This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jury had just been about to try burning the liquid when Charles warning gave the Warforged pause. "Warning received. Currently Analyzing. One Moment."A second later, he perks up at the voice entering his head. Curiosity nearly drives him to answering the question, as duty often dictated in the past. But having been 'burned' once by such communications, he instead focused on redirecting Order back to the bottle. If nothing happens from simply getting close it, Verdict stops peeking around the corner to give the bottle and the surrounding area a closer examination.
Verdict's Investigation: 9. (Same Bonus if Perception would be more appropriate)
The task completed, he again looked towards the strange liquid, consider the voice, and tried to piece together any potential connection to a creature. He even went a step further and turned his still burning Lantern of Revealing on the room in search of any invisible foes or peculiar objects. "A wise assessment. Verdict has discovered a potion towards the south. He is assessing. Suggestion. Head in that direction for time being. Same formation."
(@Everyone I would do the Investigation through Jury. But as he may be occupied narrowing down potential list of telepathic creatures and the like, I didn't think it feasible to do both in one post... Technically.)
(@Ori: Good call on keeping it honest/fair and splitting the tasks. You get an Inspiration Token for that. Use it wisely).
It takes some time for Order to sluggishly make his way to the bottle through the wet sand, but he eventually arrives and finds no immediate threat around the bottle. Verdict approaches and stares at the bubbling concoction. There is a cloudy green fluid inside, but the familiar cannot ascertain anything else.
Jury then focuses on whatever is trying to communicate with him. It is hard to say what the source of the words may be taking only into account the fact that it communicates through telepathy, but whatever it is, it sounded old and knowledgeable. Trying to gather further clues, the constructed cleric looks around using his Lantern of Revealing but finds no threat hiding under the guise of invisibility.
Charles hears something reach out in his head: "WHY... HAVE... YOU...COME... HERE?"
"Burninator, no reason to be slowed in this weird muk if I can fly." Drago hops on his broom. "So far the 'formation' has worked most of the time. I'll continue to help as appropriate. I'll just do it from that back of this broom of flying. Please don't be jealous, it is a family heir loom from Aunt Sabrina."
"The naming conventions of you fleshbags still confound me."Jury admits openly as he rose to step into formation, brushing off the gunk that clung to his fingers off onto his leg. After he hooks the lantern back on his belt and sees to it being refueled along the way. Meanwhile, the party can see that Verdict had retreated back into the hall, and was currently peeking around the corner to watch Order take-up the bottle. Again, if nothing should happen, he brings the bottle with it held high into the air for all the see.
Naturally, unless someone else wished to take up the bottle, Order passes it along to Jury to 'hmm' and 'processing' over it. Though at some point after he says, "Most interesting. Possibly worth an Identify. Processing.... Caution. There is an Entity on this level that appears to possess telepathic abilities similiar to my own. Creature or Creatures unknown. Communication has been rejected by the Jury until further intel can be provided on subject follow. Suggestions. To be determined. The Jury shall defer to your individual judgements. Caution. Creature appears to old, potentially ancient, and knowledgeable."
(@Superbad Just to clarify, this warning would come well after any return communication with the creature.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Charles will make his way down the hall to W6 (correct me if I'm wrong, but difficult terrain is 10ft of movement per square, instead of the normal 5, right?).
He will pause as the voice enters his head and call out to Jury, "Uh... the voice just entered my head. I haven't responded, I don't think I'd want to anyway..."
The party begin moving in the sandy hallway with some difficulty. The wet sand and the tight space make it hard for you guys to rearrange, such that you are not exactly back into your preferred formation just yet. Jury then receives the potion bottle from Order and begin his eleven-minute ritual. The group shifts in place for the duration and Verdict wanders off a bit, curious to see what is beyond the next turn. It finds the beginnings of two separate pools of water. The one to the north is much closer to the tiny construct than the one to the south.
The Identify ritual then completes. The cloudy green fluid inside the bottle smells of the sea and has a jellyfish-like bubble floating in it. Jury reveal it to be a Potion of Water Breathing.
It is at this point that Grixx hears something in his head: "YOU...ARE... HARDLY... THE... FIRST"
"It is possibly for the best. Such types of exchange can be taxing. Needlessly taxing yourself can only be to the whole's detriment. I personally exercise only the bare minimum through my connection with Verdict, Law, and Order to preserve my functionality over extended periods of time." He says at some point before or after the ritual. Jury notifies the party of his finding and offers it to Drago to hold, citing that he does not need to breathe. Afterwards, he places a hand over his chest, and begins citing an all to familiar chant. However, rather than briefly surround Jury in its grey glow, Verdict -- having copied the same motion -- is instead briefly surrounded in energy. With that out of the way, he once more directs Verdict to peek around the corner of the northern pool. Report, then make his way southward should nothing catch his eyes.
Drago looks at the bottle. "This feels like responsibility. But then the last time I decided to pontificate on our responsibilities in life I got sprayed with acid so I will try to hold my tongue. I thank you for the bottle Jury and will endeavor to keep it safe." Drago waits for reports from verdict to Jury to see what is known of the paths in front of them.
Grixx hears a response: "I... HAVE... BEEN... HERE... FOR... A... LONG... TIME" it then continues "PLEASE... COME... HELP... ME".
Jury hears back from Verdict, who communicates that he found a jar of black liquid sitting atop another stool across the northern pond. After a few more seconds, Verdict reports about the edges of a much larger pool of water to the south. For the first time since the trial started, Verdict had to make use of its darkvision. It needed it to see the southern pond.
Drago gets a feeling he'll will need to use the gifted potion sooner, rather than later.
The group then moves along a bit farther, finally settling in the desired marching order.
Jury had simply nodded to Drago before focusing forward almost immediately. After giving Order the silent command to go retrieve the Jar from the northern room, and return with it, Jury says in his usual monotone, "That is to be expected. However, do not allow your that human empathy of yours to cloud your judgement. Remember that these trials are designed to test us in more ways than one."
Jury then gestures for Grixx to turn southward in the last direction Verdictwent down. "That is... Unfortunate news. There is a great pool of water to the south enshrouded by what appears to be natural darkness. Once Order has returned, I will have him switch places with Law in order to ensure some... Oh. Nevermind. Do not move Grixx."Jury steps up and touches an article of clothing (pants, maybe, if shirtless?), causing it to glow with a cool, whitish blue light. "There. While you will attract attention, you will also be able to see for a time in the darkness."
(Now to come up with something inspiring since we had a Short Rest to get Grixx attuned last in between Inspiring Words..)
Grixx hears a response: "WITHIN... THE... FOG" followed by "I'M... HIDING... FOR... SAFETY"
-> the barbarian now also has light-pants. (Giving him holy-legs?... Good thing he never skips leg day!)
Order then steps into the small pool of water, and after thrashing for a few seconds, sinks to the bottom, however deep that may be... much to Jury's disappointment.
Drago's suggestion comes a bit too late for Order's sake, who is now underwater.
(@Lerus I'm just making sure that he is as GLORIOUSLY INCANDSCENT as he should be.)
(@Everyone That moment when your realize you things like Mage Hand. It might not work anyways, but could be the difference between a lost minion.)
Jury did not know why, but suddenly he felt the strongest urge to mimic the mouth breathes deep exhales. A moment later, he gives Order the order to try finding some underwater purchase to climb itself back up onto their level. He had Darkvision, and it couldn't be that deep... right? "One moment." Jury request as he strode forth within five feet of the pool, and with a snap of his fingers, conjures a ghoulish green hand by the jar, and sees if it can move it safely.
"The possibility exists, Drago. But I would not rely on merely possibilities. After further assessment, this trial appears to imply a 'under water' theme. We however been fortunate that this 'theme' did not include a ship to ship battle, or a similar outcome."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Grixx thinks "Hiding from what?! Where is the danger."
Grixx looks down at this glowing pants. He thrusts and twists to see how the light changes. "Thank you, Jury"
Grixx says to all, "The voice in my head says that it is hiding for safety within the fog. As you stated, I am not sure of its intentions or if it is deceiving. I am on my guard"
Grixx would like to actively scan the ceiling and walls.
Drago flies to the jar across the water and picks up the potions jar. He brings it back to Jury and mage hands it to him in person. Drago has a slightly mocking grin on his face.
(OOC: Drago does NOT actually cast mage hand. The reference is for color.)
Charles will slowly draw his pistol, just in case. He will walk up close to the water and try to perceive anything about it that seems funky or deadly, mainly if something is lurking in the water. ((Perception: 21, if at disadvantage then: 21))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Order receives his order and begins climbing up, underwater (athletics: 13). The zombie is struggling, not able to find enough purchase on the mud.
Jury then attempts to use his ghoulish Mage Hand to collect his prize himself, but is interrupted by a fast flying Drago in his Broom of Flying. The elf collects it in a jiffy, and delivers it to the warforged with a cheeky grin. Both adventurers notice that inside the jar, a thick, heavy oil, which is also black in color, shifts rapidly. They also both notice, now that they are close to the pool of water, that its greenish color and putrid smell are similar to that they found in the grassy room. The stench is quite overwhelming.
Charles palms hit pistol and keeps an eye out. He looks past Jury to get a glimpse of the water and notices what the warforged and the elf had already noticed. The water is disgusting. The only moving creature in there seems to be Order trying to make his way back up. The gunslinger judges the pool to be about 20 feet deep, but it is hard to be certain since it is so murky.
Meanwhile, Grixx continues his conversation: "COME... PLEASE... YOU... ARE... NOT... FAR". The barbarian also notices that the walls are covered in this slimy watery substance. There does not seem to be any fog in the immediate area.
Verdict and Law await patiently for their next order.
UPDATED MAP:
(Please ignore the blue arrow. You have already collected the item).
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Ori: Good call on keeping it honest/fair and splitting the tasks. You get an Inspiration Token for that. Use it wisely).
It takes some time for Order to sluggishly make his way to the bottle through the wet sand, but he eventually arrives and finds no immediate threat around the bottle. Verdict approaches and stares at the bubbling concoction. There is a cloudy green fluid inside, but the familiar cannot ascertain anything else.
Jury then focuses on whatever is trying to communicate with him. It is hard to say what the source of the words may be taking only into account the fact that it communicates through telepathy, but whatever it is, it sounded old and knowledgeable. Trying to gather further clues, the constructed cleric looks around using his Lantern of Revealing but finds no threat hiding under the guise of invisibility.
Charles hears something reach out in his head: "WHY... HAVE... YOU...COME... HERE?"
"Burninator, no reason to be slowed in this weird muk if I can fly." Drago hops on his broom. "So far the 'formation' has worked most of the time. I'll continue to help as appropriate. I'll just do it from that back of this broom of flying. Please don't be jealous, it is a family heir loom from Aunt Sabrina."
Lot's of stuff ...
Grixx will go in formation with Greatsword drawn to the south as suggested.
"The naming conventions of you fleshbags still confound me." Jury admits openly as he rose to step into formation, brushing off the gunk that clung to his fingers off onto his leg. After he hooks the lantern back on his belt and sees to it being refueled along the way. Meanwhile, the party can see that Verdict had retreated back into the hall, and was currently peeking around the corner to watch Order take-up the bottle. Again, if nothing should happen, he brings the bottle with it held high into the air for all the see.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(Noted!)
Charles will make his way down the hall to W6 (correct me if I'm wrong, but difficult terrain is 10ft of movement per square, instead of the normal 5, right?).
He will pause as the voice enters his head and call out to Jury, "Uh... the voice just entered my head. I haven't responded, I don't think I'd want to anyway..."
Kandalou Dle'tan - Level 9 Githyanki Fighter (Champion) - Rrakkma PbP
(@Superbad: That's right. Ten feet per square).
The party begin moving in the sandy hallway with some difficulty. The wet sand and the tight space make it hard for you guys to rearrange, such that you are not exactly back into your preferred formation just yet. Jury then receives the potion bottle from Order and begin his eleven-minute ritual. The group shifts in place for the duration and Verdict wanders off a bit, curious to see what is beyond the next turn. It finds the beginnings of two separate pools of water. The one to the north is much closer to the tiny construct than the one to the south.
The Identify ritual then completes. The cloudy green fluid inside the bottle smells of the sea and has a jellyfish-like bubble floating in it. Jury reveal it to be a Potion of Water Breathing.
It is at this point that Grixx hears something in his head: "YOU...ARE... HARDLY... THE... FIRST"
UPDATED MAP:
Grixx is startled and is taken aback as he has not encountered this type of communication. He thinks in his head ,”Hello? Who is this?”
"It is possibly for the best. Such types of exchange can be taxing. Needlessly taxing yourself can only be to the whole's detriment. I personally exercise only the bare minimum through my connection with Verdict, Law, and Order to preserve my functionality over extended periods of time." He says at some point before or after the ritual. Jury notifies the party of his finding and offers it to Drago to hold, citing that he does not need to breathe. Afterwards, he places a hand over his chest, and begins citing an all to familiar chant. However, rather than briefly surround Jury in its grey glow, Verdict -- having copied the same motion -- is instead briefly surrounded in energy. With that out of the way, he once more directs Verdict to peek around the corner of the northern pool. Report, then make his way southward should nothing catch his eyes.
Verdict's Perception: 10 (with Guidance: 3).
Seeing Grixx answer someone aloud, Jury eyes flicker red for a moment. "Curious." He states, then looks to Drago. "You may be next."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Drago looks at the bottle. "This feels like responsibility. But then the last time I decided to pontificate on our responsibilities in life I got sprayed with acid so I will try to hold my tongue. I thank you for the bottle Jury and will endeavor to keep it safe." Drago waits for reports from verdict to Jury to see what is known of the paths in front of them.
Lot's of stuff ...
Grixx hears a response: "I... HAVE... BEEN... HERE... FOR... A... LONG... TIME" it then continues "PLEASE... COME... HELP... ME".
Jury hears back from Verdict, who communicates that he found a jar of black liquid sitting atop another stool across the northern pond. After a few more seconds, Verdict reports about the edges of a much larger pool of water to the south. For the first time since the trial started, Verdict had to make use of its darkvision. It needed it to see the southern pond.
Drago gets a feeling he'll will need to use the gifted potion sooner, rather than later.
The group then moves along a bit farther, finally settling in the desired marching order.
UPDATED MAP:
Grixx thinks in his mind “How do I find you?”
Grixx says out loud, “The voice in my head is asking for help. Says it’s been here a long time.”
Jury had simply nodded to Drago before focusing forward almost immediately. After giving Order the silent command to go retrieve the Jar from the northern room, and return with it, Jury says in his usual monotone, "That is to be expected. However, do not allow your that human empathy of yours to cloud your judgement. Remember that these trials are designed to test us in more ways than one."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Drago mentions to the others. "If there is need to travel over, not in, water and see in the dark I am able to do both with my darkvision and broom."
Lot's of stuff ...
Grixx hears a response: "WITHIN... THE... FOG" followed by "I'M... HIDING... FOR... SAFETY"
-> the barbarian now also has light-pants. (Giving him holy-legs?... Good thing he never skips leg day!)
Order then steps into the small pool of water, and after thrashing for a few seconds, sinks to the bottom, however deep that may be... much to Jury's disappointment.
Drago's suggestion comes a bit too late for Order's sake, who is now underwater.
(@Lerus I'm just making sure that he is as GLORIOUSLY INCANDSCENT as he should be.)
(@Everyone That moment when your realize you things like Mage Hand. It might not work anyways, but could be the difference between a lost minion.)
Jury did not know why, but suddenly he felt the strongest urge to mimic the mouth breathes deep exhales. A moment later, he gives Order the order to try finding some underwater purchase to climb itself back up onto their level. He had Darkvision, and it couldn't be that deep... right? "One moment." Jury request as he strode forth within five feet of the pool, and with a snap of his fingers, conjures a ghoulish green hand by the jar, and sees if it can move it safely.
"The possibility exists, Drago. But I would not rely on merely possibilities. After further assessment, this trial appears to imply a 'under water' theme. We however been fortunate that this 'theme' did not include a ship to ship battle, or a similar outcome."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Grixx thinks "Hiding from what?! Where is the danger."
Grixx looks down at this glowing pants. He thrusts and twists to see how the light changes. "Thank you, Jury"
Grixx says to all, "The voice in my head says that it is hiding for safety within the fog. As you stated, I am not sure of its intentions or if it is deceiving. I am on my guard"
Grixx would like to actively scan the ceiling and walls.
Perception: 23
Drago flies to the jar across the water and picks up the potions jar. He brings it back to Jury and mage hands it to him in person. Drago has a slightly mocking grin on his face.
(OOC: Drago does NOT actually cast mage hand. The reference is for color.)
Lot's of stuff ...
Charles will slowly draw his pistol, just in case. He will walk up close to the water and try to perceive anything about it that seems funky or deadly, mainly if something is lurking in the water. ((Perception: 21, if at disadvantage then: 21))
Kandalou Dle'tan - Level 9 Githyanki Fighter (Champion) - Rrakkma PbP
Order receives his order and begins climbing up, underwater (athletics: 13). The zombie is struggling, not able to find enough purchase on the mud.
Jury then attempts to use his ghoulish Mage Hand to collect his prize himself, but is interrupted by a fast flying Drago in his Broom of Flying. The elf collects it in a jiffy, and delivers it to the warforged with a cheeky grin. Both adventurers notice that inside the jar, a thick, heavy oil, which is also black in color, shifts rapidly. They also both notice, now that they are close to the pool of water, that its greenish color and putrid smell are similar to that they found in the grassy room. The stench is quite overwhelming.
Charles palms hit pistol and keeps an eye out. He looks past Jury to get a glimpse of the water and notices what the warforged and the elf had already noticed. The water is disgusting. The only moving creature in there seems to be Order trying to make his way back up. The gunslinger judges the pool to be about 20 feet deep, but it is hard to be certain since it is so murky.
Meanwhile, Grixx continues his conversation: "COME... PLEASE... YOU... ARE... NOT... FAR". The barbarian also notices that the walls are covered in this slimy watery substance. There does not seem to be any fog in the immediate area.
Verdict and Law await patiently for their next order.
UPDATED MAP:
(Please ignore the blue arrow. You have already collected the item).