"I vote for Vethna trying the ascent, as difficult as it looks, and dropping a rope. She has been a capable lead scout thus far. Kisiki, are you able to call for Semuanya'sGuidance to helpVethna climb? Eldeth and Jimjar said they would meet us at the rift. I think we have to try."
"How do they even know where it is? They know we were headed for darklake. We have happened on this tributary by chance. Better that we go towards the settlement. I don't care who is a capable scout when there is no good reason to go that way," Phodoxia glowers at Tanis.
Petmailer observes the back and forth and looks up at the climb, considering. “I don’t know, it depends on how confident you are Vethna. Are you _sure_ that you can climb it without falling? It might be good to have a vantage point from on high, to make sure there is nothing we are missing, or better way to go. I vote for Vethna to go up if there is a very high confidence that there will be no falls.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"How do they even know where it is? They know we were headed for darklake. We have happened on this tributary by chance. Better that we go towards the settlement. I don't care who is a capable scout when there is no good reason to go that way," Phodoxia glowers at Tanis.
Tanis looks at Phodoxia, glowering up at him. Why does she hate me most of all, seemingly? It was not I that killed Buppido, nor attacked him, nor even asked anyone to attack him! That was Vrah who killed the derro on his own. As is fitting since Buppido had threatened to kill the bugbear in his sleep. I admitted freely to her afterwards that I was thinking of attacking the derro because of his murderous threats and his willful endangerment of the party, but I did not actually do it as Vrah did. But now she seems to have no problem with Vrah, only with me. And when she and Shoowaa were trailing behind, I was the only one in the rest of the party that even tried to talk to them. Nor am I now the only one suggesting climbing. And yet... perhaps it's better that there is a lightning rod for hostility (me). I suppose if she can forgive and forget with Vrah, all the better.
Tanis maintains a neutral expression as best he can. "These were Jimjar's final words to us through Stool's telepathy: 'If we do get separated, we should all try to find that big rift and meet back up there.' I am trying to keep the group together. As big as the rift is supposed to be, from what I gather, it is nowhere near as large as Darklake, which is vast. If we and they (Jimjar and Eldeth) all end up at Darklake separately, our odds of finding each other seem low. They may not know where the settlement is as Shuushar does. Better odds of finding each other if we meet at the rift. However, I understand your argument of risk against reward, Phodoxia, and if the group decides to make for Darklake, I will of course agree."
[Letting the group talk this one out. Also, DragonDenn sent a message that they would be out of town most of this weekend. They said it would be okay for me to drive their character, but since what's being discussed is Vethna making a risky climb, I'd rather leave that till they return. So, you've got some time to continue the conversation, then we'll see the outcome and if Vethna makes the climb when they return.}
"Yes, I will ask Semuanya to guide Vethna's hands. Jimjar and Eldeth have been good to us, it would be unfortunate to abandon them. And Sarith's mind is not his own - he becomes safe if we can cure him - perhaps he will be there too. I do not pass by this rift without contemplation; if Semuanya led us here, She believes we can make the climb and it will be worth the risk. However, I will not lose Shoowaa and Phodoxia for the sake of the rift. If we must pass it by, then we must pass it by."
Kisiki will cast guidance on Vethna and whoever climbs the rope (if we decide to at all). Anyone who climbs gets a 1d4 bonus. It can only affect 1 person at a time, so Kisiki will stay at the bottom and cast it on each person, then himself.
"Well...I can become a spider and it would be unlikely for me to fall, but it seems slippy and unsafe... I don't want to abandon any of our group, but is this the only part of the rift that we can use?"
[Situational Recap: You all are in a cavern that has the subterranean river flowing through it. it's a wide cavern with spaces to walk on either side of the river, although occasionally, you might have to wade through shallow areas. Shuushar is sure this river leads to his city of Sloodubop. But also in this chamber, a waterfall spills out of one wall of the cavern and falls into a pool, joining up with the river. Shuushar thinks this tributary would lead back to the large rift where Eldeth and Jimjar said they would try to reunite with you. Fargas also believes the tomb he was searching for can be found from that rift. But to get up to that stream, you'll have to climb up the cliff wall that the waterfall is spilling out of and follow this side passage. The wall is slick with moisture and growth of algae and moss. Vethna has offered to climb up and find something to attach a rope to. ]
Vethna frowns and glances around at the others. Her eyes then turn to the smaller members, those who had been so upset and frightened of the rest of the group.
"For even considering taking out that Derro skum, who was risking all of our lives just by being with us, you acted like we were evil incarnate. Even though the only one of us who actually lifted a hand against the Derro was Vrah, who you seem to be buddy buddy with now, even though he was the one who was the single person that raised a hand against the Derro, you behaved like the rest of us were corrupt and vile. Now you wish to turn your backs on two members of our group, two people who have aided us every step of the way here. Yes the climb is risky, yes it is dangerous. That is why I suggested I attempt it, risking only myself, and securing a safer option for the rest of you to make the climb. I cannot leave two of our companions, two who have been nothing but loyal and helpful in our travels together, to just fend for themselves. I will not do so, not without at least attempting to get back to them." She holds the eyes of each person in the group. "If you wish to head on to this town ahead, then do so, but I will be going up that climb, or I will die trying." She glances to Phodoxia and Shoowaa once again. "Get your morals on right. I would have killed that Derro in a moment, as he was a rabid dog that needed to be put down. It had nothing to do with his size, his race, his gender,or anything else. He was simply rabid, that was that. I will not turn my back on those who have been nothing but loyal to us, even if it is at my own personal risk." With that said she would turn away and head to the wall.
(DM, let me know what you want for a roll. Vethna does not need to make athletic checks to climb, so do you want an acrobatics check to see if she can keep from slipping, a Dex save to do the same, or do you want that athletics check for some reason. I would argue she would have expertise and/or advantage with climbing checks, as she has a climb speed, but that is up to you.)
Vrah sits down on the ground and listens to what everyone has said, then calmly speaks to Phodoxia, "If you were the one stuck would you want us to forget you and move on? Or would you......hope that the main party came looking for you. I say we make way to rift and the others, then from there we can decide on where to go. As others have stated it was my decision alone to kill that wretch as I knew eventually he would have done the same to one of us, possibly you. Again not going to apologize for his death as I will do what needs to be done to protect the party as a hole."
With that he will get up and move over to Vethna and offers a hand, "I am sure you can climb well, but at least I can offer a boost." Then Vrah will kneel down and let Vethan climb up onto his shoulders and help him start the climb with a bit of a boost.
Petmailer says “You are in the right, Vethna. I will help you any way I can. I can send up some of my dancing lights to help light your way and guide your hand holds. Tell me if there is anything else I can do…”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Phodoxia narrows her eyes distrustfully at Vethna. "You give reason to trust, and you will get trust. Threatening lives or saving lives, neither of those acts means anything to you, because you don't live or breathe. So how can you be trusted? If you save someone's life instead of talking to everyone as beneath you, maybe you will seem trustworthy. You want to help Eldeth and Jimjar? What about Sarith? Or you will turn on him too because he didn't trust you unquestioningly and do what you wanted him to?"
To Vrah, she says, "You saved my life and did not have to. Why wouldn't I be grateful? So perhaps you think me part of the group...the real question is who is in...who is out? We have had to stick together to survive, but what about when your survival seems to need someone else to die.... you see, when we are only together to survive, there is nothing really holding any of us together. We will walk away from one another when it becomes convenient. But if we will not, I would like to see it now, and let the ones we find in the rift be the judge then."
Phodoxia retreats some distance from the group and settles down in a corner to watch the others, if Vethna indeed does try to climb the waterfall.
"I think we should try to keep our numbers up, but try to do it as safely as possible. If you think you can climb it, then go ahead. I would also like to find Sarith, he is sick and needs help, I only hope that he did not die in the rock falling but with the water rising soon after I am not sure how much longer, if he has any left."
Vethna stops and turns back. She glares as she steps a pace back. "If I thought there was a single thing I could do to aid Sarith, I would do it." She says in a voice that trembles with anger. "You are so quick to throw your moral superiority around and decide that, due to what I am, that I have no care for those who I travel with. Yet it was I who have guided this group through these tunnels, most of the time with my only company being Sarith. If I had any way to get to him, and cure him of what he is suffering, then I would do it. As things stand I know I likely can help 2 of our lost companions, and I have to be content with that, no matter how badly it hurts to leave Sarith on his own for now." She takes another step back. "You are so quick to judge me as less, just by my race, and yet it is you who condemn us all for the possibility we all saw you as less just due to your own race." She waves a hand to Vrah and the rest of the group. "We, none of us, care what you are, or who you were before this. We are becoming a family down here, a closely-loyal group shoved together due to situation, but willing to stand by each other now, regardless of the situation. If you want this group to be together for more than just our survival, then stop doing your best to break us up at every turn." she takes a final step forward. "I am tired of being judged as so much less by you, and have my every action weighed and measured against some personal predjudice you have. Know now, I will put my life down for anyone here, for the three that we have recently lost, and do so without hesitation. I dare say you cannot say the same." She turns away then, striding back to the wall.
Phodoxia wrinkles up her brow in confusion. Vethna's speech sounds like a lot of meaningless words. Family? Race? Prejudice? Moral superiority? None of that seems to her to have anything to do with the situation. "I just don't trust you. Trust is earned. Prove it," she says flatly. And of course I won't put my life down! I want to keep it! I don't know why she thinks I want more than survival with a group that is so changeable and quick to kill. But Shoowaa is right, numbers are good, as long as we aren't killing each other. It's already happened once. Someone who isn't even alive isn't going to understand wanting to STAY alive. That comes first. "I hope you save them."Her voice is a growl by now, but her statement is sincere.
Okay, Vethna does not need to make an athletics check to climb. Because the conditions are slippery, I will ask for a dex save at advantage for you to get up to the location where the waterfall comes out of the wall without losing your footing.
"That looks like a terrible idea," Phodoxia mumbles to Shoowaa and Vrah. "Let's go to Sloo....sloob....dop? The settlement on darklake."
“Hmmmmm…it’s dangerous, is this the only way to go? I rather go safe way.”
Tanis pauses and takes a deep breath.
"I vote for Vethna trying the ascent, as difficult as it looks, and dropping a rope. She has been a capable lead scout thus far. Kisiki, are you able to call for Semuanya's Guidance to help Vethna climb? Eldeth and Jimjar said they would meet us at the rift. I think we have to try."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"How do they even know where it is? They know we were headed for darklake. We have happened on this tributary by chance. Better that we go towards the settlement. I don't care who is a capable scout when there is no good reason to go that way," Phodoxia glowers at Tanis.
Petmailer observes the back and forth and looks up at the climb, considering. “I don’t know, it depends on how confident you are Vethna. Are you _sure_ that you can climb it without falling? It might be good to have a vantage point from on high, to make sure there is nothing we are missing, or better way to go. I vote for Vethna to go up if there is a very high confidence that there will be no falls.”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Tanis looks at Phodoxia, glowering up at him. Why does she hate me most of all, seemingly? It was not I that killed Buppido, nor attacked him, nor even asked anyone to attack him! That was Vrah who killed the derro on his own. As is fitting since Buppido had threatened to kill the bugbear in his sleep. I admitted freely to her afterwards that I was thinking of attacking the derro because of his murderous threats and his willful endangerment of the party, but I did not actually do it as Vrah did. But now she seems to have no problem with Vrah, only with me. And when she and Shoowaa were trailing behind, I was the only one in the rest of the party that even tried to talk to them. Nor am I now the only one suggesting climbing. And yet... perhaps it's better that there is a lightning rod for hostility (me). I suppose if she can forgive and forget with Vrah, all the better.
