Though a touch taken aback seeing the pin, Doozey recovered quickly and nodded in greeting to Sirge. "Mm.. Suppose'n that depends on how much you remember 'bout the paths they took to get ch'all, Villie. But consider'n the direction most of'em Kobolds tried to flee-" He gestures over to the northwestern passage(based on previous map orientation), "Only more.... actually, hold that thought." Doozey hurries his way closer towards the passageway the kobolds had been trying to flee down and after listening for at most half a minute to see if company was fast approaching, he'd either return with a call to action or assuaging nerves.
In the event nothing worrying came of his check, the halfling would have this more to add after rejoining the group. "Utar there is gonna need a moment to help fix up some folks 'cause ya'll definitely look like ya need it. And honestly speaking, I'll need another to have a talk with our friend there-" He gestures to the bound kobold. "As well. Who hopefully won't mind answering a few questions. So far now, ya'll hang tight... and, uh... here. This'll do you much better than that spear." He said as pulled out his rapier and offered it to Villonah.
Biscuit seems happy to be healed by Utar. (Biscuit recovers 16HP.)
All other prisoners seem too scared or timid to step forward with requests, so Villonah speaks for them. "We can all walk, hide, and, if needed, stab a kobold or two. I'd prioritize getting this group out of here. We can deal with wounds later at a safer place."Doozey continues the conversation and Villonah nods along: "We came through the cave with the pit trap. We descended from a higher cave level. After walking through a long tunnel. We used the cave entrance close to the road. We can go back the same way and cross our fingers hoping that the kobolds didn't enhance security around that entrance."
"As much as I agree," Sirge speaks next. "I still have a mission of my own to complete. I thought I would die here, but now that you have freed me, I can and will prioritize my mission." He turns to CRAP in general and offers: "Should you be willing to help me, I will share with you all that I know."
Villonah responds: "Well, saving these captives was Gavriel's and my mission. We have lost too many already. I must succeed in leaving this place with them." She points to the five frightened humans recently freed from their own cages, as to emphasize her point. "If it'll improve our chances, maybe some medical attention wouldn't be so bad after all..."
(@MB: Feel free to roll a medicine check to give the prisoners a medical assessment.)
At some point before/during/after this talk, Doozey would be able to report on his findings from listening to his surroundings from a spot closer to the exit. He hears mostly more of that loud waterfall, but he also picks up on some strange growls and hoots. There is also some foul food's smell in the air.
When Doozey returns, Villonah gladly borrows his rapier. Utar's rations are also welcomed by every prisoner.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Under the guise of handing out ration packs, Utar gives each of the prisoners a once over, trying to determine where best to spend his limited healing abilities in order to deliver the greatest benefit.
"Curious as I am as well Sirge, getting these folks out of the caves need to take priority. So, if it's something that needs to be hush-hush, we're... willing to help ya, but can it wait 'till then?" Doozey asked. "Yer of course welcome to go at things alone if'n yer so incline. But all things consider, yer not gonna get far on your own in yer current condition." The halfling left Sirge to ponder the wisdom of his words to once again address Villonah, and by extension the group at large.
"First off, uhh... Raist. Mind taking a quick look at our captive? Don't revive'm, just... something off 'bout'em that I just can't shake. As for everyone else, uhh... shoot, I hate to say it, but backtracking down the route Villie here mentioned is probably our best bet fer getting the rest of you out. Or, well, at least better than gambling on any other route, 'cause, like, I'm pretty sure that one passageway definitely at least leads past an owlbear nest. And we don't want to get tangled up in that now do we?" Doozey tried to crack a smile to set everyone at ease, but the forced nature of it all too likely had the opposite effect. Even so, he pressed on.
"Once ya'll have had at least to bite to eat, me and mines can take point escorting you folk out -- with Villie's here guidance, of course. Once yer out, it shouldn't be too... too hard to get past any sentries. There's a sea fog outside, and most of the heavy hitters aughta be a wee bit... distracted."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
While most of the prisoners eat (Villonah and Sirge will nibble as well), Utar takes a few moments to better understand their physical conditions. It is clear that the prisoners were kept on minimal food and water, and each has at least some base exhaustion. A couple of them look even more exhausted than the others. Villie and Sirge may be able to carry their weight in a fight, but the others are unlikely to win any scuffs on their own, especially since their lack of training is apparent. Even the gnome and the half-elf could use a proper rest before going kobold-hunting, but they are unlikely to choose such a pause as their next step.
Sirge recognizes his shortcomings in the current situation and, after a loud sigh (not excessively so), the half-elf nods in agreement to both Doozey's and Utar's words. "Can't complete the mission if I am dead, can I? I'll accompany you but will have to turn back and sniff out the Cult of the Dragon's presence here. I shall take your offer and count on your support in return." He then serves himself another bite to eat.
When Doozey mentions the way suggested by Villonah, Neya nods, turns, and dashes to investigate. She moves past the covered pit, up the way CRAP came, and arrives next to the mushroom patch the group spotted earlier. From here, instead of backtracking to the cave entrance CRAP used (south path), she turns and follows the west path (reminder: there is also an east path.) She has to walk in the dark for some time, using her eyes and the tunnel walls as guidance if needed, before noticing anything worth her time. Nonetheless, she does hear bestial snarls and excited barks and yips from the caves ahead as she approaches. For now, she manages to say hidden, in no small part to her ongoing obfuscation.
Meanwhile, Doozey asks Raist to check on their kobold prisoner.
Neya returns to the group and reports her findings and follows up with, "We may need clear the way as we travel. If we need to strike we will need to do so hard and fast."
While Neya is out exploring, Raist indulges Doozey. He approaches the fallen but still alive kobold and quickly notices the strange lack of coloration on the creature's scales. They are almost entirely translucent, allowing the elf to see the frail skin underneath, or whatever it may be that hides under kobold scales. Being the well-versed arcanist that he is, Raist soon pinpoints the most likely cause to such affliction: long exposure to a raw, chaotic, uncontrollable, and unpredictable magical source.
Neya doesn't arrive back in time to hear Raist's explanation, assuming he chooses to share it straight away, but she does have some news to share herself.
If need be Doozey would repeat Raist's explanation once Neya has returned, but such matters aside, the halfling couldn't help but grimace over the collected intel. "So, either that Kobold has a similar curse as Obsben has, or their leader's been doing a bit more than just sacrificing folk to their goddess. Either which way, we gonna wanna be extra careful about the 'bolds with a similar 'skin condition' as this one."He conveyed to the group at large.
"But be all that as it may, definitely sounds like we're gonna have to clear the way... *sigh*... And much as I'd prefer we /all/ stick together every step of the way, this group is a little too large for us to be doin' that now. Nevermind the fact that time ain't entirely on our side, or so I'd wager. So, here's how things need to be. We can either escort you folks as far as the cross section before breaking away to clear the path aehad. Then once it's secure, uhh... Ah! Raist! You still got yer bird right? Think you can work out something with it so we can stay in communicay much easier? That way all we need do is signal them. And if somethin' goes tits up with'em, same deal. Otherwise, well..."Doozey began scratching at the back of his neck.
"-I'm gonna be honest with ya. Ain't no real better option at the moment. 'cause pretty much only other option is ya'll working on barricade at least one of the tunnels and holding tight 'till we get back. So, anyone here has a better plan, best we get moving now." He explained as best he could, and with Biscuit nodded solemnly in agreement at his side. After a quick glance back towards the pit tunnel's general direction Doozey adds, "Tunnels are on the dark side, so ya'll either gonna wanna hold hands or try to make a makeshift torch real quick like 'fore we get really move'n."
Raist shares the information he gathers, as does Neya. Doozey does some quick planning and shares his ideas with the rest of the group. Sirge moves a few steps closer to Utar, finding the orc the most agreeable among his group of rescuers: "Thank you, I am glad I can count on you. I shall share my plight once these prisoners have found true freedom. The information I have to share needn't fall in these many ears."
Villonah peppers Doozey's speech with some questions and/or commentary: "Very well, we are ready to move. I guess you changed your mind about interrogating the kobold in the corner, is that right? As for moving onward, I would prefer to follow you to a certain distance and then hang back with the prisoners while you clear the way. There is no telling when more kobolds might return to this here cave. As for a torch..."
Villonah flicks her wrist and a shortsword appears within her grip. A second later, the blade is enveloped in fire. The flames shed light into the entire room. "...I have something better."
Doozey smirked as he took back his rapier. "Oh I'm gonna have chat with them. Just not yet."He'd assure her. But as he went about sheathing the weapon once more a rogue thought left him with furrowed brows. "Villie, you... That wasn't something they took from you, did they?"He warily asked. And depending on whether or not his suspicions were confirmed would determine just how hurriedly the halfling preceded to maneuver the unconscious kobold onto Biscuit's back, before then strapping him down with some of his own rope after trimming the length down as need be. With that out of the way he'd look expectantly to the duo, figuring they'd take point on the procession.
"I can give another source of light as well." Taking a palm sized stone and a bit of phosphorescent moss from his pouch he mutters in elvish then casts light
Handing the stone to one of the ex prisoners. "It will last for an hour no more. You can cover it to diminish it if needed"
To Doozy. Yes Sebastion is waiting for when needed"
"No." Villonah replies simply. "I have grown accustomed to leaving my weapon behind and only summoning it when a fight is imminent, latest summoning notwithstanding. This usually gives me a couple of advantages: my enemy's underestimation and a surprise factor. It works most of the time... But I can't fight a pit trap now, can I?"
While Raist performs his own trick and gives one of the human prisoners a light source, Doozey spends some time tying CRAP's prisoner to Biscuit.
(@Ori: May I have a knot-tying check please? Also, which "duo" are you referring to? Biscuit and the tied kobold? Villonah and Sirge? Raist and rescued villager? Neya and Utar?)
(@Lerus: Sorry, I just realized when I was editting I erased that bit about the duo. I was referring to Utar & Neya.)
-Sleight of Hand: 11. (Also just realized he had [skills]guidance[/skills], which he will do so for this, so here's another 3 on top of the sleight of hand)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Doozey couldn't help but snort and say, "'pends on the pit trap, I guess. But, fair enough. 'cause would've been real awkward if that dragonborn or one of her underlings was waving it around elsewhere, only to have it suddenly disappear from their grasp. Would'a... probably been kind of funny too, but..." Doozey trailed off from there as mounting frustration with trying to rearrange the rope properly began to occupy his attention. Until eventually the halfling began softly singing in sylvan a short little diddy to help focus and calm him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Since handing out his rations, Utar had been mostly silent contemplating his next actions. The deep dark bags under eyes of these folk spoke to a deep level of exhaustion that only a long and trouble free sleep could cure. Looking at the group, Utar knows this is beyond his powers to restore, even through the grace of Torm. Allowing these folk to sleep here, even if he were to stand watch for them, would only likely invite more trouble.
Still, helping these folk to get away from their fate and out of the clutches of their gaolers is righteous enough. Once topside, they would need to put a good distance between themselves and this place before stopping for the embrace of sleep but, knowing that CRAP would likely return to their usual idiom soon enough put a small smile on his face.
(OOC Apoloigies for the radio silence. Work is kicking my ass!)
Although it takes some magically inspired spark,Doozey's knot seems perfectly functional. Villonah smirks along with what the halfling has to say and then prepares to move onward. As per Doozey's suggestion, she looks to Neya and Utar to lead the way.
That said, the duo has to tend to its own prep first. Utar comes to terms with the practicality that there is little more he can do for the prisoners now, and that what they really need is some long, deserving freedom and rest. Neya takes a moment to examine the tied kobold. Apart from being knocked out and sporting some fresh wounds, the kobold seems generally healthy. She guesses that he'll be awake an hour from now, likely some time before that, even.
(OOC: Let me know when you are ready to start your procession.)
Though a touch taken aback seeing the pin, Doozey recovered quickly and nodded in greeting to Sirge. "Mm.. Suppose'n that depends on how much you remember 'bout the paths they took to get ch'all, Villie. But consider'n the direction most of'em Kobolds tried to flee-" He gestures over to the northwestern passage(based on previous map orientation), "Only more.... actually, hold that thought." Doozey hurries his way closer towards the passageway the kobolds had been trying to flee down and after listening for at most half a minute to see if company was fast approaching, he'd either return with a call to action or assuaging nerves.
-Perception: 26.
In the event nothing worrying came of his check, the halfling would have this more to add after rejoining the group. "Utar there is gonna need a moment to help fix up some folks 'cause ya'll definitely look like ya need it. And honestly speaking, I'll need another to have a talk with our friend there-" He gestures to the bound kobold. "As well. Who hopefully won't mind answering a few questions. So far now, ya'll hang tight... and, uh... here. This'll do you much better than that spear." He said as pulled out his rapier and offered it to Villonah.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Biscuit seems happy to be healed by Utar. (Biscuit recovers 16HP.)
All other prisoners seem too scared or timid to step forward with requests, so Villonah speaks for them. "We can all walk, hide, and, if needed, stab a kobold or two. I'd prioritize getting this group out of here. We can deal with wounds later at a safer place." Doozey continues the conversation and Villonah nods along: "We came through the cave with the pit trap. We descended from a higher cave level. After walking through a long tunnel. We used the cave entrance close to the road. We can go back the same way and cross our fingers hoping that the kobolds didn't enhance security around that entrance."
"As much as I agree," Sirge speaks next. "I still have a mission of my own to complete. I thought I would die here, but now that you have freed me, I can and will prioritize my mission." He turns to CRAP in general and offers: "Should you be willing to help me, I will share with you all that I know."
Villonah responds: "Well, saving these captives was Gavriel's and my mission. We have lost too many already. I must succeed in leaving this place with them." She points to the five frightened humans recently freed from their own cages, as to emphasize her point. "If it'll improve our chances, maybe some medical attention wouldn't be so bad after all..."
(@MB: Feel free to roll a medicine check to give the prisoners a medical assessment.)
At some point before/during/after this talk, Doozey would be able to report on his findings from listening to his surroundings from a spot closer to the exit. He hears mostly more of that loud waterfall, but he also picks up on some strange growls and hoots. There is also some foul food's smell in the air.
When Doozey returns, Villonah gladly borrows his rapier. Utar's rations are also welcomed by every prisoner.
Under the guise of handing out ration packs, Utar gives each of the prisoners a once over, trying to determine where best to spend his limited healing abilities in order to deliver the greatest benefit.
Medicine - 9
"That is one heck of an intriguing introduction, Sirge. Colour me interested in hearing more."
(OOC I've deducted 6 rations from Utar's pack in case Villie and Sirge are peckish too.)
Neya will go out and try to find the best route to secure for the prisoners to escape.
Perception: 7
Extended Signature
"Curious as I am as well Sirge, getting these folks out of the caves need to take priority. So, if it's something that needs to be hush-hush, we're... willing to help ya, but can it wait 'till then?" Doozey asked. "Yer of course welcome to go at things alone if'n yer so incline. But all things consider, yer not gonna get far on your own in yer current condition." The halfling left Sirge to ponder the wisdom of his words to once again address Villonah, and by extension the group at large.
"First off, uhh... Raist. Mind taking a quick look at our captive? Don't revive'm, just... something off 'bout'em that I just can't shake. As for everyone else, uhh... shoot, I hate to say it, but backtracking down the route Villie here mentioned is probably our best bet fer getting the rest of you out. Or, well, at least better than gambling on any other route, 'cause, like, I'm pretty sure that one passageway definitely at least leads past an owlbear nest. And we don't want to get tangled up in that now do we?" Doozey tried to crack a smile to set everyone at ease, but the forced nature of it all too likely had the opposite effect. Even so, he pressed on.
"Once ya'll have had at least to bite to eat, me and mines can take point escorting you folk out -- with Villie's here guidance, of course. Once yer out, it shouldn't be too... too hard to get past any sentries. There's a sea fog outside, and most of the heavy hitters aughta be a wee bit... distracted."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
While most of the prisoners eat (Villonah and Sirge will nibble as well), Utar takes a few moments to better understand their physical conditions. It is clear that the prisoners were kept on minimal food and water, and each has at least some base exhaustion. A couple of them look even more exhausted than the others. Villie and Sirge may be able to carry their weight in a fight, but the others are unlikely to win any scuffs on their own, especially since their lack of training is apparent. Even the gnome and the half-elf could use a proper rest before going kobold-hunting, but they are unlikely to choose such a pause as their next step.
Sirge recognizes his shortcomings in the current situation and, after a loud sigh (not excessively so), the half-elf nods in agreement to both Doozey's and Utar's words. "Can't complete the mission if I am dead, can I? I'll accompany you but will have to turn back and sniff out the Cult of the Dragon's presence here. I shall take your offer and count on your support in return." He then serves himself another bite to eat.
When Doozey mentions the way suggested by Villonah, Neya nods, turns, and dashes to investigate. She moves past the covered pit, up the way CRAP came, and arrives next to the mushroom patch the group spotted earlier. From here, instead of backtracking to the cave entrance CRAP used (south path), she turns and follows the west path (reminder: there is also an east path.) She has to walk in the dark for some time, using her eyes and the tunnel walls as guidance if needed, before noticing anything worth her time. Nonetheless, she does hear bestial snarls and excited barks and yips from the caves ahead as she approaches. For now, she manages to say hidden, in no small part to her ongoing obfuscation.
Meanwhile, Doozey asks Raist to check on their kobold prisoner.
Raist goes.to the prisoner. Giving it the once over.
Investigation"24
Noticing the coloring he takes a closer look
Arcana:24
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Neya returns to the group and reports her findings and follows up with, "We may need clear the way as we travel. If we need to strike we will need to do so hard and fast."
Extended Signature
While Neya is out exploring, Raist indulges Doozey. He approaches the fallen but still alive kobold and quickly notices the strange lack of coloration on the creature's scales. They are almost entirely translucent, allowing the elf to see the frail skin underneath, or whatever it may be that hides under kobold scales. Being the well-versed arcanist that he is, Raist soon pinpoints the most likely cause to such affliction: long exposure to a raw, chaotic, uncontrollable, and unpredictable magical source.
Neya doesn't arrive back in time to hear Raist's explanation, assuming he chooses to share it straight away, but she does have some news to share herself.
Raist shares the information as he is thinking of it. As a scholar would do when examining an artifact he speaks his thoughts aloud
Laissez les bons temps rouler
If need be Doozey would repeat Raist's explanation once Neya has returned, but such matters aside, the halfling couldn't help but grimace over the collected intel. "So, either that Kobold has a similar curse as Obsben has, or their leader's been doing a bit more than just sacrificing folk to their goddess. Either which way, we gonna wanna be extra careful about the 'bolds with a similar 'skin condition' as this one." He conveyed to the group at large.
"But be all that as it may, definitely sounds like we're gonna have to clear the way... *sigh*... And much as I'd prefer we /all/ stick together every step of the way, this group is a little too large for us to be doin' that now. Nevermind the fact that time ain't entirely on our side, or so I'd wager. So, here's how things need to be. We can either escort you folks as far as the cross section before breaking away to clear the path aehad. Then once it's secure, uhh... Ah! Raist! You still got yer bird right? Think you can work out something with it so we can stay in communicay much easier? That way all we need do is signal them. And if somethin' goes tits up with'em, same deal. Otherwise, well..." Doozey began scratching at the back of his neck.
"-I'm gonna be honest with ya. Ain't no real better option at the moment. 'cause pretty much only other option is ya'll working on barricade at least one of the tunnels and holding tight 'till we get back. So, anyone here has a better plan, best we get moving now." He explained as best he could, and with Biscuit nodded solemnly in agreement at his side. After a quick glance back towards the pit tunnel's general direction Doozey adds, "Tunnels are on the dark side, so ya'll either gonna wanna hold hands or try to make a makeshift torch real quick like 'fore we get really move'n."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Raist shares the information he gathers, as does Neya. Doozey does some quick planning and shares his ideas with the rest of the group. Sirge moves a few steps closer to Utar, finding the orc the most agreeable among his group of rescuers: "Thank you, I am glad I can count on you. I shall share my plight once these prisoners have found true freedom. The information I have to share needn't fall in these many ears."
Villonah peppers Doozey's speech with some questions and/or commentary: "Very well, we are ready to move. I guess you changed your mind about interrogating the kobold in the corner, is that right? As for moving onward, I would prefer to follow you to a certain distance and then hang back with the prisoners while you clear the way. There is no telling when more kobolds might return to this here cave. As for a torch..."
Villonah flicks her wrist and a shortsword appears within her grip. A second later, the blade is enveloped in fire. The flames shed light into the entire room. "...I have something better."
With a bow, Villie returns Doozey's rapier.
Doozey smirked as he took back his rapier. "Oh I'm gonna have chat with them. Just not yet." He'd assure her. But as he went about sheathing the weapon once more a rogue thought left him with furrowed brows. "Villie, you... That wasn't something they took from you, did they?" He warily asked. And depending on whether or not his suspicions were confirmed would determine just how hurriedly the halfling preceded to maneuver the unconscious kobold onto Biscuit's back, before then strapping him down with some of his own rope after trimming the length down as need be. With that out of the way he'd look expectantly to the duo, figuring they'd take point on the procession.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I can give another source of light as well." Taking a palm sized stone and a bit of phosphorescent moss from his pouch he mutters in elvish then casts light
Handing the stone to one of the ex prisoners. "It will last for an hour no more. You can cover it to diminish it if needed"
To Doozy. Yes Sebastion is waiting for when needed"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"No." Villonah replies simply. "I have grown accustomed to leaving my weapon behind and only summoning it when a fight is imminent, latest summoning notwithstanding. This usually gives me a couple of advantages: my enemy's underestimation and a surprise factor. It works most of the time... But I can't fight a pit trap now, can I?"
While Raist performs his own trick and gives one of the human prisoners a light source, Doozey spends some time tying CRAP's prisoner to Biscuit.
(@Ori: May I have a knot-tying check please? Also, which "duo" are you referring to? Biscuit and the tied kobold? Villonah and Sirge? Raist and rescued villager? Neya and Utar?)
(@Lerus: Sorry, I just realized when I was editting I erased that bit about the duo. I was referring to Utar & Neya.)
-Sleight of Hand: 11.
(Also just realized he had [skills]guidance[/skills], which he will do so for this, so here's another 3 on top of the sleight of hand)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Doozey couldn't help but snort and say, "'pends on the pit trap, I guess. But, fair enough. 'cause would've been real awkward if that dragonborn or one of her underlings was waving it around elsewhere, only to have it suddenly disappear from their grasp. Would'a... probably been kind of funny too, but..." Doozey trailed off from there as mounting frustration with trying to rearrange the rope properly began to occupy his attention. Until eventually the halfling began softly singing in sylvan a short little diddy to help focus and calm him.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Since handing out his rations, Utar had been mostly silent contemplating his next actions. The deep dark bags under eyes of these folk spoke to a deep level of exhaustion that only a long and trouble free sleep could cure. Looking at the group, Utar knows this is beyond his powers to restore, even through the grace of Torm. Allowing these folk to sleep here, even if he were to stand watch for them, would only likely invite more trouble.
Still, helping these folk to get away from their fate and out of the clutches of their gaolers is righteous enough. Once topside, they would need to put a good distance between themselves and this place before stopping for the embrace of sleep but, knowing that CRAP would likely return to their usual idiom soon enough put a small smile on his face.
(OOC Apoloigies for the radio silence. Work is kicking my ass!)
Neya assess the unconscious kobold in order to determine what sort of timeline they may have before it wakes up and decides to make some noises.
Medicine: 27
Extended Signature
Although it takes some magically inspired spark, Doozey's knot seems perfectly functional. Villonah smirks along with what the halfling has to say and then prepares to move onward. As per Doozey's suggestion, she looks to Neya and Utar to lead the way.
That said, the duo has to tend to its own prep first. Utar comes to terms with the practicality that there is little more he can do for the prisoners now, and that what they really need is some long, deserving freedom and rest. Neya takes a moment to examine the tied kobold. Apart from being knocked out and sporting some fresh wounds, the kobold seems generally healthy. She guesses that he'll be awake an hour from now, likely some time before that, even.
(OOC: Let me know when you are ready to start your procession.)