Grimnir follows the giant and nods I the direction of Hgraam. "It is good to see you Hgraam. There is still a heaven of sanity around here it seems. We have been asked to look out for information on this Demon incursions. We met a wizard , who might have a plan. I do not entirely trust him but it seems that we share a common goal.
It seems the plan is to gather the Lord demon together, let them fight each other and finishing off whoever is last standing. A bit insane, but I like it"
Grimnir pauses for Hgraam to think. "We were only in transit to somewhere called the Labyrinth if I recall. But it seems we arrived in a civil war... Can we help you Hgraam ?"
"Hmm, what's that... Demon Lords, yes, plenty of those, but wizards? Civil War? Do not concern yourselves with the derro and duergar. They fiddle about while death arrives. We are safe in here. I assure you. The door's will remain shut until all that nasty business outside is done. You're lucky I recognized your voice. Yes. Indeed. Safe in here."
Hgraam sets about to find some food and water, ignoring your inquiry about the Labyrinth.
Hgraam brings you some mushrooms, and water. A fairly meager offering, but he presents it as if it's a feast. "Eat, rest, I'm sure you'll be fine here for however long it takes for the fools out their to kill themselves. Tell us of your journeys, your feats, we want for stories in this place. We are all eager to hear your tales." As he says this, you look around. The giants are mostly sleeping, or simply sitting and staring. No one really looks eager for anything.
Brox bows low and accepts the meagre offering of food. "Thank you, Hgraam. I am Brox, the light carrier. I have joined these good people in their fight against demons. The civil war is not really our concern either. But it seems they are trying to summon a demon lord. If they succeed, then everything in this area will be turned into a stony wasteland. You have not much here right now, your friends seem listless and lethargic. We came here, not to share stories, but to ask you for help. Not a fight against the Duergar or Derro, but against demons. To make this world worth living in again!!"
persuasion: 17 insight into why they're so down trodden (and what angle to approach for further negotiations): 19
Brox bows low and accepts the meagre offering of food. "Thank you, Hgraam. I am Brox, the light carrier. I have joined these good people in their fight against demons. The civil war is not really our concern either. But it seems they are trying to summon a demon lord. If they succeed, then everything in this area will be turned into a stony wasteland. You have not much here right now, your friends seem listless and lethargic. We came here, not to share stories, but to ask you for help. Not a fight against the Duergar or Derro, but against demons. To make this world worth living in again!!"
persuasion: 17 insight into why they're so down trodden (and what angle to approach for further negotiations): 19
For a moment, you see something change in the eyes of the Stonespeaker. A dim grayness seems to clear and a light glints in his pupil that was not there before. He looks at you as if seeing you for the first time, but just before he speaks, the light dims, and he returns again to a more befuddled state. "A Demon Lord! Yes, terrible. Nothing we can do, I'm afraid. Just stay here where it is safe. Brox, eh? If you've fought demons, then you know it is not a battle we can win. Only survive, yes. Best to eat, and stay vigilant."
You hear the voice of Dawnbringer in your head after he finishes. "There is no light here, only the dullness of maddened minds." Indeed, as you look around, the signs of madness that have become too familiar in this deep place are evident. Some giants speak to the walls is if they were alive. Others create nonsensical drawings in the dirt. And Hgraam waits eagerly for the stories he's requested, paying no head to the others around him.
((Everyone roll a wisdom saving throw, please. Brox rolls with advantage.))
WIS save Brox 20... also, remember everyone that you got a +3 with my aura!
Brox, you and Dawnbringer notice a shift in the air as the party settles in. The same cloudiness you saw in the Stonespeaker's eyes comes over your companions. Grimnir sits chuckling to himself, Oor seems to be as relaxed as the other stone giants, and Belwar seems to be plotting something, which, isn't too different from his normal look, but you can see the change in his eyes all the same. "Madness..."whispers Dawnbringer.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Brox looks around her. "Yes." She replies to Dawnbringer. Swiftly and silently her companions had been turned. Changed into mindless creatures, unable to make their own decisions. How was she gonna change the course of history single handedly? She never felt this alone and hopeless before.
Then she held up her sword. "I am going to bring the light. I will not give in. I will continue the mission! But first I need to see if I can save my friends."
Brox tries to find the source of the madness. How did it so suddenly and strong come over her friends? Investigation: 14
Brox looks around her. "Yes." She replies to Dawnbringer. Swiftly and silently her companions had been turned. Changed into mindless creatures, unable to make their own decisions. How was she gonna change the course of history single handedly? She never felt this alone and hopeless before.
Then she held up her sword. "I am going to bring the light. I will not give in. I will continue the mission! But first I need to see if I can save my friends."
