Oh, ok. It's a pitty... being saved from a sacrifice only to find death at the hands (or tentacles) of the demon that the sacrifice summoned... but oh, well, there's nothing we can do about it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Society of Brilliance?"The noble drow echoes, still studying the disparate group in front of him. A derro, a half-orc, a mindflayer, a troglodyte and a kuo-toa, all known races to the underdark, but whatever could be the brilliant idea about them trying to collaborate, and to what end. Traydark gives the kuo-toa a puzzled look before continuing. "Well, we're certainly grateful for your help with whisking us away from the clutches of certain doom. I'd very much like to hear more about this purple mist, but first we should decide if we can rest here or move further away from danger before doing that." He says to the Society of Brilliance with a polite smile.
Intelligence to recognize this group: 5
Later as Khessa approaches him Traydark seems a bit surprised at her words. "You give me far too much credit Khessa, I was merely watching out for myself. If anyone deserves praise it would be you and Katryl for carrying others out of the chaos." He says with a friendly smile, briefly laying his hand on hers. "And I'm glad you're looking forward to training Khessa, we would need to reach some decent level of safety first though."He adds with a chuckle.
"Society of Brilliance?"The noble drow echoes, still studying the disparate group in front of him. A derro, a half-orc, a mindflayer, a troglodyte and a kuo-toa, all known races to the underdark, but whatever could be the brilliant idea about them trying to collaborate, and to what end. Traydark gives the kuo-toa a puzzled look before continuing. "Well, we're certainly grateful for your help with whisking us away from the clutches of certain doom. I'd very much like to hear more about this purple mist, but first we should decide if we can rest here or move further away from danger before doing that." He says to the Society of Brilliance with a polite smile.
Khessa has just finished writing down everything she remembers about the teleportation spell and Mr. Lemon-Demon, when she hears about this mysterious society and the intention to study the purple mist; at which point she can't help but intervene: "This fog must be very interesting indeed, if it has induced a society of experts of the arcane arts of your stature to combine your skills and knowledge to study it!"from her expression, it's clear she's very impressed "May I know how long ago you discovered it? And what have you discovered about it, until now, by the way? Does it have a magical origin, then? When examined with a Detect Magic spell, what kind of magical aura does it give off? And what powers (or properties) does it have? Do you think it is possible to store samples? In sealed glass vials , maybe..."
The kuo-toa looks about a bit, "We stayed here recently, seems safe enough, though after all that maybe don't linger too long."He looks over toward the purple mist."It's called faerzress. We're not really sure exactly what it is, but we've found it all over the Underdark in all sorts of places. Definitely magical, but we can't decide whether it has something to do with this uptick in demonic activity or not yet. It is very strange though, heavy conjuration and divination auras. Can't pick it up though, and doesn't hurt to stand in."
(History check: DC 15):
The origin of this mysterious arcane power is unknown. Legend claims it is an ancient elven magic dating back to the time when the dark elves were first exiled from the world above. The drow and other Underdark creatures use the properties of areas suffused with faerzress to protect their settlements.
"Now, you seem like an unlikely lot, what were you doing in Sloopludoop?"
"Yes, I'm quite aware of the faerzress, the drow, as you might know, are intimately tied to it. Unless it has for some reason changed recently into this purple mist giving it new never before seen properties I highly doubt it has anything to do with the sudden rise in demon activity in the underdark." The noble drow says in a somewhat derisive tone, not all that impressed with this Society of Brilliance. "But you are right about one thing, we are an unlikely lot, and you wouldn't find us together if it were not for the fact that we were all captives at a drow outpost. We escaped and came to Sloobludop to find passage across the Darklake. We are likely followed and would need to continue our journey as soon as we have rested. Also most of us are seeking a way to the surface if you could help out with that."
Unlike the drow noble, Khessa had never heard of this faerzress before, so she keeps taking notes, growing more and more interested. Many times it has happened to her that a series of apparently unrelated information, once the right connections have been recognised, have led her to new insights... The elegant and orderly handwriting of the blonde arcane warrior fills a new Tressym page, while she reflects on loudly: "Heavy conjuration and divination auras... I wonder if it can be used to enhance the conjuration or divination spells of those who cast them inside... Has anyone of the Society of Brilliance tried this? Noticed differences? Because, well, if it does not do this..." she brings the quill thoughtfully to her lips "perhaps it is a spell or magical effect in itself, maybe allowing someone else to conjure creatures within it or to spy on what is happening in it or near it... as if it were the magical sensor of some powerful entity.. Or as if it could be used in this way by those with proper knowledge".
"But you say you already knew the faerzress, Traydark?" the tall adventurer is also interested in the knowledge of the drow "As far as you know, what powers or properties does it have?"
