Ermasnietsz assumes that she's successful in her attempt to avoid the danger of falling unconscious during a combat. If she had lost consciousness, her comrades wouldn't have left her behind let alone consider her as a burden. She doesn't want to be a burden, not at this point of exploration.
She notices the desk and slightly parted door, then attempts to recall if she's seen such kind of arrangement in the tiny play-house version of 'Prospect'.
Intelligence 10
(@DM, Does investigation skill apply here? Please add 3 to the rolled number if the skill is applicable.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Boyd barrels into the roam and yells "last one through, close the door."
He's about to rush to the northeast door when he hesitates. In a moment of doubt and self-preservation, he pauses to scout the area before charging to the rescue.
Perception: 17
If he notices something dangerous or important, he'll stop and say so out loud.
Edit: changed a bit of text and it manipulated my check. I got a whopping 9 originally.
Ermasnietsz - ((It would be Investigation, however, I don't think anyone had a close look at the doll's house on account of the threat of the animated rug. Either way, the doll's house did not appear to show the basement level.))
You check around the room, attempting to discern whether there are any immediate threats.
The room is abuzz with the sound of insects, wildlife, and the rustling of plant life. However, you cannot see any immediate dangers. Most of the plant and animal life in this room seems to take little notice of you.
Similarly to before, a great deal of the creatures here seem a little 'off'; either the 'wrong' colour, ethereal, or acting in strange and unusual ways (non-threatening).
There is an odd stench in the air. Stagnant water covers the passage to the north, as it seems to drop down.
The door to the northeast is heavy set but appears unlocked and untrapped.
Late Afternoon - Base(ment) of Operations - Day #2
Once all the party has safely made it through to the room they shove shut the heavy double doors behind them; shutting out both the threat of the thistlings/shrubs and the fire. The stench of stagnant water, covering the passageway to the northwest, is offset by the pungent, sweet smell of pollen and strange mushroom spores. As with the rest of the house, there is the constant, low-level, sound of rustling and creaking as the (non-threatening) plants and insects go about their routines.
The crates to the southwest seem to be well worn and water damaged, however, it looks like they have been placed recently. Otherwise, several charts hang above either desk; everything from maps of Saltmarsh and the Azure Sea, complete with shipping routes, to names of some of the key players of the sea-side town. If you had to guess, this was one of the areas used by the Sanguine Cabal to plot their numerous schemes.
A shrill cry of pain pierces the air. "I... I..." Esther's voice comes from behind the door to the northeast, "... oh dear." Immediately after the words are uttered there is the crash of water, as though an object has been dropped from height into a shallow stream.
She and Thumbtack glance around the room, looking for hazards (Perception). Nikita also tries to memorize any names she can of the key players (especially any she hadn't considered much yet, like Cavendish) in Saltmarsh or on the Azure sea that she can read from several feet away, hung up over the desks (Investigation). Tries to imprint the layout of the coast in a remembered mental image. She moves carefully, trying to avoid the rug in case it is animate like the one upstairs had been, but also staying as far clear of the plants, insects and furniture as she can. Heading for the northeast door.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After making his momentary pause and observation in the middle of the room, Boyd hustles to the northeast door. He puts a big palm on the handle and looks to make sure everyone is following. He looks anxious, yet he's the first to the door. "Everyone ready then? We can come back to this room once we save Esther."He chews on his lower lip in nervousness and opens the door once everyone is behind him.
Your eyes scan over the numerous charts hanging above the desks; not only do you get a pretty good mental image of Saltmarsh and the surrounding area, but you also note that a number of Thomas Dolan's ships have been earmarked/targetted.
This rug does not appear to be animated. Your best guess would be that the vegetation/plants had somehow reanimated the bear rug upstairs.
For some reason, you are drawn to open the top left drawer of the desk to the east. Inside is a rather unsettling sight -- you find a lifelike mask, it is so detailed that it almost looks as though someone's face has been removed from their body. You recognise the face as being the town guard from the bridge, O'Toole.
