This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gremryl having freed himself from the net, and shortly enjoyed the priestess demise looks up and says
"What in the pantheon of gods is that monkey demon fishy looking abomination!!! by moradins balls.. the evil resonating! my bones!! Haven't felt this since... BY MY BALLS!!!!
As charismatic as this party is, Hemeth, the Duerger Dwarf is not...he's afflicted with madness and you watch as he panics in sheer terror at the sight of the monstrous beast! You can see the wetness of his pants and a puddle of piss beginning to pool at his feet. He's paralyzed in fear.
All of the Kuo-toa are grabbing their skulls and cowering as if in intense pain. Some run blindly forward, crashing into each other and into other things. The chaos is such that you all think now is surely the easiest chance you've had thus far to make your escape from this village.
Looking towards the huge beast, making its way towards land, the waters quake with a bubbling froth of blood and guts as the Kuo-toa that made their way into the waters, still shaking in terror, are ripped apart by something you can't see. Those that get close to the raging beast, however, are flung easily over 100 yards and others are snapped in half like brittle twigs.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "right about now.. ye Mother's blessing or smite might be needed!!" Gremryl yells! Gremryl Stonebreaker: He has't forgotton about the gray one Morgana: What's that deamon thing doing? Standing there? Breaking shit? Gremryl Stonebreaker: I don't be knowing lass.. but it resonates evil of the purest sort! GM: damn...can't copy paste GM: ok, going to paste once more to the forum...since I typed it all out. Morgana: I mean if we have time I'd like to loot a corpse and/or finish dealing with your dwarven target, but if it starts breathing fire I say we cut bait and haul ass! GM: Posted! 'grimey619' connection lost. Waiting for reconnect Morgana: Oh...that's what it's doing... Morgana: Is there any way to tell how fast it's moving? How long do we have until it makes landfall? 'grimey619' disconnected Demogorgon: OOOOOAAAAARRRRRRAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!! GM: It's slow GM: but making landfall soon because of it's immense size Morgana: Grem, what's the deal with this other dwarf? Is he important to you in some way or not? Do we need to deal with him? GM: If you want to take just a brief moment to loot a corpse or two, you can choose to do that Morgana: I'm looting the priestesses corpse! Morgana: I'm also gonna look around to see if I can spot anything resembling a water craft GM: You find the following in her possession Azurite Gem Azurite Gem Azurite Gem Silk Handkerchief Silver Choker GP [290] SP [500] CP [1000] GM: I moved your token to where the archpriestess died Morgana: And the boat...? GM: there are boats you see on the docks Morgana: Any real differences between them? GM: none that you can tell from the chaos GM: wise to check though Morgana: On general principle I'll try to charm the Duerger that just pissed himself Morgana: He needs to roll a wisdom saving throw DC 14 GM: Charm isn't necessary. he's incapacitated from being able to think straight. if you want to take him, you'll have to carry him. Grem might be better suited for that job. GM: if he returns that is... 'grimey619' connected GM: Welcome back Gremryl Stonebreaker: here Morgana: how wide is the nearest boat? GM: wide enough to fit your entire party +Hemeth Morgana: Nevermind Gremryl Stonebreaker: Where is the arch priest of the sea mother? ws he affeted? about time for some diety intervention Morgana: "Well I don't know about you boys but I don't wanna know what's gonna happen when that thing makes landfall!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl looks at the demon.. wanting to fight.. Gremryl Stonebreaker: but he is also pragmatic Gremryl Stonebreaker: "priest!! Morgana: "Have fun trying to save these innocents, Grem. Say hi to Hemeth for me!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: where is the priest! Gremryl Stonebreaker: "I'm taking the gray one with me" GM: You don't see them Gremryl Stonebreaker: "lets get the boat! that demon is beyond me!" GM: you see Hemeth Morgana: I'm gonna get airborn and take off diagnally to the northeast away from the demon. I'll call back over my shoulder, "If you want to wise up and haul ass though, Grem, I'm happy to provide what ari cover I can!" GM: not the Sea Mother archpriest though Gremryl Stonebreaker: i just said i'm down Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol GM: Morgana, move 30 ft in the direction you like Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl goes over and bonks the gray dwarf on the head to knock him out GM: Gremryl, move towards the docks and I'll move Hemeth along with you as if you had picked him up over your shoulder and started running Gremryl Stonebreaker: do i need toroll GM: not in this case. he doesn't put up a struggle and you're strong enough to carry him. GM: he's panic-stricken and for all intents and purposes incapacitated. GM: hence why you have to carry him from here if you want to take him with you GM: Morgana, roll a Dex Saving Throw GM: Gremryl, you too Gremryl Stonebreaker: [SAVE] Dexterity [EFFECTS] [DIS] [DROPPED 15] [1r20+3 = 14] Demogorgon: OOOOAAAAAARRRAAARRRAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!! Gremryl Stonebreaker: don't know why that happened Demogorgon: hmm...hang on Grem... Demogorgon: you're still netted...lol Morgana: [1d20 = 13] GM: Dammit, Demo - stay in character you super beast! Morgana: 12 is my total for dex saving throw Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol Gremryl Stonebreaker: ya i shook off that shit GM: roll again, Grem GM: I removed that effect Gremryl Stonebreaker: [SAVE] Dexterity [1d20+3 = 4] Gremryl Stonebreaker: nooooooooo Gremryl Stonebreaker: lmao GM: oof! Morgana: I fgrem is still in the net I'll cast mage hand and have it go and disentaangle his ass GM: ok, Morgana, you barely, and I mean JUST barely manage to dodge a Kuo-toa that was hurled in your direction by the Demogorgon. Morgana: Flying fish!! GM: Gremryl, you make your way to the docks, but still shaking off the nettings, you trip, drop Hemeth into the boat, and tumble overboard into the water! GM: (@Morgana - LOL!) Gremryl Stonebreaker: gremryl is flopping like an iron borne tilapia Gremryl Stonebreaker: or a salmon Gremryl Stonebreaker: "help me lass!" GM: You get your head back above water and then what appears to be a large manta ray attempts to take a bit out of your left leg! Gremryl Stonebreaker: "get off me fish!" Ixitxachitl: [ATTACK (M)] Barbed tail [1d20+5 = 8] Attack [8] -> [at Gremryl Stonebreaker] [MISS] Gremryl Stonebreaker: can i get a javelin out and stay him! Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol GM: Luckily it misses! Gremryl Stonebreaker: ok GM: It would be Elmo's turn, who appears behind you from out of thin air and helps you up out of the water. Gremryl Stonebreaker: strenght or dex check to get on the boat Gremryl Stonebreaker: ok that works GM: You're back on the dock thanks to Elmo's help. GM: Morgana looks on from her high perch in the sky and shakes her head at the not so nimble dwarf. Morgana: I'll cast fire bolt at the water around the boat and try to boil any more beasts that might be lurking below the surface GM: she says something but you can't make it out. you're pretty sure it was something that you deserved for that effort. GM: hmm..cast that targeting the Ixitxachitl GM: it's in the combat tracker now GM: and it's token is next to the dock [TURN] Morgana Morgana: [ATTACK (R)] Fire Bolt [1d20+6 = 8] Attack [8] -> [at Ixitxachitl] [MISS] Morgana: I want a new set of ******* dice!!! GM: lol, for real, dude GM: get your shit together, cuz! GM: luckily it can't do much if you're not in the water GM: so, Elmo, Grem and Hemeth hopping in the boat? [TURN] Elmo Lightpocket Gremryl Stonebreaker: Grem's waits for the other to get in the boat Gremryl Stonebreaker: he's gonna be the last one Gremryl Stonebreaker: in Morgana: I'm gonna have my mage hand grab the prow of the boat and start dragging it out to sea. It can only apply ten pounds of pressure but what with inertia and the liquid state of the water it might help a bit in terms of propulsion Gremryl Stonebreaker: "Get in the boats you **** ****s!" GM: yeah, it'll move Shuushar the Awakened: Hey! Wait for me!!! Gremryl Stonebreaker: i dont' even see the boat on the map GM: You see Shuushar running as fast as his fish legs can carry him towards the docks. Gremryl Stonebreaker: Grem's looks over... "hurry you fishy arse then!" GM: do you wait? or shove off? Gremryl Stonebreaker: "wait morgana!" Demogorgon: OOOOOAAAARRRRAAAARRRRAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!! Morgana: My ahnd keeps right on pulling... GM: Ok. at that rate, it doesn't look like he's gonna make the boat. Shuushar the Awakened: Wait!!! WAAAAIIITTT!!!!! Gremryl Stonebreaker: "by the gods wait!!" Morgana: "Get in, Grem, he's already dead" Gremryl Stonebreaker: "He's not, and you dont want that on your hands!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: We need him! GM: You see other Kuo-toa flying in all directions from where the great beast is now on land. Gremryl Stonebreaker: the lake!!! Morgana: "I want a set of living hands, period! Get in!! Don't think I won't leave you!!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: how far is he now? Gremryl Stonebreaker: since we have been arguing? GM: Closer...but the boat continues to be pushed/or pulled by Morgana's spell Morgana: More importantly, how far is the boat from the dock? GM: It's just leaving the dock now GM: he won't make it to the boat at this rate. Gremryl Stonebreaker: "lass we need him to navigate the boat!!!" Morgana: Morgana is humming "Anchors Away" GM: (your tokens are on a boat...but I have no boat token...theatre of the mind...*waves hands around*) Gremryl Stonebreaker: "give him a push with the mage hand!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: "we have it!!" Morgana: "We'll capture a different guide!" I scan the water for any beings splashing in the shallows that look like they need a ride Morgana: Plus, we already have the other dwarf as a guide Gremryl Stonebreaker: "aye..." gremryl looks sullenly at the shore. thinking about the death that is about to be wrought upon that village.. GM: As you keep pulling away, Shuushar makes it to the end of the dock and dives into the water after you. Shuushar the Awakened: WAIT!!! PLEASE!!! Gremryl Stonebreaker: "what! Swim fish man!!" GM: You see a splash and then a fervent bubbling coming from the water... Morgana: "I'll stop pulling the second you harm something in self defense!!" I giggle GM: You instantly realize that he was not aware of the dozen or so Ixitxachitl ripping apart anything falling into the water... Gremryl Stonebreaker: "Lass, quit you bullying and lets get him on the boat.. ENOUGH!" GM: ...blood and guts rise to the surface...you make out bits of Shuushar's garments floating in the distance as your boat gains momentum... Gremryl Stonebreaker: '.....sigh....' Gremryl Stonebreaker: Grem's is no stranger to death or death for no reasons Morgana: "sic semper cowards" Morgana grimly intones as she contines to fly/pull the boat away from the shore GM: As you watch the carnage happen, a sinking feeling begins to stir in your gut, Gremryl...you say to yourself quietly, "WWMD?" Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl looks at the gray one.. "you!!!" Ixitxachitl: [ATTACK (M)] Bite [1d20+3 = 16] Attack [16] -> [at Shuushar the Awakened] [HIT] Ixitxachitl: [DAMAGE (M)] Bite [TYPE: piercing (1d6+1=2)] [1d6+1 = 2] Effect ['Unconscious'] -> [to Shuushar the Awakened] Damage [2] -> [to Shuushar the Awakened] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 2] [STATUS: Dying (1)] Ixitxachitl: [DAMAGE (M)] Bite [TYPE: piercing (1d6+1=6)] [1d6+1 = 6] Damage [6] -> [to Shuushar the Awakened] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 6] [STATUS: Dying (2)] Ixitxachitl: [DAMAGE (M)] Bite [TYPE: piercing (1d6+1=2)] [1d6+1 = 2] Damage [2] -> [to Shuushar the Awakened] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 2] [STATUS: Dead] GM: Hemeth is just barely coming to his senses... Hemeth (Duergar): Huh? Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremry slaps him GM: He points to himself. Hemeth (Duergar): Ouch! What the heck was that for?! Gremryl Stonebreaker: [1d20 = 9] GM: He rubs the side of his face Gremryl Stonebreaker: stregnth check Morgana: "Waity! Don't hurt him Grem!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: "you ******* gray!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: he slaps him again! Gremryl Stonebreaker: [1d20 = 9] Hemeth (Duergar): Yeah, listen to the winged---what the f---?! Is she flying?! Hemeth (Duergar): Ouch!!! Hemeth (Duergar): STOP IT! Morgana: Is Hemeth hostile towards ME? Hemeth (Duergar): By Moradin's balls! Gremryl Stonebreaker: "what morgana? he your friend?" GM: He isn't yet. lol Morgana: I want to charm him! Gremryl Stonebreaker: grem slaps him again! Gremryl Stonebreaker: [1d20 = 5] Morgana: Have him roll a dc wisdom saving throw! Gremryl Stonebreaker: he is pretty pissed GM: He struggle back and the both of you begin grappling in the boat... Gremryl Stonebreaker: strength check? Gremryl Stonebreaker: [CHECK] Strength [1d20+4 = 17] Morgana: Wait, did I charm him or not? Hemeth (Duergar): [CHECK] Strength [1d20+2 = 18] Hemeth (Duergar): He pins you down in a headlock, Grem GM: ugh..gotta stay sharp on who's talking here... Gremryl Stonebreaker: Command GM: Is it Charm or Suggestion this time, Morgana? Morgana: Cahrm! Morgana: I'm out of 2nd level spells Gremryl Stonebreaker: nvm that command GM: WIS 14 saving throw coming up Hemeth (Duergar): [SAVE] Wisdom [1d20 = 5] GM: He regards you as a friend. Hemeth (Duergar): Is this bastard-Dwarf your friend? Can you get him to calm the **** down? Morgana: "Hemeth! Old buddy! Hold it right there! You were a bit confused when that demon hit us but everything is OK now!" GM: Hemeth asks of Morgana GM: Like Hell it is, buddy! This guy is slapping around for no apparent reason! Morgana: "Grem, he's with us and can be very helpful! STAND THE **** DOWN!" GM: Hemeth thinks that to himself... Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl casts command on Hemeth Hemeth (Duergar): I don't know who you are, Dwarf, but let's call it a truce, eh? At least until we get out of here! Gremryl Stonebreaker: in between breaths Command GM: What is the command? Gremryl Stonebreaker: jump over the boat GM: 1-word per the description GM: but nice try Morgana: "sigh" Gremryl Stonebreaker: jump Morgana: The description says a short word or phrase Gremryl Stonebreaker: get off boat GM: I don't see Command on your Char sheet.. Morgana: actually, it says a sentence or two GM: what's the DC? Gremryl Stonebreaker: nvm Morgana: oh, never mind, I was looking at suggestion again!! Morgana: haha Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol Gremryl Stonebreaker: i don't have it prepared GM: ahh.. GM: that explains it then Morgana: Morganna repeats, "Stand down! We need to man power to row you dummies!" GM: You're still locked tightly in a headlock for now. Gremryl Stonebreaker: strength check to get out Gremryl Stonebreaker: [CHECK] Strength [1d20+4 = 21] GM: you both already did a strength check to get to the position you're in...I'll let you roll again after some time has passed. GM: sorry man, you can't keep rolling over and over, ya know? Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol Hemeth (Duergar): Look, I mean you guys no harm Hemeth (Duergar): I want out of here as badly as you guys do. Hemeth (Duergar): Truce? Morgana: "We know, Hemeth, my buddy here is just a bit mad from deamon induced psychosis. Just hold him still!" Demogorgon: ooooaaarrrraaggghh!!! Gremryl Stonebreaker: "lets get the hell out of here.. we'll deal with this later...' GM: The roars of the Demogorgon start to fade in the background as you gain distance from the village. Morgana: "Grem, we must all hang together or we will all hang seperately! Look at poor elmo! He's shaking like a leaf!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: go ahead tielfing Hemeth (Duergar): No problem there, friend. Gremryl Stonebreaker: use your sorcery Elmo Lightpocket: I'm here for the food and show. Morgana: "Ok, let him go, hemeth, he's good now" Elmo Lightpocket: Keep going. Hemeth (Duergar): You sure, pal? Hemeth (Duergar): I really don't want to get slapped upside the head again, ya know? Elmo Lightpocket: I give it 50/50 odds... Morgana: "Yeah, I know Grem to be an HONERABLE PALADIN THAT'S TRUE TO HIS WORD!!" Gremryl Stonebreaker: "you gray one... you say you claim to be moradins one.. we'll see." GM: Hemeth lets go immediately once he hears that Gremryl is a paladin. Morgana: Are there any oars in the boat? Gremryl Stonebreaker: grems looks at morgana "aye.. where's stool by the way?" Hemeth (Duergar): By Moradin's beard, you're a Paladin!? Morgana: "No clue on the shroom, I lost him in the struggle." GM: stool has been silently following you all along and passed every check necessary to make it to the boat. you just now notice him. Gremryl Stonebreaker: and buppido? Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol Stool: Hi! Morgana: "Hey, that little scrapper made it! Welcome back, little guy!" GM: Buppido...he dipped out on you guys when you weren't looking. nobody bothered to check for him and he gave you the dueces first shot he got. Gremryl Stonebreaker: Stool just breaks the tension! Gremryl Stonebreaker: "by the gods stool!! you are here!" Morgana: ARE THERE ANY OARS IN THE BOAT? GM: Yes, you have a means to row the boat. Gremryl Stonebreaker: at the gray one "aye, i'd be a palladin of the Moradin" Stool: Of course! I'm way too scared to be by myself! Gremryl Stonebreaker: "you best be oarin... gray one" Stool: Did you see that monster coming out of the waters?!?! Morgana: "Quit squaking and start rowing! Hemeth! You've been here before! What's the best way out of this shit hole?!" Hemeth (Duergar): Lady, --uhhh..say, I know you from somewhere...but what's your name again? Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl doesn't row... Gremryl Stonebreaker: "row gray one' Hemeth (Duergar): ... Morgana: "I'm morgana, old buddy! Boy, those blows to the head really did a number on your memeory! But that's all behind you, now that we are reunited like the good old days!" Hemeth (Duergar): you gonna make me like you tried to last time...pal? Hemeth (Duergar): Morgana...yeah, that kinda doesn't sound familiar, but in any case, I'm all for getting out of here. Gremryl Stonebreaker: "roww!!!" intimidation check Gremryl Stonebreaker: [SKILL] Intimidation [PROF] [1d20+5 = 18] GM: Gremryl mean-mug's on the Duerger... GM: Hemeth recoils Hemeth (Duergar): Woah! Alright, alright! But only one person rowing is gonna make this boat go in circles... Hemeth (Duergar): Maybe you should get down off your high-Paladin perch there and pick up that other oar, eh? Gremryl Stonebreaker: "he's got 2 arms by me reckoning" GM: Hemeth picks up an oar. Gremryl Stonebreaker: gremryl sighs in frustration GM: (It's like one of those boats that's too big for one person to row both sides... Morgana: "Seriously, Grem, we gotta boogy! We can sort the rest of this out when we are'nt about to be consumed AND TURNED INTO DEAMON SHIT!!!" Hemeth (Duergar): Clearly there's the brains of the operation... Hemeth (Duergar): thank you, Morgana. Let's just get outta here together Elmo Lightpocket: *laughing to himself* Gremryl Stonebreaker: aye.. indeed Elmo Lightpocket: Oh for **** sake...i'll row with ya, Hemeth Gremryl Stonebreaker: we'll be talking later Gremryl Stonebreaker: grems rows GM: Elmo picks up an oar and starts rowing with anybody else rowing at this point. GM: CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU'VE ESCAPED FROM THE DEMOGORGON! Gremryl Stonebreaker: Grems gently moves elmo aside and pulls mightly Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol Gremryl Stonebreaker: good shit Morgana: "Row row row your boat, gently on the lake, try to st8ay away from the monster, for ******* ****s sake!"
Elmo - You last saw Buppido heading into the private hovel that was offered to you back at the Shrine of the Sea Mother. While you were on the roof of the store where Morgana and Gremryl learned of Hemeth the Duerger Dwarf, you kept watch for Buppido leaving the hovel, but you didn't see anything noteworthy. You recall now that Buppido didn't join you in the "bait-and-switch" plan leading up to the chaos at the Altar of the Deep Father. Only while running to the boat after the Demogorgon appeard, did you remember to search for traces of Buppido...but you were not able to return to the Shrine of the Sea Mother, where possibly you could have discovered clues as to his whereabouts (assuming you had a roll higher than a 7, of course).
