Utar stays quiet for a few moments and watches Ellison intensly. It feels like the former scribe has been a spider sat at the centre of a web of lies for some time. They might know that they've been caught, they might only be trying to save their own neck, but having chased shadows for so long, Utar can't quite believe that Ellison doesn't have a plan to somehow extracate themselves from this.
Graxx looks at Utar and gives a knowing wink while placing a hand gently on his trusty silvered handaxe that has been used so many times in the Bad Guardsman, Crazy Guardsman routine.
"I'll try to get us out of here." says Graxx.
Graxx will attempt to retrace their steps through broken branches and thinks above the muck.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"A fair point from Utar. This setting isn't quite the best one for a conversation anyhow."Obsben idly commented while floating off to the side of the party with her nose in a book(unrelated to any findings of the party) and Sourpuss trying his best to read over her shoulder. "But your show of good faith is certainly noted. And for that much at least, we'll be sure to escort you safely outside the swamp... But with all due respect for your talents, and in part for your own safety, we'll need to gag you as well until we're out of here." She finally looks up over the rim of her book. "I hope you understand."
On that note, if none are swift to pick up on her hint/suggestion, then Obby takes it upon herself to fish out a fairly soggy but serviceable length of cloth from a pocket to tie around and gag Ellison for the duration of the trip. "And Graxx. While I can certainly understand the want to hurry, might we stop at the den? There was quite a bit of treasure there, and I doubt very much we'll be wanting to rope around here a 2nd time, least we find this place occupied by very upset surviving members of that lizardfolk clan who were elsewhere for the festivities today." She humbly request. But even if she should be heeded, once the group were done collecting what treasures and trinkets remained in the den(hopefully), she'd hit the group with a "One More Thing", followed by a request to grab a few souvenirs from the dragon's remains. A few fangs and scales to be exact.
However, if her request is to be denied, then that would be that. Although the one thing she'd insist on regardless of any raiding or light harvesting at her request, is to ride on Graxx shoulders as her spell began to wane, leery of once again running afoul of quicksand or WORSE on the way out. Such was her totally-not-fears-and-simply-concerns that she'd make a point of having Sourpuss keep an eye out for any hidden troubles along the way.
-Obsben's Harvesting Attempt(if allowed): 4. (again, main goal is a few fangs and claws in fair-ish conditions, as she doesn't want to take up too much time)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Most of what Ellison is saying matches your observations: he did not attack CRAP at any point, the three thefts were done without anyone getting physically hurt, and his concern for staying alive and free seem genuine. You can't quite tell if he is planning something nefarious, but there is still one thing that is not sitting right with you. You remember the crime scene where you found Garda's body. She was slumped over a desk while sitting on a chair. Her head wound was fatal. She was holding a quill. It is a bit hard to believe someone was is the process of attacking another person while sitting down, facing a desk, and holding a writing utensil.
Graxx understands where this questioning is going but agrees that the group might want to do it once they are out of the swamp. Obsben nods along but reminds the group that they should/could make a couple of stops before heading out. Ellison has complied with all security measures taken so far.
Back at the dragon's den, CRAP finds a non-negligible amount of coin and gems of all colors and denominations (3,000gpworth). Nestled amongst the rotting vegetation and bones lining the floor of his lair, you also find some poor knight's suit of splint armor. Obsben reveals at this point (I believe) that she had alredy collected a few other items: a magnifying glass, a sheathed longsword with a bifurcated blade (magical), a spell scroll of dispel magic, a leather-bound spellbook (unused but magical), and an already-identified magical mace named Bonecounter.
The decision to make the second stop (to harvest the dragon) lingers in the air. Is CRAP in a hurry from this point on or is one more stop to claim dragon trophies a reasonable ask?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Flashes of Garda's body return unbidden to the forefront of Utar's mind. Slumped over a desk, blood flowing from a wound in the back of her head. He doubts that Ellison's claims to be a unwitting pawn caught in a larger game are entirely credible. One more stop before turning for home to harvest Rythnax's body seems in order, but even so, Utar keeps a close eye on the former scribe, assuming that half a chance is all that will be needed for Ellison to attempt to escape and aren't animals more dangerous when cornered?
Given Ellison's prolictivities for stealing books, it is but the only thing Obsben neglects to mention the group. But all her either earlier discoveries (and subsequent items absconded with to that point) is revealed and put forth to be added to Neya's bag of holding for the time being. While at it, she half-jokingly offers utar the mace in particular during the collection, citing "It's no divine blessed weapon, of that we can both attest. But unless you're worried about the one on your hip getting a bit jealous, having this as a backup could certainly not hurt I would hope, wouldn't you say?"
With all of that said, the decision to stop by the dragon's corpse at least one last time yet hung in the air. Sure, they -could- possibly come back around and try to harvest a bit of it. Just as they could perhaps hire others to do the job. But though her tone sounded as light as ever, there was a truth to her pointing out the possibilities of more lizardfolks to deal with, if not in the body being quickly reclaimed by the swamp by other denizens by the time the party or their task force can have a go at it.
But having said her piece, she'd leave it at that and just eagerly await the answers from others...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx then turns to Obsben while positioning himself in a way to keep Ellison in his line of sight.
"Obsben, if you want to make a stop by the dragon, then by Tempus we will stop by the Dragon. I do not want to return to this place unless we have to." says Graxx.
Graxx will lead the group back to where the Dragon fell.
"Keep an eye on that one." says Graxx before his leading begins motioning to Ellison.
Graxx will use his axe instead of the Pike to work on removing the head once the group arrives.
The group agrees that paying a visit to Rythnax before leaving the Twilight Marsh is a good idea, but Obsben reminds them that they better do so sooner rather than later, lest more lizardfolk or other swamp threat claims the fallen dragon.
Graxx has no issue locating the body (using that survival check above), and both Utar and Neya keep a close eye on Eliison, who keeps to his word and is collaborating. In fact, upon arriving at the scene, Ellison freely shares some more information, showing that he is indeed being helpful: "The dragon claimed to be well paid to serve as a courier and enforcer for the Cult, based on how terrified of him they were..." Having seen the horde, he adds: "I guess the payment part, at least, was true."
Axe strikes decapitate Rythnax's body and, with some effort, the bloody trophy is jammed into Neya's bag of holding, horns and all. A handful of scales, claws, and fangs are also collected. There seems to be no immediate threat in the area. Even the mosquitos and other bugs, no longer compelled by Rythnax's magic, are nothing but a nuisance against the might of CRAP's repellent salves.
Whether a victim of her own curiosity or that of the others when Ellison signal a want to volunteer more information, Obsben spent little more than a moment chewing over the man's words, before saying while re-gagging Ellison once more, "Seems we or the others might have more use for the head than just as a trophy it seems. Assuming, of course, we can get the dragon's spirit to chitter a little later... heh... heheh... like a little tweedy bird... Hmm~ For now though, let's continue on our way beyond the bounds of this dreadful place. Preferably 'fore nightfall at that, as that is when I suspect the >real< fun critters come out to play. And we're not exactly in the best condition for such games."
She asserts and further encouraging any that might be of a mind to continue blazing the path with her doggedly behind them, if not on Graxx' shoulders again. During the interim Sourpuss stayed dutiful scouting ahead now and again once the group was on the move, keeping an eye and nose out for any trouble that might've crawled its way into whatever path the group ultimately found themselves treading out.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
CRAP makes some preparations before starting their journey back toward Phlan. Namely, Utar makes sure that Torm is guiding the group's guide, while Obsben scouts ahead through Sourpuss's eyes. From high above, the familiar and witch spot a few suspicious signs of movement throughout the swamp but suspect they have no choice but to risk it. Otherwise, even more dangers might come out as the darkness of night spreads.
Graxx takes all the information and blessings granted to him and leads the group out of the swamp with pace and accuracy. The trip still takes hours but, by the time night falls, the group is already back on the Phlan Path (i.e., the road leading west back to Phlan.) The group is tired, Neya's bag of holding is at its capacity, and there is still some hours to go before they arrive back in town. Although they are dirty and smelly, at least the swamp and its many treacherous threats are behind them.
(OOC: Would you like to camp for the night or push through so you can sleep back at HQ?)
Both Obsben and Sourpuss let out a yawn in almost perfect sync with one another. "Well, that was most certainly an entertaining journey. Not sure yet how I will use this in my next story, but I'm sure it'll come to me after a nice, long rest." She looks up to the party. "Speaking of which, mind if we camp out here. I can weave together some protections that aughta to make doing so a bit safer. And no doubt, assuming either of us-..."She motions between herself and Utar. "Have a want to, we can message those we'll want to meet come morning. 'cause odds are we aren't likely to get much of an audience tonight. Not to mention the... I want to say curfew? Or have they not quite gotten that far along those, uh-..."She snaps her fingers a couple of times before wagging a finger at Utar.
"Those Black Fist guys. I can't remember right now. But I imagine we'll be in for a bit of a hassle with them or cult agents should we show up as we are... Buuut it's up to you all." Obsben shrugged. "Plus, we do want to give Elli here a proper chance to plead his case now don't we? And the sooner we take a break, the sooner I can get people cleaned up as well."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I don't see an issue with resting for the night," Neya says. "The would make our nighttime watches have us pulling double duty of looking out for dangers and keeping an eye on Ellis
Utar stays quiet for a few moments and watches Ellison intensly. It feels like the former scribe has been a spider sat at the centre of a web of lies for some time. They might know that they've been caught, they might only be trying to save their own neck, but having chased shadows for so long, Utar can't quite believe that Ellison doesn't have a plan to somehow extracate themselves from this.
Insight - 12
"Let's get out of this swamp first, then we can see how useful you can be."
Graxx laughs softly at Ellison's bargaining.
Graxx looks at Utar and gives a knowing wink while placing a hand gently on his trusty silvered handaxe that has been used so many times in the Bad Guardsman, Crazy Guardsman routine.
"I'll try to get us out of here." says Graxx.
Graxx will attempt to retrace their steps through broken branches and thinks above the muck.
Survival: 18
"A fair point from Utar. This setting isn't quite the best one for a conversation anyhow." Obsben idly commented while floating off to the side of the party with her nose in a book(unrelated to any findings of the party) and Sourpuss trying his best to read over her shoulder. "But your show of good faith is certainly noted. And for that much at least, we'll be sure to escort you safely outside the swamp... But with all due respect for your talents, and in part for your own safety, we'll need to gag you as well until we're out of here." She finally looks up over the rim of her book. "I hope you understand."
On that note, if none are swift to pick up on her hint/suggestion, then Obby takes it upon herself to fish out a fairly soggy but serviceable length of cloth from a pocket to tie around and gag Ellison for the duration of the trip. "And Graxx. While I can certainly understand the want to hurry, might we stop at the den? There was quite a bit of treasure there, and I doubt very much we'll be wanting to rope around here a 2nd time, least we find this place occupied by very upset surviving members of that lizardfolk clan who were elsewhere for the festivities today." She humbly request. But even if she should be heeded, once the group were done collecting what treasures and trinkets remained in the den(hopefully), she'd hit the group with a "One More Thing", followed by a request to grab a few souvenirs from the dragon's remains. A few fangs and scales to be exact.
However, if her request is to be denied, then that would be that. Although the one thing she'd insist on regardless of any raiding or light harvesting at her request, is to ride on Graxx shoulders as her spell began to wane, leery of once again running afoul of quicksand or WORSE on the way out. Such was her totally-not-fears-and-simply-concerns that she'd make a point of having Sourpuss keep an eye out for any hidden troubles along the way.
-Sourpuss Perception: 24.
-Obsben's Harvesting Attempt(if allowed): 4. (again, main goal is a few fangs and claws in fair-ish conditions, as she doesn't want to take up too much time)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
@Utar:
Most of what Ellison is saying matches your observations: he did not attack CRAP at any point, the three thefts were done without anyone getting physically hurt, and his concern for staying alive and free seem genuine. You can't quite tell if he is planning something nefarious, but there is still one thing that is not sitting right with you. You remember the crime scene where you found Garda's body. She was slumped over a desk while sitting on a chair. Her head wound was fatal. She was holding a quill. It is a bit hard to believe someone was is the process of attacking another person while sitting down, facing a desk, and holding a writing utensil.
Graxx understands where this questioning is going but agrees that the group might want to do it once they are out of the swamp. Obsben nods along but reminds the group that they should/could make a couple of stops before heading out. Ellison has complied with all security measures taken so far.
Back at the dragon's den, CRAP finds a non-negligible amount of coin and gems of all colors and denominations (3,000gp worth). Nestled amongst the rotting vegetation and bones lining the floor of his lair, you also find some poor knight's suit of splint armor. Obsben reveals at this point (I believe) that she had alredy collected a few other items: a magnifying glass, a sheathed longsword with a bifurcated blade (magical), a spell scroll of dispel magic, a leather-bound spellbook (unused but magical), and an already-identified magical mace named Bonecounter.
The decision to make the second stop (to harvest the dragon) lingers in the air. Is CRAP in a hurry from this point on or is one more stop to claim dragon trophies a reasonable ask?
Flashes of Garda's body return unbidden to the forefront of Utar's mind. Slumped over a desk, blood flowing from a wound in the back of her head. He doubts that Ellison's claims to be a unwitting pawn caught in a larger game are entirely credible. One more stop before turning for home to harvest Rythnax's body seems in order, but even so, Utar keeps a close eye on the former scribe, assuming that half a chance is all that will be needed for Ellison to attempt to escape and aren't animals more dangerous when cornered?
Perception - 21
Given Ellison's prolictivities for stealing books, it is but the only thing Obsben neglects to mention the group. But all her either earlier discoveries (and subsequent items absconded with to that point) is revealed and put forth to be added to Neya's bag of holding for the time being. While at it, she half-jokingly offers utar the mace in particular during the collection, citing "It's no divine blessed weapon, of that we can both attest. But unless you're worried about the one on your hip getting a bit jealous, having this as a backup could certainly not hurt I would hope, wouldn't you say?"
With all of that said, the decision to stop by the dragon's corpse at least one last time yet hung in the air. Sure, they -could- possibly come back around and try to harvest a bit of it. Just as they could perhaps hire others to do the job. But though her tone sounded as light as ever, there was a truth to her pointing out the possibilities of more lizardfolks to deal with, if not in the body being quickly reclaimed by the swamp by other denizens by the time the party or their task force can have a go at it.
But having said her piece, she'd leave it at that and just eagerly await the answers from others...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx looks satisfied at the defeated Ellison.
Graxx then turns to Obsben while positioning himself in a way to keep Ellison in his line of sight.
"Obsben, if you want to make a stop by the dragon, then by Tempus we will stop by the Dragon. I do not want to return to this place unless we have to." says Graxx.
Graxx will lead the group back to where the Dragon fell.
"Keep an eye on that one." says Graxx before his leading begins motioning to Ellison.
Graxx will use his axe instead of the Pike to work on removing the head once the group arrives.
As they move to the dragon's carcass, Neya keeps any eye out for any sudden movement from Ellison and any movement from the local lizardfolk.
Perception: 4 (9)
Extended Signature
Utar accepts Obsben's suggestion, strapping the new weapon to his hip beside Lightbringer.
"Aye, it might be useful in a pinch. I'll keep a close eye on Ellison, don't worry."
The group agrees that paying a visit to Rythnax before leaving the Twilight Marsh is a good idea, but Obsben reminds them that they better do so sooner rather than later, lest more lizardfolk or other swamp threat claims the fallen dragon.
Graxx has no issue locating the body (using that survival check above), and both Utar and Neya keep a close eye on Eliison, who keeps to his word and is collaborating. In fact, upon arriving at the scene, Ellison freely shares some more information, showing that he is indeed being helpful: "The dragon claimed to be well paid to serve as a courier and enforcer for the Cult, based on how terrified of him they were..." Having seen the horde, he adds: "I guess the payment part, at least, was true."
Axe strikes decapitate Rythnax's body and, with some effort, the bloody trophy is jammed into Neya's bag of holding, horns and all. A handful of scales, claws, and fangs are also collected. There seems to be no immediate threat in the area. Even the mosquitos and other bugs, no longer compelled by Rythnax's magic, are nothing but a nuisance against the might of CRAP's repellent salves.
(OOC: What's next?)
Whether a victim of her own curiosity or that of the others when Ellison signal a want to volunteer more information, Obsben spent little more than a moment chewing over the man's words, before saying while re-gagging Ellison once more, "Seems we or the others might have more use for the head than just as a trophy it seems. Assuming, of course, we can get the dragon's spirit to chitter a little later... heh... heheh... like a little tweedy bird... Hmm~ For now though, let's continue on our way beyond the bounds of this dreadful place. Preferably 'fore nightfall at that, as that is when I suspect the >real< fun critters come out to play. And we're not exactly in the best condition for such games."
She asserts and further encouraging any that might be of a mind to continue blazing the path with her doggedly behind them, if not on Graxx' shoulders again. During the interim Sourpuss stayed dutiful scouting ahead now and again once the group was on the move, keeping an eye and nose out for any trouble that might've crawled its way into whatever path the group ultimately found themselves treading out.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Oops, I forgot he was gagged; sorry...)
-> The Fly spell has now ran its course.
-> Someone should roll a survival check to lead the group out of the swamp.
-> Sourpuss can roll a perception skill for scouting ahead.
(@Lerus: It's all good!)
-Sourpuss Perception: 13.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Whoever makes the [skill] survival[skill] check can do so with Torm's blessing.
Utar will gently touch their shoulder and give a knowing nod that seems to say 'I trust in your judgement; you've got this.'.
Graxx nods back to Utar and steps in front of the group.
Survival: 25
Guidance: 4
DM's Screen:
5
CRAP makes some preparations before starting their journey back toward Phlan. Namely, Utar makes sure that Torm is guiding the group's guide, while Obsben scouts ahead through Sourpuss's eyes. From high above, the familiar and witch spot a few suspicious signs of movement throughout the swamp but suspect they have no choice but to risk it. Otherwise, even more dangers might come out as the darkness of night spreads.
Graxx takes all the information and blessings granted to him and leads the group out of the swamp with pace and accuracy. The trip still takes hours but, by the time night falls, the group is already back on the Phlan Path (i.e., the road leading west back to Phlan.) The group is tired, Neya's bag of holding is at its capacity, and there is still some hours to go before they arrive back in town. Although they are dirty and smelly, at least the swamp and its many treacherous threats are behind them.
(OOC: Would you like to camp for the night or push through so you can sleep back at HQ?)
Both Obsben and Sourpuss let out a yawn in almost perfect sync with one another. "Well, that was most certainly an entertaining journey. Not sure yet how I will use this in my next story, but I'm sure it'll come to me after a nice, long rest." She looks up to the party. "Speaking of which, mind if we camp out here. I can weave together some protections that aughta to make doing so a bit safer. And no doubt, assuming either of us-..." She motions between herself and Utar. "Have a want to, we can message those we'll want to meet come morning. 'cause odds are we aren't likely to get much of an audience tonight. Not to mention the... I want to say curfew? Or have they not quite gotten that far along those, uh-..." She snaps her fingers a couple of times before wagging a finger at Utar.
"Those Black Fist guys. I can't remember right now. But I imagine we'll be in for a bit of a hassle with them or cult agents should we show up as we are... Buuut it's up to you all." Obsben shrugged. "Plus, we do want to give Elli here a proper chance to plead his case now don't we? And the sooner we take a break, the sooner I can get people cleaned up as well."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I don't see an issue with resting for the night," Neya says. "The would make our nighttime watches have us pulling double duty of looking out for dangers and keeping an eye on Ellis
Extended Signature
Graxx looks around and then back to the group.
"This looks like as good enough a place as any to bed down." says Graxx.
Graxx takes a knee.
"It's taken a moment but it's starting to sink in what we accomplished back there. We took down a DRAGON!" says Graxx excitedly.
Graxx stands and looks off into the distance.
"If only my grandmother could see this day." says Graxx.
Graxx looks back to the group.
"She would be proud of the deed that has been done and the friends I have made a long the way." says Graxx.