"There were what I think are skeleton tracks slipping through a crack past the boulder. The gap is too small for any of us, which is why we came back. Either for some picks to make a space wide enough, or for something to help us move the boulder. Oh, and there were some other tracks that I didn't recognise. Not skeletons, but something that seemed to try and get through after the skeletons but couldn't fit."
OOC: No problem moving on, I'm happy to have retroactively sorted stuff with Wormsquirt. On the walk back to Parth's, Zarbof would've counted the coins and taken a look at the axe at least. (In other words, let me know what Wormsquirt passed to me!)
ooc: There was 700 silver and 60 gold. The staff, sword and axe you would either have to cast identify on or focus on them over a short rest to learn what they are.
Parth looks kind of sideways at Worsquirts statement but holds his tongue. At Wormsquirt enters the kitchen you hear Tilda greet him warmly. "My little friend with the big belly has returned! Come sit. I've just made some pies!"
Parth chuckles a bit "She's got a real soft spot for that one"
Turning back to the party "So it sounds like there's something else behind that slab. I imagine it must be something pretty nasty to get sealed in. It would certainly be a service to the area to clean it out and may help restore my reputation somewhat to be able to say that place is no longer haunted. I'd be willing to personally offer 300 gold to get that taken of. What are the groups thoughts? Is that something you'd like to take on?"
ooc: Oh, that was my bad. I should have noticed you were wearing scale and commented on it. I'm OK if you want to just swap it out with something else. If you wanted to keep the same AC you could swap to breastplate and we can just call it all good.
"Going back to clear out that cave sounds good to me. Getting paid to do it sounds even better! Would you all agree?"
Zarbof hands the weapons to those who prefer to use them- the staff to Belialuin and the sword to Roger (are they the most likely users?), then asks the group how they want to split the 700 silver and 60 gold (10gp, 110sp each and the remaining 40sp to Wormsquirt as a finder's fee? Or some kind of collective group purse?).
Belialuin was silent. He didn't want to talk throughout the journey back. As if a mild possession, an echo rang in his mind constantly saying the very same word...."Danger......Danger....Danger". It wasn't an arcane feeling, not a one he could understand at least, yet some ominous presence has been lingering the edges of his thoughts. He heard and read about numerous creatures throughout his studies, yet this seemed like something new...something terrifying. He interrupts the talks and decides to share in a mildly investigative voice
"Did you see how the gnoll bodies and skeletons were scattered there. Initially, we thought the skeletons were guarding the place or maybe inhabiting it. But neither of those can be true, I think. The way everything stood it looked more likely that all the creatures were running away from that boulder from the sealed cavern. Fun fact the skeletons and most of the other undead creatures do not have a sense of fear".
Belialuin slowly moves to the barrel and pours himself a drink without a single glance on anyone engulfed by the thoughts. He continues speaking after downing all of the drink in one big gulp.
"We're dealing with a creature or maybe creatures for a fact.... that even undead are not willing to handle. Another interesting observation, I think all of you noticed the rotten gnoll corpses that were there. The stench and the number of bodies were in a different state of decay, meaning that the bodies were perpetually being added there during a long period of time. This leads me to think that the place was maybe a sacrificial groud were the gnolls were downing their kin. And the boulder was a recent seal....a rather unnatural one an that. I'm not sure are the gnolls worshiping this creature.....maybe they're just giving it tribute. Do you have knowledge about any such creature Parth? Considering all of this, are you sure we want to unseal what lived in that cavern? If so we would require good preparation. Better armor, weapons, potions and arcane items."
OOC: Has Belialuin read anything of this sort in the books that Parth gave him?
"I don't think that seal is recent. I took a good look at it, and it looked to me like that seal had been there at least a century, maybe two. If there is something bigger sealed down there, I don't think it's been out for a very long time. Not that way, at least."
Parth listening and nodding along finally says "You bring up some interesting subjects Belialuin. It does sound as if there's something more menacing than gnolls or skeleton blocked into that cavern. From what you've described it sounds like the gnolls sealed up that tunnel but still used the cave for a time. As to what happened to them, or why they stopped using it is anyone's guess I suppose. I'm not sure where you heard that skeletons are immune to fear, perhaps it's a rumor started long ago, but that isn't true. They are susceptible to fear. Poison however will have no effect."
