"Unfortunately, I have learned that those who follow religion blindly can make some terrible decisions in the name of their beliefs. There is a fine line between what some call good and some call evil." Sparhawk's nose drops blood and he unconsciously wipes it with his sleeve, pausing as if remembering a long ago memory. "At times, I wonder if they are the same......For me, it all comes down to the abuse of power."
The Paladin seems to be pretty stirred up by the high priestess's request and their disgust at his lack of willingness to intervene.
*clarification: Ploopploopeen, the archbishop of the Great Sea Mother Blibdoolpoolp, petitioned for your aid in combating his usurper daughter, Bloppblippodd, archpriest of the Deep Father, Leemooggoogoon.
*clarification: Ploopploopeen, the archbishop of the Great Sea Mother Blibdoolpoolp, petitioned for your aid in combating his usurper daughter, Bloppblippodd, archpriest of the Deep Father, Leemooggoogoon.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The pair from the boat escort yountonthe gate, where the guards stop then and they explain they are bringing you to trade relics for pearls and other treasure, which you csn probably still understand if you had tongues cast, but the time it took to get here, jts close to wearing off. You recall this as the ability to understand the conversation ends mkd sentence, reflecting on the small clay object the kuo-toa held aloft when casting the spell. (I think one PC can understand undercommon so can translate, but let me know if I'm wrong about that. Therefore I'm not obscuring the content of any conversations you hear)
The guards stand down and let you pass without harrassment. Just past the gate, you see the docks where a half-dozen kuo-toan keelboats are moored. Five groups of three kuo-toa monitors led by a kuo-toa whip patrol the platforms at the water’s edge.
Passing through the maze of structures arranged with haphazard connections of nets and bridges connecting spaces of different heights, you soon see the destination to which the fish folk guide you: A nine-foot-tall statue marking the shrine of the Sea MotheGreat Sea Mother Blibdoolpoolp. Its body is roughly carved from some kind of wood in the shape of a humanoid female, its head and forearms formed from the severed head and claws of a giant albino crayfish. These parts are lashed on with strands of gut, and emit an overpowering stench of rotting shellfish. Shells, brightly colored stones, mushrooms, and rotting fish are piled at the statue’s feet and strung in garlands around its neck. Four stern kuo-toa slowly circle the statue, alert and on guard, while a few others mill about, gazing up at the statue and bowing repeatedly while chanting.
Content warning (depiction of the goddess)
Blibdoolpoolp, the Sea Mother by Marc Sasso
5 kuo-toa worshipers around it offering prayers. Currently the shrine is tended by Glooglugogg, a kuo-toa whip and son of Ploopploopeen, the archpriest of the Sea Mother. The guards are wary of anyone, including other kuo-toa, due to recent tensions.
Ploopploopeen claims a small hovel adjacent to the shrine, where he is attended by four kuo-toa. He is expecting you, despite your refusal to participate in his plan.
The ball is in your court. What do you want to do?
<That reminds me, Drow have DA on any social interactions with kuo-toa given the centuries of slavery and constant fighting between the groups. I am applying this to the Shadar-kai, Tatsat, as well. We know they're not drow, the fish people, im.not so certain they're sure enough about it that they feel more comfortable. They're not actively hostile, just DA on CHA checks. >
You're at the shrine to the sea mother beside the persists home. His son is there. They're expecting you but you csn go anywhere you want or do anything you want. You know there's a rival faction you could go look for or you coukd just opt to leave, I guess. They do trade for treasure all the time. I know you have limited magic items, so it's not impossible that yoi could find something of value here, but you'd have to have some idea of what you're looking for I'd that's your goal. Otherwise you might just find something useless to you.
“I’m interested in seeing what there is to trade. “ so I look for where the main market is and see what is possible. Looking to arbitrage what they have here cheap for what would be expensive topside. Possibly magic. I also speak undercommon
The marketplace is filled with the sounds of water dripping, the croaking of kuo-toa, and the occasional splash as a creature breaches the surface of the Darklake nearby. The background hum of bioluminescent insects adds to the surreal atmosphere.
The marketplace is not without its dangers. Shadows lurk at the edges, and it's not uncommon for a kuo-toa whip (a type of overseer) to lash out at unruly vendors or customers. Adventurers must remain vigilant, as thieves and pickpockets often blend into the chaotic environment. The various buildings found in this area are permanent shops run by kuo-toa merchants; a few visiting merchants ply their wares from tents or booths. The largest building is where the kuo-toa sell slaves.
The market stalls are crudely constructed from driftwood and salvaged materials, adorned with an eclectic assortment of wares. Kuo-toa vendors, with their amphibian features and bulbous eyes, croak and chatter in their guttural language, enticing passersby to inspect their goods.
Fish and Seafood: Freshly caught fish, eels, and other strange aquatic creatures from the Darklake are displayed on beds of crushed ice. Some stalls offer dried and salted fish, perfect for long journeys.
Bioluminescent Fungi: Various glowing fungi, ranging from edible mushrooms to bioluminescent spores used for light, are available for trade.
Odd Trinkets and Artifacts: The kuo-toa have a penchant for collecting oddities from the lakebed. Adventurers might find peculiar items like barnacle-encrusted relics, mysterious stones, and ancient coins.
A disturbing aspect of the marketplace is the presence of cages and makeshift pens holding captives of various races, captured by the kuo-toa in their raids. The slaves are offered for barter or sale to the highest bidder.
They're fish men. They don't wear armor. There is a zero percent chance of finding an armorer unless he happens to be a slave, which severely limits the items in stock. They do carry shields, though.
(Sparhawk eyes the prisoners/ slaves. Do any stand out to him?)
”any of you a cleric?” He says in common.
Here are five.
Gorath: A hulking orc forced to labor in the kuo-toa's underground mines. Despite his strength, he's broken in spirit but harbors a secret desire for rebellion.
Lira: A nimble elf who was captured while exploring the Underdark. She's used as a scout and messenger, her agility and keen senses exploited by her kuo-toa masters.
Thorn: A human wizard whose magical abilities are suppressed by enchanted shackles. He's kept as a living spellbook, forced to cast spells for the kuo-toa's benefit.
Skrik the Betrayer: A kuo-toa who fell out of favor with the city's rulers. Now, he's a slave himself, working in the city's algae farms and plotting his revenge.
Mira: A captured cleric of a surface deity, forced to use her healing powers to tend to the kuo-toa's wounded warriors. She remains hopeful, believing her god will one day deliver her from this nightmare.
Sparhawk will try to determine the nature of the cleric's diety. To Gorath, he says, "Hail brother." in Orkish.
To Mira, he says, "Hello Mira. I am just traveling through but I may be in need of your services in a bit." He winks at her and shows her his holy symbol and smiles, his orkish teeth showing through his bugbear features.
When alone with his group, "I don't know what you want to do here. I'd like to get back to our task in the caverns. I'm wondering if there is any way for us to free these slaves. In addition, we are in extreme danger of becoming slaves ourselves. Don't eat anything here, and be ready. We need to leave soon. For now, we should talk to the one expecting us." He touches is fractured nose. "I am thinking I could have some private time with the cleric in the guise of healing this. There are very strong reasons I keep it broken. I could heal it myself if I wish, but this calls for some creativity." He touches his nose, wiping some blood on his black sleeve. "If we have a plan I will communicate it to her. Or, I am now more tempted to do their bidding, in exchange for the release of their slaves. However, again, I think they will enslave us if the tide changes. Thoughts friends?"
(OOC: Sparhawk is a vengeance paladin. His code involves people who abuse power. However, the greater good would be to negotiate the release of the slaves and for them to safely bring them to the surface.)
Ahh. They have weird sight. If something's magic they know it.they see invisible and ethereal, etc. Inherited far realm psychological effects from when they were thralls, of a kind.
Were you liok9ng for anything in particular? They'll take treasure but they really like holt relics and things of that nature, eh9xh you might surnise from how these items are arranged by the merchants themselves, with seemingly mundane objects bearing religious iconography elevated above glistening jewels and practical goods, alike.
Fyi I've been using level up 5e's magic item prices up to now.
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"Unfortunately, I have learned that those who follow religion blindly can make some terrible decisions in the name of their beliefs. There is a fine line between what some call good and some call evil." Sparhawk's nose drops blood and he unconsciously wipes it with his sleeve, pausing as if remembering a long ago memory. "At times, I wonder if they are the same......For me, it all comes down to the abuse of power."
The Paladin seems to be pretty stirred up by the high priestess's request and their disgust at his lack of willingness to intervene.
Baron stares down the Fish people guards. "If you know what's good for you, you'll let us pass without a fight."
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
*clarification: Ploopploopeen, the archbishop of the Great Sea Mother Blibdoolpoolp, petitioned for your aid in combating his usurper daughter, Bloppblippodd, archpriest of the Deep Father, Leemooggoogoon.
<These names are hard ro keep straight.>
The two waiting for you want to escort you theough the gate. Are you sure you want to confront the guards?
Oh sorry, I got things backwards in my head. No, I don't lol
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
The pair from the boat escort yountonthe gate, where the guards stop then and they explain they are bringing you to trade relics for pearls and other treasure, which you csn probably still understand if you had tongues cast, but the time it took to get here, jts close to wearing off. You recall this as the ability to understand the conversation ends mkd sentence, reflecting on the small clay object the kuo-toa held aloft when casting the spell. (I think one PC can understand undercommon so can translate, but let me know if I'm wrong about that. Therefore I'm not obscuring the content of any conversations you hear)
The guards stand down and let you pass without harrassment. Just past the gate, you see the docks where a half-dozen kuo-toan keelboats are moored. Five groups of three kuo-toa monitors led by a kuo-toa whip patrol the platforms at the water’s edge.
Passing through the maze of structures arranged with haphazard connections of nets and bridges connecting spaces of different heights, you soon see the destination to which the fish folk guide you: A nine-foot-tall statue marking the shrine of the Sea MotheGreat Sea Mother Blibdoolpoolp. Its body is roughly carved from some kind of wood in the shape of a humanoid female, its head and forearms formed from the severed head and claws of a giant albino crayfish. These parts are lashed on with strands of gut, and emit an overpowering stench of rotting shellfish. Shells, brightly colored stones, mushrooms, and rotting fish are piled at the statue’s feet and strung in garlands around its neck. Four stern kuo-toa slowly circle the statue, alert and on guard, while a few others mill about, gazing up at the statue and bowing repeatedly while chanting.
Content warning (depiction of the goddess)
Blibdoolpoolp, the Sea Mother by Marc Sasso
5 kuo-toa worshipers around it offering prayers. Currently the shrine is tended by Glooglugogg, a kuo-toa whip and son of Ploopploopeen, the archpriest of the Sea Mother. The guards are wary of anyone, including other kuo-toa, due to recent tensions.
Ploopploopeen claims a small hovel adjacent to the shrine, where he is attended by four kuo-toa. He is expecting you, despite your refusal to participate in his plan.
The ball is in your court. What do you want to do?
I know undercommon
<That reminds me, Drow have DA on any social interactions with kuo-toa given the centuries of slavery and constant fighting between the groups. I am applying this to the Shadar-kai, Tatsat, as well. We know they're not drow, the fish people, im.not so certain they're sure enough about it that they feel more comfortable. They're not actively hostile, just DA on CHA checks. >
So what's the plan?
You're at the shrine to the sea mother beside the persists home. His son is there. They're expecting you but you csn go anywhere you want or do anything you want. You know there's a rival faction you could go look for or you coukd just opt to leave, I guess. They do trade for treasure all the time. I know you have limited magic items, so it's not impossible that yoi could find something of value here, but you'd have to have some idea of what you're looking for I'd that's your goal. Otherwise you might just find something useless to you.
“I’m interested in seeing what there is to trade. “ so I look for where the main market is and see what is possible. Looking to arbitrage what they have here cheap for what would be expensive topside. Possibly magic.
I also speak undercommon
The marketplace is filled with the sounds of water dripping, the croaking of kuo-toa, and the occasional splash as a creature breaches the surface of the Darklake nearby. The background hum of bioluminescent insects adds to the surreal atmosphere.
The marketplace is not without its dangers. Shadows lurk at the edges, and it's not uncommon for a kuo-toa whip (a type of overseer) to lash out at unruly vendors or customers. Adventurers must remain vigilant, as thieves and pickpockets often blend into the chaotic environment. The various buildings found in this area are permanent shops run by kuo-toa merchants; a few visiting merchants ply their wares from tents or booths. The largest building is where the kuo-toa sell slaves.
