Kairus decides it is time to return to the throne room but not because he is satisfied with the exploration achieved so far. Quite the contrary, the bard re-assumes his original form and invites his companions to follow him through the air. The news of an enchanted wall and the potential for a safer route onward are enough to convince Rhogal, but not Yulmiath and Hun. The scaly duo prefers to explore the rest of the building by foot. The chance they become cephalopods permanently is enough of a risk to deter them.
It would seem the party is at a standstill. All faces turn to Krodhen to see if the half-orc is willing to break the tie. Failing that, the others begin to wonder if it might be worth splitting the party so that everyone gets to explore their preferred route.
Short of the old coot of a Kobold being manhandled into the seat, Hun just saw no future in his sitting in it any time soon without a more thorough and magically intensive examination! Nevertheless, he had looked just as expectantly as the rest at Krodhen, but while also trying to subtle signal him to side with his and Yulmiaht's cause. And when that doesn't seem to be getting through, he more clears his throat more loudly and says, "You know, if it /really/ comes down to it, I'm not above a division of labor here, as there's quite a bit of temple to cover anyhow. But if you would be feather brains get in trouble with no way known way of getting out, that's on your heads! ... Just saying."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Kairus laughed at hun's words, shaking his head as if the old kobold said something really funny. Then he clapped Rhogal on the shoulder. "You are right on all accounts - the place does have it on us but "somewhat of a known" is definitely out there. And it's big. Grandpa's old bones are safer on the even ground, let the elders do their .... elderly stuff. But those young in body and in spirit should fly! We can go straight to that curious wall."
As hard as the group stares at Krodhen, the half-orc does not budge. He has seemingly made a silent decision not to side with either duo in the current discussion. Noticing that he shall not get any immediate relief from the paladin, Hun budges a bit and gives some consideration to the idea of dividing up the exploration. In a good mood and with a jest, Kairus agrees. Nonetheless, once the decision is made, Krodhen still needs to pick a path forward. Knowing he will no longer be the source of disagreement for the group now that both paths shall be explored simultaneously, the half-orc simply flips a coin.
-> Krodhen's decision (1: goes with Hun and Yulmiath; 2: goes with Kairus and Rhogal): 2
Hun and Yulmiath look at each other, shrug, and begin moving southward. Mr. Thicc is closely behind them. Although the intention is to reach the door that would lead them to the room Hun spied earlier, this trio can't help but notice something else just before reaching the door. Now that the chaos of battle is behind them, Hun and Yulmiath take in their surrounding with more focus and notice a hallway leading east. This arched hallway is reinforced with stone buttresses, between which are painted murals depicting gloomy underwater scenes. A flickering orb is embedded in the wall at the east end of the hall. When on, the 1-foot in diameter orb sheds bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. Along the hall’s length are two more sets of double doors, a single door, and two clay urns covered with dust and cobwebs.
MAP:
FLYING THROUGH THE CAVES
Kairus, Rhogal, and Krodhen take turns sitting on the throne and transforming themselves into seagulls. During the process, they each get a better understanding of what powers have been temporarily granted to them:
A humanoid that sits in the throne can use it to cast the control weather spell without needing components. As long as the creature remains seated in the throne, it doesn’t need to concentrate to maintain the spell. Leaving the throne ends the effect, whereupon the weather gradually returns to normal.
While sitting on the throne you can transform yourself into a seagull (use the raven statistics without the Mimicry trait) or an octopus. The effect is identical to that of a polymorph spell, except the duration is 8 hours and you can end the effect on yourself at any time (no action required).
Given wings, this second trio flies to the the sea cave, over the bridge, and into the caverns with shallow pools of water. Knowing the way better than the others, Kairus leads the group to the side tunnel that ends abruptly at a humanoid-made wall. The middle section of the wall is indented/curved, as if there was a space reserved for a pillar that was never placed there. The gulls fly in small circles while deciding what to do next, though communication in this form is difficult, if not impossible. Kairus feels the enchantment placed on the wall pull on his Umberlee medallion even if the piece is currently melded with his bird form.
Before everyone brave turned into the bird, Kairus instructed his future flock to keep the wings even after arrival. "Still got some magic for one fly," he lovingly stroked the cittern. "But only for one. And there is no way back other than wings. So, we come, I turn back and touch the wall. Then we see if you too need your hands in there."
Hopefully, others agreed. But one way or another, Kairus indeed dropped the seagull shape once the small group arrived at the destination. From there it was a matter of experimentation: touch the wall while wearing the amulet and if nothing happens, touch it with the amulet itself.
