Nephyr accepts the water and jerky eagerly and takes a moment to drink some down. "Right you are my friend. Chult has always been a harsh land. I would be more than happy to share what knowledge I can to help you. I am from Kir Sabal. It is a safe home for Aarakocra and our friends, set into massive cliffs. It is about one hundred miles south east of here, on the other side of the River Olung, and just on the north tip of the Nsi Wastes. In fact, I should say, if you and your friends are traveling much in the jungle, you should make your way there. I will tell the elders there of this rescue, there is a chance they may even perform the Dance of the Seven Wings as a thank you. It will imbue you all with the powers of flight. I'm not sure how far you've gone in the jungle, but flight is by far the best way to avoid the troubles from below. Otherwise, I would be happy to tell you other information if it may be of use. Oh, and by the by, I know that there are at least ten more Pterafolk roosting up top. I don't know if you plan to assault their main nest above, but if you do so, take care. They take great pleasure in tossing unwinged folk off the edge."
While the conversation takes place, Krull is taking his time to crawl up the chimney, being the lucky one to get a face full of cobwebs over and over as he plows a path through the unused tunnel. He carefully crawls out of the cave, emerging onto the pinnacle of the spire. The place is flat and roughly forty foot square. The edges are crumbling away; it wouldn't be safe to stand too close to any of them. Vines and low brush grow in profusion. Bones and scraps of meat from dozens of creatures are scattered everywhere. A crumbling stone tower rises another thirty feet above the northern corner of the platform. A roaring flame floats in the air, hovering above the tower. Tumbled debris from the tower is heaped around its foundation. Krull spots three Pterafolk with their needlelike beaks and leathery wings worrying the last shreds of flesh from well-chewed bones near an open doorway into the base of the tower.
The top of the chimney is surrounded by rocks and low bushes, probably enough for a couple people to hide behind, but the whole group won't be able to prevent being seen if they try to emerge from the chimney.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Badger answers: "Thank you for your welcome to your home, and this Dance sounds most interesting, particularly for some" (looking at Yroc).
Rubbing his nose, he then adds: "Urgh, would you happen to know anything about the source of the death curse that plagues the world, or know of anyone that might know...?"
Silas will give our new friend a medicine check before asking, "Has you seen a mask? I think of a tiger? That is our goal, the terrorfolk were merely in our way. Knowing our luck, we'll need to dispatch the last of these Terrorfolks to find it,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Silas examines Nephyr. He's never really examined an Aarakocra before so he's not sure if he's unusually thin and bony, or if they're just made like that. Either way, he seems to be largely healthy, if perhaps a bit malnourished. And his feathers around his wrists and ankles seem a bit damaged, and the skin beneath rubbed badly. His beak seems non-the worse for wear. The bird creature regards you, he head pivoting to let his eye watch you as you look over his body. His beak clacks and he lets out a bit of a throaty chirp. "I assure you I am healthy, thank you for your concern. Just a bit dehydrated and hungry." His beak open and closes in quick succession on a piece of jerky, before he swallows the masticated piece of meat down his throat whole. In his halting common, forced like from a parrot awkwardly forming words from throaty squawks and lilting hums, he says, "The death curse..you speak of the loss of spirits upon death. Yes..we know of this. I'm afraid we don't know from which it comes. I know nothing about any Soul Monger, though it sounds terrible. I'm afraid I'm not being too helpful to you, I'm sorry. I feel dishonor that I can not be more useful. I also know nothing about any mask. I'm sorry." His head pivots back and forth as he regards the party with his eyes, his expression next to impossible to discern.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Yroc unceremoniously grabs one of the dead Ptera to clean his blade, throwing the limp corpse in a corner when he's done. When he steps out, he catches the part where Nephyr warns them of being unwinged, therefore likely to be thrown off the spire. His face curls in anger and disgust, and he gives Badger a rueful nod at his jest. When the mask is mentioned, Yroc turns to Sickle. "You sensed the mask before we went up. Can you tell how much further up we must travel to get it?"
OOC:
The mask was 340ft up when we started. Do we know how tall the spire is?
