"Nay," says Ebzer, still not looking up from his meticulous task. "We need t' find out what is going on. I'll not lead ye back to me people just t'watch 'em suffer the same fate as the Kuo-Toa. Someone must ken somethin' about why the demons are suddenly everywhere."
Traydark turns an faces the duergar. "I agree we need to find out more about what is going on Ebzer, but I don't think mighty Demogorgon was coming for us. The kuo-toa brought the doom upon themselves as they foolishly turned to worshipping this mad twin demon lord. I respect your care for your people, but I can't imagine we will bring any risk with us to your city. Besides we would have much greater chance to come upon more knowledge there than in these endless tunnels."
"Well, what are our options? It's not just that Ebzer is concerned. Would druegar even welcome us?" Katryl asks. "Where would crossing the lake have gotten us?"
The noble drow turns to face Katryl next. "Crossing the Darklake could have gotten us to Gracklstugh, it is the only settlement of note with a harbor. The duergar are ruthless and cruel traders and crafters but they can be dealt with, especially if we have one of their kind among us."
"Society of Brilliance mentioned Gracklstugh, but also Blingdenstone" points out Khessa. "In case Ebzer still prefers to avoid Gracklstugh, do we know anything about this Blingdenstone? What can we expect there?"
The kuo-toa burbles a sigh."Unfortunately our ability to teleport can only be done once in a while, and can only bring us, intentionally at least, to each other. And from what I hear of the duergar, no offense, but randomly showing up in their city would not be a good idea. But it is entirely possible they know a way up to the surface. As for supplies, what exactly are you needing?"
"Ye ferget, drow," says Ebzer to Traydark, "That were not the first time we seen demons. Do ye not remember the flying horrors that raided Ilvara's village? Somethin' is afoot, and it ain't just the Kuo-toa that be sufferin'.
"Your people be meddlin' with ancient evil powers, things sealed up long ago at the beginnin' of the world. Now, all the Underdark'll pay the price, once again, fer the mad foolishness of the cursed dark elves!" He spits on the ground, and begins tattooing again.
"It was not a village, it was an outpost, and yes I do remember quite well. I agree there is definitely something strange happening in the Underdark, I'm merely pointing out that there is nothing to suggest we are the ones causing it or that we would in any way draw demons to Gracklstugh should we go there for answers. Also, the drow does indeed summon demons to do their bidding but it would not be in our interest to let them roam the underdark as seems to be the case right now. I don't expect you to understand duergar but the drow are neither mad nor foolish, and while you might argue that we're cursed, we are so only because of the surface elves brought that curse upon us." The noble drow responds to Ebzer in a dry tone before returning his attention to the society. "I would need charcoal, incense, herbs and a brass brazier." He explains with a polite smile.
Khessa approaches the duergar and places her hand delicately on his back, taking care not to hinder him in his task: "Ebzer, my friend, your wrath is of incredible help to us in battle, as you have well demonstrated by defeating almost single-handedly the brutal kuo-toa leader, in the caves. Here, however, we are not fighting - and in this case we should leave anger aside".
"Far be it from me to defend the drow in general," assures the blonde arcane warrior, while a shadow of sadness veils her blue eyes "since I have enjoyed their hospitality twice already and that my family - or at least the members of it that they didn't kill - it's still in their hands".
"And having demons running around the Underdark attacking and destroying everything in sight, believe me, I don't like it either. Not one bit. It's been since I've seen firsthand what Mr. Lemon-Demon can do.. No,” she corrects herself, turning a moment to the noble elf “how did you call him Traydark? Demogorgon? Is that his real name? Well, be that as it may: since I've seen what someone like him can do, I can't get out of my mind what might happen if a demon of similar power should attack the place where my parents and siblings are being held captive!"
"And I assure you" the tall adventuress is enflamed, unconsciously pounding the fist of her right hand into the palm of her left hand "that I will do whatever it takes to send Demogorgon and his retinue back to the abyss from which they came! I still don't know when, I still don't know how, but I won't rest until I've done it!" (it's not easy to believe, yet it really seems that the simple human who, until recently was nothing but a prisoner like many others in a drow outpost, believes herself capable of one day being able to oppose the prince of demons!) "Those fiendish creatures have no right to exist - except in a damned place where they can exercise their thirst for destruction and violence only against each other".