Boyd - Fortunately, though the door has a lock on it, the door is unlocked.
Boyd tentatively pushes open the heavy-set door. On the other side is a dimly lit chamber with three barred cells to the north, east and south. A couple of ivy-covered steps lead down from the entrance, the floor is covered by a thin layer of water, no more than a couple of inches deep. Even in the minimal light, you can see what appears to be Esther lying facedown in the cell to the south; her dress torn, ragged and sporting numerous patches, water sloshing at her temples, her wet string brown hair floating on the water.
The cell door to the north appears to have become displaced and hangs open; it is not much of a stretch to assume it once housed Billy. The other cells (including Esther's) appear locked shut. Movement can be spotted underwater, as dark shapes worm their way around.
Esther slowly regains consciousness and begins to rise. Water drips from her face and her eyes adjust to her visitors. She coughs out and splutters. "Careful..."her voice is husky and weak, "for some reason they won't hurt me..." She takes deep, laboured breaths, "they're covered in these sharp spikes..." The frightened girl, almost in a daze, climbs back onto her bunk and becomes unresponsive.
((Hard to depict the steps and water in the map-making tool I am using. Esther is now on her bunk in the south cell.))
Meresaa withdraws several more tiny cubes from a pocket and tinkers with them one by one before tossing them to various parts of the room. They begin to glow (magical tinkering) as soon as they hit the water and help illuminate the dark floor underneath. She looks at the dark shapes in the few inches of water and attempts to determine their nature.
Ermasnietsz loads her light crossbow and attempts to aim for one of the swirling underwater figures. She will release a single piece of bolt when she finds the dark floor illuminated by glowing cubicles.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nikita takes a step back, her voice low and grim.
"I am worried these may be the adult form of the Sagacitas larvae. What do you think Meresaa? Esther, were you infected with the purple spiky larvae? Did one or more of these worms in the water grow or transform from one of them? Either way, Ermasnietsz may be right - we may need to kill them. Stay strong, Esther, we are here and will try to help."
A tiny seed of doubt resurfaces in Nikita's mind that Esther's mind may have been compromised and some greater power that is taking over this house is using Esther's body and voice to lure the party here. It's not really a new thought, as people in the party, including Nikita herself, have voiced this doubt. Seeing Meresaa already investigating (and Ermasnietsz attacking) the worms in the water, Nikita and Thumbtack once again look around for other non-obvious hazards in the room. And Nikita attempts to detect whether there is any undertone of something more sinister in Esther's words.
Even at a glance, you believe these strangle eel-like creatures to be more advanced/matured versions of the Sagacitas larvae you have already encountered. However, the way they move seems off-putting, could they be connected?
Ermasnietsz - Your bolt flies through the shallow water and finds its target, burying itself deep in the nearest creature. An ungodly screech echoes around the small room and a series of large tentacle shapes emerge from the water, baring an uncanny resemblance to the Sagacitas from before.
Nikita - Esther seems a little out of it, her voice is weak and wearied. "Th-they put s-something inside of me," she says, trying to recall the memory. "Th-the way they spoke... they t-talked about h-harvesting s-something. I th-think s-something happened. I h-haven't seen any of the men for a while... Billy escaped and tried to free me but couldn't get the door open. My s-stomach... it feels really bad." She begins to sob to herself. "Please Miss, I don't want to die."
Nikita's Checks:
Nikita Perception
The cells are dark and dripping with moisture. You have little doubt that Esther must have been confined in this dark, dingy place with little comfort. You vaguely make out the moving shapes under the water. Since Ermasnietsz's attack, a couple of large tentacle-arms have risen from the water, though you cannot make out how far they extend.
Thumbtack Perception
Thumbtack senses a lot more; the darkness posing no obstacle. At least 5 large tentacle arms rise from the shallow water, Ermasnietsz's bolt protruding from the nearest. Under the water, the shapes seem to converge and form one mass; occasionally breaking into separate entities before once more converging. Without a doubt, these creatures are fully-matured Sagacitas -- their otherworldly nature clear, separated from their home plane.
((Double Nat 20?!))
However, Thumbtack observes that the form has not taken an aggressive position. Choosing instead to shy away from the party. The creature appears to have some level of intelligence and looks to be protective of Esther.
Nikita Insight
You get the sense that Esther is being honest; she is a scared young woman that found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. She appears to be in control of her own mind/body, though she appears to be weakened and drifting in and out of consciousness -- you get the sense that the longer the Sagacitas remain within her, the lower her chances of survival.
Her only intent seems to be rid of Prospect and safely returned home.
"Steady. We don't want you to die either, Esther." Not here. Not like this. And yet... death visits us all sooner or later.
Unbidden, the image of Iuz comes to her, the cambion lord's face twisted in a cruel grin.
Trying to keep her voice as steady as she can, Nikita turns to the others, whispering: "Thumbtack got a good look. The worms are tentacles that converge on a central, submerged mass like some extraplanar octopus. Perhaps the next stage in the Sagacitas life cycle. Do you agree, Lady Meresaa? I sense no deception in Esther. I believe the creature in the water, or perhaps the Sanguine Cabal earlier, has infected her and is using her as a host for something, perhaps more offspring. That is why it is defending her and not being aggressive yet. It needs her alive. But I think we need it dead so we can save the child. I do not think it will let us cure Esther of the infestation and free her of this cursed place."
"It looks to me as if it isn't one creature at all," Meresaa responds. "But more like unto a school of fish swimming together and then apart. I believe the tentacles are individual sagacitas but it's hard to be certain."
She bites her lip in consternation.
"It's odd that they seem to be... Protecting her...? That's not the right word. 'Guarding'? We haven't observed that behavior before. Then again, we haven't observed mature sagacitas before either. It seems to me that removing them from the equation would be the most prudent way to proceed if we want to rescue the girl before it's too late. But then..."
Pondering for a moment, she turns to face Nikita.
"I've seen you do impressive things with frozen water. Can you create a path of ice that we can use to get to the Esther while staying away from the creatures?"
"I can freeze part of this water yes, no more than roughly two 5' cubes at any time, and never containing any creature. Is that enough? The tentacles can reach through the gaps or smash the ice. I could also make the water flow out of the area into one of the other rooms, but would that help us?"
"To me it also looks like separate creatures as well but Thumbtack got a very good view. They may still be separate creatures, but they at least periodically converge underneath the water's surface and seem to act with coordinated sentience."
A voice, carried on the wind, barely audible over the dripping of water; "Yes. Sentient. Angry. Fractured." The voice has whimsical qualities though it seems distant. "It's children yet inhabit the girl..."the voice pauses, now melancholy, "... yet too many have perished. Trapped. Isolated. Scared. This is not where it belongs."
Ever-changing, the voice takes on a more feminine tone. "Trapped... I know what it is to be trapped. Stuck. Not knowing where I am. Who I... No!" the voice becomes angry. "I am Asha... this is my home. I... struggle..." The voice becomes quieter and more distant, barely audible, it seems to be arguing with itself.
Silence. The wind ceases.
"I've... spoken... to her before," Esther says, dreamily. "She seems... nice." You can tell that the young girl is struggling to stay conscious; drained and exhausted.
"We'll never get to her standing here debating the potential qualities and capabilities of alien creatures. The greatest breakthroughs come from random experimentation. Just try freezing as much as you can and we can jump between sections if necessary. The girl clearly doesn't have much time left if we don't get there quickly."
"Quickly," Meresaa hisses to Faila. The tall, slender woman reaches for her hand and rushes to follow the others.
(Fudging movement rules a bit for flavor. If we need to get into it, she'll hold the dash action for when Falia starts to run.)
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Faila takes Meresaa's hand and dashes right along with her, her heart pounding and sweat glistening on her skin from the heat of the fire.
Ermasnietsz
Ermasnietsz assumes that she's successful in her attempt to avoid the danger of falling unconscious during a combat. If she had lost consciousness, her comrades wouldn't have left her behind let alone consider her as a burden. She doesn't want to be a burden, not at this point of exploration.
She notices the desk and slightly parted door, then attempts to recall if she's seen such kind of arrangement in the tiny play-house version of 'Prospect'.
Intelligence 10
(@DM, Does investigation skill apply here? Please add 3 to the rolled number if the skill is applicable.)
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Boyd barrels into the roam and yells "last one through, close the door."
He's about to rush to the northeast door when he hesitates. In a moment of doubt and self-preservation, he pauses to scout the area before charging to the rescue.
Perception: 17
If he notices something dangerous or important, he'll stop and say so out loud.
Edit: changed a bit of text and it manipulated my check. I got a whopping 9 originally.
Ermasnietsz - ((It would be Investigation, however, I don't think anyone had a close look at the doll's house on account of the threat of the animated rug. Either way, the doll's house did not appear to show the basement level.))
Boyd's Perception check:
You check around the room, attempting to discern whether there are any immediate threats.
The room is abuzz with the sound of insects, wildlife, and the rustling of plant life. However, you cannot see any immediate dangers. Most of the plant and animal life in this room seems to take little notice of you.
Similarly to before, a great deal of the creatures here seem a little 'off'; either the 'wrong' colour, ethereal, or acting in strange and unusual ways (non-threatening).
There is an odd stench in the air. Stagnant water covers the passage to the north, as it seems to drop down.
The door to the northeast is heavy set but appears unlocked and untrapped.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Late Afternoon - Base(ment) of Operations - Day #2
Once all the party has safely made it through to the room they shove shut the heavy double doors behind them; shutting out both the threat of the thistlings/shrubs and the fire. The stench of stagnant water, covering the passageway to the northwest, is offset by the pungent, sweet smell of pollen and strange mushroom spores. As with the rest of the house, there is the constant, low-level, sound of rustling and creaking as the (non-threatening) plants and insects go about their routines.
The crates to the southwest seem to be well worn and water damaged, however, it looks like they have been placed recently. Otherwise, several charts hang above either desk; everything from maps of Saltmarsh and the Azure Sea, complete with shipping routes, to names of some of the key players of the sea-side town. If you had to guess, this was one of the areas used by the Sanguine Cabal to plot their numerous schemes.
A shrill cry of pain pierces the air. "I... I..." Esther's voice comes from behind the door to the northeast, "... oh dear." Immediately after the words are uttered there is the crash of water, as though an object has been dropped from height into a shallow stream.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Good work," Nikita whispers. "Keep moving. Esther is there through the northeast door, or... something else is. But we've come too far to stop."
Nikita Perception: 7
Thumbtack Perception: 17
Nikita Investigation: 20
She and Thumbtack glance around the room, looking for hazards (Perception). Nikita also tries to memorize any names she can of the key players (especially any she hadn't considered much yet, like Cavendish) in Saltmarsh or on the Azure sea that she can read from several feet away, hung up over the desks (Investigation). Tries to imprint the layout of the coast in a remembered mental image. She moves carefully, trying to avoid the rug in case it is animate like the one upstairs had been, but also staying as far clear of the plants, insects and furniture as she can. Heading for the northeast door.
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
After making his momentary pause and observation in the middle of the room, Boyd hustles to the northeast door. He puts a big palm on the handle and looks to make sure everyone is following. He looks anxious, yet he's the first to the door. "Everyone ready then? We can come back to this room once we save Esther." He chews on his lower lip in nervousness and opens the door once everyone is behind him.
Lockpicking if needed: 9
If she sees Boyd needing to pick the lock on the door, Nikita will cast Mage Hand to hold the lock or his tools for him. (Help).
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
Nikita's checks:
Your eyes scan over the numerous charts hanging above the desks; not only do you get a pretty good mental image of Saltmarsh and the surrounding area, but you also note that a number of Thomas Dolan's ships have been earmarked/targetted.
This rug does not appear to be animated. Your best guess would be that the vegetation/plants had somehow reanimated the bear rug upstairs.
