This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arthasis watched the orog suspiciously as he trailed off. What did Blurg mean when he said there was something evil inside of the warlock. The threat with which the mage followed up on this strange statement was also quite unsettling. Did he know of the pact he struck? To his surprise this creature proved to be rather powerful, considering that he teleported the whole group at a moments notice to a distant location. Did this orog pose a serious danger to him? Since setting out on this adventure, Arthasis felt he was in way over his head and he also suspected that the worst was still to come. All this prompted the warlock to take the risk and use the eye in the way laid out by his patron. He didn’t know what it would accomplish exactly, but he could feel the raw power that tempted him at every step. A power which would be his own. Now.
Watching the others move on, he sat down on the ground removing the magic eye from the pouch around his neck. Clutching a dagger in his shacking right hand he slowly directed towards his left eye. It would have been an absurd scene to behold.
His shacking hands betrayed him and before he was even close to the eye, he produced a gushing wound on his forehead. Damage to himself: 5
“Goddamn!”, he shouted in pain. He couldn’t believe that he was quivering like a little child. He took a deep breath trying to steady his hand and tried again.
“Goddamn!”, he shouted in pain. He couldn’t believe that he was quivering like a little child. He took a deep breath trying to steady his hand and tried again. This time the blade struck true. He wasn’t prepared for what happened. At first there were was no pain. Time seemed to slow and the noise pervading the cave was drowning in the blood rushing in his ears. As he removed the dagger seeing his own eye quenched between his fingers and the blade the pain set in. It was quite literally blinding. He let out an agonizing scream while cowering on the ground. With his last thread of consciousness he grabbed the artifact and pressed it into the now empty socket.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arthasis would take an additional 6 as the eye was pulled out. The pain so agonizing that he couldn't even try to open his other eye.
Blood was streaming from it's socket like a large puncture would, and the inner portion of his eye was all but screaming with pain of it's own, as if someone had poured acid directly into his socket and left it to sit. Arthasis stuck the eye in, it took him a few tries but he inevitably made it inside. His world twisted. he was seeing inside his own head, the eye magically correcting itself, creating new tendrils, though these ones were decayed, they still functioned. They did not decay the rest of him, but he could tell he would feel this difference for the rest of his life. The eye could see, it was as if he had never removed the other one. It was perhaps even better... he could see so much more.... so much farther. The world was clearer than it had ever been before.
Every power comes with a price. The eye drained Arthasis of his life, until he was barely clinging to it (reducing his HP to 1) the eye itself seemed to surge with power as it did. the eye changed color, it now was almost purely golden, it's pupil was the slit of a cat or dragons, thin, unyielding, predatory. You now have some control of the eye.
Pain beyond imagining would wrack through Arthasis body, even more intense than he had just experienced. It felt like his gut was being hammered by a siege-craft weapon, then his back, his arms, his face, and legs. This went on for almost a full five minutes, before all pain abetted, and though you were still only at 1 life, you could feel power welling up in you, powers you should not posess, but did. For now, you are weak with it, it is new to you, alien, but it has no sentience. You do however, know, inherently, that if this eye is ever removed, so will your life end. ou now control the power of The Eye of Vecna. (cant link it for some reason)
For now, you know you are too weak to wield it properly, and every time you use one of its non-passive benefits, it will cost you 10 HP, and you can use them up to the limit of 8 charges. These charges are reset each day by 1d4+4 at dawn.
the Kou-toa and Evrik heard your screaming, and came back quickly, watching you write, and not understanding what was going on, until they saw the eye attached to your dagger.
Evrik exclaiming What have you done to yourself Arthasis? Are you OK? And.. why? Do you need healing?
It seems he has crossed a river, of which from there is no return. I hope only that this omen is not a sign of doom. Ponder my words Warlock, for the streams of the infinium are never ending, and you have but plucked at a string in the chorus of this life....
Feeling the life battered out of him the warlock extended his arm towards Evrik. “I…I need healing… I need…”, he gasped desperately, dropping to the ground again almost instantaneously. But even though he felt like he was dying, there was a new sensation building inside of him. Visions of the eye’s past, visions of a power that was now his. Well, at least a fraction of it. And Arthasis wanted more.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Feeling the healing magic of Evrik, Arthasis started breathe a little easier. “Thank you. I needed that.”, the warlock said slowly forcing himself to stand up again. “I…I did what I had to.”, he answered Evrik’s lingering question, while he wiped the blood from his face the best he could. The eye, although it worked in ways the old ones never could, felt like a foreign object inside his body. He could live with it as long as it provided him with the power he desired. And from what he could tell, it would. He could already sense its hidden knowledge working itself into his mind. But he also knew that its power was still difficult for him to handle. ‘Not for long’, the warlock told himself. "I guess we should move on.", he said moving ahead of the rest.
The teleportation had left the druid a bit disoriented and followed along quietly as Shushaar led them to his villages. Then the cries of pain from Arthasis breaks his stupor. Immotichey looks on in horror as the warlock plucks out one of his eyes and shoves in the trinket he found at the orog's camp.
"Are you mad?! What fiend do you serve that asks you to endure this?!"
Shuushar would motion for them all to follow. Whatever the warlock has done is done, and the chord cannot be untangled for now. So I say we simply press forward. My grand fate is nearing, and I feel a fateful encounter is awaiting us beyond the horizon. Let us make haste, for we are not far. And it does not bode well to keep the hand of fate waiting in the stream of time.
In disbelief, Chubby just stares at Arty. What the hells has he done, he thinks to himself. I'll have to keep an eye on that one. He begins to chuckle at his own little inside joke, shaking his head and walking towards the city.
After some walking, and many many looks back at Arthasis from Evrik, he seemed concerned. Something had happened with the warlock, something bad... he was perfectly fine one moment, and now he was near death, he'd stabbed out his own eye! but his eye was still there.....
Shuushar silently led the group forward, but as they proceeded, Shuushar notices a group of koutoa, seven Normal koutoa who look much like thinner versions of himself, and a Kou-Toa whip.
Kou Toa
Kou Toa Whip
At first, the party of Kou-Toans seems confused. Shuushar attempts to hail them, and they proceed forward cautiously towards your party.
Shuushar says Hail brethren. Our companions and I have wandered far, and are weary from travel and seek respite. From which faction do you hail?
Previously unseen, a Kou-Toan Archpreist walks out from the shadows.
Archpreist
The archpreist introduces himself, saying I am Ploopploopeen, archpriest of the Sea Mother Blibdoolvpoolp. She answers my prayers by our fateful encounter. Help us, and you will be rewarded for your service. We shall, of course, give you a place to rest for the night, as you said, you are weary, and much it looks it. But Shuushar... what happened? you have been gone for so long, I was fearing the worst....
Shuushar replied, saying I will tell you all and more when we are within the safety of your home. We both know the heretics roam far and wide. I am full-glad that we found our way to your side of the village.
After another few minutes of walking, it seeming that you all bumped into the Archpreist within a mile of his city, coming in from the right side of the map
As you enter the city,
From a distance, it looks like a massive tangle of reeds stretching up into the darkness, lit by glowing spots of phosphorescence. Upon closer approach, a series of rickety towers can be seen, lashed together by rope and plank bridges set in haphazard patterns. Even above ground, the kuo-toa build in line with their three-dimensional aquatic sensibilities, constructing their “great city” as if it were underwater.
Sloobludop simmers with religious fervor and sectarian tension. The gate you had to pass through was heavily guarded but several strong looking Kou-Toan monitors and whips. the gate itself constructed of Zhurkwood stretching the entire mile of thier city, and between it was laid nets, covered entirely with fish hooks and other similar hazards.
The city itself looked much like a stone city carved out of white-rock, much like the Flintstones, if they lived under water, The rest were made into rickety looking wooden towers, or small hovels but all of them were three teired structures. Carribean music was loud here, it seemed this half of the city was it's source. In the distance, two very large shrines less than 100 yards from eachother could just barely be seen over the other structures.
Eventually, you were led to a very large wooden hut near the watery entrance where the water jutted into the city in that long rectangle.
Arthasis still wasn’t feeling quite like himself as the kuo-toa led them into their city and was too preoccupied with the surge of power now running through his veins to notice much of what was going on around him. He loved it. He was never going back. From now the pursuit of more power would take precedence above anything else. “I am ok. Don’t worry.”, he said as they entered the city, noticing Evrik’s gaze focused on him.
As they marched the warlock slowly regained full control of his consciousness and he immediately started to reevaluate his situation. Maybe this journey through the underdark wasn’t such a bad thing after all, considering the treasures he already found here. Maybe that was the reason why his patron had sent him here, to grow stronger.