"But what I know," continues Khessa, looking at the dwarf gently with her blue eyes "is that arguing among us won't help us. What we faced together, first as escaped prisoners, then as eyewitnesses of the terrible danger that is unleashing, bound us together in bonds far stronger than the chains we broke to escape. You shielded us with your flesh and blood, in the caves. Silas risked his life to heal you. Traydark saved your life. Katryl stripped off her armor to give me a better chance of surviving the fray. I ran down the main street of a doomed city carrying Silas and Buppido on my shoulders. We have forged new bonds, Ebzer and it is thanks to this iron collaboration that we are still alive. Alive and maybe able to save others".
"So..." concludes the blue eyed woman "Let's try not to go back to less useful habits now, shall we? Now, speaking of Gracklstugh... it seems probable to you that there we can find knowledge or means to help us counter the threat that we know of? Or might we find help to continue to the surface? Not to abandon the Underdark to its fate, that's not what I want, my friend - but because on the surface we could certainly find help and allies".
Ebzer listens to Khessa in silence, but the fierce expression on his countenance softens, slightly, as she reminds him of how party members helped each other in the past, and how specifically Traydark healed him.
He says nothing, but stinging tears of shame run down his cheeks as he remembers how he fled in terror while Traydark, Khessa and the others stayed behind to help the wounded and the slower members of the party.
Finally, as he finishes the design he has created by piercing his living flesh, he says, "I ain't from Gracklstugh, and have never been there. I knows of it, of course, but me clan were less... civilized. Me people ain't in the habit of offerin' help to outsiders, unless large sums of gold is involved. 'Specially not to.... to followers of Lolth. The Council of Savants, derros that dwell in the city, might be more open, but they are inscrutable, so I ain't sure. I am sure that someone in the city knows of ways to get to the surface, but they ain't gonna part with this information easily, 'Specially if it be known ye wants to lead an army of Topsiders down into the Underdark."
"Thanks dear!" Khessa embraces the newly collaborative Ebzer "That's the spirit!"
Noticing his tears she thinks, a little amazed: 'My words about our bonds have really touched him... Underneath that savage warrior exterior, he really is a sweet heart'
The idea does not even cross her mind that the other is feeling ashamed for having been frightened by Demogorgon... given how frightening (and dangerous!) he was in fact and given that she had carefully avoided mentioning the episode, instead trying to remind him of moments in which he had shown great heroism.
"However, I don't know if an army is the right answer to Demogorgon..." replies the blonde arcane warrior "...considering the ease with which that monster destroyed an entire city. And also considering that perhaps not many people would trust an army to me, the daughter of a common cabbage farmer! Maybe it's more feasible to get the help of a handful of champions, true heroes...those far more experienced and trained than myself! I told you, the 'how' beating Demogorgon and the demons is something I have yet to work through in detail".
"So," the tall adventurer recaps, "summarizing what we know about Gracklstugh: we may find help against the demons and help to get back to the surface... but Ebzer can't be too much help, Traydark and Sarith will be frowned upon and we may need a lot of money. Do we know anything about Blingdenstone, for comparison?"
The noble drow watches as the blonde arcane warrior comforts the duergar. She seemed quite committed to have this disparate group come together as one. "The most significant difference with going to Blingdenstone would be that Ebzer too would be hated for his heritage. I'm not against going there but I also can't see any advantages with going there rather than to Gracklstugh. The duergar has a point though. Eventhough quite mad, the derro savants of Gracklstugh might be where we should turn if we travel to Gracklstugh, although I would not be surprised if it was their madness that was behind all this. No offence Buppido, you're aware that you are all quite mad right?" Traydark says in the most polite tone possible. "I'm aware that none of you have any trust for the drow and you are right in thinking we are frequently dealing with demons, but when we do that it is to gain their servitude, not to set them loose to rampage the Underdark, especially not something as powerful as Demogorgon themselves. I believe we have a common interest with all of the Underdark to try to find out more about what is happening and hopefully also find a way to stop it before this madenss is spreading to cities like Gracklstugh and Menzoberranzan."