"I'd be lying if I didn't say it was tempting, and could even be the key to getting to the others, seeing as I can't see any obvious path to the tunnels Young Blue mentioned." Hun admits as much, but then looks to the southern door from their current position. "But, if the lesson at the gazeebo was anything to go by, it'a better to take things a carefully. Clear the rooms on the way to make sure the orb isn't some weird trap that'll unleash undead sea horrors behind us the moment we go fiddling with it."
With the hope of the explanation being enough, Hun then looks to Mr. Thicc and bids him to open the door, seeing as it still wore the necklace. And if nothing came of the interaction, he'd walk in with the costruct for a closer look at the interior, confirming what he saw last, if nothing else. Then repeat the same step for the closer of the big double doors.
...Unless there had been some truth to his worries and some undead fishy horror sprung at the trio as soon as the door is opened...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
As Team Cave goes in, Rhogal returns to his dwarven form and takes the time to try and inspect the nearest pool of water for any dangers, being more on-guard now that the Snackers have split in half.
Perception: 21 (21, if nature is more appropriate, it's 15)
(Edit: forgot he was still a seagull, he can return become a climbing beast whenever he wants later, however and keep his smarts)
Taking note of the shiny blue orb but deciding to stick to the original plan, Hun bids Mr.Thicc to open the nearest door while Yulmiath prepares for the worst. The room beyond is shaped like an irregular five-sided polygon. The narrow window Hun peeked through earlier is just to the west of the entering trio. Within the room, it is now plain to see that the furnishings have deteriorated with age. The plastered walls are peeling, and a few tropical birds have made nests in the cracked ceiling. In the center of the room, a staircase flanked by marble pillars climbs to a raised stone platform decorated with tattered rugs, cushions, and tapestries. About the room are three more clay urns painted with images of sharks and octopuses, and two rotted couches. From where the trio stands, the furniture and raised platform obscure a few corners such that the half-party can't see every nook and cranny from their spot near the entrance. A separate set of double doors lead west. Based on their visit to the gardens, Hun and Yulmiath can deduce these doors lead to the balcony they spotted when fighting the decapus.
(OOC: I'll pause here in case you want to react to and/or interact with this room before moving to the other one.)
The trio of birds continues to circle in the air a bit before Kairus, relying on the plan he had mentioned to Rhogal and Krodhen before they transformed into seagull, takes the form of a triton once again and lands. Before the bard even touches the wall in front of him with either hand or amulet, it begins to react to the proximity of the also-enchanted symbol of Umberlee hanging from Kairus's neck. Stones begin to shift of their own accord, though the process is slow. While it is in progress, Kairus turns to check on his two avian companions and, to his dismay, realizes that Rhogal ignored the plan to maintain his bird form. The dwarf is also walking about by now and has, in fact, distanced himself a bit from the group as he goes to check the nearest crab pond.
It is hard to tell if it was Kairus's landing or Rhogal's walking about but, against the background noise of crashing waves in the distance, something has reacted to the sudden introduction of vibrations to the cave's ground. The druid of the group begins to notice a growing rumble beneath his feet. It feels familiar in a way but Rhogal does not have much of a chance to react at this point. Something is coming!
In a swift instant, this trio gains some company. They have seen this type of creature before in this very island. A headless torso emerges from the ground as if it was made out of water instead of rock and soil. Three clawed arms grasp the ground and a large toothy maw located where a neck should be speaks a tough-sounding language. A single yellow eye stares at Rhogal, though it is Kairus who understands the Terran words: "Pay passage," the Xorn demands. "Precious metals. Shiny gems. Pay well or else..."
(OOC: The map is still pretty much the same as displayed at the bottom of the previous update.)
Kairus was excitedly (and impatiently) watching the wall shifting away when the monster interrupted the process. The triton glanced at the source of the noise and grimaced. "No, not you again!" Obviously, that was another monster but as ugly and demanding.
"Get lost, beggar! We killed your kin in the caves not far from here. You will be next if you don't disappear right now. Crawl in your hole now - or else!" Kairus finished with a loud rumble in the voice adding a threatening gesture to the words.
(Intimidation23 with another attempt to add Luck if needed: 10 )
Looking round the room there doesn't seem to be much to occupy Yulmiath's attention. At best, some loose coin might be caught up in the two ruined couches? Might as well go see before pushing onto the next room. Watching the ceiling above the couches, as well as the gaps underneath for lurking beasties; fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Remember not to get too close to the urns. Just in case."Hun warns upon noticing Yulmiath proceed deeper into the room, and is soon following the Dragonborn himself with Mr. Thicc at his side, if only to get a better look at things from the top of the steps. "What I wouldn't give for a ten fool pole right now..." The Kobold offhandedly comments, absent-mindedly playing with the necklace while eyeing up some of the further off urns.