Ebzer has wandered off a little ways. He has found a black, coal-like chunk of mineral and is mixing it with some water in a tin pot. Now he is dipping a hooked iron needle in it... He appears to be tattooing himself! A dark black image on his grey skin is taking shape with ink made from the mineral.
"The faerzress is an ancient elven magic dating back to the time when the dark elves were first exiled from the world above." The noble drow says somewhat bitterly. "We use the properties of faerzress to protect Menzoberranzan from magical scrying and teleporting among other things." He goes on to explain to the curious blonde arcane warrior before returning his attention to the odd lot in front of him, awaiting their response.
Ebzer has wandered off a little ways. He has found a black, coal-like chunk of mineral and is mixing it with some water in a tin pot. Now he is dipping a hooked iron needle in it... He appears to be tattooing himself! A dark black image on his grey skin is taking shape with ink made from the mineral.
Buppido comes near, curious: "I did not know of your artistic talent, Ebzer! What are you representing?"
Without looking up, Ebzer responds to the derro, "This represents the battle where my 13th-great-grandfather, Jakton Bonebreak, defeated the goblin horde at the Bridge of Tears. I seek his bravery to fortify my weakness."
"Ooohhh! It is a great idea!" approves the derro "Every hero welcomes some brave soul that stays between him and the enemies he is shooting down from safety! I'm with you, brother!"
"Oh, I wouldn't call it unpleasant, eventhough we drow have an eternal enmity towards the wicked elves of the sun-blasted surface I do not normally dwell on such thoughts."Traydark reassures the blonde arcane warrior. "There is certainly a lot for you to learn of the magic of the Underdark Khessa, and maybe we will even find you a proper spellbook in time." He continues with a chuckle, looking at the simple fungi parchments the blonde human had to work with. Again with the hand at his shoulder. He was certainly used to larger females touching him at their whim, but he felt the human seemed to do it out of...affection, and he realized he found it felt both awkward and strangely good at the same time.
The noble drow glances over at the interaction beween the duergar and the derro with some curiosity. As far as he knew, their races tolerated each other at best but it seemed circumstances had indeed been bringing this unlikely group together. It made the drow feel some degree of...comfort, if only the the sense of being able to relax a bit more as he went into trance. He had considered making a derisive remark to the duergar about panicking earlier, but he knew that he had a huge advantage, having frequently seen demons back in Menzoberranzan, and a demon lord appearing lie that was a sight not many in the Realms had witnessed and escaped with their sanity intact.
The group looked at each other for a brief moment then back at you all. "A path to the surface? Wouldn't expect that from a drow. But it seems these are strange days indeed. There are many paths to the surface, but all very difficult to find. I would suggest going to one of the bigger cities, you're far more likely to find someone there that might know the way up. Gracklstugh or Blingdenstone would be my first choices. We can give you directions from here to about anywhere down here if you need them."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"The path to the surface would not be for myself."The noble drow explains, looking at Katryl, Silas, Eldeth and Khessa. "My own fate still lies within the Underdark. We would of course immensely appreciate if you would so kind as to teleport us to Gracklstugh where I'm sure our duergar can assist us with procuring the means to take us further on." He continues with a bow and a polite smile. "Also, if any of you arcane gentlemen could help me out with some minor magical supplies I am in dire need of?"
Persuasion if needed: 7 Another roll if anyone gives the help action: 16
"Indeed, esteemed members of the Society of Brilliance," Khessa steps forward, smiling brightly "since we are so grateful for all that you have already done for us, we would like to help you deal with the threat of this incredible uptick in demonic activity!"
"Sloopidoop" she confidently throws an arm around the kuo-toa's shoulders, as if they were trusted friends "witnessed how terrible and ferocious the demons are becoming! Mr Lemon-Demon (forgive me, but I don't know his real name) was as tall as a tower, equipped with mean black tentacles, so scary that whoever saw him and his two baboon heads risked his sanity, he could subjecting his followers to aberrant transformations with his mere presence...and he, all by himself, destroyed the entire city of Sloopludoop!"
"Faced with threats of this magnitude," the concern in her blue eyes is evident "continuing to cooperate with each other as we have just begun to do is probably the only hope. No one is safe from a threat like this. Going to Gracklstugh will help us find a path to the surface... but it might help you too to discover a way to counter this threat. Interesting as it is, the faerzress might not give as much insight or knowledge as the visit to a city... I think it is a good idea to teleport there".
"And Traydark" she points at the noble drow with her thumb "is very gifted in the arcane arts; if you could help him out with the minor magical supplies he mentions, he too will likely be able to give his contribution in thwarting this threat. A threat that nobody can afford to ignore anymore".