They arrived at a very large wooden hut where the archpriest extended an invitation to them, an invitation he would pass on feeling that a little rest couldn’t hurt after the torture he was going through. “I think I speak for everyone when I say that we would gladly accept your hospitality.”, Arthasis then hesitated recalling a fragment of the earlier conversation, which he hadn’t paid much attention to. “But what help do you need exactly. And what reward our help entail.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Chubby, no stranger to underground cities, walks into the town with a warm heart. Sure, these weren't his people, but he marveled at their architectural sensibilities. (History check, does he know anything about these peoples? 11).
Upon entering the wooden hut, he bows deeply to the host, and introduces himself: "Hail, and well met, kind sir. My name is Chubby Beersmith, an elder in Clan Beersmith. I thank you for your generous offering as host in this fair city! Our friend and fellow traveler, Shuushar here, hails from your noble city, and promised us aide and support if we were to help return him to his home."
The lizardman keeps an eye on the warlock as they continue through the kuo-toa village - hoping Arthasis no longer feels the need to self-mutilate any longer. The eye that took the place of the warlock's natural one causes a shiver to run up the back of Immotichey and he shakes his head in disbelief at this turn of events.
Once at the archpriest's home, Immotichey relaxes some. "Thank you for allowing us into your village," he says to the archpriest. Waving a hand at Shuushar he continues, "This one here has been helpful in guiding us back here... Maybe not with his actions, but his words have been wise."
The archpreist would nod, but took his time sitting down on a chair that was slightly more extravagant than the rest, made of slightly finger zhurkwood, and looking much more comfortable.. not t say the many chairs gathered around like a circular churches pulpit, as his hovel was rather large. Inside there were several chests that seemed to be full of gold, proudly displayed, among many other treasures. How the archpreist had came to posses so much was a mystery...
Not just yet mage. I cannot and will not abide guests in my home without showing them the proper hospitality! he said with glee, almost bouncing in his chair.
And yes, you are most welcome here Mrs. Lizard. I have never seen a lizard with so round a chest.. it must be some unique defense! As for Shuushar... lets not speak of him.
Shuushar seemed to act as if this were entirely expected action, and remained silent, for now.
Unless someone in the party broke it, silence would hang in the area for roughly half an hour, before the scent of finely beer-basted meat began to waft in through the open windows. Many kou-toans came in, hauling what would equal a feast to some, and a tiny morsel to others. The placed many platters on a table they also carried in, each tray coming on a stone platter that seemed enchanted to keep the food warm, without harming it's eater.
On each platter, was admittedly professionally arrayed food, featuring lettuce and cabbages, finely diced, and slathered in some strange white sauce. Tomatoes, and onions splayed about on smaller side plates. Each platter also containing a baked potato that had been cut into four slices from top to bottom laying in a reddish sauce. what looked like some sort of fungal bread with seeds sprinkled on it sizzled a finely cut and ground piece of meat that looked anything but liek it came from a cow, but held the same appealing glisten. Slathered over it was melted white cheese.
The archpreist putting his food together into a messy but appetizing splatter ate heartily as if he had not eaten in days, devouring his food much faster than the rest of you, though the sheer size of his mouth likely assisted with it.
----
Once everyone had eaten, and he had let out several satisfied and unapologetic burps, he would say, while rubbing his stomach Ahh... that was to die for... anyways. Finally, it's time for business. You bring a rare opportunity to our humble society. You see.. there is a civil war going on here in Sloobludop. My own bastard daughter seeks to Usurp me! That whore Bloppblippodd!!!! Atleast my son Glooglugogg remains Faithful to the Sea Mother.... Anyways. As I was saying, you provide a rare opportunity here. Our village has traditions, that even the heretics that follow my daughter Bloopy abide by. We can take advantage of this. Until a few weeks ago, our society was in harmony, and we dealt fairly with the other inhabitants of the underdark. But then my daughter had a vision!
He throws his arms up in incredulity at the statement, spitting on his own knee seemingly on purpose.
She claims she saw visions of the Deep Father.... Known to us as Leemooggoogoon. He is a false idol, that I will not tolerate, she has brought discord to our lives. She convinced half of our population that her visions were true, as recently she has grown mightily in magic and power. And her followers have been increasingly finding, and catching other humanoids of all races and affiliations, sacrificing them alive at their altar. Casting their blood and bodies into the water, where... something is devouring it, but all I have sent to investigate have never returned.
With this, Shuushar would chime in - This, most devoted archpreist is what I was trying to warn you...
the Archpreist cutting him off loudly by shouting Had you not begun to have your own heretical ideals, perhaps my bloopy would not have started to have her own!
Shuushar interjecting I beg to differ. All I seek is to enlighten our people with the deities of the surface world, who do not require sacrifice! We can change our people, and lead them to a higher path! One where our harmony can never be broken!
The archpreist spitting into the air, and catching it with his mouth, saying Pah, cobbybottoms. The sea mother has always provided, and only asks for one life a year. It is not much to ask, and it has always been thus. Now.. let us get back to our business.
I wish to... use you. As bait.
he let that hang in the air for several, long, moments. I wish to present you all to my daughter as sacrifices, a.. show of goodwill, peace, and reconcilliation. The deep father requires living, humanoid sacrifices, and you are a prize collection of exactly that. You will not be helpless.. we will leave your bindings loose enough for you to conveniently break free at the right time.
As you do, the true followers of the sea mother will rally to your aid, and we will cut off the head of this new cult. Yes, by killing my daughter. Of course I will allow you to browse our fine wares and shops for a day before we proceed. The ritual does not begin until tomorrow.
What say you?
-------------------------------------
As the archpreist speaks, more and more comes back to chubby. The Kou-Toans are rarely known to the surface worlders, but the underdark spans the entire world, and anywhere you delve, you hear atleast whispers and rumors.
Kou-toans are generally considered insane, but workably so. So long as you do not seem to slander their ways, they will usually deal with you fairly, as many residents do so to cross the lake with an experienced guide hired from the city and the boat, or boats they can provide.
All kou-toans build thier structures differently than surface dwellers. Instead of the nobles or otherwise higher status being high in towers, the more status you have in Kou-Toan society, the closer to the ground you were, and vice versa. The belief being, that being on the ground level puts you closer to the water as a means of escape. Likely why this archpreist has such a massive tower of a home, but lived, essentially on it's ground floor so close to the water.
You would also remember that kou-toans tend to have very odd tactics because of their physiology and weaponry. Some employed shields that would grapple your weapon when they blocked with it, while others were like trying to wrestle with a greased pig, that had no trouble holding onto you. Despite thier size, many kou-toans were resilient in combat, boasting high stamina.
lastly, you remember that kou-toans with hoards of treasure and trinkets, usually took those very things from others.
There comes a knocking at the Archpriest door. Unless someone had been keeping watch of the streets, the owner of it is unclear. But, he is patient enough to wait a short while before knocking again if the need be. Each time is no more for forceful than the last. Although there is some sense of urgency behind the knocks that -- upon looking and listening closely -- appears to be coming from the lower end of the door/doorway.
If anyone ever ultimately answers the door comes face to face with a tall yet impish looking goblin standing with his feet slightly apart, hands behind his back, axes at his sides, and a tired look about him. This time however, it seemed less of a physical sort and more mental instead. Either way, aside from slight punctures about his neck and a few new scrapes, the goblin doesn't appear any more worse for wear than the last time the group had seen him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Cade snaps to attention and gives a clipped salute. "Are you the father of the Arch Priestess, Leader of the Deep Father's order? If not, I wish to urgently speak to him in regards to said daughter. Might I come inside to discuss the matter?" He asks as if having rehearsed the line for whoever knows how long.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Immotichey 'blushes' at the mention of his round chest and attempts, to no avail, to pull his sleeveless jerkin closed. He just grunts and listens on to the archpriest's offer. Being used as bait is not what was to be expected and he looks to the others in the group.
Hearing the voice at the door, Immotichey jumps up and goes to the door. Seeing the goblin trying to enter, a wide, toothy smile comes to his face. Turning back to the archpriest he says, "This is one of our companions."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Arthasis watched the orog suspiciously as he trailed off. What did Blurg mean when he said there was something evil inside of the warlock. The threat with which the mage followed up on this strange statement was also quite unsettling. Did he know of the pact he struck? To his surprise this creature proved to be rather powerful, considering that he teleported the whole group at a moments notice to a distant location. Did this orog pose a serious danger to him? Since setting out on this adventure, Arthasis felt he was in way over his head and he also suspected that the worst was still to come. All this prompted the warlock to take the risk and use the eye in the way laid out by his patron. He didn’t know what it would accomplish exactly, but he could feel the raw power that tempted him at every step. A power which would be his own. Now.
