This symbol is new to you, and you suspect it would be so to many others. Under different circumstances, it might be worth studying it, but now is not the time, it seems.
You recall reading somewhere that Kuo-Toa worship gods of their own insane creation. Some even theorize that if enough of them believe that a god is real, the energy of their collective subconscious can cause that god to manifest as a physical entity. The form a Kuo-Toa god takes depends on the inspiration for its divine image, and is usually random or nonsensical. One of the most revered gods of the Kuo-Toa is Blibdoolpoolp the Sea Mother, who takes the form of a female human with a crayfish head, a crayfish’s claws, and an articulated shell covering her shoulders. Those familiar with her visage suspect that Blibdoolpoolp was likely invented by a Kuo-Toa that improved on a broken human statue by adding the limbs and head of a crustacean. In sudden awe of its handiwork, it then named the resulting form a god. Alternatively, Kuo-Toa that cross paths with an aboleth often find themselves worshiping it as a god, their madness blinding them to the fact that the aboleth is merely using them for its own nefarious ends.
The Kuo-Toa leader begins to talk, switching his gaze from Utar to Cato as he speaks in its incomprehensible language. "It speaks the tongue of the creatures below, undercommon, as do my people", the drow explains first, and then translates directly, no doubt adding some flourish to the fishman's words "I cannot give these human prisoners to you. They are part of our deal with the dragon-worshiping men. It is how we keep the peace between our tribe and those that come in here seeking dragon artifacts." He takes a short pause and then speaks with some pride: "We of the Foulwater Kuo-Toa tribe moved into this cave system less than a month ago. A young black dragon dominated the area before that, but it died in a fight with some glory-seeking warriors. They perished as well, leaving the place open for occupation. We saw our opportunity and thought our luck was great in finding the place. However, the presence of the dragon brought other interested parties—this Cult of the Dragon they are called. After the Cult killed many of my people as you just have, our two sides struck a deal. We are to excavate and explore the former dragon’s lair within this extensive cave system, and the Cult would leave us be and purchase from us anything relevant to their interests in dragons. If anyone gets too close, we are supposed to apprehend them. The Cult also pays for prisoners. I do not know what they are used for."
Another pause follows. He then concludes: "I have now explained why I cannot give them away. It would mean my tribe's death at the hands of this cult fanatics. We cannot capture you, as our failed attempts have shown, so simply leave our dwelling before the Cult finds out what happened here. Tell your fellow humans not to approach the bog, and we will not have to imprison them."
The drow then adds on his own account: "Do not leave us here with them. They'll sell us to the Cult of the Dragon, for sacrifices, I'm certain. We have to get out of here before the Kuo-Toa hunting parties come back. There are dozens of them! Many dozens. I've seen them come an go from these tunnels, deeper into this cave system. Please, let us go from this damned swamp."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Do any of you speak fish?” Graxx says to his companions. “I don’t trust this Drow!” All this is said at a level that the Drow can hear hoping for a reaction.
Graxx would like to do an insight check to see if the Drow is being truthful or twisting the words of the Kuo-Toa.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cato considers what the Kuo-Toa leader has said.
"It seems to me that you and your fellows find yourselves in a particularly precarious position. The Drow says you have many more soldiers in the caves, but there are only three of you standing here. If you acquiesce to our appeal, you will have risk reprisal the Cult, but you may face then en force. On the other hand, if you refuse our request, you must deal with us here and now. Three against six. Do you think you can succeed where so many of your brave brethren have so badly failed?"
"Allow me to outline an alternative option. You thought yourselves lucky in discovering this dismal den. You were evidently mistaken. Not only are you beholden to a cruel cult, but to deliver on their demands you make enemies of your neighbors. It seems this bastion is not the boon you believed it to be. Therefore, I suggest you find a more favorable fortress."
Another persuasion check, if you want it: 16
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
IRL: Dungeon Master--Adventures in the Cassitana Islands PbP: Player--Esvaris Liadon, Wood Elf Monk 2/Cleric 2--Clerical Heirs: A Divine Mystery
Drazzim's eyes narrow. Despite the kuo-toa being these chaotic fishmen in a pact with evil dragon worshippers, he also despises the drow. Drow are one of the evil races who cause great terrors and tragedies for his dwarven kin, usually in raids coming from further below the surface and using their fell magics to kill with abject glee. He grips his glaive in both hands, ready to go and slaughter the kuo-toa, not caring if an accidental swing carves into the drow. "Laddies, I think we have some gutting of fish to do."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Graxx's insight check (I'm using the 18, not the 12):
The drow is not exactly being forthright with his reasons for being here (he is clearly not one of the kidnapped farmhands), but you recognize in his face a legitimate fear for his life. Cato has shared with you some of his knowledge on the Kuo-Toa and you now know that the fishmen hate the drow just as much as anyone else. Their races have been at war for decades, if not centuries. The fact that they have not killed this one yet must mean that they really respect their pact with the Cult of the Dragon.
In repose to Cato (persuasion check), the leader says, translated by the drow: "I, Kloogut, have no doubt your might is true, but facing six of you, if I must, is a better prospect that facing the entire institution that is the Cult of the Dragon. I have no love for them, but they have us at a bind. As such, I must look out for my people or die trying. You say finding this cave was not a lucky occurrence, but finding a dwelling in the Underdark, where the filthy drow or the despicable illithid reign is even harder. I'll take my chances in this bog. All I have to do is keep you busy until my brethren come home. You'll have no chance against our entire tribe."
The drow translates this while swallowing his own saliva in fear. He stares at Graxx and Draziim, not so sure anymore that you are his saviors.
With that, and seeing Drazzim readying himself for a fight, Kloogut pulls up a shield made out of a single large scale of a black dragon, and orders its henchfish to attack.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Darrius I29 will shoot at Kuo-Toa#3 I32.
To hit -> 22 Damage -> 10
You said there were tables throughout this area? Are they all near the Kuo-Toas? Or are there some closer to us?
If there is one near Darrius that is not near a Kuo-Toa he will move up to it. Assuming I can't flip it over as a bonus action I'll end my turn standing next to the table.
Even before Kloogut can finish his order to attack, Darrius quickly shoots an arrow at the closest target, initiating the fight (cumulative damage to Kuo-Toa#3: 8). Immediately stowing his bow, Darrius flips the table in front of him providing some additional cover (free interaction with the environment; Darrius, as is, currently benefits from half-cover {+2AC}).
Here is a drawing of how things stand before Kloogut's turn:
Star - Deity statue with adjacent table and chairs; Dotted lines - cages; Bubbles - water/pond; Ovals with center dot - tables; Kt - Kuo-Toa; KL - Kloogut
KLOOGUT'S TURN:
The Kuo-Toa leader cuts its finger on the pincer portion of its staff, draws a straight line in the mud with it while muttering some words in Undercommon (It is casting bane on Darrius, Rose, and Graxx, who all need to roll a {DC12} CHA saving throw or be affected by the spell). With that, Kloogut will move to H35.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Graxx Charisma Saving Throw First: 8
Attack Roll Subtraction Roll: 1
Graxx will let our a roar saying, "TEMPUS!". Graxx will begin to Rage. He take his greataxe off his back and charge to H31 where he will slash down onto Kuo-Toa #2.
Utar's religion check:
There seems to be many more deities in this world than the ones you are familiar with. This one is certainly one of them.
Drazzim's religion check:
Surely this is a joke. A statue based on food scraps?!
Darrius' religion check:
This symbol is new to you, and you suspect it would be so to many others. Under different circumstances, it might be worth studying it, but now is not the time, it seems.
Rose's religion check:
You recall reading somewhere that Kuo-Toa worship gods of their own insane creation. Some even theorize that if enough of them believe that a god is real, the energy of their collective subconscious can cause that god to manifest as a physical entity. The form a Kuo-Toa god takes depends on the inspiration for its divine image, and is usually random or nonsensical. One of the most revered gods of the Kuo-Toa is Blibdoolpoolp the Sea Mother, who takes the form of a female human with a crayfish head, a crayfish’s claws, and an articulated shell covering her shoulders. Those familiar with her visage suspect that Blibdoolpoolp was likely invented by a Kuo-Toa that improved on a broken human statue by adding the limbs and head of a crustacean. In sudden awe of its handiwork, it then named the resulting form a god. Alternatively, Kuo-Toa that cross paths with an aboleth often find themselves worshiping it as a god, their madness blinding them to the fact that the aboleth is merely using them for its own nefarious ends.
(OOC: I'll make a plot-advancing post soon).
The Kuo-Toa leader begins to talk, switching his gaze from Utar to Cato as he speaks in its incomprehensible language. "It speaks the tongue of the creatures below, undercommon, as do my people", the drow explains first, and then translates directly, no doubt adding some flourish to the fishman's words "I cannot give these human prisoners to you. They are part of our deal with the dragon-worshiping men. It is how we keep the peace between our tribe and those that come in here seeking dragon artifacts." He takes a short pause and then speaks with some pride: "We of the Foulwater Kuo-Toa tribe moved into this cave system less than a month ago. A young black dragon dominated the area before that, but it died in a fight with some glory-seeking warriors. They perished as well, leaving the place open for occupation. We saw our opportunity and thought our luck was great in finding the place. However, the presence of the dragon brought other interested parties—this Cult of the Dragon they are called. After the Cult killed many of my people as you just have, our two sides struck a deal. We are to excavate and explore the former dragon’s lair within this extensive cave system, and the Cult would leave us be and purchase from us anything relevant to their interests in dragons. If anyone gets too close, we are supposed to apprehend them. The Cult also pays for prisoners. I do not know what they are used for."
Another pause follows. He then concludes: "I have now explained why I cannot give them away. It would mean my tribe's death at the hands of this cult fanatics. We cannot capture you, as our failed attempts have shown, so simply leave our dwelling before the Cult finds out what happened here. Tell your fellow humans not to approach the bog, and we will not have to imprison them."
The drow then adds on his own account: "Do not leave us here with them. They'll sell us to the Cult of the Dragon, for sacrifices, I'm certain. We have to get out of here before the Kuo-Toa hunting parties come back. There are dozens of them! Many dozens. I've seen them come an go from these tunnels, deeper into this cave system. Please, let us go from this damned swamp."
"Looks like we have a fight on our hands", Rose says, "but I don't know if I'd rather fight fishmen or dragon cultists less."
“Do any of you speak fish?” Graxx says to his companions. “I don’t trust this Drow!” All this is said at a level that the Drow can hear hoping for a reaction.
Graxx would like to do an insight check to see if the Drow is being truthful or twisting the words of the Kuo-Toa.
Insight: 17
(Something went wrong with your insight roll there @Grx. Can you try again? I can roll for you if need be).
12 Ok trying from mobile if it doesn’t work this time feel free to roll for me.
Cato considers what the Kuo-Toa leader has said.
"It seems to me that you and your fellows find yourselves in a particularly precarious position. The Drow says you have many more soldiers in the caves, but there are only three of you standing here. If you acquiesce to our appeal, you will have risk reprisal the Cult, but you may face then en force. On the other hand, if you refuse our request, you must deal with us here and now. Three against six. Do you think you can succeed where so many of your brave brethren have so badly failed?"
"Allow me to outline an alternative option. You thought yourselves lucky in discovering this dismal den. You were evidently mistaken. Not only are you beholden to a cruel cult, but to deliver on their demands you make enemies of your neighbors. It seems this bastion is not the boon you believed it to be. Therefore, I suggest you find a more favorable fortress."
Another persuasion check, if you want it: 16
IRL: Dungeon Master--Adventures in the Cassitana Islands
PbP: Player--Esvaris Liadon, Wood Elf Monk 2/Cleric 2--Clerical Heirs: A Divine Mystery
Drazzim's eyes narrow. Despite the kuo-toa being these chaotic fishmen in a pact with evil dragon worshippers, he also despises the drow. Drow are one of the evil races who cause great terrors and tragedies for his dwarven kin, usually in raids coming from further below the surface and using their fell magics to kill with abject glee. He grips his glaive in both hands, ready to go and slaughter the kuo-toa, not caring if an accidental swing carves into the drow. "Laddies, I think we have some gutting of fish to do."
Graxx's insight check (I'm using the 18, not the 12):
The drow is not exactly being forthright with his reasons for being here (he is clearly not one of the kidnapped farmhands), but you recognize in his face a legitimate fear for his life. Cato has shared with you some of his knowledge on the Kuo-Toa and you now know that the fishmen hate the drow just as much as anyone else. Their races have been at war for decades, if not centuries. The fact that they have not killed this one yet must mean that they really respect their pact with the Cult of the Dragon.
In repose to Cato (persuasion check), the leader says, translated by the drow: "I, Kloogut, have no doubt your might is true, but facing six of you, if I must, is a better prospect that facing the entire institution that is the Cult of the Dragon. I have no love for them, but they have us at a bind. As such, I must look out for my people or die trying. You say finding this cave was not a lucky occurrence, but finding a dwelling in the Underdark, where the filthy drow or the despicable illithid reign is even harder. I'll take my chances in this bog. All I have to do is keep you busy until my brethren come home. You'll have no chance against our entire tribe."
The drow translates this while swallowing his own saliva in fear. He stares at Graxx and Draziim, not so sure anymore that you are his saviors.
With that, and seeing Drazzim readying himself for a fight, Kloogut pulls up a shield made out of a single large scale of a black dragon, and orders its henchfish to attack.
ROLL FOR INITIATIVE
Kuo-Toa's initiative: 9
Kloogut's initiative: 17
Graxx Initiative: 14
Rose's rapier is ready. (4) She however seems to not be so much.
Cato's initiative: 15
IRL: Dungeon Master--Adventures in the Cassitana Islands
PbP: Player--Esvaris Liadon, Wood Elf Monk 2/Cleric 2--Clerical Heirs: A Divine Mystery
Initiative -> 23
Utar's initiative 5
(In before Drazzim's on the deck before my turn again!)
Initiative: 5
(Darrius, you are up)
Darrius I29 will shoot at Kuo-Toa#3 I32.
To hit -> 22
Damage -> 10
You said there were tables throughout this area? Are they all near the Kuo-Toas? Or are there some closer to us?
If there is one near Darrius that is not near a Kuo-Toa he will move up to it. Assuming I can't flip it over as a bonus action I'll end my turn standing next to the table.
Rose will head over by the table and stab any Kuo-Toa that gets near. (Attack: 9 Damage: 10) Or try at least.
Even before Kloogut can finish his order to attack, Darrius quickly shoots an arrow at the closest target, initiating the fight (cumulative damage to Kuo-Toa#3: 8). Immediately stowing his bow, Darrius flips the table in front of him providing some additional cover (free interaction with the environment; Darrius, as is, currently benefits from half-cover {+2AC}).
KLOOGUT'S TURN:
The Kuo-Toa leader cuts its finger on the pincer portion of its staff, draws a straight line in the mud with it while muttering some words in Undercommon (It is casting bane on Darrius, Rose, and Graxx, who all need to roll a {DC12} CHA saving throw or be affected by the spell). With that, Kloogut will move to H35.
(Cato and Graxx are up).
Graxx Charisma Saving Throw First: 8
Attack Roll Subtraction Roll: 1
Graxx will let our a roar saying, "TEMPUS!". Graxx will begin to Rage. He take his greataxe off his back and charge to H31 where he will slash down onto Kuo-Toa #2.
Attack: 7 Slashing Damage: 13