Long story short - you have no idea where Buppido is and no way to track him from your current position.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
on the boat ride Elmo talks to Grem,
You were a bloody rightious force of arse kickery back there! They way you healed yourself and that bright holy shite that happens when ye swing stella! Bloody hell, there may be something to all that rightious shite.
Elmo pulls some meat from his pocket and offers some to grem and others who are listening (Hemeth, stool, and morg if she isnt flying)
Ye know... wherever Elmo goes, folks seem surprised by my various talents. Even you, I saw the look on your face when I tried to speak some sense into that foolish child. You seemed surprised that one tiny could speak like he has some stones. Truth be told, so did Elmo (he says jokingly). In all my years I have noticed that folks are shocked to see a halfling who isnt a fool, or a glutton, or a degenerate. Not that Im claimed to be free of those vices (Elmo winks). To be born a halfling is to be born a joke. I dont say these things to try to bring sympathy to my plight. Truth be told, I have been able to exploit some of my people's more negative stereotypes to my advantage. People always underestimate Elmo.
I bring up my peoples foolishness for a reason. (elmo motions over to Hemeth)
Nobody chooses to be born what they are. We can choose our own path... Finding a gray dwarf who worships Moradin? Unlikely... but so has been our survival on this shite journey. Who knows the will of the gods my stout friend?
Perhaps you're right and this gray bastard deserves to die. But if youre wrong, could you live with the blood of a Moradin worshiper on your hands? Your god would be none too pleased I thinks. Could you live knowing your bore ill will towards one strong enough to stand against his people for your god?
After I say my piece Elmo hands Hemeth another piece of meat and sit next to him. Elmo then attempts to pick Hemeths pocket:
As Gremryl rows he mulls over what Elmo said.. Has his hatred for duergar grown so much that it blinds him to followers of moradin and those who seek to do good? If thats the case then is he no more evil than those he seeks to vanquish? But a gray one who worships Moradin? How so..
"Again halfing, your words ring true with insight and knowledge. Mayhaps my anger blinded me towards the fact that beings can change.. albeit seldomly for good and more often to bad. Duergar killed my family, and seeing one brings those memories back... And ye be right about the righteous ass kickery!! Moradins force is true and any evil in its way.. well.. you saw what happens to them! You be a right shot with that crossbow! pow! right in the eye!!"
He looks at Hemeth
"So you worship Moradin? might be I owe ye an apology... You'll forgive me if I was a bit upset, as your kind aren't known for their 'goodlyness' if you catch me drift. When we get ashore we'll speak more on it and how you came be here and I'll make me judgement then. Duergar killed my family, and I'd like to ask ye some questions about your kin"
Elmo - You attempt to pickpocket Hemeth and find...a handwritten note that's been sealed with what appears to be a family crest. It has the same sigil as his garment - that of Moradin, you've learned.
Hemeth - "Hey! Did you just take that from me?!"He snatches it back before you can react and scowls at you for trying to pick his pocket."This is family property and I'd appreciate you keeping your sticky fingers to your meat snacks, thank you very much."
Gremryl - You apologize to Hemeth for jumping to conclusions about his particular disposition as you're correct in the general bias against Duerger being for good reason.
Hemeth - "Look, not ALL of us believe that we should be capturing surface-dwellers and selling them on the slave trade market, ya know. Well, maybe you DON'T know that, but it's true, nonetheless. My family, in particular, has been very outspoken in the political arena...not that it's done a great deal to help change the way the world works, unfortunately."He inspects Gremryl carefully before saying,"So...Morgana there says you're a paladin. And you follow Moradin's divine faith...is that true?!"
That's some right gratitude for ye, aye I got sticky fingers, but I also just used my silver tongue to keep our stout friend from murdering you in your sleep. Hows abouts you tell us about that sealed note in ye pocket and we'll call it even.
Hemeth - He eyes you up and down before answering,"It's private. I'll tell you though, it's important enough to stay that way for the sake of my family's safety in Gracklstugh. Now...should you help me return home, then I'll show you exactly why that is. Here's a clue-bird for ya...it involves the Pudding King. Which means it's serious business."
“Aye, a warrior for moradin I am. Before that I served in the Adbarian division of the Gustbuster brigade during the Drow invasions. Many a drow fell to Stella and Bella aye. While on campaign though a bad of marauding duergar fell upon my home town and killed everyone, including my wife and daughter.... dark times they were. When I came home to find my town burned to ashes I was crushed and blinded by a fury so hot! I left the Army and traveled the underdark alone and angry. Killing anything I could find. I was in a dark place...”
he takes a bite of a meat snack and chews thoughtfully
“then one day while battling a mind flayed I was nearly killed.. my mind nearly broken. Then I heard it... the sound of a hammer beating an anvil.. the sound of moradin. He came to me and fortified me mind and filled me with power and I slew the vile monster! After that... well he came to me and spoke. My mission was given to me. To smite the evil creeping up from the Underdark. There’s something happening lads.. and he put me on a path to stop it. And he put yous all in the path as well. To help? I don’t know.. but if ye of the faith of anvil and hammer then my morningstars will be at your side instead of in your face Hemeth of Gracklstugh, and ye Elmo meat pockets, and ye as well Morgana the angry. “ he smirks...
And what if ye Elmo.. what brought a surface dweller to the Underdark?
Elmo - You seem to recall hearing stories of someone called the Pudding King. His Pudding Court is located somewhere in Blingdenstone. They have trade routes to the surface and news of his business has traveled to an inn that you used to frequent. What you remember hearing in passing are stories of a mad, self-proclaimed "King" who courts a demon named Juiblex for power. His greed is never satisfied. Your curiosity is piqued on how this Duerger's family is associated with the Pudding King.
I'll cruise back to the boat and land beside Grem.
To the party: "You boys can thank me for being astute enough to save your lives later. And for helping you cut come dead weight shackled to you through sentimentality. I'm not at all sure why I didn't just leave you behind, but the mushroom and Grem are starting to grow on me. But you, halfling,...call me foolish again and I'll leave your ashes behind. Even you can't hide from a concentrated explosion!! And I'm sorry about your family, Grem. You and I are more similar than you may care to admit. But if you want to rely on your faith to get through, don't begrudge me my rage for getting me through."
To grem (but NOT ELMO) in a whisper: "Heads up, Hemeth wont remain charmed by me for much longer. There's no telling what he'll do when he comes to his senses. Should we tie him up? I don't want our guide to try to haul ass and leave us holding our ***** like he did last time. Thoughts?"
Whisper to the mushroom: "Hey little buddy, can you give me more info on how your spores work? Do they just communicate or can you see into the heads of others through some sort of psychic link? Also, do you need anything? You OK after that last battle?"
Gremryl - Upon hearing your story, Hemeth's face betrays knowledge of your past. He believes your words."I fear we have much more in common than I would have liked...ummm...What did you say your name was?"He pauses as you give him your full birth name, Gremryl Stonebreaker."By Moradin's anvil! You hail of the Stonebreaker name...your clan's tragic story is not lost to history, friend. No...it's in fact been an example of what my father has focused much of his energies to change. You see, after the Duerger Dwarves broke free of our enslavement from the Mindflayers, in the deepest parts of the Underdark, many of them turned their backs to Moradin's most divine and righteous path. My family, however, never once faltered in our beliefs that we all must do right in his name for the sake of Dwarves and other races everywhere. Vengeance only begets more death...which begets more vengeance. The cycle of hatred ends when those who want it to end act in Moradin's faith.."Pausing there for a moment, he asks Elmo for a meat snack. A little on the dry side, the flavors are delicious!
Morgana - Stool releases spores into the air so that he can communicate directly with Morgana."I'm just a child and my spores only allow for telepathic communication. Although...the sovereigns in my village do teach of greater powers that lie dormant in those of my kind. It's impossible to tell exactly what I may be capable of without a proper teacher." If he had a face, you'd tell he was hopeful now after having this conversation that upon returning to his village, he'll be able to seek an audience with his sovereigns and be assigned a proper teacher to further his powers.
What got me here? A series of bad decisions and even worse luck.
He motions to Morgana
Stop with your idle threats lass. If ye don't like being labeled a fool then change ye actions. You're not the scariest thing Elmo has seen or survived. I didn't take to kindly to your prickly demeanor for a number of reasons, but... (elmo composes himself) I must say that I am sorry that I lost me temper on ye back there. I over reacted a bit but I want ye to understand why. When I was a lad a stranger came to our village. He came with a smile and kind words, all the while he plotted against us. On the night he made his move on our village, my older sister was able to save the most adorable halfling lad youd ever seen. I kept my head down, so I didnt see much, but I can still remember the screams of good folk. My sis and I had to keep ourselves alive by our wits from then after. The thought that I would be associated with the same types of villainy that changed me life... well thats something that dont sit right with elmo.
I owed you and explanation for my outburst lass. Your actions and words didn't sit right with me, but I need to remember that while powerful, you're still a child. I need to conduct myself better. I know you've lead a hard life. But I don't think anybody you've met on our journey has had it particularly easy. Just know that anytime you show a dreckless and selfish disregard for life, elmo will have a problem with it. Elmo is a lot of things, but he is no murderer... not if he can help it!
The way you left behind sushaar didn't sit right with me lass. A word of kind advice, you dont get to be Elmo's age by burning every bridge and refusing to risk your life for those who would do the same for you. We get as good as we give in this world.
Long story short, Elmo has been working in a scoundrels line of work for a while. And the crews that get caught or die or fail are the ones with members who only care for themselves. The world can be a wee lonely place...
Which brings me to your questions my stout friend
(To grem) While some fellow degenerates and myself were caught committing some well planned and executed acts of precision thievery in the drawrven city of Kazak Arak. Apparently we were betrayed by one of our own (eyes moraga then moves his eyes back to Grem)... afterwards I was on me way to be executed in some other blasted dwarven shite hole when drow raiders took us prisoner.
(To Morg) I dont want to fight ye lass, but you can understand me concerns right lass? Do you think your shots of surviving are truly better on your own? Why is everybody around you your enemy?
Gremryl having freed himself from the net, and shortly enjoyed the priestess demise looks up and says
"What in the pantheon of gods is that monkey demon fishy looking abomination!!! by moradins balls.. the evil resonating! my bones!! Haven't felt this since... BY MY BALLS!!!!
Charisma save
24
Elmo Charisma Saving Throw (+1): 8
As charismatic as this party is, Hemeth, the Duerger Dwarf is not...he's afflicted with madness and you watch as he panics in sheer terror at the sight of the monstrous beast! You can see the wetness of his pants and a puddle of piss beginning to pool at his feet. He's paralyzed in fear.
All of the Kuo-toa are grabbing their skulls and cowering as if in intense pain. Some run blindly forward, crashing into each other and into other things. The chaos is such that you all think now is surely the easiest chance you've had thus far to make your escape from this village.
Looking towards the huge beast, making its way towards land, the waters quake with a bubbling froth of blood and guts as the Kuo-toa that made their way into the waters, still shaking in terror, are ripped apart by something you can't see. Those that get close to the raging beast, however, are flung easily over 100 yards and others are snapped in half like brittle twigs.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "right about now.. ye Mother's blessing or smite might be needed!!" Gremryl yells!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: He has't forgotton about the gray one
Morgana: What's that deamon thing doing? Standing there? Breaking shit?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: I don't be knowing lass.. but it resonates evil of the purest sort!
GM: damn...can't copy paste
GM: ok, going to paste once more to the forum...since I typed it all out.
Morgana: I mean if we have time I'd like to loot a corpse and/or finish dealing with your dwarven target, but if it starts breathing fire I say we cut bait and haul ass!
GM: Posted!
'grimey619' connection lost. Waiting for reconnect
Morgana: Oh...that's what it's doing...
Morgana: Is there any way to tell how fast it's moving? How long do we have until it makes landfall?
'grimey619' disconnected
Demogorgon: OOOOOAAAAARRRRRRAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!
GM: It's slow
GM: but making landfall soon because of it's immense size
Morgana: Grem, what's the deal with this other dwarf? Is he important to you in some way or not? Do we need to deal with him?
GM: If you want to take just a brief moment to loot a corpse or two, you can choose to do that
Morgana: I'm looting the priestesses corpse!
Morgana: I'm also gonna look around to see if I can spot anything resembling a water craft
GM: You find the following in her possession
Azurite Gem
Azurite Gem
Azurite Gem
Silk Handkerchief
Silver Choker
GP [290]
SP [500]
CP [1000]
GM: I moved your token to where the archpriestess died
Morgana: And the boat...?
GM: there are boats you see on the docks
Morgana: Any real differences between them?
GM: none that you can tell from the chaos
GM: wise to check though
Morgana: On general principle I'll try to charm the Duerger that just pissed himself
Morgana: He needs to roll a wisdom saving throw DC 14
GM: Charm isn't necessary. he's incapacitated from being able to think straight. if you want to take him, you'll have to carry him. Grem might be better suited for that job.
GM: if he returns that is...
'grimey619' connected
GM: Welcome back
Gremryl Stonebreaker: here
Morgana: how wide is the nearest boat?
GM: wide enough to fit your entire party +Hemeth
Morgana: Nevermind
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Where is the arch priest of the sea mother? ws he affeted? about time for some diety intervention
Morgana: "Well I don't know about you boys but I don't wanna know what's gonna happen when that thing makes landfall!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl looks at the demon.. wanting to fight..
Gremryl Stonebreaker: but he is also pragmatic
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "priest!!
Morgana: "Have fun trying to save these innocents, Grem. Say hi to Hemeth for me!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: where is the priest!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "I'm taking the gray one with me"
GM: You don't see them
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "lets get the boat! that demon is beyond me!"
GM: you see Hemeth
Morgana: I'm gonna get airborn and take off diagnally to the northeast away from the demon. I'll call back over my shoulder, "If you want to wise up and haul ass though, Grem, I'm happy to provide what ari cover I can!"
GM: not the Sea Mother archpriest though
Gremryl Stonebreaker: i just said i'm down
Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol
GM: Morgana, move 30 ft in the direction you like
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl goes over and bonks the gray dwarf on the head to knock him out
GM: Gremryl, move towards the docks and I'll move Hemeth along with you as if you had picked him up over your shoulder and started running
Gremryl Stonebreaker: do i need toroll
GM: not in this case. he doesn't put up a struggle and you're strong enough to carry him.
GM: he's panic-stricken and for all intents and purposes incapacitated.
GM: hence why you have to carry him from here if you want to take him with you
GM: Morgana, roll a Dex Saving Throw
GM: Gremryl, you too
Gremryl Stonebreaker: [SAVE] Dexterity [EFFECTS] [DIS] [DROPPED 15] [1r20+3 = 14]
Demogorgon: OOOOAAAAAARRRAAARRRAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: don't know why that happened
Demogorgon: hmm...hang on Grem...
Demogorgon: you're still netted...lol
Morgana: [1d20 = 13]
GM: Dammit, Demo - stay in character you super beast!
Morgana: 12 is my total for dex saving throw
Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol
Gremryl Stonebreaker: ya i shook off that shit
GM: roll again, Grem
GM: I removed that effect
Gremryl Stonebreaker: [SAVE] Dexterity [1d20+3 = 4]
Gremryl Stonebreaker: nooooooooo
Gremryl Stonebreaker: lmao
GM: oof!
Morgana: I fgrem is still in the net I'll cast mage hand and have it go and disentaangle his ass
GM: ok, Morgana, you barely, and I mean JUST barely manage to dodge a Kuo-toa that was hurled in your direction by the Demogorgon.
Morgana: Flying fish!!
GM: Gremryl, you make your way to the docks, but still shaking off the nettings, you trip, drop Hemeth into the boat, and tumble overboard into the water!
GM: (@Morgana - LOL!)
Gremryl Stonebreaker: gremryl is flopping like an iron borne tilapia
Gremryl Stonebreaker: or a salmon
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "help me lass!"
GM: You get your head back above water and then what appears to be a large manta ray attempts to take a bit out of your left leg!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "get off me fish!"
Ixitxachitl: [ATTACK (M)] Barbed tail [1d20+5 = 8]
Attack [8] -> [at Gremryl Stonebreaker] [MISS]
Gremryl Stonebreaker: can i get a javelin out and stay him!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol
GM: Luckily it misses!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: ok
GM: It would be Elmo's turn, who appears behind you from out of thin air and helps you up out of the water.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: strenght or dex check to get on the boat
Gremryl Stonebreaker: ok that works
GM: You're back on the dock thanks to Elmo's help.
GM: Morgana looks on from her high perch in the sky and shakes her head at the not so nimble dwarf.
Morgana: I'll cast fire bolt at the water around the boat and try to boil any more beasts that might be lurking below the surface
GM: she says something but you can't make it out. you're pretty sure it was something that you deserved for that effort.
GM: hmm..cast that targeting the Ixitxachitl
GM: it's in the combat tracker now
GM: and it's token is next to the dock
[TURN] Morgana
Morgana: [ATTACK (R)] Fire Bolt [1d20+6 = 8]
Attack [8] -> [at Ixitxachitl] [MISS]
Morgana: I want a new set of ******* dice!!!
GM: lol, for real, dude
GM: get your shit together, cuz!
GM: luckily it can't do much if you're not in the water
GM: so, Elmo, Grem and Hemeth hopping in the boat?
[TURN] Elmo Lightpocket
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Grem's waits for the other to get in the boat
Gremryl Stonebreaker: he's gonna be the last one
Gremryl Stonebreaker: in
Morgana: I'm gonna have my mage hand grab the prow of the boat and start dragging it out to sea. It can only apply ten pounds of pressure but what with inertia and the liquid state of the water it might help a bit in terms of propulsion
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "Get in the boats you **** ****s!"
GM: yeah, it'll move
Shuushar the Awakened: Hey! Wait for me!!!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: i dont' even see the boat on the map
GM: You see Shuushar running as fast as his fish legs can carry him towards the docks.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Grem's looks over... "hurry you fishy arse then!"
GM: do you wait? or shove off?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "wait morgana!"
Demogorgon: OOOOOAAAARRRRAAAARRRRAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!!
Morgana: My ahnd keeps right on pulling...
GM: Ok. at that rate, it doesn't look like he's gonna make the boat.
Shuushar the Awakened: Wait!!! WAAAAIIITTT!!!!!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "by the gods wait!!"
Morgana: "Get in, Grem, he's already dead"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "He's not, and you dont want that on your hands!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: We need him!
GM: You see other Kuo-toa flying in all directions from where the great beast is now on land.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: the lake!!!
Morgana: "I want a set of living hands, period! Get in!! Don't think I won't leave you!!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: how far is he now?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: since we have been arguing?
GM: Closer...but the boat continues to be pushed/or pulled by Morgana's spell
Morgana: More importantly, how far is the boat from the dock?
GM: It's just leaving the dock now
GM: he won't make it to the boat at this rate.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "lass we need him to navigate the boat!!!"
Morgana: Morgana is humming "Anchors Away"
GM: (your tokens are on a boat...but I have no boat token...theatre of the mind...*waves hands around*)
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "give him a push with the mage hand!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "we have it!!"
Morgana: "We'll capture a different guide!" I scan the water for any beings splashing in the shallows that look like they need a ride
Morgana: Plus, we already have the other dwarf as a guide
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "aye..." gremryl looks sullenly at the shore. thinking about the death that is about to be wrought upon that village..
GM: As you keep pulling away, Shuushar makes it to the end of the dock and dives into the water after you.
Shuushar the Awakened: WAIT!!! PLEASE!!!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "what! Swim fish man!!"
GM: You see a splash and then a fervent bubbling coming from the water...
Morgana: "I'll stop pulling the second you harm something in self defense!!" I giggle
GM: You instantly realize that he was not aware of the dozen or so Ixitxachitl ripping apart anything falling into the water...
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "Lass, quit you bullying and lets get him on the boat.. ENOUGH!"
GM: ...blood and guts rise to the surface...you make out bits of Shuushar's garments floating in the distance as your boat gains momentum...
Gremryl Stonebreaker: '.....sigh....'
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Grem's is no stranger to death or death for no reasons
Morgana: "sic semper cowards" Morgana grimly intones as she contines to fly/pull the boat away from the shore
GM: As you watch the carnage happen, a sinking feeling begins to stir in your gut, Gremryl...you say to yourself quietly, "WWMD?"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl looks at the gray one.. "you!!!"
Ixitxachitl: [ATTACK (M)] Bite [1d20+3 = 16]
Attack [16] -> [at Shuushar the Awakened] [HIT]
Ixitxachitl: [DAMAGE (M)] Bite [TYPE: piercing (1d6+1=2)] [1d6+1 = 2]
Effect ['Unconscious'] -> [to Shuushar the Awakened]
Damage [2] -> [to Shuushar the Awakened] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 2] [STATUS: Dying (1)]
Ixitxachitl: [DAMAGE (M)] Bite [TYPE: piercing (1d6+1=6)] [1d6+1 = 6]
Damage [6] -> [to Shuushar the Awakened] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 6] [STATUS: Dying (2)]
Ixitxachitl: [DAMAGE (M)] Bite [TYPE: piercing (1d6+1=2)] [1d6+1 = 2]
Damage [2] -> [to Shuushar the Awakened] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 2] [STATUS: Dead]
GM: Hemeth is just barely coming to his senses...
Hemeth (Duergar): Huh?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremry slaps him
GM: He points to himself.
Hemeth (Duergar): Ouch! What the heck was that for?!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: [1d20 = 9]
GM: He rubs the side of his face
Gremryl Stonebreaker: stregnth check
Morgana: "Waity! Don't hurt him Grem!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "you ******* gray!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: he slaps him again!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: [1d20 = 9]
Hemeth (Duergar): Yeah, listen to the winged---what the f---?! Is she flying?!
Hemeth (Duergar): Ouch!!!
Hemeth (Duergar): STOP IT!
Morgana: Is Hemeth hostile towards ME?
Hemeth (Duergar): By Moradin's balls!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "what morgana? he your friend?"
GM: He isn't yet. lol
Morgana: I want to charm him!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: grem slaps him again!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: [1d20 = 5]
Morgana: Have him roll a dc wisdom saving throw!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: he is pretty pissed
GM: He struggle back and the both of you begin grappling in the boat...
Gremryl Stonebreaker: strength check?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: [CHECK] Strength [1d20+4 = 17]
Morgana: Wait, did I charm him or not?
Hemeth (Duergar): [CHECK] Strength [1d20+2 = 18]
Hemeth (Duergar): He pins you down in a headlock, Grem
GM: ugh..gotta stay sharp on who's talking here...
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Command
GM: Is it Charm or Suggestion this time, Morgana?
Morgana: Cahrm!
Morgana: I'm out of 2nd level spells
Gremryl Stonebreaker: nvm that command
GM: WIS 14 saving throw coming up
Hemeth (Duergar): [SAVE] Wisdom [1d20 = 5]
GM: He regards you as a friend.
Hemeth (Duergar): Is this bastard-Dwarf your friend? Can you get him to calm the **** down?
Morgana: "Hemeth! Old buddy! Hold it right there! You were a bit confused when that demon hit us but everything is OK now!"
GM: Hemeth asks of Morgana
GM: Like Hell it is, buddy! This guy is slapping around for no apparent reason!
Morgana: "Grem, he's with us and can be very helpful! STAND THE **** DOWN!"
GM: Hemeth thinks that to himself...
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl casts command on Hemeth
Hemeth (Duergar): I don't know who you are, Dwarf, but let's call it a truce, eh? At least until we get out of here!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: in between breaths
Command
GM: What is the command?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: jump over the boat
GM: 1-word per the description
GM: but nice try
Morgana: "sigh"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: jump
Morgana: The description says a short word or phrase
Gremryl Stonebreaker: get off boat
GM: I don't see Command on your Char sheet..
Morgana: actually, it says a sentence or two
GM: what's the DC?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: nvm
Morgana: oh, never mind, I was looking at suggestion again!!
Morgana: haha
Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol
Gremryl Stonebreaker: i don't have it prepared
GM: ahh..
GM: that explains it then
Morgana: Morganna repeats, "Stand down! We need to man power to row you dummies!"
GM: You're still locked tightly in a headlock for now.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: strength check to get out
Gremryl Stonebreaker: [CHECK] Strength [1d20+4 = 21]
GM: you both already did a strength check to get to the position you're in...I'll let you roll again after some time has passed.
GM: sorry man, you can't keep rolling over and over, ya know?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol
Hemeth (Duergar): Look, I mean you guys no harm
Hemeth (Duergar): I want out of here as badly as you guys do.
Hemeth (Duergar): Truce?
Morgana: "We know, Hemeth, my buddy here is just a bit mad from deamon induced psychosis. Just hold him still!"
Demogorgon: ooooaaarrrraaggghh!!!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "lets get the hell out of here.. we'll deal with this later...'
GM: The roars of the Demogorgon start to fade in the background as you gain distance from the village.
Morgana: "Grem, we must all hang together or we will all hang seperately! Look at poor elmo! He's shaking like a leaf!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: go ahead tielfing
Hemeth (Duergar): No problem there, friend.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: use your sorcery
Elmo Lightpocket: I'm here for the food and show.
Morgana: "Ok, let him go, hemeth, he's good now"
Elmo Lightpocket: Keep going.
Hemeth (Duergar): You sure, pal?
Hemeth (Duergar): I really don't want to get slapped upside the head again, ya know?
Elmo Lightpocket: I give it 50/50 odds...
Morgana: "Yeah, I know Grem to be an HONERABLE PALADIN THAT'S TRUE TO HIS WORD!!"
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "you gray one... you say you claim to be moradins one.. we'll see."
GM: Hemeth lets go immediately once he hears that Gremryl is a paladin.
Morgana: Are there any oars in the boat?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: grems looks at morgana "aye.. where's stool by the way?"
Hemeth (Duergar): By Moradin's beard, you're a Paladin!?
Morgana: "No clue on the shroom, I lost him in the struggle."
GM: stool has been silently following you all along and passed every check necessary to make it to the boat. you just now notice him.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: and buppido?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol
Stool: Hi!
Morgana: "Hey, that little scrapper made it! Welcome back, little guy!"
GM: Buppido...he dipped out on you guys when you weren't looking. nobody bothered to check for him and he gave you the dueces first shot he got.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Stool just breaks the tension!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "by the gods stool!! you are here!"
Morgana: ARE THERE ANY OARS IN THE BOAT?
GM: Yes, you have a means to row the boat.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: at the gray one "aye, i'd be a palladin of the Moradin"
Stool: Of course! I'm way too scared to be by myself!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "you best be oarin... gray one"
Stool: Did you see that monster coming out of the waters?!?!
Morgana: "Quit squaking and start rowing! Hemeth! You've been here before! What's the best way out of this shit hole?!"
Hemeth (Duergar): Lady, --uhhh..say, I know you from somewhere...but what's your name again?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Gremryl doesn't row...
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "row gray one'
Hemeth (Duergar): ...
Morgana: "I'm morgana, old buddy! Boy, those blows to the head really did a number on your memeory! But that's all behind you, now that we are reunited like the good old days!"
Hemeth (Duergar): you gonna make me like you tried to last time...pal?
Hemeth (Duergar): Morgana...yeah, that kinda doesn't sound familiar, but in any case, I'm all for getting out of here.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "roww!!!" intimidation check
Gremryl Stonebreaker: [SKILL] Intimidation [PROF] [1d20+5 = 18]
GM: Gremryl mean-mug's on the Duerger...
GM: Hemeth recoils
Hemeth (Duergar): Woah! Alright, alright! But only one person rowing is gonna make this boat go in circles...
Hemeth (Duergar): Maybe you should get down off your high-Paladin perch there and pick up that other oar, eh?
Gremryl Stonebreaker: "he's got 2 arms by me reckoning"
GM: Hemeth picks up an oar.
Gremryl Stonebreaker: gremryl sighs in frustration
GM: (It's like one of those boats that's too big for one person to row both sides...
Morgana: "Seriously, Grem, we gotta boogy! We can sort the rest of this out when we are'nt about to be consumed AND TURNED INTO DEAMON SHIT!!!"
Hemeth (Duergar): Clearly there's the brains of the operation...
Hemeth (Duergar): thank you, Morgana. Let's just get outta here together
Elmo Lightpocket: *laughing to himself*
Gremryl Stonebreaker: aye.. indeed
Elmo Lightpocket: Oh for **** sake...i'll row with ya, Hemeth
Gremryl Stonebreaker: we'll be talking later
Gremryl Stonebreaker: grems rows
GM: Elmo picks up an oar and starts rowing with anybody else rowing at this point.
GM: CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU'VE ESCAPED FROM THE DEMOGORGON!
Gremryl Stonebreaker: Grems gently moves elmo aside and pulls mightly
Gremryl Stonebreaker: lol
Gremryl Stonebreaker: good shit
Morgana: "Row row row your boat, gently on the lake, try to st8ay away from the monster, for ******* ****s sake!"
Perception check for Buppido: 22
Elmo - You last saw Buppido heading into the private hovel that was offered to you back at the Shrine of the Sea Mother. While you were on the roof of the store where Morgana and Gremryl learned of Hemeth the Duerger Dwarf, you kept watch for Buppido leaving the hovel, but you didn't see anything noteworthy. You recall now that Buppido didn't join you in the "bait-and-switch" plan leading up to the chaos at the Altar of the Deep Father. Only while running to the boat after the Demogorgon appeard, did you remember to search for traces of Buppido...but you were not able to return to the Shrine of the Sea Mother, where possibly you could have discovered clues as to his whereabouts (assuming you had a roll higher than a 7, of course).
Long story short - you have no idea where Buppido is and no way to track him from your current position.
on the boat ride Elmo talks to Grem,
Elmo pulls some meat from his pocket and offers some to grem and others who are listening (Hemeth, stool, and morg if she isnt flying)
After I say my piece Elmo hands Hemeth another piece of meat and sit next to him. Elmo then attempts to pick Hemeths pocket:
Slight of hand check: 22
****!
As Gremryl rows he mulls over what Elmo said.. Has his hatred for duergar grown so much that it blinds him to followers of moradin and those who seek to do good? If thats the case then is he no more evil than those he seeks to vanquish? But a gray one who worships Moradin? How so..
"Again halfing, your words ring true with insight and knowledge. Mayhaps my anger blinded me towards the fact that beings can change.. albeit seldomly for good and more often to bad. Duergar killed my family, and seeing one brings those memories back... And ye be right about the righteous ass kickery!! Moradins force is true and any evil in its way.. well.. you saw what happens to them! You be a right shot with that crossbow! pow! right in the eye!!"
He looks at Hemeth
"So you worship Moradin? might be I owe ye an apology... You'll forgive me if I was a bit upset, as your kind aren't known for their 'goodlyness' if you catch me drift. When we get ashore we'll speak more on it and how you came be here and I'll make me judgement then. Duergar killed my family, and I'd like to ask ye some questions about your kin"
Elmo - You attempt to pickpocket Hemeth and find...a handwritten note that's been sealed with what appears to be a family crest. It has the same sigil as his garment - that of Moradin, you've learned.
Hemeth - "Hey! Did you just take that from me?!" He snatches it back before you can react and scowls at you for trying to pick his pocket. "This is family property and I'd appreciate you keeping your sticky fingers to your meat snacks, thank you very much."
To Hemeth
Hemeth - He eyes you up and down before answering, "It's private. I'll tell you though, it's important enough to stay that way for the sake of my family's safety in Gracklstugh. Now...should you help me return home, then I'll show you exactly why that is. Here's a clue-bird for ya...it involves the Pudding King. Which means it's serious business."
History check for the pudding king? 18
“Aye, a warrior for moradin I am. Before that I served in the Adbarian division of the Gustbuster brigade during the Drow invasions. Many a drow fell to Stella and Bella aye. While on campaign though a bad of marauding duergar fell upon my home town and killed everyone, including my wife and daughter.... dark times they were. When I came home to find my town burned to ashes I was crushed and blinded by a fury so hot! I left the Army and traveled the underdark alone and angry. Killing anything I could find. I was in a dark place...”
he takes a bite of a meat snack and chews thoughtfully
“then one day while battling a mind flayed I was nearly killed.. my mind nearly broken. Then I heard it... the sound of a hammer beating an anvil.. the sound of moradin. He came to me and fortified me mind and filled me with power and I slew the vile monster! After that... well he came to me and spoke. My mission was given to me. To smite the evil creeping up from the Underdark. There’s something happening lads.. and he put me on a path to stop it. And he put yous all in the path as well. To help? I don’t know.. but if ye of the faith of anvil and hammer then my morningstars will be at your side instead of in your face Hemeth of Gracklstugh, and ye Elmo meat pockets, and ye as well Morgana the angry. “ he smirks...
And what if ye Elmo.. what brought a surface dweller to the Underdark?
I'll cruise back to the boat and land beside Grem.
To the party: "You boys can thank me for being astute enough to save your lives later. And for helping you cut come dead weight shackled to you through sentimentality. I'm not at all sure why I didn't just leave you behind, but the mushroom and Grem are starting to grow on me. But you, halfling,...call me foolish again and I'll leave your ashes behind. Even you can't hide from a concentrated explosion!! And I'm sorry about your family, Grem. You and I are more similar than you may care to admit. But if you want to rely on your faith to get through, don't begrudge me my rage for getting me through."
To grem (but NOT ELMO) in a whisper: "Heads up, Hemeth wont remain charmed by me for much longer. There's no telling what he'll do when he comes to his senses. Should we tie him up? I don't want our guide to try to haul ass and leave us holding our ***** like he did last time. Thoughts?"
Whisper to the mushroom: "Hey little buddy, can you give me more info on how your spores work? Do they just communicate or can you see into the heads of others through some sort of psychic link? Also, do you need anything? You OK after that last battle?"
He motions to Morgana