Sir Darak stands quietly, using a spare cloth to clean Onyx, as the group talks. The black blade is as mysterious as ever, leaving a tingling sensation on his finger tips as he cleans the Pterfolk ichor off its smooth dark finish. No nicks in the blade. There were never nicks in the blade. A dark presence stood at the back of his mind, bigger than him, the dark history of his family catching up to him. He felt it there, almost malevolent in spirit, but also encouraging. Life has seemed simple, direct, just a few weeks back, but with the burgeoning of this power within him, he couldn't help wonder how much was him, and how much was some fell outside force that he should be resisting. And yet, nothing had felt so right. His body seemed freed, energy and vitality flowed through him, and Onyx seemed somehow alive in his hands as he swung it, a vibration in its core that felt like it was singing. He shook his head, trying to clear these alien thoughts. It was time to get to work. Sir Darak had been roughly estimating their progress up, it was clear the Mask had to be on top of the tower. In response to Yroc's query to Sickle, Sir Darak broke his silence, "It's atop the tower. We haven't ascended to 300 feet yet, not nearly by my measure. It must be up in the main nest. We have more work to do yet."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Kasaaptu will relay the information provided by Krull to the group. Since the initial cover would be limited, maybe they could take it in waves. Have an intial assault crew launch from hiding and engage the leather-winged hooligans while the 2nd group make there way to launch a 2nd sneak attack while the Pteras are engaged with the Initial assault
Silas listens before speaking, "It still dark and will be so for a bit longer I believe so we should rest a bit before venturing forth. If it is the top of the tower then they will be able to take flight so we should rest up a bit while organize ourselves before we strike," Silas glanced around the group or at least think he is, "I believe the rest would assist our more....eldritch inclined spellcasters as well,"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Sir Darak Darkhall: As Darak cleans fresh blood from his blade he ponders the anomalous gifts that Onyx has bestowed upon him. While similar to that of Kasaaptu and Yroc, this power seems to emanate from the longsword itself, yet he feels it even when not holding the blade.
"You can't trudge knee-deep through evil all your life without a little rubbing off on you." Darak repeats the words his father had once said, their meaning now much more clear. The Deep Wardens had used the weapons of the Enemy against them for centuries and this was no different. At least that's what the Paladin tries to tell himself as he focuses on the task at hand.
Turning to the party and Nephyr, Darak says, "You are welcome for the rescue and we appreciate the invitation to your home, but first we must deal with these Pterafolk."
Nodding his agreement, he continues, "We should rest until daybreak before we assault the apex. Perhaps we could use our ropes to tether ourselves to something? Nephyr, are you strong enough to catch one of us should we fall?"
Badger suggests: Urgh, perhaps we could use our ropes to tether ourselves to each other! I doubt the terror-folk have the strength to lift everyone at once. And if one should fall, the others may support them.
Badger also suggests that a battle could lure the terror-folk away from the tower while one person went for the mask.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Nephyr responds to Sir Darak, "Hmmm, maybe on a good day. You folk have such heavy bones though. But I'm afraid I'm not feeling in the best of shape, I would hate to have you rely on my strength to save a life right now."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Kasaaptu suggests that Krull could swipe the mask while the Ptera-folk are busy fighting the rest if us, once we get to that point. We need to conquer the next point first to see what is viable further on.
"Short or long rest?" Silas asks the group as a whole, "honestly i do not believe he would be able to get a good night sleep. This is their homev and even eating for an hour I feel is dangerous. Even one coming down one level could take away or elements of surprise,"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
(OOC: I've been sorta waiting for you to determine a path forward. I'm going to assume the following for the time being, if anybody wants to tweak anything, let me know.)
Sickle clings to the very top of the stone spire that sticks from the ground like a massive candle set upon the expansive table that is the land of Chult. The sputtering smoking magical fire casts a bright glow and occasional waves of heat across the top of the spire which dances in shadows. His spider eyes look out upon the dark land, still lit under canopy of stars above. In the dim light he can make out the distant shadows that are the mountains far to the south. A couple glow a sullen red and seep a dark shadow of smoke across the sky, the famous volcanic mountain ranges far to the south. The rest of the land is just a dark mass of rolling landscape, mostly concealed beneath the seemingly uniform cover of jungle. By day, this must be a fantastic vantage point from which to see. Sickle's legs lift and drop in sequence, checking and rechecking their grip on the stone and growth along the edge of the tower, as he nervously clings hundreds of feet above the ground, while listening closely for the sound of the party emerging from the chimney. He clambers up enough to peak over, then back down. The vibration from the magical flame on the rock moves through Sickles spiders legs, like an itch, making him want to sprint and leap....putting him into hunting mode. He shrugs off the animalistic thoughts. The air is warm, even up here. They'd been in Chult for almost two weeks now, and as far as he could tell they weren't much closer to the Soul Monger than when they'd started. The idea of flying over the jungle, imbued by some Aarakocra dance seemed worth it, especially after the daily hostility and mortal danger they'd faced in their jungle trek. The muck, and buzzing, and water...so much water. Even a person who loved to walk barefoot in the loam, was feeling worn down by the jungles constant onslaught. He heard the faintest of scraping sounds, and a slight vibration in his feet, bringing his attention back to the here and now. His friends had made their way to the top of the chimney.
