... "But what did the voice mean? Is something else coming?"
"Truth to be told," admits Khessa "Mr Big Ball seemed quite out of its mind. I mean... Who could think that we are demons!? It must have been driven insane by something. But still... The drow outpost has been attacked by demons... Mr Big Ball, was obsessed by demons... These are already two clues... I fear that there could be, in fact, unusual demon activity... And this would be a danger for all! I'd like to know more... if possible. Not only to stop them. Such informations could also be of value... and we do not have much of value, at the moment".
The remaining spider screeches horribly as your final attacks slam into it, sending it topping in a disgusting ball off the side of the rocky platform! (Combat over.)
The goblin guides brush themselves off a little and insist on moving on as soon as you're ready. The rest of the trip across the spidery webs of darkness is thankfully uneventful, with your feet mercifully coming to the other side after just a few more hours of painstaking maneuvering. Shuushar would be pretty certain it is not too far from Darklake and Sloopludoop, but if you wish to attempt to rest you are welcome to do so.
"If anyone wants a rest, let's stop and discuss this tomb business. Personally, I'd like to get out of the Underdark. So I'm not that sure I care if there's demons down here. As long as they stay down here and don't head to the world above!" Katryl looks around at the rest of the party, particularly Khessa, who seems very interested in looting this tomb. "How would we even find this place?"
(OOC - I don't think I need a short rest. But no objection of others do.)
The noble drow tilts his head and smiles as Khessa returns with his dark green mantle. "And here I was thinking you were simply trying to undress me again. Perhaps we should save that to our training sessions." He says with a wink, taking his mantle and donning it with one swift motion.
Traydark follows along as the goblin guides leads them to the other side of the Silken Path and pays them a piece of gold for their service even though simply killing them both was a tempting solution too. "If you decide to seek out this tomb I will of course follow and do my best to be of assistance, but I suggest we press on towards Sloobludop as soon as possible after that. There perhaps we can find someone to guide you up to the sun-blasted surface." The noble drow says to Katryl with a friendly smile.
"I'm glad you intend to continue training with me..." Khessa raises an eyebrow, struck by Traydark's allusion "...Personally, I was referring to training in the arcane arts... but if there are other arts that interest you, I have always felt that versatility is an asset. We will certainly have to check whether these can be of mutual interest" she winks back.
Before leaving the rocky platform, the blonde arcane warrior tries to send a lighted pebble (carried by her Unseen Servant) down along the nearby cobwebs. Can she see anything that looks like the entrance to the tomb the halfling was talking about? Even during the final stretch of the Silken Path, the tall adventurer still pays attention to anything that might look like the entrance to the tomb...
When, at the end of the Silken Path, Katryl mentions a stop, Khessa replies: "Indeed, if we could have a short breather, I could review some spells...so that I would be more ready if we run into further trouble. After all, not only do we not know if we'll encounter any more difficulties... before we get to Sloobludop or even once we get there!"
If the group accepts the brief stop, the blonde arcane warrior replies to Katryl: "How to find the tomb, you ask? Well, to tell the truth, I was convinced to find the entrance near the rocky platform... after all, the halfling was there and Mr Big Ball as well... But" she admits, a little disappointed "I haven't seen anything that made me think of an entrance. So I wouldn't know where to find it. And wandering clueless around here could waste a lot of time. So, if no one has ideas to find this entrance, maybe we should simply proceed towards Sloobludop after all".
The lit pebble bounces and rolls down several layers of webs before cascading off into even deeper depths, but there is no indication of any sort of entrance to anything other than more webs.
The noble drow chuckles at the blonde human's quick retort. Yes, she was special that one. It was hard to understand she was a mere human, but he was aware their race had some rare prominent specimen and maybe Khessa would be one of them.
Later he would not object to a short breather as Khessa reviewed her spells that she had scribbled down to remember them. It all seemed so dull to the noble drow and he was glad his own magic came just as natural to him as the intricate plans on his revenge against those who betrayed him. "Yes, it would be wise to be prudent even as we reach Sloobludop. The Kuo-Toa are not known for their hospitality, but at least it is some sort of civilization." Traydark agrees. "And maybe it's for the best we give up the thought on finding that tomb, at least right now. Maybe we can return here once we are all properly equipped." He suggests, looking at the still unarmored human warrior mage.
As you decide to keep pushing on toward Darklake and Sloopludoop, the formidable darkness suddenly gives way to an expansive view of a dimly lit shoreline still quite a ways away, but close enough to bring just a mite of hope. That hope, however frail it might be, is suddenly put into question as you come down a ridge and face to face with a kuo-toa hunting party, consisting of what looks like 8 kuo-toa and a kuo-toa monitor! As soon as they spot you they fan out, attempting to encircle you while the monitor cries out in Undercommon:
"For the Deep Father!"
(Yep, time to roll initiative again! You get to go first though! The staging area is about 40ft across in a rough circle, with 3 paths coming into it, including the one you came from. You can assume they are all spreading out more or less evenly, about 5-10ft apart in a circular fashion. Their actions will go in 2 groups: the regular kuo-toa, and the monitor. Shuushar will notice that they appear to be quite mad, insane, even for his kind.)
The noble drow snarls as the kuo-toa hunting party emerges from the shadows. Maybe Sloobludop was not the place to seek refuge after all. Traydark swiftly curses the closest kuo-toa on their right flank, then unleashing a purple beam of eldritch crackling force towards it. He then falls back behind Sarith.
Sarith makes a quick gesture with is slender hand, blanketing the right flank of kuo-toa with a violet light, ready with his blade to fight off any kuo-toa closing in melee with him.
Sarith initiative: 16 Faerie Fire, 20-foot cube, Dex Save 11.
Seeing the hostile Kuo-Toa hunting party, Khessa thinks: 'They outnumber us and the battlefield is quite open… if we engage them there, we might not be able to defend our most vulnerable elements'.
With a quick glance she estimates the size of the passage from which she and her companions have just arrived... then the tall adventuress advises: "Strike from distance and retreat down the passage we came from! Out here they can surround us - not so in the passage!" and she calls down magical fire on the Kuo-Toa that was already targeted by Traydark; then she backs up as far as she can (30') to keep as much distance from enemies as possible.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Attack: 10 Damage: 6
If the Kuo-Toa has failed his dex save against Faerie Fire, attacks against him are at advantage, so this is another roll; we keep the better of the two, in that case (else we keep the first):
Buppido tries to put into practice what Khessa has advised and shown: he aims his crossbow at the same Kuo-Toa (unless he is dead - in which case he aims instead at the most advanced on the left), shoots, then retreats the most possible (30').
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Attack: 20 Damage: 8
If the Kuo-Toa has failed his dex save against Faerie Fire, attacks against him are at advantage, so this is another roll; we keep the better of the two, in that case (else we keep the first):
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Katryl Initiative: 13)
Katryl almost starts to say something, but with attacks already flying she stays quiet. She follows Khessa's suggestion, grabbing her shortbow to fire at the kuo toa. (Targeting the same one as the others if it is still up. If it is down then she will target the next closest.) (Shortbow Attack: 18 Damage: 7 piercing)
She then moves back and tries to find a location to hide. (Bonus Action, Stealth to hide: 19)
"Truth to be told," admits Khessa "Mr Big Ball seemed quite out of its mind. I mean... Who could think that we are demons!? It must have been driven insane by something. But still... The drow outpost has been attacked by demons... Mr Big Ball, was obsessed by demons... These are already two clues... I fear that there could be, in fact, unusual demon activity... And this would be a danger for all! I'd like to know more... if possible. Not only to stop them. Such informations could also be of value... and we do not have much of value, at the moment".
The remaining spider screeches horribly as your final attacks slam into it, sending it topping in a disgusting ball off the side of the rocky platform! (Combat over.)
The goblin guides brush themselves off a little and insist on moving on as soon as you're ready. The rest of the trip across the spidery webs of darkness is thankfully uneventful, with your feet mercifully coming to the other side after just a few more hours of painstaking maneuvering. Shuushar would be pretty certain it is not too far from Darklake and Sloopludoop, but if you wish to attempt to rest you are welcome to do so.
"If anyone wants a rest, let's stop and discuss this tomb business. Personally, I'd like to get out of the Underdark. So I'm not that sure I care if there's demons down here. As long as they stay down here and don't head to the world above!" Katryl looks around at the rest of the party, particularly Khessa, who seems very interested in looting this tomb. "How would we even find this place?"
(OOC - I don't think I need a short rest. But no objection of others do.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The noble drow tilts his head and smiles as Khessa returns with his dark green mantle. "And here I was thinking you were simply trying to undress me again. Perhaps we should save that to our training sessions." He says with a wink, taking his mantle and donning it with one swift motion.
Traydark follows along as the goblin guides leads them to the other side of the Silken Path and pays them a piece of gold for their service even though simply killing them both was a tempting solution too. "If you decide to seek out this tomb I will of course follow and do my best to be of assistance, but I suggest we press on towards Sloobludop as soon as possible after that. There perhaps we can find someone to guide you up to the sun-blasted surface." The noble drow says to Katryl with a friendly smile.
(Traydark and Sarith are ready to move on :-)
"I'm glad you intend to continue training with me..." Khessa raises an eyebrow, struck by Traydark's allusion "...Personally, I was referring to training in the arcane arts... but if there are other arts that interest you, I have always felt that versatility is an asset. We will certainly have to check whether these can be of mutual interest" she winks back.
Before leaving the rocky platform, the blonde arcane warrior tries to send a lighted pebble (carried by her Unseen Servant) down along the nearby cobwebs. Can she see anything that looks like the entrance to the tomb the halfling was talking about? Even during the final stretch of the Silken Path, the tall adventurer still pays attention to anything that might look like the entrance to the tomb...
When, at the end of the Silken Path, Katryl mentions a stop, Khessa replies: "Indeed, if we could have a short breather, I could review some spells...so that I would be more ready if we run into further trouble. After all, not only do we not know if we'll encounter any more difficulties... before we get to Sloobludop or even once we get there!"
If the group accepts the brief stop, the blonde arcane warrior replies to Katryl: "How to find the tomb, you ask? Well, to tell the truth, I was convinced to find the entrance near the rocky platform... after all, the halfling was there and Mr Big Ball as well... But" she admits, a little disappointed "I haven't seen anything that made me think of an entrance. So I wouldn't know where to find it. And wandering clueless around here could waste a lot of time. So, if no one has ideas to find this entrance, maybe we should simply proceed towards Sloobludop after all".
Perception (if Khessa is able to spot the tomb's entrance at any point): 18
The lit pebble bounces and rolls down several layers of webs before cascading off into even deeper depths, but there is no indication of any sort of entrance to anything other than more webs.
The noble drow chuckles at the blonde human's quick retort. Yes, she was special that one. It was hard to understand she was a mere human, but he was aware their race had some rare prominent specimen and maybe Khessa would be one of them.
Later he would not object to a short breather as Khessa reviewed her spells that she had scribbled down to remember them. It all seemed so dull to the noble drow and he was glad his own magic came just as natural to him as the intricate plans on his revenge against those who betrayed him. "Yes, it would be wise to be prudent even as we reach Sloobludop. The Kuo-Toa are not known for their hospitality, but at least it is some sort of civilization." Traydark agrees. "And maybe it's for the best we give up the thought on finding that tomb, at least right now. Maybe we can return here once we are all properly equipped." He suggests, looking at the still unarmored human warrior mage.
As you decide to keep pushing on toward Darklake and Sloopludoop, the formidable darkness suddenly gives way to an expansive view of a dimly lit shoreline still quite a ways away, but close enough to bring just a mite of hope. That hope, however frail it might be, is suddenly put into question as you come down a ridge and face to face with a kuo-toa hunting party, consisting of what looks like 8 kuo-toa and a kuo-toa monitor! As soon as they spot you they fan out, attempting to encircle you while the monitor cries out in Undercommon:
"For the Deep Father!"
(Yep, time to roll initiative again! You get to go first though! The staging area is about 40ft across in a rough circle, with 3 paths coming into it, including the one you came from. You can assume they are all spreading out more or less evenly, about 5-10ft apart in a circular fashion. Their actions will go in 2 groups: the regular kuo-toa, and the monitor. Shuushar will notice that they appear to be quite mad, insane, even for his kind.)
Ebzer initiative 8 (game log)
The noble drow snarls as the kuo-toa hunting party emerges from the shadows. Maybe Sloobludop was not the place to seek refuge after all. Traydark swiftly curses the closest kuo-toa on their right flank, then unleashing a purple beam of eldritch crackling force towards it. He then falls back behind Sarith.
Traydark initiative: 4
Cast Hex (Dex)
Eldritch Blast: 11 Force: 11 Necrotic: 2
Sarith makes a quick gesture with is slender hand, blanketing the right flank of kuo-toa with a violet light, ready with his blade to fight off any kuo-toa closing in melee with him.
Sarith initiative: 16
Faerie Fire, 20-foot cube, Dex Save 11.
( Here's another attack roll should the kuo-toa Traydark attacks miss his dex save: 12 )
Khessa's initiative: 8
Seeing the hostile Kuo-Toa hunting party, Khessa thinks: 'They outnumber us and the battlefield is quite open… if we engage them there, we might not be able to defend our most vulnerable elements'.
With a quick glance she estimates the size of the passage from which she and her companions have just arrived... then the tall adventuress advises: "Strike from distance and retreat down the passage we came from! Out here they can surround us - not so in the passage!" and she calls down magical fire on the Kuo-Toa that was already targeted by Traydark; then she backs up as far as she can (30') to keep as much distance from enemies as possible.
Attack: 10 Damage: 6
If the Kuo-Toa has failed his dex save against Faerie Fire, attacks against him are at advantage, so this is another roll; we keep the better of the two, in that case (else we keep the first):
Attack: 14 Damage: 10
Buppido's initiative: 10
Buppido tries to put into practice what Khessa has advised and shown: he aims his crossbow at the same Kuo-Toa (unless he is dead - in which case he aims instead at the most advanced on the left), shoots, then retreats the most possible (30').
Attack: 20 Damage: 8
If the Kuo-Toa has failed his dex save against Faerie Fire, attacks against him are at advantage, so this is another roll; we keep the better of the two, in that case (else we keep the first):
Attack: 11 Damage: 4
(Katryl Initiative: 13)
Katryl almost starts to say something, but with attacks already flying she stays quiet. She follows Khessa's suggestion, grabbing her shortbow to fire at the kuo toa. (Targeting the same one as the others if it is still up. If it is down then she will target the next closest.)
(Shortbow Attack: 18 Damage: 7 piercing)
She then moves back and tries to find a location to hide. (Bonus Action, Stealth to hide: 19)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer