Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer Creatures
Frozen Sick
D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Basic Rules (2014)
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Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer CreaturesFrozen SickD&D Beyond Basic RulesBasic Rules (2014)Sign in to view your library & saved favorites.
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[[ OOC: There are no other exits from the room, I guess? ]]
Khessa thinks: 'Slaves! Mr Ball King really wants to strengthen my determination to take his eye'.
"Those must be... unwilling guests of the beholder" the blonde arcane warrior keeps her emotions in check. "Maybe the side chambers of the shaft are the cells it uses. We probably should go ahead and meet him without further delay".
"Yes, we will have time for other...issues...as soon as we have met with our gracious host." The noble drow says quietly in agreement with the human.
Lulu's face is wiped of emotion as she looks upon the huddled humans and stows her shield. Slowly, she steps into the room and crouches to minimize her height before pulling her pack forward to retrieve a bundle of rations and waterskin. She sets both on the floor and nudges them a few inches forward.
In a gentle voice, her soothing tone one of promise, she says, "We'll be back." She lingers only a moment more before exiting the room and closing the door.
"Goddess keep them in your Light," she whispers. Then mounts her lizard once more and nods to the group, very eager to "see" their host now.
"We will not leave without these people, you have my word Ms. Lacebark." The noble drow whispers as the firbolg rides past him, onwards to the reception area.
Khessa smiles furtively, while Traydark voices what she herself had intended.
Katryl says nothing but keeps close to Lulu as she moves to provide these people with some supplies. She looks relieved when the firbolg is back on her mount ready to continue.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The malnourished humans do not come near Lulu as she leaves the rations, continuing to cower toward the back of the cave. (No, there is no other exit)
Continuing on down the 100 ft shaft takes a few minutes but allows you to see that there are indeed a few more similar doorways on the way down. The bottom of the shaft though is bare, opening to the long tunnel that takes you in toward the chasm. The strange man stands a short ways onto the rope bridge that meets the edge of the tunnel. He holds a staff in one hand with a varnished beholder eye at the top, his bald head also has 10 small eyes tattooed on it. He smiles cruelly as your consort approaches, counting the number of people with you and then beckons you to follow, however, only people will be allowed out. The mounts will have to stay behind. He also makes a comment about the large construct that it might be too big for the narrow rope bridge.
(As a reminder, the chasm is 100 ft across as well, and the bridges criss-cross at different heights, allowing someone to go up or down 10ft at a time to a different level)
As your party begins to traverse the bridge, the ancient beholder descends from above, staying well away from the bridge you are on. The human guide speaks, "Oh great Karazikar! These...intruders say they have something to say you will want to hear!"
The beholder answers, "I know that already! Speak insects! What could you possibly tell me that I, the great Karazikar don't already know!?"
Upon seeing the rope bridge, Khessa is very suspicious - it might not take much to destroy said bridge and put anyone on it in serious trouble!
"Perhaps it's best if just you and I advance, Traydark... you as ambassador and I as honor guard" the blonde arcane warrior whispers. "That way, if hostilities break out and someone destroys the bridge while we're on it, I can slow both of us's fall with a spell... or you can make both of us fly".
Lulu's fingers furl into fists, her tail flicking back and forth in silent fury as Karazikar appears. In Beast Speech, she tells the mounts to move back, but remain close in case they're needed, then looks to Horkas for how he's handling the prospect of leaving the Guardian there as well.
The noble drow nods discreetly to the blonde arcane warrior, motioning for the others to hopefully stay off the rope bridge. This was a death trap and it would be madness to simply walk into it, even the naïve human seemed to have realized this.
"We all know of you, great and powerful Karazikar and we have come here to offer you a great gift." Traydark says with a graceful bow, dicreetly motioning for the human to do the same. "Not far from here we have discovered an ancient tomb hailing back to the days of the Netherese empire which will hold great magical treasures from it's time, perhaps even one of the fabled mythallar. As you are no doubt aware the Underdark has been overrun with demonic hordes and we found ourself in a losing battle were we needed to retreat. We know of course that the great and powerful Karazikar will easily deal with these roaming demons and soon be in possession of these great magical treasures. The only thing we ask in return for showing you this ancient tomb is that we keep a certain tome that is supposed to be found there." The noble drow explains, realizing again how easily lying came to him.
Deception: 13 Another roll if help action is provided, preferably without expanding on the lie: 10 + Guidance if provided: 3 + Luck: 4
(OMG, well 20 at least without the help but with the guidance)
"The book we are talking about could really be useful to us, mighty Karazikar..." Khessa tries to support Traydark's arguments, bowing (albeit a little awkwardly due to lack of habit) when the drow warlock subtly suggests she do so "Not to mention that, if it turns out to be of interest to you too, in addition to giving you all the loot from the tomb as a gift, we could even proceed to produce a copy of the tome and leave it with you, as further recognition of your greatness and power".
The elder beholder growls deeply. "I have magical treasures! I care nothing for your book! Of course I will survive this incursion! I am the Great Karazikar! Nothing will stop me! My true destiny lies in the Maze Engine!"
Traydark and Khessa would notice the human take a few small steps away from them and a flash of magic light just for a moment as he casts a shield spell.
Traydark quickly ponders what he might know about something called the Maze Engine.
Intelligance: 14 Another roll if he would have advantage on this roll for some reason: 13
Khessa is surprised by the mention of the 'Maze Engine', of which she knows nothing. She looks furtively at Traydark... does he perhaps know what it is? And anyway... would it be prudent to ask for explanations on the matter? Maybe Karazikar intends to hire the party for a quest that has to do with this 'Maze Engine'? Or is the "Maze Engine" something Karazikar expects the group to know - and is showing ignorance enough to spark a fight?
"Stay within 30 feet of us..." the artificer whispers to Traydark and Khessa as they start to head out on the bridge...
Insight: 23
Horkas remains on the edge of the chasm with the rest of the party, intently observing the negotiation between Traydark, Khessa, the beholder, and its servant. He doesn't even remotely trust the beholder or its lackey, so he is waiting for any indication of trickery or an attempt to launch a sneak attack. He knows that his Warpick of Warning will prevent a surprise attack, but he was ready to cast his own shield if needed!
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Not a whole lot is known about the Maze Engine, although the prevailing rumors say it is a machine in the Labyrinth capable of warping reality itself.
Katryl keeps up with the rest of the group just off the bridge. She tries to listen to what Traydark and Khessa are telling the beholder.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The noble drow gives the beholder a brief incredulous look as it dismisses his offer with the non-sensical excuse that it already possesses magical items. He highly doubts he would be in possession of anything near what could be found in a Netherese vault but if that was the case then all the better. "Well I know about the Maze Engine in the Labyrinth. Is there anything we can do to assist you with as you go there to achieve your true destiny?" Traydark asks with a subservient tone, clueless to why the beholder would mention this fabled machine.
Karazikar is disgustingly arrogant (big shocker there, right?) but he isn't stupid. He's definitely luring them further and further into the middle of the chasm.