“Perhaps that way is better. And I have an idea to avoid the worst of the Behir’s attacks should we draw its attention. Although...Ashento is not going to enjoy his role,” offers Brevig, frowning.
”My concern is that if we destroy the Behir, that will leave our gnome friends here defenseless against future orc attacks through that cavern.”
I prefer the back entrance, as well, Gwin responds. We have a greater advantage if they're unaware of our approach. Specifically to Brevig, the cleric continues, "Tyr bless your tender heart. I have faith that whatever course needs to be taken, our new friends can secure the tunnels as they've done in the past, perhaps even with some help the cleric finishes with a wink.
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‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Nimnods before creating a rough three-colored map on the cavern wall. "This path,"--as she points to the silver part of the map--"will take us outside and up the many stairs to the front of Delvindraz. This red path leads through the lair of the behir and directly to the rear entrance to the orc camp. Lastly, this path marked in gold will allow us to reach Delvindraz from the rear while avoiding the behir altogether."
The four gnomes are quick to declare their health, strength, and resolve to aid you in reaching Kridash and the Hi-Thoror. Nim first conveys the course of action to Crunch and then prompts Rizzlepick to lead the way...
<> <> <> <> <>
Despite the multitude of twists, turns, and alternate tunnels, Rizzlepick makes no hesitation along the way, so great is his familiarity and comfort with the dark and narrow places beneath the ground. Eventually he leads the party down a tunnel so steep that you must make a cautious downward climb for a minute or so. At the end of the descent, the gnome explains, "From here, you must jump," which is exactly what he does, landing with cat-like skill and silence on the rocky ground ten feet below.
All of you do likewise--some with more grace than others, of course--and find yourselves in a large passageway, approximately ten feet in height and width. Rizzlepick then whispers, "A few hundred feet remain."
Soon you are gathered at the bottom of an exquisitely-crafted stairwell. Rizzlepick points upward and says, "Delvindraz."
From where you stand, you are able to see a portcullis at the top of the stairwell.
"Gate controlled by the Hi-Thoror," explains Rizzlepick. "Never have we climbed these stairs. Too close to the orcs," he adds, indicating his ignorance of how the portcullis is monitored.
Brevig, more skilled at seeing the unseen than cloaking his own movements, glances at Patrin. Although the group only formed a few days ago, the Watcher has learned whose eyes are the most mobile, the most safe to employ for information gathering.
‘I don”t speak orcish, but I can appear like an orc, so I’m happy to take a look...’ says Patrin
You see a glow from under his armour, as a tattoo activates, and suddenly you see a larger version of Nim’s orc from earlier, but looking wounded around the mouth and throat area - hopefully enough to make it believable that he can’t form words.
‘Wish me luck..’ he says, wafting his disconcerting cloak behind him, and heading up the stairs, limping as though badly injured.
Patrin has cast Disguise Self to look like the orc, but with disfiguring injuries. He also brings up his innate Detect Magic.
Patrinhobbles up the stairs, seeing nothing to suggest the presence of a trap or a sentry. Peering through the portcullis, he sees a large room, approximately 30' wide and 80' long. The fine stonework of the dwarves who built this place is evident despite the debris strewn about the room--broken chairs, piles of rags, bones, and a host of other mundane items. Another passageway exits the room in the northwest corner. Patrin can faintly hear the sound of harsh voices speaking the Orc tongue.
Scanning the immediate area and the walls of the room, Patrin sees no sign of a lever or handle that might be used to raise the portcullis. By pressing his face against the gate in a few places, he is able to see all four walls clearly enough to ensure himself that the controls for the portcullis are elsewhere.
At the bottom of the stairs, Nimremarks, "Crunch does not need an open gate. He walks through earth and stone as you and I walk through the open air..."
Having cast Guidance upon Patrin before he investigates the portcullis, Gwin waits for the warlock to signal to the party. Before beginning her approach to the gate, Gwin raises her eyebrows at Nim's comment and rubs her invisible beard. Addressing the gnome she asks, are you suggesting that our Crunchy friend here could assist in our opening of the portcullis?
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‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
“Donir, I have seen magic employed through humonculi. Can yours find a portcullis lever and with the strength of your alchemIcal powers, raise the gate?”
"It could certainly find it, but pulling it is another thing. I do not think it would have the strength or weight. Luckily, I have other methods."
Donir pulls what looks to be a replica of his gauntlet from his pack, and flips a switch on it. Immediately it springs to life and floats out of his hand, hovering before him.
"This thing should do the trick, if I can get it to the lever. My construct should be able to guide it, it just needs to find it."
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"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Nim nods at Gwin. "Yes, Crunch could travel through the stone walls, needing nothing more to peak an eye into the open places as he looks for the lever. Retreating into the stone will prevent Crunch from being harmed much by the orcs. If they see him, that is."
Donir's homunculus narrowly fits through the gaps in the portcullis; his floating gauntlet, however, is slightly too large to do so. It clanks softly against the horizontal and vertical iron bars, unable to travel into the room on the other side.
Nim then adds another thought. "I also offer my ability to bypass this gate, friends. You are familiar, I imagine, with the conjurer's trick known as misty step? If you sense that we four gnomes are desirous to be part of the fight, then you are correct."
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“Perhaps that way is better. And I have an idea to avoid the worst of the Behir’s attacks should we draw its attention. Although...Ashento is not going to enjoy his role,” offers Brevig, frowning.
