Upon casting [Tooltip Not Found], Gremryl smells the stench of demonic influence coming from the mysterious box. He doesn't sense any presence other than his companions around him.
Leon's swift kick to Elmo's nut sack is both abrupt and forceful. Elmo drops the mysterious box onto the floor at the same time both of his hands immediately go to clutch his groin as he doubles over onto the cold stone floor.
Elmo - Roll a Constitution saving throw with disadvantage (due to the nut sack kick)
Elmo's mind, now gravely inflicted by the demonic influence from the mysterious box, is cursed with a long-term madness effect. This effect is effective immediately and lasts for the duration of Elmo's time in Gracklstugh. Seeing Leon first, after opening his eyes from the pitch blackness of his vision, is now attached to Leon and considers him his "lucky charm." If Elmo is farther away than 30ft from Leon, his attack rolls, ability checks and saving throws are all at a disadvantage.
Rowland notes the distrust from his new companions and nods as if agreeing that they should indeed be distrustful of any newcomer given the events they had experienced that led them to this place.
To Grem: "My father was a devoted man I can tell you that. We lived a solitary life in the High Forest on the outskirts of the Star Mountains. He always told me our family had a special purpose and that we were the last of 'the protectors'. Protectors of what he wouldn't say. I wouldn't call him a religious man of any sort, though he trained me day and night every day of my life constantly telling me 'we must be prepared to fight evil when it comes'. Perhaps it was in fear of these demons you speak of or he knew of something that would try to steal the box, I don't know. As I grew older and began to question the meaning of it all he resisted. It was the reason for our quarreling and my leaving."
Rowland reaches into his tunic and withdraws the amulet from around his neck once more showing it to the group.
"When he gave me this as a young child, he told me it had some great value and to protect it with my life. He told me that when I was ready, he would tell me more."
Rowland let's out a sigh, "I kept it as a momento, although I have to confess I was sorely tempted to pawn it in those early days when coin was in short supply. As far as anything else regarding that box, I really have no clue. As I've mentioned, he withdrew it several times late at night and from what I could gather he just seemed to stare at it as if deep in thought. We never had visitors and only went into the nearest village on the rarest of occasion for a supply or two. My father didn't seem to have any contacts there. Otherwise we patrolled the forests near our cabin and often ventured into the caverns of the Star Mountains. My father warned that we were there only to train and that the depths held great dangers. I was shown how to survive in the darkness and exposed to some of the dangers of this place but never ran into anything with any intelligence."
Rowland pauses as if deciding something before continuing.
"As I began my search after discovering his murder, I followed several sets of tracks and was led to the caverns. I was somewhat perplexed as I began my journey into the depths, it didn't make any sense that someone would try to escape here into the depths when the only thing that could await them was danger and despair. While I still have no clue of who or what it is that stole the box, I did find something else out. My father was known in this realm. It seems he paid occasional visits here and had contacts who reluctantly aided me in my travels. I was following the most recent "lead" and here I am. I have no clue if this Elhutz fellow was the one who stole the box or if he, like our little friend here merely saw something which appeared unique and saw value in it, prompting him to steal it from whoever's actually behind this."
Gremryl eyes the human with interest. ‘Protector... and he was guarding the box maybe? The human ranger had been forthright so far’ .. with an exasperated sigh.
“I believe ye Master Blackwell, and forgive me coldness. I too have walked these Underdarks and there is a great evil growing. I am a protector too ye know, back in me day during the adbarrian campaign into the orc lands they called me Gremryl the Guarder of gourds. But that was for.. anyways. I think it’s best we let Master Leon hang on to it for now. Who knows what it could do to you being it came from ye father. I touched the box and was touched by madness. A bit more than I already am eh? (He grins) elmo there tried to take advantage of me.. in the sense of giving me things up. Mayhap there’s someone who can help decipher that amulet. But first let me help up this daft halfing”
to elmo:
”by moradins beard elmo, can’t keep ye hands off anything eh? Leon did ye a favor by kicking ye jiggly bits! Are ye ok?”
