OOC - Based on your dot... and Larks post... you two would actually be meeting right now, hes like 10 feet away Will be posting later, RL slowing me.

(waiting to see how you both react before proceeding.)

If Salazar is still invisible (which I think he is): Lark will not have altered his course or conversation heading for the cistern with Droop. 

If Salazar makes himself known to Lark: A startled Lark looks around, expecting to find the odd creature below. He relaxes some, when he recognizes the voice. In goblin, Lark will command Droop to stop. 

"Master Salazar, it seems this situation is quickly reaching a critical point. I have riled the bugbears against the humans and taken Droop here. Admittedly, I have no plans for him. Having been in his position, oppressed under the foot of tyranny, I could not leave him to that fate. Besides, I might be better looking than him but we could be related."

Lark's broken saxophone laugh rings out, echoing a little in the hall. At least Lark has the decency to look sheepish afterwards.  

Although leery of the other goblin with Lark, Salazar does end clears his throat just noisily enough for the two to overhear, but hopefully not anything or -one else in the area. "Why did you--that wasn't--" Salazar has to stop altogether, and just take a few seconds to take calming breathes before leveling a disapproving look upon Lark. "Technically speaking, all goblinoids are related to some extent, but this is not the time for such semantics. And, as it is too late now, no point speaking admonishments. Yet." He stated in goblin, though still with the ghostly spin to it. 

"Droop. If what this one says its true, then we yet be allies. In fact, I may even have questions for you in regards to a certain missing dwarf... not to assume you have ties with the group of goblinoids responsible. But, your peoples being aligned with these ruffians is a strange--" His voice catches as a sudden realization dons on him. "We don't have time for idle chatter. Did you at least warn the guards to the west?" He asked of Lark. But while a negative answer elicits a groan of complaint, he still says, "We need to regroup by the prison. Those in the west will just have to hold out long enough for reinforcements. Come on." With that, he briskly leads the way the prison from the way they knew; only slowing when it came to crossing the weakened floor. If Lark hadn't by then, Salazar makes sure to warn Droop about it.

Lark will follow Salazar back toward the celled room. 

"Hold off? I thought the plan was to get them to fight each other. Or maybe it was...no, No it was fight each other. I should write these things down. My apologies Master."

(OOC: can I get a time check on my disguise spell?) 

"What are we going to do about the guards?" 

"In this, you are not incorrect, Mr. Lark. But that was to be done in an hour. When we we ourselves were more prepared, and the together with the brands, we would have the element of surprise." Salazar explains enroute to their destination. The closer they are to the prison cells however, the more quiet he is, least they attract attention. "Now, If you mean the ones by the cell, now that you've... accelerated the timetable, they too will be sent to fight as well." Salazar would say enroute. "Though without the element of surprise now, I suspect many of the brands on the otherside, and perhaps guarding any other secret entrances, may fall before we've regrouped and taken the fight to them." 

Once they do arrive by the cells and find Alynoa with the other guards(hopefully), Salazar speaks in ghostly common, "My master. It seems the Bugbears have decided to make their move early. Shall we all join in their suppression?" 

During this time Alarno had made her way casually -to seem more important- to the guards where the cells were after the shift change had eventually occored. Where a total of 3 brands now stood, two of them looking confused ,as Alarno 'explained the situation' to them, and they shuffled north saying We're gonna grab some extra supplies boss... if the buggies really are comin' for us.... We'll need everything we can get.  Yes, indeed. Go do that... and be both quick, and quiet about it. Last thing we need is them attacking before we're ready. Last thing we need is for someone to spoil our plans.. so don't be dolts!

S/he said as she began to pace around the room where lark had assaulted the skeletons, who's bones were now strewn about the floor.  

While Salazar and Lark speak, aside from Droop, no one else happens to drop by and hear what's said, so they safely make their way through the cistern and on the way to the cells. During this time, droop asks a few questions... W-w-w-who are you guys? Deres no way you guys are Redbrands..... They wouldn'ta saved me... Even a fellow goblin woulda left me... so it wouldn'ta been 'im! A- and... I don't mean to ask too many questions.... but why are ya here? P=Please don't fight wit eatchothuh.... Droop seems to be shaking out of fear, though of specifically what, you're not sure. As you make your ways to the trapped floor he thanks Salazar, but says Y-Yeah..  I know... I've been 'ere for a few weekz. But thank you.. either way... Mr Uh... ghost? 

