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  1. - Top - End - #1
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    Default Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    You all begin in separate jails, each awaiting your fate in the dungeons. One day, at noon, you are ordered out of your cell and escorted by a well-armed contingent of warforged to a room where a dragon appears to be preparing a teleportation circle spell. The warforged have you wait until the dragon finishes, at which point you are unceremoniously shoved into the circle.

    A moment later, the five of you appear in a spacious, well-lit, and neatly swept room. Sitting calmly in the center of the room, her tail curled around her legs like a cat, is a red dragon with immaculately polished scales. She stands about twelve feet at the shoulder and, despite her size, appears slim and delicately proportioned. She blinks once, slowly, when you are teleported in, but otherwise does not react to your appearance.

    Suddenly her head snakes down towards your group, so that you and she are almost at eye level. Her breath is swelteringly hot and stinks faintly of sulphur. She speaks in Common, "I am your new patron. My name is Kynathris, known in the dungeon as Cinder. You, however, shall call me Mistress Cinder. Now, pets, tell me your names and why you think you will survive the dungeons."

    Gregory
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    Based on her size and general appearance, you would guess she is a young adult red dragon.
    Knowledge is power.
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Dana

    Dana answers in a very level manner. "My name is Dana, Mistress Cinder, and I will survive the dungeon because I believe I will."
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Marcus, a halfling, glances around the room a few times looking for anything of note (or anything invisible.

    "Finally, nice to have someone to talk to who's not a rock or a bucket-head.
    I've survived this far, haven't I? The last bit has been kind of boring, though.

    About the time one of you dragons landed in front of me I figured this would happen. I've been thinking since then about it... I'll survive because - ONE. I'm awesome... and TWO, because the dungeon crawls are entertainment and I can put on a show. Everyone likes bright lights, explosions, fireworks, and such, right? That's why you pick smart people like us instead of a bunch of stronger and tougher, but totally boring ogres who just scratch their butts and swing at things with clubs."


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    Bluff(1d20+13)[26]
    Diplomacy(1d20+10)[26]

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Not appreciating his unlordly entrance, Gregory steadies himself in the new room, taking a moment to absorb all the details and consider the dragon before them.

    Ah, a red. Interesting. Not too old by the looks of her either. Perhaps we're her first... She seems nervous.

    Mentally bemoaning his painfully impoverished state, Gregory takes note of each of the other wealth-less humanoids around him before finally replying.

    "I am Lord Gregory Astrakein and I will survive because you cannot stop me from doing so. That, my young draconic 'Mistress', is a promise."
    Last edited by Niezck; 2013-03-15 at 01:05 PM.
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    The dragon looks rather bemused at Marcus' statement. (Nothing invisible. The room is quite bare -- the only exit is a single dragon-sized door.)

    As soon as Gregory speaks, all her attention focuses on him. "Wait, Astrakein? Where have I heard that....wait. You're that silly human who thought he'd make a better ruler than a dragon?" She eyes Gregory up and down. "Well, at least you don't look nearly as inbred as the stories say."
    Knowledge is power.
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Gregory merely smirks. Tempting.

    "Generations beyond count of fine lordly marriages I'll have you know. We even kept to our own species, unlike some creatures that could be named."

    This could hurt...
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Darien sniggers at Gregory's comment. Oh he is going to be a fun one

    He turns to address Kynathris "My Name is Darien your dragonfullness, and I probably will not survive the dungeons to be perfectly honest. Spent too much time reading books instead of jogging, that sort of thing."
    Last edited by Rofltrollcopter; 2013-03-15 at 02:14 PM.

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Kynathris' mouth drops open in a toothy smile. "I am as dragon as you are human, little one. If you are referring to dragons in general, I fear I must point you towards half-elves, half-orcs, aasimar, tieflings, and, yes, half-dragons in your own species' checkered genetic history. We won't mention the centaurs, minotaurs, or harpies, shall we?"

    Eyeing Darien, she adds, "At least you will be more entertaining than my last lot, even if you do end up dying."
    Last edited by Savannah; 2013-03-15 at 02:31 PM.
    Knowledge is power.
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    Be evil.

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Marcus sniggers at the dragon's comment, and mutters under his breath about having never heard of a half-halfling anything.

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Dana

    Still level and apparently detached from the discussion, Dana adds: "For an interesting and comprehensive, though not exhaustive, treatise on inter-taxon relationships and the species that came to be I can advice 'Bloodlines in past and present: predicting future species' by an anonymous author." She eyes the dragon. "It's a fascinating read."
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Flash shudders around the Warforged, he never did like anything his magic couldn't effect.

    "Greetings. The name's Flash, and let's be honest. I'm looking to survive because I put on a good show, same reason I wanted in these dungeons in the first place. Now that I'm here, maybe I can show off my real talents."

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Well Darien muses I guess if a halfling and a human had a kid, then it would be called a quaterling, and then if that thing had a kid with a human, it would be an eighthling. So on and so forth.

    He blinks and turns back to address the dragon.Well yeah, I mean we will die. Thats kind of obvious. All things made out of squishy flesh eventually die. Even the not-as-squishy flesh that your made out of will eventually decay. He says with the tone that one would use to explain a simple fact to a child.

    what happened to our predecessors?

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    The dragon seems slightly taken aback by Darien's explanation, "Well, of course we will all die. Most want to put it off as long as possible, though.

    "And as for your predecessors,"
    she sighs, "they were...less than competent when it came to fighting."
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Dana

    Dana is obviously not in the mood for small talk and pleasantries. "So, what is supposed to happen now? You put us in a cell, or?"
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    "I'm hoping for some gifts first, myself." Marcus looks down at his worn, grey prison clothing. "Nobody wants to watch a bunch of dirty unarmed and unarmored people fight, right?"

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Darien seems a touch indignant at the behavior of his fellow prisoners.

    My word, there is no need to be so rude to our host he says in chastising tone They have been courteous enough to give us free food and lodging. That straw I had last night gave me one the most comfortable sleeps I have had in a long time, and now you expect her to give us free presents too? Darien shakes his head If my old momma were here she would wallop you all something fierce. Well, she would probably give me quite the beating first but that is another story...

    Darien turns back to speak to the dragon and asks in a matter-of-fact manner.

    Well why did you have them participate in the dungeons if they weren't ready for a decent scrape? I reckon that is a bit irresponsible, and a waste of potential to boot
    Last edited by Rofltrollcopter; 2013-03-18 at 07:01 PM.

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    "Yes, I'd rather appreciate being clothed like a lord, rather than a peasant, if you wouldn't mind."
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    "I respect your point, Darien, and certainly don't wish to be rude to our most gracious employer," says Flash, "but being properly equipped would certainly be for the benefit of the audience as well as us."

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    "They certainly claimed to be competent," she says, looking quite annoyed. "If you haven't had a chance to see some of the early dungeons...let's just say that the incompetent are weeded out quickly.

    "You will receive your armor and weapons when the time comes for you to begin your first dungeon."


    Kynathris rises to her feet. “Well. Now that the introductions are over, let us continue.

    "You will fight your first dungeon tomorrow. There is not much I can tell you to prepare -- as usual, your first will be one of Vixicanthia's creations and she likes to include a little bit of everything to keep things unpredictable.

    "Now then, if you will follow me, I will show you to your quarters."


    She turns and walks towards the door.

    General knowledge
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    The initial dungeon crawl for a team is not usually shown widely -- often just in the home towns or neighborhoods in a larger city of the participants. This is because a fair number of the people thrown into the dungeons really aren't as good of dungeon crawlers as they were hoping they'd be, and the crawls often aren't that exciting. It's rare for a team to make it through the first run without any deaths -- the better known teams are almost always compiled of the only people on several teams to survive the first couple of dungeon crawls. So it's not that uncommon for a patron to have had a rather disastrous team or two in their past.
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    Be evil.

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    "Aye, Mistress Cynder..."
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    Marcus mouths "...ella" once her back is turned
    Last edited by J-H; 2013-03-18 at 08:53 PM.

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Spot (1d20+1)[16]


    Darien shoots a bemused expression at Marcus and mutters under his breath Must be some strange halfling thing

    He then comments aloud
    Quarters? We get Quarters. Well ain't this something, were gettin' the posh treatment. I wonder what my pa would say if he could see me here living like a lord. Does anyone know when the afternoon tea is going to be served?
    Last edited by Rofltrollcopter; 2013-03-18 at 10:31 PM.

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Gregory scoffs audibly. "Quarters, yes, sure, definitely not hovels where we're shoved for the evening. No respect...
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    "Even if our quarters aren't that great right now... which, I might add, we have no reason to suspect, I'm sure we'll get sent to better places when they find out what big names we are."

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Cinder leads you a short distance through what you presume is a fairly basic, although well kept, draconic home. She stops at a human-sized door, and opens it. Inside you can see a sitting room and several doors leading off of it.

    "Here you are. If it is not to your liking, Not-Lord Gregory Astrakein, I'm sure I can arrange to have the beds replaced with piles of moldy straw and import some rats and fleas.

    "Now, one other thing. Even though it is your first dungeon, you will still need a party name for the announcer. So decide amongst yourselves what that will be before the morning.

    "The bell pull in the corner there will summon one of my servants if you need anything tonight. I will see you in the morning."
    Knowledge is power.
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Dana

    "Thank you." Dana enters the living room. "And good night." She seeks out a place on one of the seats and starts pondering on a team name.
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Darien starts talking as soon as Cinder is gone.

    Well isn't this swanky he says while looking around. I haven't seen any place to rest one's head as nice as this in all my years. Although it does make me a tad nervous that we are being treated this well.

    Darien casts detect magic in the room and looks around for any magical auras, he will also look around in any adjacent rooms while the spell is up.

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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Exploring the rooms reveals they look something like this:
    Spoiler
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    The rooms seem to be mundane, aside from shielding on the magical practice room. The furniture is plain and has clearly been bought used, but it is still sturdy.
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Dana

    Dana sees Darien opening the doors one by one and then notices the library. "Look, a library!" You haven't seen her that engaged so far and she immediately heads off to inspect the books that are available.
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    The books are mostly written in common and draconic, and are primarily bestiaries and books on magical theory, although you do spot one section that seems to be devoted to the history of the sport of dungeoncrawling. The books are clearly used and most of the books are quite large for you -- there is a good chance these were originally some of Cinder's schoolbooks.

    Spoiler
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    Mechanically, the books give a +2 bonus on most Knowledge checks related to common creatures and creature types, as well as anything pertaining to the dungeoncrawl.

    Fluff-wise, if you're leveling in a casting class or adding ranks to a Knowledge skill, these books will make a great resource.
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    Default Re: Dungeoncrawl [IC]

    Scoffing at Cinder's comment, Gregory strolls into the living quarters and takes a good look around, inspecting each and every room in turn before finally proclaiming aloud.

    "This is acceptable. As for team name, the decision is clear, Team Astrakein is the only option available to us that is both proper and accurate."

    Saying this, he flops himself down on the bed in the bottom-left room.

    "And this shall be my room."
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