(OOC: @Rob: Hey, Ebzer, Silas... don't you hear the booming voice of the DM calling you to action? Come on guys, let's get rid of those stinking gnolls)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Whoops! Dagnabbit, got sidetracked and forgot to check in again. Apologies...)
Ebzer charges forward, swinging his greataxe, once again crying out out in Dwarvish,
Clan Bonebreak! I call on your strength!
and allows his battle rage to come to the surface. (BA) The spectral warriors appear once again around the duergar.
Ancestral Protectors feature:
Starting when you choose this path at 3rd level, spectral warriors appear when you enter your rage. While you’re raging, the first creature you hit with an attack on your turn becomes the target of the warriors, which hinder its attacks. Until the start of your next turn, that target has disadvantage on any attack roll that isn’t against you, and when the target hits a creature other than you with an attack, that creature has resistance to the damage dealt by the attack. The effect on the target ends early if your rage ends.
Ebzer roars frothily at the nearest gnoll!
Attack: 14 Damage: 17slashing
---------
Silas will chant a prayer, and the sound of a bell rings forth, clear and piercing. ( toll the dead for 10necrotic damage) to any previously-wounded nearby gnoll. (DC 13 WIS save to avoid damage)
Khessa charges alongside Ebzer, spear in one hand and scimitar in the other, with a ruthless light in her blue eyes. She tries to finish off the same gnoll the dwarf attacked; if he's already dead, she switches to the nearest gnoll who is still alive.
With the last of your brutal attacks the final gnoll falls easily, and quiet falls once more in the blood soaked tunnels, save for the soft scratching echoing through the chambers, most likely from the hook horrors that passed by a while ago. The way before you is clear though, at least for now, ready for you to continue your trek toward Gracklstugh.
"See, attacking decisively and ruthlessly will be the way forward in the Underdark, well, and clever deception of course."The noble drow says, then scoffing at the wretched gnolls as the lie quite dead by their campfire. "Now let's continue quickly before those hook horrors return. We will rest when we have put some distance between us and this place." He says with a firm voice, motioning for Ebzer and Silas to take point, proceeding towards Gracklstugh.
"Speaking of 'cleverness'," raises an eyebrow Khessa, as she begins to search the bodies of these gnolls as well - and their encampment in general, if she notices any places they may have put their belongings "let's quickly check if these Yeenoghu-worshipping sacks of fleas have something that can be useful to us - or sold, at least. They don't need their things anymore... Someone help me, so we can hurry?"
"I'm with you Khessa!" Buppido immediately comes forward, helping her to search, while pointing out "What did I tell you? None of those terrible monsters managed to hurt you! The first one who tried to look in your direction got a bolt from my crossbow in his eye!"
"Yeah..." the blonde arcane warrior confirms, with a half smile "I felt so reassured, that I even found the courage to charge together with Ebzer... So the last one who tried to look in my direction, got my spear in his gut and my scimitar in the middle of his collarbone. Thanks Buppido, it's nice to know you can count on someone!"
There is nothing of value on the remaining gnolls, although you can now see some blood scrawl markings on the walls that appear to be depictions or icons of their demon lord.
"They did not even had food with them!" is really surprised Khessa, but she reasons "Either they planned to eat the Hook Horrors, or they must have a bigger base to wich return. Anyway," she resumes her place in the group "ready to go".
Passing near the noble drow, she puts a hand on his shoulder and congratulates: "Nice trick, that, invisibility! In spite of we having different spellcasting techniques, I'm definitely taking notes, as soon as we are less in a hurry. Who knows? I might get enough hits to figure out how to cast it myself, one day.".
"Yes, let's keep moving," Katryl says. "Distance from this place would be good. Presuming there are no more surprises." She starts to move on, making sure the others are coming along as well.
"Certainly, with enough training, my young apprentice, even you will be able to master the magic of deception and deceit." The noble drow answers the blonde arcane warrior with a wry smile, following along towards Gracklstugh.
"Certainly, with enough training, my young apprentice, even you will be able to master the magic of deception and deceit." The noble drow answers the blonde arcane warrior with a wry smile, following along towards Gracklstugh.
"Your trust in me never fails to flatter me, Traydark" Khessa turns to smile at the noble drow. "I will always do my best not to let you down!"
(Make one survival check with advantage just to see how your rations get on over the next bit of travel)
With the blood of the gnolls finally behind you, you manage to pick up the trail once more toward Gracklstugh, with the immense darkness and foreboding atmosphere weighing down around every turn you make. Thankfully though this trip is relatively, too quiet at times one might say. But before you even see the orange glow of the deep city, you smell it. The smell of smelting, constant and thick. Then the glow of the city proper looms on the horizon and you know you must be on your toes coming to Gracklstugh. Home to both duergar and derro, it is a city of ruthless efficiency and pragmatism on account of the duergar, and utter madness for those that deal with the cunning derro at all. While posing its own risks at being captured and enslaved, the city does hold promise of supplies, respite, and above all, possible information on a route to the surface...
The ground at your feet has been getting smoother and flatter, a welcome respite from the uneven passages to which you have grown wearily accustomed. Eventually, stone tiles become more noticeable, turning the path into a proper road. You can see spots of light in the distance, blue-white and too regularly placed to be phosphorescent mushrooms.
The lights are proper lamps flanking two massive stone gates blocking the tunnel. Before you get a chance to examine the intricate carvings on the gates’ surface, a harsh voice hisses from a slit on the cavern wall that was not therebefore.
“State your names and business!” the voice orders in Dwarvish. Other similar slits open, revealing the tips of a dozen crossbow bolts. Behind you, a metallic din announces a group of six heavily armored dwarves appearing out of thin air, their swords leveled at you from behind sturdy metal shields.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As they finally reach more civilized parts of the Underdark, albeit being duergar territory, the noble drow grows more confident this arduous ordeal will be survived and his true journey for revenge will take it's beginning. When they approach the gates of Gracklstugh he decides that none of the others have shown any significant talent for diplomacy and saying what is necessary to stay alive, so this burden would be on him. He doesn't understand dwarvish but he still knows what is being asked of them and fully expects that even duergar would understand Undercommon. "I am Traydark. We are all here to seek refuge after almost being sacrificed by the mad Kuo-Toa of Sloobludop." He explains in a firm voice, satisfied with that what he told was the truth, just not the whole truth.
Persuasion/Deception: 18 Another roll if help action is given by someone: 8
(@DM: Had we the time to take a short - or even long - rest, before arriving to Graklsthug?)
Khessa looks at Ebzer and Buppido; her two friends should feel at home at speaking with the guards of a city of Duergar and Derro... but since the two don't seem quick to answer, Traydark speaks first, having apparently understood what was asked.
The blonde arcane warrior tries to help the noble drow to convince the guards to let them all in: "Hi and well met, I'm Khessa. It is as Traydardk told, we all can confirm that. We have been trough such an ordeal... I present to you our other travel friends; they have all been with us and they can tell you all the same story".
The tall adventuress begins to approach each member of the party, placing her hand on their shoulder as she introduces them one by one "Silas, Katryl, Eldeth, Stool, Sarith, and also Buppido and Ebzer, proud exponents of the two main races of this city. It is also worth mentioning that during our ordeal we have come to know of a terrible threat. A threat not only to this city… but potentially to the entire Underdark! It would be really better for all if you let us in so we can warn you properly. A city of the Underdark has been wiped out already! Better to be prepared not to allow this to happen here also, right? Let us in and allow us to inform you".
(OOC: trying to help Traydark in his Persuasion/Deception)
Traydark shoots Khessa a quick glance as she starts talking about a threat to the entire Underdark. He had hoped not having to reveal what they knew until necessary, until they would be sure they would profit from telling what they knew. She certainly talked a lot that human.
The guard looks at you a long while, then gives a very disgruntled sounding grunt and disappears for a moment. A second later a secret door opens to the side and another duergar guard steps out.“Well.”The duergar removes his helmet, revealing the gray skin of his kind. He musses his white beard as he walks closer, switching to Common as he lowers his voice. There is a discomfiting glint in his eyes and his smile.“You are clearly lying. I ought to just send you to the slave pens, but … you amuse me. What do you have that is worth your freedom?”
The duergar waits for your answer, his gaze touching on each of you in turn as he smiles in anticipation.
You also hear Sarith and Buppido mention quietly that most duergar aren't so blatantly corrupt as this one seems to be.
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(OOC: @Rob: Hey, Ebzer, Silas... don't you hear the booming voice of the DM calling you to action? Come on guys, let's get rid of those stinking gnolls)
(Whoops! Dagnabbit, got sidetracked and forgot to check in again. Apologies...)
Ebzer charges forward, swinging his greataxe, once again crying out out in Dwarvish,
Clan Bonebreak! I call on your strength!
and allows his battle rage to come to the surface. (BA) The spectral warriors appear once again around the duergar.
Ancestral Protectors feature:
Starting when you choose this path at 3rd level, spectral warriors appear when you enter your rage. While you’re raging, the first creature you hit with an attack on your turn becomes the target of the warriors, which hinder its attacks. Until the start of your next turn, that target has disadvantage on any attack roll that isn’t against you, and when the target hits a creature other than you with an attack, that creature has resistance to the damage dealt by the attack. The effect on the target ends early if your rage ends.
Ebzer roars frothily at the nearest gnoll!
Attack: 14 Damage: 17 slashing
---------
Silas will chant a prayer, and the sound of a bell rings forth, clear and piercing. ( toll the dead for 10 necrotic damage) to any previously-wounded nearby gnoll. (DC 13 WIS save to avoid damage)
Khessa charges alongside Ebzer, spear in one hand and scimitar in the other, with a ruthless light in her blue eyes. She tries to finish off the same gnoll the dwarf attacked; if he's already dead, she switches to the nearest gnoll who is still alive.
Attack: 25 Damage: 9
Attack: 19 Damage: 6
With the last of your brutal attacks the final gnoll falls easily, and quiet falls once more in the blood soaked tunnels, save for the soft scratching echoing through the chambers, most likely from the hook horrors that passed by a while ago. The way before you is clear though, at least for now, ready for you to continue your trek toward Gracklstugh.
(Combats over, out of initiative)
"See, attacking decisively and ruthlessly will be the way forward in the Underdark, well, and clever deception of course." The noble drow says, then scoffing at the wretched gnolls as the lie quite dead by their campfire. "Now let's continue quickly before those hook horrors return. We will rest when we have put some distance between us and this place." He says with a firm voice, motioning for Ebzer and Silas to take point, proceeding towards Gracklstugh.
Perception if needed: 13
"Speaking of 'cleverness'," raises an eyebrow Khessa, as she begins to search the bodies of these gnolls as well - and their encampment in general, if she notices any places they may have put their belongings "let's quickly check if these Yeenoghu-worshipping sacks of fleas have something that can be useful to us - or sold, at least. They don't need their things anymore... Someone help me, so we can hurry?"
"I'm with you Khessa!" Buppido immediately comes forward, helping her to search, while pointing out "What did I tell you? None of those terrible monsters managed to hurt you! The first one who tried to look in your direction got a bolt from my crossbow in his eye!"
"Yeah..." the blonde arcane warrior confirms, with a half smile "I felt so reassured, that I even found the courage to charge together with Ebzer... So the last one who tried to look in my direction, got my spear in his gut and my scimitar in the middle of his collarbone. Thanks Buppido, it's nice to know you can count on someone!"
Investigation to search (with Buppido's help): 22
There is nothing of value on the remaining gnolls, although you can now see some blood scrawl markings on the walls that appear to be depictions or icons of their demon lord.
"They did not even had food with them!" is really surprised Khessa, but she reasons "Either they planned to eat the Hook Horrors, or they must have a bigger base to wich return. Anyway," she resumes her place in the group "ready to go".
Passing near the noble drow, she puts a hand on his shoulder and congratulates: "Nice trick, that, invisibility! In spite of we having different spellcasting techniques, I'm definitely taking notes, as soon as we are less in a hurry. Who knows? I might get enough hits to figure out how to cast it myself, one day.".
"Yes, let's keep moving," Katryl says. "Distance from this place would be good. Presuming there are no more surprises." She starts to move on, making sure the others are coming along as well.
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
(Wait, are we in an encampment or something? are there tents or dwellings to search?)
"Certainly, with enough training, my young apprentice, even you will be able to master the magic of deception and deceit." The noble drow answers the blonde arcane warrior with a wry smile, following along towards Gracklstugh.
(No, just a campfire and some bloody scrawlings on the wall :-)
"Your trust in me never fails to flatter me, Traydark" Khessa turns to smile at the noble drow. "I will always do my best not to let you down!"
(Make one survival check with advantage just to see how your rations get on over the next bit of travel)
With the blood of the gnolls finally behind you, you manage to pick up the trail once more toward Gracklstugh, with the immense darkness and foreboding atmosphere weighing down around every turn you make. Thankfully though this trip is relatively, too quiet at times one might say. But before you even see the orange glow of the deep city, you smell it. The smell of smelting, constant and thick. Then the glow of the city proper looms on the horizon and you know you must be on your toes coming to Gracklstugh. Home to both duergar and derro, it is a city of ruthless efficiency and pragmatism on account of the duergar, and utter madness for those that deal with the cunning derro at all. While posing its own risks at being captured and enslaved, the city does hold promise of supplies, respite, and above all, possible information on a route to the surface...
The ground at your feet has been getting smoother and flatter, a welcome respite from the uneven passages to which you have grown wearily accustomed. Eventually, stone tiles become more noticeable, turning the path into a proper road. You can see spots of light in the distance, blue-white and too regularly placed to be phosphorescent mushrooms.
The lights are proper lamps flanking two massive stone gates blocking the tunnel. Before you get a chance to examine the intricate carvings on the gates’ surface, a harsh voice hisses from a slit on the cavern wall that was not therebefore.
“State your names and business!” the voice orders in Dwarvish. Other similar slits open, revealing the tips of a dozen crossbow bolts. Behind you, a metallic din announces a group of six heavily armored dwarves appearing out of thin air, their swords leveled at you from behind sturdy metal shields.
As they finally reach more civilized parts of the Underdark, albeit being duergar territory, the noble drow grows more confident this arduous ordeal will be survived and his true journey for revenge will take it's beginning. When they approach the gates of Gracklstugh he decides that none of the others have shown any significant talent for diplomacy and saying what is necessary to stay alive, so this burden would be on him. He doesn't understand dwarvish but he still knows what is being asked of them and fully expects that even duergar would understand Undercommon. "I am Traydark. We are all here to seek refuge after almost being sacrificed by the mad Kuo-Toa of Sloobludop." He explains in a firm voice, satisfied with that what he told was the truth, just not the whole truth.
Persuasion/Deception: 18 Another roll if help action is given by someone: 8
(@DM: Had we the time to take a short - or even long - rest, before arriving to Graklsthug?)
Khessa looks at Ebzer and Buppido; her two friends should feel at home at speaking with the guards of a city of Duergar and Derro... but since the two don't seem quick to answer, Traydark speaks first, having apparently understood what was asked.
The blonde arcane warrior tries to help the noble drow to convince the guards to let them all in: "Hi and well met, I'm Khessa. It is as Traydardk told, we all can confirm that. We have been trough such an ordeal... I present to you our other travel friends; they have all been with us and they can tell you all the same story".
The tall adventuress begins to approach each member of the party, placing her hand on their shoulder as she introduces them one by one "Silas, Katryl, Eldeth, Stool, Sarith, and also Buppido and Ebzer, proud exponents of the two main races of this city. It is also worth mentioning that during our ordeal we have come to know of a terrible threat. A threat not only to this city… but potentially to the entire Underdark! It would be really better for all if you let us in so we can warn you properly. A city of the Underdark has been wiped out already! Better to be prepared not to allow this to happen here also, right? Let us in and allow us to inform you".
(OOC: trying to help Traydark in his Persuasion/Deception)
Traydark shoots Khessa a quick glance as she starts talking about a threat to the entire Underdark. He had hoped not having to reveal what they knew until necessary, until they would be sure they would profit from telling what they knew. She certainly talked a lot that human.
(Yes a long rest is well due!)
The guard looks at you a long while, then gives a very disgruntled sounding grunt and disappears for a moment. A second later a secret door opens to the side and another duergar guard steps out. “Well.” The duergar removes his helmet, revealing the gray skin of his kind. He musses his white beard as he walks closer, switching to Common as he lowers his voice. There is a discomfiting glint in his eyes and his smile. “You are clearly lying. I ought to just send you to the slave pens, but … you amuse me. What do you have that is worth your freedom?”
The duergar waits for your answer, his gaze touching on each of you in turn as he smiles in anticipation.
You also hear Sarith and Buppido mention quietly that most duergar aren't so blatantly corrupt as this one seems to be.