Vashaa's missing eggs: Part 4
After everyone packed their bags with a few things they would need on their journey, the group departed from Tianshu, leaving the giant tree quickly behind it. Their elder was flying with them, anger in her eyes that was only growing by each passing hour. Zhishi had seen those gems before, had told them where they would get information considering their owner and the magic inside them.
The gem mines down in the Molten Crater Volcano.
Inhabitated only by the earthen subspecies and those Shiji-Long, who have forsworn the easy life in the city and lush regions around it. It is said that working in the magic filled mines will enhance your natural magic as well. A lot of Shiji-Long have followed that call of power and strength, have grown bitter by the years of working in those harsh conditions. These Shiji-Long have not seen an elder for ages, have seen a group of outsiders only then, when they could cheat them out of their gold. And now all eyes were on the group of Shiji-Long, who had just arrived in this arrid, hot region.
The dust never settled here. Ash was blinding the sight wherever the group stepped, the air filled with the sound of tools hitting the hard rock. Vashaa sneered. It would be hard to find someone who would give the group information and even if, it would surely not come for free.
All the Shijis seem to avoid the group, shooting looks and whispering under their breath, but eventually, you find an old, grim looking Shiji-Long, who apparently had spend years, if not cycles, here in this mine.
The group decides to ask him for further information on the stones and where they might be able to find the eggs.
Sneering, the Shiji takes a few steps back, looking uncertain.
"You didn't hear this from me, but there is a rumor going around some of the volcanics- Bastards." He huffs, as he is obviously not really on good terms with them. "Some say they saw the black shadow again. There might be someone who knows more around here. People sell all kinds of shit."
In the back, Vashaa slithers along the ground when she hears that word, teeth baring in warning.
"Do not joke with this!"
"Take or leave it! Now get lost! We don't need you hear, your highness!"
The elder sneers, but lets the old Shiji move along and vanish in the smoke of the burning mountains. In front of you, there lies a market, buzzing with merchants and shady creatures.
The group decides to open up the scroll first.
The scroll is written in some very heavy accent, but with some discussion, the group eventually deciphers what is written on the paper.
"Hello Ouji. Yes, we had to move. It just wasn't save anymore. Things went missing, even people, we just couldn't stay near the mountain anymore. We sent the kids and elderly first, in the deepest night and we went after them only a few days later. At the moment no one seems to have come after us. We hope it stays that way. Just... stay away from that damn mountain.
I will write you another message in a few weeks. Take care."
Momaru
It seems to be a very personal message from a friend, or possibly family member, to another. Why the merchant had it the group can only speculate.
The group decided to also investigate the stones the have gotten from the strange merchant. Using magic resulted in the one getting broken in half. The other stone was handed around in the group and eventually something happened. The markings rubbed off. Apparently the signs of magic were simply painted onto the stones. Maybe the merchant had overheard your conversation earlier.
The stones were discarded as they were a fake. The group decided to investigate the mountain that was descriped in the message.
___
"Hello there." An unfamiliar face appears before you as you were just about to leave this smoldering mine. "I might be able to help you out on your quest... If you play a game with me."
A shiji with a sly grin stands before you, tossing some dice into the air. Is he to be trusted? Can a quick game harm the mission? You have the following options, consider them wisely, as they will change things in the story.
A: Play the game.
B: Try to pursuade the Shiji to help you another way (discuss how)
C: Try to cheat when you play the game.
D: Turn around and leave this place at once.
The group decided to play the game, despite finding the new guy suspect.
---
The unknown Shiji grins as you tell him that you want to play a game of dice. He explains you the rules, the highest number wins, two dices are tossed.
You take turns tossing the dice, but every time the gambler is getting a higher number than you.
"Well, it seems you lost. Repeatedly. I think you should compensate me now." The gambler grins. Just when you are about to hand over some coin, a large claw presses down on his shoulder, making him turn and stop in his tracks.
"You should stop with your scamming." The elder grumbles, at which the gambler holds up his hands in a placating manner.
"Me? Scamming, never!"
The group looks at the dice then, throwing them again and again. Biased dice.
"If you do not want to have your business taken down, I would suggest you keep your word and help." Vashaa bared her teeth, at which the gambler simply grimaced.
"Fine!" The gambler huffed. "My name's Grimar. And I might be able to help you."
The group decided to Force him to come and show them where to go.
"are you serious!"
You tied the gambler up and put him onto one of your mounts. Grimar looks less than thrilled and actually complains and bitches until the group makes it out of the mine. Only reluctantly he answers when you asked him where to go.
"Apparently you do not trust me anyway, so why bother to ask for my opinion?" Grimar sneers. "Take the map, do whatever you want." After that the scammer remained silent, his expression pissed.
You can see a few locations on the map. One is marked with red, but there are two more. A mountain village on the left and a crystalized structure on the right. Discuss where the group wants to go.