(OOC: This should qualify as 'help' action to give Traydark advantage on his requests, I hope...)
Did Khessa notices when he got missing? She thought we all had made it to the teleport place... was she wrong?
No, somewhere in all the chaos he has gone missing.
Oh, ok. It's a pitty... being saved from a sacrifice only to find death at the hands (or tentacles) of the demon that the sacrifice summoned... but oh, well, there's nothing we can do about it.
"Society of Brilliance?" The noble drow echoes, still studying the disparate group in front of him. A derro, a half-orc, a mindflayer, a troglodyte and a kuo-toa, all known races to the underdark, but whatever could be the brilliant idea about them trying to collaborate, and to what end. Traydark gives the kuo-toa a puzzled look before continuing. "Well, we're certainly grateful for your help with whisking us away from the clutches of certain doom. I'd very much like to hear more about this purple mist, but first we should decide if we can rest here or move further away from danger before doing that." He says to the Society of Brilliance with a polite smile.
Intelligence to recognize this group: 5
Later as Khessa approaches him Traydark seems a bit surprised at her words. "You give me far too much credit Khessa, I was merely watching out for myself. If anyone deserves praise it would be you and Katryl for carrying others out of the chaos." He says with a friendly smile, briefly laying his hand on hers. "And I'm glad you're looking forward to training Khessa, we would need to reach some decent level of safety first though." He adds with a chuckle.
Khessa has just finished writing down everything she remembers about the teleportation spell and Mr. Lemon-Demon, when she hears about this mysterious society and the intention to study the purple mist; at which point she can't help but intervene: "This fog must be very interesting indeed, if it has induced a society of experts of the arcane arts of your stature to combine your skills and knowledge to study it!" from her expression, it's clear she's very impressed "May I know how long ago you discovered it? And what have you discovered about it, until now, by the way? Does it have a magical origin, then? When examined with a Detect Magic spell, what kind of magical aura does it give off? And what powers (or properties) does it have? Do you think it is possible to store samples? In sealed glass vials , maybe..."
The kuo-toa looks about a bit, "We stayed here recently, seems safe enough, though after all that maybe don't linger too long." He looks over toward the purple mist. "It's called faerzress. We're not really sure exactly what it is, but we've found it all over the Underdark in all sorts of places. Definitely magical, but we can't decide whether it has something to do with this uptick in demonic activity or not yet. It is very strange though, heavy conjuration and divination auras. Can't pick it up though, and doesn't hurt to stand in."
(History check: DC 15):
The origin of this mysterious arcane power is unknown. Legend claims it is an ancient elven magic dating back to the time when the dark elves were first exiled from the world above. The drow and other Underdark creatures use the properties of areas suffused with faerzress to protect their settlements.
"Now, you seem like an unlikely lot, what were you doing in Sloopludoop?"
Traydark History: 15
"Yes, I'm quite aware of the faerzress, the drow, as you might know, are intimately tied to it. Unless it has for some reason changed recently into this purple mist giving it new never before seen properties I highly doubt it has anything to do with the sudden rise in demon activity in the underdark." The noble drow says in a somewhat derisive tone, not all that impressed with this Society of Brilliance. "But you are right about one thing, we are an unlikely lot, and you wouldn't find us together if it were not for the fact that we were all captives at a drow outpost. We escaped and came to Sloobludop to find passage across the Darklake. We are likely followed and would need to continue our journey as soon as we have rested. Also most of us are seeking a way to the surface if you could help out with that."
History: 13
Unlike the drow noble, Khessa had never heard of this faerzress before, so she keeps taking notes, growing more and more interested. Many times it has happened to her that a series of apparently unrelated information, once the right connections have been recognised, have led her to new insights... The elegant and orderly handwriting of the blonde arcane warrior fills a new Tressym page, while she reflects on loudly: "Heavy conjuration and divination auras... I wonder if it can be used to enhance the conjuration or divination spells of those who cast them inside... Has anyone of the Society of Brilliance tried this? Noticed differences? Because, well, if it does not do this..." she brings the quill thoughtfully to her lips "perhaps it is a spell or magical effect in itself, maybe allowing someone else to conjure creatures within it or to spy on what is happening in it or near it... as if it were the magical sensor of some powerful entity.. Or as if it could be used in this way by those with proper knowledge".
"But you say you already knew the faerzress, Traydark?" the tall adventurer is also interested in the knowledge of the drow "As far as you know, what powers or properties does it have?"
Ebzer has wandered off a little ways. He has found a black, coal-like chunk of mineral and is mixing it with some water in a tin pot. Now he is dipping a hooked iron needle in it... He appears to be tattooing himself! A dark black image on his grey skin is taking shape with ink made from the mineral.