Elmo pops back up surprisingly fast after Leon's groin kick. Elmo certainly feels the mighty blow, but intense groin pain is far preferable to the experience Leon saved him from. With his left hand Elmo is cupping his groin and trying to "shake things loose again" as he addresses the party with news he sense sees as urgent,
"The box is evil mate! We have to destroy it! I dont know what happened! Elmo was making sure some competent halfling eyes got to see what all the fuss was about when there was a flash of bright light! Suddenly Elmo was trapped in a void of darkness. I was parilyzed mates, frozen in terror. (Elmo looks down at his wet pants) I saw the Demogorgon! He reached out to me with his claws and cut me he did! (Elmo checks his chest. Bobby, is my chest cut?) And I saw the Demon queen, Zuggtmoy... they seemed to be getting married. It was a vile sight to see. Worse yet, not only did they know I was there, it seemed as if they expected it. We have had these dreams before lads, but this time it was far worse, more real. I fear that the unholy couple know where we are. I also got the feeling that the whole time we have been fleeing to the surface, we have been playing into these evil wankers plans."
Elmo changes his pants in front of everybody.
"That box, it bears the seal of Themberchaud mates. What if the corruption of the demon couple has spread not only to the great dragons box, but to the mighty being itself? As mighty as Themberchaud may be, every blasted city we have gone to had been infested with slow going demonic influence. I fear this city, as well as our own arses, be in grave danger."
To Leon,
"Leon! me mate! ye rescues me! I owe ye mate! Between your inner holy-light that and the light given off by dawn bringer I wont ever be leaving ye side in this dark place! Truth be told I wouldn't feel safe if I wasn't around ye. I think ye may be a wee bit of luck for me. Im actually shaking just thinking about being farther from 30ft from ye mate! (Elmo gives Leon a hug) Halfling are hugs are said to be magical mate.And Im Sorry for lifting the box from ye last night. I know you and Rowland there were having some right serious talks abouts it. I was a wee bit boozed up last night mate. I think all ye talk about the box got me wanting to use it as a mug. When I woke up this morning I had a wee bit of trouble remembering why I had the box it the first place. I felt a bit foolish for taking it mate, but I didnt see any harm to giving the box another once over. Thats when things got dark. (elmo trails off for a moment. after a brief silence he responds energetically) On the plus side, if somebody had to be the one to set off this here trap and discover that blasted box's corruption, then lets be glad it was me. (elmo winks playfully) Ol'Elmo is the only one strong enough to have handled the endeavor. (elmo smiles) Just think of how it would have wrecked the weaker members of our party, like ye and Grem (elmo jokes as hugs Leons leg again, feeling safer in his presence). And to think... That demon queens corruption almost got to me! Guess it didnt!"
To Grem and the rest of the party once he senses their judgmental stares,
"Only those who have never done a foolish thing after a night of drinking can judge Elmo. I have proven me loyalty and usefulness time and time again to Hemeth, Grem, and to a wee lesser extent, Leon. (Elmo gives Leon another hug. Basking in the feeling of luck and safety) Me sticky fingers have been an asset to most of ye more often than not. (Elmo looks at Rowland) Take the delishious meat gift I left ye for example!"
"Im fine now mate (Elmo looks at Leon breifly). Dont be judging Elmo. I got a wee bit drunk last night took and playfully took a box that had been traveling with us for some time . Who knew it harbored such evil inside it mate!? I think I took it last night because I wanted to drink from the blasted things. Me tolerance for booze has diminished some what in this dark land. (Elmo puts his hand on Grem's shoulder) I thank ye all for saving me mate. Ye are like family. Thank ye coming to save me from me self. Others may have assumed that Elmo was up to some dastardly trickery, but not this lot! Ol'Elmo is grateful for ye believing in him. (Elmo gets up and walks away. In fact all the way over to Leon, where he hugs his leg) "Halfling magic delivery!"
Rowland chuckles at Grem, "Aye, I'm beginning to see that you are indeed a dwarf of many talents!"
To Elmo, "And the next time you think about opening that box, do me a solid mate and bring me along. It might save your jewels a visit from Grem's sturdy boot!"
To the group: "I'll accept the group's decision on how to proceed, though I agree that to take the box directly to Chumbaud could mean delivering our arses into some evil scheme and that perhaps this medallion may serve some special purpose in aiding us."
Leon walks over and kicks Elmo in the nuts. If that doesn’t work to release Elmo’s grasp on the box, Leon will kick the box out of Elmo’s hands.
Gremryls head swims as he is hit with that demonic influence!
