(@DM: Khessa would go on if this is a success too, trying to free her companions as well... but I wait for you to confirm or deny now; I don't want to spam rolls pointlessly)
Leaned back to the prison cave wall, Traydark listens to Khessa's extensive instructions. He could not tell whether the blonde human with her fiery speech about unity was planning to callously sacrifice most of the other prisoners in a futile attempt to fight off their jailors while she herself made her escape, or if she actually believed the drow in this outpost could be successfully fought and defeated. To the noble drow the idea seemed preposterous as most of the prisoners would likely fall to the first volley of poisonous darts while the prioners collective armaments consisted of a single fork. "For my part I would prefer to get out with my life than with the meagre belongings kept by our jailors, I must strongly advice against fighting the drow unless we can take them out a few at a time without alerting the others. An open battle in these surroundings is simply doomed to fail."He says grimly after a few moments of hesitation. It didn't really bother him if some of the other prisoners fell during their escape but he would need others to protect him in the tunnels of the underdark until he reached safety. "We should perhaps also consider where to head next before we leave. There are three tunnels leaving the cavern if I'm not mistaken. If anyone has an idea of where we are I suggest we choose the tunnel that will take us fastest to some sort of community where we can find supplies and refuge." He continues in a soft but firm voice. "Regarding our shackles, I would expect them to be unlocked before Jorlan leaves, or leaving the cell door open would not be of much use. Good luck with those shackles now, I suggest those not occupied with that try to get some rest, we would need everyone's best effort available as we make our escape from here." The noble drow finishes, ready to go into trance until the cell door was open again.
"Don't worry Traydark," Khessa speaks reassuringly "I'm not looking for suicidal battles. Simply, if once we are armed and equipped again there is an opportunity to cause damage or death without taking excessive risks, I would love to do it. Not just out of revenge, but also because it could prevent a chase or delay it. If you had 19 soldiers, then all of a sudden you have only 15 or 10... you'll be less eager to send some of them in a chase, will not you? Same if you have repairs to be made... You'll have to decide if it matters more to do repairs or chase fugitives. But even a plain escape will do fine".
"Speaking of Jorlan, you told us about an agreement about the door..." the blonde warrior is doubtful "And I was taking it literally - he opens the door for us and enjoys seeing us fight chained. I fear this would suit him! But if you in fact had also agreed on the release from the chains - or if you think you can convince him - so much the better! But in the meantime I try to free some of us all the same. A try can not hurt, can it? You know, I don't have too much trust in drow... at least in the other drow," she takes care to add, wanting to keep the purposes of unity that she set out just before - and in which she believes "the ones who aren't fugitives like us".
"Decide where to go would be fantastic" the tall adventurer admits "but I can't help with that, because I don't know the way. If anyone knows which tunnel it leads to they will take us fastest to some sort of community where we can find supplies and refuge, just tell, we will definitely head there! But if nobody knows... then I suggest we simply take the nearest, for we might be in a hurry".
"Oh, I'm sure properly equipped some of you can make a stand against the drow, while others will just hamper you. Some of us should simply stay out of any battle with our jailors I think. And those who fall to their poisonous darts, whatever valiant intentions you might have about leaving no one behind Khessa, think about it, you can't expect any of them to make it out of here." The noble drow says grimly. "So, anyone knows which tunnel we should choose to find our way to safety as quickly as possible?" He says, glancing about the cave.
(@DM: Khessa would go on if this is a success too, trying to free her companions as well... but I wait for you to confirm or deny now; I don't want to spam rolls pointlessly)
Your initial efforts are rewarded with a slight chink and metallic snap as the bindings come loose. Whether you risk attempting helping everyone else though is up to you.
(@DM: Khessa would go on if this is a success too, trying to free her companions as well... but I wait for you to confirm or deny now; I don't want to spam rolls pointlessly)
Your initial efforts are rewarded with a slight chink and metallic snap as the bindings come loose. Whether you risk attempting helping everyone else though is up to you.
Khessa tensed her muscles with fierce determination. Hearing the chains begin to give way, she growls softly, in a final effort: "I'm Khessa and I'm as free as the blowing wind!"
And here is that with a slight chink and metallic snap, the bindings come loose.
'I almost can't believe it!' she thinks 'So Tobar, my father, was indeed right! He really could have yoked me to the plow and sold the ox!'
Tried by the effort, the blonde warrior catches her breath for a moment, while reassuring her companions: "Did you see? It can be done. In a moment I will try to break yours too. However, Ebzer, Ront... I do not believe that your physical power is inferior to that of a mere woman... If you want to try, probably you too, with much effort and a little luck, could break some chains. Just in case Jorlan, when he comes, doesn't think he'll open them to us..."
"Ack!"Ebzer wheezes and gasps as Khessa repeatedly grabs his neck collar and tries to wrench it loose. "Leggo, woman! Are ye trying ta take me pate clean off me shoulders??"
"You're right, I'm sorry Ebzer" Khessa must this time give up "I must have gotten too tired breaking my own chains. I can't break yours too. I'll leave you alone. Let's just hope Jorlan intends to open them".
'If not, you'll have to fight in chains' does not say the blonde warrior. 'That's not the best. But who has magical abilities, should be able to use them anyway... And who does not have them, even with the awkwardness of the chains, can always manage to score a few hits. Or try to grapple or knock the drow down. We are many more than the stalagmite room's fistful of guards. We are going to make it'.
Silas says, "I don't know what you two are arguing about. With these chains, we all go or we all stay. There is no possibility to abandon the slow or the less useful. Sure, the woman has freed herself, but if the guards come here and see her unchained, she's just signed her death warrant (and possibly ours). I think we had all best be prepared to make a break for it the moment the door is next open. It is possible our numbers, combined with an element of surprise, might prevail."
Seeing Khessa get free of her bindings, she encourages the others to try. "Everyone should try. Worst is you fail. And I think if you get loose you can still keep the chain and everything so it looks to our captors that it's still intact."
'At least Katryl see things my way...' Khessa is relieved 'I am amazed that no one else, not even the strongest (and not even after I have already encouraged them!) has taken the initiative to try. Maybe... they spent many more days here than me... and that has sapped their spirits? Or do they really have all this trust in our "savior" Jorlan?'
If someone tries to brute-force the chains, the tall adventurer helps the best she can. (OOC: this to grant advantage on the check)
Meanwhile, however, the blonde warrior adjusts her chains so that they still look fine. There is no need for Jorlan, when he arrives, to realize that she is already free... He shouldn't care (if he really wants to get them out), but she... she trusts Jorlan very little. Better be ready to surprise him if need be.
Leaving the discussion about the shackles to the others for now, Traydark turns to the serene Shuushar. "If we make it out of here, do you think you can take us to Sloopludoop? Would we abe able to find at least temporary refuge there?"The noble drow asks the peaceful kuo-toa in a polite tone.
"If'n the drow betrays us... any of 'em... I'll just wrap me chains 'round their necks and break 'em that a way,"says Ebzer in a tone which might be a jest... or might not.
Traydark looks up briefly from his conversation with the serene kuo-toa. "If Jorlan betrays us you can be abolutely certain anything you could come up with would seem quite merciful compared to what Ilvara will do to him when she finds out about his little scheme." He says with a scoff at the empty threat of the duergar. "As for the rest of us I would expect nothing less from you."He adds before returning his attention to Shuushar.
Leaving the discussion about the shackles to the others for now, Traydark turns to the serene Shuushar. "If we make it out of here, do you think you can take us to Sloopludoop? Would we abe able to find at least temporary refuge there?"The noble drow asks the peaceful kuo-toa in a polite tone.
Shuushar replies that he believes he would be able to find the way, but it has been some time since he was there and so does not know the current state of his people.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Traydark nods to the serene kuo-toa and turns to speak to the prisoners again. "Listen! If we take the western tunnel out of the cavern, Shuushar can take us to the kuo-toa settlement of Sloopludoop by the Darklake. It should be the closest settlement from here and even if we manage to bring some of our equipment from this outpost I believe we should aim for a settlement as soon as we can as we make our way out of here." The noble drow suggests, looking around at the others for responses.
Persuasion to convince the npcs that this is a good idea for everyone: 18
(@DM: Khessa would go on if this is a success too, trying to free her companions as well... but I wait for you to confirm or deny now; I don't want to spam rolls pointlessly)
Leaned back to the prison cave wall, Traydark listens to Khessa's extensive instructions. He could not tell whether the blonde human with her fiery speech about unity was planning to callously sacrifice most of the other prisoners in a futile attempt to fight off their jailors while she herself made her escape, or if she actually believed the drow in this outpost could be successfully fought and defeated. To the noble drow the idea seemed preposterous as most of the prisoners would likely fall to the first volley of poisonous darts while the prioners collective armaments consisted of a single fork. "For my part I would prefer to get out with my life than with the meagre belongings kept by our jailors, I must strongly advice against fighting the drow unless we can take them out a few at a time without alerting the others. An open battle in these surroundings is simply doomed to fail." He says grimly after a few moments of hesitation. It didn't really bother him if some of the other prisoners fell during their escape but he would need others to protect him in the tunnels of the underdark until he reached safety. "We should perhaps also consider where to head next before we leave. There are three tunnels leaving the cavern if I'm not mistaken. If anyone has an idea of where we are I suggest we choose the tunnel that will take us fastest to some sort of community where we can find supplies and refuge." He continues in a soft but firm voice. "Regarding our shackles, I would expect them to be unlocked before Jorlan leaves, or leaving the cell door open would not be of much use. Good luck with those shackles now, I suggest those not occupied with that try to get some rest, we would need everyone's best effort available as we make our escape from here." The noble drow finishes, ready to go into trance until the cell door was open again.
"Don't worry Traydark," Khessa speaks reassuringly "I'm not looking for suicidal battles. Simply, if once we are armed and equipped again there is an opportunity to cause damage or death without taking excessive risks, I would love to do it. Not just out of revenge, but also because it could prevent a chase or delay it. If you had 19 soldiers, then all of a sudden you have only 15 or 10... you'll be less eager to send some of them in a chase, will not you? Same if you have repairs to be made... You'll have to decide if it matters more to do repairs or chase fugitives. But even a plain escape will do fine".
"Speaking of Jorlan, you told us about an agreement about the door..." the blonde warrior is doubtful "And I was taking it literally - he opens the door for us and enjoys seeing us fight chained. I fear this would suit him! But if you in fact had also agreed on the release from the chains - or if you think you can convince him - so much the better! But in the meantime I try to free some of us all the same. A try can not hurt, can it? You know, I don't have too much trust in drow... at least in the other drow," she takes care to add, wanting to keep the purposes of unity that she set out just before - and in which she believes "the ones who aren't fugitives like us".
"Decide where to go would be fantastic" the tall adventurer admits "but I can't help with that, because I don't know the way. If anyone knows which tunnel it leads to they will take us fastest to some sort of community where we can find supplies and refuge, just tell, we will definitely head there! But if nobody knows... then I suggest we simply take the nearest, for we might be in a hurry".
"Oh, I'm sure properly equipped some of you can make a stand against the drow, while others will just hamper you. Some of us should simply stay out of any battle with our jailors I think. And those who fall to their poisonous darts, whatever valiant intentions you might have about leaving no one behind Khessa, think about it, you can't expect any of them to make it out of here." The noble drow says grimly. "So, anyone knows which tunnel we should choose to find our way to safety as quickly as possible?" He says, glancing about the cave.
OOC for DM:
Is the 'rusty iron bar' Ebzer found in post 19 suitable for breaking the manacles/collar? Or does it seem too fragile for that?
(It is useful as a makeshift club but that's about it. It might break if you use it to try and force anything)
Your initial efforts are rewarded with a slight chink and metallic snap as the bindings come loose. Whether you risk attempting helping everyone else though is up to you.
Khessa tensed her muscles with fierce determination. Hearing the chains begin to give way, she growls softly, in a final effort: "I'm Khessa and I'm as free as the blowing wind!"
And here is that with a slight chink and metallic snap, the bindings come loose.
'I almost can't believe it!' she thinks 'So Tobar, my father, was indeed right! He really could have yoked me to the plow and sold the ox!'
Tried by the effort, the blonde warrior catches her breath for a moment, while reassuring her companions: "Did you see? It can be done. In a moment I will try to break yours too. However, Ebzer, Ront... I do not believe that your physical power is inferior to that of a mere woman... If you want to try, probably you too, with much effort and a little luck, could break some chains. Just in case Jorlan, when he comes, doesn't think he'll open them to us..."
Khessa tries then to break at least Ebzer's chains, so that he also might be able to fight more effectively, if needed.
Rolling strength check to break Ebzer's neck chains (assuming he helps; plus, as before, if can be Athletics is 2 more then that): 16
(Unfortunately, 12 is not good enough)
"Ack!" Ebzer wheezes and gasps as Khessa repeatedly grabs his neck collar and tries to wrench it loose. "Leggo, woman! Are ye trying ta take me pate clean off me shoulders??"
"You're right, I'm sorry Ebzer" Khessa must this time give up "I must have gotten too tired breaking my own chains. I can't break yours too. I'll leave you alone. Let's just hope Jorlan intends to open them".
'If not, you'll have to fight in chains' does not say the blonde warrior. 'That's not the best. But who has magical abilities, should be able to use them anyway... And who does not have them, even with the awkwardness of the chains, can always manage to score a few hits. Or try to grapple or knock the drow down. We are many more than the stalagmite room's fistful of guards. We are going to make it'.
Silas says, "I don't know what you two are arguing about. With these chains, we all go or we all stay. There is no possibility to abandon the slow or the less useful. Sure, the woman has freed herself, but if the guards come here and see her unchained, she's just signed her death warrant (and possibly ours). I think we had all best be prepared to make a break for it the moment the door is next open. It is possible our numbers, combined with an element of surprise, might prevail."
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Seeing Khessa get free of her bindings, she encourages the others to try. "Everyone should try. Worst is you fail. And I think if you get loose you can still keep the chain and everything so it looks to our captors that it's still intact."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
'At least Katryl see things my way...' Khessa is relieved 'I am amazed that no one else, not even the strongest (and not even after I have already encouraged them!) has taken the initiative to try. Maybe... they spent many more days here than me... and that has sapped their spirits? Or do they really have all this trust in our "savior" Jorlan?'
If someone tries to brute-force the chains, the tall adventurer helps the best she can. (OOC: this to grant advantage on the check)
Meanwhile, however, the blonde warrior adjusts her chains so that they still look fine. There is no need for Jorlan, when he arrives, to realize that she is already free... He shouldn't care (if he really wants to get them out), but she... she trusts Jorlan very little. Better be ready to surprise him if need be.
Leaving the discussion about the shackles to the others for now, Traydark turns to the serene Shuushar. "If we make it out of here, do you think you can take us to Sloopludoop? Would we abe able to find at least temporary refuge there?" The noble drow asks the peaceful kuo-toa in a polite tone.
"If'n the drow betrays us... any of 'em... I'll just wrap me chains 'round their necks and break 'em that a way," says Ebzer in a tone which might be a jest... or might not.
Traydark looks up briefly from his conversation with the serene kuo-toa. "If Jorlan betrays us you can be abolutely certain anything you could come up with would seem quite merciful compared to what Ilvara will do to him when she finds out about his little scheme." He says with a scoff at the empty threat of the duergar. "As for the rest of us I would expect nothing less from you." He adds before returning his attention to Shuushar.
Shuushar replies that he believes he would be able to find the way, but it has been some time since he was there and so does not know the current state of his people.
Traydark nods to the serene kuo-toa and turns to speak to the prisoners again. "Listen! If we take the western tunnel out of the cavern, Shuushar can take us to the kuo-toa settlement of Sloopludoop by the Darklake. It should be the closest settlement from here and even if we manage to bring some of our equipment from this outpost I believe we should aim for a settlement as soon as we can as we make our way out of here." The noble drow suggests, looking around at the others for responses.
Persuasion to convince the npcs that this is a good idea for everyone: 18