((Extra because of the high Investigation check))
For some reason, you are drawn to open the top left drawer of the desk to the east. Inside is a rather unsettling sight -- you find a lifelike mask, it is so detailed that it almost looks as though someone's face has been removed from their body. You recognise the face as being the town guard from the bridge, O'Toole.
Boyd - Fortunately, though the door has a lock on it, the door is unlocked.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Late Afternoon - Basement Cells - Day #2
Boyd tentatively pushes open the heavy-set door. On the other side is a dimly lit chamber with three barred cells to the north, east and south. A couple of ivy-covered steps lead down from the entrance, the floor is covered by a thin layer of water, no more than a couple of inches deep. Even in the minimal light, you can see what appears to be Esther lying facedown in the cell to the south; her dress torn, ragged and sporting numerous patches, water sloshing at her temples, her wet string brown hair floating on the water.
The cell door to the north appears to have become displaced and hangs open; it is not much of a stretch to assume it once housed Billy. The other cells (including Esther's) appear locked shut. Movement can be spotted underwater, as dark shapes worm their way around.
Esther slowly regains consciousness and begins to rise. Water drips from her face and her eyes adjust to her visitors. She coughs out and splutters. "Careful..." her voice is husky and weak, "for some reason they won't hurt me..." She takes deep, laboured breaths, "they're covered in these sharp spikes..." The frightened girl, almost in a daze, climbs back onto her bunk and becomes unresponsive.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Meresaa withdraws several more tiny cubes from a pocket and tinkers with them one by one before tossing them to various parts of the room. They begin to glow (magical tinkering) as soon as they hit the water and help illuminate the dark floor underneath. She looks at the dark shapes in the few inches of water and attempts to determine their nature.
Investigation: 10
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Ermasnietsz
Ermasnietsz loads her light crossbow and attempts to aim for one of the swirling underwater figures. She will release a single piece of bolt when she finds the dark floor illuminated by glowing cubicles.
Action: Attack [Light Crossbow]: Attack: 18 Damage: 4
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Nikita takes a step back, her voice low and grim.
"I am worried these may be the adult form of the Sagacitas larvae. What do you think Meresaa? Esther, were you infected with the purple spiky larvae? Did one or more of these worms in the water grow or transform from one of them? Either way, Ermasnietsz may be right - we may need to kill them. Stay strong, Esther, we are here and will try to help."
A tiny seed of doubt resurfaces in Nikita's mind that Esther's mind may have been compromised and some greater power that is taking over this house is using Esther's body and voice to lure the party here. It's not really a new thought, as people in the party, including Nikita herself, have voiced this doubt. Seeing Meresaa already investigating (and Ermasnietsz attacking) the worms in the water, Nikita and Thumbtack once again look around for other non-obvious hazards in the room. And Nikita attempts to detect whether there is any undertone of something more sinister in Esther's words.
Nikita Perception: 18
Thumbtack Perception: 13
Nikita Insight on Esther's words and intent: 17
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
Meresaa's Investigation check:
Even at a glance, you believe these strangle eel-like creatures to be more advanced/matured versions of the Sagacitas larvae you have already encountered. However, the way they move seems off-putting, could they be connected?
Ermasnietsz - Your bolt flies through the shallow water and finds its target, burying itself deep in the nearest creature. An ungodly screech echoes around the small room and a series of large tentacle shapes emerge from the water, baring an uncanny resemblance to the Sagacitas from before.
Nikita - Esther seems a little out of it, her voice is weak and wearied. "Th-they put s-something inside of me," she says, trying to recall the memory. "Th-the way they spoke... they t-talked about h-harvesting s-something. I th-think s-something happened. I h-haven't seen any of the men for a while... Billy escaped and tried to free me but couldn't get the door open. My s-stomach... it feels really bad." She begins to sob to herself. "Please Miss, I don't want to die."
Nikita's Checks:
Nikita Perception
The cells are dark and dripping with moisture. You have little doubt that Esther must have been confined in this dark, dingy place with little comfort. You vaguely make out the moving shapes under the water. Since Ermasnietsz's attack, a couple of large tentacle-arms have risen from the water, though you cannot make out how far they extend.
Thumbtack Perception
Thumbtack senses a lot more; the darkness posing no obstacle. At least 5 large tentacle arms rise from the shallow water, Ermasnietsz's bolt protruding from the nearest. Under the water, the shapes seem to converge and form one mass; occasionally breaking into separate entities before once more converging. Without a doubt, these creatures are fully-matured Sagacitas -- their otherworldly nature clear, separated from their home plane.
((Double Nat 20?!))
However, Thumbtack observes that the form has not taken an aggressive position. Choosing instead to shy away from the party. The creature appears to have some level of intelligence and looks to be protective of Esther.
Nikita Insight
You get the sense that Esther is being honest; she is a scared young woman that found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. She appears to be in control of her own mind/body, though she appears to be weakened and drifting in and out of consciousness -- you get the sense that the longer the Sagacitas remain within her, the lower her chances of survival.
Her only intent seems to be rid of Prospect and safely returned home.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Steady. We don't want you to die either, Esther." Not here. Not like this. And yet... death visits us all sooner or later.
Unbidden, the image of Iuz comes to her, the cambion lord's face twisted in a cruel grin.
Trying to keep her voice as steady as she can, Nikita turns to the others, whispering: "Thumbtack got a good look. The worms are tentacles that converge on a central, submerged mass like some extraplanar octopus. Perhaps the next stage in the Sagacitas life cycle. Do you agree, Lady Meresaa? I sense no deception in Esther. I believe the creature in the water, or perhaps the Sanguine Cabal earlier, has infected her and is using her as a host for something, perhaps more offspring. That is why it is defending her and not being aggressive yet. It needs her alive. But I think we need it dead so we can save the child. I do not think it will let us cure Esther of the infestation and free her of this cursed place."
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
"It looks to me as if it isn't one creature at all," Meresaa responds. "But more like unto a school of fish swimming together and then apart. I believe the tentacles are individual sagacitas but it's hard to be certain."
She bites her lip in consternation.
"It's odd that they seem to be... Protecting her...? That's not the right word. 'Guarding'? We haven't observed that behavior before. Then again, we haven't observed mature sagacitas before either. It seems to me that removing them from the equation would be the most prudent way to proceed if we want to rescue the girl before it's too late. But then..."
Pondering for a moment, she turns to face Nikita.
"I've seen you do impressive things with frozen water. Can you create a path of ice that we can use to get to the Esther while staying away from the creatures?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Nikita bites her lip in thought.
"I can freeze part of this water yes, no more than roughly two 5' cubes at any time, and never containing any creature. Is that enough? The tentacles can reach through the gaps or smash the ice. I could also make the water flow out of the area into one of the other rooms, but would that help us?"
"To me it also looks like separate creatures as well but Thumbtack got a very good view. They may still be separate creatures, but they at least periodically converge underneath the water's surface and seem to act with coordinated sentience."
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
A voice, carried on the wind, barely audible over the dripping of water; "Yes. Sentient. Angry. Fractured." The voice has whimsical qualities though it seems distant. "It's children yet inhabit the girl..." the voice pauses, now melancholy, "... yet too many have perished. Trapped. Isolated. Scared. This is not where it belongs."
Ever-changing, the voice takes on a more feminine tone. "Trapped... I know what it is to be trapped. Stuck. Not knowing where I am. Who I... No!" the voice becomes angry. "I am Asha... this is my home. I... struggle..." The voice becomes quieter and more distant, barely audible, it seems to be arguing with itself.
Silence. The wind ceases.
"I've... spoken... to her before," Esther says, dreamily. "She seems... nice." You can tell that the young girl is struggling to stay conscious; drained and exhausted.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"We'll never get to her standing here debating the potential qualities and capabilities of alien creatures. The greatest breakthroughs come from random experimentation. Just try freezing as much as you can and we can jump between sections if necessary. The girl clearly doesn't have much time left if we don't get there quickly."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age