"I apologize in advance if we bring them down upon you," he says turning to their hostess.
Using the spores to send a message the woman cannot hear, Shishakli says "Apologies are worth nothing... you offer her nothing but danger."and starts to think of weak points where they may easily be tracked in the last days worth of travel. history? nature? 8 ((flat d20, can add mods depending on)) 18 ((extra in case adv or dis, else ignore))
Using the spores to send a message the woman cannot hear, Shishakli says "Apologies are worth nothing... you offer her nothing but danger."and starts to think of weak points where they may easily be tracked in the last days worth of travel. history? nature? 8 ((flat d20, can add mods depending on)) 18 ((extra in case adv or dis, else ignore))
"We're all to blame should danger fall upon her. Better her know and allow her to make some preparations," he replies casting a questioning glare at the gnome.
The woman looks at El quite puzzled "Well you can certainly try" as El approaches the wolf, it bares its teeth and starts growling at the bard "Snuffit, stop! Be nice" The woman shouts out as she raises a hand to threaten the beast. El places their hand on the back of the dire wolfs neck and begins to slowly stroke. The wolf sits down and begins to enjoy the attention.
The woman then looks towards Tobias, taking another drag from her pipe. "If they're after you then your cards are probably marked. If you've been moving quickly enough then they might have lost your tracks. I guess I'd best prepare for the worst. Just in case"
As Shishakli thinks about the last few days travel, there have been a few moments where there have been a couple of paths to take and he's gone with his instincts and chosen the ones that they've taken. As to how well your tracks have been hidden, he's not too sure. 16 sets of feet aren't the easiest of things to hide.
Verim rises from his kneeled position. “We are very gracious to you madam, those are routes am unfamiliar with but you could say my specialty comes with the arcane.” Verim takes a bowl of stew graciously, he smells it’s aroma, tracing back to his time on his farm, the ingredients are foreign to him but a good stew, is still a good stew. He swirls his hand around, coaxing two fingers and his thumb in a flowing action, he mutters a few words then blows on the stew before taking a bite. He continues to listen to the back and fourths, not understanding the gnomish language he just sits in contentment. Just before his second bite he holds his shield high and casts a large green light to emanate from it so the other travellers know it’s safe to come over. He looks at the gnome up and down when sitting down again, he smiles. “We are gracious of your hospitality, we vow to keep you and your furry companion safe this night, maybe you should take some rest, having a sleep knowing you are protected by us all should give you solace and hopefully a good nights sleep can be had, we will look out for you. Before you turn in for the night on the questions I have of this place, myself and I’m sure my cleric companion would also appreciate any herbs you have or know about for medicinal properties and healing in the area? Verim sits back and tries to find something sturdy to sit on, bowl in hand and an open ear for conversation. Blowing on the stew once more.
El tries not to giggle with excitement at being able to pet the beast. While they are clearly unfazed by it's growling, they do patiently wait until the wolf allows them to near before approaching and the same to touch it. El sits happily listening to the conversation, not all of which they can understand, and pets Snuffit. As they sit, anyone looking their direction can see that the pair now have matching eyes.
Gnarls, having been silent most of the journey after the mental hoops the previous day's dilemma had him jumping through, walks over to the woman to get a better idea of who the group has encountered. "May I sit? How is it you survive down here, just you and snuffit? Aren't there any number of dark creatures that walk these tunnels?"
Cyndral quietly waits at the edge of the fire's light, uneasy about this entire encounter. It takes more than determination and a big wolf to survive the Underdark, and however this woman is doing it, she clearly wasn't to be underestimated. Speaking clearly and in common, he asks without prompting,
"Is it just the two of you here? How have you managed to keep safe so far?"
Those that notice the change in El’s eyes see them become yellow with a much larger iris than usual.
The woman smiles slightly “There are so many tunnels down here, if you stay in one place, you’d be surprised at how few creatures I see. I’ve got to have my whits about me though. You see where you’re all stood now? There is a large net right beneath you. It’s always good to find out if you’re going to hurt me before I pull the lever to lift it because it’s a pain in the arse to reset, I’ve got my crossbow and a few other tricks to protect myself. I’ve always looked after big wolves, bred and raised them eventually they get too old and we have to say our goodbyes but they make good pets for protection. It’s just the two of us now. My ‘usband and a few other wolves were here, but life goes on”
"If we're all going to camp here tonight, I feel rather energized yet... I'd like to take some time and go back down the tunnels attempting to further cover our tracks to ensure any followers we may have will be further confounded..." Shishakli says after eating the stew.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With a nod, the Half-Drow brings himself forward, eyeing the ground to see if he could pick up the details of the trap as he did so.
