(OOC: It turns out that not recognizing when reptiles are lying to him is actually a secret part of Hewelathan's curse...)
Ruby responds to Hewelathan in Draconic.
"It's usually good to have light," she says after a moment's consideration. "In the darkest of caves even kobolds do not see well, and some of you Ruby thinks might not see in darkness at all! The monsters can see us already, so it's better for us if we can see them as well."
The little kobold seems to understand Hewelathan's instructions to warn the party any time that you are approaching a known monster-infested zone. You can tell that she's quite sharp, and it's easy to explain things to her.
Feeling at least slightly at home down in the Dark, Korba says, looking at the others through his dark lenses, "For me the Dark is as the Light is to you on the surface. I will help to guide the party should it be needed if you cannot see. Remember that most things down here can see as well as our little friend here, if not as well as some. So if we are traveling in silence keep the lights to a minimum, but keep them close in case they should be needed."
"If able to walk in darkness you are, that works to,"Ruby says, in Common now. "Whatever Ruby's new friends thinks will be best will be good for her."
The little red kobold smiles shyly up at you all.
As you head out towards the canals, you are met by none other than Zolgu, who seems to have completed his consultation with the Ancestors. He looks up at all of you... except for Nickeline, whom he is on eye-level with. He pauses briefly at the 'revelation' that a gnome entered a kobold village.
"I knew something was off about that dwarf," he mutters. "You are very lucky that the Great and Mighty Cynnurrarth has already given your mission his blessing."
His face, as usual, is extremely difficult to read. He then addresses the entire party.
"I have heard that your negotiations with the Master were a success; for that I wish to congratulate you. The Master is truly both great and merciful. Now go... the Ancestors have told me that it is not good for you to stay long in our village."
He pauses to glare at Ruby.
"I am still not convinced that they should have been brought here in the first place," he hisses at her in Draconic. Ruby shrinks back, almost as if she expects him to lash out at her.
But he has said his bit, and gives you all a dismissive wave of his hand as a farewell.
Jodie seethes a little at Zolgu's attitude towards Ruby and considers how he might've behaved had they not won the dragon's favor. But she uses restraint and acts causual.
"Yes, Cynnurrarth and I had a nice chat. We're working through the terms of some serious contracts. Sorry for the trouble we've caused." Jodie pauses, wondering whether to push her luck...
"I did get the sense Cynnurrarth would be pleased if you can help us further...perhaps something useful against undead."deception (23)
"Perhaps he would be... but I am sure that great heroes like yourselves have far more at your disposal for dealing with pesky undead than we mere kobolds do," the Great Wyrm replies in a completely indifferent tone.
DC 13 Insight:
You get the distinct impression that Zolgu holds Cynnurrarth in far less awe than the other kobolds do, and is perhaps more angry at being duped into hosting a gnome than he is concerned about how the dragon feels so long as he isn't directly violating an order from his master.
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"I did get the sense Cynnurrarth would be pleased if you can help us further...perhaps something useful against undead."deception (23)
Xanrym is a little surprised at this comment from Jodie. Then again, since he had such trouble reading the dragon's expression (and since Jodie lies so confidently!), he has no idea whether she's being honest or not here. He's just glad that Jodie is on their side!
Feeling at least slightly at home down in the Dark, Korba says, looking at the others through his dark lenses, "For me the Dark is as the Light is to you on the surface. I will help to guide the party should it be needed if you cannot see. Remember that most things down here can see as well as our little friend here, if not as well as some. So if we are traveling in silence keep the lights to a minimum, but keep them close in case they should be needed."
Hewelathan is fine either way. Perdita doesn't shed that much light. ("The nightmare sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.") But if anything has a clear view of them (large cavern, a long and straight tunnel, etc.), Perdita's flames will probably be visible long before anyone can see each other with Darkvision. Then again, if we're using torches or light anyway, then that's a non-issue.
Hewelathan tells Hildegard that he can grant her the sight of a tiger so that she can see better in the dark if they have to put out the lights. But if they're going to travel with lights, he'll save his spell slots for now.
Once they've left the kobold village far behind, Hewelathan shares his impression of Zolgu with Jodie and any others who were curious: "I got the impression that Zolgu is much less in awe of the dragon than the other kobolds. At least not so long as he isn't directly violating an order from his master. I'm not sure why that would be, but he didn't seem too concerned about how Cynnurrarth feels. Perhaps he has allied himself with some other powerful force down here? Zolgu just seemed angry that we tricked into playing host to Nickeline."
(Does Hewelathan say that in front of Ruby? If he does, she may have some insight)
He does. Hewelathan considered taking Jodie aside, but he wanted to share with all of the other Accursed, and he couldn't think of a way to exclude just Ruby.
"There is a story about the Great Wyrm's youth..." Ruby says nervously when Hewelathan shares his insight. "That was many years ago... more than a century..."
She pauses, looking very uncertain. She takes a deep breath and then continues.
"Zolgu's old master grew angry with him... but rather than devour him, his master decided to give him an impossible task to complete. Zolgu's old master was bitter enemies to another dragon. He ordered Zolgu to slay his rival, knowing that there was no way for a lone kobold to defeat a dragon... but..."
She swallows nervously, glancing over her shoulder as if expecting Zolgu to be standing there.
"Zolgu did it. No one knows how... but he slew his master's rival. It is said that he has served many dragons since then, but he deemed all of them unworthy of his service after a time... that is why he does not grovel before the Great and Mighty Cynnurrarth as others do..."
(Note: based on what you know of Kobolds, if this story is even true rather than a fabrication to terrify other kobolds into submission, then Zolgu almost certainly used trickery and/or some incredibly clever trap to do the deed rather than outright beating a dragon in a fight)
"To defeat a dragon, no matter how it was done, is a heroic task. There is more to Zolgu that we might have guessed, and it is good that we were able to leave without having to find out what that was..."Korba says, looking forward into the caves and drinking deep of the free air in the Dark.
"Perhaps he would be... but I am sure that great heroes like yourselves have far more at your disposal for dealing with pesky undead than we mere kobolds do," the Great Wyrm replies in a completely indifferent tone.
(Insight 8 on Zoglu's feelings here)
"That's right, leave the undead hunt to the experts."Nickeline says, thinking, 'I've got the dragon's blessing! This is a rare opportunity, indeed, for a gnome to walk among the kobolds with impunity. I've got to make the most of it.' She can't help but say, "Goodbye," to Zoglu (in Dwarvish) as she leaves the village.
On the topic of lights or no lights, Nickeline generally agrees with Korba. She is perfectly content to travel without light or torches. "I think it would be best if we can slip by, unnoticed, in darkness. But if that doesn't work, then it wouldn't hurt to have lights ready to go, since whatever-it-may-be will probably be seeing us just fine either way."
Ruby's story is compelling, but Nickeline doesn't believe a word of it. However, between Hewelathan's insights and her recollection of the genuine fear Zoglu inspired in the other kobolds, Nickeline questions whether it was really a good idea to have been so snotty to the Great Wyrm earlier.
Hildegard accompanies the group on foot while they discuss whether or not they should bring lights, Perdita trailing close behind her. When the group runs into Zolgu, Hildegard bows politely to him. Not knowing everything that Cyrrunnarth and Jodie spoke about, she is unaware of the deception of Jodie's comment, but she is surprised by Zolgu's response. Most kobolds are consumed by a worshipful terror of the dragons they serve, but Zolgu seems a bit immune to this. Of course, any who worship as a god a creature that is not, is bound to have experienced some disappointment in the limitations or morality of the object of his worship. Zolgu has lived a long time, and perhaps seen the unworthiness of dragons as an object of reverance... but she is speculating, and says nothing more of it. "Thank you for your kind hospitality,"she says to Zolgu, "the prayers of the Order of the Seven Stars are with all of our benefactors who help us in our holy mission, and you and yours will not be left out."
As they continue, and Ruby joins the discussion about Zolgu, Hildegard listens with rapt attention. "To slay a dragon is indeed a great deed,"she agrees with Korba, "but to slay what one worships will certainly breed contempt. Like a man who breaks troth with his first wife, he considers any that follow to be similarly expendable... no, I do not envy Zolgu, for to bear the lack of faith in his position must be a great burden indeed."
If the group has decided to go in darkness, as they depart the village she will dismiss Perdita... if they decide to use lights, she will mount the fiend instead and ride in the midst of the party, keeping a lookout from her vantage point on horseback.
Tamphalic doesn't like how Zolgu treats the other Kobolds, or how he talks about the dragon, but let it go for now. Maybe after we are done, I'll have a little talk with the dragon about Zolgu, maybe we can make the life for the other kobolds better in some way.
Tamphalic suggests to send Whiskers, in bat form, about 90ft upfront, with his 60ft blindsight that should give a us a pretty good warning, and that's a distance where Tamphalic can still communicate with Whiskers.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Heeding Ruby's advice, the party eventually decides that having lights won't pose a significantly higher risk to the party than travelling in the dark would.
The kobold shows you how to operate a couple of the kobolds' boats; they are in essence large rafts, surprisingly well-crafted, with a long pole used to push the vessel along. There are several canals that you can use to navigate the ancient city; using the orb of direction, you are able to choose a canal that looks like it's going towards the tomb. The water in the canal flows slowly, even peacefully, as you continue on your way.
As you drift into the city, it looks almost as if it is frozen in time. The ancient stone buildings stand in eerie silence. Even the squeak of bats rarely reaches your ears in this place.
In unearthly stillness of the Underdark, it is difficult to tell time (except perhaps for Korba), but after travelling for many hours you eventually realize that it's getting late. Does the party stop for the night, or try to press on?
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Hewelathan is having difficulty judging time. It's bad enough to travel under cloudy skies all the time, but spending this much time underground is worse. It puts him in a bad mood.
Hewelathan says that he doesn't like the idea of facing new dangers when they're sleepy. Then again, they haven't cast any spells yet today, and it might be with exploring at least a little, maybe for another hour or so? They might learn something that would help them to determine the safest place to rest or how to prepare for their trip to the tomb the next "day."
Other than knowing the way to the old drow city, does Ruby know anything about this city or what may dwell here now?
Jodie offers her opinion, "We could press on, but for what? Unless we know of a safe place to hide, the closer we are to the crypt the more likely we may encounter roaming undead. But with the party at near full strength, we could press on and clear at some of the dangers that lay before us before the day is out."
Jodie also looks to Ruby and considers of the dangers (23) of the area to decide where to find camp.
"We seem to have a good vantage of the city from here," Korba says. "Let us camp and keep watch to see if anything at all changes. Though it seems quite...dead... perhaps a night's observation will allow us to glimpse some movement.
Ruby informs you that the main thing to fear in the city is giant spiders. Driders can also sometimes be found camped in the city.
When you get nearer to the tomb there will be a lot of undead to contend with as well, mostly ghouls and ghasts. However, she has no way of knowing what defenses you may be facing when you actually get inside the tomb...
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Nickeline gives her opinion: "I would also prefer we remain here for the night. If we too close to the city, the driders might find out we're here, and then we'd get no rest—It'd be like kicking a hornet's nest, only with spiders. That being said, if we are to explore further, I will assist as best I can." Assuming it has been eight hours since they passed through the portal, Nickeline casts Aid again on Korba, Hildegard, and Jodie.
If the group chooses to continue exploring, she will follow along, ready with a Healing Word or Burning Hands, as needed.
If the group chooses not to continue exploring, Nickeline will find an alcove and cast Scrying on the city continuously for about an hour, hoping to find a good path for the group to take to the tomb and to identify whatever threats are visible.
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Feeling at least slightly at home down in the Dark, Korba says, looking at the others through his dark lenses, "For me the Dark is as the Light is to you on the surface. I will help to guide the party should it be needed if you cannot see. Remember that most things down here can see as well as our little friend here, if not as well as some. So if we are traveling in silence keep the lights to a minimum, but keep them close in case they should be needed."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"If able to walk in darkness you are, that works to," Ruby says, in Common now. "Whatever Ruby's new friends thinks will be best will be good for her."
The little red kobold smiles shyly up at you all.
As you head out towards the canals, you are met by none other than Zolgu, who seems to have completed his consultation with the Ancestors. He looks up at all of you... except for Nickeline, whom he is on eye-level with. He pauses briefly at the 'revelation' that a gnome entered a kobold village.
"I knew something was off about that dwarf," he mutters. "You are very lucky that the Great and Mighty Cynnurrarth has already given your mission his blessing."
His face, as usual, is extremely difficult to read. He then addresses the entire party.
"I have heard that your negotiations with the Master were a success; for that I wish to congratulate you. The Master is truly both great and merciful. Now go... the Ancestors have told me that it is not good for you to stay long in our village."
He pauses to glare at Ruby.
"I am still not convinced that they should have been brought here in the first place," he hisses at her in Draconic. Ruby shrinks back, almost as if she expects him to lash out at her.
But he has said his bit, and gives you all a dismissive wave of his hand as a farewell.
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Jodie seethes a little at Zolgu's attitude towards Ruby and considers how he might've behaved had they not won the dragon's favor. But she uses restraint and acts causual.
"Yes, Cynnurrarth and I had a nice chat. We're working through the terms of some serious contracts. Sorry for the trouble we've caused." Jodie pauses, wondering whether to push her luck...
"I did get the sense Cynnurrarth would be pleased if you can help us further...perhaps something useful against undead." deception (23)
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
"Perhaps he would be... but I am sure that great heroes like yourselves have far more at your disposal for dealing with pesky undead than we mere kobolds do," the Great Wyrm replies in a completely indifferent tone.
DC 13 Insight:
You get the distinct impression that Zolgu holds Cynnurrarth in far less awe than the other kobolds do, and is perhaps more angry at being duped into hosting a gnome than he is concerned about how the dragon feels so long as he isn't directly violating an order from his master.
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Xanrym is a little surprised at this comment from Jodie. Then again, since he had such trouble reading the dragon's expression (and since Jodie lies so confidently!), he has no idea whether she's being honest or not here. He's just glad that Jodie is on their side!
Insight 6 on Zolgu's response to Jodie.
Hewelathan is fine either way. Perdita doesn't shed that much light. ("The nightmare sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.") But if anything has a clear view of them (large cavern, a long and straight tunnel, etc.), Perdita's flames will probably be visible long before anyone can see each other with Darkvision. Then again, if we're using torches or light anyway, then that's a non-issue.
Hewelathan tells Hildegard that he can grant her the sight of a tiger so that she can see better in the dark if they have to put out the lights. But if they're going to travel with lights, he'll save his spell slots for now.
Once they've left the kobold village far behind, Hewelathan shares his impression of Zolgu with Jodie and any others who were curious: "I got the impression that Zolgu is much less in awe of the dragon than the other kobolds. At least not so long as he isn't directly violating an order from his master. I'm not sure why that would be, but he didn't seem too concerned about how Cynnurrarth feels. Perhaps he has allied himself with some other powerful force down here? Zolgu just seemed angry that we tricked into playing host to Nickeline."
(Does Hewelathan say that in front of Ruby? If he does, she may have some insight)
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He does. Hewelathan considered taking Jodie aside, but he wanted to share with all of the other Accursed, and he couldn't think of a way to exclude just Ruby.
"There is a story about the Great Wyrm's youth..." Ruby says nervously when Hewelathan shares his insight. "That was many years ago... more than a century..."
She pauses, looking very uncertain. She takes a deep breath and then continues.
"Zolgu's old master grew angry with him... but rather than devour him, his master decided to give him an impossible task to complete. Zolgu's old master was bitter enemies to another dragon. He ordered Zolgu to slay his rival, knowing that there was no way for a lone kobold to defeat a dragon... but..."
She swallows nervously, glancing over her shoulder as if expecting Zolgu to be standing there.
"Zolgu did it. No one knows how... but he slew his master's rival. It is said that he has served many dragons since then, but he deemed all of them unworthy of his service after a time... that is why he does not grovel before the Great and Mighty Cynnurrarth as others do..."
(Note: based on what you know of Kobolds, if this story is even true rather than a fabrication to terrify other kobolds into submission, then Zolgu almost certainly used trickery and/or some incredibly clever trap to do the deed rather than outright beating a dragon in a fight)
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"To defeat a dragon, no matter how it was done, is a heroic task. There is more to Zolgu that we might have guessed, and it is good that we were able to leave without having to find out what that was..." Korba says, looking forward into the caves and drinking deep of the free air in the Dark.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
(Insight 8 on Zoglu's feelings here)
"That's right, leave the undead hunt to the experts." Nickeline says, thinking, 'I've got the dragon's blessing! This is a rare opportunity, indeed, for a gnome to walk among the kobolds with impunity. I've got to make the most of it.' She can't help but say, "Goodbye," to Zoglu (in Dwarvish) as she leaves the village.
On the topic of lights or no lights, Nickeline generally agrees with Korba. She is perfectly content to travel without light or torches. "I think it would be best if we can slip by, unnoticed, in darkness. But if that doesn't work, then it wouldn't hurt to have lights ready to go, since whatever-it-may-be will probably be seeing us just fine either way."
Ruby's story is compelling, but Nickeline doesn't believe a word of it. However, between Hewelathan's insights and her recollection of the genuine fear Zoglu inspired in the other kobolds, Nickeline questions whether it was really a good idea to have been so snotty to the Great Wyrm earlier.
Hildegard accompanies the group on foot while they discuss whether or not they should bring lights, Perdita trailing close behind her. When the group runs into Zolgu, Hildegard bows politely to him. Not knowing everything that Cyrrunnarth and Jodie spoke about, she is unaware of the deception of Jodie's comment, but she is surprised by Zolgu's response. Most kobolds are consumed by a worshipful terror of the dragons they serve, but Zolgu seems a bit immune to this. Of course, any who worship as a god a creature that is not, is bound to have experienced some disappointment in the limitations or morality of the object of his worship. Zolgu has lived a long time, and perhaps seen the unworthiness of dragons as an object of reverance... but she is speculating, and says nothing more of it. "Thank you for your kind hospitality," she says to Zolgu, "the prayers of the Order of the Seven Stars are with all of our benefactors who help us in our holy mission, and you and yours will not be left out."
As they continue, and Ruby joins the discussion about Zolgu, Hildegard listens with rapt attention. "To slay a dragon is indeed a great deed," she agrees with Korba, "but to slay what one worships will certainly breed contempt. Like a man who breaks troth with his first wife, he considers any that follow to be similarly expendable... no, I do not envy Zolgu, for to bear the lack of faith in his position must be a great burden indeed."
If the group has decided to go in darkness, as they depart the village she will dismiss Perdita... if they decide to use lights, she will mount the fiend instead and ride in the midst of the party, keeping a lookout from her vantage point on horseback.
Tamphalic doesn't like how Zolgu treats the other Kobolds, or how he talks about the dragon, but let it go for now. Maybe after we are done, I'll have a little talk with the dragon about Zolgu, maybe we can make the life for the other kobolds better in some way.
Tamphalic suggests to send Whiskers, in bat form, about 90ft upfront, with his 60ft blindsight that should give a us a pretty good warning, and that's a distance where Tamphalic can still communicate with Whiskers.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Heeding Ruby's advice, the party eventually decides that having lights won't pose a significantly higher risk to the party than travelling in the dark would.
The kobold shows you how to operate a couple of the kobolds' boats; they are in essence large rafts, surprisingly well-crafted, with a long pole used to push the vessel along. There are several canals that you can use to navigate the ancient city; using the orb of direction, you are able to choose a canal that looks like it's going towards the tomb. The water in the canal flows slowly, even peacefully, as you continue on your way.
As you drift into the city, it looks almost as if it is frozen in time. The ancient stone buildings stand in eerie silence. Even the squeak of bats rarely reaches your ears in this place.
In unearthly stillness of the Underdark, it is difficult to tell time (except perhaps for Korba), but after travelling for many hours you eventually realize that it's getting late. Does the party stop for the night, or try to press on?
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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Hewelathan is having difficulty judging time. It's bad enough to travel under cloudy skies all the time, but spending this much time underground is worse. It puts him in a bad mood.
Hewelathan says that he doesn't like the idea of facing new dangers when they're sleepy. Then again, they haven't cast any spells yet today, and it might be with exploring at least a little, maybe for another hour or so? They might learn something that would help them to determine the safest place to rest or how to prepare for their trip to the tomb the next "day."
Other than knowing the way to the old drow city, does Ruby know anything about this city or what may dwell here now?
Jodie offers her opinion, "We could press on, but for what? Unless we know of a safe place to hide, the closer we are to the crypt the more likely we may encounter roaming undead. But with the party at near full strength, we could press on and clear at some of the dangers that lay before us before the day is out."
Jodie also looks to Ruby and considers of the dangers (23) of the area to decide where to find camp.
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
"We seem to have a good vantage of the city from here," Korba says. "Let us camp and keep watch to see if anything at all changes. Though it seems quite...dead... perhaps a night's observation will allow us to glimpse some movement.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Ruby informs you that the main thing to fear in the city is giant spiders. Driders can also sometimes be found camped in the city.
When you get nearer to the tomb there will be a lot of undead to contend with as well, mostly ghouls and ghasts. However, she has no way of knowing what defenses you may be facing when you actually get inside the tomb...
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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Nickeline gives her opinion: "I would also prefer we remain here for the night. If we too close to the city, the driders might find out we're here, and then we'd get no rest—It'd be like kicking a hornet's nest, only with spiders. That being said, if we are to explore further, I will assist as best I can." Assuming it has been eight hours since they passed through the portal, Nickeline casts Aid again on Korba, Hildegard, and Jodie.
If the group chooses to continue exploring, she will follow along, ready with a Healing Word or Burning Hands, as needed.
If the group chooses not to continue exploring, Nickeline will find an alcove and cast Scrying on the city continuously for about an hour, hoping to find a good path for the group to take to the tomb and to identify whatever threats are visible.