Galtran would elect for wielding the steel short sword... if the option is still there.
The jeweled weapon fits snugly in your grip. It's reach is shorter than your silver sword, but it's weight and durability are obviously higher. You are no appraiser, but this weapon appears to be worth a fortune. It's yours now.
The party peacefully makes their way out into the light of day after gathering some food for the journey. The midday sun shines warmly on the party as they cross the babbling brook that served as the city's water source.
It is only a day and a half journey to Mebzuthishen - Oarpassionate to try and find the king and ensure peace.
It is an uneventful journey first through forests, then over an old dwarven highway, and finally through savannah plains before reaching the city at the base of the mountain.
Source: World of Warcraft
The surface portion of the city has only a few people about, but the party drops in at the tavern just in case. What is present would be a delight for the eyes:
Ambience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oeo2VCCtUZQA working tavern! Not only fully stocked with alcohol, but plenty of tables. On a nearby stand are several instruments and a small stage to play on.
Working taverns are non-existent across the land, especially one with a large enough stock of booze to sell!
Although the alcohol is expensive, which is unsurprising considering the shortage of it.
What would you do? After many hard weeks on the trail this would be an ideal time to relax, drink and perhaps put on a show. After all there's no sign saying that you can't use the instrument.Regardless when they are done, the party will set forth down into the underground city proper.
A similar spiral downward ramp into darkness, but instead of the ominous atmosphere of a city occupied by a giant monster or ruled by demon worshipping cultists this is much warmer as you hear all sorts of familiar urban sounds below.
The party gets off the ramp at the population center of the city and the hustle and bustle of life assails the senses:
Traffic running around and about the smoothed tunnels
Peacocks pecking about looking for food overturned from carts
A prophet doomsayer walks up and down screaming of the end of everything
A poet seeks to hand out copies of his work to passersby while reciting lines
Two horses, that clearly escaped their pen, wander off down the hall as you hear a distant voice likely shouting for them
People keep speaking of rumors of a famous spy called Dang, hiding within the city somewhere. From the goblin lands, although his race is not mentioned.
What is your reaction to the city?You pass by markets selling foods; including rare underground meats such as from a gremlin
You pass a store selling accessories: Jeweled bracelets, earrings, rings, and an assortment of clothing all coated in the very same! On a few displays you see gems the size of your hand!
Do you want anything? You are fully stocked, but who says more is bad? How does such opulence make you feel?You eventually wander your way into an office, unmarked, as you look for someone helpful!
You see a dwarf man in simple, yet elegant regalia speaking with two elderly dwarves. The elegant man is flanked by two other dwarves, dressed visibly like hunters from the wilderness, but their eyes watch the room more carefully like a guard's would!
You greet the dwarf, who turns to you as you walk in
Do you do so simply or with formality or with honor, etc?He introduces himself "I am Aban Leafpost the last general of the Craterous Glazes." He bows to you even without recognizing you
Meeting the general is a great way to find the king and you request information about the local government
Feel free to phrase the request as specific dialogue for flavor - I won't speak directly for the partyHe informs you that the city is under occupation and currently belongs to the...Patterned Images!
That's the name of the government ruled by the necromancers Kanil Inchwhip slew!
A cold hunter military captain rules the city...and the king is in hiding within the city.
Why would a king hide in the one place he is likely to be killed on sight?As he speaks you can hear the voice of a guard shouting at and interrogating a passerby. He is very close to your position.
OOC:
This is actually new info for me! I had no idea the city was under occupation. There are no necromancers left, but the super powered intelligent undead are still a force to be reckoned with it seems!
Also can potentially change plans. If we want we can simply leave as without it's capital we surely can't expect the craterous glazes to join in a war!