To Hemeth and Leon
”that box reeks of evil and demons! do we have Anything holy we can wrap that up in? “
Mikey just hangs back and laughs as Elmo gets kicked in the nuts.
To the party: "It's like master Splinter always says; 'Foolishness, thievery and greed are their own rewards'"
Elmo - Roll a Constitution saving throw with disadvantage (due to the nut sack kick)
Gremryl looks at Mikey: “who’s this splinter lad? Seems he knows a lot? Like ol Grems here”
to Rowland: “that box is beset with foul demon energy.. ye said it was ye fathers? What sort of business was he in.”
looking Rowland evenly. And standing with leon or close to him to make sure Rowland doesn’t make a grab for it.
Leon grabs a sheet from the bed and carefully wraps the box up in it. Leon places the box into his bag again.
To Leon: “keep that safe Lad.”
Gremryl will try to help elmo up after his con roll.
con save: 1
Con save: 2
48
Rowland notes the distrust from his new companions and nods as if agreeing that they should indeed be distrustful of any newcomer given the events they had experienced that led them to this place.
To Grem: "My father was a devoted man I can tell you that. We lived a solitary life in the High Forest on the outskirts of the Star Mountains. He always told me our family had a special purpose and that we were the last of 'the protectors'. Protectors of what he wouldn't say. I wouldn't call him a religious man of any sort, though he trained me day and night every day of my life constantly telling me 'we must be prepared to fight evil when it comes'. Perhaps it was in fear of these demons you speak of or he knew of something that would try to steal the box, I don't know. As I grew older and began to question the meaning of it all he resisted. It was the reason for our quarreling and my leaving."
Rowland reaches into his tunic and withdraws the amulet from around his neck once more showing it to the group.
"When he gave me this as a young child, he told me it had some great value and to protect it with my life. He told me that when I was ready, he would tell me more."
Rowland let's out a sigh, "I kept it as a momento, although I have to confess I was sorely tempted to pawn it in those early days when coin was in short supply. As far as anything else regarding that box, I really have no clue. As I've mentioned, he withdrew it several times late at night and from what I could gather he just seemed to stare at it as if deep in thought. We never had visitors and only went into the nearest village on the rarest of occasion for a supply or two. My father didn't seem to have any contacts there. Otherwise we patrolled the forests near our cabin and often ventured into the caverns of the Star Mountains. My father warned that we were there only to train and that the depths held great dangers. I was shown how to survive in the darkness and exposed to some of the dangers of this place but never ran into anything with any intelligence."
Rowland pauses as if deciding something before continuing.
"As I began my search after discovering his murder, I followed several sets of tracks and was led to the caverns. I was somewhat perplexed as I began my journey into the depths, it didn't make any sense that someone would try to escape here into the depths when the only thing that could await them was danger and despair. While I still have no clue of who or what it is that stole the box, I did find something else out. My father was known in this realm. It seems he paid occasional visits here and had contacts who reluctantly aided me in my travels. I was following the most recent "lead" and here I am. I have no clue if this Elhutz fellow was the one who stole the box or if he, like our little friend here merely saw something which appeared unique and saw value in it, prompting him to steal it from whoever's actually behind this."
Gremryl eyes the human with interest. ‘Protector... and he was guarding the box maybe? The human ranger had been forthright so far’ .. with an exasperated sigh.
“I believe ye Master Blackwell, and forgive me coldness. I too have walked these Underdarks and there is a great evil growing. I am a protector too ye know, back in me day during the adbarrian campaign into the orc lands they called me Gremryl the Guarder of gourds. But that was for.. anyways. I think it’s best we let Master Leon hang on to it for now. Who knows what it could do to you being it came from ye father. I touched the box and was touched by madness. A bit more than I already am eh? (He grins) elmo there tried to take advantage of me.. in the sense of giving me things up. Mayhap there’s someone who can help decipher that amulet. But first let me help up this daft halfing”
to elmo:
”by moradins beard elmo, can’t keep ye hands off anything eh? Leon did ye a favor by kicking ye jiggly bits! Are ye ok?”
Elmo pops back up surprisingly fast after Leon's groin kick. Elmo certainly feels the mighty blow, but intense groin pain is far preferable to the experience Leon saved him from. With his left hand Elmo is cupping his groin and trying to "shake things loose again" as he addresses the party with news he sense sees as urgent,
"The box is evil mate! We have to destroy it! I dont know what happened! Elmo was making sure some competent halfling eyes got to see what all the fuss was about when there was a flash of bright light! Suddenly Elmo was trapped in a void of darkness. I was parilyzed mates, frozen in terror. (Elmo looks down at his wet pants) I saw the Demogorgon! He reached out to me with his claws and cut me he did! (Elmo checks his chest. Bobby, is my chest cut?) And I saw the Demon queen, Zuggtmoy... they seemed to be getting married. It was a vile sight to see. Worse yet, not only did they know I was there, it seemed as if they expected it. We have had these dreams before lads, but this time it was far worse, more real. I fear that the unholy couple know where we are. I also got the feeling that the whole time we have been fleeing to the surface, we have been playing into these evil wankers plans."
Elmo changes his pants in front of everybody.
"That box, it bears the seal of Themberchaud mates. What if the corruption of the demon couple has spread not only to the great dragons box, but to the mighty being itself? As mighty as Themberchaud may be, every blasted city we have gone to had been infested with slow going demonic influence. I fear this city, as well as our own arses, be in grave danger."
To Leon,
"Leon! me mate! ye rescues me! I owe ye mate! Between your inner holy-light that and the light given off by dawn bringer I wont ever be leaving ye side in this dark place! Truth be told I wouldn't feel safe if I wasn't around ye. I think ye may be a wee bit of luck for me. Im actually shaking just thinking about being farther from 30ft from ye mate! (Elmo gives Leon a hug) Halfling are hugs are said to be magical mate. And Im Sorry for lifting the box from ye last night. I know you and Rowland there were having some right serious talks abouts it. I was a wee bit boozed up last night mate. I think all ye talk about the box got me wanting to use it as a mug. When I woke up this morning I had a wee bit of trouble remembering why I had the box it the first place. I felt a bit foolish for taking it mate, but I didnt see any harm to giving the box another once over. Thats when things got dark. (elmo trails off for a moment. after a brief silence he responds energetically) On the plus side, if somebody had to be the one to set off this here trap and discover that blasted box's corruption, then lets be glad it was me. (elmo winks playfully) Ol'Elmo is the only one strong enough to have handled the endeavor. (elmo smiles) Just think of how it would have wrecked the weaker members of our party, like ye and Grem (elmo jokes as hugs Leons leg again, feeling safer in his presence). And to think... That demon queens corruption almost got to me! Guess it didnt!"
To Grem and the rest of the party once he senses their judgmental stares,
"Only those who have never done a foolish thing after a night of drinking can judge Elmo. I have proven me loyalty and usefulness time and time again to Hemeth, Grem, and to a wee lesser extent, Leon. (Elmo gives Leon another hug. Basking in the feeling of luck and safety) Me sticky fingers have been an asset to most of ye more often than not. (Elmo looks at Rowland) Take the delishious meat gift I left ye for example!"
To Grem,
"Im fine now mate (Elmo looks at Leon breifly). Dont be judging Elmo. I got a wee bit drunk last night took and playfully took a box that had been traveling with us for some time . Who knew it harbored such evil inside it mate!? I think I took it last night because I wanted to drink from the blasted things. Me tolerance for booze has diminished some what in this dark land. (Elmo puts his hand on Grem's shoulder) I thank ye all for saving me mate. Ye are like family. Thank ye coming to save me from me self. Others may have assumed that Elmo was up to some dastardly trickery, but not this lot! Ol'Elmo is grateful for ye believing in him. (Elmo gets up and walks away. In fact all the way over to Leon, where he hugs his leg) "Halfling magic delivery!"
Rowland chuckles at Grem, "Aye, I'm beginning to see that you are indeed a dwarf of many talents!"
To Elmo, "And the next time you think about opening that box, do me a solid mate and bring me along. It might save your jewels a visit from Grem's sturdy boot!"
To the group: "I'll accept the group's decision on how to proceed, though I agree that to take the box directly to Chumbaud could mean delivering our arses into some evil scheme and that perhaps this medallion may serve some special purpose in aiding us."
While listening to all of Elmo’s word Leon tried to see if there is any truth to them.
Insight check 27 plus guidance 3
I don’t roll a deception check because Elmo is telling the truth