He starts pacing around "As to what could be sealed in there... If it's true that it's been sealed for a over a century then there are some likely candidates. This area used to be more wild and large creatures like Minotaurs, Centaurs, Ogres and Manticore were more common. Over time population has driven them mostly from the area but perhaps long ago the gnolls were fighting for territory with some kind of creature like that. I don't see how something could still be alive after all this time down there.... hmmm... unless it's been breeding and there's more than one. Or it's not alive at all and there is something else undead there besides the skeletons."
He looks the group over "Without knowing for sure what's in there I can not know how you'd all fare. If something has been breeding down there, and my guess is right as to what kind of creatures you may find, then more than 3 or 4 at most, and I fear you may be outmatched. If it is something Undead there are likely not many and as strange as it sounds you may fare better"
"So we believe the gnolls have been living in that cave for a couple of hundred years at least, and sealed that passage up over a century ago, scared of what was in there. And the seal must have worked for them to still be living in that cave. But there were a lot of dead gnolls when we got there, not just the ones we killed. A few were having a fight for power outside, but the dead ones in the cave weren't killed in that battle. Something else killed them. So if we've gone to clear out the gnolls, and just left a different threat in that cave, what was the point in us going at all?
Also, if we're talking about a colony of minotaurs or ogres that have been breeding for a century, there are a couple of questions: Firstly, if they were sealed in, where were they getting their food from, to be able to breed and survive all this time; and Secondly, where did the skeletons come from? It strikes me that if the two possibilities are some colony of ancient beasts or something undead, the undead is far more likely."
Having given his opinion on the matter, Zarbof follows Wormsquirt to the kitchen, grabs a pie, then sits down and takes the time to focus on the axe that was found while he waits for others to share their views.
Thorum says “well I believe we are in agreement that whatever is in this cave, it would be very distructive to this area if it were to break free. If we do decide to break the seal, we must be prepared to fully eraticate it or bring great danger to this region.”
Zarbof, going into the kitchen you see Tilda tittering over Wormsquirt. He has an impressive array of food set out for him and she keeps saying stuff like "Oh, you liked that one! What about this? It's pastry stuffed with vegetables and spices. What do you think?"
Seeing you come in she greets you warmly "Please enjoy a pie! You're friend here was just sampling some of my experiments? Would like to try some?" Noticing you studying the axe she says "Well that looks like a fine weapon! Why are you staring at it so intently?"
"Oh, we picked it up today. I'm just checking to see if it has any particular quality. Um, did you say experiments? Experimental flavours? What exactly are they?"
"Mmm... delicious.... murumph..." Wormsquirt says with his mouth full. You see his eyes dart quickly to a piece of food that's ready to fall to his plate, his tongue flicks outward catching it and brings it to his open mouth. "Can't waste this stuff.... so good."
"So, what if that cavern is cursed?" Wormsquirt says after washing down his fifth pie with a bit of ale. "I don't want some curse to fall upon me. I saw that happen once to a clutch-mate, horrible thing to witness. His eyes bulged out, he started foaming at the mouth, and got this crazy look..... killed some..." Wormsquirt trails off, shuddering a bit. "Nope, don't want a curse."
Tilda nods looking at the axe for a moment more and then starts setting out little tidbits in front of Zarbof too... "Well this one is sweet fruit but with hot peppers. This one is kind of sour to start but has a lot butter so it ends kind of creamy. This is just a fried potato but I put some cheese on it!"
"Oh, that sounds good. I'll try some of all of them please! Pardon my asking, but is that what you and Parth were arguing about? We heard raised voices as we came in. Does he not like you experimenting with his menu?"
She looks a little disturbed by your question but covers it by gathering up some food for you to try "You know how it is. Two people in close quarters all the time. Sometimes we bicker like an old married couple" She forces a chuckle "Nothing to worry yourself about."
"I would try this one first" she smiles putting a little pastry in front of you.
"There were what I think are skeleton tracks slipping through a crack past the boulder. The gap is too small for any of us, which is why we came back. Either for some picks to make a space wide enough, or for something to help us move the boulder. Oh, and there were some other tracks that I didn't recognise. Not skeletons, but something that seemed to try and get through after the skeletons but couldn't fit."
OOC: No problem moving on, I'm happy to have retroactively sorted stuff with Wormsquirt. On the walk back to Parth's, Zarbof would've counted the coins and taken a look at the axe at least. (In other words, let me know what Wormsquirt passed to me!)
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilationooc: There was 700 silver and 60 gold. The staff, sword and axe you would either have to cast identify on or focus on them over a short rest to learn what they are.
Parth looks kind of sideways at Worsquirts statement but holds his tongue. At Wormsquirt enters the kitchen you hear Tilda greet him warmly. "My little friend with the big belly has returned! Come sit. I've just made some pies!"
Parth chuckles a bit "She's got a real soft spot for that one"
Turning back to the party "So it sounds like there's something else behind that slab. I imagine it must be something pretty nasty to get sealed in. It would certainly be a service to the area to clean it out and may help restore my reputation somewhat to be able to say that place is no longer haunted. I'd be willing to personally offer 300 gold to get that taken of. What are the groups thoughts? Is that something you'd like to take on?"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Thorum approaches Parth and says “Is there anywhere around close that I can purchase armor?”
OOC: I didn’t realize that I should have had disadvantage on stealth until after the fact on our last encounter.
Ghosts of Saltmarsh - DM
ooc: Oh, that was my bad. I should have noticed you were wearing scale and commented on it. I'm OK if you want to just swap it out with something else. If you wanted to keep the same AC you could swap to breastplate and we can just call it all good.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
OOC: I swapped to studded leather. Near same cost as scale and one AC lower so no big change.
Ghosts of Saltmarsh - DM
ooc: OK, sounds good!
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
"Going back to clear out that cave sounds good to me. Getting paid to do it sounds even better! Would you all agree?"
Zarbof hands the weapons to those who prefer to use them- the staff to Belialuin and the sword to Roger (are they the most likely users?), then asks the group how they want to split the 700 silver and 60 gold (10gp, 110sp each and the remaining 40sp to Wormsquirt as a finder's fee? Or some kind of collective group purse?).
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilationBelialuin was silent. He didn't want to talk throughout the journey back. As if a mild possession, an echo rang in his mind constantly saying the very same word...."Danger......Danger....Danger". It wasn't an arcane feeling, not a one he could understand at least, yet some ominous presence has been lingering the edges of his thoughts. He heard and read about numerous creatures throughout his studies, yet this seemed like something new...something terrifying. He interrupts the talks and decides to share in a mildly investigative voice
"Did you see how the gnoll bodies and skeletons were scattered there. Initially, we thought the skeletons were guarding the place or maybe inhabiting it. But neither of those can be true, I think. The way everything stood it looked more likely that all the creatures were running away from that boulder from the sealed cavern. Fun fact the skeletons and most of the other undead creatures do not have a sense of fear".
Belialuin slowly moves to the barrel and pours himself a drink without a single glance on anyone engulfed by the thoughts. He continues speaking after downing all of the drink in one big gulp.
"We're dealing with a creature or maybe creatures for a fact.... that even undead are not willing to handle. Another interesting observation, I think all of you noticed the rotten gnoll corpses that were there. The stench and the number of bodies were in a different state of decay, meaning that the bodies were perpetually being added there during a long period of time. This leads me to think that the place was maybe a sacrificial groud were the gnolls were downing their kin. And the boulder was a recent seal....a rather unnatural one an that. I'm not sure are the gnolls worshiping this creature.....maybe they're just giving it tribute. Do you have knowledge about any such creature Parth? Considering all of this, are you sure we want to unseal what lived in that cavern? If so we would require good preparation. Better armor, weapons, potions and arcane items."
OOC: Has Belialuin read anything of this sort in the books that Parth gave him?
"I don't think that seal is recent. I took a good look at it, and it looked to me like that seal had been there at least a century, maybe two. If there is something bigger sealed down there, I don't think it's been out for a very long time. Not that way, at least."
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilationParth listening and nodding along finally says "You bring up some interesting subjects Belialuin. It does sound as if there's something more menacing than gnolls or skeleton blocked into that cavern. From what you've described it sounds like the gnolls sealed up that tunnel but still used the cave for a time. As to what happened to them, or why they stopped using it is anyone's guess I suppose. I'm not sure where you heard that skeletons are immune to fear, perhaps it's a rumor started long ago, but that isn't true. They are susceptible to fear. Poison however will have no effect."
