Valrish is happy. He has finally come to friendly terms with the crawler. He decides to hop on it (him? her?), getting a calm reaction from the creature. He then decides to try to make the crawler advance a bit, because riding on a gigantic millipede is just the right thing to do right now.
Animal Handling (aka please let me have a Cool Mount): 20
Valrish, you gingerly step up t the saddle, and after getting settled, urge the creature to move forward. It doesn't respond at first, turning its head to look at you as if considering whether it wants to obey your commands. Eventually, it takes one last bit of rotting flesh, then skitters in the direction you wished to go. It moves smoothly, and judging by its comfort level, and the fact that it came with a saddle already, it seems it is used to being ridden. Which gets you curious about who its previous owner might be, and how it got away. But that's a question for another time.
You move on with yet another companion, and on the 11th day of your journey from the Neverlight Grove, you encounter two creatures having a lively debate inside of a massive cavern suffused with purple crystals, covering the ground from floor to ceiling. You wind your way through the crystals as you approach the figures. One is a large orcish looking creature, while the other is more saurian. As you approach you hear them debating.
"But it must be the Faezress, Blurg,"says the saurian. "That's the only explanation for the change in formations over such a shot amount of time." "I beg to differ, Skriss,"says the large Orc, Blurg. "Certain crystal formations have been found to grow at rapid rates, even in the absence magical energy. I just don't think it's conclus..."
He interrupts himself as he notices the rather large cadre of creatures now coming into the cavern. He draws Skriss' attention to the group, and she turns around to view it herself."Oh my, what a crew that is... is that a flumph?" she utters.
The more lizard like creature ignores Oorr and approaches Amafrey. You can see daggers on the belt of the creature, but she is not currently wielding them and makes no move to go for them. "I've never seen a flumph before..." She stops in front of Amafrey, who has a bemused wonder on her face. Then, still looking at the flumph, the saurian woman says,"I am Skriss, of the Society of Brilliance, and this is my comrade, Blurg. We've been studying these strange crystal formations and how the recent demonic activity has been affecting the caverns. I've heard your kind are quite intelligent, would you, uh... that is, do you mind if we ask your assistance?" All of this is directed to Amafrey.
Blurg sighs, and shakes his head slightly before addressing the larger group."You'll have to excuse Skriss, Troglodytes sometimes have very extreme focus when something interests them. It's been highly useful to the society," and then with an added glare at Skriss, "when they stay on task. As she said, I am Blurg. You must be on your way to Blingdenston? It's not far from here, just past the laughing giant at the rope bridge. He's harmless, another casualty of the madness in these halls, I'm afraid." Blurg sighs again.
Amafrey, for her part, seems enthralled with Skriss. The flumph gives her a telepathic nod, and floats over to the crystal formation that Skriss and Blurg were examining. There are tools, gauges, notes, crystal samples and supplies littered about the space nearby.
After a while, Oorr tries to talk his way into the conversation: "Excuse me, dear Skriss and Blur, but when humanoids with a vast knowledge meet each other are used to share that knowledge. I can tell you of the Labyrinth Winds and the Wind Dukes of Aaqa, of how my people founded a nest on the highest peak of the Star Mounts in the world where winds blow mighty. What can you tell about you discovers?"
OOC With DM's approval, I would like to take advantage of my background feature.
Feature: All Eyes on You
Your accent, mannerisms, figures of speech, and perhaps even your appearance all mark you as foreign. Curious glances are directed your way wherever you go, which can be a nuisance, but you also gain the friendly interest of scholars and others intrigued by far-off lands, to say nothing of everyday folk who are eager to hear stories of your homeland.
You can parley this attention into access to people and places you might not otherwise have, for you and your traveling companions. Noble lords, scholars, and merchant princes, to name a few, might be interested in hearing about your distant homeland and people.
"Indeed, we are heading to Blingenstone. Are you from there ? Is everything all right over there ? We could definitively use some peaceful and quiet place. So much madness these days in the Underdark..."
Valrish hops off of his newly found companion, whom he decided to name Skazz. "Well, whether they're from there or not, it's nice seeing some sane people on the way." He says, picking up a crystal shard and fiddling with it a bit. "Say, what are these? They sure are shiny..."
