(written by Phil concerning a recent delve into the Tel al Safina, player of Bartholomew, and earning him 100 xp per level)
From the Journals of Bartholomew Pettibone, of the House Pettibone
A Purveyor of Enchanting Sorcery
4 March 2021 – Second Contact and an Attempt at Negotiations
While relaxing at the inn of Cothon Under-Star, and finalizing terms of partnership with Gan ad-Din, we overheard that our good friend and fellow explorer, Persephone, was interested in delving into the Weirding Caves for a rather mundane – but perhaps lucrative – quest for knowledge. During an earlier foray into that maze of insanity, we had encountered a rather strange group of cavern denizens. That first contact revealed that they were an oddly diverse community, consisting of rat-like creatures, amphibious salamanders, and bizarre plant-like beasts whose mobility seemed tied to a strange, multi-legged contraption. It should be noted that they are all of a rather small stature, none taller than a young human child. At once they seemed simple and naive, yet deeply knowledgeable about the Tel. However, they also tended to be quite aloof, and difficult to barter with – shrewd is too gentle a descriptor. Persephone indicated that she would like to attempt further interaction with these creatures, who called themselves the Zoq-Fot-Pik.
As we intended to delve into areas of the Weirding Caves unknown to us, Hey-Jo gladly offered to join and assist in further mapping. Persephone inquired of the local hirelings union if any stout arms-bearers might be willing to join us, and Riit Rakir, a massive Kzin hero stepped forward and offered his services. Stores and basic provisions were purchased, along with a few 'specialty items', and in the morning our group of six ventured forth from the Gate of Pallbearers, and thence to the cavern openings. Our jaunt to the Tel was uneventful, and as we traveled we discussed what our plan might be once inside the caves.
Persephone had posed questions earlier in the preceding weeks, throughout Cothon, as to what might be known about these strange, miniature cavern dwellers. Her inquiries were not terribly fruitful; however, she did learn that the Zoqs had been encountered by explorers in the past – rarely – usually in the vicinity of a maze-like lattice of cave-tubes … often associated with some kind of wyrm. However, nothing could be gleaned that would offer any real understanding of who they were, what their purpose and intentions were, etc.
At the cavern entrance, Gan lit our lantern and by way of my arcane meditations I was able to render Gan invisible to the naked eye. And yet, the light from the lantern he carried somehow remained visible and useful for the rest of us! This was a delightful revelation. Heh-heh, Gan was now, literally, a will-o-wisp! We then formed our order of march, (Finbar the Renyu scouting ahead, Riit and Persephone following, Hey-Jo mapping a little ways back, and Gan and I bringing up the rear), and we quietly began our new sojourn into the inky darkness.
After entering into unknown passages, and passing large, wondrous cavern chambers, we found ourselves in one rather large room that had several columns throughout. We also detected numerous small, oval-shaped openings located all about the chamber walls. The several openings were tunnels, and were large enough for a normal human to move through, in a crouched position. They also appeared to be somewhat natural. They were definitely not 'hand-hewn', but definitely not natural in the manner of cavern mechanics. And as we investigated further we discovered the tunnel excavators – wyrms.
At the far, opposite, side of this large cathedral-sized chamber, a large wyrm lay coiled around some of the columns, apparently resting, and near to the openings of two of the oval tunnels. And of course, one of those tunnels was where we intended to egress from this chamber in order to continue our exploration. We prepared our trusty fire-flasks and moved slowly, and as demurely as possible, toward the tunnels, and the wyrm. Certainly it noted our presence, raised its head and slithered about – rustling it's scales as wyrms are wont to do. It opened and closed its maw several times but no sound was heard. It seemed to be able to pinpoint our individual locations, but did not become overtly hostile. Its demeanor was more defensive. We did not relish to tangle with this beast; it was about the diameter of a large barrel, and possibly as long as four tall men laying in line, feet to head. It's maw was an odd tri-jawed affair, and was filled with numerous long, sharp teeth, and it felt to me that it could easily swallow an adult human whole (lengthwise). We attained the tunnel we desired, and left the wyrm to it's own devices. It did not follow.
Into a lattice-work of tunnels we delved. And as we moved along, I marked our route upon the ceiling (usually at cross-tunnels) by scraping my initials into the stone, with an arrow indicating our direction of travel:
BP
--->
As we moved almost aimlessly through these tunnels, we chanced upon a disturbing sight. A human, hunkered in a minor alcove, in dirty, disheveled clothing. He had no foot coverings, his fingernails were cracked and worn, and he was, quite literally a dirty mess. His eyes were wide and almost unseeing – I think he may have been blinded by our light. After his eyes adjusted, and he realized we were not a threat, he began laughing, crying, and cackling uncontrollably. And his story poured forth, it was like he could not stop babbling.