The market stalls are crudely constructed from driftwood and salvaged materials, adorned with an eclectic assortment of wares. Kuo-toa vendors, with their amphibian features and bulbous eyes, croak and chatter in their guttural language, enticing passersby to inspect their goods.
Fish and Seafood: Freshly caught fish, eels, and other strange aquatic creatures from the Darklake are displayed on beds of crushed ice. Some stalls offer dried and salted fish, perfect for long journeys.
Bioluminescent Fungi: Various glowing fungi, ranging from edible mushrooms to bioluminescent spores used for light, are available for trade.
Odd Trinkets and Artifacts: The kuo-toa have a penchant for collecting oddities from the lakebed. Adventurers might find peculiar items like barnacle-encrusted relics, mysterious stones, and ancient coins.
A disturbing aspect of the marketplace is the presence of cages and makeshift pens holding captives of various races, captured by the kuo-toa in their raids. The slaves are offered for barter or sale to the highest bidder.
Sparhawk is not very accepting of slavery, and is also concerned they could be caught and sold into slavery.
”we must proceed with great caution friends.” He’s seems edgy, and if pushed, might cause trouble.
”I wonder if any of theses “slaves” have knowledges of the caverns above.”
He would also like to find an armorer that can repair his plate mail damaged by the black pudding.
They're fish men. They don't wear armor. There is a zero percent chance of finding an armorer unless he happens to be a slave, which severely limits the items in stock. They do carry shields, though.
Are there restrooms
(Sparhawk eyes the prisoners/ slaves. Do any stand out to him?)
”any of you a cleric?” He says in common.
This doesn't usually get mentioned in adventures. Why do you ask?
Here are five.
Gorath: A hulking orc forced to labor in the kuo-toa's underground mines. Despite his strength, he's broken in spirit but harbors a secret desire for rebellion.
Lira: A nimble elf who was captured while exploring the Underdark. She's used as a scout and messenger, her agility and keen senses exploited by her kuo-toa masters.
Thorn: A human wizard whose magical abilities are suppressed by enchanted shackles. He's kept as a living spellbook, forced to cast spells for the kuo-toa's benefit.
Skrik the Betrayer: A kuo-toa who fell out of favor with the city's rulers. Now, he's a slave himself, working in the city's algae farms and plotting his revenge.
Mira: A captured cleric of a surface deity, forced to use her healing powers to tend to the kuo-toa's wounded warriors. She remains hopeful, believing her god will one day deliver her from this nightmare.
Sparhawk will try to determine the nature of the cleric's diety.
To Gorath, he says, "Hail brother." in Orkish.
To Mira, he says, "Hello Mira. I am just traveling through but I may be in need of your services in a bit." He winks at her and shows her his holy symbol and smiles, his orkish teeth showing through his bugbear features.
When alone with his group, "I don't know what you want to do here. I'd like to get back to our task in the caverns. I'm wondering if there is any way for us to free these slaves. In addition, we are in extreme danger of becoming slaves ourselves. Don't eat anything here, and be ready. We need to leave soon. For now, we should talk to the one expecting us." He touches is fractured nose. "I am thinking I could have some private time with the cleric in the guise of healing this. There are very strong reasons I keep it broken. I could heal it myself if I wish, but this calls for some creativity." He touches his nose, wiping some blood on his black sleeve. "If we have a plan I will communicate it to her. Or, I am now more tempted to do their bidding, in exchange for the release of their slaves. However, again, I think they will enslave us if the tide changes. Thoughts friends?"
(OOC: Sparhawk is a vengeance paladin. His code involves people who abuse power. However, the greater good would be to negotiate the release of the slaves and for them to safely bring them to the surface.)
Looking to go some where private to ritually cast detect magic and then comeback out and see what is potentially magical at the market
Ahh. They have weird sight. If something's magic they know it.they see invisible and ethereal, etc. Inherited far realm psychological effects from when they were thralls, of a kind.
Were you liok9ng for anything in particular? They'll take treasure but they really like holt relics and things of that nature, eh9xh you might surnise from how these items are arranged by the merchants themselves, with seemingly mundane objects bearing religious iconography elevated above glistening jewels and practical goods, alike.
Fyi I've been using level up 5e's magic item prices up to now.