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PbP Characters Valrish (Dragonborn // Barbarian 6) - Out of the Abyss - play by post
Blurg begins to talk to Oorr, very interested in the Aarakocra people, as he's not met one in person, though he knows of their culture. The Society of Brilliance is mainly focused on the Underdark these days, so expeditions to the overland are rare. And now, teleportation to the overworld is difficult, as the faezress causes the magic to fail, often placing them in random spots, nowhere near their intended destination. Blurg in turn tells Oorr that they have been studying areas infused with Faezress, as this cavern is, and the effects it's having on the people and places of the underdark. He and his companions have encountered demons, but none of the demon lords, and he is amazed to hear of your adventures so far. They too have seen signs of madness among the duergar, drow, and others races. Including the svirfneblin of Blingdenstone.
The deep gnomes are working to rebuild their city after many long years of war and slavery. They've done a lot of good work, but have a long way to go. He suggests looking up Kazook Pickshine, an Alchemist who the society has worked with in the past. They might be able to help you on your way to the surface.
As Valrish goes to pick up the crystal, Blurg startles and rushes towards him, "Be careful with that! It's very volatile!"
While all of this is happening, Amafrey and Skriss are holding a very in depth telepathic discussion. It seems Amafrey is quite adept at analysis and is familiar with the geographic make up of the Underdark. Skriss is enthralled.
"Aw, I wanted to get it as a souvenir." Valrish fiddles around with the shard for another moment and calmly places it on the floor, trying not to cause it any harm. Shiny stuff always got his eye, but common sense came first.
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PbP Characters Valrish (Dragonborn // Barbarian 6) - Out of the Abyss - play by post
"Well, thanks to you both. Now, we should go on our way. Amafrey?"
Amafrey visibly seems startled as Oorr calls out to her. She nods at Skriss, before floating towards the group. "If it's not too much to ask, I would like to stay. My experience with the obelisk seems to have relevance to the study of the crystals here. Skriss says I might make a fine addition to the Society of Brilliance. I truly appreciate the kindness you've shown me, and your willingness to help against the madness in this place."
Skriss, who has not shown much interest in the rest of you until this moment, has a pleading look in her eyes. It seems she very much wants Amafrey to continue on with them. Blurg seems a little perturbed, raising an eyebrow as Amafrey makes her request, but doesn't say anything.
Grimnir nods. "I am glad you find a purpose Amafrey. Any help to understand and reverse this madness is important. Good luck with your research. Skriss, please take good care of our friend..."
He and his companions have encountered demons, but none of the demon lords, and he is amazed to hear of your adventures so far. They too have seen signs of madness among the duergar, drow, and others races. Including the svirfneblin of Blingdenstone.
"Naturally. Why wouldn't our last hope of getting out of this place intact be as deadly and potentially in vain as all the others?"
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"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
You all bid your farewells to Amafrey and the members of the Society. Continuing on the path that Blurg suggested. As you leave, Blurg calls out, "Oh, if you need a place to stay in Blingedenstone, be sure to ask for Tappy Foamstrap at The Foaming Mug. She's much kinder to outsiders than the rest of them, and the food's not bad."
You rest one more time that evening before beginning the last leg of the journey. You come to a rope bridge, crossing a chasm. You hear a raucous laughter coming from below, and as you peer over the edge of the bridge, you can make out the for of a stone giant rolling around in hysterics. He bumps up against the cavern walls, and the bridge shakes slightly. You hurriedly cross and continue on, leaving the mad laughing giant where you found him.
After just a few more hours you begin to see signs of civilization. Deep gnome settlements on the outskirts of the larger city. Mushroom farmers, miners, and quarry workers dot the caverns as you move through them. You receive a few odd stares, more than a few of which are none to kind. You can make out that many of them seem particularly interested in, and perhaps a bit scared of, Glabbagool.
You continue past them a ways, eventually coming to a converging of paths near a large mining operation. At this point a deep gnome wearing a protective helmet, and carrying a mining pick approaches your group and shouts out. "Oi there, you lot. Don't see many of your type in these parts. What's your business in Blingdenstone, and why do you travel with this square of evil jelly?" He indicates Glabbagool with his mining pick. You see several other deep gnomes gathering nearby with similar equipment.