The group eventually makes it fully back to where Alarnoa was pacing in frustration, and perhaps a bit of anxiety. You both feel you all have over 45 minutes left on your respective 'effects.'

Just around this time, the redbrands came into the crypt, each of them carrying several weapons, a mix of spears, bolts, both sizes of swords, and so forth. Dropping them on the ground before noticing the new arrivals. Seeing one of the other brands, and Droop. They share a look of confusion before looking to the other 'redbrand' Why'd you bring him? He's with the buggies... Even though they pick on him a lot.. he came wit' em! Droop began to shake even more. I-I didn't want to though! Iarnoa raises a brow herself, looking at Larkbrand, and invisiman.

Lark suppresses a smile at Droop's assumptions. "Don't be so quick to write off goblins. There are those that were saved from a similar fate and believe that some deserve a shot at redemption. Besides, hidden somewhere in the blackest corner of your heart, don't you wish to see the tables turned on those nasty brutes?"

Once challenged by the redbrand in the cell room, Lark will take half a step forward. "Aye 'e did. But that was then, this is now. Who d'ya think warned me in the first place about the buggies? Twas him. And I be willing to stand besides him to defend this lil' slice of earth we call ours. Now, nose to the stone, we got some plug uglies to deal wit'. And Im sure Master Glasstaff doesn't want to hear yer bellyachin'."

Lark will offer Alynoa/Iarno the slightest shrug in response to the unasked question. 

Past:

"You do not need to look to the darkness for motivation. Though I understand this is concept that may be even more difficult to understand. So perhaps later. As for other inquiry, our actions will speak louder than any words. Know, however, that there will be a cleansing here... A thorough one. But you have been spared this out of... generosity. Or in my case, admittedly, moreso because you may have answers we seek that extends beyond this place... Should you remain cooperative." He replied to Droop, though in more hushed tones, seeing as they were getting close to their destination by then.

Present:

"'nd if that's not enough for you lot. He may yet be useful as a messenger... Unless you would prefer to play the part, knowing the odds... that you won't becoming back alive or in one piece." Salazar's voice -- or at least the 'specter's voice -- creeps from just behind Droop."Now. Quit wasting the time of the Exuberant Master beside you... we should be moving. Immediately. The bugbears are already acting earlier than expected, making open conflict at this point.... the only recourse." The eiree feeling of eyes upon the redbrand questioner finally moves on to Iarno. "But what say you, Master? Do we move before they've slain the more unprepared?"

( will be rolling some numbers, my post today will be delayed)

 All in all... a single redbrand joins the others in the crypts aside from the others. Having heard what everyone else said on his way inside. He takes up some of the bolts, and a crossbow, and takes a position at the far end of the crypt, using one of the sarcophogi as cover. The other two keep their shortswords at the ready, but spread out around the door, tryign to catch whatever might come through by surprise.

It doesn't take long but the faintest sounds of combat can be heard in the very great distance. It takes only a minute before the sounds fade. And while it's unclear who won, the odds aren't in the redbrands favor...

However, silence is all that follows after the distant battle fades... dragging into several long minutes.

By minute two, Salazar lets out a long, drawn out sigh that just so happened to keep up the ghostly veneer. "Too long without a word. Master, I will go see. Mayhaps... mayhaps they will not sense my presence before I there's. The rest of you should stay at the ready. Though you. In the corner. Keep an eye down that other hall in case they try to flank our position. If you fail, and the master is harmed because of it...." The scholar intentionally trails off there while making his way up the northward hall, and then what he hoped was far enough into the cavern to spy the going ons across the crevice. And as much as he would prefer to avoid getting too close to the crevice -- short of seeing bugbears already in the process of crossing the bridge -- the risk of being sensed by the creature in the crevice is willingly risked for a better view.

(To Rai: By 'You in the corner', Salazar was referring to the redbrand at 9-E. As for Salazar, unless he sees them on approach after reaching 3-C, he keeps going until he reaches 5-A.)

Stealth: 2.
(if needed)

Perception: 6.
(Again, if needed. Passive Perc. is 14)

Lark cocks his crossbow. He realizes he has been holding his breath, and exhales sharply. Crouching behind the sarcophagus at I-7. 

As Salazar heads for the door, Lark will gesture to the air near the door, "Fair tidings Spirit, though you go alone, we stand with you." (Bardic Inspiration 1d6 for Salazar over the next 10 minutes.)

