int 16&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Wands 14<br>Wis 7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Spells or Spell-like Devices 16<br>Cha 13<br><br><strong>Class Abilities and Spells:</strong><br><br>Infravision 60 feet<br><br>Detect Subterranean Abnormalities on 1-2 of a 1d6<br><br>Move Silently 23%<br>Hide in Shadows 13%<br>Hear Noise 1-2 on a 1d6<br><br>Magic-User Spells (Spellbook):<br><br>1st: Charm Person, Read Magic<br>2nd: Invisibility<br><br>Magic-User Spells (Prepared):<br><br>1st: Charm Person<br><br><strong>Languages:</strong> Common, Elven, Infernal, Karonis, Zorchal.<br><br><strong>Weapons and Equipment:</strong><br><br>Heavy Crossbow (1d8 damage)<br>20 Bolts<br>Dagger (1d4 damage)<br>Scimitar (1d8 damage)<br>Shield<br>Leather armor<br>Backpack<br>Bedroll<br>Crowbar<br>Grappling hook<br>Lantern<br>2 pints oil<br>Silk rope (50 ft.)<br>Small steel mirror<br>Pen and ink<br>9 sheets parchment<br>3 days trial rations<br>Small sack<br>Waterskin<br>Spellbook<br><br>32 gold pieces<br></div></div><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Tables</div><div class="spoiler_body"><br>(http://i.imgur.com/aykiNhT.png)<br><br>(http://i.imgur.com/KaviAx6.png)<br><br>(http://i.imgur.com/cIIfRx7.png)<br><br>(http://i.imgur.com/72L4y2r.png?1)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>29-03-2014, 06:43:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Xasra glided onto that stage like she owned the place. And in a sense, she did; she was new and exciting to the people of Torita, and even though she'd been working there some months at this point, she still drew crowds. She glided down the walkway, balance perfect even in the killer heels she wore. She gave the other dancers a small smile as she passed, which became a brighter one as she engaged the audience. She begun her dance with Asila, every swing of her arms and shake of her hips smooth and graceful.<br><br>"I know the routine quite well by now," Xasra whispered back as she undid her partner's skirt and tossed it aside. Their graceful dance continued, and soon, both women were nude but for thongs and heels, the studs of metal from deep beneath the earth in Xasra's nipples glittering strange colors in the low light. She leaned in as if to kiss Asila but, though the crowd would have loved it, did not and stopped short. All part of their dance, and though many patrons had seen it a dozen or more times before, still they came. Perhaps in the vain hope of seeing a kiss?<br><br>Soon, the music wound down to a conclusion and the two dancers entered their finishing poses, chests out, heads high, stances wide. Once the applause began, both bowed deeply, then retreated to back stage, still poised as ever in their heels. "How many admirers do you think we'll get tonight?" Xasra asked Asila as they passed beyond the curtain to the backstage. "I spotted a particularly interested fellow near the front."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>29-03-2014, 07:45:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"One more than we usually do," Asila said with a smile.&nbsp; "Did you see how many people there were tonight?&nbsp; I know it happens every spring, but there must be something in the air which brings people out.&nbsp; Oh hey, Esmerelda!"<br><br>"Good morning, Asila," Esmerelda said in her sweet tone.&nbsp; "Xasra, you have a visitor backstage."&nbsp; "Don't worry, it's not that kind of 'visitor,'" she said upon seeing Asila's reaction.&nbsp; "You might want to put something on, unless you're planning on giving him a full view."<br><br>Asila shrugged her shoulders and reclined into one of the lounge's chairs, still topless.&nbsp; "Not for me, at least.&nbsp; Next group show will come up in a few minutes.&nbsp; I'll just slap something on right before then.&nbsp; See ya, Xasra."<br><br><br>Esmerelda accompanied the dark elf into a separate room.&nbsp; It was a private waiting area, not as small and sexual as a brothel's bedroom or 'private dance' area, but more akin to a small lounge.&nbsp; Luke was reading a thin booklet from one of the nearby shelves.<br><br>"Good day, my lady," he said, extending a hand out to Xasra.&nbsp; "My name is Luke Hartford, representative and servant to Baron Larkas.&nbsp; We wish to hire you for a matter pertinent to your skills."&nbsp; He handed her the letter.<br><br><em>To Lady Xasra of the Zorchen Elves,<br><br>The crown of Nethal is on the lookout for experienced delvers well-trained in the exploration of ruins and subterranean environs.&nbsp; As you might know, this fair valley is home to the legacies of past empires, which draws people from far and wide.&nbsp; Unfortunately, not all who come do so for altruistic purposes.&nbsp; Foreign spies, power-mad arcanists, brigands, and other unscrupulous sorts desire its secrets.&nbsp; Due to the extensive treasures of fabled power and their cultural legacies, it would be a dark day if these artifacts fell into the hands of evil.<br><br>I know that you are experienced in such matters, and even if you do not hold the same goals as our lord, we can compensate your financially, and let you keep a portion of the proceeds of certain treasures you bring back.&nbsp; If you wish to inquire further, please venture to my estate and show the front guard this letter."<br><br>Baron Larkas of Torita Province</em><br><br>Luke looked at her hopefully.&nbsp; "So?&nbsp; Do you accept?"<br><br>"Wait just a minute," Esmerelda interrupted.&nbsp; "I say this with the deepest respect, and would not deny the Baron's good wishes, but any hiring of my women for personal parties and events must go through me first!"<br><br>Luke jumped once he realized what was most likely going through these ladies' heads.&nbsp; "Oh no, my apologies!&nbsp; The Baron wishes to hire Xasra as a delver, not a dancer!&nbsp; There are few people other than the dwarves and the Zorchen who know the underworld with the familiarity we have with our own sunlit lands!"<br><br>Esmerelda put her hand to her chin, deep in thought.&nbsp; "I see.&nbsp; This does not fall under my purview, and as such she is a free agent in this matter."<br><br>She then turned to Xasra.&nbsp; "You've not just been one of my best dancers in a long while, but a good friend to me and Asila in particular, a service worth more than any coin.&nbsp; The life of a delver is fraught with danger; I will not protest if you accept, but know that you always have a place here."<br><br>"Xasra, the decision is up to you," Luke said.&nbsp; "Remember, not only will you be compensated fairly, you'll be helping the Nethalese crown and by extension the good people of Torita."