Road Trip to the Dragon Isles - Enter the Gnome
18 Newkolt 349 AC
The next morning, Davaa and Altan saddle the horses and prepare to take their leave of Alek-Khan. Arthur and Agnes join them a few minutes later and the group us soon on its way. They ride down from the foothills of the Skyfire Mountains and turn north once they reach the valley. To the east, the Sierra Khur range cast the valley in shadow as the sun creeps into the sky.
"The fortress, Tur, stands at the far end of this valley," Davaa informs the others. "Once it comes into view, we will turn to the northwest and should reach Ak-Baral by sunset tomorrow."
The day grows warmer as the party travels and the landscape changes from grassy plain to something much drier, transforming into a rocky depression between the two mountain ranges. It is not without water though. Streams created by icemelt running down from the heights carve shallow streams in the valley floor, giving the horses plenty of opportunities to drink along the way.
Slightly after the sun passes its zenith, the group of travelers catches sight of something unexpected - the ribs of an ancient sailing vessel, half-buried in the earth rise from the ground about a mile off.
"That must have been one big ship back in the day." Arthur eyes it up. "Can we stop there for a quick lunch so I can look at it while we can eat?"
Davaa shifts uncomfortably in his saddle. After a few seconds, he says, "Yeah. It's probably safe."
Altan seems nervous. "How did a ship like that get on this side of the mountains?"
"During the Great Drowning...the Cataclysm caused massive floods that killed many of our people. The sea washed ashore, carrying many things in its waters. Some of those things were left behind when the waters receded. Just be careful. Bandits, or worse, like to lurk in places like this."
Davaa shifts uncomfortably in his saddle. After a few seconds, he says, "Yeah. It's probably safe."
Altan seems nervous. "How did a ship like that get on this side of the mountains?"
"During the Great Drowning...the Cataclysm caused massive floods that killed many of our people. The sea washed ashore, carrying many things in its waters. Some of those things were left behind when the waters receded. Just be careful. Bandits, or worse, like to lurk in places like this."
Arthur approaches slowly, hand on Lawbringer and shield ready as he searches for any sign of enemies. "It's a glimpse into the past on how things were made and how people lived. There's so much to learn."
A guttural laugh echoes from within the landlocked hulk. Several figures, each standing close to eight feet tall and packed with heavy muscle emerge. Clad in chain armor and carrying a combination of spears, axes, and clubs, the brutes advance. Arthur instantly recognizes them as ogres. The largest wears a dirty tabard similar to those of the guards back at Salah-Khan's palace.
Arthur races for his horse "OGRES!" He puts himself between the ogres and his party. "Ride hard and fast! Don’t stop!"
The group urges their horses to run as the ogres give chase. One of the giants throws a spear but the horses quickly outpace any pursuit the ogres are able to muster and quickly leave them in the dust.
Arthur leads his group away from the ship and its ogres for about an hour below slowing.
Davaa pulls up beside him, "Why did we flee from the ogres? You defeated that dragon thing back in the temple!"
Agnes swings out of her saddle amd stretches her legs. "You are right, Davaa. We could have defeated those ogres. We just didn't know if we could defeat those ogres and keep everyone alive while doing it. Better not to risk it."
The Khur thinks about what Agnes said for a minute before making a face and tilting his head in a way that indicates agreement.
Altan parcels out everyone's lunch. While the group eats, he leans forward. "Agnes... back in that temple, you turned into... a dragon. That was magic, right? Like the Order of High Sorcery?"
Agnes nods, "Of course it was magic. You don’t think that I'm really a dragon, do you?"
The cook laughs, "No, I guess not."
While everyone remounts and prepares to continue riding, Davaa announces that they will be swinging wide to the west around Tur. "We've lost half of our gold already. I don't want to go losing any more."
