" Well done, little one. " Julius gently touches the Myconid sprout's head (cap?) .
@Daphwise
"Well… I have to tell him later that all Elf kins, including our capturer, are having strong resistance over charming spells. " The half elf squints his eyes and watches the warlock and the tabaxi taking breathing. He looks entertained but shows no intention to join them.
@ Everyone
" … I think what Jorlan needs now is a healer rather than a charmer. As the gnome said,we can make a deal with the warden, if we can heal his injury. Does any one of us have healing abilities? " Julius looks around his roommates then starts to laugh to himself. " Oh silly me! I don't even know your name let alone what you can do. Except Val. How about having a simple self-introduction? I'm Julius. A half elf with a unique feature " He points to half of his face which is covered with venomous coloured boils." And spell casting ability. But sadly I can't heal people. "
OOC: Hi everyone. I'm making notes for all PCs and NPCs. If you describe your character's appearance and gender, that will be very helpful. My current notes are as follows.
Julius, an albino Half-Drow Sorcerer who looks like a normal Half-Elf. He has black curly hair and goatee. Half of his face is covered by various colored swelling. (male)
Umarook, a Half-Orc Cleric (female)
Lady Whiff, an Air Genasi Druid
Belvalor, a Half-Elf Rogue, nickname is Val. (male)
Gwylla, a Half-Elf Wizard
Daphiwyse, a Deep Gnome Warlock(male)
Misty, a Tabaxi Rogue
Sir Percival,A large, slightly overweight half-elf in his early 20s(male)
Lady Whiff had to bow out unfortunately.
Sarith
Sarith will speak up and scoff at Julius and Percival.
"Do you really think Ilvara is interested in healing Jorlan now half-breed?" His tone very pointed at Julius. "She has discarded him like yesterday's rubbish and now favors Shoor." "We are more likely to waste away here than to make a 'deal' with Ilvara."
Eldeth
Eldeth will tell the players that she found the flint while piling up rocks as a "task" for the Drow. "It tweren't easy trying to hide it, but I was able to sneak it back here at the end of the day. Maybe there are other discarded things that we can find to help us get our stuff and get out!"
DM Notes
I'm going to slow down my responses a bit to allow others to chime in moving forward. There are some players in different time zones, plus I haven't heard from Gwylla yet. I'm pondering when to move the story forward since this is my first Play by Post. It's a lot easier in person! If you feel we're going at an OK pace then let me know. I can also set time frames to move the story forward (I.E. a week or two weeks or more).
(OOC: Thank you everyone for your help!)
Julius's mouth curls joyfully as he surveys his audience ( especially Sarith).
@Sir Percival, Umarook.
" Two healers! Great. This means we have more options and leverage for dealing "
@Sarith
" Will Ilvara listen to us because of her boyfriend? No, she won't. I know how drow females treat their boys better than anyone else. There is zero chance that Jorlan retakes Ilvara's favor. But it's good for us. Because we make bargain with poor Jorlan. Now he is afraid, jealously and desperate. In other words, vulnerable soft point of this impenetrable jail. And all mighty fortresses fall start … " The half elf makes a little circle with his fingers and looks everyone through it. " … From a tiny hole"
Belvalor manages a firm shake of Percival’s extended hand before the Paladin enters into conversation with another.
Belvalor, a half-elf man of slightly above average height for a human, stands with his arms crossed in thought. He seems well toned, but certainly not bulky. After but a moment, he reaches up and brushes his shoulder-length, brown hair out of his face and the strands fall in line with the rest of his hair that’s been patted down the middle. His hazel eyes turn their gaze away from the two meditating and over toward the rest of the group.
”Aye, two healers will come in handy. I very much doubt we’ll be able to escape from here peacefully. As for me? I’m a Treasure Hunter by trade. I have a knack for… procuring valuables from all manner of places.” Belvalor’s voice is deep and smooth as he talks. “You all can call me Val.”
Val glances from left to right at each of his fellow captives before saying, “As for cunning plans, perhaps we should be a bit careful of how loudly we discuss such plans. And more careful still of revealing anything that may aid in those plans.” He nods his head toward Eldeth.
Belvalor manages a firm shake of Percival’s extended hand before the Paladin enters into conversation with another.
Belvalor, a half-elf man of slightly above average height for a human, stands with his arms crossed in thought. He seems well toned, but certainly not bulky. After but a moment, he reaches up and brushes his shoulder-length, brown hair out of his face and the strands fall in line with the rest of his hair that’s been patted down the middle. His hazel eyes turn their gaze away from the two meditating and over toward the rest of the group.
”Aye, two healers will come in handy. I very much doubt we’ll be able to escape from here peacefully. As for me? I’m a Treasure Hunter by trade. I have a knack for… procuring valuables from all manner of places.” Belvalor’s voice is deep and smooth as he talks. “You all can call me Val.”
Val glances from left to right at each of his fellow captives before saying, “As for cunning plans, perhaps we should be a bit careful of how loudly we discuss such plans. And more careful still of revealing anything that may aid in those plans.” He nods his head toward Eldeth.
"Yes," says Daphwyse, "although Stool could help with his rapport spores. I hope that we can find some drow poison. My patron has some that I stole. I think they are in a storage house or someplace like that."
Side Note: Gwylla has dropped out. But it seems like everyone remaining is fairly responsive.
You all hear the familiar sound of guards approaching the pen. What would you all like to do if anything at all? Keep in mind that you still see the guards in the other tower keeping a watch on you.
All of the other captives move towards the wall, knowing that the guards will instruct them to do so as soon as they get to the door. Eldeth seems to be the only one that does not, as she scurries to hide her flint.
Belvalor manages a firm shake of Percival’s extended hand before the Paladin enters into conversation with another.
Belvalor, a half-elf man of slightly above average height for a human, stands with his arms crossed in thought. He seems well toned, but certainly not bulky. After but a moment, he reaches up and brushes his shoulder-length, brown hair out of his face and the strands fall in line with the rest of his hair that’s been patted down the middle. His hazel eyes turn their gaze away from the two meditating and over toward the rest of the group.
”Aye, two healers will come in handy. I very much doubt we’ll be able to escape from here peacefully. As for me? I’m a Treasure Hunter by trade. I have a knack for… procuring valuables from all manner of places.” Belvalor’s voice is deep and smooth as he talks. “You all can call me Val.”
Val glances from left to right at each of his fellow captives before saying, “As for cunning plans, perhaps we should be a bit careful of how loudly we discuss such plans. And more careful still of revealing anything that may aid in those plans.” He nods his head toward Eldeth.
@Val
" Good point. Maybe we should rely more on Stool's rapport spores than moving our own mouth. But I don't know how much spores he can produce. Humm… Val, did you say, you're a treasure hunter then…" Julius makes a hand signal which is only used by thieves, burglars and secret agents. ,[ Do you understand…] The half elf suddenly stops the signals. He hears the familiar sounds of guards footsteps. Julius stands up and moves to the wall after casting a glance at other prisoners.
@DM
During his speech, Julius observed how other captives (NPCs) react to his word.
Belvalor manages a firm shake of Percival’s extended hand before the Paladin enters into conversation with another.
Belvalor, a half-elf man of slightly above average height for a human, stands with his arms crossed in thought. He seems well toned, but certainly not bulky. After but a moment, he reaches up and brushes his shoulder-length, brown hair out of his face and the strands fall in line with the rest of his hair that’s been patted down the middle. His hazel eyes turn their gaze away from the two meditating and over toward the rest of the group.
”Aye, two healers will come in handy. I very much doubt we’ll be able to escape from here peacefully. As for me? I’m a Treasure Hunter by trade. I have a knack for… procuring valuables from all manner of places.” Belvalor’s voice is deep and smooth as he talks. “You all can call me Val.”
Val glances from left to right at each of his fellow captives before saying, “As for cunning plans, perhaps we should be a bit careful of how loudly we discuss such plans. And more careful still of revealing anything that may aid in those plans.” He nods his head toward Eldeth.
@Val
" Good point. Maybe we should rely more on Stool's rapport spores than moving our own mouth. But I don't know how much spores he can produce. Humm… Val, did you say, you're a treasure hunter then…" Julius makes a hand signal which is only used by thieves, burglars and secret agents. ,[ Do you understand…] The half elf suddenly stops the signals. He hears the familiar sounds of guards footsteps. Julius stands up and moves to the wall after casting a glance at other prisoners.
@DM
During his speech, Julius observed how other captives (NPCs) react to his word.
Insight:14
Val recognizes the hand gestures that Julius made and flashes one back in return that simply means, [Affirmative]
After his hand gesture, Val also follows suit and moves toward one of the walls. He puts his back to the wall and leans against it.
@Julius, you notice Jimjar respond in kind to you.
Eldeth is able to stash away her flint as two male Drow guards appear. The guards instruct you all to stand back as they open the gate.
For those that don't understand Undercommon, the other Underdark natives that do understand it will translate telepathically through Stool's rapport spores.