"Pardon my rudeness, elder, but I'm sure you understand my hesitation to trust down here. When encountering a friendly old woman with seemingly naught but a pet to keep her safe, wondering if all was as it seems is my natural reaction. We'll do our best not to trouble you long, but if we can be of service until then, please let me know."
El rubs the wolf's head, "Snuffit isn't 'naught but a pet', he is a vicious beast who could tear us limb from limb! Aren't you Snuffit?" They tickle under Snuffit's chin and make a sound like a growl though it sounds more like the playful growl of a cub than the wolf's deep rumble with their human vocal chords.
OoC: El is talking more to Snuffit at this point so most of what they're saying is background noise.
"We haven't been traveling long. I don't think it is time for rest,"Tobias says to Shishakli. "Besides our movement needs to be focused on going forward. Every moment we stop is that much time for the drow to catch up with us."
El stands and helps themself to a bowl of the stew, "I'm not really fussed either way, Cyndral what do you think? Should we stay here for the 'night' or continue onwards in the hope that we'll stumble upon another suitable place?" They sit back down and hold their bowl away from Snuffit so that the wolf doesn't try to steal their meal.
A bit caught off guard, Cyndral nearly missed the question. With a quick look at everyone, knowing how many would probably value a rest and how important keeping spirits high in a time like this, it occurred to him for a moment to stay before logic made it's way back to him.
"I think Tobias has the right of it. If we were to stay, I don't doubt our time would be pleasant, but our day has just begun and our distance to travel is still great. I think it would be in our best interest to keep going rather than to give up forward progress so easily on. Would that your home was a few hours down the tunnel, matron, we would happily stay."
Looking to Tobias Shishakli responds "If you're worried about the drow catching up to us you clearly believe they will come this way, and you are also clearly have no problem leading a group of slavers towards this 할머니 ((gnomish word for grandmother))... Yet you actually seemed concerned for the bandit and her child yesterday. I would think a man of the gods would be concerned for all races equally; or at least those who provided assistance and not threats... It seems I was mistaken." and then looking around the group, and remembering that he promised to get the twins back home safely continues "Go on then. I will backtrack a couple of hours at most, doing my best to obscure our tracks. It is the least I can do. I will then follow your tracks from here to catch up, hopefully before nightfall."
Tobias marches over to the gnome and points a meaty finger in his chest. "Listen! I will not have my service to Torm questioned, especially with an argument as weak as race being what guides me!"The half-orc tries to take a calming breath and backs off a step straightening himself up. His teeth grinding causing his small tusks to become more prominent, he continues clearly still agitated, "These individuals have a better chance to avoid the drow better than our troop that we are marching through down here. I think you would know that better than most. That woman we heading back towards the drow is no different than this situation. We left her to survive on her own much like we will when we leave here. However, this one here,"he nods to the matronly gnome, "seems to know plenty to survive for as long as she has. My concern for her is great enough to not linger any longer so that she can prepare and use whatever secrets she knows to continue to survive."
The cleric goes back to the group and begins to prepare himself and the others to continue forward. "If you want to go back, go ahead. Know this though, I won't stop concealing our tracks to make it any easier should the drow overtake you. I hope in your haste to catch back up yo us to that you don't do more harm than good... Good luck," he offers sincerely.
He reaches out a hand of thanks to the old gnome. "Thank you for your assistance, ma'am. I hope we didn't create much trouble for you."He then turns to the group. "Are we ready to move out?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Not bothering to reply, Shishakli turns away. From here he'll walk back an hour and half or so, doing his best find any tracks the team wasn't able to cover, hide them, and, if possible, plant tracks leading in other directions. He'll then head back to find the party. Stopping back at the woman's house he'll say to her, in gnomish:
I've done all I can, stay safe, and thank you for your help.
Cyndral looks at the trap to see an elaborate system of wires and pullies, camouflaged by rocks and dirt. They’re connected to a large netted area of about 20ft X 20ft which is then covered in dirt to make the appearance of ground. He then looks at the woman. The slightly crazed look in her single eye. The scratch where the closed up eye remains and then he sees marks on her arms from where various sized sharp objects or claws have taken scratches or chunks. This woman may well have learnt to look after herself when times have got hard. He then watches as she sits back in her chair with her pipe, lifts her crossbow back onto her lap and rests a hand on a small concealed lever to her left hand side which appears to be connected to more strings and ropes but he can’t quite see where they go to. She sits and watches Tobias and Shishakli arguing. When Tobias asks her the question she simply smiles “Trouble? Nah, I haven’t had this much fun in a long time” you’re all not sure if she’s being sarcastic or genuine “You all need to respect one another one whole lot more of you’re going to stay alive though. It’s not a nice place to get lost”
Shishakli turns and walks with reasonable speed back the way you’ve come from, his feet treading quietly on the ground with an occasional thud as a foot lands with with more force than anticipated. It doesn’t take long for him to disappear out of site.
Cyndral gestures to gather the rest of the group, pointing down the passageway they were headed along when this whole mess began.
"Alright everyone, we need to be on our way, arguing with ourselves isn't accomplishing anything. Move along now, Gnarls or Jimjar, would you mind filling in Shiskakli's shoes? Tobias, I'm going to stay here and wait for them to return to us, please keep a watchful eye over everyone while we're away. I trust in your Torm, may he watch over the group through your eyes. My own eyes see as well as Shiskakli's down here, and I'm very light of pack and foot, so I'm sure the pair of us can catch up covertly. As we approach you again, I'll whistle like a surface bird, so we don't raise an alarm and cause actual fighting amongst our own. I promise, we'll be back in time to hear more of El's singing tonight."
He turns to the odd woman and bows deeply, adding cordially "If you don't mind my continued presence, grandmother."
Verim remains silent, he simply stands and bows his head to the gnome woman and places a stick of incense and a pewter goblet in her lap in appreciation. Simply saying “Thank you”
His expression is saddened and large wrinkles have appeared on his brow. He stands up and starts to walk to continue the travel of the group, he gestures to the companions around him to do the same, he lights up his shield for those of non darkvision sight and attempts to lead the troop by being at the front keeping a lookout for danger.
“Just like before, if my shield turns yellow, caution, if it’s red, danger”
Verim looks back once more at the small camp, he nods at Cyndral and ushers the others on.
Using the spores to send a message the woman cannot hear, Shishakli says "Apologies are worth nothing... you offer her nothing but danger." and starts to think of weak points where they may easily be tracked in the last days worth of travel. history? nature? 8 ((flat d20, can add mods depending on)) 18 ((extra in case adv or dis, else ignore))
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"We're all to blame should danger fall upon her. Better her know and allow her to make some preparations," he replies casting a questioning glare at the gnome.
The woman looks at El quite puzzled "Well you can certainly try" as El approaches the wolf, it bares its teeth and starts growling at the bard "Snuffit, stop! Be nice" The woman shouts out as she raises a hand to threaten the beast. El places their hand on the back of the dire wolfs neck and begins to slowly stroke. The wolf sits down and begins to enjoy the attention.
The woman then looks towards Tobias, taking another drag from her pipe. "If they're after you then your cards are probably marked. If you've been moving quickly enough then they might have lost your tracks. I guess I'd best prepare for the worst. Just in case"
As Shishakli thinks about the last few days travel, there have been a few moments where there have been a couple of paths to take and he's gone with his instincts and chosen the ones that they've taken. As to how well your tracks have been hidden, he's not too sure. 16 sets of feet aren't the easiest of things to hide.
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
Vosdred Ironeye - Hill Dwarf - Fighter/Wizard - PBP Game of the Last Chance
Verim rises from his kneeled position. “We are very gracious to you madam, those are routes am unfamiliar with but you could say my specialty comes with the arcane.” Verim takes a bowl of stew graciously, he smells it’s aroma, tracing back to his time on his farm, the ingredients are foreign to him but a good stew, is still a good stew. He swirls his hand around, coaxing two fingers and his thumb in a flowing action, he mutters a few words then blows on the stew before taking a bite. He continues to listen to the back and fourths, not understanding the gnomish language he just sits in contentment. Just before his second bite he holds his shield high and casts a large green light to emanate from it so the other travellers know it’s safe to come over. He looks at the gnome up and down when sitting down again, he smiles. “We are gracious of your hospitality, we vow to keep you and your furry companion safe this night, maybe you should take some rest, having a sleep knowing you are protected by us all should give you solace and hopefully a good nights sleep can be had, we will look out for you. Before you turn in for the night on the questions I have of this place, myself and I’m sure my cleric companion would also appreciate any herbs you have or know about for medicinal properties and healing in the area? Verim sits back and tries to find something sturdy to sit on, bowl in hand and an open ear for conversation. Blowing on the stew once more.
El tries not to giggle with excitement at being able to pet the beast. While they are clearly unfazed by it's growling, they do patiently wait until the wolf allows them to near before approaching and the same to touch it. El sits happily listening to the conversation, not all of which they can understand, and pets Snuffit. As they sit, anyone looking their direction can see that the pair now have matching eyes.
Gnarls, having been silent most of the journey after the mental hoops the previous day's dilemma had him jumping through, walks over to the woman to get a better idea of who the group has encountered. "May I sit? How is it you survive down here, just you and snuffit? Aren't there any number of dark creatures that walk these tunnels?"
Cyndral quietly waits at the edge of the fire's light, uneasy about this entire encounter. It takes more than determination and a big wolf to survive the Underdark, and however this woman is doing it, she clearly wasn't to be underestimated. Speaking clearly and in common, he asks without prompting,
"Is it just the two of you here? How have you managed to keep safe so far?"
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Those that notice the change in El’s eyes see them become yellow with a much larger iris than usual.
The woman smiles slightly “There are so many tunnels down here, if you stay in one place, you’d be surprised at how few creatures I see. I’ve got to have my whits about me though. You see where you’re all stood now? There is a large net right beneath you. It’s always good to find out if you’re going to hurt me before I pull the lever to lift it because it’s a pain in the arse to reset, I’ve got my crossbow and a few other tricks to protect myself. I’ve always looked after big wolves, bred and raised them eventually they get too old and we have to say our goodbyes but they make good pets for protection. It’s just the two of us now. My ‘usband and a few other wolves were here, but life goes on”
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
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"If we're all going to camp here tonight, I feel rather energized yet... I'd like to take some time and go back down the tunnels attempting to further cover our tracks to ensure any followers we may have will be further confounded..." Shishakli says after eating the stew.
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With a nod, the Half-Drow brings himself forward, eyeing the ground to see if he could pick up the details of the trap as he did so.
"Pardon my rudeness, elder, but I'm sure you understand my hesitation to trust down here. When encountering a friendly old woman with seemingly naught but a pet to keep her safe, wondering if all was as it seems is my natural reaction. We'll do our best not to trouble you long, but if we can be of service until then, please let me know."
(Investigate: 19. )
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El rubs the wolf's head, "Snuffit isn't 'naught but a pet', he is a vicious beast who could tear us limb from limb! Aren't you Snuffit?" They tickle under Snuffit's chin and make a sound like a growl though it sounds more like the playful growl of a cub than the wolf's deep rumble with their human vocal chords.
OoC: El is talking more to Snuffit at this point so most of what they're saying is background noise.
"We haven't been traveling long. I don't think it is time for rest," Tobias says to Shishakli. "Besides our movement needs to be focused on going forward. Every moment we stop is that much time for the drow to catch up with us."
El stands and helps themself to a bowl of the stew, "I'm not really fussed either way, Cyndral what do you think? Should we stay here for the 'night' or continue onwards in the hope that we'll stumble upon another suitable place?" They sit back down and hold their bowl away from Snuffit so that the wolf doesn't try to steal their meal.
A bit caught off guard, Cyndral nearly missed the question. With a quick look at everyone, knowing how many would probably value a rest and how important keeping spirits high in a time like this, it occurred to him for a moment to stay before logic made it's way back to him.
"I think Tobias has the right of it. If we were to stay, I don't doubt our time would be pleasant, but our day has just begun and our distance to travel is still great. I think it would be in our best interest to keep going rather than to give up forward progress so easily on. Would that your home was a few hours down the tunnel, matron, we would happily stay."
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Looking to Tobias Shishakli responds "If you're worried about the drow catching up to us you clearly believe they will come this way, and you are also clearly have no problem leading a group of slavers towards this 할머니 ((gnomish word for grandmother))... Yet you actually seemed concerned for the bandit and her child yesterday. I would think a man of the gods would be concerned for all races equally; or at least those who provided assistance and not threats... It seems I was mistaken." and then looking around the group, and remembering that he promised to get the twins back home safely continues "Go on then. I will backtrack a couple of hours at most, doing my best to obscure our tracks. It is the least I can do. I will then follow your tracks from here to catch up, hopefully before nightfall."
