Act 2, Scene 2: "To Crush the Wetrocks" (Main Game Thread)

[Styrius]

“I am Findalsip, Rocktender of Calladuran Smoothhands. It is an honor to meet you.”

[TristenC]

After Bullock introduces himself as well, Halvard receives the journal and reads carefully through the pages detailing the different pieces of the artifact, their assembly and usage. He nods slowly and speaks in that unknown language to Eben briefly. Turning back to the others he finally replies, Truly you know much more than we about this. He hands the journal back, Even so, we will help you.

Eben turns and moves back to the entrance of the passage. A low rumbling sound begins to issue from his throat that rolls through the caverns, sounding like some natural seismic phenomena. The dull vibrations can be felt in the very ground beneath their feet until they eventually subside. We were told, long ago, that some may come looking for this splinter. Some may be evil, and violent, but will know nothing. Others will come as well, and they will be peaceful and know much, but will be not of Silverbeard's kin...

Another stony face peers around the corner, then a second... and a third... until fully five more elemental kin wander cautiously into the cavern. Their stony flesh ranges from light grey to a dull yellow-russet with an array of reddish or brownish hair. Each of the new comers carries a pick or mining hammer of some kind in their broad hands. Roark, Flint, Callan, Pjetur and Sten (as they introduce themselves to the three) approach along with Eben and Halvard speaks to them, pointing to the journal and discussing something at length. One by one the Pech nod in agreement as Halvard turns back. We trust you are the ones we were told of, those who will use this to protect your people. Since before the fall of Dorinkak this artifact has been our charge... now it is yours. He says, the gravity of his statement hanging silently in the air.

The seven Pech move to surround the amber-colored stone encasing the figurehead. Slowly they raise their hands as a strange vibration begins to move through the very living rock into the party; as of a pitch even below hearing. Their broad palms stretch, almost touching, and the deep rumble becomes audible as it begins to reverberate throughout the Dwarven cavern. A resonance dawns in the chest of each person, party and pech alike, as if a gnomish tuning fork could strike the tone of the deepest bones of the earth. Little bits of unworked stone flake and crumble from the edges of the chamber, which only now seems designed to echo and compound the stone-song back upon itself... no... upon a single point in the center, around the Amber ball...

A line cuts cleanly across the globe with a sudden Crack, barely audible amid the droning bass. Branch after branch of crooked flaw streaks through the clear stone, obfuscating the view of the prize within, until a myriad of jagged seams clouds the interior entirely. Gradually the song fades away into the earth, only accomplishing an infinitely intricate spider-webbing of cracks. Eben hefts his mining tool and scans the sphere, his wide palm sliding smoothly over the stone's surface. Satisfied, he grips the haft of his pick with both hands and with a powerful swing strikes once. A cascade of hundreds of honey-hued stones tumbles across the plinth and onto the ground as the sphere crumbles, leaving the Dragon-shaped figurehead perched above.

Yours now. He says simply, as the miners examine their handywork.

[Styrius]

Findalsip becomes visibly moved by the scene and sound. He utters a silent prayer to Calladuran. "That was incredible! Blessings upon you and your kin for your help, how may we be of service to you?"

[Dargon Lonewolf]

Bull

"That your people have guarded this for so many years is amazing. To be tied to something for that long seems like a heavy burden to bear. We thank you for your steadfast protection and waiting to deliver this artifact. Thank You all."

[Nocturno]

With I slight bow. "You honour us."

[TristenC]

The Pech bow as a group, We wish you well with your charge. Halvard replies in common. Truly you do us a service by taking possession of it. Our burden was simple, for few came near this place in the years after the collapse. Silverbeard secured his city well. But your burden, perhaps, will not be so light I think. For an artifact such as this, powerful evil indeed you will be facing. May the stone steady your step, and the earth shield you.

To Findalsip Eben adds, We will seek out your people, Findalsip, and bring them news of your travels if you wish it. Also, He stoops to pluck a large golden chunk of the broken orb. Fine Topaz we used to construct the sphere, long ago. Though most was damaged in the Shattering, still some pieces are perhaps worth salvaging. I am sure you will have no trouble separating the Gems from the scraps. He says. Taking the rough stone in one wide palm he chips and flakes the rough edges with subtle freehanded ticks and taps from the sharper end of his mining pick. He passes the dressed stone back to the Svirfneblin as he shoulders his tool. Fare thee well, Rocktender. Perhaps we will meet you near your home, ere long.

[Nocturno]

"I think not. The Orckin worship this entity like a god, so it will be quite the nuisance I am sure. The blessing of the Protector see you on your way."

[Styrius]

Findalsip in return approaches Eben and at low breath reveals the location of his village to make it easier from them to find. He also takes a page from his journal and writes a short letter of introduction to the elders in the town of what he has encountered in his journey so far and for the rest of them to be on alert and take precautions as the situations in the area may get even more dangerous than they already are. “Present this to the Master Rocktender when you arrive and my kin will see you are taken care of. I hope our paths will cross again.”

[TristenC]

Blessings and farewells are exchanged and the Pech accept Fin's report and directions to the secret community. They return into the dark passage, leaving the party in the chamber with the artifact and shattered golden shards.

[Styrius]

With the departure of the Pech, FIndalsip will gather other rough gemstones he can find left over from the breakage knowing full well he can do something with them later. Anyone know what else is in these old caverns that we might be able to use? This wasn't the only building in town and there yet may still be a mostly intact treasury or armory or supply stores. The left in a hurry and couldn't have toted every useful item out. Maybe even some good mining tools are still here! As we leave, we should keep an eye on the gargoyles. I still don't trust those 'statues'."

[Nocturno]

"Well. That was not so bad." Having accomplished what they came for, Nocturno is ready to get some sky back over his head.