He starts pacing around "As to what could be sealed in there... If it's true that it's been sealed for a over a century then there are some likely candidates. This area used to be more wild and large creatures like Minotaurs, Centaurs, Ogres and Manticore were more common. Over time population has driven them mostly from the area but perhaps long ago the gnolls were fighting for territory with some kind of creature like that. I don't see how something could still be alive after all this time down there.... hmmm... unless it's been breeding and there's more than one. Or it's not alive at all and there is something else undead there besides the skeletons."
He looks the group over "Without knowing for sure what's in there I can not know how you'd all fare. If something has been breeding down there, and my guess is right as to what kind of creatures you may find, then more than 3 or 4 at most, and I fear you may be outmatched. If it is something Undead there are likely not many and as strange as it sounds you may fare better"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
"So we believe the gnolls have been living in that cave for a couple of hundred years at least, and sealed that passage up over a century ago, scared of what was in there. And the seal must have worked for them to still be living in that cave. But there were a lot of dead gnolls when we got there, not just the ones we killed. A few were having a fight for power outside, but the dead ones in the cave weren't killed in that battle. Something else killed them. So if we've gone to clear out the gnolls, and just left a different threat in that cave, what was the point in us going at all?
Also, if we're talking about a colony of minotaurs or ogres that have been breeding for a century, there are a couple of questions: Firstly, if they were sealed in, where were they getting their food from, to be able to breed and survive all this time; and Secondly, where did the skeletons come from? It strikes me that if the two possibilities are some colony of ancient beasts or something undead, the undead is far more likely."
Having given his opinion on the matter, Zarbof follows Wormsquirt to the kitchen, grabs a pie, then sits down and takes the time to focus on the axe that was found while he waits for others to share their views.
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilationThorum says “well I believe we are in agreement that whatever is in this cave, it would be very distructive to this area if it were to break free. If we do decide to break the seal, we must be prepared to fully eraticate it or bring great danger to this region.”
Ghosts of Saltmarsh - DM
Zarbof, going into the kitchen you see Tilda tittering over Wormsquirt. He has an impressive array of food set out for him and she keeps saying stuff like "Oh, you liked that one! What about this? It's pastry stuffed with vegetables and spices. What do you think?"
Seeing you come in she greets you warmly "Please enjoy a pie! You're friend here was just sampling some of my experiments? Would like to try some?" Noticing you studying the axe she says "Well that looks like a fine weapon! Why are you staring at it so intently?"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
"Oh, we picked it up today. I'm just checking to see if it has any particular quality. Um, did you say experiments? Experimental flavours? What exactly are they?"
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilation"Mmm... delicious.... murumph..." Wormsquirt says with his mouth full. You see his eyes dart quickly to a piece of food that's ready to fall to his plate, his tongue flicks outward catching it and brings it to his open mouth. "Can't waste this stuff.... so good."
"So, what if that cavern is cursed?" Wormsquirt says after washing down his fifth pie with a bit of ale. "I don't want some curse to fall upon me. I saw that happen once to a clutch-mate, horrible thing to witness. His eyes bulged out, he started foaming at the mouth, and got this crazy look..... killed some..." Wormsquirt trails off, shuddering a bit. "Nope, don't want a curse."
Tilda nods looking at the axe for a moment more and then starts setting out little tidbits in front of Zarbof too... "Well this one is sweet fruit but with hot peppers. This one is kind of sour to start but has a lot butter so it ends kind of creamy. This is just a fried potato but I put some cheese on it!"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
"Oh, that sounds good. I'll try some of all of them please! Pardon my asking, but is that what you and Parth were arguing about? We heard raised voices as we came in. Does he not like you experimenting with his menu?"
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilationOoh, nice lead in. I like it. Give me a persuasion with advantage.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Persuasion with advantage: 14
lol
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilationShe looks a little disturbed by your question but covers it by gathering up some food for you to try "You know how it is. Two people in close quarters all the time. Sometimes we bicker like an old married couple" She forces a chuckle "Nothing to worry yourself about."
"I would try this one first" she smiles putting a little pastry in front of you.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules