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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Lokilia is shocked when Klarron says Werhann will be sent to mentor Normont. In her mind, Normont is already pretty much an expert in her eyes, so that must mean Werhann is much more experienced! 'Then again, they did only just make him a part of this Grey Hunt group. So perhaps he does have even more to learn,' she thinks. But the situation still puzzles her a little, especially as she does not get Klarron's extra explanation to Normont.
Then when Klarron remarks that he thought the animals behaving strange was some Ashari trick, she immediately speaks up. "Ashari playing silly buggers? Do you think we have nothing else to do that we would come all the way here to Whitestone just to mess with the likes of you? Really? First of all, we would never be so cruel to the animals to try something like that. Or do you think we'd be so mindless to just follow you folk around in animal form?" She clearly did not take his comment well and seems to want to say more but is not quite sure how to continue. For a moment. "You might think your little fake bird calls have everyone fooled. But if Ashari druids wanted to come and walk around your little forest here, then don't delude yourselves into thinking you'd just pick them out from the real animals. Just keep that in mind with every bird or squirrel that's spying on your little secret city-folk club out here!"
She then turns to Normont, very much hoping that it is time for them to go, as she doesn't really want to just stand here waiting after having said all that!
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
Klarron stares at Lokilia for a few seconds with a stern face before breaking into loud guffaws, " Oh....hells.....do all Air Ashari have tempers like that or is it just you and The Tempest?"
" I meant no offense, Ma'am. More than one report of animals acting unusually over the years has turned out to be a Wildshaped Ashari.......I didn't mean to say they were doing wrong....its just when someone sees a wolf reading or an owl gathering wild plants....they tend to report it."
" But I do apologise for any offence taken.....I am sure if the Ashari were to follow folks they would have good reasons.", Klarron was making semi-desperate eye contact with Normont, Quinn and Dev.
Quinn turned away in solidarity with his Air Ashari cousin...
Dev is slightly taken aback by the comment on behalf of Lokilia and Quinn. When Lokilia speaks her mind about it, the teen tiefling, who had been melting into the background, steps forward energetically, his eyes sparkling with thin lightning arcs. “Yeah! You tell ‘em, Lokilia!,” is all he can think of to say, but it is loud enough that Klarron can definitely hear him. Dev juts out his chin defiantly, solidly backing up his friend in a spindly teenage way. He looks to Lokilia to see if she’ll accept Klarron’s apology. Even if she does, Dev, arms crossed, keeps staring at Klarron for a long moment, then turns away to join Lokilia. “That was really rude,” he says, sympathetically.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
Lokilia lets out a great breath, trying to will her anger away with it. She had heard him apologize, even if maybe she hadn't find it entirely convincing. She wanted to, but this was not really the sort of thing she was good at.
Finally, she says, "Yes, I see. Apology accepted."
The tone was perhaps still a bit sharp. She just hoped he would realize it was sincere. She had no real quarrel with Klarron.
She does take a step sideways closer to Dev. She almost bumps against him as she briefly pats his back. Looking to him, she flashes him a brief smile, glad he'd stood up with her.
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
Normont frowns at the talk of a mentor as a cover story until Klarron clarifies it is merely for show. At that point, he is quite happy to keep Werhann close; it gives him a perfect opportunity to monitor exactly what is happening to the dwarf and ensure his new powers don't take a turn for the worse.
When the talk turns to the location of the underground base and tunnels, he moves forward to assist. Having tracked their route using his orb of direction, he can provide the precise headings and distances that Werhann’s hazy memory might miss.
He is, however, a little surprised by Lokilia’s sharp reaction to Klarron’s clumsy comments regarding the Ashari, and even more so when Klarron doubles down by mentioning the tempers of the Air Ashari. Seeing the "semi-desperate" look in the older hunter's eyes, he decides to play the peacemaker before the situation devolves further.
"Perhaps we can stick to the facts of what is going on, rather than focusing on personalities and tempers", he interjects, his voice calm but firm. "We have a potential infestation of mind-altering creatures beneath our feet and a Hunter with gifts he didn't ask for. I think that deserves more of our attention than a debate on perceived Druidic hobbies".
He looks at Klarron significantly. "I’ll take responsibility for Werhann, however you want to frame it. It keeps him in the field where his knowledge is useful, and it keeps him under a watchful eye. Now, since we need to report back to Lady de Rolo, can you help with that Klarron? And how exactly will you keep in contact with us to update us on things going forward?".
Even though Klarron certainly could have phrased it better, Werhann knew all too well what he meant by such false calls, having been called on such occasions too many times before. And, although the ideal is to check every call, no matter how bizarre, being understaffed meant they couldn't chase every sighting of an animal 'behaving too much like an animal'.
"We have our ways to exchange information. Not complicated talks, maybe, but at least setting a time and a place when needed. I could teach you," Werhann tries to follow Normont's direction for the conversation. "Though I'd understand if you prefer some more reliable, albeit slower method."
Varielky | Werhann
Klarron nodded, " I can send a written report for you. I guess we'll find out soon how aligned the Nameless and the Illithids are as you've unearthed one of them."
" We can launch a night raid on Glinnicks tonight.......or we can secure the Illithids tunnels.....is your team partial to one or the other?"
" I'll have Hunters out in the Parchwood removing any creatures that seem to have these.....what did you say?....brain-dogs?"
"It is difficult to say which is more important," Lokilia begins. "I worry about Glinnick himself. And that is right inside Whitestone, so it seems a bit more pressing." She pauses for a moment before adding, "It feels like whatever is in the tunnels might be more in charge of everything. I think. But I don't know." She takes a breath, "But I guess I'm still thinking Glinnicks first. What do you others thinks?" she asks, loking at Dev and Normont, then the others.
While waiting for responses, she asks Klarron, "I presume we can help you?"
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
Normont nods to Werhann, realising there is much he can learn from the longer-serving Hunter about their ways.
"We only know them as brain dogs, and the name certainly describes them accurately enough. I believe a slang term detailed in an account from an incident involving one, rather than a scientific term. They seem to have psychic capability, having some way of pressing in on your mind, so handle with caution", he explains.
He listens to Klarron and then Lokilia as she weighs the two options, glad that she too is leaning on handling Glinnick's first. He glances at Werhann, considering the dwarf’s new gifts and how they might react to being back in those slick, dark tunnels. Could keeping him away from the big squid help break whatever process has started?
"The Nameless Ones are a rot inside our own walls that needs to be rooted out, and before they are warned of what we now know about their ally. If we leave the shop for the sake of the tunnels, we risk them finishing whatever business they have in the city".
He pauses, looking at Klarron.
"Those tunnels are the source, but the longer we wait, the more chance there is that whatever was in that oblong structure might be moved, or worse, triggered. We saw tunnels that appeared to be burrowed by worms, as Werhann mentioned. That means they could be under the city already, or they could create new paths to escape without being seen. We are short on intel, and that is the truth. Perhaps we can gather some at the shop".
He looks at the group, gauging their resolve.
"I think we need eyes on those animals and the entrance to the tunnels as soon as possible, but I worry that heading back via the same route will be far more dangerous now. Do you have access to any maps of potential tunnels around the city, Klarron? We also need some rest".
Klarron frowned, " The sewers....but they're tight and relatively shallow and they're regularly patrolled.....its possible there's tunnels intersecting with those deeper beneath....between the Chamber and the Castle.', he looked at the non-Hunters for a moment before continuing.
" I've had no reports of disturbed ground or unlicensed construction within the walls......though if they've come up into a private residence we'd likely not know."
" You were in the Guard, you must have pulled sewer duty a couple of times.....especially being one of us shorter folk."
" Sleep now.....best wait til dark to move on Glinnicks. Is your team up to it? I can provide some Hunters to go along......but as you know Grey Hunters tend to work best alone or in smaller units."
Progo mostly watched silently after his moping comments about his cart. He was realizing what he could bring to the group more then its heroic savior, a front man. Normont is very matter of fact and serious, Dev and Lokilia seem to take remarks too personally, and 'Werhann' isn't sure if he all Werhann or not either, but Progo and he's masterful merchant people skills and masterful negotiating tactics could be just what is needed to make this grouping great!
( Rest Now? Where? Do you agree with Klarrons musings? Other arrangements?" )
(OOC - Did we still have rooms at the Lilac Inn?)
Lokilia seems to nod in agreement with Klarron. "Yes, we should rest. But I think we're good to help tonight. And I'm sure whatever help the Hunters provide would be a big help." She looks at Klarron. "I agree that someone should keep an eye on that place outside of town. But they need to be very careful. It's a case where teams might be good, even if you don't normally operate that way. But, I'm sure you know." She grins, stepping back a bit unconsciously as she realizes she was telling an expert about how to do things.
"Are we ready to get going?" she says, then catches a glance of Werhann and Progo. "Oh. We have more folks now than before. Did you two have a place to stay?"
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
(OOC: Does Werhann have any residence in the area, or some kind of quarters to sleep in?)
If Werhann has a place to stay, he'll say that he has one, and then try to set up a place and time to meet the others after everyone has rested.
If Werhann doesn't have a place to stay, he'll say: "Unfortunately, I don't have any lodging at the moment. And... after getting kidnapped into that cave, I don't really have any coins to get one, either. Would you all mind if I stay with you for a while, until I get my paycheck? I'll pay you back, of course."
Varielky | Werhann
"Progo has Progo's cart... which is under investigation at the moment apparently. Traveling merchants try not make a habit of leaving their wares unattended, bad for business you understand."
(If Werhann has his own accommodations, Progo will volunteer to keep an eye on him, otherwise he would offer to get a room at the same place as the rest for him and Werhann)
“I’m not sure I understand, like, what we’re doing next,” Dev says. “I mean, rest, then go to Glinnick’s? But are you going to help us?,” he asks Klarron. “As in, come with us to Glinnick’s? Also, if we’re going to try to ‘raid’ the shop, that’s different from what we planned earlier. We just wanted to try to get in quickly and rescue the captured… ummm… rescue Werhann. But for a ‘raid’? Resting isn’t enough, is it? We need a plan. We should figure that out before we go our separate ways. If that’s what we’re doing.” His shoulders slump and he slouches, exhausted for a moment, then with effort standing up straight again. “I do need to rest though, before… actually doing anything.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
(Werhann normally could stay out here in the ruins in various hidden rooms and holdouts that the Hunt keeps......but currently he's kinda....mistrusted....
He does also have his old lodgings in town....in the South Ward near the western wall. Its a little studio apartment rent is due next week but the Grey Hunt will cover that given the current circumstances.)
Klarron nods to Lokalia, " They will be operating in teams of three, no need for worry. I fear we may need the bulk of The Hunt if the burrows you found are not as abandoned as they seemed......perhaps we should keep a watch on it and delay venturing in until The Grand Mistress and the other Senior Officers return?"
" Regarding Glinnicks......I think half a dozen Hunters on the rooftops around the shop, do you think you'll need many supporting you on the inside? Its going to be too close for rifles and bows...."
Dev tried to imagine this bounty of support. "So... if we needed to escape six archers would be there..." He intuits that a safe exit strategy is half the battle won. "Plus if Werhann and Progo are with us... we're already twice as strong as we were before. We dont have to stop at making it out alive. We can push the Nameless Ones out of Whitestone completely... maybe?" He looks to Lokilia and Normont and Quinn. Is that crazy?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Chierhy Nbenbe in Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure
"I have a place, near the western wall of the city. It's very small, and I can't promise there's anything to serve to you, but you may come along if you want," Werhann answers. "But before I leave, had any of you scouted the place? Do you know anything about what we're facing there? I doubt we'll see squidlings marching in and out, but perhaps we can know how many guards - umm - Nameless Ones, are there."
If the party didn't scout the place before, Werhann will resume with a suggestion. "Perhaps we can keep a lookout then, for a bit, before resting. We can devise a plan, maybe, or at least we'd know we tried. Or, if you prefer - " Werhann, who hadn't had a proper rest in far too long, knows he'd prefer so, but if impossible, he'd rather know what he's walking into than trying to get a few hours of sleep. " - maybe someone from the Hunt can keep a lookout until nightfall, and update us when we get there?"
(OOC: Werhann will probably want to rest... but as far as resources go, all he's missing is 2 HP, and maybe hit dice if we plan on taking short rests. He wouldn't mind keeping an eye on the place instead of resting if there's a chance we can enter better prepared.)
Varielky | Werhann
Normont looks around the weary group, his expression grim but steady. He settles his gaze on Klarron, giving a short, professional nod.
"Klarron, having your hunters on the roof would be comforting for sure, but we need to be careful not to tip our hand before we are ready", he says, his voice low.
"We did manage to get a look at the sort of things we are dealing with at Glinnick's. These aren't typical criminals, as you can imagine bearing in mind their affiliation. They are well equipped with magical items and disguises, and they are even capable of becoming invisible. You might be looking at an empty hallway or rooftop, but you can't trust that", he adds, rooting around in his backpack once again and retrieving a piece of paper with some pictures on it.
Normont noted two people standing at the base of the side stairs leading up to the second story; on the left was a leather and metal clad duergar with blades and Hooks festooning their form and on the right was a tall grey figure which reminded Normont very much of the things they had faced in the ancient library. Roosting beneath the eaves hanging from a long tail was a scaly olive green form resembling a horned and scaled gibbon of sorts. Atop the roof was a figure robed in gray carrying a large crossbow which it was being randomly pointed at passersby.......
"I was under the effects of a true seeing scroll when I created these images, but to everyone else they either weren't there or looked like a regular person", he explains.
He pauses, letting the warning sink in, then addresses Werhann's point about scouting. "Werhann is right. If the Hunt can keep eyes on the shop while we recover, we’ll at least know if something happens or anyone not invisible enters or leaves, even if we can't know exactly what or who".
He glances at the others, his resolve firm.
"Rest while we can. Eat. Prepare. When the sun goes down, we aren't just going in for a rescue, you are right there Dev. We are polishing a blemish off the armour of Whitestone".