Brox tries to find the source of the madness. How did it so suddenly and strong come over her friends? Investigation: 2
You are unable to discern the source of the madness, but you can see that the faerzress lies heavy on this place, and as much as the entire Underdark is becoming more and more like the Abyss, you can only assume that the Demon Lord's are near. Dawnbringer speaks in your mind, "I cannot fully restore any of these maddened creatures, but perhaps my magic can lessen the effects enough to cause a momentary breakthrough? I suggest the Stonespeaker. He is quite powerful when he is not clouded of mind."
She walks forwards and touches the shoulder of the Stone Speaker with her sword, casting lesser restoration on the giant.
When you cast the spell, the light from Dawnbringer surges out and into the Stonespeaker. The haze lifts from his eyes, and he peers straight at Brox, lucid in this moment. Realizing what has happened, he looks startled, then begins frantically looking around the room. The Stonespeaker sees a rather large Storm giant picking his teeth with a long skinny crystal of some sort, and rushes over to grab it from the giant's hands. "We were fools. How could I have let this happen."He returns to where Brox is standing with her companions, and holds the crystal between them. "My friend, I owe you a debt that may never be repaid. Please lend me your aid once more. I will amplify the powers of your weapon, and your heart. Hold your blade up to the crystal."
The Stonespeaker Crystal joins with the magical power of Dawnbringer, and a blue and yellow light washes over the party. You each come to your senses, the fit of madness you briefly endured fading from your memory. "We haven't much time," says the Stonespeaker. "I will try to recover my kin, but if we are to survive what the derro wish to bring to this city, we need help. He will not easily be swayed. He too has endured madness, and now sits on his hoard of treasure thinking only of himself. Take this, and please try to convince Themberchaud to aid us against the demon lords." The Stonespeaker pulls a small piece of glass from his pocket. It appears to be some sort of mirror. "This will show Themberchaud what he needs to see. From there, we can only hope. If you achieve his help, meet me at the Duergar encampment to the North. If you do not, I would advise you to get as far from Gracklstugh as possible Try to bring an end to this madness."
Grimnir comes back to his senses, his mind suddenly clearer. "This madness, we will need to find a way to protect ourselves from it. I think I can speak for the rest of the group when I say we can help you." Grimnir still looks quickly around, to ensure that the party is indeed in agreement. "I am ready to move on, friends ! Let's go see this dragon.This less time we spend here, the better I think."
"Stonespeakers, do you have anything that could overcome the madness, in case Themberchaud is also afflicted by this ?"
In response to the question, the Stonespeaker hands the mirror to Grimnir. It appears to be a shard of a crystal, polished until the surface is reflective. "This is all I can do, I must use the time I have left to try and break the others free. Go, and good luck."
With that, the Stonespeaker opens the heavy doors to the caverns and allows you out before shutting the doors behind him. Hopefully the relief from his madness lasts long enough for him to wake his clan.
Outside the cavern you hear the distant sounds of battle to the North. To the Southeast, you see the red glow along the cave walls that form the outer edge of Gracklstugh, denoting the lair of Themberchaud. Based on what the Stonespeaker told you, the dragon now resides alone in the forge halls.
Moving towards the lair, you see many of the buildings surrounding it have been smashed into splinters and crumbled stone. Bodies of former Flame Keepers litter the ground. Small fires burn continually throughout the area, casting shadows against the walls in a variety of directions. At the entrance to the lair, you spot a large shadow against the far wall, in the unmistakable shape of an Ancient Red Dragon.
Brox urges the group to move quickly. "Things do not look good here. Let's be quick about it."
Then she heads towards the dragon with her heart beating loudly in her chest.
"Themberchaud, we will only disturb your peace for a few minutes. Please listen to our plea. We have come to ask for your help. Only you, Themberchaud the Wise, can tip the scales in our favour now. "
With her hand, Brox makes sure that Grimnir, who holds the mirrored shard, is right next to her.
When you enter the hall of Themberchaud, the shadow of the dragon gives way to the enormous creature itself, laying casually upon the floor of the forge, surrounded by gold, jewels, shining weaponry and armor, and other various treasures. Fires in various areas light the chamber brightly, though they are spaced unevenly. As you enter, the red dragon lifts his head high, looking down at the figures who dare entered his lair.
"Our favour?"purrs Themberchaud, "and tell me what favour of yours could possibly align with mine? My keepers turned against me, sought to replace me. They are now all dead. The gnomes and dwarves desire my treasure, but they owe me their lives and more for keeping their forges lit for generations. We are all trapped in the Underdark, and none of us will escape it. I would ask for Tiamat's mercy, but we all know she does not provide any. There is only one thing I desire, and you cannot provide it. Take your troubles elsewhere, or I will add you to the fires to light my chamber."
He raises from a reclined position to standing on his front legs, his wings spread out along the upper walls of the cavern in a intimidating display of his size.
"Would you indulge me as to what the one thing is you desire? Is it to soar once more under the blue skies? I don't know if that is a possibility. But I can tell you that I'll do everything in my power to help you do that.
Also, you helped and served this community for so long. And now you only want to eat them. Are you sure you're not affected by the demonic powers too? Is this the same Themberchaud? Can you look at this and recognise yourself?"With the last words, Brox pushes Grimnir to step forward and show the shard.
Grimnir approaches slowly, bowing to show his respect. Pleasing a red dragon is always a smart move. He then presents the mirror to the dragon, with the reflecting side towards the creature. "For you, if you please, Master of the Flammes".
"Hmm, what's that... Demon Lords, yes, plenty of those, but wizards? Civil War? Do not concern yourselves with the derro and duergar. They fiddle about while death arrives. We are safe in here. I assure you. The door's will remain shut until all that nasty business outside is done. You're lucky I recognized your voice. Yes. Indeed. Safe in here."
Hgraam sets about to find some food and water, ignoring your inquiry about the Labyrinth.
Hgraam brings you some mushrooms, and water. A fairly meager offering, but he presents it as if it's a feast. "Eat, rest, I'm sure you'll be fine here for however long it takes for the fools out their to kill themselves. Tell us of your journeys, your feats, we want for stories in this place. We are all eager to hear your tales." As he says this, you look around. The giants are mostly sleeping, or simply sitting and staring. No one really looks eager for anything.
Brox bows low and accepts the meagre offering of food.
"Thank you, Hgraam. I am Brox, the light carrier. I have joined these good people in their fight against demons. The civil war is not really our concern either. But it seems they are trying to summon a demon lord. If they succeed, then everything in this area will be turned into a stony wasteland. You have not much here right now, your friends seem listless and lethargic.
We came here, not to share stories, but to ask you for help. Not a fight against the Duergar or Derro, but against demons. To make this world worth living in again!!"
persuasion: 17
insight into why they're so down trodden (and what angle to approach for further negotiations): 19
For a moment, you see something change in the eyes of the Stonespeaker. A dim grayness seems to clear and a light glints in his pupil that was not there before. He looks at you as if seeing you for the first time, but just before he speaks, the light dims, and he returns again to a more befuddled state. "A Demon Lord! Yes, terrible. Nothing we can do, I'm afraid. Just stay here where it is safe. Brox, eh? If you've fought demons, then you know it is not a battle we can win. Only survive, yes. Best to eat, and stay vigilant."
You hear the voice of Dawnbringer in your head after he finishes. "There is no light here, only the dullness of maddened minds." Indeed, as you look around, the signs of madness that have become too familiar in this deep place are evident. Some giants speak to the walls is if they were alive. Others create nonsensical drawings in the dirt. And Hgraam waits eagerly for the stories he's requested, paying no head to the others around him.
((Everyone roll a wisdom saving throw, please. Brox rolls with advantage.))
..... (natural 1) .....
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
WIS save Brox 20... also, remember everyone that you got a +3 with my aura!
Brox, you and Dawnbringer notice a shift in the air as the party settles in. The same cloudiness you saw in the Stonespeaker's eyes comes over your companions. Grimnir sits chuckling to himself, Oor seems to be as relaxed as the other stone giants, and Belwar seems to be plotting something, which, isn't too different from his normal look, but you can see the change in his eyes all the same. "Madness..." whispers Dawnbringer.
Brox looks around her. "Yes." She replies to Dawnbringer. Swiftly and silently her companions had been turned. Changed into mindless creatures, unable to make their own decisions.
How was she gonna change the course of history single handedly? She never felt this alone and hopeless before.
Then she held up her sword. "I am going to bring the light. I will not give in. I will continue the mission! But first I need to see if I can save my friends."
Brox tries to find the source of the madness. How did it so suddenly and strong come over her friends?
Investigation: 14
You are unable to discern the source of the madness, but you can see that the faerzress lies heavy on this place, and as much as the entire Underdark is becoming more and more like the Abyss, you can only assume that the Demon Lord's are near. Dawnbringer speaks in your mind, "I cannot fully restore any of these maddened creatures, but perhaps my magic can lessen the effects enough to cause a momentary breakthrough? I suggest the Stonespeaker. He is quite powerful when he is not clouded of mind."
Brox takes an deep breath. "Let's try it".
She walks forwards and touches the shoulder of the Stone Speaker with her sword, casting lesser restoration on the giant.
When you cast the spell, the light from Dawnbringer surges out and into the Stonespeaker. The haze lifts from his eyes, and he peers straight at Brox, lucid in this moment. Realizing what has happened, he looks startled, then begins frantically looking around the room. The Stonespeaker sees a rather large Storm giant picking his teeth with a long skinny crystal of some sort, and rushes over to grab it from the giant's hands. "We were fools. How could I have let this happen." He returns to where Brox is standing with her companions, and holds the crystal between them. "My friend, I owe you a debt that may never be repaid. Please lend me your aid once more. I will amplify the powers of your weapon, and your heart. Hold your blade up to the crystal."
The Stonespeaker Crystal joins with the magical power of Dawnbringer, and a blue and yellow light washes over the party. You each come to your senses, the fit of madness you briefly endured fading from your memory. "We haven't much time," says the Stonespeaker. "I will try to recover my kin, but if we are to survive what the derro wish to bring to this city, we need help. He will not easily be swayed. He too has endured madness, and now sits on his hoard of treasure thinking only of himself. Take this, and please try to convince Themberchaud to aid us against the demon lords." The Stonespeaker pulls a small piece of glass from his pocket. It appears to be some sort of mirror. "This will show Themberchaud what he needs to see. From there, we can only hope. If you achieve his help, meet me at the Duergar encampment to the North. If you do not, I would advise you to get as far from Gracklstugh as possible Try to bring an end to this madness."
Grimnir comes back to his senses, his mind suddenly clearer. "This madness, we will need to find a way to protect ourselves from it. I think I can speak for the rest of the group when I say we can help you."
Grimnir still looks quickly around, to ensure that the party is indeed in agreement. "I am ready to move on, friends ! Let's go see this dragon.This less time we spend here, the better I think."
"Stonespeakers, do you have anything that could overcome the madness, in case Themberchaud is also afflicted by this ?"
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
In response to the question, the Stonespeaker hands the mirror to Grimnir. It appears to be a shard of a crystal, polished until the surface is reflective. "This is all I can do, I must use the time I have left to try and break the others free. Go, and good luck."
With that, the Stonespeaker opens the heavy doors to the caverns and allows you out before shutting the doors behind him. Hopefully the relief from his madness lasts long enough for him to wake his clan.
Outside the cavern you hear the distant sounds of battle to the North. To the Southeast, you see the red glow along the cave walls that form the outer edge of Gracklstugh, denoting the lair of Themberchaud. Based on what the Stonespeaker told you, the dragon now resides alone in the forge halls.
Moving towards the lair, you see many of the buildings surrounding it have been smashed into splinters and crumbled stone. Bodies of former Flame Keepers litter the ground. Small fires burn continually throughout the area, casting shadows against the walls in a variety of directions. At the entrance to the lair, you spot a large shadow against the far wall, in the unmistakable shape of an Ancient Red Dragon.
Brox urges the group to move quickly. "Things do not look good here. Let's be quick about it."
Then she heads towards the dragon with her heart beating loudly in her chest.
"Themberchaud, we will only disturb your peace for a few minutes. Please listen to our plea. We have come to ask for your help. Only you, Themberchaud the Wise, can tip the scales in our favour now. "
With her hand, Brox makes sure that Grimnir, who holds the mirrored shard, is right next to her.
When you enter the hall of Themberchaud, the shadow of the dragon gives way to the enormous creature itself, laying casually upon the floor of the forge, surrounded by gold, jewels, shining weaponry and armor, and other various treasures. Fires in various areas light the chamber brightly, though they are spaced unevenly. As you enter, the red dragon lifts his head high, looking down at the figures who dare entered his lair.
"Our favour?" purrs Themberchaud, "and tell me what favour of yours could possibly align with mine? My keepers turned against me, sought to replace me. They are now all dead. The gnomes and dwarves desire my treasure, but they owe me their lives and more for keeping their forges lit for generations. We are all trapped in the Underdark, and none of us will escape it. I would ask for Tiamat's mercy, but we all know she does not provide any. There is only one thing I desire, and you cannot provide it. Take your troubles elsewhere, or I will add you to the fires to light my chamber."
He raises from a reclined position to standing on his front legs, his wings spread out along the upper walls of the cavern in a intimidating display of his size.
"Would you indulge me as to what the one thing is you desire? Is it to soar once more under the blue skies? I don't know if that is a possibility. But I can tell you that I'll do everything in my power to help you do that.
Also, you helped and served this community for so long. And now you only want to eat them. Are you sure you're not affected by the demonic powers too? Is this the same Themberchaud? Can you look at this and recognise yourself?" With the last words, Brox pushes Grimnir to step forward and show the shard.
Grimnir approaches slowly, bowing to show his respect. Pleasing a red dragon is always a smart move. He then presents the mirror to the dragon, with the reflecting side towards the creature. "For you, if you please, Master of the Flammes".
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