”My concern is that if we destroy the Behir, that will leave our gnome friends here defenseless against future orc attacks through that cavern.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
I prefer the back entrance, as well, Gwin responds. We have a greater advantage if they're unaware of our approach. Specifically to Brevig, the cleric continues, "Tyr bless your tender heart. I have faith that whatever course needs to be taken, our new friends can secure the tunnels as they've done in the past, perhaps even with some help the cleric finishes with a wink.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
"Or...did you mention a third way?," asks Brevig.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Nim nods before creating a rough three-colored map on the cavern wall. "This path,"--as she points to the silver part of the map--"will take us outside and up the many stairs to the front of Delvindraz. This red path leads through the lair of the behir and directly to the rear entrance to the orc camp. Lastly, this path marked in gold will allow us to reach Delvindraz from the rear while avoiding the behir altogether."
Patrin uses his own Minor Illusion to show small figures moving along the gold path... He shares a smile with Nim...
’That’s my vote...’
he pauses for a moment. ‘Are any of you injured?’ he wonders...
“The back door,” repeats Brevig, studying the map with a firm nod.
The paladin awaits the gnomes’ answer to Patrin’s question, ready to offer aid if needed.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
The four gnomes are quick to declare their health, strength, and resolve to aid you in reaching Kridash and the Hi-Thoror. Nim first conveys the course of action to Crunch and then prompts Rizzlepick to lead the way...
<> <> <> <> <>
Despite the multitude of twists, turns, and alternate tunnels, Rizzlepick makes no hesitation along the way, so great is his familiarity and comfort with the dark and narrow places beneath the ground. Eventually he leads the party down a tunnel so steep that you must make a cautious downward climb for a minute or so. At the end of the descent, the gnome explains, "From here, you must jump," which is exactly what he does, landing with cat-like skill and silence on the rocky ground ten feet below.
All of you do likewise--some with more grace than others, of course--and find yourselves in a large passageway, approximately ten feet in height and width. Rizzlepick then whispers, "A few hundred feet remain."
Soon you are gathered at the bottom of an exquisitely-crafted stairwell. Rizzlepick points upward and says, "Delvindraz."
From where you stand, you are able to see a portcullis at the top of the stairwell.
Brevig asks, "Thank you for seeing us here, Rizzlepick. Is the portcullis yours or theirs? Should we expect the gate to be guarded up above?"
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Gate controlled by the Hi-Thoror," explains Rizzlepick. "Never have we climbed these stairs. Too close to the orcs," he adds, indicating his ignorance of how the portcullis is monitored.
Brevig, more skilled at seeing the unseen than cloaking his own movements, glances at Patrin. Although the group only formed a few days ago, the Watcher has learned whose eyes are the most mobile, the most safe to employ for information gathering.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
‘I don”t speak orcish, but I can appear like an orc, so I’m happy to take a look...’ says Patrin
You see a glow from under his armour, as a tattoo activates, and suddenly you see a larger version of Nim’s orc from earlier, but looking wounded around the mouth and throat area - hopefully enough to make it believable that he can’t form words.
‘Wish me luck..’ he says, wafting his disconcerting cloak behind him, and heading up the stairs, limping as though badly injured.
Patrin has cast Disguise Self to look like the orc, but with disfiguring injuries. He also brings up his innate Detect Magic.
Some rolls that might be required:
Perception (looking for traps or ambushers): 4
Performance (for walking like an injured orc!): 8
Patrin hobbles up the stairs, seeing nothing to suggest the presence of a trap or a sentry. Peering through the portcullis, he sees a large room, approximately 30' wide and 80' long. The fine stonework of the dwarves who built this place is evident despite the debris strewn about the room--broken chairs, piles of rags, bones, and a host of other mundane items. Another passageway exits the room in the northwest corner. Patrin can faintly hear the sound of harsh voices speaking the Orc tongue.
Patrin looks for a handle, or other means to raise the portcullis, as he slumps carefully against it...
Investigation: 23 + 4
Scanning the immediate area and the walls of the room, Patrin sees no sign of a lever or handle that might be used to raise the portcullis. By pressing his face against the gate in a few places, he is able to see all four walls clearly enough to ensure himself that the controls for the portcullis are elsewhere.
At the bottom of the stairs, Nim remarks, "Crunch does not need an open gate. He walks through earth and stone as you and I walk through the open air..."
Patrin looks down to the rest of the group and makes a shushing motion, followed by a beckoning motion...
...
As they start to arrive he says quietly, ‘The controls for the portcullis seem to be further in - I can’t see them from here.’
Fargoth approaches silently and peers inside for a second, before nodding in the direction of the speaking gnome.
Having cast Guidance upon Patrin before he investigates the portcullis, Gwin waits for the warlock to signal to the party. Before beginning her approach to the gate, Gwin raises her eyebrows at Nim's comment and rubs her invisible beard. Addressing the gnome she asks, are you suggesting that our Crunchy friend here could assist in our opening of the portcullis?
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
“Donir, I have seen magic employed through humonculi. Can yours find a portcullis lever and with the strength of your alchemIcal powers, raise the gate?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"It could certainly find it, but pulling it is another thing. I do not think it would have the strength or weight. Luckily, I have other methods."
Donir pulls what looks to be a replica of his gauntlet from his pack, and flips a switch on it. Immediately it springs to life and floats out of his hand, hovering before him.
"This thing should do the trick, if I can get it to the lever. My construct should be able to guide it, it just needs to find it."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Nim nods at Gwin. "Yes, Crunch could travel through the stone walls, needing nothing more to peak an eye into the open places as he looks for the lever. Retreating into the stone will prevent Crunch from being harmed much by the orcs. If they see him, that is."
Donir's homunculus narrowly fits through the gaps in the portcullis; his floating gauntlet, however, is slightly too large to do so. It clanks softly against the horizontal and vertical iron bars, unable to travel into the room on the other side.
Nim then adds another thought. "I also offer my ability to bypass this gate, friends. You are familiar, I imagine, with the conjurer's trick known as misty step? If you sense that we four gnomes are desirous to be part of the fight, then you are correct."