Silent Slough

[Bhaern Quel]

Looks to Slog as he asks his question.

Well we agreed to explore for up to a week this time to see what we can learn. We do not know of any supplies in the city so we will need food, trail rations, for a week.AS we already know there are foes so of course our weapons. Other equipment to explore the city which might end up very mixed we might find traps, locked doors and we will find water pools or rivers, so any rope might be useful. I expect there will be enough wood in the city if we need a raft, but hammer and saw could be useful. I do have much in my back pack , however spares in the party might be needed in case w get separated.

Looks to Daleah

Lads Daleah So far the only foe found have been skeletons, however they must have a controller either a wizard or a greater undead. Also the city has a history of having demon-seed that we might find. Other then that we might face any foe that might choose to live in an near empty city, maybe goblin, ogres, trolls are just a few possibilities.
I believe the greatest danger is a magic caster of great magic, but perhaps weak defenses. A snow storm to try to stop us from coming her. The watching presence of menace rather than other attack. We will really only know the answer of what we face is when we face it. We do not know enough now. This visit likely will give answers, it may not solve the problem.

Elron steps over to Lielanni

My Lady, I can help you prepare your fritters if you wish.

[Drathiranon]

Looks to Slog as he asks his question.

Well we agreed to explore for up to a week this time to see what we can learn. We do not know of any supplies in the city so we will need food, trail rations, for a week.AS we already know there are foes so of course our weapons. Other equipment to explore the city which might end up very mixed we might find traps, locked doors and we will find water pools or rivers, so any rope might be useful. I expect there will be enough wood in the city if we need a raft, but hammer and saw could be useful. I do have much in my back pack , however spares in the party might be needed in case w get separated.

Grinning broadly, Slog tears off a piece of boar meat dumpling in his teeth,.

Trail has old scars like fields after a storm. Maybe we find something good. Metal for forge, minerals, salt, guano for farming....maybe...Tarvis find herbs or rare ingredients too!

A bit of mushroom sauce dribbles down the cleft of his green chin as he licks his fingers.

With a fierce glint in her emerald eyes, Bludgeon speaks up.

We move careful. Leader Tarvis right. Ruins are traps, hold secrets. But Bludgeon ready. Whatever inside, we face together, strong as one.

The orc woman takes a sip of her hot tea from a wide brim wooden bowl.


[

Elron steps over to Lielanni

My Lady, I can help you prepare your fritters if you wish.

Llelanni, mixing a large wooden bowl of fritter batter, smiles warmly to Elron.

Would you like to prepare the apples? I don't think I have this mixture quite ready yet. Elron, surely these old ruins hold stories.of untold conquests and tribal lore of a once-thriving city! Maybe you might find inspiration for songs about the heroes, lost magic, or fallen kings.

The dark elven woman places a small amount of lard in the skillet. As it hisses and crackles to melt over the heat, she looks to the group, huddled around the campfire.

Though the energy in this place feels corrupted, I know for sure nature will always find a way back to its original purpose. I hope to examine the remnants of this city, see what alchemical secrets may lie buried.

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Looks to Daleah

Lads Daleah So far the only foe found have been skeletons, however they must have a controller either a wizard or a greater undead. Also the city has a history of having demon-seed that we might find. Other then that we might face any foe that might choose to live in an near empty city, maybe goblin, ogres, trolls are just a few possibilities.
I believe the greatest danger is a magic caster of great magic, but perhaps weak defenses. A snow storm to try to stop us from coming her. The watching presence of menace rather than other attack. We will really only know the answer of what we face is when we face it. We do not know enough now. This visit likely will give answers, it may not solve the problem.

Daleah listens carefully to Tarvis' answer. She clenches her fist gently as her hand rests at her side.

Y'all listen here, now. We can't afford to count our chickens before they hatch. The mission's plain as day, searchin' for the heart of this old fallen city. Whatever mighty power it wields, we gotta find a way to see it don't fall into wicked hands or raise up the dead once more. Bludgeon is right, we can't afford to be slack. Danger's a hidin' in the shadows, and we gotta stay sharp as a tack.

