After asking others about the conversation and the words said, Rodolfo will (ritually) cast Identify on unconscious Derendil to see if he can see what he is affected with.
@Rodolfo: As you cast Identify, you realize the enormity of the magics intertwined within Prince Derendil. Even though you may not have the skills to cast the majority of the known spells in existence, you feel you could identify them. Yet these spells are unknown. The closest illusion spell that resembles what is afflicting Derendil is Dream. Likewise, the closest divination spell that resembles what is afflicting Derendil is Tongues. But it is neither of those, and both the divination and illusion effects are from one cohesive magic.
@Rodolfo: As you touch these magics in Derendil, you feel the effects of the magic try to jump into your own psyche. You find yourself just barely breaking contact before it could do so, panting and reeling from the experience.
Rodolfo looks around at the others and says, "He is affected by very powerful magic. I almost got hurt trying to identify some of it. It is, as of yet, beyond me to rid him of any of it, but rest assured I will start thinking of possible solutions there."
Looking at the unconscious form he continues, "Please tell him that once he wakes up. I believe he may understand me, but I'm not certain."
After thirty minutes or so, Derendil stirs awake and realizes that he is bound and was handily defeated in a physical confrontation. Looking around from face to face, he scowls and speaks in the urbane elvish of Prince Derendil the gold elf (as well as telepathically), "The elves sabotage our escape and slow our progress. They succeed even now. And they put vile memories in my head to confuse me and make me forget I am Prince Derendil of Nelrindenvane."
Beegred: "Are you calm now? Let's talk about how you are acting. The one slowing our progress right now is you.
"You don't decide on your own to rip the skin off other people in the party. That is a big enough decision that you should have talked about it to the rest of us. And have more proof than, uhh I sorta guess so."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Beegred whips his head to look at Beegred, "And what proof do you have that they are not Terrestor spies? You do not know the extent that the wizard Terrestor will take to keep me down here until the curse takes me completely. My time is running out."
Rodolfo stays a few feet away and doesn't understand the words either, but the tone is clear enough.
"Hey, calm down everyone. Staying here any longer than we need to just harms us all."
"Derendil, while you were unconscious I tried to understand the magic that is affecting you. It is very powerful, well beyond my knowledge to fully comprehend, but I did learn some details. Your thoughts are of course your own, but are also being magically guided to distrust everyone and everything. It makes sense and is OK. You are with us and we are with you."
Walking all up close to Derendil he says, "All that said, I have some ideas on how to possibly rid you of this enchantment. It will take some time, but I am positive it can be done."
He then undoes the binds and helps him up.
"Lets continue, we are not far from our destination, but neither can we tarry."
Narstin, also unsure whether it was a good choice to free Derendil, gets ready to cast another Hold Person spell if needed, but hopes the quaggoth will be able to control himself for now. he says to Derendil, "Not all elves can be spies. Look at me," he waves to himself. "I'm a dwarf. I have no great love for elves in general myself," (Is that a thing in D&D?), "but they're like any other race. Some are good, some are bad. Most are somewhere in the middle. Sarith helped us escape, and has helped us in our travels ever since."
Derendil rubs his wrists and his head, focusing on Rodolfo as he speaks in elvish (and telepathically), "You can remove the curse? Do it! Try it, then you will see these elves try to sabotage your efforts. Then I will skin them. In the meantime, let us go before yet more elf spies catch up to us."
The party travels at a fast pace for a day in darkness illuminated by a light spell shining from Krizzibond's maul. The entire time, Derendil pesters Rodolfo asking, "When can you remove the curse? How will you do it? How will you hide what you're doing from the spies?" And so on. (Can retcon conversations here if you wish). The party eats their stock of food and Narstin summons water to drink. As the party takes a long rest, there are no disturbances other than the usual nightmares.
The next day, the cave tunnels are wide enough to march two abreast and lit by bio luminescence. Krizzibond stops the party as a large spherical creature floats above the cave floor above what appears to be the coprse of some unfortunate creature approximately 30 feet away. The sphere has several stalks protruding from the top and long rope like tendrils trailing to the floor. The spherical creature doesn't appear to be moving or doing anything the entire time the party examines it.
During the day Rodolfo walks with Derendil. "How much do you know about or of magic? You have undoubtedly seen a lot of magic, but have you some ability yourself?"
He then continues to show him his spellbook and explain how Identify works.
For novices, visualizing the ritual circle is a bridge too far. Thus, some find it necessary to write out in chalk, or other perishable media, the ritual circle. The inner circle consists of a series arcane circuit, the focus being inward toward the object to be identified. Nothing need be known about the object; the inner matrix, upon activation, probes the item according to the runic bindings used. The astral control circuitry enacted in the inner matrix denotes an establishment of parameters through which external assistance may reach. In brief, this is the control surface for the external agency, given form and specific function by the caster.