Watching the others move on, he sat down on the ground removing the magic eye from the pouch around his neck. Clutching a dagger in his shacking right hand he slowly directed towards his left eye. It would have been an absurd scene to behold.
Sleight of Hand with Guidance : 15
His shacking hands betrayed him and before he was even close to the eye, he produced a gushing wound on his forehead. Damage to himself: 5
“Goddamn!”, he shouted in pain. He couldn’t believe that he was quivering like a little child. He took a deep breath trying to steady his hand and tried again.
Sleight of Hand with Guidance : 23
“Goddamn!”, he shouted in pain. He couldn’t believe that he was quivering like a little child. He took a deep breath trying to steady his hand and tried again. This time the blade struck true. He wasn’t prepared for what happened. At first there were was no pain. Time seemed to slow and the noise pervading the cave was drowning in the blood rushing in his ears. As he removed the dagger seeing his own eye quenched between his fingers and the blade the pain set in. It was quite literally blinding. He let out an agonizing scream while cowering on the ground. With his last thread of consciousness he grabbed the artifact and pressed it into the now empty socket.
Arthasis would take an additional 6 as the eye was pulled out. The pain so agonizing that he couldn't even try to open his other eye.
Blood was streaming from it's socket like a large puncture would, and the inner portion of his eye was all but screaming with pain of it's own, as if someone had poured acid directly into his socket and left it to sit. Arthasis stuck the eye in, it took him a few tries but he inevitably made it inside. His world twisted. he was seeing inside his own head, the eye magically correcting itself, creating new tendrils, though these ones were decayed, they still functioned. They did not decay the rest of him, but he could tell he would feel this difference for the rest of his life. The eye could see, it was as if he had never removed the other one. It was perhaps even better... he could see so much more.... so much farther. The world was clearer than it had ever been before.
Every power comes with a price. The eye drained Arthasis of his life, until he was barely clinging to it (reducing his HP to 1) the eye itself seemed to surge with power as it did. the eye changed color, it now was almost purely golden, it's pupil was the slit of a cat or dragons, thin, unyielding, predatory. You now have some control of the eye.
Pain beyond imagining would wrack through Arthasis body, even more intense than he had just experienced. It felt like his gut was being hammered by a siege-craft weapon, then his back, his arms, his face, and legs. This went on for almost a full five minutes, before all pain abetted, and though you were still only at 1 life, you could feel power welling up in you, powers you should not posess, but did. For now, you are weak with it, it is new to you, alien, but it has no sentience. You do however, know, inherently, that if this eye is ever removed, so will your life end. ou now control the power of The Eye of Vecna. (cant link it for some reason)
For now, you know you are too weak to wield it properly, and every time you use one of its non-passive benefits, it will cost you 10 HP, and you can use them up to the limit of 8 charges. These charges are reset each day by 1d4+4 at dawn.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/eye-of-vecna
the Kou-toa and Evrik heard your screaming, and came back quickly, watching you write, and not understanding what was going on, until they saw the eye attached to your dagger.
Evrik exclaiming What have you done to yourself Arthasis? Are you OK? And.. why? Do you need healing?
It seems he has crossed a river, of which from there is no return. I hope only that this omen is not a sign of doom. Ponder my words Warlock, for the streams of the infinium are never ending, and you have but plucked at a string in the chorus of this life....
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Feeling the life battered out of him the warlock extended his arm towards Evrik. “I…I need healing… I need…”, he gasped desperately, dropping to the ground again almost instantaneously. But even though he felt like he was dying, there was a new sensation building inside of him. Visions of the eye’s past, visions of a power that was now his. Well, at least a fraction of it. And Arthasis wanted more.
Evrik would rush over, doing one of those rockstar power-slides on his knees (acrobatics 18)
Landing it almost perfectly, with hands out, and healing energy ready, he called out to his patron.
Cure wounds: 10
Occassional Dungeon Master.
BARDIC HEALING MAGIC TIME?!!?
Feeling the healing magic of Evrik, Arthasis started breathe a little easier. “Thank you. I needed that.”, the warlock said slowly forcing himself to stand up again. “I…I did what I had to.”, he answered Evrik’s lingering question, while he wiped the blood from his face the best he could. The eye, although it worked in ways the old ones never could, felt like a foreign object inside his body. He could live with it as long as it provided him with the power he desired. And from what he could tell, it would. He could already sense its hidden knowledge working itself into his mind. But he also knew that its power was still difficult for him to handle. ‘Not for long’, the warlock told himself. "I guess we should move on.", he said moving ahead of the rest.
Perception with Guidance : 6
The teleportation had left the druid a bit disoriented and followed along quietly as Shushaar led them to his villages. Then the cries of pain from Arthasis breaks his stupor. Immotichey looks on in horror as the warlock plucks out one of his eyes and shoves in the trinket he found at the orog's camp.
"Are you mad?! What fiend do you serve that asks you to endure this?!"
Before Arthasis can answer, he manages to trip on a rock he was unable to perceive.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Shuushar would motion for them all to follow. Whatever the warlock has done is done, and the chord cannot be untangled for now. So I say we simply press forward. My grand fate is nearing, and I feel a fateful encounter is awaiting us beyond the horizon. Let us make haste, for we are not far. And it does not bode well to keep the hand of fate waiting in the stream of time.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
In disbelief, Chubby just stares at Arty. What the hells has he done, he thinks to himself. I'll have to keep an eye on that one. He begins to chuckle at his own little inside joke, shaking his head and walking towards the city.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
After some walking, and many many looks back at Arthasis from Evrik, he seemed concerned. Something had happened with the warlock, something bad... he was perfectly fine one moment, and now he was near death, he'd stabbed out his own eye! but his eye was still there.....
Shuushar silently led the group forward, but as they proceeded, Shuushar notices a group of koutoa, seven Normal koutoa who look much like thinner versions of himself, and a Kou-Toa whip.
Kou Toa
Kou Toa Whip
At first, the party of Kou-Toans seems confused. Shuushar attempts to hail them, and they proceed forward cautiously towards your party.
Shuushar says Hail brethren. Our companions and I have wandered far, and are weary from travel and seek respite. From which faction do you hail?
Previously unseen, a Kou-Toan Archpreist walks out from the shadows.
Archpreist
The archpreist introduces himself, saying I am Ploopploopeen, archpriest of the Sea Mother Blibdoolvpoolp. She answers my prayers by our fateful encounter. Help us, and you will be rewarded for your service. We shall, of course, give you a place to rest for the night, as you said, you are weary, and much it looks it. But Shuushar... what happened? you have been gone for so long, I was fearing the worst....
Shuushar replied, saying I will tell you all and more when we are within the safety of your home. We both know the heretics roam far and wide. I am full-glad that we found our way to your side of the village.
After another few minutes of walking, it seeming that you all bumped into the Archpreist within a mile of his city, coming in from the right side of the map
As you enter the city,
From a distance, it looks like a massive tangle of reeds stretching up into the darkness, lit by glowing spots of phosphorescence. Upon closer approach, a series of rickety towers can be seen, lashed together by rope and plank bridges set in haphazard patterns. Even above ground, the kuo-toa build in line with their three-dimensional aquatic sensibilities, constructing their “great city” as if it were underwater.
Sloobludop simmers with religious fervor and sectarian tension. The gate you had to pass through was heavily guarded but several strong looking Kou-Toan monitors and whips. the gate itself constructed of Zhurkwood stretching the entire mile of thier city, and between it was laid nets, covered entirely with fish hooks and other similar hazards.
The city itself looked much like a stone city carved out of white-rock, much like the Flintstones, if they lived under water, The rest were made into rickety looking wooden towers, or small hovels but all of them were three teired structures. Carribean music was loud here, it seemed this half of the city was it's source. In the distance, two very large shrines less than 100 yards from eachother could just barely be seen over the other structures.
Eventually, you were led to a very large wooden hut near the watery entrance where the water jutted into the city in that long rectangle.
I welcome you, honored guests, to my home.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Arthasis still wasn’t feeling quite like himself as the kuo-toa led them into their city and was too preoccupied with the surge of power now running through his veins to notice much of what was going on around him. He loved it. He was never going back. From now the pursuit of more power would take precedence above anything else. “I am ok. Don’t worry.”, he said as they entered the city, noticing Evrik’s gaze focused on him.
As they marched the warlock slowly regained full control of his consciousness and he immediately started to reevaluate his situation. Maybe this journey through the underdark wasn’t such a bad thing after all, considering the treasures he already found here. Maybe that was the reason why his patron had sent him here, to grow stronger.
They arrived at a very large wooden hut where the archpriest extended an invitation to them, an invitation he would pass on feeling that a little rest couldn’t hurt after the torture he was going through. “I think I speak for everyone when I say that we would gladly accept your hospitality.”, Arthasis then hesitated recalling a fragment of the earlier conversation, which he hadn’t paid much attention to. “But what help do you need exactly. And what reward our help entail.”
Chubby, no stranger to underground cities, walks into the town with a warm heart. Sure, these weren't his people, but he marveled at their architectural sensibilities. (History check, does he know anything about these peoples? 11).
Upon entering the wooden hut, he bows deeply to the host, and introduces himself: "Hail, and well met, kind sir. My name is Chubby Beersmith, an elder in Clan Beersmith. I thank you for your generous offering as host in this fair city! Our friend and fellow traveler, Shuushar here, hails from your noble city, and promised us aide and support if we were to help return him to his home."
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
The lizardman keeps an eye on the warlock as they continue through the kuo-toa village - hoping Arthasis no longer feels the need to self-mutilate any longer. The eye that took the place of the warlock's natural one causes a shiver to run up the back of Immotichey and he shakes his head in disbelief at this turn of events.
Once at the archpriest's home, Immotichey relaxes some. "Thank you for allowing us into your village," he says to the archpriest. Waving a hand at Shuushar he continues, "This one here has been helpful in guiding us back here... Maybe not with his actions, but his words have been wise."
The archpreist would nod, but took his time sitting down on a chair that was slightly more extravagant than the rest, made of slightly finger zhurkwood, and looking much more comfortable.. not t say the many chairs gathered around like a circular churches pulpit, as his hovel was rather large. Inside there were several chests that seemed to be full of gold, proudly displayed, among many other treasures. How the archpreist had came to posses so much was a mystery...
Not just yet mage. I cannot and will not abide guests in my home without showing them the proper hospitality! he said with glee, almost bouncing in his chair.
And yes, you are most welcome here Mrs. Lizard. I have never seen a lizard with so round a chest.. it must be some unique defense! As for Shuushar... lets not speak of him.
Shuushar seemed to act as if this were entirely expected action, and remained silent, for now.
Unless someone in the party broke it, silence would hang in the area for roughly half an hour, before the scent of finely beer-basted meat began to waft in through the open windows. Many kou-toans came in, hauling what would equal a feast to some, and a tiny morsel to others. The placed many platters on a table they also carried in, each tray coming on a stone platter that seemed enchanted to keep the food warm, without harming it's eater.
On each platter, was admittedly professionally arrayed food, featuring lettuce and cabbages, finely diced, and slathered in some strange white sauce. Tomatoes, and onions splayed about on smaller side plates. Each platter also containing a baked potato that had been cut into four slices from top to bottom laying in a reddish sauce. what looked like some sort of fungal bread with seeds sprinkled on it sizzled a finely cut and ground piece of meat that looked anything but liek it came from a cow, but held the same appealing glisten. Slathered over it was melted white cheese.
The archpreist putting his food together into a messy but appetizing splatter ate heartily as if he had not eaten in days, devouring his food much faster than the rest of you, though the sheer size of his mouth likely assisted with it.
----
Once everyone had eaten, and he had let out several satisfied and unapologetic burps, he would say, while rubbing his stomach Ahh... that was to die for... anyways. Finally, it's time for business. You bring a rare opportunity to our humble society. You see.. there is a civil war going on here in Sloobludop. My own bastard daughter seeks to Usurp me! That whore Bloppblippodd!!!! Atleast my son Glooglugogg remains Faithful to the Sea Mother.... Anyways. As I was saying, you provide a rare opportunity here. Our village has traditions, that even the heretics that follow my daughter Bloopy abide by. We can take advantage of this. Until a few weeks ago, our society was in harmony, and we dealt fairly with the other inhabitants of the underdark. But then my daughter had a vision!
He throws his arms up in incredulity at the statement, spitting on his own knee seemingly on purpose.