You're all relegated to different parts of the outpost and given "chores" to do while being watched by guards. I've listed your groups, what you're doing, and where you're at below. Let me know what you do.
I'm showing a map here just to give you a sense of where you are. You all are somewhat familiar with the layout as it doesn't have too many areas.
Area 5: Lift Duty. You all are lead to the opposite end of the compound. You will need to man the lift for the day. Julius Buppido Topsy Turvy
Area 12 Quaggoth Den. You are lead to the Quaggoth den to the right of the pen that you're being held in. You're on cleaning duty. Belvalor Daphiwyse Shuushar Stool
Area 10 Guard Tower. You're instructed to clean the guard tower, fold clothes, and make beds. Misty Sir Percival Ront Sarith
Area 3 Main Hall. Umarook and Derendil are cutting up fungi for dinner while Eldeth and Jimjar are mopping/sweeping the floors. Umarook Derendil Eldeth Jimjar
@Julius, you notice Jimjar respond in kind to you.
Eldeth is able to stash away her flint as two male Drow guards appear. The guards instruct you all to stand back as they open the gate.
For those that don't understand Undercommon, the other Underdark natives that do understand it will translate telepathically through Stool's rapport spores.
You're all relegated to different parts of the outpost and given "chores" to do while being watched by guards. I've listed your groups, what you're doing, and where you're at below. Let me know what you do.
I'm showing a map here just to give you a sense of where you are. You all are somewhat familiar with the layout as it doesn't have too many areas.
Area 5: Lift Duty. You all are lead to the opposite end of the compound. You will need to man the lift for the day. Julius Buppido Topsy Turvy
Area 12 Quaggoth Den. You are lead to the Quaggoth den to the right of the pen that you're being held in. You're on cleaning duty. Belvalor Daphiwyse Shuushar Stool
Area 10 Guard Tower. You're instructed to clean the guard tower, fold clothes, and make beds. Misty Sir Percival Ront Sarith
Area 3 Main Hall. Umarook and Derendil are cutting up fungi for dinner while Eldeth and Jimjar are mopping/sweeping the floors. Umarook Derendil Eldeth Jimjar
Daphiwyse complies with the drow but hides that he will blast the drow that oversees him.
(Can I ask what the quaggoth den looks like? Like are they in cages and we’re cleaning around or did they move them out and we’re just picking up in their den?)
@Julius, you notice Jimjar respond in kind to you.
Eldeth is able to stash away her flint as two male Drow guards appear. The guards instruct you all to stand back as they open the gate.
For those that don't understand Undercommon, the other Underdark natives that do understand it will translate telepathically through Stool's rapport spores.
You're all relegated to different parts of the outpost and given "chores" to do while being watched by guards. I've listed your groups, what you're doing, and where you're at below. Let me know what you do.
I'm showing a map here just to give you a sense of where you are. You all are somewhat familiar with the layout as it doesn't have too many areas.
Area 5: Lift Duty. You all are lead to the opposite end of the compound. You will need to man the lift for the day. Julius Buppido Topsy Turvy
Area 12 Quaggoth Den. You are lead to the Quaggoth den to the right of the pen that you're being held in. You're on cleaning duty. Belvalor Daphiwyse Shuushar Stool
Area 10 Guard Tower. You're instructed to clean the guard tower, fold clothes, and make beds. Misty Sir Percival Ront Sarith
Area 3 Main Hall. Umarook and Derendil are cutting up fungi for dinner while Eldeth and Jimjar are mopping/sweeping the floors. Umarook Derendil Eldeth Jimjar
Julius laughs bitterly. He knows very well that the wardens chose this group just for making their life miserable. If the drows want effective workers, they could have picked dwarf or quaggoth. The half elf shrugs and obeys the order. He pays attention to the conversation and scene around him, trying to gather information which might help their escape.
Insight:7
@Buppido
When their group arrives at the workplace, Julius talks to the derro. " Buppido, you said that you will be the savior of your people. How are you going to do that? And I am very curious and want to know if I can help you to achieve such a deed."
Also, while Daphwiyse cleans, he will take any scraps of flint or potential weapons. When we are done, I talk to the drow that leads us and then blast him when no one is looking.
Umarook gets into the grove of her chore, and asks Derendil, “how closely do they check you when they take you back? I’m surprised they gave us knives on our tasks…”
As we were led to the main hall, Umarook tried to look to see if she could find where her items were stashed or anything else of interest along the way. Once stationed at her post and keeping busy with her fungi, she’s checking the table and all around for anything that can be of use. Can I roll for any of this?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Val and Daphywise, roll initiative.
