(written by Phil, concerning a recent delve seeking the Zoq-Fot-Pik in the Weirding Caverns, and earning his character Bartholomew 100 xp per level; the scribes added a couple paragraph breaks by way of editing)
From the Journals of Bartholomew Pettibone, of the House Pettibone
A Purveyor of Enchanting Sorcery
20 March 2021 – Rendezvous with the Zoq-Fot-pik
The Players: Hey-Jo, of the ink-stained hands, Persephone (accompanied by Finbar the Renyu, and Warda, the Rose), Bartholomew Pettibone, of the House Pettibone (Gan ad-Din, Bearer of All Things, remained behind in training) – and a new, lower level fighter, De'Hadida, an adventurer. I also requested that Bridne Murcada join us (a hireling).
We loaded up with extra 'gift' items for the Zoq, such as: fermented cabbage (kimchi sauerkraut, etc.), rotted cheese, lutefisk, and molded beer.
On our way through the halls of the Weirding Caves, while passing through the former ceremonial room of the ape-men, we observed that the large crystal which had been attached to the altar was gone. Where it had been located, but above it – hanging in the air – a floating, pinkish blob (about the size of small child) hovered in place. The crystal was gone, and this blob appeared to be in it's place. It slowly turned toward us, and we fled!
We were not followed, and so we continued on through the tunnels.
Finally, within the tunnels of the worms, we encountered our friends, the Zoq! We accompanied them to the rendezvous room.
The Zoq had prepared an area surrounded by low-banked fires, with blankets laid out in two lines. Upon the blankets on one side they had distributed various items that they felt might be of value to us, scrolls, maps, gems of various sizes and value, food items (I think?!), and other baubles – tokens representing knowledge for trade. As we entered into parley, I first asked if they had been able to recover the altar crystal, and if there had been any trouble during its extraction. If there had been, I stood prepared to offer medical assistance. I also asked if they knew what the hovering blob was, and if it was associated with the crystal, or its removal. It was explained that the pinkish floating blob was not connected to the crystal idol, but was a type of cavern denizen, and could be encountered randomly anywhere within the caverns. Concerning the crystal, they indicated it had been removed and destroyed. Somehow, I just don't believe that.
“Redbranch”, the fern-frond, was our translator. Another of the Zoq, a salamander-ish creature with 2 legs and 4 arms, Aloyha, also talked with us. The rattish looking Zoq who talked with us was introduced as Nin. Aloyha seemed genuinely friendly and interested in much; however Nin seemed more shrewd and difficult to parley with. Redbranch was impossible to read.
The requested crystals were brought out and presented to Bartholomew. After handing the crystals over to Bartholomew, the items being displayed on the blankets, by the Zoq, were more forcefully indicated. It was finally understood that the Zoq expected us to lay out the items we had brought for trade on the unused blankets. We would then begin indicating which items from one side or the other represented what we agreed to as 'equal value'. The Zoq believed that this was a common custom among those who dwell outside, in the accursed sunlight and light airs! And so we entered into discussions of exchange.
Garum was certainly a favorite trade item. Lutefisk was acceptable, but seemed of low value. As a trade item, molded beer seemed humorous to them, especially Nin (virtually worthless, but maybe useful as a drinking gift). Rotted cabbage (kimchi) appeared to be somewhat more valuable than lutefisk, while the stinky cheese appeared slightly more desirable than the cabbage.
Persephone questioned the Zoq about their customs and manners. She also professed an interest to know if the Zoq trained and used any particular beasts of burden within the caves. Or indeed, were there some creatures that provided a necessary function for the Zoq, aside from carrying property or individuals? Were there creatures we should attempt not to harm?
After the Zoq divulged much interesting information to Persephone (read: the DM said he would come up with information later), Bartholomew asked if any of the Zoq practiced or studied the arcane arts. Indeed, they said, yes, but of course! They also explained that there was one Altira bent'Nrway(?), a female human magic user of old, who passed among them long ago. This arcane agent was an adventurer who assisted the Zoq in hunting down and dispelling evils within the caverns. They further explained that through her they learned much of magic and spells. They also intimated that a time such as that which was, when Zoq and some enlightened humans worked together in common purpose, might yet be upon the world. They believed that perhaps it may come to be that we form an alliance as in old times, but that time is not now. For now trade will be allowed, and the development of the relationship might be re-evaluated in the future.
As our trades concluded, Aloyha provided Hey-Jo a personal token that could be used in the future for parley. It was also noted that Aloyha was keenly interested in boats, while the creatures like Nin clearly preferred edibles such as garum and stinky cheese. A boat? Perhaps it would be possible to bring a small boat into the caverns for Aloyha to enjoy at their leisure? I will investigate this. We were not able to determine what the frond-like units, like Redbranch, cared for. However, they all did seem interested in 'tech-type' items, especially the marble-sized orbs. We feigned not having any knowledge or experience of the strange orbs that they spoke of.
However, during our discussions, we learned that certain items which Bart hypothesized to be some form of communication device (in the electric fern room and above in the klackon 6th House), are indeed just such items – but so much more! We determined that it might be possible for us to provide the Zoq with more trade items, or favors, and in return they would teach us what they know of the 'communicators'.
After concluding our trades with the Zoq, and passing a few wine-skins around the camp, it was time to bid our new friends farewell. Thanks to questions posed by our new companion, De'Hadida. the Zoq were kind enough to show us a shortcut passage between this rendezvous chamber and ones far above, closer to the outside world. A rope and grapnel were necessary to use this shortcut, and while shorter access was granted to upper cavern chambers, using this route proved to be more strenuous and difficult. However, and perhaps more importantly, this new route helps to keep adventurers out of the region of the tunnel worms. After attaining the upper chambers, we set a date for a future rendezvous with our Zoq guides.
Before the Zoq could depart, we encountered a large group of what we determined to be sakkra approaching. The Zoq hid in the shadows. Warda and Hey-Jo together, wove an arcane pattern of raw energy in the air before them – like a choreographed dance – that dispersed an energy wave out into the darkness before us, to where the sakkra were detected. As this wave passed through their ranks, our foes all fell asleep.
We approached. There were definitely snake-headed sakkra, eight of them, and three harnessed creatures of another type (companions, slaves, captives, mercenaries?). After a short discussion of options, we ended their lives as they slumbered, looted the bodies, and made to depart. The Zoq watched us produce and star in this murderous show. I asked if they considered the sakkra 'evil', expecting them to say yes – since they seemed to think everything in these accursed caverns are evil. But they answered, “no, they are guardians who keep an evil at bay.” Then they all calmly waved good-bye and quietly disappeared into the darkness.
Our return to Cothon Under-star was uneventful. However, I must say, I am beginning to feel bad about killing so many sakkra. I think, perhaps, there is a common 'issue' that plagues both the sakkra and the Renyu, and if I can only convince them to work together for a short time, I think it is possible that together we can rid this area of a vile alchemist. And maybe I can atone for the slaughter I have been part of.
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