"Master Glasstaff, I have a really dumb idea. Could you disguise me as the goblin? *whispers to Alynoa* Just wiggle your fingers at me. Ahem.." 

Lark lets his disguise drop. Staring at his arms and legs. He turns to the nearest Redbrand, "How do I look? Glasstaff is a most powerful mage. Nobody shoot me in your fervor, please." 

Lark will then move towards the door, stopping just inside the hallway at F-3. Listening for any indication from Salazar. Perception 12 

Hearing the 'spirit' state to keep an eye on the trapped hallway doors, he look around, considering, and decides that's.. probably a good idea. And shifts so that he could still use the sarcophogi as cover from attacks, albeit much less comfortable now. Keeping his bow trained and at the ready should the doors open, and anything other than a redbrand appear.

Salazar is clearly too preoccupied with something on his mind.. perhaps frustrated that Lark had accelerated their plans, or something else. Leading his every step to be .. like a person attempting to sneak into a house in the middle of the night while everyone is asleep, and every floorboard and doorknob screaming at the top of it's lungs, in the figurative sense.

15

Salazar walks right past it. If not for the fact it was so large in such a tiny hallway.. he wouldn't have noticed it at all... but after having gone several feet beyond it... he noticed it had heard him, and was looking for the source of the noise... to no avail. Though it knew whatever it was had stopped moving.... its eyes shifting back and forth... Salazar could just barely see the bugbear slinking... somehow that beast was far more stealthy than you'd expect. It seems to ultimately stop... being wary of it's surroundings. But it's clear its intent was to head towards the Crypts.

Lark takes up a fortified position, gasping for air suddenly though quietly his brain having forgotten to send the orders... And then speaking to 'Iarno' who would.. after a moment, play along. Waving her fingers, and throwing in some thaumatugic effects mixed with minor illusions to make it seem as if they had done something as Lark becomes himself again.

The redbrands in the room look a bit confused but otherwise accepting. They were clearly tense since the sounds from before had ended so suddenly. As he addresses a nearby thug, he gives lark a look of consternation You know the buggies can kill you in a single shot right? If they hit ya just right.. now aint the time to be lumpin praises on the boss... even if he does deserve em... Focus man... FOCUS! the nervousness in the redbrands voice was evident.. He was likely suffering an anxiety attack of sorts but remained steady.

Yes yes... little thug... please... focus on the fight to come.... is all Alynoa, who was barely able to hide her own trembling limbs was able to do as a reply.

Lark ultimately choosing to leave the safety of his cover to peek out the door, but even as he does... all he see's is an empty hallway. No sign of any bugbears, or Salazars. Not even hearing a footstep. However... 6 it seems his own antics go unnoticed.. the bugbear.. somewhere along that line too intent on seeking the nonexistant source of the footsteps he had just heard shuffle by...

 Somewhere to the south, the sound of stone grating can just barely be heard.

Salazar had indeed been distracted by something; or more accurately, someone. Ever since the death of Glasstaff his angel guide had become more vocal. Not so much in literal words, but in abstract feelings, or momentary delusions in seeing patterns in dust, cracks in the wall, and even the red brand's blood pool. They were always hints at a possible future, but broken up and in need of time to process. It had been easy to pretend while around others that nothing had changed or was out of the ordinary to the cleric The man had years of practice.

But still... Having seen as much as he saw, and in spite of the whole point of the journey had been to reconnect with the spirit, the escalation of violence....

As Salazar is shaking his head and suppressing the line of thought, he turned just enough and just in time to see the bugbear. By some miracle, neither the momentary transformation that lead to Glasstaff's destruction, or a sharp gasp of panic came about during the brief instance of surprise. An instant of panic instead immediately gave way to an eerie calm, as the sound of stone grinding further southward conjured a reminder. 'Time is up. Do not fear' A thought that was both his and not echoed in mind as he watched the bugbear look about for him.

A hand goes up, and if already within touching distance, the bugbear would have just enough time to register something gently pat his face before everything below it grows heavy and cold; flesh and bone necrotizing rapidly as if cursed by the divine. And if out of immediate reach a sudden bright orb of green light suddenly appearing in empty space is its only warning -- a far too late one -- prior to orb slamming into its face. In both cases, words in celestial "Our fates are sealed now." are spoken, then Salazar ripples into existence, adjusting his glasses.