"It's good to have our merits acknowledged!" seems quite proud Buppido "I can't imagine how much costed you to admit that you drow are hopelessly outclassed by us, when it comes to madness... but, hey, facts are facts".
"With enough zeal and dedication," conceeds the derro, as if to console Traydark "maybe you drow, one day, will be able to compete. You in particular are quite promising, by the way".
"Hey, you know what!?" Buppido becomes excited by a sudden inspiration "Since your people do not want you anymore, maybe I can put a good word for you among mine... We could make you an adoptive derro! So you will not envy us anymore! Well, maybe I'll have a hard time convincing them, but, you know, with our bonds and all, I'd do anything for a friend..."
"No, I'm quite sure I will never be anywhere near your grand level of madness Buppido, but I recognize that you are very kind for saying so."The noble drow chuckles, not seeming insulted by the derro's words. "What about Ebzer's idea about turning to your Savants for advice, do you think they might be able to help us?" He continues, more serious again.
"Indeed they will be able to!" Buppido assures "We only need to be crazy enough to ask, crazy enough to be listened to by them and crazy enough to understand their way to help... But hey, don't worry, I'll be with you".
"Oh, well..." Khessa, who was expecting to see Eldritch Blasted derro fragments on the floor anytime now, is quite relieved"So maybe we should really try Gracklstugh... We seem to have better chances there than in Blingdenstone".
The members of the society are able to help with everything but the brass brazier and are able to give you good directions to Gracklstugh, well enough to avoid becoming lost on the way. It will still take about 20 days or so to get there, and your Drow pursuers will surely find your trail eventually.
If you choose to go to Blingdenstone, it is still 20 days, just a different direction. What do you all wish to do?
"Well, if Buppido seems to think he can help us, then let's try Gracklstugh," Katryl suggests. "But whatever we choose, keeping on the move once we've had a proper rest is likely best."
((The Society members offer to stand watch for you while you rest, so you can all take a long rest without issue. They then point you in the right direction and wish you well on your further journeys. Everyone's madness conditions should be over by now for sure, but remember your madness level. Whoever is taking the lead roll a perception check.))
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"Nay," says Ebzer, still not looking up from his meticulous task. "We need t' find out what is going on. I'll not lead ye back to me people just t'watch 'em suffer the same fate as the Kuo-Toa. Someone must ken somethin' about why the demons are suddenly everywhere."
Traydark turns an faces the duergar. "I agree we need to find out more about what is going on Ebzer, but I don't think mighty Demogorgon was coming for us. The kuo-toa brought the doom upon themselves as they foolishly turned to worshipping this mad twin demon lord. I respect your care for your people, but I can't imagine we will bring any risk with us to your city. Besides we would have much greater chance to come upon more knowledge there than in these endless tunnels."
"Well, what are our options? It's not just that Ebzer is concerned. Would druegar even welcome us?" Katryl asks. "Where would crossing the lake have gotten us?"
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 turns to face Katryl next. "Crossing the Darklake could have gotten us to Gracklstugh, it is the only settlement of note with a harbor. The duergar are ruthless and cruel traders and crafters but they can be dealt with, especially if we have one of their kind among us."
"Society of Brilliance mentioned Gracklstugh, but also Blingdenstone" points out Khessa. "In case Ebzer still prefers to avoid Gracklstugh, do we know anything about this Blingdenstone? What can we expect there?"
The kuo-toa burbles a sigh. "Unfortunately our ability to teleport can only be done once in a while, and can only bring us, intentionally at least, to each other. And from what I hear of the duergar, no offense, but randomly showing up in their city would not be a good idea. But it is entirely possible they know a way up to the surface. As for supplies, what exactly are you needing?"
"Ye ferget, drow," says Ebzer to Traydark, "That were not the first time we seen demons. Do ye not remember the flying horrors that raided Ilvara's village? Somethin' is afoot, and it ain't just the Kuo-toa that be sufferin'.
"Your people be meddlin' with ancient evil powers, things sealed up long ago at the beginnin' of the world. Now, all the Underdark'll pay the price, once again, fer the mad foolishness of the cursed dark elves!" He spits on the ground, and begins tattooing again.
"It was not a village, it was an outpost, and yes I do remember quite well. I agree there is definitely something strange happening in the Underdark, I'm merely pointing out that there is nothing to suggest we are the ones causing it or that we would in any way draw demons to Gracklstugh should we go there for answers. Also, the drow does indeed summon demons to do their bidding but it would not be in our interest to let them roam the underdark as seems to be the case right now. I don't expect you to understand duergar but the drow are neither mad nor foolish, and while you might argue that we're cursed, we are so only because of the surface elves brought that curse upon us." The noble drow responds to Ebzer in a dry tone before returning his attention to the society. "I would need charcoal, incense, herbs and a brass brazier." He explains with a polite smile.
Khessa approaches the duergar and places her hand delicately on his back, taking care not to hinder him in his task: "Ebzer, my friend, your wrath is of incredible help to us in battle, as you have well demonstrated by defeating almost single-handedly the brutal kuo-toa leader, in the caves. Here, however, we are not fighting - and in this case we should leave anger aside".
"Far be it from me to defend the drow in general," assures the blonde arcane warrior, while a shadow of sadness veils her blue eyes "since I have enjoyed their hospitality twice already and that my family - or at least the members of it that they didn't kill - it's still in their hands".
"And having demons running around the Underdark attacking and destroying everything in sight, believe me, I don't like it either. Not one bit. It's been since I've seen firsthand what Mr. Lemon-Demon can do.. No,” she corrects herself, turning a moment to the noble elf “how did you call him Traydark? Demogorgon? Is that his real name? Well, be that as it may: since I've seen what someone like him can do, I can't get out of my mind what might happen if a demon of similar power should attack the place where my parents and siblings are being held captive!"
"And I assure you" the tall adventuress is enflamed, unconsciously pounding the fist of her right hand into the palm of her left hand "that I will do whatever it takes to send Demogorgon and his retinue back to the abyss from which they came! I still don't know when, I still don't know how, but I won't rest until I've done it!" (it's not easy to believe, yet it really seems that the simple human who, until recently was nothing but a prisoner like many others in a drow outpost, believes herself capable of one day being able to oppose the prince of demons!) "Those fiendish creatures have no right to exist - except in a damned place where they can exercise their thirst for destruction and violence only against each other".
"But what I know," continues Khessa, looking at the dwarf gently with her blue eyes "is that arguing among us won't help us. What we faced together, first as escaped prisoners, then as eyewitnesses of the terrible danger that is unleashing, bound us together in bonds far stronger than the chains we broke to escape. You shielded us with your flesh and blood, in the caves. Silas risked his life to heal you. Traydark saved your life. Katryl stripped off her armor to give me a better chance of surviving the fray. I ran down the main street of a doomed city carrying Silas and Buppido on my shoulders. We have forged new bonds, Ebzer and it is thanks to this iron collaboration that we are still alive. Alive and maybe able to save others".
"So..." concludes the blue eyed woman "Let's try not to go back to less useful habits now, shall we? Now, speaking of Gracklstugh... it seems probable to you that there we can find knowledge or means to help us counter the threat that we know of? Or might we find help to continue to the surface? Not to abandon the Underdark to its fate, that's not what I want, my friend - but because on the surface we could certainly find help and allies".
Ebzer listens to Khessa in silence, but the fierce expression on his countenance softens, slightly, as she reminds him of how party members helped each other in the past, and how specifically Traydark healed him.
He says nothing, but stinging tears of shame run down his cheeks as he remembers how he fled in terror while Traydark, Khessa and the others stayed behind to help the wounded and the slower members of the party.
Finally, as he finishes the design he has created by piercing his living flesh, he says, "I ain't from Gracklstugh, and have never been there. I knows of it, of course, but me clan were less... civilized. Me people ain't in the habit of offerin' help to outsiders, unless large sums of gold is involved. 'Specially not to.... to followers of Lolth. The Council of Savants, derros that dwell in the city, might be more open, but they are inscrutable, so I ain't sure. I am sure that someone in the city knows of ways to get to the surface, but they ain't gonna part with this information easily, 'Specially if it be known ye wants to lead an army of Topsiders down into the Underdark."
"Thanks dear!" Khessa embraces the newly collaborative Ebzer "That's the spirit!"
Noticing his tears she thinks, a little amazed: 'My words about our bonds have really touched him... Underneath that savage warrior exterior, he really is a sweet heart'
The idea does not even cross her mind that the other is feeling ashamed for having been frightened by Demogorgon... given how frightening (and dangerous!) he was in fact and given that she had carefully avoided mentioning the episode, instead trying to remind him of moments in which he had shown great heroism.
"However, I don't know if an army is the right answer to Demogorgon..." replies the blonde arcane warrior "...considering the ease with which that monster destroyed an entire city. And also considering that perhaps not many people would trust an army to me, the daughter of a common cabbage farmer! Maybe it's more feasible to get the help of a handful of champions, true heroes...those far more experienced and trained than myself! I told you, the 'how' beating Demogorgon and the demons is something I have yet to work through in detail".
"So," the tall adventurer recaps, "summarizing what we know about Gracklstugh: we may find help against the demons and help to get back to the surface... but Ebzer can't be too much help, Traydark and Sarith will be frowned upon and we may need a lot of money. Do we know anything about Blingdenstone, for comparison?"
The noble drow watches as the blonde arcane warrior comforts the duergar. She seemed quite committed to have this disparate group come together as one. "The most significant difference with going to Blingdenstone would be that Ebzer too would be hated for his heritage. I'm not against going there but I also can't see any advantages with going there rather than to Gracklstugh. The duergar has a point though. Eventhough quite mad, the derro savants of Gracklstugh might be where we should turn if we travel to Gracklstugh, although I would not be surprised if it was their madness that was behind all this. No offence Buppido, you're aware that you are all quite mad right?" Traydark says in the most polite tone possible. "I'm aware that none of you have any trust for the drow and you are right in thinking we are frequently dealing with demons, but when we do that it is to gain their servitude, not to set them loose to rampage the Underdark, especially not something as powerful as Demogorgon themselves. I believe we have a common interest with all of the Underdark to try to find out more about what is happening and hopefully also find a way to stop it before this madenss is spreading to cities like Gracklstugh and Menzoberranzan."
"It's good to have our merits acknowledged!" seems quite proud Buppido "I can't imagine how much costed you to admit that you drow are hopelessly outclassed by us, when it comes to madness... but, hey, facts are facts".
"With enough zeal and dedication," conceeds the derro, as if to console Traydark "maybe you drow, one day, will be able to compete. You in particular are quite promising, by the way".
"Hey, you know what!?" Buppido becomes excited by a sudden inspiration "Since your people do not want you anymore, maybe I can put a good word for you among mine... We could make you an adoptive derro! So you will not envy us anymore! Well, maybe I'll have a hard time convincing them, but, you know, with our bonds and all, I'd do anything for a friend..."
"No, I'm quite sure I will never be anywhere near your grand level of madness Buppido, but I recognize that you are very kind for saying so." The noble drow chuckles, not seeming insulted by the derro's words. "What about Ebzer's idea about turning to your Savants for advice, do you think they might be able to help us?" He continues, more serious again.
"Indeed they will be able to!" Buppido assures "We only need to be crazy enough to ask, crazy enough to be listened to by them and crazy enough to understand their way to help... But hey, don't worry, I'll be with you".
"Oh, well..." Khessa, who was expecting to see Eldritch Blasted derro fragments on the floor anytime now, is quite relieved "So maybe we should really try Gracklstugh... We seem to have better chances there than in Blingdenstone".
(Khessa make an insight check to Buppido)
The members of the society are able to help with everything but the brass brazier and are able to give you good directions to Gracklstugh, well enough to avoid becoming lost on the way. It will still take about 20 days or so to get there, and your Drow pursuers will surely find your trail eventually.
If you choose to go to Blingdenstone, it is still 20 days, just a different direction. What do you all wish to do?
Insight: 16
(Lol! Buppido is like an open book to Khessa... but an open book written in a language she does not know!)
"Well, if Buppido seems to think he can help us, then let's try Gracklstugh," Katryl suggests. "But whatever we choose, keeping on the move once we've had a proper rest is likely best."
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 Society members offer to stand watch for you while you rest, so you can all take a long rest without issue. They then point you in the right direction and wish you well on your further journeys. Everyone's madness conditions should be over by now for sure, but remember your madness level. Whoever is taking the lead roll a perception check.))