The quaggoth den is similar to the prisoner pen you and your captives are held in. The interior is littered with nest-like mounds of debris and the scattered bones of the quaggoths' past meals.
Val, you have a distraction in the form of Daphywise attacking the drow if you want to roll an investigation check on your turn to find any useful items.
Daphywise, are you using Eldritch Blast? If so, you'll need to make a ranged spell attack.
You all are restrained (iron collars with manacles on your hands and feet connected to an iron belt on your waist by iron chain). However your movement and speed are not affected.
The Drow will take out a sending stone and call for backup on his turn. Shuushar will not engage in combat.
3 Sprout Initiative
5 Drow Guard
18 Drow Backup
The rest of you can roll perception to see if you hear the ruckus that is being caused at the Quaggoth den.
Umarook: Derendil will tell you that they will make sure that we don't have any weapons on you when you leave. Any knives or similar potential weapons have some magic placed on them to discourage stealing.
Roll investigation to see if you can find any scraps or trinkets that you can stow away.
Misty, you can do the same and roll investigation.
Julius: You are unable to get much from conversations going on around you. Most of the guards are talking about things that you already know such as Jorlan's disgrace and the detachment that is late arriving to take you to Menzoberranzan.
Buppido will tell you that his people have been under the scourge of the Duergar for far too long. He believes that he can save them somehow if he can get back to Gracklstugh. He doesn't quite have a plan yet, just saying that the divine will show him the way.
(OOC: Thank you everyone for your help!)
Julius's mouth curls joyfully as he surveys his audience ( especially Sarith).
@Sir Percival, Umarook.
" Two healers! Great. This means we have more options and leverage for dealing "
@Sarith
" Will Ilvara listen to us because of her boyfriend? No, she won't. I know how drow females treat their boys better than anyone else. There is zero chance that Jorlan retakes Ilvara's favor. But it's good for us. Because we make bargain with poor Jorlan. Now he is afraid, jealously and desperate. In other words, vulnerable soft point of this impenetrable jail. And all mighty fortresses fall start … " The half elf makes a little circle with his fingers and looks everyone through it. " … From a tiny hole"
Belvalor manages a firm shake of Percival’s extended hand before the Paladin enters into conversation with another.
Belvalor, a half-elf man of slightly above average height for a human, stands with his arms crossed in thought. He seems well toned, but certainly not bulky. After but a moment, he reaches up and brushes his shoulder-length, brown hair out of his face and the strands fall in line with the rest of his hair that’s been patted down the middle. His hazel eyes turn their gaze away from the two meditating and over toward the rest of the group.
”Aye, two healers will come in handy. I very much doubt we’ll be able to escape from here peacefully. As for me? I’m a Treasure Hunter by trade. I have a knack for… procuring valuables from all manner of places.” Belvalor’s voice is deep and smooth as he talks. “You all can call me Val.”
Val glances from left to right at each of his fellow captives before saying, “As for cunning plans, perhaps we should be a bit careful of how loudly we discuss such plans. And more careful still of revealing anything that may aid in those plans.” He nods his head toward Eldeth.
"Yes," says Daphwyse, "although Stool could help with his rapport spores. I hope that we can find some drow poison. My patron has some that I stole. I think they are in a storage house or someplace like that."
Side Note: Gwylla has dropped out. But it seems like everyone remaining is fairly responsive.
You all hear the familiar sound of guards approaching the pen. What would you all like to do if anything at all? Keep in mind that you still see the guards in the other tower keeping a watch on you.
All of the other captives move towards the wall, knowing that the guards will instruct them to do so as soon as they get to the door. Eldeth seems to be the only one that does not, as she scurries to hide her flint.
They/Them
Daphiwyse hides on the stone wall.
Umarook follows the other captives as they move towards the wall. Trying to also help hide Daphiwyse.
@Val
" Good point. Maybe we should rely more on Stool's rapport spores than moving our own mouth. But I don't know how much spores he can produce. Humm… Val, did you say, you're a treasure hunter then…" Julius makes a hand signal which is only used by thieves, burglars and secret agents. ,[ Do you understand…] The half elf suddenly stops the signals. He hears the familiar sounds of guards footsteps. Julius stands up and moves to the wall after casting a glance at other prisoners.
@DM
During his speech, Julius observed how other captives (NPCs) react to his word.
Insight:14
Sir Percival notices everyone moving against the wall and follows suit
Val recognizes the hand gestures that Julius made and flashes one back in return that simply means, [Affirmative]
After his hand gesture, Val also follows suit and moves toward one of the walls. He puts his back to the wall and leans against it.
