Sarith puts his sword away “I’m, I’m sorry, I thought that I could do it until I was stood there facing him and then I crumbled. I will try my best to defeat any more of my people that get in our way. He just seemed so helpless in Tobias’ arms... Why am I here? It’s a good question that I’m not sure of the answer to myself. I was out as part of a hunting party around the outskirts of the dark lake there were 10 of us, exploring new areas and looking for anything we could. The next thing I know, I woke up with blood on my hands and other 4 members of the party at my feet. I don’t think it was me, I don’t think I did anything but if not, then why am I still alive? Another group of Drow scouts found me, I guess they must have been some of Ilvara’s guards, I was clutching on to the corpse of one of my comrades, they blamed me for what had happened and I felt a bolt in my neck, then I came to in the cell with you all. There is no going back now, I can’t risk going back to Menzoberranzan for fear that the remaining members of my group have returned there and reported me but I have nowhere else to go. Escaping here is my current mission and where to go after that is unknown to me. Perhaps Lilith will guide me”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"That went well enough,"Tobias says trying to hide his surprise."But, yes, Verim is right. We need to move on." As Sarith tells his quick story, the cleric tries to get a sense if he is being truthful.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
By this time Eldeth and JimJar have made their way down the ladder. Eldeth says “Well that went well by the look of things. Verim does have a point. They’re probably called Elite guards for a reason. I just really want to find my things before we leave. Yes Tobias, we must get moving”
JimJar shifts over to Gnarls “We agreed on 2 gold for keeping the fish, the mushroom and the twins safe” he stands with his hand open, reaching towards you.
El looks out over the bridge, listening as they do so. There doesn’t appear to be much movement on the other side.
Tobias watches Sarith speak.
Persuasion/Deception 13
Tobias thinks that there is a lot of truth in what Sarith is saying.
(OOC - Perception rolls are hearing and seeing but if you say that you are watching for movement or trying to look around an area then that’s when you would be relying on sight as part of your roll.
El listens to the story then speaks up, "I don't see anyone coming over, do we want to try and continue to lure them one at a time or does anyone have a better idea? I'm not sure I can take any more hits from these guys, they're way stronger and I even hurt myself when that one kicked me so finding a peaceful or less risky option would be preferable."El sits on the table and checks themself over, inspecting cuts and testing to see if anything is strained.
Gnarls searches the Drow guard for coin/etc. As he does so, he telepathically speaks to the group.
"That is an unfortunate fate Sarith. I can relate. I was torn from my family and forced to live among the Uthgardt when I was very young. It took time to accept my new reality. If you cannot harm your kin, perhaps you can help us in other ways. There is doubtless more Drow blood to be spilt before we escape however, and I WILL NOT be sent to Menzoberanzen.
Turning to JimJar, Gnarls smiles and says "I should not have given you such good odds! I have an idea. How about double or nothing? If you can keep them safe until we can free ourselves from this outpost, I will owe you 4 gold?"
"Next steps: I suggest a small force move on to the next stalactite. El, do you think we can do this without being seen by the elite guards?"
Thinking some more, Gnarls adds: "El, I tend to agree. You mentioned Shoor is getting special treatment....could we use this against them? I can't imagine the other Drow are pleased by this"
Listening to the others' stories El thinks about their own misfortunes and the reason they were captured. Deigning not to share they instead focus on strategy, "Yes, I think using Shoor's apparent favour against them would work, though I don't have a plan for how to use it as such. What I do know is that we can make it across the bridge unseen however to enter the stalactite we would pass through one or maybe both Elites' field of vision. If anyone knows any cloaking spells now would be a perfect time to share, otherwise we'll need to distract the guards so they don't see us enter. If entering the guardhouse is the plan."
El nods to Gnarls in acknowledgement of his diplomacy regarding JimJar, laughing wryly they joke, "you'll go broke if you keep that up."
Gnarls searches around and finds 5 crossbow bolts, 1 gold and 8 silver.
Sarith looks at Gnarls “I will try my best to help, whether that is attacking my kin or doing something else to help”
JimJar says “Fine, fine, double or nothing. Sounds good to me. The sooner we get out of here the sooner I can start looking for mushrooms to win another bet”
"What about those Quaggoths? Are the likely to leave the Drow alone or would they go on a bit of a rampage if we let them out? Of course then, we have more possible foes to deal with. Yuck."
"So, distract and enter only works if there are no elites in that tower/stalactite, which we can't guarantee. I think that's our best chance however. Tobias, El: How far away can you project a noise? Could you concoct something that would maybe get those Drow to head further in to the outpost and away from us?"
Cyndral shakes his head, doing his best to give Gnarls a sympathetic look as he loses the armor costume he'd donned before.
"It's well known down here that the Quaggoth are a subservient race to the the Drow. If their spirits are already broken, releasing them is likely inviting our own doom. And, to make things worse, I don't have any concealing magic or anything of the like. I've expended all my best spells in our initial assault. But, we have quite a bit of rope here, and climbing supplies to boot. Perhaps we should cut our losses and escape from here? I know there are things we wish not to lose, the spell components for my protective magic are still missing, but surely it's not worth our losses. Even a holy symbol can be replaced, if we could find some Zhurkwood stalks on our travels, we could carve our own."
El thinks for a moment, "I can cast about 10 feet away, it's a simple spell but can be used for a variety of effects. If combined with Tobias' magic I'm sure we can focus their attention away from us but I worry about our odds of finding more guards inside, after there appears to be more cells or rooms there and there's some sort of platform which may be a way out. It makes sense that the Elite Drow are guarding it but there may well be more."