Oorr steps ahead to introduce the party:" Greetings, we are the Four Furious Fighting Fools. We were not long ago taken as slaves by the dark elves, but we regained our freedom and are seeking a way to the surface world. I am Oorr of the Star Mounts, these are Valrish the Virtuoso, Grimnir the Gentle and Belwar the bold. The little one is a member of your community, I believe. The jelly friend is with us, it is not evil. There are many strange occurrences in the underworld and we need to seek your help to go back to our lands. Also, we have to... bury a piece of one of your people, which went by the name of Pelek. The poor soul was brutally killed and his ghost asked us to put his spirit in a peaceful rest."
As Oorr explains the tragedy of Pelek, he takes the decomposed hand of the gnome and shows it to them.
Grimnir stands close to Oorr. "I'll give it to you, it is an unsual friend. But he has help us to survive so far. He is also very good at finding gems. Look at what he found". Grimnir then shows one of his zircon gems.
Glabbagool actually speaks into the minds of those present,"Hello... I only wish to... explore and... discover new places. You do not need to be a... afraid."
The deep gnome miner actually jumps, and takes several steps away from Glabagool. Several of other deep gnomes brandish their mining picks, but none move forward.
"That's a new one, that's for sure,"says the miner. He glances to Jimjar, who flips a coin in his hand and gives a reassuring nod to the mining overseer. "Well, you've got some of our folk with you, so you can't all be bad. You're not going to get much of a welcome in the city proper with your transparent friend here, though. My name is Dasco Pickshine, and this is my mining operation. Been a family business for generations. and I mean to keep it that way, despite all the trouble. Pelek, you say? Don't know that I've heard of him, but that's not surprising, as I stay out here in the outskirts mostly." He looks at the group, takes a mental note of the armor and weapons you are carrying, then glances to a covered wagon nearby and does some more mental calculations before speaking again. "Tell you what, you seem like fine folk, and you're on an important mission. Things have been a little rough lately. All kinds of creatures and critters popping up in and out of the city. I've got a delivery to make, but I'd prefer to keep my people here. If you escort that wagon into town, I'll send a good word for you at the gate, but can't make any promises about the ooze, Glabbagool did you say? Oozes with names... for the love of..."He trails off a bit as he awaits an answer.
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Valrish, you gingerly step up t the saddle, and after getting settled, urge the creature to move forward. It doesn't respond at first, turning its head to look at you as if considering whether it wants to obey your commands. Eventually, it takes one last bit of rotting flesh, then skitters in the direction you wished to go. It moves smoothly, and judging by its comfort level, and the fact that it came with a saddle already, it seems it is used to being ridden. Which gets you curious about who its previous owner might be, and how it got away. But that's a question for another time.
(OOG Grats on your crawler mount!)
"Well, I guess if we die down here at least our corpses will be taken care of by our new friend here. A better fate than others."
You move on with yet another companion, and on the 11th day of your journey from the Neverlight Grove, you encounter two creatures having a lively debate inside of a massive cavern suffused with purple crystals, covering the ground from floor to ceiling. You wind your way through the crystals as you approach the figures. One is a large orcish looking creature, while the other is more saurian. As you approach you hear them debating.
"But it must be the Faezress, Blurg," says the saurian. "That's the only explanation for the change in formations over such a shot amount of time."
"I beg to differ, Skriss," says the large Orc, Blurg. "Certain crystal formations have been found to grow at rapid rates, even in the absence magical energy. I just don't think it's conclus..."
He interrupts himself as he notices the rather large cadre of creatures now coming into the cavern. He draws Skriss' attention to the group, and she turns around to view it herself. "Oh my, what a crew that is... is that a flumph?" she utters.
"She is. Her name is Amafrey. And who would you be?"
The more lizard like creature ignores Oorr and approaches Amafrey. You can see daggers on the belt of the creature, but she is not currently wielding them and makes no move to go for them. "I've never seen a flumph before..." She stops in front of Amafrey, who has a bemused wonder on her face. Then, still looking at the flumph, the saurian woman says, "I am Skriss, of the Society of Brilliance, and this is my comrade, Blurg. We've been studying these strange crystal formations and how the recent demonic activity has been affecting the caverns. I've heard your kind are quite intelligent, would you, uh... that is, do you mind if we ask your assistance?" All of this is directed to Amafrey.
Blurg sighs, and shakes his head slightly before addressing the larger group. "You'll have to excuse Skriss, Troglodytes sometimes have very extreme focus when something interests them. It's been highly useful to the society," and then with an added glare at Skriss, "when they stay on task. As she said, I am Blurg. You must be on your way to Blingdenston? It's not far from here, just past the laughing giant at the rope bridge. He's harmless, another casualty of the madness in these halls, I'm afraid." Blurg sighs again.
Amafrey, for her part, seems enthralled with Skriss. The flumph gives her a telepathic nod, and floats over to the crystal formation that Skriss and Blurg were examining. There are tools, gauges, notes, crystal samples and supplies littered about the space nearby.
After a while, Oorr tries to talk his way into the conversation: "Excuse me, dear Skriss and Blur, but when humanoids with a vast knowledge meet each other are used to share that knowledge. I can tell you of the Labyrinth Winds and the Wind Dukes of Aaqa, of how my people founded a nest on the highest peak of the Star Mounts in the world where winds blow mighty. What can you tell about you discovers?"
OOC With DM's approval, I would like to take advantage of my background feature.
"Indeed, we are heading to Blingenstone. Are you from there ? Is everything all right over there ?
We could definitively use some peaceful and quiet place. So much madness these days in the Underdark..."
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Valrish hops off of his newly found companion, whom he decided to name Skazz. "Well, whether they're from there or not, it's nice seeing some sane people on the way." He says, picking up a crystal shard and fiddling with it a bit. "Say, what are these? They sure are shiny..."
PbP Characters
Valrish (Dragonborn // Barbarian 6) - Out of the Abyss - play by post
PbP DMing
SPANISH - Storm King's Thunder
Blurg begins to talk to Oorr, very interested in the Aarakocra people, as he's not met one in person, though he knows of their culture. The Society of Brilliance is mainly focused on the Underdark these days, so expeditions to the overland are rare. And now, teleportation to the overworld is difficult, as the faezress causes the magic to fail, often placing them in random spots, nowhere near their intended destination. Blurg in turn tells Oorr that they have been studying areas infused with Faezress, as this cavern is, and the effects it's having on the people and places of the underdark. He and his companions have encountered demons, but none of the demon lords, and he is amazed to hear of your adventures so far. They too have seen signs of madness among the duergar, drow, and others races. Including the svirfneblin of Blingdenstone.
The deep gnomes are working to rebuild their city after many long years of war and slavery. They've done a lot of good work, but have a long way to go. He suggests looking up Kazook Pickshine, an Alchemist who the society has worked with in the past. They might be able to help you on your way to the surface.
As Valrish goes to pick up the crystal, Blurg startles and rushes towards him, "Be careful with that! It's very volatile!"
While all of this is happening, Amafrey and Skriss are holding a very in depth telepathic discussion. It seems Amafrey is quite adept at analysis and is familiar with the geographic make up of the Underdark. Skriss is enthralled.
"Well, thanks to you both. Now, we should go on our way. Amafrey?"
"Aw, I wanted to get it as a souvenir." Valrish fiddles around with the shard for another moment and calmly places it on the floor, trying not to cause it any harm. Shiny stuff always got his eye, but common sense came first.
PbP Characters
Valrish (Dragonborn // Barbarian 6) - Out of the Abyss - play by post
PbP DMing
SPANISH - Storm King's Thunder
Amafrey visibly seems startled as Oorr calls out to her. She nods at Skriss, before floating towards the group. "If it's not too much to ask, I would like to stay. My experience with the obelisk seems to have relevance to the study of the crystals here. Skriss says I might make a fine addition to the Society of Brilliance. I truly appreciate the kindness you've shown me, and your willingness to help against the madness in this place."
Skriss, who has not shown much interest in the rest of you until this moment, has a pleading look in her eyes. It seems she very much wants Amafrey to continue on with them. Blurg seems a little perturbed, raising an eyebrow as Amafrey makes her request, but doesn't say anything.
"I am glad the winds made us meet each other, Amafrey. Farewell."
Grimnir nods. "I am glad you find a purpose Amafrey. Any help to understand and reverse this madness is important. Good luck with your research.
Skriss, please take good care of our friend..."
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
"Naturally. Why wouldn't our last hope of getting out of this place intact be as deadly and potentially in vain as all the others?"
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
You all bid your farewells to Amafrey and the members of the Society. Continuing on the path that Blurg suggested. As you leave, Blurg calls out, "Oh, if you need a place to stay in Blingedenstone, be sure to ask for Tappy Foamstrap at The Foaming Mug. She's much kinder to outsiders than the rest of them, and the food's not bad."
You rest one more time that evening before beginning the last leg of the journey. You come to a rope bridge, crossing a chasm. You hear a raucous laughter coming from below, and as you peer over the edge of the bridge, you can make out the for of a stone giant rolling around in hysterics. He bumps up against the cavern walls, and the bridge shakes slightly. You hurriedly cross and continue on, leaving the mad laughing giant where you found him.
After just a few more hours you begin to see signs of civilization. Deep gnome settlements on the outskirts of the larger city. Mushroom farmers, miners, and quarry workers dot the caverns as you move through them. You receive a few odd stares, more than a few of which are none to kind. You can make out that many of them seem particularly interested in, and perhaps a bit scared of, Glabbagool.
You continue past them a ways, eventually coming to a converging of paths near a large mining operation. At this point a deep gnome wearing a protective helmet, and carrying a mining pick approaches your group and shouts out. "Oi there, you lot. Don't see many of your type in these parts. What's your business in Blingdenstone, and why do you travel with this square of evil jelly?" He indicates Glabbagool with his mining pick. You see several other deep gnomes gathering nearby with similar equipment.
Oorr steps ahead to introduce the party:" Greetings, we are the Four Furious Fighting Fools. We were not long ago taken as slaves by the dark elves, but we regained our freedom and are seeking a way to the surface world. I am Oorr of the Star Mounts, these are Valrish the Virtuoso, Grimnir the Gentle and Belwar the bold. The little one is a member of your community, I believe. The jelly friend is with us, it is not evil. There are many strange occurrences in the underworld and we need to seek your help to go back to our lands. Also, we have to... bury a piece of one of your people, which went by the name of Pelek. The poor soul was brutally killed and his ghost asked us to put his spirit in a peaceful rest."
As Oorr explains the tragedy of Pelek, he takes the decomposed hand of the gnome and shows it to them.
Grimnir stands close to Oorr. "I'll give it to you, it is an unsual friend. But he has help us to survive so far. He is also very good at finding gems. Look at what he found". Grimnir then shows one of his zircon gems.
"Glabbagool, say hi, don't be shy"
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Glabbagool actually speaks into the minds of those present, "Hello... I only wish to... explore and... discover new places. You do not need to be a... afraid."
The deep gnome miner actually jumps, and takes several steps away from Glabagool. Several of other deep gnomes brandish their mining picks, but none move forward.
"That's a new one, that's for sure," says the miner. He glances to Jimjar, who flips a coin in his hand and gives a reassuring nod to the mining overseer. "Well, you've got some of our folk with you, so you can't all be bad. You're not going to get much of a welcome in the city proper with your transparent friend here, though. My name is Dasco Pickshine, and this is my mining operation. Been a family business for generations. and I mean to keep it that way, despite all the trouble. Pelek, you say? Don't know that I've heard of him, but that's not surprising, as I stay out here in the outskirts mostly." He looks at the group, takes a mental note of the armor and weapons you are carrying, then glances to a covered wagon nearby and does some more mental calculations before speaking again. "Tell you what, you seem like fine folk, and you're on an important mission. Things have been a little rough lately. All kinds of creatures and critters popping up in and out of the city. I've got a delivery to make, but I'd prefer to keep my people here. If you escort that wagon into town, I'll send a good word for you at the gate, but can't make any promises about the ooze, Glabbagool did you say? Oozes with names... for the love of..." He trails off a bit as he awaits an answer.