"Don't worry about the gold. I will replace it from my own coffers.you deserve every once of gold you earned in that temple." Arthur helps Agnes into her saddle before mounting his own horse. "I don't want to risk your lives more than we already are. Once we find a safe city let's exchange the gold for gems. It will be a lot easier to carry and hide." He urges his horse forward "Let's go!" Arthur keeps a hand on Lawbringer and a hard eye on the surroundings as they travel.
Davaa steers the group towards the northwest. The ground levels out bit is still rocky. There is a glint of metal and a thin plume of smoke off in the distance. As the group draws closer, they spot a shack made from bits of discarded metal. A small figure putters around outside of the shack. He wears a long white coat, black gloves, and a pair of goggles are perched atop his head. A bushy brown beard covers most of his face.
Arthur pinches the bridge of his nose. "We have to go past to continue on so let's get it over with. Be on guard in case something happens." Arthur nudges his horse forward.
The small figure jumps up and down, dancing in a circle while yelling, "EUREKA! Success! After all these years!"
"Good day, sir." Arthur approaches slowly. "Sorry to interrupt, but what is going on?"
"No need to apologize, my boy! In fact, you are in luck for you and your friends shall be the first people to witness the glory of my latest creation! Phineas von Blorfinstein is my name and inventing is my game!" The gnome reaches into his pocket and pulls out a hollow metal tube, perhaps eight inches long with a quarter-inch diameter.
"BEHOLD!!! The Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawl! But, 'what does it do' you ask. Picture it in your mind. It is a hot, sunny day. Your throat is dry and there is a nice, cold mug of clean, refreshing water sitting on the table in front of you but you are too weak from thirst, too parched, to reach out and take a drink! You are doomed to die of dehydration, a dessicated husk consigned to a dusty afterlife. But, wait! You have a Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawl! Simply insert one end into that mug, put the other end in your mouth, and through a combination of muscular action provided by your cheeks and atmospheric pressure, that life-saving liquid will travel up the Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawal and into your mouth, quenching your thirst!"
"Wow, amazing," Arthur says. "Is it enchanted to not rust from use? Or is it rust proof naturally?" He dismounts from his horse. "My name is Arthur." He looks to the sky to see roughly how long they have until nightfall and estimates he could probably squeeze in another hour of travel, two of he pushes hard.
"Completely rust-proof, my boy, and resistant to acid, too. Start with some iron, add a dash of nickel, a couple good-sized dollops of chromium - mix it in a forge for a few hours and BAM! Bob's your uncle," Phineas replies.
A guttural laugh echoes from within the landlocked hulk. Several figures, each standing close to eight feet tall and packed with heavy muscle emerge. Clad in chain armor and carrying a combination of spears, axes, and clubs, the brutes advance. Arthur instantly recognizes them as ogres. The largest wears a dirty tabard similar to those of the guards back at Salah-Khan's palace.
Arthur races for his horse "OGRES!" He puts himself between the ogres and his party. "Ride hard and fast! Don’t stop!"
The group urges their horses to run as the ogres give chase. One of the giants throws a spear but the horses quickly outpace any pursuit the ogres are able to muster and quickly leave them in the dust.
Arthur leads his group away from the ship and its ogres for about an hour below slowing.
Davaa pulls up beside him, "Why did we flee from the ogres? You defeated that dragon thing back in the temple!"
Agnes swings out of her saddle amd stretches her legs. "You are right, Davaa. We could have defeated those ogres. We just didn't know if we could defeat those ogres and keep everyone alive while doing it. Better not to risk it."
The Khur thinks about what Agnes said for a minute before making a face and tilting his head in a way that indicates agreement.
Altan parcels out everyone's lunch. While the group eats, he leans forward. "Agnes... back in that temple, you turned into... a dragon. That was magic, right? Like the Order of High Sorcery?"
Agnes nods, "Of course it was magic. You don’t think that I'm really a dragon, do you?"
The cook laughs, "No, I guess not."
While everyone remounts and prepares to continue riding, Davaa announces that they will be swinging wide to the west around Tur. "We've lost half of our gold already. I don't want to go losing any more."
"Don't worry about the gold. I will replace it from my own coffers.you deserve every once of gold you earned in that temple." Arthur helps Agnes into her saddle before mounting his own horse. "I don't want to risk your lives more than we already are. Once we find a safe city let's exchange the gold for gems. It will be a lot easier to carry and hide." He urges his horse forward "Let's go!" Arthur keeps a hand on Lawbringer and a hard eye on the surroundings as they travel.
Arthur pinches the bridge of his nose. "We have to go past to continue on so let's get it over with. Be on guard in case something happens." Arthur nudges his horse forward.
The small figure jumps up and down, dancing in a circle while yelling, "EUREKA! Success! After all these years!"
"Good day, sir." Arthur approaches slowly. "Sorry to interrupt, but what is going on?"
"No need to apologize, my boy! In fact, you are in luck for you and your friends shall be the first people to witness the glory of my latest creation! Phineas von Blorfinstein is my name and inventing is my game!" The gnome reaches into his pocket and pulls out a hollow metal tube, perhaps eight inches long with a quarter-inch diameter.
"BEHOLD!!! The Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawl! But, 'what does it do' you ask. Picture it in your mind. It is a hot, sunny day. Your throat is dry and there is a nice, cold mug of clean, refreshing water sitting on the table in front of you but you are too weak from thirst, too parched, to reach out and take a drink! You are doomed to die of dehydration, a dessicated husk consigned to a dusty afterlife. But, wait! You have a Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawl! Simply insert one end into that mug, put the other end in your mouth, and through a combination of muscular action provided by your cheeks and atmospheric pressure, that life-saving liquid will travel up the Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawal and into your mouth, quenching your thirst!"
"Wow, amazing," Arthur says. "Is it enchanted to not rust from use? Or is it rust proof naturally?" He dismounts from his horse. "My name is Arthur." He looks to the sky to see roughly how long they have until nightfall and estimates he could probably squeeze in another hour of travel, two of he pushes hard.
"Completely rust-proof, my boy, and resistant to acid, too. Start with some iron, add a dash of nickel, a couple good-sized dollops of chromium - mix it in a forge for a few hours and BAM! Bob's your uncle," Phineas replies.
"Well, it was nice to meet you and congratulations on your success, but we must get going before night falls upon us." He gives the gnome a smile and a nod before nudging his horse along.
"Going? Going where, young fella?" Phineas asks.
"To find a place to set up camp before it gets too dark out," Arthur tells Phineas.
"Well, young fella, you are blessed with a surfeit of options," Phineas replies. "Option Number One - set up your camp right here. Not a lot of traffic so you are likely to remain undisturbed. Option Number Two, I have a Don't-Stub-My-Toe-in-the-Dark-astor so I can literally keep the darkness at bay for you until you find a spot that is more to your liking."
"Let's set up camp here everyone. Phineas, all I ask is for you not to make an explosion while we sleep." Arthur laughs and dismounts. Davaa and Altan get to work setting up the tent while Arthur searches for firewood.
The gnome harumphs, "My boy, nothing I have made in at least the last...um... 36 hours has exploded!"
While the menfolk set up camp, Agnes walks over to talk to Phineas. "So, you are an inventor?" Her question carries with it a tone that could be taken as a child humoring a mentally declining grandparent but carries a definite warmth.
The gnome straightens to his full height, an impressive three-feet tall, not counting the hat, shoulders back, chin slightly up, thumbs tucked into his belt. "Madame, I am indeed. That is why I am here. To field test my latest designs 'in the field' as it were, to see how they hold up outside of the laboratory."
Agnes sits beside Phineas. "And what else have you created?"
Arthur doesn't hear much else as he, Davaa, and Altan set up the tent and get a fire started but he does see the gnome pull a wrench with a knife blade attached to one end. As he demonstrates its operation by miming tightening a bolt, he accidentally stabs himself just above his right knee.
After sitting Phineas down and bandaging his leg, Agnes invites him over to eat with the group.
"Going? Going where, young fella?" Phineas asks.
"To find a place to set up camp before it gets too dark out," Arthur tells Phineas.
"Well, young fella, you are blessed with a surfeit of options," Phineas replies. "Option Number One - set up your camp right here. Not a lot of traffic so you are likely to remain undisturbed. Option Number Two, I have a Don't-Stub-My-Toe-in-the-Dark-astor so I can literally keep the darkness at bay for you until you find a spot that is more to your liking."
"Let's set up camp here everyone. Phineas, all I ask is for you not to make an explosion while we sleep." Arthur laughs and dismounts. Davaa and Altan get to work setting up the tent while Arthur searches for firewood.
The gnome harumphs, "My boy, nothing I have made in at least the last...um... 36 hours has exploded!"
While the menfolk set up camp, Agnes walks over to talk to Phineas. "So, you are an inventor?" Her question carries with it a tone that could be taken as a child humoring a mentally declining grandparent but carries a definite warmth.
The gnome straightens to his full height, an impressive three-feet tall, not counting the hat, shoulders back, chin slightly up, thumbs tucked into his belt. "Madame, I am indeed. That is why I am here. To field test my latest designs 'in the field' as it were, to see how they hold up outside of the laboratory."
Agnes sits beside Phineas. "And what else have you created?"
Arthur doesn't hear much else as he, Davaa, and Altan set up the tent and get a fire started but he does see the gnome pull a wrench with a knife blade attached to one end. As he demonstrates its operation by miming tightening a bolt, he accidentally stabs himself just above his right knee.
After sitting Phineas down and bandaging his leg, Agnes invites him over to eat with the group.
Arthur sits down to eat. "So, Phineas, how long have you been out here working, and inventing? Why not be in a city?"
"I've been here specifically going on three months. Can you believe that there are cities that claim my work is dangerous and don't want an inventor of my caliber within their walls. Almost none of my creations have failed catastrophically and caused property damage to more than a single building at once." Phineas pauses, taking a drink of airag. "Oh, this is quite nice. My compliments to the sheep."
After downing the contents of his cup, he continues. "So, I came out here. Wide open spaces, low humidity, no neighbors calling me a 'crackpot' or 'menace' or 'threat to public safety.' I mean there are gnolls and the occasional bandit who try to steal my work but a few shots of my Shock 'n' Awe-atron are enough to make just about anyone reconsider trying to steal my work."
"Shock 'n'' Awe-atron? What on earth is that?" Arthur glances over at Phileas.
"Oh! I'll show you! Wait here!" Phineas jumps up and heads into his makeshift shack. The sounds of things clattering around fills the air, followed by a grunt of effort. A minute later, the tiny gnome emerges carrying a metal tube festooned with gears, a mostly see-through tank bolted precariously to the top, and a handful of dials and levers. A strap runs over Phineas's shoulder to distribute the weight. He twists the dials, adjusting whatever passes for settings on the strange device and it begins to hum. "Whatever you do, don't walk in front of me and don't look directly at the barrel." He points the Shock 'n' Awe-atron away from the group and slowly pushes one of the levers forward. The hum builds, rising in pitch as he aims it toward a rocky outcropping on the other side of the trail. When steam starts hissing out of the seams, Phineas pulls back on the lever. A white-hot bolt of lightning erupts from the open end of the tube, blasting out toward its stony target. A peal of thunder follows the blast and leaves the party's ears ringing. The bolt of electricity strikes the outcropping and blasts huge chunks of rocks into the air and small bits of debris rain down all around the group.
Arthur holds his shield above Agnes so the debris doesn't hit her. "Holy Hell, Phineas! I can see why people would be afraid." He brushes dirt off himself. "I wouldn't mind having one of those honestly, haha. You wouldn't be chance have anything for sale?"
Phineas jiggles one of the levers, "This one is a bit loose. Going to have to adjust that. Sorry, my boy, I am not a merchant. Don't get me wrong, they have their place, it's just that mine is not among them. You never said where you were going."
"We are heading towards Ak-Baral."
Phineas rises, slapping his thighs, "Well, you talked me into it, my boy. I will come with you."
19 Newkolt 249 AC
The rest of the night passes quietly. The day dawns bright and clear and more importantly, relatively warm. While Arthur and Davaa break down the tent, Altan makes a breakfast of porridge with some dried berries thrown in. Phineas emerges from his ramshackle hut, dragging a box behind him. He sets it down and then straddles it. He inserts a handcrank into a slot on top and begins to spin it. There is a pop and several panels spring open. Legs push out of the bottom, lifting the box off of the ground. A second later the front flips open and a metallic horse's head swings up from under the body and snaps its place.
Agnes, Altan, and Davaa all stare, dumbfounded, at the sight.
"Ready when you are, my boy!" Phineas smiles broadly. "I call this one an "Across-the-Plains-inator."
"I've been here specifically going on three months. Can you believe that there are cities that claim my work is dangerous and don't want an inventor of my caliber within their walls. Almost none of my creations have failed catastrophically and caused property damage to more than a single building at once." Phineas pauses, taking a drink of airag. "Oh, this is quite nice. My compliments to the sheep."
After downing the contents of his cup, he continues. "So, I came out here. Wide open spaces, low humidity, no neighbors calling me a 'crackpot' or 'menace' or 'threat to public safety.' I mean there are gnolls and the occasional bandit who try to steal my work but a few shots of my Shock 'n' Awe-atron are enough to make just about anyone reconsider trying to steal my work."
"Shock 'n'' Awe-atron? What on earth is that?" Arthur glances over at Phileas.
"Oh! I'll show you! Wait here!" Phineas jumps up and heads into his makeshift shack. The sounds of things clattering around fills the air, followed by a grunt of effort. A minute later, the tiny gnome emerges carrying a metal tube festooned with gears, a mostly see-through tank bolted precariously to the top, and a handful of dials and levers. A strap runs over Phineas's shoulder to distribute the weight. He twists the dials, adjusting whatever passes for settings on the strange device and it begins to hum. "Whatever you do, don't walk in front of me and don't look directly at the barrel." He points the Shock 'n' Awe-atron away from the group and slowly pushes one of the levers forward. The hum builds, rising in pitch as he aims it toward a rocky outcropping on the other side of the trail. When steam starts hissing out of the seams, Phineas pulls back on the lever. A white-hot bolt of lightning erupts from the open end of the tube, blasting out toward its stony target. A peal of thunder follows the blast and leaves the party's ears ringing. The bolt of electricity strikes the outcropping and blasts huge chunks of rocks into the air and small bits of debris rain down all around the group.
Arthur holds his shield above Agnes so the debris doesn't hit her. "Holy Hell, Phineas! I can see why people would be afraid." He brushes dirt off himself. "I wouldn't mind having one of those honestly, haha. You wouldn't be chance have anything for sale?"
Phineas jiggles one of the levers, "This one is a bit loose. Going to have to adjust that. Sorry, my boy, I am not a merchant. Don't get me wrong, they have their place, it's just that mine is not among them. You never said where you were going."
"We are heading towards Ak-Baral."
Phineas rises, slapping his thighs, "Well, you talked me into it, my boy. I will come with you."
19 Newkolt 249 AC
The rest of the night passes quietly. The day dawns bright and clear and more importantly, relatively warm. While Arthur and Davaa break down the tent, Altan makes a breakfast of porridge with some dried berries thrown in. Phineas emerges from his ramshackle hut, dragging a box behind him. He sets it down and then straddles it. He inserts a handcrank into a slot on top and begins to spin it. There is a pop and several panels spring open. Legs push out of the bottom, lifting the box off of the ground. A second later the front flips open and a metallic horse's head swings up from under the body and snaps its place.
Agnes, Altan, and Davaa all stare, dumbfounded, at the sight.
"Ready when you are, my boy!" Phineas smiles broadly. "I call this one an "Across-the-Plains-inator."
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