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>29-03-2014, 08:53:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Its probably the weather. And I must say, I like it. We didn't have much weather, down below." She smiled to Esmerelda. "Aww, but that's the <em>best</em> kind of visitor," she fake whined, and winked at Asila. "But in that case, I'll stick with a robe." She retried one of the soft, thick robes many dancers wore when relaxing at the end of the night, and made sure the rope belt held it well closed. She left the heels on, though. She liked wearing heels, they made her feel powerful.<br><br>Xasra took the man's hand and shook it gently. "A pleasure, Mr. Hartford. Let's see what your master desires from me..." She opened the letter, and read it. <em>At last</em>, she thought, <em>I've been long waiting such an opportunity.</em><br><br>"Esmerelda," Xasra said, looking up from the letter, "it has been a pleasure and an honor to be one of your dancers." And it was true. Xasra had very much enjoyed her months working there and, though she could scarcely believe it herself, was somewhat reluctant to heed the call of adventure and leave her friends here. Still, she wasn't going to find magic knowledge working as an exotic dancer, but in ancient ruins, well... "But," she continued, "I believe adventure is in my blood, and I am not going to pass up this opportunity. Mr. Hartford, I accept your master's offer, and I will depart in three days. I have preparations to make." <br><br>After Luke had departed, Xasra turned to Esmerelda, eyes sparkling. "And those preparations include a farewell performance here. I wouldn't deprive me friends of their best dancer without a big show to go out on! And a party, afterward, of course."<br><br>And that she did. Xasra's final performance was announced, and the turnout was her highest ever. The private party afterward was chatting with Esmerelda, Asila and the other dancers and drinking quite a bit of wine. And soon after that it was just those three, laughing and drinking and sharing kind words. It was a good night, and Xasra assured them over and over she'd visit as often as she could, and yes adventuring was difficult in the winter months so perhaps she would return and dance that season. But that was most of year away, and they could figure things out then.<br><br>The day of Xasra's departure, Asila saw her off. Asila had been the first person to be willing to help Xasra when she first came to Torita, and Xasra would never forget that. Many saw the surface elves as distant and elitist, but Asila was never anything but kind and supportive. And occasionally snarky, but that was only because she knew Xasra liked verbal sparing.<br><br>And so, shortly after dawn on a fair spring morning, Xasra set off for the domain of Baron Larkas.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>29-03-2014, 17:14:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://i.imgur.com/XIWz22b.jpg?1)</div><br>Larkas' estate inhabited an island located on a waterfall on the Samars River.&nbsp; Built in ancient times, the place could only be reached on foot via the long bridge reaching shore to shore.&nbsp; Although hardly a practical location for space concerns, its position made it easy to defend from unwanted intruders.&nbsp; One would think that enemy armies and would-be assassins thought to destroy the bridge and cut off the castle's inhabitants from the world, but the bridge's strategic location for land traffic proved too valuable to waste.<br><br>The heavily-armed guards allowed Xasra to pass once she showed them the letter, escorting her to an audience with the Baron himself.&nbsp; She did not have to wait long, as the nobleman was expecting her arrival.&nbsp; "Your Grace will meet with you for dinner," one of the butlers said.&nbsp; "We are not familiar with the cuisine of the Zorchen people, but I ensure you that we have a wide variety of foods to choose from our banquet.&nbsp; If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know."<br><br>Her accommodations were splendid, exceptional standards as befitted an ally of the aristocracy.&nbsp; The bed was filled with the softest down, the window's balcony gave a grand view of the waterfall and the valley beyond, the gowns in the wardrobe came from many lands, and the castle's servants were ready and willing to see to her comfort with but the ring of a bell.<br><br>The meal was held in the grand hall on the first floor.&nbsp; Larkas sat at the head of the table, a seat reserved on his left.&nbsp; "Good afternoon, lady Xasra!&nbsp; I am happy you ventured here to meet with me!&nbsp; Have a seat by me, and let us enjoy ourselves before coming down to business."<br><br>(http://i.imgur.com/KG6FbF7.png?1)<br><br>Larkas asked much of Xasra during the meal, where she was from, how long she'd been in Nethal, and what she thought of this fair land.&nbsp; He talked about himself in turn quite a bit; the Queen chose him to rule the region at the mere age of 22, a position his parents groomed him for since he was a young boy.&nbsp; Unlike other lands the ruler chose from a core retinue of noble families who would govern the regions.&nbsp; Every noble was practically guaranteed an assignment of a town or region, although some positions were more vaunted than others.<br><br>"Lordship over Torita was a well-made choice," he said.&nbsp; "My family tree stretches far back into the era when elves and mages ruled the land.&nbsp; In many ways I am tied to this realm, and it would bring a tear to my eye to see it despoiled.&nbsp; Thus the reason for my business proposition."<br><br>He waited until meal's end to continue.&nbsp; After the servants cleared the table and drew up official-looking papers and books, Larkas took on a more serious tone.<br><br>"Lady Xasra, I am aware of the irony of hiring someone to loot the ruins of our departed ancestors, but Torita's ruins are well-known for containing lost lore.&nbsp; Lore which once recovered helped bring people out of the Era of Sorrow and built the basis for the nations of today.&nbsp; The ancient tombs and cities would be thoroughly scavenged were it not for their numerous defenses and dangers.&nbsp; My heart says it would gladly throw every resource to safeguarding their legacies from the hands of selfish and evil folk, but my mind knows that this is not practical.&nbsp; My first priority is to govern these lands fairly and justly, and see to the needs of my subjects.&nbsp; But when an opportunity such as this comes along, I cannot turn away."<br><br>He presented an old, worn journal and map to Xasra.&nbsp; "Explorers recently unearthed a new passage in the forests near the western cliffs.&nbsp; It is obviously man-made and bears the markings of the old empires, so they wisely refrained from venturing deeper.&nbsp; I need you, acting in the official capacity of the Nethalese crown, to go into these ruins and find anything of value before scavengers, miners, and other folk can get to them first.&nbsp; I will buy whatever valuables you can find within reasonable limits of my treasury, and compensate you for any dangers found.&nbsp; I can lend you that journal and map, for they contain many relevant details on the surrounding environs and what is known to us of the ruins."<br><br>"I will not think less of you if you turn away; many have, but if you accept, you'll have my gratitude."<br><br><br>~<br><br>The ruins were a day's travel west of Larkas' estate.&nbsp; The roads of the land were easy enough to traverse, but when she reached the forest the trails became known to narrow into little more than dirt pathways no wider than a mule.&nbsp; It had been hours since she last saw a fellow traveler on the road, and there were few signs of civilization beyond the odd rotting house of long-ago frontier folk and settlers.&nbsp; The map was as accurate as ever, and the stark white of the ruins made them easy to spot amid the forest greenery.&nbsp; Their structure clearly marked them as elven.<br><br>The remains of a campfire by the entrance indicated recent arrivals.&nbsp; The handiwork of chiseled stone indicated that this place had been visited by vandals and looters many times before, but surprisingly it only extended to the complex's exterior.<br><br><div align="center">(http://i.imgur.com/W8plxzi.jpg?1)</div><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Out of Character Information</div><div class="spoiler_body"><br>You can have Xasra consult the journal in case we need to build upon the valley and its history in some way or another.<br><br>The ruins are a small dungeon, of 8 rooms:<br><br>(http://i.imgur.com/51FHXXe.gif)<br><br>Room 1's the entrance.&nbsp; Room 2's the atrium, now home to a stagnant pool and broken columns.&nbsp; Room 3's an intersection, and the north door will not open.&nbsp; Room 4 contains the statue of a proud elven general with an inscription below.&nbsp; Room 6 and 7 are storage spaces, and Room 8 is a shrine to the gods favored by the elves.&nbsp; Room 5 doubtlessly holds some great treasure, but you'll need to find out how to open the door first by exploring the rest of the dungeon!<br><br>If you want to inquire more about Xasra's immediate surroundings, feel free to ask me at any time.&nbsp; Telling me what Xasra's looking for or doing in particular is extra-helpful.<br><br>Xasra can explore the place freely up to Room 2, which will activate the temple's defenses and animate the statues.&nbsp; This will be our first combat!</div></div><br>The interior was clearly an atrium to greet newcomers.&nbsp; A doorway into the complex beyond sat at the end of a set of stairs, guarded by a pair of inanimate statues depicting elven soldiers with lances (http://i.imgur.com/tgmmURH.jpg?1) crossed over the door.&nbsp; The central area held a shallow pool, now home to stagnant water and buzzing insects.&nbsp; Sunlight pierced the darkness in even intervals between the broken columns which held nothing but air.&nbsp; Rubble was strewn where the ceiling gave way.&nbsp; A set of three corpses lay by the stairs, freshly dead of cuts which trailed a bloody pathway down the steps.<br><br>Something in the air changed as soon as Xasra entered.&nbsp; The statues' heads turned to the new intruder.&nbsp; With surprising grace and quickness they bounded down the stairs, stone spears at the ready!<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Combat Stuff</div><div class="spoiler_body"><br>The statues have 1 Hit Die, meaning that they'll go down in a single blow if you do at least 1 damage (roll 2 or greater result on your damage die).&nbsp; Their spears do 1d6 damage and and their combat movement is 20 feet.&nbsp; Their Armor Class is 6, and they cannot be charmed.&nbsp; You need a 14 or better to hit (13 with your crossbow), but your Fray Die guarantees automatic damage each round regardless of the die result.&nbsp; They need a 13 or better to hit you.&nbsp; <strong>If you do enough damage to destroy one statue and have excess damage to kill another, you can drop both!</strong><br><br>You go first automatically.&nbsp; You can move up to one of them and attack, if you wish, take cover behind the pillars, try to outmaneuver them, or whatever you feel is most tactically advantageous.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 02:14:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Larkas' estate had been lovely and comfortable, the food fantastic (and the Baron himself quite handsome; she almost wished she'd been summoned for a private dance after all), but Xasra had a mission, and set out on it with gusto. The uneventful trip out to the ruins was expected; the area seemed rather untamed, which was unsurprising, what with all the ruins. Soon, she reached her destination, the ruins gleaming oddly cleanly for something so old.<br><br>Xasra approached the entrance to the ruin, the low heels of her boots clicking softly on the ancient stone path; she wasn't bothering with stealth at the moment, ruins as old as these would be unlikely to have any living residents, after all. She cut an impressive figure as she strode to the entrance: her specially treated Underdark leather armor was form-fitting against her lithe, athletic body and left her legs bare for added mobility. Her tall boots of the same leather had small heels to assist with climbing. A crossbow hung on a strap at her side, beside a scimitar, her weapons of choice. She was ready for whatever the ruins might hold.<br><br>And hold something they did. Xasra entered the atrium, and spotted the corpses just as the two statues spring to life. Reacting quickly, she dashed to the nearest pillar for cover, slapped a bolt into her crossbow, took aim and let it loose at an approaching statue. Her aim was true and the bolt shattered against the statue, toppling it over and destroying it.<br><br>Without enough time to reload before the other statue reached her, Xasra went for her scimitar and shield, ready to engage the construct at close range.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Rolled 13 to hit, and 5 on damage so one statue is destroyed. I'm behind a pillar and switching my weapons.<br><br>Question: Enemies use the same damage rules as me, right?