With a short rest to breath, Kasaaptu and Sir Darak have tied each other together with a fifteen foot link of rope, while Yroc and Silas also tie themselves together. Hopefully the humanoid bola's will prevent tossing from the top. WIth Yroc up first, followed by Silas, then Kasaaptu and Sir Darak following, lastly with Badger clambering up, untethered to anyone, the group has made their way to the top of the chimney. Checking that everyone was as high in the chimney as they could be, the group nods to each other, with Yroc being the first to clamber over the edge and out of the chimney.
Everyone please make stealth checks. You have advantage. (unless you have disadvantage, in which case they equal out and you have a normal roll).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Yroc's hands hurt from clambering up the rock, but they are callused enough to prevent anything more than a few scrapes that would heal with a couple of days, even in the sweltering humidity of the jungle. He pauses for a moment as he crests the top, then slowly edges over the side, waiting until Silas has also made it to the top before making a break for a nearby bush together.
Mechanics:
Stealth (advantage cancelled out, so straight roll): 15
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Being the smallest of the group, and untethered, Badger felt the most vulnerable to being thrown off the spire, but also the most confident in his ability to avoid death because of it. But knowing that he could do little to aid the group from the forest floor, he resolved to be as useful as possible as well as remain out of sight as long as possible. For now, Badger decided he will remain just outside the top of the chimney, ready to support the others, be alert for unexpected danger, and grasp any opportunities as they arise.
Nephyr accepts the water and jerky eagerly and takes a moment to drink some down. "Right you are my friend. Chult has always been a harsh land. I would be more than happy to share what knowledge I can to help you. I am from Kir Sabal. It is a safe home for Aarakocra and our friends, set into massive cliffs. It is about one hundred miles south east of here, on the other side of the River Olung, and just on the north tip of the Nsi Wastes. In fact, I should say, if you and your friends are traveling much in the jungle, you should make your way there. I will tell the elders there of this rescue, there is a chance they may even perform the Dance of the Seven Wings as a thank you. It will imbue you all with the powers of flight. I'm not sure how far you've gone in the jungle, but flight is by far the best way to avoid the troubles from below. Otherwise, I would be happy to tell you other information if it may be of use. Oh, and by the by, I know that there are at least ten more Pterafolk roosting up top. I don't know if you plan to assault their main nest above, but if you do so, take care. They take great pleasure in tossing unwinged folk off the edge."
While the conversation takes place, Krull is taking his time to crawl up the chimney, being the lucky one to get a face full of cobwebs over and over as he plows a path through the unused tunnel. He carefully crawls out of the cave, emerging onto the pinnacle of the spire. The place is flat and roughly forty foot square. The edges are crumbling away; it wouldn't be safe to stand too close to any of them. Vines and low brush grow in profusion. Bones and scraps of meat from dozens of creatures are scattered everywhere. A crumbling stone tower rises another thirty feet above the northern corner of the platform. A roaring flame floats in the air, hovering above the tower. Tumbled debris from the tower is heaped around its foundation. Krull spots three Pterafolk with their needlelike beaks and leathery wings worrying the last shreds of flesh from well-chewed bones near an open doorway into the base of the tower.
The top of the chimney is surrounded by rocks and low bushes, probably enough for a couple people to hide behind, but the whole group won't be able to prevent being seen if they try to emerge from the chimney.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Badger answers: "Thank you for your welcome to your home, and this Dance sounds most interesting, particularly for some" (looking at Yroc).
Rubbing his nose, he then adds: "Urgh, would you happen to know anything about the source of the death curse that plagues the world, or know of anyone that might know...?"