Sir Tarvis, we got rope in the cart and I have a one of them fancy, felexable thumb saws coiled up in my rucksack. Might do us some good to document our travels through the cave system. I have some charcoal to make markings, kinda like bread crumbs to follow back out if we get ourselves lost.

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis nods.

Take what you need, what we leave here is only any back up supplies or extra food as we will not have mounts in there to help carry. Together it should go well. Eat a good meal.

Steps to take some of the food offered and offers his rolls.

Elron prepares the apples using the pocket knife. in part to get a feel of it and also to try to better bind with it.

A small task, but maybe the knife will consider it a good deed.
Oh tales of high kings and those that oppose them. I am sure this city has earned many tales, however some heroes might never be known.

[Drathiranon]

Tarvis nods.

Take what you need, what we leave here is only any back up supplies or extra food as we will not have mounts in there to help carry. Together it should go well. Eat a good meal.

Steps to take some of the food offered and offers his rolls.

Slog takes a roll from Tarvis tray for himself and one for the orc woman. He proceeds to break it up into pieces to sop up the mushroom sauce.

Bludgeon have boar jerky and dry pawpaw fruit for 3 days.

Bludgeon hands Tarvis a heaping helping of dumplings with savory sauce oozing from the hot morsels and a cup of hot tea.

Elron prepares the apples using the pocket knife. in part to get a feel of it and also to try to better bind with it.

A small task, but maybe the knife will consider it a good deed.
Oh tales of high kings and those that oppose them. I am sure this city has earned many tales, however some heroes might never be known.

As the tray is passed to Llelanni, she takes a roll and passes the tray to Daleah.

Daleah, may I have a piece of your charcoal? I'd like to make parchment rubbings of the symbols on the ancient monolith. We might want them to reference later.

The dark elf's eyes like rubies, sparkling over the rim of her wooden cup as she looks to the Bard.
She seems giddy, her smile wide and bright as she leans forward eagerly, almost giggling in her speech.

Have you had a chance to have a look at the Eye of the Needle yet, Elron?

[Lianaila of the Wood]

As the tray is passed to Llelanni, she takes a roll and passes the tray to Daleah.

Daleah, may I have a piece of your charcoal? I'd like to make parchment rubbings of the symbols on the ancient monolith. We might want them to reference later.

Well now, these symbols here carry the wisdom of ages gone by. We gotta honor their mystery, seekin' understanding with humble vigilance. If these runes are old and still undeciphered, they might hold dangers we can't even begin to understand. We gotta uncover the truth, no doubt, but also remember the risks that come with it.
Sure, I'll give you the charcoal, Lady Llelanni
just don't let herself be snookered into something no good.

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis takes the food and tea from Bludgeon.

Thank you, Yes the jerky and pawpaw are good supplies for travel. They should serve well.

Sits to eat and looks to the others to see how they are doing. Hears the discussion about the writing on the needle. There might be value in translation, however it might just be city name, leader or just something of historic interest. Waits to hear what Elron thinks. Mostly though he is concerned about all of the party to finish eating so that the mission can continue.

Elron answers Lielanni

Lady Lielanni I have not looked at them yet, from what I heard from Master Slog is that they are ancient orc writings. They might be hard to read or translate. I certainly will look at them.

He turns to speak to Daleah

My Lady Daleah they are only undeciphed to us, the writing to be displayed on a city entrance almost certainly was no mystery to the builders of the city. Though it is possible we will not well understand it now even if we can read it, because the passage of time. They though might tell us something we can use.

[Drathiranon]

Tarvis takes the food and tea from Bludgeon.

Thank you, Yes the jerky and pawpaw are good supplies for travel. They should serve well.

Sits to eat and looks to the others to see how they are doing. Hears the discussion about the writing on the needle. There might be value in translation, however it might just be city name, leader or just something of historic interest. Waits to hear what Elron thinks. Mostly though he is concerned about all of the party to finish eating so that the mission can continue.