"Brands! I have one out here, but others are coming around the otherside!" He cries out, knowing the doors closest to the crypt would at least be open. The warning given, unless at least the one Bugbear before him fell, he stayed his ground and took out his handaxe, ready for the end. Though it fell, he calls back towards the crevice. "Creature of the crevice! You are called to service! The Bugbear's invitation has been revoked. Your overdue compensation is to be paid in double this eve!" The call given, and against better judgement, he still holds for a confirmation before even thinking of running back to the crypt's northern entrance. 

(Surprise)Action: Disrupt Vitality at 1st level - To Hit: 25 For: 17 of Necrotic Damage to visible bugbear. 

(If Guiding Bolt would be more appropriate, just replace the damage with this: 14, and if a crit(by some miracle), an additional 16 of radiant damage)

(Hopefully the ones to the south caught that, and come running back to deal with Salazar. Because I'm not like the odds of them not raiding the sleeping quarters for more redbrands. T.T)

Lark, having heard Salazar's call, will turn and point to the rear of the chamber. "They come." 

Lark ducks and hides (12) behind the sarcophagus, he is ready to fire his crossbow at whatever comes through the south door. 

Attack: 11 Damage: 8 ; Advantage roll if hidden:23

(Not sure what exactly you mean by 'appropriate'..)

The bugbear is slammed by nothing, until Salazars body came into existence, most of the flesh rotting away, revealing bones and sinew, though not quite dead - the creature did seem to be in utter agony. But was unable to scream or roar as more than half of its body was scored with decay. However, it was still able to lift it''s weapon...

The Nothic heard the call, and considered responding, though no aid immediately came. Whether it would join the fray or not would remain to be seen. For now, Salazar was alone with what one would probably mistake for an undead monstrosity at this point.

The redbrand in the corner nodded I know man... I can hear it... the issue is we don't know whether he's going to continue this way or not... and even if he does, buggies are quiet for something that large.... we might not hear it if it comes this way till the doors burst open. The redbrand sighed away some jitters, clearly still confused as to why the bugbears would turn on them out of left field.

Lark ducking for cover and hiding generally well. But given the fact he wasn't seen in the first place.. probably meant he'd be fine. Silence continues to fall. No one seems to react to Salazars call. And the moments drag on....

Lark - 5 Alynoa - 20 - Salazar - 7  - - - - - 13 21 - - - - - 21 17 14

Alynoa stands in the center of the room, trying to maintain the look of 'power' by standing boldly in the center and preparing a spell in advance. The redbrands each preparing their weapons to strike should anything come through the north entrance. Except of course the one to the south.

In the northern hall near the crevasse, B1 though unable to roar out, raises it's morningstar and attempts to strike at Salazar with as much force as it could muster. 
Attack: 5 Damage: 12 However, it would seem that the damage caused by Salazars attack had left it too stunned to land a solid strike on him, his weapon instead splintering the barrels near Salazars head. The sound of stone crumbling nearby but not from where the bugbear had hit could be heard as well, though only by Salazar.

R1 maintains his action. As does Anynoa, and the rest of the reds.

with little warning, B2, enters the area by charging through the brass doors, seeking to attack whomever it saw first. Its mornignstar covered in blood, guts, and other entrails. Its mouth bloodied from having feasted on flesh recently. Out of nowhere, atleast not that the bugbear had expected a bolt and spell fly towards it, while the other brands turn around, screaming bloody battle cries as they charge the creature. Another bolt escaping larks Crossbow

Attack: 17 Damage: 7

Attack: 6 Damage: 7

Attack: 19 Damage: 6

Attack: 20 Damage: 7

The bolt hits the armor at a bad angle, bouncing off it and clattering to the floor nearby, however, one of the brands manages a deep jab into the bugbears side. The other brand panics, seeing the gore and as he strikes at the bugbear in terror, splits the other brands skull in two, killing him.

Alynoa's frost spell doesn't seem to phase the bugbear in the slightest as it roars out.

Initiative: B1, R1, alynoa, r3, B2, Salazar, Lark.

Lark begins to whisper a strange little haiku at the bugbear(2) in the room. Whispering, "Bugbear comes to kill; finds out nothing thought is real; winds up dead."

Lark ducks back down behind the sarcophagus, and pulls the claw back on his crossbow. He places another bolt in the notch. He breathes heavily. He had forgotten how big those filthy brutes looked with filled with murderous glee.  

(Damage for spell :10 DC 12 Wis save for half, stealth roll for bonus action hide :5)