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Silas will give our new friend a medicine check before asking, "Has you seen a mask? I think of a tiger? That is our goal, the terrorfolk were merely in our way. Knowing our luck, we'll need to dispatch the last of these Terrorfolks to find it,"
Medicine 11
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneSilas examines Nephyr. He's never really examined an Aarakocra before so he's not sure if he's unusually thin and bony, or if they're just made like that. Either way, he seems to be largely healthy, if perhaps a bit malnourished. And his feathers around his wrists and ankles seem a bit damaged, and the skin beneath rubbed badly. His beak seems non-the worse for wear. The bird creature regards you, he head pivoting to let his eye watch you as you look over his body. His beak clacks and he lets out a bit of a throaty chirp. "I assure you I am healthy, thank you for your concern. Just a bit dehydrated and hungry." His beak open and closes in quick succession on a piece of jerky, before he swallows the masticated piece of meat down his throat whole. In his halting common, forced like from a parrot awkwardly forming words from throaty squawks and lilting hums, he says, "The death curse..you speak of the loss of spirits upon death. Yes..we know of this. I'm afraid we don't know from which it comes. I know nothing about any Soul Monger, though it sounds terrible. I'm afraid I'm not being too helpful to you, I'm sorry. I feel dishonor that I can not be more useful. I also know nothing about any mask. I'm sorry." His head pivots back and forth as he regards the party with his eyes, his expression next to impossible to discern.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Yroc unceremoniously grabs one of the dead Ptera to clean his blade, throwing the limp corpse in a corner when he's done. When he steps out, he catches the part where Nephyr warns them of being unwinged, therefore likely to be thrown off the spire. His face curls in anger and disgust, and he gives Badger a rueful nod at his jest. When the mask is mentioned, Yroc turns to Sickle. "You sensed the mask before we went up. Can you tell how much further up we must travel to get it?"
OOC:
The mask was 340ft up when we started. Do we know how tall the spire is?
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
Sir Darak stands quietly, using a spare cloth to clean Onyx, as the group talks. The black blade is as mysterious as ever, leaving a tingling sensation on his finger tips as he cleans the Pterfolk ichor off its smooth dark finish. No nicks in the blade. There were never nicks in the blade. A dark presence stood at the back of his mind, bigger than him, the dark history of his family catching up to him. He felt it there, almost malevolent in spirit, but also encouraging. Life has seemed simple, direct, just a few weeks back, but with the burgeoning of this power within him, he couldn't help wonder how much was him, and how much was some fell outside force that he should be resisting. And yet, nothing had felt so right. His body seemed freed, energy and vitality flowed through him, and Onyx seemed somehow alive in his hands as he swung it, a vibration in its core that felt like it was singing. He shook his head, trying to clear these alien thoughts. It was time to get to work. Sir Darak had been roughly estimating their progress up, it was clear the Mask had to be on top of the tower. In response to Yroc's query to Sickle, Sir Darak broke his silence, "It's atop the tower. We haven't ascended to 300 feet yet, not nearly by my measure. It must be up in the main nest. We have more work to do yet."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Kasaaptu will relay the information provided by Krull to the group. Since the initial cover would be limited, maybe they could take it in waves. Have an intial assault crew launch from hiding and engage the leather-winged hooligans while the 2nd group make there way to launch a 2nd sneak attack while the Pteras are engaged with the Initial assault
Silas listens before speaking, "It still dark and will be so for a bit longer I believe so we should rest a bit before venturing forth. If it is the top of the tower then they will be able to take flight so we should rest up a bit while organize ourselves before we strike," Silas glanced around the group or at least think he is, "I believe the rest would assist our more....eldritch inclined spellcasters as well,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneKasaaptu will agree with Silas's observation
Sir Darak Darkhall: As Darak cleans fresh blood from his blade he ponders the anomalous gifts that Onyx has bestowed upon him. While similar to that of Kasaaptu and Yroc, this power seems to emanate from the longsword itself, yet he feels it even when not holding the blade.
"You can't trudge knee-deep through evil all your life without a little rubbing off on you." Darak repeats the words his father had once said, their meaning now much more clear. The Deep Wardens had used the weapons of the Enemy against them for centuries and this was no different. At least that's what the Paladin tries to tell himself as he focuses on the task at hand.
Turning to the party and Nephyr, Darak says, "You are welcome for the rescue and we appreciate the invitation to your home, but first we must deal with these Pterafolk."
Nodding his agreement, he continues, "We should rest until daybreak before we assault the apex. Perhaps we could use our ropes to tether ourselves to something? Nephyr, are you strong enough to catch one of us should we fall?"