The outer of the two matrices provides the thaumaturgical framework by which this external agency is called. The etheric junctions placed at six equidistant points around the outer matrix provide the power for the ritual, and the fact that this energy is derived from Ether, and the “call” Astral, prevents said agency from manipulating the energies directly. This safety feature is telling, in that the caster who first invented this ritual had reason to both mistrust the agency called, but also trusted the information gleaned. The pearl, the sole material component, becomes the focus for the astral interrogative packet, is the last portion of the circle, and is placed at the origin/destination nexus between the first and sixth etheric junctions. Once inner and outer matrices are in place, the caster chants the following:
Whatever its nature, once the “call” is placed by enacting the outer matrix, the magus begins to receive a detailed view in his mind's eye of the item, an exploded view. Details of alloys used, molecular structures both arcane and mundane in origin, materials engineering of note, and any etheric, astral or Ki structures enacted within the item become visible. Within the span of a minute, its as if the entire item becomes transparent and easily readable to the ritual caster.
He continues, "So based on how this works and what I perceived is affecting you I will try to actually just disrupt what is there. But as it is complex and powerful and I have not done a thing like this before then I need to learn first."
During the day Rodolfo walks with Derendil. "How much do you know about or of magic? You have undoubtedly seen a lot of magic, but have you some ability yourself?"
He then continues to show him his spellbook and explain how Identify works.
For novices, visualizing the ritual circle is a bridge too far. Thus, some find it necessary to write out in chalk, or other perishable media, the ritual circle. The inner circle consists of a series arcane circuit, the focus being inward toward the object to be identified. Nothing need be known about the object; the inner matrix, upon activation, probes the item according to the runic bindings used. The astral control circuitry enacted in the inner matrix denotes an establishment of parameters through which external assistance may reach. In brief, this is the control surface for the external agency, given form and specific function by the caster.
The outer of the two matrices provides the thaumaturgical framework by which this external agency is called. The etheric junctions placed at six equidistant points around the outer matrix provide the power for the ritual, and the fact that this energy is derived from Ether, and the “call” Astral, prevents said agency from manipulating the energies directly. This safety feature is telling, in that the caster who first invented this ritual had reason to both mistrust the agency called, but also trusted the information gleaned. The pearl, the sole material component, becomes the focus for the astral interrogative packet, is the last portion of the circle, and is placed at the origin/destination nexus between the first and sixth etheric junctions. Once inner and outer matrices are in place, the caster chants the following:
Whatever its nature, once the “call” is placed by enacting the outer matrix, the magus begins to receive a detailed view in his mind's eye of the item, an exploded view. Details of alloys used, molecular structures both arcane and mundane in origin, materials engineering of note, and any etheric, astral or Ki structures enacted within the item become visible. Within the span of a minute, its as if the entire item becomes transparent and easily readable to the ritual caster.
He continues, "So based on how this works and what I perceived is affecting you I will try to actually just disrupt what is there. But as it is complex and powerful and I have not done a thing like this before then I need to learn first."
During Day 23 travel:
Derendil looks genuinely curious but as soon as you start talking about how magic works his eyes glaze over and his hackles seem to rise, seeming more menacing and agressive. "When will you do it?"
Rodolfo thinks for a bit, "I don't know yet, but I'm working towards it."
Noticing the aggression he adds, "Until that I do have an idea that might make the sleep more peaceful though. Lets look for a cavern with a high ceiling when we start to set up for camp today."
(The next time the party sets up for a long rest he will cast Rope Trick and send Derendil (and others who wish) to sleep in the extradimensional space)
Derendil looks genuinely curious but as soon as you start talking about how magic works his eyes glaze over and his hackles seem to rise, seeming more menacing and agressive. "When will you do it?"
At some point during the travel, Beegred will get next to Rodolfo and mention something quietly: "You didn't shed blood during the prison escape, but you are doing a good thing here for Derendil. I'll have your back. If he goes berserk, I'll do what I can to stop him before he rips off your skin. Hopefully he doesn't go coo-coo and try that." Beegred then quickly moves back to the front.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Rodolfo casts Rope Trick a few feet above Derendil's head and with help is hoisted up inside the extra-dimensional space. Beegred follows Rodolfo and sets up, prepared for Derendil's reaction. Krizzibond and Eldeth stand beneath the portal looking in.
When Derendil enters and leaves the material plane into this pocket dimension, his eyes roll up into his head as if about to faint, but then comes back to and looks at Rodolfo and Beegred. Confused for a second, he speaks in undercommon, which you can understand because of Stool's telepathic spores, "Slaves, carry weapons, death for you. Drop weapons, back to slave cave now! No spells, no speak! I watch."
