Captured by the Drow! You wouldn't wish this fate upon anyone, yet here you are. Arriving from various routes, you have all found yourselves imprisoned in a crowded, dark cave. Cold, heavy metal bands are tight around your throat and wrists, connected by a short length of chain. Upon capture, the Drow relieved you of all your possessions and any armor or protective gear. You were left with only basic undergarments for clothing which do little to provide warmth in this dark, damp environment.
One of you was born into this world of slavery - a large, powerful bugbear named Vrah who has spent his entire life in captivity. Generally tasked with keeping other prisoners in line, Vrah was recently moved to the Velkynvelve outpost to help keep prisoners in line while they await transport to other destinations in the Underdark.
Two of the prisoners are actually Drow. One is named Petmailer Nailo. He was discovered to be in communication with the Harpers. Once his treachery was uncovered, he was imprisoned, awaiting transport to Menzoberranzan for trial. Another Drow named Sarith Kzekarit is likewise being held for trial, accused of murder.
These three have been held in the cave for what seems like seven days with a miscellaneous assortment of other prisoners who are awaiting transport to be sold as slaves. This strange collection includes:
a Derro named Buppido who is surprisingly gregarious and talkative, despite the miserable conditions
a large hulking furry creature who claims to be a cursed elven prince named Derendil
a red-haired dwarf named Eldeth who keeps largely to herself
a quirky deep gnome named Jimjar who seems to be obsessed with betting on virtually anything and everything, despite the fact that none of you have any possessions. He however has somehow managed to keep some coin and jewelry on his person
two other twin deep gnomes named Topsy and Turvy. Topsy is outgoing, but Turvy speaks only in mumbling whispers to his sister
a large and violent orc named Ront who threatens other prisoners and tries to take their meager rations
a strange aquatic humanoid named Shuushar
a small mushroom creature who was apparently in the possession of Sarith when he was arrested by the Drow
The cave was already crowded and miserable when a Drow slaver party arrived with five more prisoners:
A lizardfolk named Kisiki
Two goblins, one named Phodoxia and another named Shoowa
A half-elf named Tanis
A human with pale skin and dark hair named Vethna
They were shackled in the same manner and dragged roughly into the cave with hoods over their heads. These were removed when they were shoved inside and the guards closed and locked the gate behind them.
The fatalistic voice inside his head whispered grimly. Never again would Tanis Shaidaro of Icewind Dale range so far ahead of his detachment. Never again would he chase those damn duergar into the bowels of the earth under Sunblight Fortress, the gray dwarves forever going invisible and changing size, before being suddenly routed by the dark elven warriors that Tanis then failed to hide from. Never again would he taste his smiling mother's warm baked bread back in Caer Dineval or roll his eyes as his elven father explained to him (in the excruciating detail of a lifelong fletcher) the exact purpose and importance of an arrow's tiniest components. Never again would Tanis see sheriff Markham Southwell's typical stern, disapproving look, one the old man surely wore, perhaps right this moment, as he learned the blundering fate and shameful capture of his erstwhile scout.
Tanis hangs his dark-haired head briefly, then rouses himself as his eyes adjust. Breathing and reaching out with his darkvision and all senses as he remembers from his training, stretching his wiry olive-complexioned arms and legs slowly to start the flow of blood again. Though who could see color down here anyway to distinguish a hue such as olive? Tanis had known darkness in the Ten Towns. Time to watch and listen.
Strange group of prisoners, this. Even stranger than he had expected. Unless he misses his guess, most are from the the Underdark, not surface-dwellers as Tanis is. Was.
The bugbear appears to be the enforcer among them. One to keep an eye on. Perhaps the lizardfolk and the dwarf are from above ground? And the 2 goblins, most likely. The human as well, one would think, but Tanis is not so sure, glancing at her pale skin.
Talking had never been Tanis' strong suit. Still, he determines that soon, he would need to speak quietly to each one of them. Together. Or safer one-on-one, could be. But he can't keep his eyes off the others. The ones from the depths.
Drow as prisoners of drow. Tanis has trouble wrapping his head around that, but why in the hells not? Every race and background imprisoned some of their own. For what crime, Tanis wondered? And beyond them, figures even stranger, with the deep gnomes perhaps being the most familiar. Under his breath, Tanis thanks Tymora that he had learned Undercommon as part of his training.