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Badger suggests: Urgh, perhaps we could use our ropes to tether ourselves to each other! I doubt the terror-folk have the strength to lift everyone at once. And if one should fall, the others may support them.
Badger also suggests that a battle could lure the terror-folk away from the tower while one person went for the mask.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Nephyr responds to Sir Darak, "Hmmm, maybe on a good day. You folk have such heavy bones though. But I'm afraid I'm not feeling in the best of shape, I would hate to have you rely on my strength to save a life right now."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Kasaaptu suggests that Krull could swipe the mask while the Ptera-folk are busy fighting the rest if us, once we get to that point. We need to conquer the next point first to see what is viable further on.
"Short or long rest?" Silas asks the group as a whole, "honestly i do not believe he would be able to get a good night sleep. This is their homev and even eating for an hour I feel is dangerous. Even one coming down one level could take away or elements of surprise,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDone(OOC: I've been sorta waiting for you to determine a path forward. I'm going to assume the following for the time being, if anybody wants to tweak anything, let me know.)
Sickle clings to the very top of the stone spire that sticks from the ground like a massive candle set upon the expansive table that is the land of Chult. The sputtering smoking magical fire casts a bright glow and occasional waves of heat across the top of the spire which dances in shadows. His spider eyes look out upon the dark land, still lit under canopy of stars above. In the dim light he can make out the distant shadows that are the mountains far to the south. A couple glow a sullen red and seep a dark shadow of smoke across the sky, the famous volcanic mountain ranges far to the south. The rest of the land is just a dark mass of rolling landscape, mostly concealed beneath the seemingly uniform cover of jungle. By day, this must be a fantastic vantage point from which to see. Sickle's legs lift and drop in sequence, checking and rechecking their grip on the stone and growth along the edge of the tower, as he nervously clings hundreds of feet above the ground, while listening closely for the sound of the party emerging from the chimney. He clambers up enough to peak over, then back down. The vibration from the magical flame on the rock moves through Sickles spiders legs, like an itch, making him want to sprint and leap....putting him into hunting mode. He shrugs off the animalistic thoughts. The air is warm, even up here. They'd been in Chult for almost two weeks now, and as far as he could tell they weren't much closer to the Soul Monger than when they'd started. The idea of flying over the jungle, imbued by some Aarakocra dance seemed worth it, especially after the daily hostility and mortal danger they'd faced in their jungle trek. The muck, and buzzing, and water...so much water. Even a person who loved to walk barefoot in the loam, was feeling worn down by the jungles constant onslaught. He heard the faintest of scraping sounds, and a slight vibration in his feet, bringing his attention back to the here and now. His friends had made their way to the top of the chimney.
With a short rest to breath, Kasaaptu and Sir Darak have tied each other together with a fifteen foot link of rope, while Yroc and Silas also tie themselves together. Hopefully the humanoid bola's will prevent tossing from the top. WIth Yroc up first, followed by Silas, then Kasaaptu and Sir Darak following, lastly with Badger clambering up, untethered to anyone, the group has made their way to the top of the chimney. Checking that everyone was as high in the chimney as they could be, the group nods to each other, with Yroc being the first to clamber over the edge and out of the chimney.
Everyone please make stealth checks. You have advantage. (unless you have disadvantage, in which case they equal out and you have a normal roll).
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Yroc's hands hurt from clambering up the rock, but they are callused enough to prevent anything more than a few scrapes that would heal with a couple of days, even in the sweltering humidity of the jungle. He pauses for a moment as he crests the top, then slowly edges over the side, waiting until Silas has also made it to the top before making a break for a nearby bush together.
Mechanics:
Stealth (advantage cancelled out, so straight roll): 15
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
stealth 13
During short rest, Silas will use a hit die to heal up a bit. 6
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDone23 Stealth
Being the smallest of the group, and untethered, Badger felt the most vulnerable to being thrown off the spire, but also the most confident in his ability to avoid death because of it. But knowing that he could do little to aid the group from the forest floor, he resolved to be as useful as possible as well as remain out of sight as long as possible. For now, Badger decided he will remain just outside the top of the chimney, ready to support the others, be alert for unexpected danger, and grasp any opportunities as they arise.
Perception: 5
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sickle
Stealth: 8 8
(Sorry, forgot the advantage)
Kasaaptu stealth 5