And after a hot moment or two, he passes along the Yklwa and bids Mr. Thicc to start poking at them hard enough to damage them just to see if he gets a reaction out of any of them. Only in the absence of such would he use the time Yulmiath spent inspecting the cushions, to also get up close to the damaged urns and inspect them. Mostly to get an idea on their original value, but also to see if anything of worth or note might be inside them. Annnd if nothing comes from even a thoroughly enhanced inspection, he'd look to Yulmiath and shrug before motioning for them to carry on to the next room, repeating the same steps in opening the door.
Wondering if he might be missing out on something within this chamber, Yulmiath moves in cautiously and eventually reaches the couches. Hun follows from a considerable distance, being especially concerned about the mimic-like urns. Yulmiath finds little tucked away in the couches and his investigation doesn't last long. As soon as Mr. Thicc pokes the first urn, it starts moving a bit. The lid is pushed away and the noises of a living creature emanate from within. Soon, the other two urn follow suit. Two shrunken humanoids, only 2 feet tall, pop out of each urn. Their claws are sharp, their chests bear a hole, and their intention is visibly evil. They pounce!
TEAM CAVE
Kairus's voice takes an aggressive tone as he rebukes the xorn's demand. It is clear the creature was not expecting this sort of reaction. After a moment of awkward silence, The xorn simply sinks back into the ground. Kairus has a feeling this is not the end of it. If he had to guess, xorns don't react well to displays of defiance.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I freaking knew iiiiit! Mr. Thicc! Full Defense Mode!"Hun barks out as he quickly sidled up behind the Construct so he stood at least back to back with it, brandishing one of his trademark vial of frosty goodness!
-Initiative: 7.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Kairus decides it is time to return to the throne room but not because he is satisfied with the exploration achieved so far. Quite the contrary, the bard re-assumes his original form and invites his companions to follow him through the air. The news of an enchanted wall and the potential for a safer route onward are enough to convince Rhogal, but not Yulmiath and Hun. The scaly duo prefers to explore the rest of the building by foot. The chance they become cephalopods permanently is enough of a risk to deter them.
It would seem the party is at a standstill. All faces turn to Krodhen to see if the half-orc is willing to break the tie. Failing that, the others begin to wonder if it might be worth splitting the party so that everyone gets to explore their preferred route.
Short of the old coot of a Kobold being manhandled into the seat, Hun just saw no future in his sitting in it any time soon without a more thorough and magically intensive examination! Nevertheless, he had looked just as expectantly as the rest at Krodhen, but while also trying to subtle signal him to side with his and Yulmiaht's cause. And when that doesn't seem to be getting through, he more clears his throat more loudly and says, "You know, if it /really/ comes down to it, I'm not above a division of labor here, as there's quite a bit of temple to cover anyhow. But if you would be feather brains get in trouble with no way known way of getting out, that's on your heads! ... Just saying."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Kairus laughed at hun's words, shaking his head as if the old kobold said something really funny. Then he clapped Rhogal on the shoulder. "You are right on all accounts - the place does have it on us but "somewhat of a known" is definitely out there. And it's big. Grandpa's old bones are safer on the even ground, let the elders do their .... elderly stuff. But those young in body and in spirit should fly! We can go straight to that curious wall."
"Krodhen, are you one to crawl or to fly?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
As hard as the group stares at Krodhen, the half-orc does not budge. He has seemingly made a silent decision not to side with either duo in the current discussion. Noticing that he shall not get any immediate relief from the paladin, Hun budges a bit and gives some consideration to the idea of dividing up the exploration. In a good mood and with a jest, Kairus agrees. Nonetheless, once the decision is made, Krodhen still needs to pick a path forward. Knowing he will no longer be the source of disagreement for the group now that both paths shall be explored simultaneously, the half-orc simply flips a coin.
-> Krodhen's decision (1: goes with Hun and Yulmiath; 2: goes with Kairus and Rhogal): 2
MOVING DOWN THE HALLWAY
Hun and Yulmiath look at each other, shrug, and begin moving southward. Mr. Thicc is closely behind them. Although the intention is to reach the door that would lead them to the room Hun spied earlier, this trio can't help but notice something else just before reaching the door. Now that the chaos of battle is behind them, Hun and Yulmiath take in their surrounding with more focus and notice a hallway leading east. This arched hallway is reinforced with stone buttresses, between which are painted murals depicting gloomy underwater scenes. A flickering orb is embedded in the wall at the east end of the hall. When on, the 1-foot in diameter orb sheds bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. Along the hall’s length are two more sets of double doors, a single door, and two clay urns covered with dust and cobwebs.
MAP:
FLYING THROUGH THE CAVES
Kairus, Rhogal, and Krodhen take turns sitting on the throne and transforming themselves into seagulls. During the process, they each get a better understanding of what powers have been temporarily granted to them:
A humanoid that sits in the throne can use it to cast the control weather spell without needing components. As long as the creature remains seated in the throne, it doesn’t need to concentrate to maintain the spell. Leaving the throne ends the effect, whereupon the weather gradually returns to normal.
While sitting on the throne you can transform yourself into a seagull (use the raven statistics without the Mimicry trait) or an octopus. The effect is identical to that of a polymorph spell, except the duration is 8 hours and you can end the effect on yourself at any time (no action required).
Given wings, this second trio flies to the the sea cave, over the bridge, and into the caverns with shallow pools of water. Knowing the way better than the others, Kairus leads the group to the side tunnel that ends abruptly at a humanoid-made wall. The middle section of the wall is indented/curved, as if there was a space reserved for a pillar that was never placed there. The gulls fly in small circles while deciding what to do next, though communication in this form is difficult, if not impossible. Kairus feels the enchantment placed on the wall pull on his Umberlee medallion even if the piece is currently melded with his bird form.
MAP:
Before everyone brave turned into the bird, Kairus instructed his future flock to keep the wings even after arrival. "Still got some magic for one fly," he lovingly stroked the cittern. "But only for one. And there is no way back other than wings. So, we come, I turn back and touch the wall. Then we see if you too need your hands in there."
Hopefully, others agreed. But one way or another, Kairus indeed dropped the seagull shape once the small group arrived at the destination. From there it was a matter of experimentation: touch the wall while wearing the amulet and if nothing happens, touch it with the amulet itself.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Yulmiath looks down at Hun and then back to Mr. Thicc.
"Bet you want to go have a look-see at that blue-glowy-orby thing, don't you? Lead on."
"I'd be lying if I didn't say it was tempting, and could even be the key to getting to the others, seeing as I can't see any obvious path to the tunnels Young Blue mentioned." Hun admits as much, but then looks to the southern door from their current position. "But, if the lesson at the gazeebo was anything to go by, it'a better to take things a carefully. Clear the rooms on the way to make sure the orb isn't some weird trap that'll unleash undead sea horrors behind us the moment we go fiddling with it."
With the hope of the explanation being enough, Hun then looks to Mr. Thicc and bids him to open the door, seeing as it still wore the necklace. And if nothing came of the interaction, he'd walk in with the costruct for a closer look at the interior, confirming what he saw last, if nothing else. Then repeat the same step for the closer of the big double doors.
...Unless there had been some truth to his worries and some undead fishy horror sprung at the trio as soon as the door is opened...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Gripping his greataxe, as much for degree of comfort as anything else, Yulmiath follows the kobold and his automaton up the corridor.
As Team Cave goes in, Rhogal returns to his dwarven form and takes the time to try and inspect the nearest pool of water for any dangers, being more on-guard now that the Snackers have split in half.
Perception: 21 (21, if nature is more appropriate, it's 15)
(Edit: forgot he was still a seagull, he can return become a climbing beast whenever he wants later, however and keep his smarts)
Extended Signature
TEAM TEMPLE
Taking note of the shiny blue orb but deciding to stick to the original plan, Hun bids Mr. Thicc to open the nearest door while Yulmiath prepares for the worst. The room beyond is shaped like an irregular five-sided polygon. The narrow window Hun peeked through earlier is just to the west of the entering trio. Within the room, it is now plain to see that the furnishings have deteriorated with age. The plastered walls are peeling, and a few tropical birds have made nests in the cracked ceiling. In the center of the room, a staircase flanked by marble pillars climbs to a raised stone platform decorated with tattered rugs, cushions, and tapestries. About the room are three more clay urns painted with images of sharks and octopuses, and two rotted couches. From where the trio stands, the furniture and raised platform obscure a few corners such that the half-party can't see every nook and cranny from their spot near the entrance. A separate set of double doors lead west. Based on their visit to the gardens, Hun and Yulmiath can deduce these doors lead to the balcony they spotted when fighting the decapus.
(OOC: I'll pause here in case you want to react to and/or interact with this room before moving to the other one.)