</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 02:25:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The other statue, undeterred by its comrades' demise, pushed forth to engage Xasra in melee.&nbsp; Its mighty spear plunged forward and missed her, leaving itself open for attack.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Yes, they use the same rules, although they drop a lot quicker.&nbsp; Also, you forgot to roll your Fray die, although it's always guaranteed to do 1 damage so we might as well drop the other one if you want.<br><br>Statue attack roll of 8.&nbsp; A miss. (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56410)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 02:34:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gracefully under the reach the plunging spear, Xasra pooped up from her crouch inside the statue's guard and slammed it full-force with her shield, sending it toppling over and shattering on the ground. She gave the room a quick once-over to make sure there were no more active threats, then put her sword away and checked the room more thoroughly for anything of interest, including the bodies of the would-be adventurers.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Dice</div><div class="spoiler_body">At 2014-03-29 19:31:13, Arcadia (uid: 25284) rolls: 1d6 Result: 6 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56411) Fray die hit, destroying the statue.<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 02:42:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The three corpses were human, two males and a female, all around their early 20s.&nbsp; Possessing no armor and a short sword each, they were woefully under-equipped for proper delving.&nbsp; Their manner of dress marked them as villagers, probably from a small hamlet or village in the nearby environs.&nbsp; It would not be difficult to find their home by following the trail they forged.&nbsp; The explorers had little of value on their persons, no coin to speak of, but a box of matches, three full waterskins, and a backpack full of trail rations.<br><br>The "spears" were part of the statues, and thus crumbled along with the sentries.&nbsp; The stagnant water in the central pool was murky, containing little save for insects and long-eroded statues of cherubs.<br><br><strong>Room 3:</strong> The double doorways guarded by the statues are unlocked, and open with a loud creaking moan.&nbsp; The lightless passageway was short, about 20 feet, before it terminated in a wall with passages leading west and east.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Where do you want to go?&nbsp; Also, roll 1d6</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 02:53:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Tragic," Xasra muttered as she picked over the bodies. "They must have saved up quite a bit for those swords." She shook her head. "Should have saved for another year and gotten some armor to go with it. Alas." She took their matches with her, and considered grabbing their food and swords too when she was leaving. But that was for later.<br><br>Proceeding into the dark hallway, Xasra shifted her sight into infravision. Not that it helped her make out detail, and animate statues or any undead that happened to be around wouldn't be as obvious as living things, but she was still grateful for the ability. She decided to go left, her crossbow at the ready.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Dice</div><div class="spoiler_body">At 2014-03-29 19:51:43, Arcadia (uid: 25284) rolls: 1d6 Result: 4 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56412)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 03:06:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A splendid statue dominated the western room.&nbsp; It portrayed a proud elf man, clad in bronze armor and long black hair spilling about his shoulders.&nbsp; He had no weapons at the ready or any hilt visible, but he held out his hand as though grasping at some invisible object.&nbsp; Below his feet was a mural written in an archaic dialect of Elven, combining sentence structure, words, and phrases from both traditional Elven and Zorchen:<br><br><em>The defender of Chelholme entrusted a secret to his beloved, the knowledge to unlock what is rightfully owed to his heirs.&nbsp; But time passed, and his beloved was nowhere to be seen.&nbsp; To this day the defender and his brethren stand stalwart in their duty, waiting for her to come back once again.</em><br><br>A small c-shaped table, about waist-high, stretched around the statue.&nbsp; The engraved pictures portrayed a history of sorts, of elves moving from the sky and into the valley, building structures much like these ruins, and guarded by elven soldiers with spears.&nbsp; The last few images portrayed the elf in bronze armor with a white-gowned maiden, using magic to lay slabs of stone over what appears to be an underground chamber filled with stars and the moon.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">As an elf, you recognize this as one of several creation myths set forth by your people.&nbsp; It is said that Corean made the first elves in the heavens, who then fell to earth.&nbsp; Living alone in a land filled with beasts, they learned to use magic to guard their homes.&nbsp; Eventually they settled more and more territory to drive out the beasts once and for all.&nbsp; It is theorized that this led to the creation of some of the world's oldest cities, and eventually the formation of the elven empire.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 03:22:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Xasra was speechless. This ruin was <em>old</em>. Pre-Descent, if the language in inscription was any indication. It was fascinating, if somewhat puzzling. Was Chelholme the name of this ruin? And who was the defender's beloved? She reached up and touched the statue's hand. What was he supposed to be holding? Maybe it was elsewhere in the room, or the ruin? It was worth investigating; the inscription seemed like a riddle. Ancient elves did enjoy their riddles. "And so do modern ones," Xasra muttered, if Asila's methods of confounding annoying patrons were any indication.<br><br>Resolved to decipher this oddity, Xasra searched the rest of the chamber and, if she failed to find anything of note, would go back down the hallway and into the other passage leading off from the intersection.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 03:31:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hand felt oddly pliable; upon its touch the hand's fingers stretched out into an open palm.&nbsp; As Xasra examined the hand, she noticed a faint silver glimmer in the statue's eyes: a reflection of light from elsewhere in the room.&nbsp; Almost directly away from the elf's gaze was a dark corner of the room which held a tiny silver object, a key!<br><br>The key was small enough to fit into the palm of one's hand.&nbsp; An elven rune representing the number "27" was carved into its side.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 03:43:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"27? Okay..." Xasra considered the key. The elf statue seemed to be staring straight at it, and now its hand was open. "This seems pretty obvious, but I guess its worth a try." She took the key over to the statue and placed it in its hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 03:46:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The elf's hand closed around the key, fitting snugly into the stone.&nbsp; It might have been a flicker of the light, but the statue seemed to almost smile slightly at the edges.&nbsp; The sound of sliding stone came from the hallway.&nbsp; Clearly whatever Xasra had done, worked.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">The hidden passageway to Room 5 is now open.&nbsp; Also, that 1d6 roll earlier was to see if Xasra noticed the grooves in the wall of Room 3, signifying the presence of the sliding wall.<br><br>Where do you want to go now?</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 03:53:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Well, something had happened, and Xasra was at least satisfied. Looking around the room, whatever it was that had moved didn't seem to be in there, so she returned to the intersection... and there was what had moved. I whole wall! "Impressive craftswork," she said to herself and entered the hidden chamber. What was down the other hallway could wait until later, this was secret and exciting!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 04:03:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hidden room was in far better condition than the rest of the complex.&nbsp; Shelves lined the room nearly wall to wall in a set of three rows.&nbsp; Wooden chests and containers, none of them locked, occupied the floor.&nbsp; The ceiling was as black as the night sky, lit with spells in imitation of the stars and moon.&nbsp; Clearly a private stockade, the place was sparred the ravages of time.<br><br>Hidden in the alcoves crept one of the ruins' guardians, sprung to life as soon as the wall slid away to reveal the room...<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll a 1d100.&nbsp; There is a guardian in this room, hiding.&nbsp; On a 1-50, it eludes Xasra and makes a surprise attack upon her.&nbsp; On a 51-100 she notices the statue creeping towards her and can attack first.&nbsp; The statue is of an elven mage.<br><br>Regardless, the statue has 3 hit dice, and thus needs a 10 or better to hit Xasra.&nbsp; It has an armor class of 5, and thus you need a 13 or better to hit it.&nbsp; It has a combat movement of 30 feet.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 04:17:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Xasra was almost impressed enough by the starry ceiling to be surprised by the room's defender. But only almost.<br><br>The statue made noise when it walked, the sound of stone on stone, and Xasra was ready with her crossbow when the staff-wielding figure of an elf came out from its alcove. She loosed a quarrel and hit the figure square in the chest. But this one was made of stronger stone, or perhaps stronger magic, than the ones outside, and continued to bear down on her. Xasra quickly drew her scimitar and shield. Hopefully the statue didn't have any magical powers infused in to it to fight with...<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Dice</div><div class="spoiler_body">At 2014-03-29 21:05:44, Arcadia (uid: 25284) rolls: 1d100 Result: 53 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56413) She gets to attack first!<br>At 2014-03-29 21:12:17, Arcadia (uid: 25284) rolls: 1d20 Result: 19 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56414) Its a hit for Arcadia (uid: 25284) rolls: 1d8 Result: 4 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56415) 1 damage. The fray die Arcadia (uid: 25284) rolls: 1d6 Result: 1 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56416) doesn't deal damage.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 04:21:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The statue flailed at Xasra with its staff, but its wide swing failed miserably.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Attack Roll 1.&nbsp; Worst roll ever! (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56417)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 04:34:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The statue failing away with its staff was a relief. It didn't have any magics other than those which animated it, for which Xasra was thankful. She really needed to look in to getting some more combative magic of her own...<br><br>But that would have to wait. For now, she still had a statue to fight. Its staff when low as it whiffed past her, and Xasra took the opportunity for an acrobatic stunt. She leapt up and planted one foot on the stone staff. As the statue began to lift it, she used the extra push to spring over the statue's head in a twisting flip and land directly behind it, facing it. From there, it was a simple matter of pushing the statue forward to topple it. Down it went, shattering like the others had. Xasra dusted her hands off. "This is why mages should stay out of melee."<br><br>With the guardian fallen, Xasra took some time to thoroughly explore the hidden room and its contents.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Dice</div><div class="spoiler_body">Got a hit with the scimtar, but all that really matters is the 6 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56420) on the Fray die. And given it got a 6 and a killing blow, I thought it was a good time for a fancier maneuver.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 04:50:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The statue was more powerful than the previous two, but it fell all the same to Xasra's onslaught.&nbsp; She was alone, in a room full of ancient elven treasure.&nbsp; There were less weapons and armor than usual; it was probably more for a small force of soldiers than a full garrison.<br><br>Aside from the weapons in full view was an imposing chest which contained stacks of copper coins and 4 tiny sapphires.&nbsp; Near the entrance was what appeared to be an armored war wagon, large enough to hold all the available weapons and chest with treasure in it.&nbsp; Perhaps if Xasra had a horse or mule, she could easily haul all the loot.&nbsp; But everything of value would be too heavy for her own person to carry.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Treasure Results</div><div class="spoiler_body">See page 106, Hoard Value XXI.&nbsp; The weapons are automatically added by me, due to its military nature.<br><br>900 copper pieces.<br><br>4 tiny sapphires worth 25 gold pieces each.<br><br>3 shortbows worth 25 gold pieces each.&nbsp; 180 arrows worth 45 gold pieces total.<br><br>A silver dagger worth 30 gold pieces (can be useful against certain monsters)<br><br>3 lances worth 7 gold pieces each.<br><br>5 sets of leather armor camouflaged with leaf motif.&nbsp; Worth 20 gold pieces each, and can grant a +10% Hide in Shadows bonus in forest settings.<br><br>An armored war wagon, which could easily transport the contents if one had a horse or mule.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 05:00:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, for an adventurer, this is... not all that helpful." Xasra sighed. She'd need a pack animal to move that cart. Looks like she'd have to come back. But at least she could take some of the portable stuff: the 4 sapphires, the silver dagger, and a suit of the leather armor. She could try it on later, but it might need to be modified to suit her personal style.<br><br>Satisfied with the hidden room for now, Xasra goes to retrieve the key from the statue, assuming that it closes the door. Wouldn't want anyone poking around in there before she got back. Then, she goes down the last part of the intersection she hadn't explored yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 05:25:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The eastern section led into a chapel of the elven deities, with hallways leading to the doorways of two rooms.<br><br>It was by divine grace alone that the shrine stood in such good condition.&nbsp; Even without divination one could feel an aura flowing around the room, and the incense and sacred leaves necessary for proper veneration were all present.&nbsp; A set of drawers below the shrine table remained closed.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">You can see the shrine even from the intersection.&nbsp; Do you want to explore it, or go into Room 6 or 7?</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 05:29:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The chapel looked impressive, and Xasra decided to save investigating it for last. After all, it still had at least a little divine power. Instead, she checked the room to her left.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Checking room 6. And did removing the key close the hidden room?</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 05:37:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The room to the left was a storeroom of sorts, fallen into disrepair.&nbsp; The contents not made of stone faded away into dust, and stray weeds poked through the crevices of the floor.&nbsp; Over in the room's corner crouched a slight, humanoid figure, naked and skin decaying, obviously an undead of some sort.&nbsp; Its head shot up and it sniffed the air as Xasra opened the door.&nbsp; The creature turned around and bared its teeth at the sight of her.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Yes, removing the key closed the secret passage.<br><br>The ghoul is a 2 hit die creature with a 30 foot combat movement.&nbsp; It has 3 attacks a round, two claws and a bite.&nbsp; Its Armor Class is 6, meaning that you need a 13 to hit, and it needs an 11 to hit you.<br><br>As neither side is surprised, you go first.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 05:53:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Upon seeing the ghoul, Xasra cursed in Zorchen. It was far enough away she'd have one chance to shoot it, and she quickly took aim and fired. It was a good shot, and the bolt sank into the undead flesh of the ghoul, staying there and sticking partway out. It was still moving, however, and Xasra quickly switched to her scimitar and shield, ready for the ghoul's onslaught.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Dice</div><div class="spoiler_body">Crossbow hits with a 14 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56432) and deals 1 damage. (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56433) Fray die got a 1, again.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 05:59:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ghoul leaps wildly at Xasra, clawing and gnashing indiscriminately.&nbsp; Its claws managed to get a hold but failed to sink through her armor.&nbsp; It bit into her leg, leaving a slight wound.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><br>Bite hits. (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56435)&nbsp; 3 on the die, for 1 damage. (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56438)<br><br>Claw misses. (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56436)<br><br>Claw (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56437)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 06:33:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ghoul's attack was nasty, but Xesra kept it mostly at bay, and when it paused to reorient itself, she swung her scimitar, and cleanly lopped its head form its shoulders. The ghoul dropped instantly. "Maybe I should have checked the shrine first after all." She put her sword away and took a few minutes to compose herself and clean her wound. Fortunately it wasn't too bad and quickly ceased bleeding. Then she checked the room for anything of interested before moving on to the room opposite this one.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Dice</div><div class="spoiler_body">Natural 20 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56439) on the hit for 2 damage (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56440)! Then taking a 5 minute rest to get back up to full health.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>30-03-2014, 06:43:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ghoul slumped lifeless to the ground, its detached head briefly convulsing and growling before falling inert.&nbsp; Once the combat was over, the ghoul's "prize," a dead and half-eaten cockroach, could be seen in the corner.<br><br>The room opposite this one was a miniature library, its books long crumbled to dust.&nbsp; One tome in particular remained relatively intact (if very worn down), stitched in black leather with gold embossed letters in archaic elven.&nbsp; It was titled "The Manual of the Dark Harpy."&nbsp; A quick glance through the book detailed an autobiographical account of Zelchera, a high-ranking soldier in the Dilarium, an elite unit of the imperial army.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">The book is of great historical significance, and controversy, as some more partisan scholars insist that the elves would never allow a "monster" into their ranks.&nbsp; The book is worth 50 gold pieces to the right buyer.<br><br>Good news!&nbsp; That ghoul was the last monster of the complex, and you only have one more room to explore!&nbsp; The shrine!</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>02-04-2014, 06:31:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Xesra was rather saddened by the state of the library; it was a shame that it had almost entirely decrepified. Still, one book had survived, and it seemed interesting enough. Perhaps Larkas would know someone interested in purchasing it.<br><br>Storage rooms cleared, Xesra moved on to the shire. Interesting that the shrine remained magically active. Curious, she checked the drawer below the shrine.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>02-04-2014, 07:07:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Almost as soon as Xasra opened the chamber did coins start spilling out.&nbsp; They were a sort of bronzish in color, but were made of electrum to the trained eye.&nbsp; A single small emerald shone greenly amid the spilled coins.<br><br>Nothing else of interest was present in the room, although the divine aura almost seemed to beckon to Xasra.&nbsp; It felt as though it was telling her that she was welcome, that she was safe and watched over by benevolent eyes.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Treasure Results</div><div class="spoiler_body">4,000 electrum pieces (worth 2,000 gold pieces).<br><br>1 emerald worth 75 gold pieces.<br><br>The elven shrine is not easily portable, but can be used for religious purposes.&nbsp; Would be worth 250 gold pieces, although trying to sell it to those who are not priests of the faith would be seen as sacrilegious among both surface elves and Zorchen.<br><br>Also, I miscalculated the copper pieces in the war chest.&nbsp; There are <em>9,000</em> not 900.<br><br><br>Now that you've pretty much cleared the dungeon, you have a few options.&nbsp; You can return to Larkas and tell him of your findings, and he will send for a horse and cart to help you transport things back to his estate.&nbsp; You can transport things yourself provided you visit the nearby village on the forest border and purchase a horse or mule and use the war wagon.<br><br>After you clear the complex and give/sell/keep the loot, we can calculate your riches and your experience!</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>02-04-2014, 08:12:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Xasra was momentarily baffled by how many coins were in the shrine. She wasn't about to complain, though, and filled the one sack she had with coins. She'd have to come back for basically everything else, especially the shrine. Which, to be honest, she sort of wanted to keep for herself. It just seemed so nice. But that might be tricky...<br><br>Still, she had to go back to Larkas' estate and talk to the man again, and wanted to get that done with sooner rather than later. So she packed up the coins and armor she was taking and began the journey back to the manor. She paused on the way out, by the corpses of the would-be adventurers. She didn't especially want to deal with them, but decided looting the rest of their stuff was a bit much. All the treasure was hidden behind a door she had the key to now, so even if someone came for them they wouldn't find the treasure.<br><br>Regardless, she had a story to tell Larkas, and the dead aspirant adventurers would barely be a footnote.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>02-04-2014, 08:29:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://i.imgur.com/XIWz22b.jpg?1)</div><br>After seeing the hefty sack of gold slung over her shoulder, the guards immediately let her in.&nbsp; Indeed, the Baron practically ran up to find her once word spread to him of her return.&nbsp; He listened intently at her report, and what she found.<br><br>"An elven ruin, yes that sounds perfectly plausible.&nbsp; Are you sure about the volume of artifacts?&nbsp; I mean, I can get a wagon and all, but I don't want to make any more trips than necessary if it turns out to be too much for us...oh what am I saying, doubting your eyes!&nbsp; Xasra, I'll send an escort of guards and wagon to transport everything.&nbsp; Once brought back here I can have the artifacts examined for their value and authenticity."<br><br>The trip back was uneventful, although the human guards oohed and ahhed at the sight of the fallen complex.&nbsp; The hidden "starlit" room and shrine in particular impressed them.&nbsp; The ruins' war wagon was fastened to the third horse brought with them, and between the two transports they had more than enough to haul everything of value out of the complex except for the statue of the elven general.&nbsp; The shrine could be transported when separated into its components.<br><br><br>The Baron was more than happy to buy the lot of valuables off of Xasra, although the elderly lady at his side warned him against buying the shrine.<br><br>"This is a sacred relic of the elven race," the adviser said.&nbsp; "Their people will take great offense at a nonbeliever possessing it."<br><br>"You're right, I'd rather avoid triggering an incident, but what makes it different than the other contents of the ruin?"&nbsp; He directed that question to Xasra instead of his advisor.<br><br><br><br>After Larkas bought was Xasra gave and negotiated pay, he approached her with another offer.<br><br>"You're quite good at what you do," he said.&nbsp; "I"m very happy that I hired you.&nbsp; Would you be interested in another ruin to explore?&nbsp; This one's a shrine to the south, said to belong to the Mage-Kings of old.&nbsp; You don't need to embark immediately; I'll give you have time to think on it, but your mission as usual is the same.&nbsp; Find any artifacts, take them or report back to me, and I'll compensate you quite handsomely."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>02-04-2014, 08:46:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'd like to hold on to the shire," Xersa said when asked about it. "Though my people and the elves of the surface may interpret them differently, we do worship the same gods. Though, since it isn't exactly portable, and since I'm working for you at the moment, may I keep it here? And yes, I would quite enjoy another ruin to explore, give me directions and I'll let you know when I set out..."<br><br>Before setting out for the next ruin, Xersa tired on the armor she had discovered, to see how it looked on her. Like most Zorchen, she preferred armor and clothes that flattered the figure, sometimes to the point of being <em>very</em> revealing. She hoped this armor was of appropriate style.<br><br>After resting up for a few days, though, she was ready to set off to the next ruin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>02-04-2014, 09:07:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://i.imgur.com/6Gv6DZa.jpg?1)</div><br>The shrine was known to be on the shores of the Lake of Malas, across from the town of Whitefield.&nbsp; Finding the destination of the shrine was much easier than the ruins of Chelholme, as its location was known ever since people settled around the lake and saw it on the opposite shore.<br><br>This time the journey from Baron Larkas' estate was a lot more straightforward.&nbsp; The forest growth was much lighter on the eastern end and thus had wider trails.&nbsp; The people of the riverside village of Nereid's Pass had extensively explored the area and were more than willing to give Xasra directions down to Whitefield.&nbsp; The forest pathway was long, but straightforward.&nbsp; Xasra knew that she was at her destination when the forest parted to the view of a crystal-clear lake and windmills dotting the fields around it.&nbsp; One could make out the ruins on the other side of the shore, and the town even had a harbor and boats to sail to it.<br><br>The atmosphere in town was lively and cheerful.&nbsp; Humans and halflings danced through the streets in colorful garb, and straw effigies of nature spirits were erected in the village square to honor the spring equinox.&nbsp; Even a few centaurs could be spotted on the outskirts, drinking and cavorting among their own kind and anyone else willing to partake in their games.&nbsp; The hardship of winter was over, and they had the deities of earth and sky to thank for that.<br><br>The harbor was lightly guarded, although the wary eye of a teenage centaur on the docks prevented an easy commandeering of any boats.&nbsp; He was probably around his 17th year, with chestnut fur on his equine half, and messy dark brown hair on his head.&nbsp; He seemed less joyful than the others, as though something worrisome were poking at his mind.<br><br>"I'm sorry, but the docks are closed," he told Xasra.&nbsp; "Normally I'd love to help ferry you across, but there are some...problems I have to attend to first."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arcadia</strong> on <strong>13-04-2014, 11:18:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Xersa enjoyed her journey to Whitefield. Being able to just travel down roads and get where you were going was still something of a novelty to her; the underdark was far too dangerous for that. Upon reaching the town, she considered joining the festivities for awhile, but concluded that could wait until she was done her journey to the shrine. Business before pleasure, after all. So she kept a low profile and made her way to the small harbor the town had.<br><br>Unfortunately, the dock was guarded. Xersa paused when the centaur called out to her, and regarded him carefully. They were such strange looking creatures, centaurs. Upper body of a human, lower of a horse. <em>I wonder what their cocks are like?</em> she had thought when she'd first heard of one. And now that she was looking at one, the thought floated back, and Xersa was reminded that it had been weeks since she'd last had a cock in her. <em>The things I give up to be an adventurer</em> she thought, dismissing the musing.<br><br>"Hail, friend," Xersa said to the teenage centaur. "What troubles you on this beautiful spring day? Because I do indeed need passage across the lake. Perhaps I could help you with your problem, as payment for you taking me across. I'm an adventurer, you know, I'm creative and don't mind getting a little dirty." She hoped whatever it was that was bugging him could be resolved quickly; she was quite keen on exploring the old shrine.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Valley of Torita (Skynet &amp; Arcadia)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Skynet</strong> on <strong>13-04-2014, 20:01:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My name is Alphaeus," he said.&nbsp; "I don't know how much you know about us centaur, but we're very big fans of the, um, finer things in life."<br><br>He began blushing a little.&nbsp; "Every spring equinox, we enact festivals to help replenish our race.&nbsp; We do not mate as we please as elves, humans, and bipeds do; we go through heat once every spring."&nbsp; At this point he found it hard to maintain eye contact with the elf, partially out of embarrassment and partially distracted by her fine feminine form.&nbsp; "I guess you can see the reason why we choose to celebrate at this time, heh."<br><br>Alphaeus looked longingly over at the distant festival.&nbsp; From the docks he and Xasra could see a young centaur buck and lass in a forest-enclosed section of shore separate from the others, happily groping, kissing, and eventually mounting.&nbsp; His own horse-like member grew hard at the sight, and the sheer size of it could be easily seen from an angle; it was a little over a foot in length.<br><br>"Unfortunately, there's an odd number of eligible people in our clan," he continued, "meaning that someone has to be left out.&nbsp; And I suppose you know who that is.&nbsp; This ain't the first time it's happened.&nbsp; I guess ol' Alphaeus just can't catch a break."<br><br>A he looked back at Xasra, an idea snapped into the centaur's mind.&nbsp; "I'm not the strongest, most clever, or well-spoken person, but that doesn't stop people from getting partners.&nbsp; I just need to be more presentable to women!&nbsp; Maybe you can help me with that.&nbsp; If you can help get me with a girl I like, then I'll be more than happy to ferry you across the lake and back again!"<br><br>He made a slight jump in excitement, which made an audible <em>creak</em> on the wooden boards below.&nbsp; Clearly he was very happy at the thought of finally getting laid, even if Xasra hadn't even agreed to this plan or knowing whether or not it will be successful.
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>