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Tobias marches over to the gnome and points a meaty finger in his chest. "Listen! I will not have my service to Torm questioned, especially with an argument as weak as race being what guides me!" The half-orc tries to take a calming breath and backs off a step straightening himself up. His teeth grinding causing his small tusks to become more prominent, he continues clearly still agitated, "These individuals have a better chance to avoid the drow better than our troop that we are marching through down here. I think you would know that better than most. That woman we heading back towards the drow is no different than this situation. We left her to survive on her own much like we will when we leave here. However, this one here," he nods to the matronly gnome, "seems to know plenty to survive for as long as she has. My concern for her is great enough to not linger any longer so that she can prepare and use whatever secrets she knows to continue to survive."
The cleric goes back to the group and begins to prepare himself and the others to continue forward. "If you want to go back, go ahead. Know this though, I won't stop concealing our tracks to make it any easier should the drow overtake you. I hope in your haste to catch back up yo us to that you don't do more harm than good... Good luck," he offers sincerely.
He reaches out a hand of thanks to the old gnome. "Thank you for your assistance, ma'am. I hope we didn't create much trouble for you." He then turns to the group. "Are we ready to move out?"
Not bothering to reply, Shishakli turns away. From here he'll walk back an hour and half or so, doing his best find any tracks the team wasn't able to cover, hide them, and, if possible, plant tracks leading in other directions. He'll then head back to find the party. Stopping back at the woman's house he'll say to her, in gnomish:
I've done all I can, stay safe, and thank you for your help.
stealth 12; investigation 7; survival 19
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Cyndral looks at the trap to see an elaborate system of wires and pullies, camouflaged by rocks and dirt. They’re connected to a large netted area of about 20ft X 20ft which is then covered in dirt to make the appearance of ground. He then looks at the woman. The slightly crazed look in her single eye. The scratch where the closed up eye remains and then he sees marks on her arms from where various sized sharp objects or claws have taken scratches or chunks. This woman may well have learnt to look after herself when times have got hard. He then watches as she sits back in her chair with her pipe, lifts her crossbow back onto her lap and rests a hand on a small concealed lever to her left hand side which appears to be connected to more strings and ropes but he can’t quite see where they go to. She sits and watches Tobias and Shishakli arguing. When Tobias asks her the question she simply smiles “Trouble? Nah, I haven’t had this much fun in a long time” you’re all not sure if she’s being sarcastic or genuine “You all need to respect one another one whole lot more of you’re going to stay alive though. It’s not a nice place to get lost”
Shishakli turns and walks with reasonable speed back the way you’ve come from, his feet treading quietly on the ground with an occasional thud as a foot lands with with more force than anticipated. It doesn’t take long for him to disappear out of site.
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
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Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
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Cyndral gestures to gather the rest of the group, pointing down the passageway they were headed along when this whole mess began.
"Alright everyone, we need to be on our way, arguing with ourselves isn't accomplishing anything. Move along now, Gnarls or Jimjar, would you mind filling in Shiskakli's shoes? Tobias, I'm going to stay here and wait for them to return to us, please keep a watchful eye over everyone while we're away. I trust in your Torm, may he watch over the group through your eyes. My own eyes see as well as Shiskakli's down here, and I'm very light of pack and foot, so I'm sure the pair of us can catch up covertly. As we approach you again, I'll whistle like a surface bird, so we don't raise an alarm and cause actual fighting amongst our own. I promise, we'll be back in time to hear more of El's singing tonight."
He turns to the odd woman and bows deeply, adding cordially "If you don't mind my continued presence, grandmother."
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Verim remains silent, he simply stands and bows his head to the gnome woman and places a stick of incense and a pewter goblet in her lap in appreciation. Simply saying “Thank you”
His expression is saddened and large wrinkles have appeared on his brow. He stands up and starts to walk to continue the travel of the group, he gestures to the companions around him to do the same, he lights up his shield for those of non darkvision sight and attempts to lead the troop by being at the front keeping a lookout for danger.
“Just like before, if my shield turns yellow, caution, if it’s red, danger”
Verim looks back once more at the small camp, he nods at Cyndral and ushers the others on.