She claims she saw visions of the Deep Father.... Known to us as Leemooggoogoon. He is a false idol, that I will not tolerate, she has brought discord to our lives. She convinced half of our population that her visions were true, as recently she has grown mightily in magic and power. And her followers have been increasingly finding, and catching other humanoids of all races and affiliations, sacrificing them alive at their altar. Casting their blood and bodies into the water, where... something is devouring it, but all I have sent to investigate have never returned.
With this, Shuushar would chime in - This, most devoted archpreist is what I was trying to warn you...
the Archpreist cutting him off loudly by shouting Had you not begun to have your own heretical ideals, perhaps my bloopy would not have started to have her own!
Shuushar interjecting I beg to differ. All I seek is to enlighten our people with the deities of the surface world, who do not require sacrifice! We can change our people, and lead them to a higher path! One where our harmony can never be broken!
The archpreist spitting into the air, and catching it with his mouth, saying Pah, cobbybottoms. The sea mother has always provided, and only asks for one life a year. It is not much to ask, and it has always been thus. Now.. let us get back to our business.
I wish to... use you. As bait.
he let that hang in the air for several, long, moments. I wish to present you all to my daughter as sacrifices, a.. show of goodwill, peace, and reconcilliation. The deep father requires living, humanoid sacrifices, and you are a prize collection of exactly that. You will not be helpless.. we will leave your bindings loose enough for you to conveniently break free at the right time.
As you do, the true followers of the sea mother will rally to your aid, and we will cut off the head of this new cult. Yes, by killing my daughter. Of course I will allow you to browse our fine wares and shops for a day before we proceed. The ritual does not begin until tomorrow.
What say you?
-------------------------------------
As the archpreist speaks, more and more comes back to chubby. The Kou-Toans are rarely known to the surface worlders, but the underdark spans the entire world, and anywhere you delve, you hear atleast whispers and rumors.
Kou-toans are generally considered insane, but workably so. So long as you do not seem to slander their ways, they will usually deal with you fairly, as many residents do so to cross the lake with an experienced guide hired from the city and the boat, or boats they can provide.
All kou-toans build thier structures differently than surface dwellers. Instead of the nobles or otherwise higher status being high in towers, the more status you have in Kou-Toan society, the closer to the ground you were, and vice versa. The belief being, that being on the ground level puts you closer to the water as a means of escape. Likely why this archpreist has such a massive tower of a home, but lived, essentially on it's ground floor so close to the water.
You would also remember that kou-toans tend to have very odd tactics because of their physiology and weaponry. Some employed shields that would grapple your weapon when they blocked with it, while others were like trying to wrestle with a greased pig, that had no trouble holding onto you. Despite thier size, many kou-toans were resilient in combat, boasting high stamina.
lastly, you remember that kou-toans with hoards of treasure and trinkets, usually took those very things from others.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
There comes a knocking at the Archpriest door. Unless someone had been keeping watch of the streets, the owner of it is unclear. But, he is patient enough to wait a short while before knocking again if the need be. Each time is no more for forceful than the last. Although there is some sense of urgency behind the knocks that -- upon looking and listening closely -- appears to be coming from the lower end of the door/doorway.
If anyone ever ultimately answers the door comes face to face with a tall yet impish looking goblin standing with his feet slightly apart, hands behind his back, axes at his sides, and a tired look about him. This time however, it seemed less of a physical sort and more mental instead. Either way, aside from slight punctures about his neck and a few new scrapes, the goblin doesn't appear any more worse for wear than the last time the group had seen him.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
One of the many preists scuttled to the door, jumping in shock at the sight at first, but saying ultimately Y-yes? Can we help you?
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Cade snaps to attention and gives a clipped salute. "Are you the father of the Arch Priestess, Leader of the Deep Father's order? If not, I wish to urgently speak to him in regards to said daughter. Might I come inside to discuss the matter?" He asks as if having rehearsed the line for whoever knows how long.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
The preist looks you over for a moment, his eyes narrowing both at your appearance, and your sudden, highly specific request. Insight 8
(Vs your persuasion or deception)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Immotichey 'blushes' at the mention of his round chest and attempts, to no avail, to pull his sleeveless jerkin closed. He just grunts and listens on to the archpriest's offer. Being used as bait is not what was to be expected and he looks to the others in the group.
Hearing the voice at the door, Immotichey jumps up and goes to the door. Seeing the goblin trying to enter, a wide, toothy smile comes to his face. Turning back to the archpriest he says, "This is one of our companions."