Not seeing much progress in Obsben's rescue, Neya materializes a shadowy hand that takes the loose end of the rope and takes it into the quicksand. The goal is to try and loop the rope around Obsben, bring the end back out to her or Utar and pull her out that way.
Arcana (to try and navigate it, DA because she's doing it blind): 14
Utar gets some fresh air in his lungs but knows the ordeal is not over yet. Plunging his hand back inside, the Tormite tries to fish for his friends, but comes up short. Within the quicksand, Graxx tries to force his way out with the help of his temporary ability to fly, but dealing with two new factors at once (flying and quicksand) proves to be quite the tricky endeavor.
Thinking fast, Neya produces a mage hand and focuses on navigating a rope around her submerged companions. The hand emerges after a few seconds, holding the rope, so the monk can only presume her attempt was successful. That said, the first tug she gives the rope turns out to not be strong enough.
Obsben and the barbarian sink another foot.
(OOC: Graxx's next attempt has {DC 18}. Obsben cannot attempt a STR check, but can take other actions as long as they seem feasible given her circumstances. Neya and Utar can double up on the rope to try their own STR check {DC 13}. If so, one person should roll with advantage.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jumping to his feet, Utar wraps his hands around the rope and slowly begins to walk backwards away from the quicksand. As the slack in the rope disappears, Utar takes up the weight and, hopefully, begins hauling Graxx and Obsben free.
Strength check: 16
(OOC If Neya gives advantage, Utar's roll is 1d20+5.)
Utar gives a look to Neya and the two warrior count to three. Meanwhile, unbeknownst the the above-ground duo, Graxx is calling on Tempus to give him the strength he needs to force his way out of the natural hazard. The teamwork on the rope gives Graxx just enough of a head start for the barbarian to feel the sand atop him give way. Bursting into a rage, Graxx explodes out of the pool of quicksand with Obsben in his arms. The halfling still has her eyes closed; her cheeks still hold air within.
"Okay!" Neya says with a sigh while she rolls her rope back up and places the javelin back in the quiver. "That is was a nice example of the this marsh's dangers. Hopefully we won't sample too many more of those."
Obsben, whom at some point clasped her hands together awaiting the end, finally stopped miming a chipmunk and simply let herself continue to hang from Graxx arms as she said, "Well that was most certainly something. Also makes me half wonder if mayhaps our little runaway met a similar end without such compatriots at their side... Food for thought, at least."she then smiled only to sputter a bit as some of the sand drifted into her mouth.
"Mmmn~ Gritty. But I think if everyone is alright with it, I could spend the next minute getting folks cleaned up lickity split. Just say the word, and probably say it a bit loud, as I think some quicksand got into my ears."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Having had a sudden and stark reminder of how quickly this terrain will turn on them, Utar does wonder how smart an idea of searching for a dragon's lair is, but this is the mission.
"Let's not do that again. I thought we'd... Well, it didn't happen, did it?"
CRAP is given a reminder that not all hurdles can be bested with a blade, a hardy punch, or even an explosive spell. The party takes a moment to internalize just how close they were to a dangerously swift end and vow to keep that lesson close at heart as they continue their search for a dragon's lair.
Obsben takes a few minutes to clean up each CRAPer in order. While waiting for his turn, Graxx stomps on the ground a bit and finds himself drifting upwards a bit. He might have consumed his prized potion a bit early, but its effects should still linger for the better part of the next hour.
Once the group is mostly clean, they resume their damp hike, now being extra careful with each step they take. The area gets gradually wetter, the ground progressively turning into a body of water. Soon, your ankles are fully submerged, and mangrove-like plants take over your surroundings. Fog rolls from the distance and the unique smell and taste of stagnant water fills your nostrils and palates. It is hard to say when exactly you entered it, but you are certain of it: you are now within the Twilight Marsh.
(OOC: The party will now need to navigate the marsh while looking for hints of where the dragon's lair may be. If you have anything preventing you from getting lost, now is the time to pull that out of your sleeves. Please describe how you go about this search and roll an appropriate skill check as you do so.)
(OOC: I was gonna make the joke 'Graxx squeezes Obsben, and shakes a squeaky toy noise', but I thought better. lol)
Obsben makes a little startled noise at the hold turned hug, but did nothing to resist it. And after spending a moment fighting with her hat while trying to look up at Graxx, she eventually pulled it back off to simply hold in hand, as want to give him her full, undivided attention won out.
"Aww~ That's rather sweet. I'd kiss you're right now, but you're a bit too tall for that sorta impulse... But either way, one clean up coming up shortly."She said. Despite being the one most in need of the spell, Obsben makes a point of getting to everyone else first and foremost, and after eventually getting around to it, she pats her cheeks before nodding at some silent confirmation and following along after the party.
Once the water levels reached ankle deep for most of the party, Obsben somewhat hesitantingly for once asked to ride on Graxx' shoulder again. "Plus, I can, uh.. help you keep a better look out, if not identify any unfamiliar fauna or like we might best avoid." She furthers offers.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
In need of navigational clues, Graxx flies up with Obsben to get a bird's eye view of the marsh. The swamp claimed by Rythnax is a grim one, a gray and joyless marsh overshadowed by tall, foreboding trees. Now up high, the flying duo suddenly finds themselves free of the constant buzzing and biting of insects. Nonethless, they can still hear frogs croaking and water splashing down below. Left behind, Neya and Utar have to deal with the stench of stagnant water and an acidic tang in the air.
(OOC: Did you ever apply the insect repellent?)
The area is predominantly shallow waters with numerous patches of dry land (relatively speaking, land here is still quite soggy). The map and aerial view help you identify such patches. Despite the thick tree growth in the swamp, sunlight still manages to penetrate the area. That said, some regions are still dimly-lit enough to contrast well with the warm glow of a campfire. Rolling patches of fog also aid in obscuring much down below but the orange beacon that is the campfire spotted below is too unique against the marshy backdrop to be ignored.
While Graxx and Obsben are doing their Superman and Lois Lane routine:
Utar blushes as a memory rushes forth from his mind unbidden. "Knew a halfling girl once. She was sweet on Moneus and I can't recall her name now, but she had freckles and a great dirty laugh. Always insisted everyone was the same height lying down, so, uh, yeah. Wouldn't be surprised and all that..."
Pointing generally to the sky, he pauses before taking some of the insect repellent from his bag and begins to slather it over his skin. "Best get prepped before those two get back."
(OOC: Obby would have certainly remembered to even though her player might ahve forgotten to deduct it before the group officially headed out since they last 24 hours. Though if she couldn't avoid accidently removing it when cleaning everyone off with her spell, then she would've burnt another day's worth of salve to reapply it.)
Even with the added security of Graxx's hands, which she visibly looked a little guilty about occupying them when the man might have need of a weapon instead, she nevertheless kept her word in being a second set of eyes for the barbarian. Sourpuss stayed hovering/flying along with Neya and Utar however, knowing or believing its his natural talents would be more beneficial to help them out in whatever endeavor seemed to be a point of focus for... Utar.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Noticing the cloud of swamp insects are getting thicker, Neya also applies repellent salve. Not exactly the most pleasant smell. But a an ounce prevention is better than a pound of cure.
From the marsh floor, she tries to see if there have been any recent tracks other than their own.
(OOC: I am happy to say you have all spent one use each of however many salves you purchased, either earlier or now. If you decide your character has not yet applied any repellent, then please roll a CON saving throw {DC 8}.)
Despite Utar's suspicions of something more going on between Graxx and Obby, the halfling has mostly kept her eyes on the job. A second or two after Graxx spots it, the helpful airborne witchling also sees it: there is the unmistakable orange glow of a fire serving as a beacon in the foggy sea of greens, browns, and blacks below.
Speaking of down below, Utar and Neya make sure to apply some repellent salve on their skin before anything else. Neya then tries to spot any obvious tracks in her surroundings but can't quite identify anything with any precision on the soggy ground. She suspects that any prints left behind would be reclaimed by the unstable environment shortly thereafter.
Worn out Faces~: 1.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Not seeing much progress in Obsben's rescue, Neya materializes a shadowy hand that takes the loose end of the rope and takes it into the quicksand. The goal is to try and loop the rope around Obsben, bring the end back out to her or Utar and pull her out that way.
Arcana (to try and navigate it, DA because she's doing it blind): 14
Strength for rescue attempt: 11
Extended Signature
Utar gets some fresh air in his lungs but knows the ordeal is not over yet. Plunging his hand back inside, the Tormite tries to fish for his friends, but comes up short. Within the quicksand, Graxx tries to force his way out with the help of his temporary ability to fly, but dealing with two new factors at once (flying and quicksand) proves to be quite the tricky endeavor.
Thinking fast, Neya produces a mage hand and focuses on navigating a rope around her submerged companions. The hand emerges after a few seconds, holding the rope, so the monk can only presume her attempt was successful. That said, the first tug she gives the rope turns out to not be strong enough.
Obsben and the barbarian sink another foot.
(OOC: Graxx's next attempt has {DC 18}. Obsben cannot attempt a STR check, but can take other actions as long as they seem feasible given her circumstances. Neya and Utar can double up on the rope to try their own STR check {DC 13}. If so, one person should roll with advantage.)
Worn out Places~: 1.
(OOC: Honestly, I can't think of anything she can do that won't only hasten her demise. z.z;)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Jumping to his feet, Utar wraps his hands around the rope and slowly begins to walk backwards away from the quicksand. As the slack in the rope disappears, Utar takes up the weight and, hopefully, begins hauling Graxx and Obsben free.
Strength check: 16
(OOC If Neya gives advantage, Utar's roll is 1d20+5.)
Neya does help Utar in pulling out the sinking party members.
Utar's advantage roll: 13
Extended Signature
Graxx is panicking as the difficultly is more than expected.
Graxx will (Bonus Action) RAGE!
Graxx eyes turn red and he tries to fly!
Strength: 16
Utar gives a look to Neya and the two warrior count to three. Meanwhile, unbeknownst the the above-ground duo, Graxx is calling on Tempus to give him the strength he needs to force his way out of the natural hazard. The teamwork on the rope gives Graxx just enough of a head start for the barbarian to feel the sand atop him give way. Bursting into a rage, Graxx explodes out of the pool of quicksand with Obsben in his arms. The halfling still has her eyes closed; her cheeks still hold air within.
(OOC: Wow, this was intense!)
"Okay!" Neya says with a sigh while she rolls her rope back up and places the javelin back in the quiver. "That is was a nice example of the this marsh's dangers. Hopefully we won't sample too many more of those."
Extended Signature
Obsben, whom at some point clasped her hands together awaiting the end, finally stopped miming a chipmunk and simply let herself continue to hang from Graxx arms as she said, "Well that was most certainly something. Also makes me half wonder if mayhaps our little runaway met a similar end without such compatriots at their side... Food for thought, at least." she then smiled only to sputter a bit as some of the sand drifted into her mouth.
"Mmmn~ Gritty. But I think if everyone is alright with it, I could spend the next minute getting folks cleaned up lickity split. Just say the word, and probably say it a bit loud, as I think some quicksand got into my ears."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Having had a sudden and stark reminder of how quickly this terrain will turn on them, Utar does wonder how smart an idea of searching for a dragon's lair is, but this is the mission.
"Let's not do that again. I thought we'd... Well, it didn't happen, did it?"
Graxx pulls Obsben tight to him for a moment.
”Thanks be to Tempus.”
Graxx relaxes a bit and realizes in the moment he has used one his main strategies of fighting the dragon the flying potion.
”I would rather have you fighting by my side than the power of flight any day.” says Graxx.
Graxx breathes out.
”I thought we were both going to be goners for a moment but I was not going to let you go. There is no way some marsh would be the end of our story.”
Graxx sets Obsben down on the ground once he stomps it a few times to make sure it is solid.
”Sure. Clean us up a bit if you can.” says Graxx.
CRAP is given a reminder that not all hurdles can be bested with a blade, a hardy punch, or even an explosive spell. The party takes a moment to internalize just how close they were to a dangerously swift end and vow to keep that lesson close at heart as they continue their search for a dragon's lair.
Obsben takes a few minutes to clean up each CRAPer in order. While waiting for his turn, Graxx stomps on the ground a bit and finds himself drifting upwards a bit. He might have consumed his prized potion a bit early, but its effects should still linger for the better part of the next hour.
Once the group is mostly clean, they resume their damp hike, now being extra careful with each step they take. The area gets gradually wetter, the ground progressively turning into a body of water. Soon, your ankles are fully submerged, and mangrove-like plants take over your surroundings. Fog rolls from the distance and the unique smell and taste of stagnant water fills your nostrils and palates. It is hard to say when exactly you entered it, but you are certain of it: you are now within the Twilight Marsh.
(OOC: The party will now need to navigate the marsh while looking for hints of where the dragon's lair may be. If you have anything preventing you from getting lost, now is the time to pull that out of your sleeves. Please describe how you go about this search and roll an appropriate skill check as you do so.)
(OOC: I was gonna make the joke 'Graxx squeezes Obsben, and shakes a squeaky toy noise', but I thought better. lol)
Obsben makes a little startled noise at the hold turned hug, but did nothing to resist it. And after spending a moment fighting with her hat while trying to look up at Graxx, she eventually pulled it back off to simply hold in hand, as want to give him her full, undivided attention won out.
"Aww~ That's rather sweet. I'd kiss you're right now, but you're a bit too tall for that sorta impulse... But either way, one clean up coming up shortly." She said. Despite being the one most in need of the spell, Obsben makes a point of getting to everyone else first and foremost, and after eventually getting around to it, she pats her cheeks before nodding at some silent confirmation and following along after the party.
Once the water levels reached ankle deep for most of the party, Obsben somewhat hesitantingly for once asked to ride on Graxx' shoulder again. "Plus, I can, uh.. help you keep a better look out, if not identify any unfamiliar fauna or like we might best avoid." She furthers offers.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx looks down at Obsben and thinks for a moment.
Graxx smiles.
”Help me see you can indeed. But riding on the shoulder makes me a bit nervous.”
Graxx will lift Obsben up and put her on his shoulders this time though he will hold on with both hands to her ankles.
“Hold on.”
Graxx will fly up in the sky to give himself and Obsben a view of the marsh. Looking for signs of hostile or a path forward.
Perception: 26
In need of navigational clues, Graxx flies up with Obsben to get a bird's eye view of the marsh. The swamp claimed by Rythnax is a grim one, a gray and joyless marsh overshadowed by tall, foreboding trees. Now up high, the flying duo suddenly finds themselves free of the constant buzzing and biting of insects. Nonethless, they can still hear frogs croaking and water splashing down below. Left behind, Neya and Utar have to deal with the stench of stagnant water and an acidic tang in the air.
(OOC: Did you ever apply the insect repellent?)
The area is predominantly shallow waters with numerous patches of dry land (relatively speaking, land here is still quite soggy). The map and aerial view help you identify such patches. Despite the thick tree growth in the swamp, sunlight still manages to penetrate the area. That said, some regions are still dimly-lit enough to contrast well with the warm glow of a campfire. Rolling patches of fog also aid in obscuring much down below but the orange beacon that is the campfire spotted below is too unique against the marshy backdrop to be ignored.
While Graxx and Obsben are doing their Superman and Lois Lane routine:
Utar blushes as a memory rushes forth from his mind unbidden. "Knew a halfling girl once. She was sweet on Moneus and I can't recall her name now, but she had freckles and a great dirty laugh. Always insisted everyone was the same height lying down, so, uh, yeah. Wouldn't be surprised and all that..."
Pointing generally to the sky, he pauses before taking some of the insect repellent from his bag and begins to slather it over his skin. "Best get prepped before those two get back."
(OOC: Obby would have certainly remembered to even though her player might ahve forgotten to deduct it before the group officially headed out since they last 24 hours. Though if she couldn't avoid accidently removing it when cleaning everyone off with her spell, then she would've burnt another day's worth of salve to reapply it.)
Even with the added security of Graxx's hands, which she visibly looked a little guilty about occupying them when the man might have need of a weapon instead, she nevertheless kept her word in being a second set of eyes for the barbarian. Sourpuss stayed hovering/flying along with Neya and Utar however, knowing or believing its his natural talents would be more beneficial to help them out in whatever endeavor seemed to be a point of focus for... Utar.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Noticing the cloud of swamp insects are getting thicker, Neya also applies repellent salve. Not exactly the most pleasant smell. But a an ounce prevention is better than a pound of cure.
From the marsh floor, she tries to see if there have been any recent tracks other than their own.
Survival: 17 (10)
Extended Signature
(OOC: I am happy to say you have all spent one use each of however many salves you purchased, either earlier or now. If you decide your character has not yet applied any repellent, then please roll a CON saving throw {DC 8}.)
Despite Utar's suspicions of something more going on between Graxx and Obby, the halfling has mostly kept her eyes on the job. A second or two after Graxx spots it, the helpful airborne witchling also sees it: there is the unmistakable orange glow of a fire serving as a beacon in the foggy sea of greens, browns, and blacks below.
Speaking of down below, Utar and Neya make sure to apply some repellent salve on their skin before anything else. Neya then tries to spot any obvious tracks in her surroundings but can't quite identify anything with any precision on the soggy ground. She suspects that any prints left behind would be reclaimed by the unstable environment shortly thereafter.