Tanis maintains a neutral expression as best he can. "These were Jimjar's final words to us through Stool's telepathy: 'If we do get separated, we should all try to find that big rift and meet back up there.' I am trying to keep the group together. As big as the rift is supposed to be, from what I gather, it is nowhere near as large as Darklake, which is vast. If we and they (Jimjar and Eldeth) all end up at Darklake separately, our odds of finding each other seem low. They may not know where the settlement is as Shuushar does. Better odds of finding each other if we meet at the rift. However, I understand your argument of risk against reward, Phodoxia, and if the group decides to make for Darklake, I will of course agree."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
[Letting the group talk this one out. Also, DragonDenn sent a message that they would be out of town most of this weekend. They said it would be okay for me to drive their character, but since what's being discussed is Vethna making a risky climb, I'd rather leave that till they return. So, you've got some time to continue the conversation, then we'll see the outcome and if Vethna makes the climb when they return.}
"Yes, I will ask Semuanya to guide Vethna's hands. Jimjar and Eldeth have been good to us, it would be unfortunate to abandon them. And Sarith's mind is not his own - he becomes safe if we can cure him - perhaps he will be there too. I do not pass by this rift without contemplation; if Semuanya led us here, She believes we can make the climb and it will be worth the risk. However, I will not lose Shoowaa and Phodoxia for the sake of the rift. If we must pass it by, then we must pass it by."
Kisiki will cast guidance on Vethna and whoever climbs the rope (if we decide to at all). Anyone who climbs gets a 1d4 bonus. It can only affect 1 person at a time, so Kisiki will stay at the bottom and cast it on each person, then himself.
"Well...I can become a spider and it would be unlikely for me to fall, but it seems slippy and unsafe... I don't want to abandon any of our group, but is this the only part of the rift that we can use?"
[Situational Recap: You all are in a cavern that has the subterranean river flowing through it. it's a wide cavern with spaces to walk on either side of the river, although occasionally, you might have to wade through shallow areas. Shuushar is sure this river leads to his city of Sloodubop. But also in this chamber, a waterfall spills out of one wall of the cavern and falls into a pool, joining up with the river. Shuushar thinks this tributary would lead back to the large rift where Eldeth and Jimjar said they would try to reunite with you. Fargas also believes the tomb he was searching for can be found from that rift. But to get up to that stream, you'll have to climb up the cliff wall that the waterfall is spilling out of and follow this side passage. The wall is slick with moisture and growth of algae and moss. Vethna has offered to climb up and find something to attach a rope to. ]
(Petmailer indicates to the group that he thinks we should climb up to investigate. Should we handle by vote?)
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Vethna frowns and glances around at the others. Her eyes then turn to the smaller members, those who had been so upset and frightened of the rest of the group.
"For even considering taking out that Derro skum, who was risking all of our lives just by being with us, you acted like we were evil incarnate. Even though the only one of us who actually lifted a hand against the Derro was Vrah, who you seem to be buddy buddy with now, even though he was the one who was the single person that raised a hand against the Derro, you behaved like the rest of us were corrupt and vile. Now you wish to turn your backs on two members of our group, two people who have aided us every step of the way here. Yes the climb is risky, yes it is dangerous. That is why I suggested I attempt it, risking only myself, and securing a safer option for the rest of you to make the climb. I cannot leave two of our companions, two who have been nothing but loyal and helpful in our travels together, to just fend for themselves. I will not do so, not without at least attempting to get back to them." She holds the eyes of each person in the group. "If you wish to head on to this town ahead, then do so, but I will be going up that climb, or I will die trying." She glances to Phodoxia and Shoowaa once again. "Get your morals on right. I would have killed that Derro in a moment, as he was a rabid dog that needed to be put down. It had nothing to do with his size, his race, his gender,or anything else. He was simply rabid, that was that. I will not turn my back on those who have been nothing but loyal to us, even if it is at my own personal risk." With that said she would turn away and head to the wall.
(DM, let me know what you want for a roll. Vethna does not need to make athletic checks to climb, so do you want an acrobatics check to see if she can keep from slipping, a Dex save to do the same, or do you want that athletics check for some reason. I would argue she would have expertise and/or advantage with climbing checks, as she has a climb speed, but that is up to you.)
Vrah sits down on the ground and listens to what everyone has said, then calmly speaks to Phodoxia, "If you were the one stuck would you want us to forget you and move on? Or would you......hope that the main party came looking for you. I say we make way to rift and the others, then from there we can decide on where to go. As others have stated it was my decision alone to kill that wretch as I knew eventually he would have done the same to one of us, possibly you. Again not going to apologize for his death as I will do what needs to be done to protect the party as a hole."
With that he will get up and move over to Vethna and offers a hand, "I am sure you can climb well, but at least I can offer a boost." Then Vrah will kneel down and let Vethan climb up onto his shoulders and help him start the climb with a bit of a boost.
Petmailer says “You are in the right, Vethna. I will help you any way I can. I can send up some of my dancing lights to help light your way and guide your hand holds. Tell me if there is anything else I can do…”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Phodoxia narrows her eyes distrustfully at Vethna. "You give reason to trust, and you will get trust. Threatening lives or saving lives, neither of those acts means anything to you, because you don't live or breathe. So how can you be trusted? If you save someone's life instead of talking to everyone as beneath you, maybe you will seem trustworthy. You want to help Eldeth and Jimjar? What about Sarith? Or you will turn on him too because he didn't trust you unquestioningly and do what you wanted him to?"
To Vrah, she says, "You saved my life and did not have to. Why wouldn't I be grateful? So perhaps you think me part of the group...the real question is who is in...who is out? We have had to stick together to survive, but what about when your survival seems to need someone else to die.... you see, when we are only together to survive, there is nothing really holding any of us together. We will walk away from one another when it becomes convenient. But if we will not, I would like to see it now, and let the ones we find in the rift be the judge then."
Phodoxia retreats some distance from the group and settles down in a corner to watch the others, if Vethna indeed does try to climb the waterfall.
"I think we should try to keep our numbers up, but try to do it as safely as possible. If you think you can climb it, then go ahead. I would also like to find Sarith, he is sick and needs help, I only hope that he did not die in the rock falling but with the water rising soon after I am not sure how much longer, if he has any left."
Vethna stops and turns back. She glares as she steps a pace back. "If I thought there was a single thing I could do to aid Sarith, I would do it." She says in a voice that trembles with anger. "You are so quick to throw your moral superiority around and decide that, due to what I am, that I have no care for those who I travel with. Yet it was I who have guided this group through these tunnels, most of the time with my only company being Sarith. If I had any way to get to him, and cure him of what he is suffering, then I would do it. As things stand I know I likely can help 2 of our lost companions, and I have to be content with that, no matter how badly it hurts to leave Sarith on his own for now." She takes another step back. "You are so quick to judge me as less, just by my race, and yet it is you who condemn us all for the possibility we all saw you as less just due to your own race." She waves a hand to Vrah and the rest of the group. "We, none of us, care what you are, or who you were before this. We are becoming a family down here, a closely-loyal group shoved together due to situation, but willing to stand by each other now, regardless of the situation. If you want this group to be together for more than just our survival, then stop doing your best to break us up at every turn." she takes a final step forward. "I am tired of being judged as so much less by you, and have my every action weighed and measured against some personal predjudice you have. Know now, I will put my life down for anyone here, for the three that we have recently lost, and do so without hesitation. I dare say you cannot say the same." She turns away then, striding back to the wall.
Phodoxia wrinkles up her brow in confusion. Vethna's speech sounds like a lot of meaningless words. Family? Race? Prejudice? Moral superiority? None of that seems to her to have anything to do with the situation. "I just don't trust you. Trust is earned. Prove it," she says flatly. And of course I won't put my life down! I want to keep it! I don't know why she thinks I want more than survival with a group that is so changeable and quick to kill. But Shoowaa is right, numbers are good, as long as we aren't killing each other. It's already happened once. Someone who isn't even alive isn't going to understand wanting to STAY alive. That comes first. "I hope you save them." Her voice is a growl by now, but her statement is sincere.
Okay, Vethna does not need to make an athletics check to climb. Because the conditions are slippery, I will ask for a dex save at advantage for you to get up to the location where the waterfall comes out of the wall without losing your footing.
Dex save, with advantage, is 18.