His name, we decided, was Elfo, and he had come into the caves with 'friends', in search of fame and glory. However, at some point, his friends had perceived a false encounter with what they thought were evil beings (turned out to be basic cavern rock formations seen in poor, flickering light). They had all fled in different directions, and in so doing, they had left Elfo alone, in the dark, with no equipment other than a few days rations and a water skin. I suspect that they had been affected by some of the particularly hallucinogenic mushroom spores that can be found in the caves. As far as Elfo knew, he had been in the caverns, alone and in utter darkness, for close on to two weeks! We felt sorry for him, gave him succor of food and wine, and asked if he would care to join us. He readily accepted.
At length, we entered another large chamber being notable for what looked like a wide gully that bisected it. And it was here where we encountered the Zoqs, at last. Finbar was the first to notice them, and he alerted us to their presence. Indeed, a fairly large group of them made their presence known, but remained distant from us, across the gully.
I placed an offering on the cavern floor, stepped away to a comfortable distance, sat upon the rocky floor, then opened my arms in a gesture of friendship and welcome. A small group detached itself and approached us. They indicated through their actions that our light was somewhat bothersome to them, so I asked Gan to shield the lantern a bit. In the reduced light they came closer and we initiated a conversation. We could not speak their language, but one of their 'types' (the plant-like being) was able to act as translator.
Introductions were made, we indicated our meeting gift (the aforementioned offering that had been placed on the floor between us), and we began a slow and tedious back and forth exchange. Persephone expressed a keen interest to learn more of their society, their culture, their technologies, anything that they might be willing to share. However, I was more interested in what they might know of the these local caverns, it's myriad denizens (which are friendly, which are to be feared), oddities that might be dangerous and that we should avoid, etc. Again, we found these creatures to be highly stingy with their information, amazingly haughty (especially for their small stature), and stubbornly shrewd and aggressive at negotiations. We did not get the feeling that they were interested in doing us harm – in fact they seemed to regard us as inferior and lacking in intelligence.
We learned some small tidbits of local knowledge from the Foqs, especially about an ubiquitous 'evil' that dwells deep in the Tel, and we exchanged further 'gifts'. These 'gifts' that we offered appeared to be highly desirable by the Foqs (almost causing instant euphoria among those who partook of it) Noting this, I made it clear to them that we could possibly obtain more, but that the substance was extremely rare and costly. With that hanging between us, we negotiated for more information in the future – with the promise of more 'gifts'.
Finally, we agreed to lead them to the chamber of the Chnelh, as they were keen on laying their eyes upon the crystal those ape-men cherished. And I admit, I was curious if they could teach us anything about that crystal, as well as the other vein of crystal that ran down the hallway leading to the electric fern room.
The Chnelh were gone, of course, and their ritual chamber was quite empty, and cold. We approached the alter and as I began to lay my hands upon the crystal, to proclaim, 'here it sits.', the Foq in unity cried in alarm, 'Do Not Touch!' And so I backed off. The Foq chatted among themselves quite animatedly for a short time, and they told us that they would attempt to remove and destroy the crystal – it harbored an evil. (Everything, apparently, is evil to them) However, they did not have the required tools with them at the moment. As for myself, I suspect that they will not destroy the crystal, but will covet it for themselves. I have developed the feeling it holds a great power. Perhaps the life-essence of a powerful being? Hmmm.
The Foq inguired as to what happened to the Chnelh, and we led them down the tunnel toward where the electric fern resided. We explained that the Chnelh had been chased down this tunnel, and perhaps the electric fern had spooked them. Originally the fern had but a single root that intruded upon this passage, seeming to grow into (or out of) the crystal vein. Indeed, it became obvious that the electric fern had not just spooked them, but had grown further into and completely blocked the tunnel at the junction with its lair. From our previous experience with this electric fern, we determined that moving past it was impossible, at this time. However, the crystal vein was still accessible.
I entreated the Foq to grant me a boon, and if they did, I would bring them more 'gifts'. The boon I requested was to remove, and present to me, several large, unblemished chunks of the crystal vein. That vein is basically the diameter of a person's arm, and visibly runs for quite a good distance. I requested at least three sections of the crystal, each about as long as a short-sword, or long knife. The Foq said that it was an easily accomplished task, and it would be done.
We decided upon a future rendezvous, and finally departed their company. During our travel back to Cothon we encountered a pack of huge, six-legged beasts, contentedly grazing on vegetation. We made observations of their habits for a bit, but intended them no harm, as they appeared docile. However, it came to my mind that perhaps they could be tamed and used as beasts of burden? If so, they might be able to carry quite hefty loads. This must be investigated further.
Upon returning to Cothon, we toasted our further success (staying alive) in the Weirding Caves! We sated our hunger by stuffing ourselves with savory pies, and slaked our thirst by downing tankards of bitter ale! Stories were told, embelished, and retold. We then attended to personal needs, and helped our new acquaintance, Elfo, roust up a large tub of warm soapy water, and a comfortable room. After being lost and alone in the darkness of the Weirding Caves for so long, we marveled that he is still sane. Or, is he?
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