These deep dwellers may be the key to any possibility of escape if they are so inclined. And of subsequent survival for certain - they will know the Underdark far better than I. If they have not lost their minds already, as I surely will lose mine in time, down here in the darkness.
He wonders when he would see even the wan sun of Icewind Dale again, fish for knucklehead trout on frigid Lac Dinneshere, relax with fellow guardsmen over a pint at the Northlook in Bryn Shander. When? There is no answer save for the distant dripping of water in the darkness, the occasional shuffling of his fellow prisoners. And, as ever, the self-mocking fatalistic voice whispering inside his head. When would he be free?
Shaking his head in frustration, his back leaning against the wall near the exit Vrah looks again at all his prisoners.
How drow think he can control 15 prisoners on his own? The Orc alone is a handful and Vrah will probably just kill him to get it over with. The other drow prisoners are also a problem in case they are not prisoners at all, but just thrown in here for a reason Vrah would fail to understand. Now with the lizardfolk and the rest, Vrah is not happy with this outcome at all.
Grunting to get the new prisoners attention, "Ignore the Orc, long as I am here he not bother you, just stay out of reach and guard your food." Vrah says to the group.
Then more mumbling to himself, "I in charge as long as Drow let me be in charge, listen to my words or suffer."
At which point Vrah closes his eyes and sighs and then continues to scan the crow for any problems.
In the corner, with his head down, you see a gaunt Drow that has a wiry strength to him, conserving his energy, biding his time. He came from nothing, he was used to having nothing. He does not seem bothered by his current state of clothing. He is still coming to terms with this change in events, the course of events that put him here. He keeps rethinking it in his mind, replaying it, decision points, actions, "Did I miss anything? Of course you did. That bastard Kenin. He had to be the one. Hard to be spot on all the time..." Petmailer grew up on the streets in Zazesspur, from nothing, but rose to become a Shadow Sentinel, a trusted watcher of the borders. He was a skilled archer and of all of his possessions, he missed his bow the most. He has been stripped of his Pride Silk armor and tossed in this holding cell, to await trial for treason.
As the week wore on, he still had a hard time getting used to the looks of derision from the other Drow, the cutting words, the especially rough treatment, for one who was felt to be a traitor. The rank and file didn't know what was happening, the undercurrents and deals taking place, the direction and new alliances with the Zhentarim. All he meant to do was to point out the snakes responsible and have them brought to justice. He needed help to accomplish what he could not on his own. The harpers were sending an agent, a meeting time was arranged, assistance would have been welcome. And then all went to hell.
He looks up at the new arrivals and registers each face in his mind, assessing, always looking for options, opportunities. "I've got to get out of here. Before the transfer to Menzoberranzan, where the security will be really tight. Perhaps someone else here can help." He says nothing aloud, prefers to watch and observe for now.
Shoowaa was happy, or at least happier than when he was dragged to this miserable place. Shoowaa put no resistance, knowing it could be his end if he fought back. He wonders why he was dragged here, and why away from his woodland home. He wonders if the centaur would worry about him and try to find him. He hopes he can get out of this place quickly, but has doubts.
This goblin has an oddity about them, a dog-like tail that is currently tucked between his legs. Once he is released from the grip and hood released he looks back at the gate and looks to see how many are guarding it before turning back. He looks a bit depressive, which is understandable considering his new position, looking down. Suddenly he perks up and he gets an idea and looks for some sort of pest, whether it be spider or rat or another animal.
While looking, Shoowaa turns to the guy that just talked to him, not sure how to answer him, "How infested is the prison with little animals? Are they mean? Can I see one?" Shoowaa rattles off questions one after another, not really expecting answers from what he assumes to be the guard.
One of the new prisoners is small, only standing around 3 and 1/2 feet in height. With long black hair, that is tussled and tangled now, and wearing very little, it is clear she is no child though, but a fully-grown woman. Her eyes are green, though a redness flashes inside of them from time to time.
Vethna settles into one of the corners of the cell, arms crossed and knees pulled up to her chest as she watches the others in the cell. She wears only the under tunic the drow left her with, the fabric torn and soiled.
The Lizardfolk stumbles into the cell as the guards push him past the threshold. He puts his hands out in front him him and feels his way to the wall of the cell; even in the darkness his feet are steady, but patches of missing or scraped scaled indicate that he has fallen over quite a bit on this lightless journey. He reaches the wall and leans against it. Standing up straight as he is, he reaches about 6 feet tall and a bright orange crest that runs from the top of his head all the way to the tip of his tail only adds to that height. He readjusts the iron shackles on his wrists and neck, which have chafed away a ring of dark red scaleswhere they're attached.