@Julius, you notice Jimjar respond in kind to you.
Eldeth is able to stash away her flint as two male Drow guards appear. The guards instruct you all to stand back as they open the gate.
For those that don't understand Undercommon, the other Underdark natives that do understand it will translate telepathically through Stool's rapport spores.
You're all relegated to different parts of the outpost and given "chores" to do while being watched by guards. I've listed your groups, what you're doing, and where you're at below. Let me know what you do.
I'm showing a map here just to give you a sense of where you are. You all are somewhat familiar with the layout as it doesn't have too many areas.
https://imgur.com/z3p6biq (For some reason it won't embed the image lol)
Area 5: Lift Duty. You all are lead to the opposite end of the compound. You will need to man the lift for the day.
Julius
Buppido
Topsy
Turvy
Area 12 Quaggoth Den. You are lead to the Quaggoth den to the right of the pen that you're being held in. You're on cleaning duty.
Belvalor
Daphiwyse
Shuushar
Stool
Area 10 Guard Tower. You're instructed to clean the guard tower, fold clothes, and make beds.
Misty
Sir Percival
Ront
Sarith
Area 3 Main Hall. Umarook and Derendil are cutting up fungi for dinner while Eldeth and Jimjar are mopping/sweeping the floors.
Umarook
Derendil
Eldeth
Jimjar
They/Them
Daphiwyse complies with the drow but hides that he will blast the drow that oversees him.
(Can I ask what the quaggoth den looks like? Like are they in cages and we’re cleaning around or did they move them out and we’re just picking up in their den?)
Julius laughs bitterly. He knows very well that the wardens chose this group just for making their life miserable. If the drows want effective workers, they could have picked dwarf or quaggoth. The half elf shrugs and obeys the order. He pays attention to the conversation and scene around him, trying to gather information which might help their escape.
Insight:7
@Buppido
When their group arrives at the workplace, Julius talks to the derro. " Buppido, you said that you will be the savior of your people. How are you going to do that? And I am very curious and want to know if I can help you to achieve such a deed."
I will clean, though I am looking for any opportunity to find makeshift weapons like the piece of flint.
Also, while Daphwiyse cleans, he will take any scraps of flint or potential weapons. When we are done, I talk to the drow that leads us and then blast him when no one is looking.
Umarook gets into the grove of her chore, and asks Derendil, “how closely do they check you when they take you back? I’m surprised they gave us knives on our tasks…”
As we were led to the main hall, Umarook tried to look to see if she could find where her items were stashed or anything else of interest along the way. Once stationed at her post and keeping busy with her fungi, she’s checking the table and all around for anything that can be of use. Can I roll for any of this?
Val and Daphywise, roll initiative.
The quaggoth den is similar to the prisoner pen you and your captives are held in. The interior is littered with nest-like mounds of debris and the scattered bones of the quaggoths' past meals.
Val, you have a distraction in the form of Daphywise attacking the drow if you want to roll an investigation check on your turn to find any useful items.
Daphywise, are you using Eldritch Blast? If so, you'll need to make a ranged spell attack.
You all are restrained (iron collars with manacles on your hands and feet connected to an iron belt on your waist by iron chain). However your movement and speed are not affected.
The Drow will take out a sending stone and call for backup on his turn.
Shuushar will not engage in combat.
3 Sprout Initiative
5 Drow Guard
18 Drow Backup
The rest of you can roll perception to see if you hear the ruckus that is being caused at the Quaggoth den.
Umarook:
Derendil will tell you that they will make sure that we don't have any weapons on you when you leave. Any knives or similar potential weapons have some magic placed on them to discourage stealing.
Roll investigation to see if you can find any scraps or trinkets that you can stow away.
Misty, you can do the same and roll investigation.
Julius:
You are unable to get much from conversations going on around you. Most of the guards are talking about things that you already know such as Jorlan's disgrace and the detachment that is late arriving to take you to Menzoberranzan.
Buppido will tell you that his people have been under the scourge of the Duergar for far too long. He believes that he can save them somehow if he can get back to Gracklstugh. He doesn't quite have a plan yet, just saying that the divine will show him the way.
They/Them
14, yes, 21 to hit, 8 dmg. I target the drow guard
Initiative: 7
Investigation: 8
Taking advantage of the distraction provided by Daphywise, Val searches for anything of use in the den.
Perception for Umarook is 15 on noticing the ruckus
Investigation for scraps and trinkets is 5, apparently she is much more interested in the knife.