Elron answers Lielanni

Lady Lielanni I have not looked at them yet, from what I heard from Master Slog is that they are ancient orc writings. They might be hard to read or translate. I certainly will look at them.

Llelanni sets her empty cup down on the ground beside her. The pan is hot and the batter ready for apple slices. The dark elven woman can hardly keep her composure as she looks to Elron again.

Elron, surely you know the spell, Comprehend Languages. If those runes are an ancient orc language, you, being a bard very intelligent, will certainly be able to read them!
If they are a secret code or cipher then at least we will know it is coded!

With a rather cheeky smile, she offers her bowl of batter up to the bard, eagerly awaiting the apple slices and his answer.

When Slog's ears catch wind of this new information he looks around to gauge Elron's reaction before saying a word. The orc farmer's red eyes appear hopeful, his hand clutching a dumpling as he pauses mid bite, unable to hide his anticipation.

Bludgeon's attention is also captured, her hand reaches for the kettle of hot water to refresh her tea. Her piercing green eyes dart towards Tarvis.

Leader Tarvis, what say you?

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Tarvis takes the food and tea from Bludgeon.

Thank you, Yes the jerky and pawpaw are good supplies for travel. They should serve well.

Sits to eat and looks to the others to see how they are doing. Hears the discussion about the writing on the needle. There might be value in translation, however it might just be city name, leader or just something of historic interest. Waits to hear what Elron thinks. Mostly though he is concerned about all of the party to finish eating so that the mission can continue.

He turns to speak to Daleah

My Lady Daleah they are only undeciphed to us, the writing to be displayed on a city entrance almost certainly was no mystery to the builders of the city. Though it is possible we will not well understand it now even if we can read it, because the passage of time. They though might tell us something we can use.

While enjoying the savory meal, Daleah listens in agreement with Elron's response.

True that, my friend! Let us hope for the better!

She then turns to Llelanni. Daleah pulls a stick of compressed charcoal from the side pocket of her pack, handing it to the dark elf.

Good luck, Friend! Maybe you will find the answers you seek.

[Bhaern Quel]

Even as time for the lunch nearing its end Tarvis notices the discussion about the orc writing, when Slog turns to him to respond he does so.

Elron has already said he will try to read it. Considering how many that are interested in knowing what it says, it makes me believe that it might be something useful. I would not like to see magic used wastefully however only intuitively I sense it might be justified to know what it says.

Elron if you please take a look now. Even if we learn a version of city name it might be useful.



Elron listens to Lielanni and was about to reply about the limited amount of magic he or any can use each day. Passes the sliced apples into the batter..

Yes leader Tarvis I will go and look at them now.

My Lady Lielanni as you are still cooking maybe I can do the rubbing for you? You of course can do it later as well. Depending on the writing will determine how long it might take to read and understand.

[Drathiranon]

After pouring the batter into the hot iron pan, Llelanni pulls some leafs of parchment from her bag, handing them and some charcoal to Elron with an enthusiastic grin.

Thanks so much! The fritters will be ready when you return!

She flips over the fritters and looks with a side eye glance to Daleah.

This is going to be interesting! Perhaps we shall gain more knowledge about this mysterious place! I might even write a book about our adventures!

Slog and Bludgeon rise up from the campfire in unison, taking up their weapons, to follow the bard, one orc on either side of him like a pair of body guards. The forest seems quiet except for the crunch of dry leaves under their feet.
Bludgeon, carrying her pitchfork, pauses to address Tarvis.

Leader Tarvis, you come with?

Slog continues to stay at Elron's side as they cautiously approach the dolmen.

Slog got your back.

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Daleah also rises from the ground. She pauses to answer Llelanni.

Well now, Partner, it’d be mighty pointless for me to be usin’ up my spells like Detect Magic right now. Even if them there runes are runnin’ with magic, and I reckon they are, takin’ another hour to prep some other spells ain’t gonna change what we’re feelin’. That eerie feelin’ hangin’ ‘round this camp? As far as I'm concerned, that’s all a body needs to know. This ain’t no place we wanna linger around lollygaggin'. Sometimes, a gut instinct’s worth more than any spell in the books.

Daleah wraps her cape around her as if a cold draft were weighing on her armored shoulders.

I reckon I better have a gander anyway, just to be on the safe side.

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis watched as the orcs decided to go with Elron and was about to answer Slog that keeping with partner plan he would go as well, though it really was not splitting the party the few steps away from the arch that they were. However when Daleah says she will go along as well to try to read the orc language has a revised reply.

Slog I have already seen the writing with MousXie and with the Lady Daleah going with you, I will remain here with Lady Lielanni. Help here cook the end of our lunch. It should not take long for your task and ours. Then we will go into the city to feel eerie feeling.

Walks over to Leilanni to help as much as guard her.

Lady lielanni, how long to cook them all?

Elron speaks to Slog

Lead on to this arch if you would

Walks with Slog to the city.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

(ALL)

As the adventurers stand before the ancient dolmen, the runes carved into its surface begin to subtly shimmer, responding to the presence of visitors as if the structure is a living thing.

At first, these symbols appear to be mere ancient orc glyphs with bold, angular, and fierce strokes etched into the limestone with a craftsman's skill that has withstood the ravages of time. But as the party observes more closely, a strange, almost imperceptible flicker hints that something is a miss.

(ELRON ONLY)

As the bard approaches the ancient monolith, he may feel a faint shimmer in the air, distracting him from the uneasiness of being watched and drawing his attention deeply into a haunting, whispered song, appearing from days long gone. The structure reacts to Elron's intention, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light in response.

Elron may feel the need to clear his mind, perhaps draw a deep breath before implementing Comprehend Languages in his own familiar way. The ancient script would then begin to unfold before his mind’s eye.

(ALL)

The others may notice symbols ripple faintly. Sometimes, the runes flicker with a different hue. Perhaps a darker shade of green or a sickly yellow colour, suggesting they’re alive with a strange energy.

(ELRON ONLY)

When Elron looks at the runes, he alone will see they appear to shift their shapes slowly. Some characters seem to twist or deform, not in a natural way but as if the script is trying to communicate something beyond mere language. It’s as though the runes are attempting to mimic or imitate orc script, but are fundamentally different beneath the surface.

The glowing symbols pulse with a rhythmic pattern, almost like a heartbeat. Sometimes, the glow intensifies, casting strange shadows that seem to dance across the stone surface, the illusion seems to suggest that the runes are alive and aware.

Beneath the surface, the runes convey a message in a language no one present recognizes, as the language itself is a form of ancient magic that affects the minds of those who read it.

Nevertheless, the monolith reveals the secret message to Elron.

"Step beyond this stone. Gaze into time out of mind. The reflection is not of the moments that flow, but stillness. If you survive, you may return to the footpath from where you came."

(ALL)

The symbols cease to glow, turning dark, deep into the stone like freshly drawn script from a black inked feather pen.

[Drathiranon]

The orcan farmer places a big green hand on Elron's shoulder out of concern for the bard.

Stones strange, maybe evil. Slog think we back away now.

Bludgeon helps Slog lift Elron off the ground and back up away from the dolmen. They set him gently back down on his feet to check him out.

Friend Elron, you ok?

By this time, the apple fritters are cooking to a crispy, golden brown. The fragrance mingling lightly in the smell of dry leaves in the autumn scenery.

Thank so much, Sir Tarvis, for coming to the rescue. They are just about ready for the tray.

The dark elven woman smiles, passing the first loaded tray to Tarvis. Llelanni continues to dole out the pastries onto another tray until she notices the orcs moving Elron away from the dolmen.
Still holding a tray, she elbows Tarvis' arm to call his attention to what is happening with his friend.

What do you suppose is going on?