MAP:
TEAM CAVE
The trio of birds continues to circle in the air a bit before Kairus, relying on the plan he had mentioned to Rhogal and Krodhen before they transformed into seagull, takes the form of a triton once again and lands. Before the bard even touches the wall in front of him with either hand or amulet, it begins to react to the proximity of the also-enchanted symbol of Umberlee hanging from Kairus's neck. Stones begin to shift of their own accord, though the process is slow. While it is in progress, Kairus turns to check on his two avian companions and, to his dismay, realizes that Rhogal ignored the plan to maintain his bird form. The dwarf is also walking about by now and has, in fact, distanced himself a bit from the group as he goes to check the nearest crab pond.
It is hard to tell if it was Kairus's landing or Rhogal's walking about but, against the background noise of crashing waves in the distance, something has reacted to the sudden introduction of vibrations to the cave's ground. The druid of the group begins to notice a growing rumble beneath his feet. It feels familiar in a way but Rhogal does not have much of a chance to react at this point. Something is coming!
In a swift instant, this trio gains some company. They have seen this type of creature before in this very island. A headless torso emerges from the ground as if it was made out of water instead of rock and soil. Three clawed arms grasp the ground and a large toothy maw located where a neck should be speaks a tough-sounding language. A single yellow eye stares at Rhogal, though it is Kairus who understands the Terran words: "Pay passage," the Xorn demands. "Precious metals. Shiny gems. Pay well or else..."
(OOC: The map is still pretty much the same as displayed at the bottom of the previous update.)
Kairus was excitedly (and impatiently) watching the wall shifting away when the monster interrupted the process. The triton glanced at the source of the noise and grimaced. "No, not you again!" Obviously, that was another monster but as ugly and demanding.
"Get lost, beggar! We killed your kin in the caves not far from here. You will be next if you don't disappear right now. Crawl in your hole now - or else!" Kairus finished with a loud rumble in the voice adding a threatening gesture to the words.
(Intimidation 23 with another attempt to add Luck if needed: 10 )
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(No points spent!)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Looking round the room there doesn't seem to be much to occupy Yulmiath's attention. At best, some loose coin might be caught up in the two ruined couches? Might as well go see before pushing onto the next room. Watching the ceiling above the couches, as well as the gaps underneath for lurking beasties; fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
Perception - 8
Satisfied with his safety checks, Yulmiath plunges his arm into the couches rumaging around in the rotten cushions trying to find any loose change.
Investigation - 3
(OOC - I'm in danger!)
"Remember not to get too close to the urns. Just in case." Hun warns upon noticing Yulmiath proceed deeper into the room, and is soon following the Dragonborn himself with Mr. Thicc at his side, if only to get a better look at things from the top of the steps. "What I wouldn't give for a ten fool pole right now..." The Kobold offhandedly comments, absent-mindedly playing with the necklace while eyeing up some of the further off urns.
And after a hot moment or two, he passes along the Yklwa and bids Mr. Thicc to start poking at them hard enough to damage them just to see if he gets a reaction out of any of them. Only in the absence of such would he use the time Yulmiath spent inspecting the cushions, to also get up close to the damaged urns and inspect them. Mostly to get an idea on their original value, but also to see if anything of worth or note might be inside them. Annnd if nothing comes from even a thoroughly enhanced inspection, he'd look to Yulmiath and shrug before motioning for them to carry on to the next room, repeating the same steps in opening the door.
-Investigation: 26.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
TEAM TEMPLE
Wondering if he might be missing out on something within this chamber, Yulmiath moves in cautiously and eventually reaches the couches. Hun follows from a considerable distance, being especially concerned about the mimic-like urns. Yulmiath finds little tucked away in the couches and his investigation doesn't last long. As soon as Mr. Thicc pokes the first urn, it starts moving a bit. The lid is pushed away and the noises of a living creature emanate from within. Soon, the other two urn follow suit. Two shrunken humanoids, only 2 feet tall, pop out of each urn. Their claws are sharp, their chests bear a hole, and their intention is visibly evil. They pounce!
TEAM CAVE
Kairus's voice takes an aggressive tone as he rebukes the xorn's demand. It is clear the creature was not expecting this sort of reaction. After a moment of awkward silence, The xorn simply sinks back into the ground. Kairus has a feeling this is not the end of it. If he had to guess, xorns don't react well to displays of defiance.
(@All: I'll ask everyone to roll initiative.)
"I freaking knew iiiiit! Mr. Thicc! Full Defense Mode!" Hun barks out as he quickly sidled up behind the Construct so he stood at least back to back with it, brandishing one of his trademark vial of frosty goodness!
-Initiative: 7.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Yully's initiative: 10