(Katryl History Check: 10)
Katryl is relieved to be teleported out of danger. She then listens quietly to the questions and answers from this Society of Brilliance.
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 faerzress is an ancient elven magic dating back to the time when the dark elves were first exiled from the world above." The noble drow says somewhat bitterly. "We use the properties of faerzress to protect Menzoberranzan from magical scrying and teleporting among other things." He goes on to explain to the curious blonde arcane warrior before returning his attention to the odd lot in front of him, awaiting their response.
"Oh, I'm sorry Traydark," Khessa gently places a hand on the drow's shoulder "I didn't mean to remind you of unpleasant events".
"Thanks," she smiles at him anyway, as she completes her notes "for satisfying my curiosity. Magic fascinates me greatly..."
Buppido comes near, curious: "I did not know of your artistic talent, Ebzer! What are you representing?"
Without looking up, Ebzer responds to the derro, "This represents the battle where my 13th-great-grandfather, Jakton Bonebreak, defeated the goblin horde at the Bridge of Tears. I seek his bravery to fortify my weakness."
"Ooohhh! It is a great idea!" approves the derro "Every hero welcomes some brave soul that stays between him and the enemies he is shooting down from safety! I'm with you, brother!"
"Oh, I wouldn't call it unpleasant, eventhough we drow have an eternal enmity towards the wicked elves of the sun-blasted surface I do not normally dwell on such thoughts." Traydark reassures the blonde arcane warrior. "There is certainly a lot for you to learn of the magic of the Underdark Khessa, and maybe we will even find you a proper spellbook in time." He continues with a chuckle, looking at the simple fungi parchments the blonde human had to work with. Again with the hand at his shoulder. He was certainly used to larger females touching him at their whim, but he felt the human seemed to do it out of...affection, and he realized he found it felt both awkward and strangely good at the same time.
The noble drow glances over at the interaction beween the duergar and the derro with some curiosity. As far as he knew, their races tolerated each other at best but it seemed circumstances had indeed been bringing this unlikely group together. It made the drow feel some degree of...comfort, if only the the sense of being able to relax a bit more as he went into trance. He had considered making a derisive remark to the duergar about panicking earlier, but he knew that he had a huge advantage, having frequently seen demons back in Menzoberranzan, and a demon lord appearing lie that was a sight not many in the Realms had witnessed and escaped with their sanity intact.
The group looked at each other for a brief moment then back at you all. "A path to the surface? Wouldn't expect that from a drow. But it seems these are strange days indeed. There are many paths to the surface, but all very difficult to find. I would suggest going to one of the bigger cities, you're far more likely to find someone there that might know the way up. Gracklstugh or Blingdenstone would be my first choices. We can give you directions from here to about anywhere down here if you need them."
"The path to the surface would not be for myself." The noble drow explains, looking at Katryl, Silas, Eldeth and Khessa. "My own fate still lies within the Underdark. We would of course immensely appreciate if you would so kind as to teleport us to Gracklstugh where I'm sure our duergar can assist us with procuring the means to take us further on." He continues with a bow and a polite smile. "Also, if any of you arcane gentlemen could help me out with some minor magical supplies I am in dire need of?"
Persuasion if needed: 7 Another roll if anyone gives the help action: 16
"Indeed, esteemed members of the Society of Brilliance," Khessa steps forward, smiling brightly "since we are so grateful for all that you have already done for us, we would like to help you deal with the threat of this incredible uptick in demonic activity!"
"Sloopidoop" she confidently throws an arm around the kuo-toa's shoulders, as if they were trusted friends "witnessed how terrible and ferocious the demons are becoming! Mr Lemon-Demon (forgive me, but I don't know his real name) was as tall as a tower, equipped with mean black tentacles, so scary that whoever saw him and his two baboon heads risked his sanity, he could subjecting his followers to aberrant transformations with his mere presence...and he, all by himself, destroyed the entire city of Sloopludoop!"
"Faced with threats of this magnitude," the concern in her blue eyes is evident "continuing to cooperate with each other as we have just begun to do is probably the only hope. No one is safe from a threat like this. Going to Gracklstugh will help us find a path to the surface... but it might help you too to discover a way to counter this threat. Interesting as it is, the faerzress might not give as much insight or knowledge as the visit to a city... I think it is a good idea to teleport there".
"And Traydark" she points at the noble drow with her thumb "is very gifted in the arcane arts; if you could help him out with the minor magical supplies he mentions, he too will likely be able to give his contribution in thwarting this threat. A threat that nobody can afford to ignore anymore".
(OOC: This should qualify as 'help' action to give Traydark advantage on his requests, I hope...)