He attempts to looks around in the darkness, but sees nothing. He responds to to the small voice (Shoowaa) and directs it at the big voice (Vrah), "I also require food. Do rats or roaches scurry here? I would like one." his Common is a little fragmented, but he speaks clearly enough to be easily understandable. After listening for an answer, he speaks out into the darkness, "I am Kisiki, shaman of Rak'Ta, chosen of Semuanya. Whom else have the Dark Elves bought here?"
Buppido, the derro, makes his way over to Shoowaa "Looking for creepy crawlies are you?" He cackles manically "Want one of these?" He holds his arms out toward you. In his left hand he is holding a dead rat by the tail. His right hand is empty, but a large spider the size of a tarantula is crawling down his arm from his shoulder.
Vrah looks to the the small one that asked about little animals and laughs, "Only animals here are spiders and you no not want see them as that would be last thing you saw. The best outcome is for this door," Vrah points to the door that the prisoners entered, "never opens again."
"Well OK the best outcome is escape" As he laughs again, "but that would mean going through me and I don't plan on dying today....though I would not mind getting my hands on a certain drow and see the light leave its eyes."
The derro slinks back off towards the dark back corner of the cave mumbling "Watch your back, bugbear. Even you have to sleep sometime."
A drow guard approaches the gate to the slave pen. The cave opening is crisscrossed with metal bars, leaving only about 8 inch squares open. In the center of the opening is a gate with a door made of metal bars. The guard bangs on the gate with the hilt of his sword. "Settle down in there."
As he is speaking another guard approaches behind him. "Mistress Ilvara says it's getting too full in there. We've got to organize a work detail. The new ones have all been marched pretty hard so she says to grab a few of the others and have them clean out chamber pots."
The first guard calls out "All right you lot, back away from the gate. Let's see... give me the derro, the 3 deep gnomes and you, fish guy. You five come over here."
The prisoners comply and are lead out the gate. The two guards standing at the ready. You see two more of the hulking furry creatures like the one in the cave with you who are waiting for the prisoners to take them on their work detail. Those of you with dark vision can watch as the prisoners are led across a rope bridge that connects to a guard tower carved into a massive stalactite about 50 feet away. You make out at least two or three drow in that tower, armed with crossbows who are monitoring the prisoners closely. One by one, the prisoners disappear into the guard tower, apparently headed off on work duty.
"So you are their pet then?" The small form of Vethna, huddled in the corner asks, looking to the bugbear. "Interesting that, as big as you are, yet you allow them to own you." Her voice is soft, very feminin, yet carries well through the small cell. her eyes move to the two drow in the cell, and she goes silent again.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The second goblin to be thrown into the cell struggles quite a bit, snarling underneath the hood and uselessly attempting to bite the guards that drag her. As they throw her down and tear off the hood, even in the darkness the bruises and black eyes as recompense for her fighting can easily be seen. She flattens down immediately and, as the guards turn to leave, she attempts to snatch the hood back from them without them noticing.
Successful or not, she then slinks towards the back of the cell, near where Vethna is also quietly huddled. There she sits, dressed only in a torn and roughed up knee-length undertunic, carefully propping her swollen eyelids open with her fingers. She's clearly exhausted from the long march and her struggles, but wants to watch the others. Her ears twitch as she listens to the conversations in Common, but she says nothing...
....until she notices something about the other goblin that draws a mixture of alarm and revulsion across her features. She yelps at him, in Goblin, "What is the matter with you? You've got a tail."
Shoowaa looks at the Lizardman with an odd glint in his eyes. "Oh no no no, that won't due at all. I need one alive, yes. Alive for plans. If I can give a live rat food and get many near me...yeeeeeesss. Not for dinner but for something far better. I'm Shoowaa, from far far away I think, I was in the woods or I think I was in the woods. Speaking of which...it's still there isn't it? I don't think I was able to flee from it at all. " Shoowaa does not specify what "it" is, not wanting to speak of it, but sounds more upset about "it" than being in prison.
Shoowaa's tail wags when he sees the tarantula. "Yes that is what I need!" Without asking, Shoowaa goes to grab the spider. "Hello little friend. Come with away from all these people, yes yes." Shoowaa goes to a corner, away from people and hopefully out of eyesight of the bugbear and drow as he puts a group of people between him and the guards and casts speak to animals. <Little spider help me? Get more spiders to distract drow please?>
Shoowaa yelps in surprise as another goblin comes up to him and replies in goblin. "It's still there? I was trying to run away from it. I don't know it suddenly appeared. I didn't want it!"
Animal handling: 18
(changed colors as I think I accidently chose same as Vrah's)
[OOC: Use whatever color you want, I just chose that one as it is easy to read on the white background. :) ]
Vrah glares at the retreating drow as they lead the prisoners out, trying to gauge their alertness, Still too many for just him, always too many.
He then suddenly twists his head and glares at Vethna, "I am no pet, I was born a slave," then his face relaxes, "and I will probably die a slave. there is no escape I have tried and seen it tried before. Why do you think I am in here with you lot and not out there. For one ion the same situation what gives you right to say anything, you willing to sacrifice your life for the likes of that one?" He points to the derro and then at one of the drow in the cell, "or how about that one? Are you willing to potentially give up your life and die in an escape attempt for the likes of that drow, knowing during the escape he might just turn us all in just to get out of here?"
Phodoxia stares at the other goblin, the revulsion on her face slowly morphing into pity. She looks around, rubbing her bruised eyes, and says in Common, "Does anyone have a knife? .... no... no there's no knife here." She frowns, and says to Shoowaa in Goblin, "Well, if we can ever find one. We can fix the tail."
Vethna gives the bugbear a small smile. "See, you are not their pet." She says in her soft voice. "Good." She is quiet a bit, then gets to her feet and walks, looking a bit faster than would be expected of someone of her size and apparent humanoid features. She walks right up next to the bugbear, and lowers her voice even further. "So, I ask you, would you live for them?" She nods to the individuals he had pointed to before. "If given the chance to get free, and the ability to do so, would you live for even the drow over there?" She holds the bugbear's eyes, her own glowing a bit red now with the intensity of her emotions. "I do not say we will escape, nor that we necessarily should, but what would you do if freedom was yours? Would you curl up here and remain, or would you choose to live free, even if it is into danger you must go?"
Tanis watches and listens at first. Always easier than talking. Mistress Ilvara? Possibly the leader here, especially with the drow matriarchy.
He perceives that the small pale human woman has gotten useful information out of the bugbear by goading him. The large guard/prisoner is open to escape. He just does not think it is possible. Not yet, anyway, but perhaps there is an opening there in which to drive a wedge between the bugbear and his drow masters and mistresses.
Much more alarming is the derro's reaction. The bugbear had not threatened to kill anyone in their sleep over a minor slight and blow as Buppido had. Murderer, or at least someone that threatens murder. That one deserves this prison perhaps. Maybe the orc as well from the looks of him, though that could be Tanis' own biases affecting his judgement.
If there were ever to be an escape, Tanis guesses, it might be better if the derro died. Immediately as he thinks it, part of his mind is appalled. He can imagine the reaction of Markham Southwell, his commander. The revulsion and disappointment. The sadness his own parents would feel. Yet Tanis senses that his mind will go to far darker places before this is done.
For the moment, all the newcomers like Tanis, the 2 chatting goblins, the lizardfolk (with no darkvision? Tanis is not much familiar with the race but it appears that way) and the human woman all appear to be strong in spirit. Not yet broken or insane, though he is slightly uncertain about the goblin with the tail. Possible allies. Given any chance, he attempts to catch any of their eyes and give a slight nod of acknowledgement - except to the lizard man who apparently can't see.
Tanis is determined to speak with one of the strange deep dwellers soon. Why not dive in and begin with the strangest - the mushroom creature? But Tanis is not quite ready for that yet. So he starts instead with the much more familiar, albeit aloof, figure of the red-haired dwarf. He works moisture into his throat and attempts to catch the dwarf's eyes. Looking at her directly, he speaks in dwarvish as quietly as possible while being audible:
"My name is Tanis Shaidaro. I am from the surface. Like you, unless I am mistaken. In Icewind Dale, my home, the dwarves in the valley by Kelvin's Cairn are both honorable and skilled. I count them as my friends. When darkness imprisons us, those with honor should stand together. Agreed?"
As Tanis says this he gradually flexes his hands in the shackles that bind them, attempting to assess whether it is possible to eventually squirm free. (If it is possible, he would attempt it, while trying to maintain the appearance that he is still bound). OOC @DM: Let me know if there is even a check I can roll here, or if it is just impossible.
(Edited to add: also, Tanis will be attempting to assess the sincerity and intentions of the dwarf if she does reply to his gambit. OOC @DM Let me know if an Insight or other check is needed).
Captured by the Drow! You wouldn't wish this fate upon anyone, yet here you are. Arriving from various routes, you have all found yourselves imprisoned in a crowded, dark cave. Cold, heavy metal bands are tight around your throat and wrists, connected by a short length of chain. Upon capture, the Drow relieved you of all your possessions and any armor or protective gear. You were left with only basic undergarments for clothing which do little to provide warmth in this dark, damp environment.
One of you was born into this world of slavery - a large, powerful bugbear named Vrah who has spent his entire life in captivity. Generally tasked with keeping other prisoners in line, Vrah was recently moved to the Velkynvelve outpost to help keep prisoners in line while they await transport to other destinations in the Underdark.
Two of the prisoners are actually Drow. One is named Petmailer Nailo. He was discovered to be in communication with the Harpers. Once his treachery was uncovered, he was imprisoned, awaiting transport to Menzoberranzan for trial. Another Drow named Sarith Kzekarit is likewise being held for trial, accused of murder.
These three have been held in the cave for what seems like seven days with a miscellaneous assortment of other prisoners who are awaiting transport to be sold as slaves. This strange collection includes:
The cave was already crowded and miserable when a Drow slaver party arrived with five more prisoners:
They were shackled in the same manner and dragged roughly into the cave with hoods over their heads. These were removed when they were shoved inside and the guards closed and locked the gate behind them.
Never again.
The fatalistic voice inside his head whispered grimly. Never again would Tanis Shaidaro of Icewind Dale range so far ahead of his detachment. Never again would he chase those damn duergar into the bowels of the earth under Sunblight Fortress, the gray dwarves forever going invisible and changing size, before being suddenly routed by the dark elven warriors that Tanis then failed to hide from. Never again would he taste his smiling mother's warm baked bread back in Caer Dineval or roll his eyes as his elven father explained to him (in the excruciating detail of a lifelong fletcher) the exact purpose and importance of an arrow's tiniest components. Never again would Tanis see sheriff Markham Southwell's typical stern, disapproving look, one the old man surely wore, perhaps right this moment, as he learned the blundering fate and shameful capture of his erstwhile scout.
Tanis hangs his dark-haired head briefly, then rouses himself as his eyes adjust. Breathing and reaching out with his darkvision and all senses as he remembers from his training, stretching his wiry olive-complexioned arms and legs slowly to start the flow of blood again. Though who could see color down here anyway to distinguish a hue such as olive? Tanis had known darkness in the Ten Towns. Time to watch and listen.
Strange group of prisoners, this. Even stranger than he had expected. Unless he misses his guess, most are from the the Underdark, not surface-dwellers as Tanis is. Was.
The bugbear appears to be the enforcer among them. One to keep an eye on. Perhaps the lizardfolk and the dwarf are from above ground? And the 2 goblins, most likely. The human as well, one would think, but Tanis is not so sure, glancing at her pale skin.
Talking had never been Tanis' strong suit. Still, he determines that soon, he would need to speak quietly to each one of them. Together. Or safer one-on-one, could be. But he can't keep his eyes off the others. The ones from the depths.
Drow as prisoners of drow. Tanis has trouble wrapping his head around that, but why in the hells not? Every race and background imprisoned some of their own. For what crime, Tanis wondered? And beyond them, figures even stranger, with the deep gnomes perhaps being the most familiar. Under his breath, Tanis thanks Tymora that he had learned Undercommon as part of his training.
These deep dwellers may be the key to any possibility of escape if they are so inclined. And of subsequent survival for certain - they will know the Underdark far better than I. If they have not lost their minds already, as I surely will lose mine in time, down here in the darkness.
He wonders when he would see even the wan sun of Icewind Dale again, fish for knucklehead trout on frigid Lac Dinneshere, relax with fellow guardsmen over a pint at the Northlook in Bryn Shander. When? There is no answer save for the distant dripping of water in the darkness, the occasional shuffling of his fellow prisoners. And, as ever, the self-mocking fatalistic voice whispering inside his head. When would he be free?
Never again.
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Shaking his head in frustration, his back leaning against the wall near the exit Vrah looks again at all his prisoners.
How drow think he can control 15 prisoners on his own? The Orc alone is a handful and Vrah will probably just kill him to get it over with. The other drow prisoners are also a problem in case they are not prisoners at all, but just thrown in here for a reason Vrah would fail to understand. Now with the lizardfolk and the rest, Vrah is not happy with this outcome at all.
Grunting to get the new prisoners attention, "Ignore the Orc, long as I am here he not bother you, just stay out of reach and guard your food." Vrah says to the group.
Then more mumbling to himself, "I in charge as long as Drow let me be in charge, listen to my words or suffer."
At which point Vrah closes his eyes and sighs and then continues to scan the crow for any problems.
In the corner, with his head down, you see a gaunt Drow that has a wiry strength to him, conserving his energy, biding his time. He came from nothing, he was used to having nothing. He does not seem bothered by his current state of clothing. He is still coming to terms with this change in events, the course of events that put him here. He keeps rethinking it in his mind, replaying it, decision points, actions, "Did I miss anything? Of course you did. That bastard Kenin. He had to be the one. Hard to be spot on all the time..." Petmailer grew up on the streets in Zazesspur, from nothing, but rose to become a Shadow Sentinel, a trusted watcher of the borders. He was a skilled archer and of all of his possessions, he missed his bow the most. He has been stripped of his Pride Silk armor and tossed in this holding cell, to await trial for treason.
As the week wore on, he still had a hard time getting used to the looks of derision from the other Drow, the cutting words, the especially rough treatment, for one who was felt to be a traitor. The rank and file didn't know what was happening, the undercurrents and deals taking place, the direction and new alliances with the Zhentarim. All he meant to do was to point out the snakes responsible and have them brought to justice. He needed help to accomplish what he could not on his own. The harpers were sending an agent, a meeting time was arranged, assistance would have been welcome. And then all went to hell.
He looks up at the new arrivals and registers each face in his mind, assessing, always looking for options, opportunities. "I've got to get out of here. Before the transfer to Menzoberranzan, where the security will be really tight. Perhaps someone else here can help." He says nothing aloud, prefers to watch and observe for now.
Shoowaa was happy, or at least happier than when he was dragged to this miserable place. Shoowaa put no resistance, knowing it could be his end if he fought back. He wonders why he was dragged here, and why away from his woodland home. He wonders if the centaur would worry about him and try to find him. He hopes he can get out of this place quickly, but has doubts.
This goblin has an oddity about them, a dog-like tail that is currently tucked between his legs. Once he is released from the grip and hood released he looks back at the gate and looks to see how many are guarding it before turning back. He looks a bit depressive, which is understandable considering his new position, looking down. Suddenly he perks up and he gets an idea and looks for some sort of pest, whether it be spider or rat or another animal.
While looking, Shoowaa turns to the guy that just talked to him, not sure how to answer him, "How infested is the prison with little animals? Are they mean? Can I see one?" Shoowaa rattles off questions one after another, not really expecting answers from what he assumes to be the guard.
One of the new prisoners is small, only standing around 3 and 1/2 feet in height. With long black hair, that is tussled and tangled now, and wearing very little, it is clear she is no child though, but a fully-grown woman. Her eyes are green, though a redness flashes inside of them from time to time.
Vethna settles into one of the corners of the cell, arms crossed and knees pulled up to her chest as she watches the others in the cell. She wears only the under tunic the drow left her with, the fabric torn and soiled.
The Lizardfolk stumbles into the cell as the guards push him past the threshold. He puts his hands out in front him him and feels his way to the wall of the cell; even in the darkness his feet are steady, but patches of missing or scraped scaled indicate that he has fallen over quite a bit on this lightless journey. He reaches the wall and leans against it. Standing up straight as he is, he reaches about 6 feet tall and a bright orange crest that runs from the top of his head all the way to the tip of his tail only adds to that height. He readjusts the iron shackles on his wrists and neck, which have chafed away a ring of dark red scales where they're attached.
He attempts to looks around in the darkness, but sees nothing. He responds to to the small voice (Shoowaa) and directs it at the big voice (Vrah), "I also require food. Do rats or roaches scurry here? I would like one." his Common is a little fragmented, but he speaks clearly enough to be easily understandable. After listening for an answer, he speaks out into the darkness, "I am Kisiki, shaman of Rak'Ta, chosen of Semuanya. Whom else have the Dark Elves bought here?"
Buppido, the derro, makes his way over to Shoowaa "Looking for creepy crawlies are you?" He cackles manically "Want one of these?" He holds his arms out toward you. In his left hand he is holding a dead rat by the tail. His right hand is empty, but a large spider the size of a tarantula is crawling down his arm from his shoulder.
Vrah looks to the the small one that asked about little animals and laughs, "Only animals here are spiders and you no not want see them as that would be last thing you saw. The best outcome is for this door," Vrah points to the door that the prisoners entered, "never opens again."
"Well OK the best outcome is escape" As he laughs again, "but that would mean going through me and I don't plan on dying today....though I would not mind getting my hands on a certain drow and see the light leave its eyes."
Vrah strides up and back hands Buppido, "I have warned you before, behave yourself or you will become dinner as I grow tired of your antics."
The derro slinks back off towards the dark back corner of the cave mumbling "Watch your back, bugbear. Even you have to sleep sometime."
A drow guard approaches the gate to the slave pen. The cave opening is crisscrossed with metal bars, leaving only about 8 inch squares open. In the center of the opening is a gate with a door made of metal bars. The guard bangs on the gate with the hilt of his sword. "Settle down in there."
As he is speaking another guard approaches behind him. "Mistress Ilvara says it's getting too full in there. We've got to organize a work detail. The new ones have all been marched pretty hard so she says to grab a few of the others and have them clean out chamber pots."
The first guard calls out "All right you lot, back away from the gate. Let's see... give me the derro, the 3 deep gnomes and you, fish guy. You five come over here."
The prisoners comply and are lead out the gate. The two guards standing at the ready. You see two more of the hulking furry creatures like the one in the cave with you who are waiting for the prisoners to take them on their work detail. Those of you with dark vision can watch as the prisoners are led across a rope bridge that connects to a guard tower carved into a massive stalactite about 50 feet away. You make out at least two or three drow in that tower, armed with crossbows who are monitoring the prisoners closely. One by one, the prisoners disappear into the guard tower, apparently headed off on work duty.
"So you are their pet then?" The small form of Vethna, huddled in the corner asks, looking to the bugbear. "Interesting that, as big as you are, yet you allow them to own you." Her voice is soft, very feminin, yet carries well through the small cell. her eyes move to the two drow in the cell, and she goes silent again.
The second goblin to be thrown into the cell struggles quite a bit, snarling underneath the hood and uselessly attempting to bite the guards that drag her. As they throw her down and tear off the hood, even in the darkness the bruises and black eyes as recompense for her fighting can easily be seen. She flattens down immediately and, as the guards turn to leave, she attempts to snatch the hood back from them without them noticing.
Successful or not, she then slinks towards the back of the cell, near where Vethna is also quietly huddled. There she sits, dressed only in a torn and roughed up knee-length undertunic, carefully propping her swollen eyelids open with her fingers. She's clearly exhausted from the long march and her struggles, but wants to watch the others. Her ears twitch as she listens to the conversations in Common, but she says nothing...
....until she notices something about the other goblin that draws a mixture of alarm and revulsion across her features. She yelps at him, in Goblin, "What is the matter with you? You've got a tail."
Sleight of Hand: 22
Shoowaa looks at the Lizardman with an odd glint in his eyes. "Oh no no no, that won't due at all. I need one alive, yes. Alive for plans. If I can give a live rat food and get many near me...yeeeeeesss. Not for dinner but for something far better. I'm Shoowaa, from far far away I think, I was in the woods or I think I was in the woods. Speaking of which...it's still there isn't it? I don't think I was able to flee from it at all. " Shoowaa does not specify what "it" is, not wanting to speak of it, but sounds more upset about "it" than being in prison.
Shoowaa's tail wags when he sees the tarantula. "Yes that is what I need!" Without asking, Shoowaa goes to grab the spider. "Hello little friend. Come with away from all these people, yes yes." Shoowaa goes to a corner, away from people and hopefully out of eyesight of the bugbear and drow as he puts a group of people between him and the guards and casts speak to animals. <Little spider help me? Get more spiders to distract drow please?>
Shoowaa yelps in surprise as another goblin comes up to him and replies in goblin. "It's still there? I was trying to run away from it. I don't know it suddenly appeared. I didn't want it!"
Animal handling: 18
(changed colors as I think I accidently chose same as Vrah's)
[OOC: Use whatever color you want, I just chose that one as it is easy to read on the white background. :) ]
Vrah glares at the retreating drow as they lead the prisoners out, trying to gauge their alertness, Still too many for just him, always too many.
He then suddenly twists his head and glares at Vethna, "I am no pet, I was born a slave," then his face relaxes, "and I will probably die a slave. there is no escape I have tried and seen it tried before. Why do you think I am in here with you lot and not out there. For one ion the same situation what gives you right to say anything, you willing to sacrifice your life for the likes of that one?" He points to the derro and then at one of the drow in the cell, "or how about that one? Are you willing to potentially give up your life and die in an escape attempt for the likes of that drow, knowing during the escape he might just turn us all in just to get out of here?"
Phodoxia stares at the other goblin, the revulsion on her face slowly morphing into pity. She looks around, rubbing her bruised eyes, and says in Common, "Does anyone have a knife? .... no... no there's no knife here." She frowns, and says to Shoowaa in Goblin, "Well, if we can ever find one. We can fix the tail."
Vethna gives the bugbear a small smile. "See, you are not their pet." She says in her soft voice. "Good." She is quiet a bit, then gets to her feet and walks, looking a bit faster than would be expected of someone of her size and apparent humanoid features. She walks right up next to the bugbear, and lowers her voice even further. "So, I ask you, would you live for them?" She nods to the individuals he had pointed to before. "If given the chance to get free, and the ability to do so, would you live for even the drow over there?" She holds the bugbear's eyes, her own glowing a bit red now with the intensity of her emotions. "I do not say we will escape, nor that we necessarily should, but what would you do if freedom was yours? Would you curl up here and remain, or would you choose to live free, even if it is into danger you must go?"
Vrah shakes his head, "Bah, what you know, there is no escape from this place but given a chance to kill drow, that I would enjoy."
Tanis watches and listens at first. Always easier than talking. Mistress Ilvara? Possibly the leader here, especially with the drow matriarchy.
He perceives that the small pale human woman has gotten useful information out of the bugbear by goading him. The large guard/prisoner is open to escape. He just does not think it is possible. Not yet, anyway, but perhaps there is an opening there in which to drive a wedge between the bugbear and his drow masters and mistresses.
Much more alarming is the derro's reaction. The bugbear had not threatened to kill anyone in their sleep over a minor slight and blow as Buppido had. Murderer, or at least someone that threatens murder. That one deserves this prison perhaps. Maybe the orc as well from the looks of him, though that could be Tanis' own biases affecting his judgement.
If there were ever to be an escape, Tanis guesses, it might be better if the derro died. Immediately as he thinks it, part of his mind is appalled. He can imagine the reaction of Markham Southwell, his commander. The revulsion and disappointment. The sadness his own parents would feel. Yet Tanis senses that his mind will go to far darker places before this is done.
For the moment, all the newcomers like Tanis, the 2 chatting goblins, the lizardfolk (with no darkvision? Tanis is not much familiar with the race but it appears that way) and the human woman all appear to be strong in spirit. Not yet broken or insane, though he is slightly uncertain about the goblin with the tail. Possible allies. Given any chance, he attempts to catch any of their eyes and give a slight nod of acknowledgement - except to the lizard man who apparently can't see.
Tanis is determined to speak with one of the strange deep dwellers soon. Why not dive in and begin with the strangest - the mushroom creature? But Tanis is not quite ready for that yet. So he starts instead with the much more familiar, albeit aloof, figure of the red-haired dwarf. He works moisture into his throat and attempts to catch the dwarf's eyes. Looking at her directly, he speaks in dwarvish as quietly as possible while being audible:
"My name is Tanis Shaidaro. I am from the surface. Like you, unless I am mistaken. In Icewind Dale, my home, the dwarves in the valley by Kelvin's Cairn are both honorable and skilled. I count them as my friends. When darkness imprisons us, those with honor should stand together. Agreed?"
As Tanis says this he gradually flexes his hands in the shackles that bind them, attempting to assess whether it is possible to eventually squirm free. (If it is possible, he would attempt it, while trying to maintain the appearance that he is still bound). OOC @DM: Let me know if there is even a check I can roll here, or if it is just impossible.
(Edited to add: also, Tanis will be attempting to assess the sincerity and intentions of the dwarf if she does reply to his gambit. OOC @DM Let me know if an Insight or other check is needed).
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim