This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With Daewen and Trini once again posing as prisoners, and with Strife wearing the captured mask, the intrepid band of pseudo earth cultists approach the entrance to the chasm. Using Thaumaturgy to add emphasis, Strife addresses the lurking creatures with a booming voice echoing and reverberating through the chamber.
"Hark, crafty Gargoyles, and heed these words of the majestic fell elementalist VERACITY! Thou shalt crawl to the bottom in Vile Submission, and yield passage to those wielding the Supreme Power of Earth, or the hour of thy DOOM is upon thee, and ye shall be CRUMBLED verily unto DUST!"
Her words spoken, and with the aid of her Tiefling companions' identical cantrip, the trio begin to shake the walls where the Gargoyles are positioned, underscoring their vulnerability.
Before continuing into the chasm, Mercy moved back up the stairs, just out of range of Carrhae. She placed her second dagger on the ground and cast Darkness on it. Crouching, she felt for the blade and sheathed it, cloaking the mystical darkness so that she could see again. She only hoped she would not need to unsheathe the dagger and release the Dark. It would be a desperate act on her part. Returning to the group, she joined the other two Tieflings in Strife’s gambit.
Trini holds her breath as Strife leads them out toward the bridge. Much like Mercy when she heard there were gargoyles keeping watch she immediately considered her darkness spell. Still, she was hoping it wouldn't come to a fight. After all they were just innocent by passers bringing more prisoners, right?
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"All will become equal now" | "Cause we're going to shout it loud, even if our words seem meaningless. It's like we're carrying the weight of the world"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Breathing a sigh of relief as they make their way across the chasm, when they get to the other side she'll keep an eye out for more hidden creatures, or clues as to the other missing delegates.
Perception: 25
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"All will become equal now" | "Cause we're going to shout it loud, even if our words seem meaningless. It's like we're carrying the weight of the world"
A massive pair of stone doors lies broken just south of this small plaza, flanking by iron torches that brightly illuminate the area. One door lists unevenly on its bottom hinge, and the other lies shattered on the ground. The standing door is carved with a pastoral scene of grain fields and rolling hills, worn and pitted by the centuries. A large, dimly lit hall waits beyond the broken gates. Arrow slits are carved into the west and east walls.
(This appears to be what was formerly the front gate of the stronghold of Tyar-Besil, but many years ago an earthquake finished the destruction begun by orcs and giants.)
The ceiling here is 30 feet high, and the gate stands 15 feet tall.
This was once a magnificent hall with a soaring ceiling, marble floors, and intricate carvings of prosperous farmlands decorating the walls. It has since fallen to ruin. Deep cracks mar the walls, sections of the masonry have collapsed, and the huge stone doors at the north end of the hall are broken. Passages lead west and south, and there is a stone door to the east. A small cooking fire and several bedrolls are in the southeast corner of the room.
What you see in this room is quiet worrisome. A very large creature that looks like a cross between a land shark and a bulette is patrolling this area with four hobgoblins. Be very careful with the noise you are making in this room.
Mercy, spotting the threat ahead, held up a hand and looked at the others. She held a finger to her lips to signify that they needed to be silent. Since it was bright in here, she pulled out her pen and a sheet of parchment.
Five hostiles ahead. Four hobgoblins, one vicious-looking big...thing. Too bright to sneak easily. Probably have to fight. Take a look, but keep quiet. If you have any ideas, feel free to write them down.
She lay the parchment and pen on the ground beside her, again readying her weapons.
When Zephyr read Mercy's warning, his lips thinned. They managed to bullshit their way through this place twice already, would a third time be at all possible? Even if Strife was doing an amazing job at fabricating intricate bluffs, would these guys see right through it and attack? It was worth a shot, wasn't it? Again, Zephyr had gently placed his hand of Strife's shoulder and gave her an affirming nod, casting Guidance. Once Strife would utilize his guidance, Zephyr would ReadyHold Person, and if things are going south, he would cast it on the sharky man.
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
While the others prepared for the possibility of a fight, Mercy tore off a small bit of cloth from her cloak and wrapped it around the Dark dagger. She handed it to Daewen, writing that it had Darkness cast on it that would last a little under 10 minutes, and she felt the Shadar-Kai could get closer to the armored beast than she could, to deaden their enemies' sight.
How am I going to just walk past these guys? They are going to be even more on their guard if I start threatening to attack as I did with the Gargoyles. They need to think I really am their boss, not just some spell slinging weirdo named Veracity. Well then what's a cultist boss like? Um... ********, definitely. Hmmm. So then maybe if I just channel my 'superior' Augusto, they won't be able to tell the difference.
Strife used Prestidigitation to quickly dispense three earth cult pins to herself and the other escorting "guards". That meant Mercy wouldn't have one, but since she was last in line, Strife was confident they would already accept she was a cultist on the basis of the three they had already seen, and wouldn't be straining themselves to locate the last one. However, the pins would only last a minute, so they could not afford an extended chit chat. With that in mind, it was Strife's intention to lead the group steadily through the room right toward the southern exit, never breaking stride, while continuously haranguing the hapless Hobgoblin force.
"Hey! What the trolls testicles are you doing?! I just had to physically shake the walls back there to keep the Gargoyles from messing with these damn prisoners! All that noise, all that commotion, and you don't even investigate? At all? You can't even send one guy to take a peek? It's 'help' like this that sprung that last batch we captured! It's pathetic! We've got everything on high alert up top, right and tight, but down here, we've got you sad clowns making a total mockery of all that effort. This is your very last opportunity to reform, and you owe me a huge debt for giving you one final chance. But I'm not going to take the heat for your screw ups, so make sure you stay on alert, because you know what will happen to those who betray our cause! If we have to stuff this room with another fifty guards, we will, but there will be no more lapses, no more breakdowns. Do your damn jobs or suffer the consequences! Idiots. I swear I have to do everything around here."
That AMAZING deception even managed to fool Daewen, who easily plays the part of a scared prisoner being led by a gang of cultists to her demise somewhere down here in the dungeon. She involuntarily shudders visibly, adding further to the deception.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Insight: 6
"Oohhh, look at this!" The burrowshark says, slowly turning, his bulette barely under control with the reigns. "Biiiiiggg mouthed ***** just barking around like a dog, WOOF WOOF WOOF! Telling US how to do our jobs. That's rich. We don't speak to each other like that 'round here. So let's find out who you all are, shall we?" The other hobgoblins laugh and draw their weapons. "I've been achin' for a fight all week, and if I don't make my quota, i'm in for it, so guess what? You've all been chosen to die!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Seeing the enemies are not buying this, Mercy pulls Dark Magic from under her robe (where it's been kept at the ready) and aims at the maw of the beast, waiting for it's mouth to open.
Initiative: 14
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With Daewen and Trini once again posing as prisoners, and with Strife wearing the captured mask, the intrepid band of pseudo earth cultists approach the entrance to the chasm. Using Thaumaturgy to add emphasis, Strife addresses the lurking creatures with a booming voice echoing and reverberating through the chamber.
"Hark, crafty Gargoyles, and heed these words of the majestic fell elementalist VERACITY! Thou shalt crawl to the bottom in Vile Submission, and yield passage to those wielding the Supreme Power of Earth, or the hour of thy DOOM is upon thee, and ye shall be CRUMBLED verily unto DUST!"
Her words spoken, and with the aid of her Tiefling companions' identical cantrip, the trio begin to shake the walls where the Gargoyles are positioned, underscoring their vulnerability.
Deception (with Advantage, +10): 11 (1st), 13 (2nd)
(Bardic Inspiration and Guidance pending the result.)
Bardic Inspiration (+1d8): 8
Guidance (+1d4): 4
Before continuing into the chasm, Mercy moved back up the stairs, just out of range of Carrhae. She placed her second dagger on the ground and cast Darkness on it. Crouching, she felt for the blade and sheathed it, cloaking the mystical darkness so that she could see again. She only hoped she would not need to unsheathe the dagger and release the Dark. It would be a desperate act on her part. Returning to the group, she joined the other two Tieflings in Strife’s gambit.
Trini holds her breath as Strife leads them out toward the bridge. Much like Mercy when she heard there were gargoyles keeping watch she immediately considered her darkness spell. Still, she was hoping it wouldn't come to a fight. After all they were just innocent by passers bringing more prisoners, right?
"All will become equal now" | "Cause we're going to shout it loud, even if our words seem meaningless. It's like we're carrying the weight of the world"
The gargolyes swoop down from their shaken rock perches and land on the south side of the bridge, in front of you all, but at a distance.
Insight: 10
Insight: 8
Insight: 7
They let you pass, flying back up ahead up into the rocky darkness.
Breathing a sigh of relief as they make their way across the chasm, when they get to the other side she'll keep an eye out for more hidden creatures, or clues as to the other missing delegates.
Perception: 25
"All will become equal now" | "Cause we're going to shout it loud, even if our words seem meaningless. It's like we're carrying the weight of the world"
A massive pair of stone doors lies broken just south of this small plaza, flanking by iron torches that brightly illuminate the area. One door lists unevenly on its bottom hinge, and the other lies shattered on the ground. The standing door is carved with a pastoral scene of grain fields and rolling hills, worn and pitted by the centuries. A large, dimly lit hall waits beyond the broken gates. Arrow slits are carved into the west and east walls.
(This appears to be what was formerly the front gate of the stronghold of Tyar-Besil, but many years ago an earthquake finished the destruction begun by orcs and giants.)
The ceiling here is 30 feet high, and the gate stands 15 feet tall.
Daewen will creep up to that door on the east side of the room and try to listen through it for any sounds behind it (Perception: 11).
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Perception: 5
Mercy will press forward to flank the other side of the door.
Sneaky sneak: 24
PAST THE BROKEN DOOR:
This was once a magnificent hall with a soaring ceiling, marble floors, and intricate carvings of prosperous farmlands decorating the walls. It has since fallen to ruin. Deep cracks mar the walls, sections of the masonry have collapsed, and the huge stone doors at the north end of the hall are broken. Passages lead west and south, and there is a stone door to the east. A small cooking fire and several bedrolls are in the southeast corner of the room.
What you see in this room is quiet worrisome. A very large creature that looks like a cross between a land shark and a bulette is patrolling this area with four hobgoblins. Be very careful with the noise you are making in this room.
Mercy, spotting the threat ahead, held up a hand and looked at the others. She held a finger to her lips to signify that they needed to be silent. Since it was bright in here, she pulled out her pen and a sheet of parchment.
Five hostiles ahead. Four hobgoblins, one vicious-looking big...thing. Too bright to sneak easily. Probably have to fight. Take a look, but keep quiet. If you have any ideas, feel free to write them down.
She lay the parchment and pen on the ground beside her, again readying her weapons.
When Zephyr read Mercy's warning, his lips thinned. They managed to bullshit their way through this place twice already, would a third time be at all possible? Even if Strife was doing an amazing job at fabricating intricate bluffs, would these guys see right through it and attack? It was worth a shot, wasn't it? Again, Zephyr had gently placed his hand of Strife's shoulder and gave her an affirming nod, casting Guidance. Once Strife would utilize his guidance, Zephyr would Ready Hold Person, and if things are going south, he would cast it on the sharky man.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
Sensing that the party might need her to fight for them, Carrhae readied her Channel Divinity to empower her sword if Strife's Deception failed.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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While the others prepared for the possibility of a fight, Mercy tore off a small bit of cloth from her cloak and wrapped it around the Dark dagger. She handed it to Daewen, writing that it had Darkness cast on it that would last a little under 10 minutes, and she felt the Shadar-Kai could get closer to the armored beast than she could, to deaden their enemies' sight.
How am I going to just walk past these guys? They are going to be even more on their guard if I start threatening to attack as I did with the Gargoyles. They need to think I really am their boss, not just some spell slinging weirdo named Veracity. Well then what's a cultist boss like? Um... ********, definitely. Hmmm. So then maybe if I just channel my 'superior' Augusto, they won't be able to tell the difference.
Strife used Prestidigitation to quickly dispense three earth cult pins to herself and the other escorting "guards". That meant Mercy wouldn't have one, but since she was last in line, Strife was confident they would already accept she was a cultist on the basis of the three they had already seen, and wouldn't be straining themselves to locate the last one. However, the pins would only last a minute, so they could not afford an extended chit chat. With that in mind, it was Strife's intention to lead the group steadily through the room right toward the southern exit, never breaking stride, while continuously haranguing the hapless Hobgoblin force.
"Hey! What the trolls testicles are you doing?! I just had to physically shake the walls back there to keep the Gargoyles from messing with these damn prisoners! All that noise, all that commotion, and you don't even investigate? At all? You can't even send one guy to take a peek? It's 'help' like this that sprung that last batch we captured! It's pathetic! We've got everything on high alert up top, right and tight, but down here, we've got you sad clowns making a total mockery of all that effort. This is your very last opportunity to reform, and you owe me a huge debt for giving you one final chance. But I'm not going to take the heat for your screw ups, so make sure you stay on alert, because you know what will happen to those who betray our cause! If we have to stuff this room with another fifty guards, we will, but there will be no more lapses, no more breakdowns. Do your damn jobs or suffer the consequences! Idiots. I swear I have to do everything around here."
Deception (with Advantage, +10): 22 (1st), 18 (2nd)
(As ever, Bardic Inspiration and Guidance pending the result.)
Bardic Inspiration (+1d8): 5
Guidance (+1d4): 1
That AMAZING deception even managed to fool Daewen, who easily plays the part of a scared prisoner being led by a gang of cultists to her demise somewhere down here in the dungeon. She involuntarily shudders visibly, adding further to the deception.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Insight: 6
"Oohhh, look at this!" The burrowshark says, slowly turning, his bulette barely under control with the reigns. "Biiiiiggg mouthed ***** just barking around like a dog, WOOF WOOF WOOF! Telling US how to do our jobs. That's rich. We don't speak to each other like that 'round here. So let's find out who you all are, shall we?" The other hobgoblins laugh and draw their weapons. "I've been achin' for a fight all week, and if I don't make my quota, i'm in for it, so guess what? You've all been chosen to die!"
Initiative Burrowshark: 8
Hobgoblin1: 11
Hobgoblin2: 10
Hobgoblin3: 20
Hobgoblin4: 10
Seeing the enemies are not buying this, Mercy pulls Dark Magic from under her robe (where it's been kept at the ready) and aims at the maw of the beast, waiting for it's mouth to open.
Initiative: 14