"Guess we're setting up camp here until he cools off - unless you expect me to drag his ass around these dark caves....."
Skameros - Bugbear Barbarian - Out of the Abyss - By Kerrec
Follow your Arrow where it Points - Tabaxi Monk - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
Citron Pumpkinfoam - Fairy Monk - Project Point: Team Longsword
After asking others about the conversation and the words said, Rodolfo will (ritually) cast Identify on unconscious Derendil to see if he can see what he is affected with.
Rodolfo casts Identify and touches Derendil. He immediately senses the presence of unbelievably potent illusion and divination magics.
@Rodolfo: Roll an Arcana check to see if you can make heads or tails of these magics.
@Rodolfo: Roll a Wisdom Saving Throw.
Rodolfo arcana check: 24
Rodolfo wisdom saving throw: 11
Using inspiration to re-roll the arcana check: 12
@Rodolfo: As you cast Identify, you realize the enormity of the magics intertwined within Prince Derendil. Even though you may not have the skills to cast the majority of the known spells in existence, you feel you could identify them. Yet these spells are unknown. The closest illusion spell that resembles what is afflicting Derendil is Dream. Likewise, the closest divination spell that resembles what is afflicting Derendil is Tongues. But it is neither of those, and both the divination and illusion effects are from one cohesive magic.
@Rodolfo: As you touch these magics in Derendil, you feel the effects of the magic try to jump into your own psyche. You find yourself just barely breaking contact before it could do so, panting and reeling from the experience.
Rodolfo looks around at the others and says, "He is affected by very powerful magic. I almost got hurt trying to identify some of it. It is, as of yet, beyond me to rid him of any of it, but rest assured I will start thinking of possible solutions there."
Looking at the unconscious form he continues, "Please tell him that once he wakes up. I believe he may understand me, but I'm not certain."
After thirty minutes or so, Derendil stirs awake and realizes that he is bound and was handily defeated in a physical confrontation. Looking around from face to face, he scowls and speaks in the urbane elvish of Prince Derendil the gold elf (as well as telepathically), "The elves sabotage our escape and slow our progress. They succeed even now. And they put vile memories in my head to confuse me and make me forget I am Prince Derendil of Nelrindenvane."
Edit: Added telepathic on top of elvish.
Beegred: "Are you calm now? Let's talk about how you are acting. The one slowing our progress right now is you.
"You don't decide on your own to rip the skin off other people in the party. That is a big enough decision that you should have talked about it to the rest of us. And have more proof than, uhh I sorta guess so."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Beegred whips his head to look at Beegred, "And what proof do you have that they are not Terrestor spies? You do not know the extent that the wizard Terrestor will take to keep me down here until the curse takes me completely. My time is running out."
"Tell him to shut up, or the next time I hit him he will be visiting with his ancestors....we should get moving before more drow find us."
(Since Krizzibond doesn't understand elvish he just hears Derendil yammering on and on and on)
Skameros - Bugbear Barbarian - Out of the Abyss - By Kerrec
Follow your Arrow where it Points - Tabaxi Monk - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
Citron Pumpkinfoam - Fairy Monk - Project Point: Team Longsword
Rodolfo stays a few feet away and doesn't understand the words either, but the tone is clear enough.
"Hey, calm down everyone. Staying here any longer than we need to just harms us all."
"Derendil, while you were unconscious I tried to understand the magic that is affecting you. It is very powerful, well beyond my knowledge to fully comprehend, but I did learn some details. Your thoughts are of course your own, but are also being magically guided to distrust everyone and everything. It makes sense and is OK. You are with us and we are with you."
Walking all up close to Derendil he says, "All that said, I have some ideas on how to possibly rid you of this enchantment. It will take some time, but I am positive it can be done."
He then undoes the binds and helps him up.
"Lets continue, we are not far from our destination, but neither can we tarry."
Watching Rodolfo untie Derendil he grips his maul tighter "Rodolfo, what are you doing? Not sure that's very wise...."
(this is all based on him not being part of the conversation taking place telepathically or in languages he can understand)
Skameros - Bugbear Barbarian - Out of the Abyss - By Kerrec
Follow your Arrow where it Points - Tabaxi Monk - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
Citron Pumpkinfoam - Fairy Monk - Project Point: Team Longsword
Narstin, also unsure whether it was a good choice to free Derendil, gets ready to cast another Hold Person spell if needed, but hopes the quaggoth will be able to control himself for now. he says to Derendil, "Not all elves can be spies. Look at me," he waves to himself. "I'm a dwarf. I have no great love for elves in general myself," (Is that a thing in D&D?), "but they're like any other race. Some are good, some are bad. Most are somewhere in the middle. Sarith helped us escape, and has helped us in our travels ever since."
Derendil rubs his wrists and his head, focusing on Rodolfo as he speaks in elvish (and telepathically), "You can remove the curse? Do it! Try it, then you will see these elves try to sabotage your efforts. Then I will skin them. In the meantime, let us go before yet more elf spies catch up to us."
The party travels at a fast pace for a day in darkness illuminated by a light spell shining from Krizzibond's maul. The entire time, Derendil pesters Rodolfo asking, "When can you remove the curse? How will you do it? How will you hide what you're doing from the spies?" And so on. (Can retcon conversations here if you wish). The party eats their stock of food and Narstin summons water to drink. As the party takes a long rest, there are no disturbances other than the usual nightmares.
The next day, the cave tunnels are wide enough to march two abreast and lit by bio luminescence. Krizzibond stops the party as a large spherical creature floats above the cave floor above what appears to be the coprse of some unfortunate creature approximately 30 feet away. The sphere has several stalks protruding from the top and long rope like tendrils trailing to the floor. The spherical creature doesn't appear to be moving or doing anything the entire time the party examines it.
During the day Rodolfo walks with Derendil. "How much do you know about or of magic? You have undoubtedly seen a lot of magic, but have you some ability yourself?"
He then continues to show him his spellbook and explain how Identify works.
For novices, visualizing the ritual circle is a bridge too far. Thus, some find it necessary to write out in chalk, or other perishable media, the ritual circle. The inner circle consists of a series arcane circuit, the focus being inward toward the object to be identified. Nothing need be known about the object; the inner matrix, upon activation, probes the item according to the runic bindings used. The astral control circuitry enacted in the inner matrix denotes an establishment of parameters through which external assistance may reach. In brief, this is the control surface for the external agency, given form and specific function by the caster.
The outer of the two matrices provides the thaumaturgical framework by which this external agency is called. The etheric junctions placed at six equidistant points around the outer matrix provide the power for the ritual, and the fact that this energy is derived from Ether, and the “call” Astral, prevents said agency from manipulating the energies directly. This safety feature is telling, in that the caster who first invented this ritual had reason to both mistrust the agency called, but also trusted the information gleaned. The pearl, the sole material component, becomes the focus for the astral interrogative packet, is the last portion of the circle, and is placed at the origin/destination nexus between the first and sixth etheric junctions. Once inner and outer matrices are in place, the caster chants the following:
Yaa Kundendu tushaara haara-dhavalaa, Yaa shubhra-vastra'avritaa Yaa veena-vara-danda-manditakara, Yaa shweta padma'asana Yaa brahma'achyuta shankara prabhritibhir, Devai-sadaa vandita Saa Maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadya'apahaa.
Whatever its nature, once the “call” is placed by enacting the outer matrix, the magus begins to receive a detailed view in his mind's eye of the item, an exploded view. Details of alloys used, molecular structures both arcane and mundane in origin, materials engineering of note, and any etheric, astral or Ki structures enacted within the item become visible. Within the span of a minute, its as if the entire item becomes transparent and easily readable to the ritual caster.
He continues, "So based on how this works and what I perceived is affecting you I will try to actually just disrupt what is there. But as it is complex and powerful and I have not done a thing like this before then I need to learn first."
During Day 23 travel:
Derendil looks genuinely curious but as soon as you start talking about how magic works his eyes glaze over and his hackles seem to rise, seeming more menacing and agressive. "When will you do it?"
Rodolfo thinks for a bit, "I don't know yet, but I'm working towards it."
Noticing the aggression he adds, "Until that I do have an idea that might make the sleep more peaceful though. Lets look for a cavern with a high ceiling when we start to set up for camp today."
(The next time the party sets up for a long rest he will cast Rope Trick and send Derendil (and others who wish) to sleep in the extradimensional space)
At some point during the travel, Beegred will get next to Rodolfo and mention something quietly: "You didn't shed blood during the prison escape, but you are doing a good thing here for Derendil. I'll have your back. If he goes berserk, I'll do what I can to stop him before he rips off your skin. Hopefully he doesn't go coo-coo and try that." Beegred then quickly moves back to the front.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Rodolfo casts Rope Trick a few feet above Derendil's head and with help is hoisted up inside the extra-dimensional space. Beegred follows Rodolfo and sets up, prepared for Derendil's reaction. Krizzibond and Eldeth stand beneath the portal looking in.
When Derendil enters and leaves the material plane into this pocket dimension, his eyes roll up into his head as if about to faint, but then comes back to and looks at Rodolfo and Beegred. Confused for a second, he speaks in undercommon, which you can understand because of Stool's telepathic spores, "Slaves, carry weapons, death for you. Drop weapons, back to slave cave now! No spells, no speak! I watch."