Graxx says to Neya, "I assume not since he gave Igan a dagger in the back. I'm trying to remember many of the times I've battled a mad man and I believe I killed them all facing me as they were too crazy to run."
Graxx says to Grim, "I'm not real good with the whole keeping up with different types of folk. Are you Dragonborn related to Drow? This sure does remind me of them."
As the conversation continues, two of the guards (Matthis and Elias) take a wide turn around the group in order to reach the pool of dark water without getting too close. Much like two cowboys walking around each other before a duel, the party responds by taking a few steps to the west side of the room, maintaining a safe distance from the Black Fist guards. Aravele takes a lonely position by the northeast portion of the chamber.
The two guards reluctantly enter the pool of water after being ordered to do so by their sergeant. As they move, the water ripples, and as they get closer to the idol, their shins, knees, and waist all get submerged. Upon reaching the idol, they seem a bit confused.
Mathis stutters a bit, but whether it is fear or the cold water causing it is hard to say: "T-t-this statue is much bigger than I thought. M-m-most of it is submerged. I-i-it must be a good 6 feet tall!"
Elias the half-orc taps the idol with his finger: "I think... I think it is all green stone, Guard Sergeant. Like... solid jade or something."
The slickly green light emanating from the idol does not seem to react to Elias' poking. "Should we try to move it in chunks, Guard Sergeant? It is too heavy otherwise."
From her corner, Aravele sighs in impatience: "Haven't you collected enough, Grim? Can't we go now?"
Grim expression darkens, and arms uncross. An acrid scent begins filling the air ever so slightly as the dragonborn starts forward, brushing his two closest guards aside in the move. However, he hardly makes it five feet before freezing at Aravele's words. There's still a lengthy pause in which the man remained silent, and glared balefully at Graxx.
"Heh... Heheh... Hah... HAHAHAHAAH!" He tilts his head back and holds his belly in another raucous bout of laughter. While most of the guards merely look on in confusion, the half-elf visibly pales over the whole event. None of them however dared to interrupt. Though the only other human among the guard starts to awkwardly join in on the laugh. Grim stops immediately and gives the guard a quick 'What are you doing?' look, shutting up the guard.
"... It was a pair pitons, actually, and I took no pleasure in killing my friend." He says, switching from levity to solemnness in a single sentence. "While we did have a... disagreement -- namely involving this spy trying to undermine -OUR- hardwork -- we were no more at odds with one another than wind and wing." Grim gives the idol a sidelong glance. "Until we got here, anyways, and he started acting funny all of a sudden." He sighs and starts rubbing his snout. "To answer your question, Angel, my love... no. My men and our friends did not sacrifice their lives for nothing -- Mathis! Get a hold of yourself. And Elias..."
Grim hesitates. "You and Mathis have my...You-...Have my... ******* devaluing the whole--You have my permission to cut off a limb from the idol. Once we're on the surface we can get it appraised, and... go from there." Up until the end the dragonborn visibly cringes and scrunches up his face as if having smelled something horrible. "As for the rest of you-..." He says, addressing the party once more."If you're quite done making uncalled for accusations, and would like greater 'compensation' to forgo any unnecessary conversations on the matter, I'm sure we can come to some agreement." He suggests, the grandfatherly smile being replaced for a more sly one.
Neya raises an eyebrow, in equal parts, surprise and intrigue, "No need to get testy, we're merely trying to get an understanding of the circumstances. But, each revelation brings up more questions. This mention of a spy, for instance."
"During our time here, we took the liberty of reading through some of the quartermaster's writings. While there is no direct reference to a spy existing, there is a possible vague relationship through an allusion of an argument soon after you got back from the city not too long ago. Is this the same conversation you brought up or a similar matter? As a follow-up, what happened with the spy?"
Matthis and Elias use their spears to get some leverage against one of the appendages in the tentacled humanoid fish jade statue. Along with the help of gravity and an additional heavy rock, the two of them break off one of the tentacles and for a moment, look back at Grim triumphant. That quickly changes as they realize their sergeant isn't exactly happy about ruining the idol's pristine form. Once again, the sickly green light emanation from the statue of Dagon is unresponsive.
Neya tries to get some more information from the dragonborn. Aravele dislikes where this is going and nocks an arrow in response: "Grim..." she says taking a step back and knowing her companion is more than capable to take the hint. The mercenary is easier to read than Grim, and all party members except Drazzim pick up on her heightened fight-or-flight response. The Black fists guards on the other hand, despite being nervous, dutifully follow Grim's orders and poise to the best of their abilities.
"Actually, you don't need to answer those, I think we have everything we need to understand what truly occurred down here."
Neya's face changes into one of pride and disappointment, "Everything you've told us has been the truth, right, Grim? Under most circumstances what you've said may be enough justification for what you did."
"However, the existence of this spy and the quartermaster's mention of destroying something, led you to a rash and tragic misunderstanding. On our way down, we happened upon a body hidden in a small chamber just before this room. At first glance it may have been taken for an unfortunate civilian, who happened upon and was overtaken by the trials of the temple. But those who are familiar with her clan's practices, as I am, can know her true allegiance - even if I did not know her, personally. Igan most likely used his family's connections to commission us."
She sharply points a finger at Grim, "You're a fool, Guard Sargeant! The idol wasn't in any jeopardy. Nothing was being undermined! The only thing he was guilty of was trying to protect our privacy!"
"Let's run a scenario where you didn't stab your friend, shall we? Everyone here, including Igan Sokol, take the idol and the gold out of the temple with everyone alive and used it however you pleased. The spy goes back to the city with a survey. Sometime later, likely in the near future, this temple disappears. Not a trace of it remains," She throws up her arms. "Happily ever after!"
She shakes her head, staring him dead in the eye, "All of that would've transpired if you had trusted your friend for a moment longer."
Grim raises his own brow ridge, disbelieving but curious in his own way. At first. Then Neya continued to speak, and his eyes just keeps narrowing into they form dangerous slits by the end. "Easy, Aravele. Their just doing their due diligence."He says calmly, but anyone looking to his hands can see him rubbing a thumb along the steel piton in hand.
Just as he looked ready to speak however, Neya cuts in again. For the entirety he stood there quietly, shocked silent more than anything at the unraveling story. Yet at its end, he merely smirks. "I must admit. You even had me convinced there for a moment there... Matthis. Elias. Out the water with the sample." He casually commands while not breaking eye contact with Neya. "You're really good at making fairy tales up on the spot. I commend you." He mockingly bows, but again his eyes never leaves Neya's face and subtle smile only grows at any sign of anger or frustration from her.
"But that's all it is." His tone shifts to a hard one. "You spit on his name with these lies. You -- NONE OF YOU -- were here to see what happened. To see him... change! And all you have as proof is circumstantial but ODDLY convenient evidence. I like to think I'm a tolerant dragonborn, but I will NOT suffer your insults a moment longer. Men! Take them into custody! And if they resist, you know what to do." He commands staring daggers at the party.
The guards at least closest to Grim level their spears at the party. Even the half-elf, reluctant though she is about the whole mess.
“You’re right, we weren’t here. But there were more than just you when it happened and we only heard from you, not your men. The one thing I cannot account for is the change. If the transformation did indeed happen, then the description of it should be similar, if not the same, from everyone under your charge, right? Let’s hear from your men. One unique feature of this transformation from each of them and tell us if it’s accurate.”
Graxx holds his greatsword out in front of him and steps close to Neya. "If you do not wanna die today I suggest you rethink listenin' to that order and do some listenin' to my friend here."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Grim has clearly been pushed to his patience's limit. Neya's continued theorizing, Graxx's futile intimidation attempt, and Praxx's tune only serve to convince the dragonborn that there is a sole solution to the current impasse.
The sergeant's men do not respond to the monk's teasing. Before they can manage to backtrack all the way to Grim, the order comes to apprehend the party.
NOTE: Remember that a thin layer of mud on the ground makes it slippery. The squares where dead zombies or skeletons lay are considered difficult terrain.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Matthis(AC-77) and Elias(AD-78) look one last time to each other, then back to Graxx with narrowed eyes. "Hmph! Real tough guy, this one. But you heard the sergeant. Any that resist-..."Elias smirks. "Get put down!" In loose unison, the duo let out battle cries as they move to AF-76 and AH-75 respectively. While Elias stabs at his fellow Orc(going by the image.. assuming that is Drazzim?), Matthis aims for Graxx's extremities as well.
Shana(AA-75) doesn't bother with words, having decided to charge forward at the same moment as her fellow too guards to stab Graxx. Only Naru(Z-74), the half-elf, lingered behind in hesitation. Feeling Grim's now baleful eyes on the back of head is all the motivation she needs to follow in, Shana's wake. On the off-chance the others take down Graxx, Shana her throws her spear at Draxx another, then goes to try and pick up Graxx's greatsword. But if not, she gets out a, "Ju-Just stay down!"as she stabs Graxx in the thigh.
Matthis Spear Attack vs Graxx: 4 Damage: 2. Elias Spear vs Utar Attack: 5 Damage: 6. Shana Spear vs Graxx Attack: 21 Damage: 3. Naru Spear Vs Graxx Attack: 9 Damage: 2.
(@Ori: I just sent you a character legend for the map in a separate message.)
At Grim's command, all Black Fist guards surround Graxx. Two spear thrusts come his way, and then a third. The barbarian is able to block one of the attacks with his own weapon, but the other two nick him on the forearm and thigh, respectively (Graxx takes 6 piercing damage).
The fourth spear feigns an attack on the human man and then tries to attack Utar instead. It works, and the half-orc is taken by surprise (Utar takes 4 piercing damage).
(Graxx, Neya, and Praxx are up next. Drazzim will go after that.)
After a quick risk assessment, Neya's shadow shrinks by a small, but noticable amount and gathers into a small, inky black sphere in her hand. She sends the ball to an area she thinks might give an edge for a moment (AC-76). Form that point, the sphere balloons several times its original size engulfing a large area of the room (and anyone who is within its area of effect) in darkness .
The barrage of spear thrusts force Graxx to raise his greatsword in defense. For a moment, he thinks he sees an opening in Matthis' stance, but can't afford thrusting his own blade forward and open himself up even more to the three enemies.
Neya tries to get some tactical advantage in the battlefield and creates a sphere of darkness between Grim and her party. As it was placed, Matthis and Shana stand right at the edge of the sphere, being half engulfed by it.
(@DM_Prax: Alright, I'm afraid I'll have to call our 24-hour rule in. Praxx is going to go into autopilot for this turn, but hopefully you can rejoin us soon.)
Praxx(autopilot) tiptoes towards Utar and casts Heroism on the half-orc while reciting a short haiku, entitled "Foolish Brevity":
"The winds of autumn The breath of a fish The life of a zombie"
The gnome then returns to his safe spot behind the fallen corpse of a zombie.
(@MB: Please keep track of your temporary hit points as per the spell description. The spellcasting ability modifier reference in the spell is equal to 3).
Grim's lets out barking laugh. "Now they show true colors! They dare trek in Shadow Sorcerery! The Trek, with DEVILS of all things, men! But you must hold firm!" Grim commands, turning worried chatter into a "Sir! Yes, sir!" Even Naru gets in on it, though her voice breaks and is quieter than the rest. "That woman first, my angel." He says, casting Aravele one last sidelong look.
He marches forward, armor clanking with every step in an ever increasing tempo. One that comes to an abrupt stop. While minds race to figure out what happen, suddenly a massive form bursts forth from the darkness; arms crossed as if to shield its face itself from the cloud. Grim slams into the ground hard enough to crack it beneath his feet just ten feet away from Neya. "I promise you, little one. You will come to regret your words." He continues forward, seeming far larger and far more innately intimidating than from afar. Crossing the last few steps with piton in hand, aiming in one swift motion to stab her in the side with the weapon.
Try to, but for all his bubbling fury, there's hesitation behind the strike that causes it to go wide. Grim lets out a sharp hiss, and glances his over shoulder at something. But snaps back at the first sign of an attack.
Facing a wall of spears and watching as Grim attempts to grapple Neya, Utar touches a hand to his amulet, casting spiritual weapon. The spectral warhammer appears, crashing into the Black Fist guard attacking Graxx.
Attack: 22 Damage: 3
Knowing that at this point the best way out of this situation is likely to be through, Utar steps forward and aims a swing of his mace at another spearman.
Attack: 10 Damage: 9
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Graxx says to Neya, "I assume not since he gave Igan a dagger in the back. I'm trying to remember many of the times I've battled a mad man and I believe I killed them all facing me as they were too crazy to run."
Graxx says to Grim, "I'm not real good with the whole keeping up with different types of folk. Are you Dragonborn related to Drow? This sure does remind me of them."
As the conversation continues, two of the guards (Matthis and Elias) take a wide turn around the group in order to reach the pool of dark water without getting too close. Much like two cowboys walking around each other before a duel, the party responds by taking a few steps to the west side of the room, maintaining a safe distance from the Black Fist guards. Aravele takes a lonely position by the northeast portion of the chamber.
The two guards reluctantly enter the pool of water after being ordered to do so by their sergeant. As they move, the water ripples, and as they get closer to the idol, their shins, knees, and waist all get submerged. Upon reaching the idol, they seem a bit confused.
Mathis stutters a bit, but whether it is fear or the cold water causing it is hard to say: "T-t-this statue is much bigger than I thought. M-m-most of it is submerged. I-i-it must be a good 6 feet tall!"
Elias the half-orc taps the idol with his finger: "I think... I think it is all green stone, Guard Sergeant. Like... solid jade or something."
The slickly green light emanating from the idol does not seem to react to Elias' poking. "Should we try to move it in chunks, Guard Sergeant? It is too heavy otherwise."
From her corner, Aravele sighs in impatience: "Haven't you collected enough, Grim? Can't we go now?"
??? Save: 14.
Grim expression darkens, and arms uncross. An acrid scent begins filling the air ever so slightly as the dragonborn starts forward, brushing his two closest guards aside in the move. However, he hardly makes it five feet before freezing at Aravele's words. There's still a lengthy pause in which the man remained silent, and glared balefully at Graxx.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya raises an eyebrow, in equal parts, surprise and intrigue, "No need to get testy, we're merely trying to get an understanding of the circumstances. But, each revelation brings up more questions. This mention of a spy, for instance."
"During our time here, we took the liberty of reading through some of the quartermaster's writings. While there is no direct reference to a spy existing, there is a possible vague relationship through an allusion of an argument soon after you got back from the city not too long ago. Is this the same conversation you brought up or a similar matter? As a follow-up, what happened with the spy?"
Extended Signature
Matthis and Elias use their spears to get some leverage against one of the appendages in the tentacled humanoid fish jade statue. Along with the help of gravity and an additional heavy rock, the two of them break off one of the tentacles and for a moment, look back at Grim triumphant. That quickly changes as they realize their sergeant isn't exactly happy about ruining the idol's pristine form. Once again, the sickly green light emanation from the statue of Dagon is unresponsive.
Neya tries to get some more information from the dragonborn. Aravele dislikes where this is going and nocks an arrow in response: "Grim..." she says taking a step back and knowing her companion is more than capable to take the hint. The mercenary is easier to read than Grim, and all party members except Drazzim pick up on her heightened fight-or-flight response. The Black fists guards on the other hand, despite being nervous, dutifully follow Grim's orders and poise to the best of their abilities.
"Actually, you don't need to answer those, I think we have everything we need to understand what truly occurred down here."
Neya's face changes into one of pride and disappointment, "Everything you've told us has been the truth, right, Grim? Under most circumstances what you've said may be enough justification for what you did."
"However, the existence of this spy and the quartermaster's mention of destroying something, led you to a rash and tragic misunderstanding. On our way down, we happened upon a body hidden in a small chamber just before this room. At first glance it may have been taken for an unfortunate civilian, who happened upon and was overtaken by the trials of the temple. But those who are familiar with her clan's practices, as I am, can know her true allegiance - even if I did not know her, personally. Igan most likely used his family's connections to commission us."
She sharply points a finger at Grim, "You're a fool, Guard Sargeant! The idol wasn't in any jeopardy. Nothing was being undermined! The only thing he was guilty of was trying to protect our privacy!"
"Let's run a scenario where you didn't stab your friend, shall we? Everyone here, including Igan Sokol, take the idol and the gold out of the temple with everyone alive and used it however you pleased. The spy goes back to the city with a survey. Sometime later, likely in the near future, this temple disappears. Not a trace of it remains," She throws up her arms. "Happily ever after!"
She shakes her head, staring him dead in the eye, "All of that would've transpired if you had trusted your friend for a moment longer."
Extended Signature
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
“You’re right, we weren’t here. But there were more than just you when it happened and we only heard from you, not your men. The one thing I cannot account for is the change. If the transformation did indeed happen, then the description of it should be similar, if not the same, from everyone under your charge, right? Let’s hear from your men. One unique feature of this transformation from each of them and tell us if it’s accurate.”
Extended Signature
Graxx holds his greatsword out in front of him and steps close to Neya. "If you do not wanna die today I suggest you rethink listenin' to that order and do some listenin' to my friend here."
Intimidation: 6
Praxx watches as Graxx attempts his best intimidation towards Neya and plays a sad tone on his lute.
Grim has clearly been pushed to his patience's limit. Neya's continued theorizing, Graxx's futile intimidation attempt, and Praxx's tune only serve to convince the dragonborn that there is a sole solution to the current impasse.
The sergeant's men do not respond to the monk's teasing. Before they can manage to backtrack all the way to Grim, the order comes to apprehend the party.
ROLLING FOR INITIATIVE
(OOC: This is going to be fun!)
THE JADE TEMPLE MAP UPDATE:
NOTE: Remember that a thin layer of mud on the ground makes it slippery. The squares where dead zombies or skeletons lay are considered difficult terrain.
(The Guards are up first.)
Elias Spear vs Utar Attack: 5 Damage: 6.
Shana Spear vs Graxx Attack: 21 Damage: 3.
Naru Spear Vs Graxx Attack: 9 Damage: 2.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Ori: I just sent you a character legend for the map in a separate message.)
At Grim's command, all Black Fist guards surround Graxx. Two spear thrusts come his way, and then a third. The barbarian is able to block one of the attacks with his own weapon, but the other two nick him on the forearm and thigh, respectively (Graxx takes 6 piercing damage).
The fourth spear feigns an attack on the human man and then tries to attack Utar instead. It works, and the half-orc is taken by surprise (Utar takes 4 piercing damage).
(Graxx, Neya, and Praxx are up next. Drazzim will go after that.)
"You follow your chief blindly!"
Graxx will attack Matthis for once not recklessly.
Attack: 24 Damage: 11
"Diplomacy has failed, then..."
After a quick risk assessment, Neya's shadow shrinks by a small, but noticable amount and gathers into a small, inky black sphere in her hand. She sends the ball to an area she thinks might give an edge for a moment (AC-76). Form that point, the sphere balloons several times its original size engulfing a large area of the room (and anyone who is within its area of effect) in darkness .
Extended Signature
The barrage of spear thrusts force Graxx to raise his greatsword in defense. For a moment, he thinks he sees an opening in Matthis' stance, but can't afford thrusting his own blade forward and open himself up even more to the three enemies.
Neya tries to get some tactical advantage in the battlefield and creates a sphere of darkness between Grim and her party. As it was placed, Matthis and Shana stand right at the edge of the sphere, being half engulfed by it.
(Praxx is still up. Drazzim will go after him.)
(@DM_Prax: Alright, I'm afraid I'll have to call our 24-hour rule in. Praxx is going to go into autopilot for this turn, but hopefully you can rejoin us soon.)
Praxx (autopilot) tiptoes towards Utar and casts Heroism on the half-orc while reciting a short haiku, entitled "Foolish Brevity":
The gnome then returns to his safe spot behind the fallen corpse of a zombie.
(@MB: Please keep track of your temporary hit points as per the spell description. The spellcasting ability modifier reference in the spell is equal to 3).
(Grim is up next.)
Grim's lets out barking laugh. "Now they show true colors! They dare trek in Shadow Sorcerery! The Trek, with DEVILS of all things, men! But you must hold firm!" Grim commands, turning worried chatter into a "Sir! Yes, sir!" Even Naru gets in on it, though her voice breaks and is quieter than the rest. "That woman first, my angel." He says, casting Aravele one last sidelong look.
He marches forward, armor clanking with every step in an ever increasing tempo. One that comes to an abrupt stop. While minds race to figure out what happen, suddenly a massive form bursts forth from the darkness; arms crossed as if to shield its face itself from the cloud. Grim slams into the ground hard enough to crack it beneath his feet just ten feet away from Neya. "I promise you, little one. You will come to regret your words." He continues forward, seeming far larger and far more innately intimidating than from afar. Crossing the last few steps with piton in hand, aiming in one swift motion to stab her in the side with the weapon.
Try to, but for all his bubbling fury, there's hesitation behind the strike that causes it to go wide. Grim lets out a sharp hiss, and glances his over shoulder at something. But snaps back at the first sign of an attack.
For those that understand Draconic:
You bastard! Quit. Interfering!
Action: dash to AG-73.
Surge Attack: (Improvised Dagger) Piton Attack: 9 For: 7 non-magical piercing damage.
Bonus Action:
Special Grapple Maneuver - Athletics: 22 vs contested Athletics/Acrobatics from Neya.When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Facing a wall of spears and watching as Grim attempts to grapple Neya, Utar touches a hand to his amulet, casting spiritual weapon. The spectral warhammer appears, crashing into the Black Fist guard attacking Graxx.
Attack: 22 Damage: 3
Knowing that at this point the best way out of this situation is likely to be through, Utar steps forward and aims a swing of his mace at another spearman.
Attack: 10 Damage: 9