Gnome's OOTA Story Thread [CLOSED]

"The big guy (shield guardian) an' me should come...Skitter can stay here with the troops..." Horkas says. "With Lulu, Khessa, and Katryl, that makes six. Which other four do we bring?"

"Well, then, seems our new friend can see the invisible. Good to ken," she notes regarding the familiar being seen. "Tis strange they're willing to receive us like this, though ye willnae catch me looking a gift horse in its wee mouth."

Lulu defers to the others as to who they're bringing, instead taking the time to remove the worm egg from the saddle and secure it with those staying behind. 

Khessa is also amazed that Karazikar is so knowledgeable... Not only is the Beholder waiting for them... and, as Traydark rightly observes, he is able to spy on them - perhaps even listen to them... The abomination yes he even waits for them to bring 'news' - and not generic news, but rather what he 'wants to hear'.

"I personally have nothing against Krazikar..." the blonde arcane warrior lies, assuming the most convincing tone she can manage "If we can negotiate with him, instead of fighting, so much the better! As for me, I perfectly agree that you lead the negotiations, Traydark”.

"And for the same reason, I propose to take my unit with me!" the tall adventuress smiles "They are also good at diplomatic matters..." ('Especially when diplomacy fails...' she secretly thinks) "they are probably the most suitable company. And we can bring them all, because we will not be eleven, but ten, since your big boy, Horkas, is an object, not one person. If we have to count the objects, I get to ten even alone, including backpack, weapons and armor!"

So Traydark, Khessa, Katryl, Horkas, Lulu, the shield guardian and Khessa's troops start the descent down the long shaft, either by ladder or by steed, down the vertical walls. Along the way you all can see now that the doors appear to be doors to rooms.

Khessa, intrigued, suggests, in a whisper: "Maybe we should also check what's in some of the rooms? If not by entering or peeking, at least by eavesdropping? Is no one else but me wondering what (or who) lies beyond?"

"Remember human that we are most likely watched." The noble drow whispers back, still mounted on his lizard steed as it cautiously traverses the shaft downwards.

“…And maybe we are overheared too,” Khessa concedes “but I wasn't suggesting theft or anything improper…It was just curiosity”.

'For example, the curiosity to find out if there is someone ready to jump out to kill us...' the blonde arcane warrior doesn't say (but those who know her probably understand what she, with her not too credible innocent air, is thinking) 'It might be more useful to find out this sooner, rather than later, when we are in the presence of the Ball King and it orders our execution... However, I am not very good at these things - whoever is... will consider whether it is appropriate to do them or not'.

Katryl goes with her mount down after the others. She accepts Traydark's suggestion that he do the talking with a small shrug. 'Seem unlikely we'll negotate our way to getting one of this fellow's eyes. I feel like we're just walking ourselves into a trap. Though at least this should make finding him easier.'  She remains wary, keeping an eye out for any signs of ambush. (Perception: 12)

Horkas sees the doors and says, "Maybe this shaft and these chambers are the beholder's home? And we know it has at least one follower, so perhaps there are more attendants and such living in them...let's not kick this anthill more than needed..."

Just as the others are discussing the doors, Lulu approaches one and gently knocks. Her ears rise then fall as she smiles back at the group, "Well, I didnae kick it." 

"Just remember, we are visiting to report to the great and powerful Karazikar, and he might just be offended by his guests straying of the path to reception area." The noble drow whispers impatiently.

Lulu winks back at Traydark, unfazed by his impatience. In truth, she's worried it may be attendants of a forced kind behind these doors. Or potential threats that may join the fight if these are devoted followers of this Krazikar. Better they know for sure than to have them sneak up behind them.

There is no answer when Lulu knocks on the door, but there are clear signs around the door that it has been used regularly and probably recently.

"Nice try, Lulu..." Khessa sighs, patting the gentle firbolg on the shoulder "Unfortunately, either this door opens onto a room that is currently empty, perhaps a simple passage corridor, or whoever is beyond does not welcome visitors. Do you want to risk opening and peeking? Or do you prefer to just move on, so as not to risk offending our host, Mr. Ball King, too much? It's your call..." she winks, amused "...after all, you are the voice of wisdom of our little embassy".

Lulu purses her lips as she thinks of how best to phrase her concerns, well-aware they're being watched. "Well, in my wise opinion," she smiles at Khessa, "I think it... pertinent, we ken what sorts reside here. If they're... devoted followers or the like. Or if they'll be joining during our sharing of news. Might could ask them how best to please their great, great master." She hopes the others can hear the meaning layered beneath her words.

The cleric knocks one more time testing if the door is open. "Room service." 

The door does not appear to be locked and can be pushed open, but there is no answer from the other side.

Seeing Lulu knocking on and then trying to open one of the doors, Katryl decides to bring her mount over close to the firbolg. She watches closely, confident that she knows what she's doing, but ready should some danger present itself.  

The noble drow seems more and more nervous over their host turning up suddenly, and in a less than pleasant mood.

Lulu slowly opens the door, shield at the ready.

Opening the door and peering inside it is dark, not lit like the shaft is, but crouching toward the back of the fairly small room, are six humans, half naked, looking very worse off.