El turns to Cyndral, "my friend I understand that some of our equipment is not worth the risk however I am not the strongest and would much prefer to test my wits against the drow than my strength against a perilous climb. Plus if there are more beasts like the one we saw before I don't know how we could fight them attached to a rope."
"I don't think you are going to fool anyone from ten feet away. I believe our best choice would be to make it look like the three of you - El, Cyndral and Sarith - are leading the rest of us "prisoners" into the the next building."
Suddenly, an idea strikes Gnarls. "Maybe we don't need to make them leave. Maybe they will on their own? With it being so dark down here it didn't occur to me before. Surely these guards must sleep? Sarith, his do your people discern night and day? Do we have any idea what time it is? Maybe we just wait until they walk away..."
"I don't believe they will just leave posts abandoned if the guards need sleep. Someone would come to relieve them. I don't think waiting is our best course of action now that we have set things in motion."
Tobias gives Verim a nod. "I do like your idea though, and you seem rather excited about the prospect. Do we need to give your servant something to carry to create a distraction? Before sending it off can it make sure the door is unlocked over there?"
Sarith answers “We tend to get into a routine, a sleep pattern that allows us to have a rough idea of time. For efficiency, half of a colony will sleep during the time you call night and the other half will sleep during the time you call day. Tobias is right, I can’t see them just abandoning their posts”
(By this point, with gathering the gear, discussions and killing this guard, it has been about an hour since your escape, Gnarls’ poison is wearing off)
“Sheerava can perform the tasks I ask of her, to the best of her ability, fetching/ retrieving taking object elsewhere or even in this case checking doors, the best thing is she will only be visible to me but I will know what she’s doing, especially if the door is locked, she can try those keys the drow had?”
Verim proceeds to to pull out his bench leg with the rope attached
“These are all I need to summon her, just say the word”
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Sarith puts his sword away “I’m, I’m sorry, I thought that I could do it until I was stood there facing him and then I crumbled. I will try my best to defeat any more of my people that get in our way. He just seemed so helpless in Tobias’ arms... Why am I here? It’s a good question that I’m not sure of the answer to myself. I was out as part of a hunting party around the outskirts of the dark lake there were 10 of us, exploring new areas and looking for anything we could. The next thing I know, I woke up with blood on my hands and other 4 members of the party at my feet. I don’t think it was me, I don’t think I did anything but if not, then why am I still alive? Another group of Drow scouts found me, I guess they must have been some of Ilvara’s guards, I was clutching on to the corpse of one of my comrades, they blamed me for what had happened and I felt a bolt in my neck, then I came to in the cell with you all. There is no going back now, I can’t risk going back to Menzoberranzan for fear that the remaining members of my group have returned there and reported me but I have nowhere else to go. Escaping here is my current mission and where to go after that is unknown to me. Perhaps Lilith will guide me”
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
Vosdred Ironeye - Hill Dwarf - Fighter/Wizard - PBP Game of the Last Chance
"That went well enough," Tobias says trying to hide his surprise."But, yes, Verim is right. We need to move on." As Sarith tells his quick story, the cleric tries to get a sense if he is being truthful.
Insight on Sarith: 13
By this time Eldeth and JimJar have made their way down the ladder. Eldeth says “Well that went well by the look of things. Verim does have a point. They’re probably called Elite guards for a reason. I just really want to find my things before we leave. Yes Tobias, we must get moving”
JimJar shifts over to Gnarls “We agreed on 2 gold for keeping the fish, the mushroom and the twins safe” he stands with his hand open, reaching towards you.
El looks out over the bridge, listening as they do so. There doesn’t appear to be much movement on the other side.
Tobias watches Sarith speak.
Persuasion/Deception 13
Tobias thinks that there is a lot of truth in what Sarith is saying.
(OOC - Perception rolls are hearing and seeing but if you say that you are watching for movement or trying to look around an area then that’s when you would be relying on sight as part of your roll.
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
Vosdred Ironeye - Hill Dwarf - Fighter/Wizard - PBP Game of the Last Chance
El listens to the story then speaks up, "I don't see anyone coming over, do we want to try and continue to lure them one at a time or does anyone have a better idea? I'm not sure I can take any more hits from these guys, they're way stronger and I even hurt myself when that one kicked me so finding a peaceful or less risky option would be preferable." El sits on the table and checks themself over, inspecting cuts and testing to see if anything is strained.
Gnarls searches the Drow guard for coin/etc. As he does so, he telepathically speaks to the group.
"That is an unfortunate fate Sarith. I can relate. I was torn from my family and forced to live among the Uthgardt when I was very young. It took time to accept my new reality. If you cannot harm your kin, perhaps you can help us in other ways. There is doubtless more Drow blood to be spilt before we escape however, and I WILL NOT be sent to Menzoberanzen.
Turning to JimJar, Gnarls smiles and says "I should not have given you such good odds! I have an idea. How about double or nothing? If you can keep them safe until we can free ourselves from this outpost, I will owe you 4 gold?"
"Next steps: I suggest a small force move on to the next stalactite. El, do you think we can do this without being seen by the elite guards?"
Thinking some more, Gnarls adds: "El, I tend to agree. You mentioned Shoor is getting special treatment....could we use this against them? I can't imagine the other Drow are pleased by this"
Listening to the others' stories El thinks about their own misfortunes and the reason they were captured. Deigning not to share they instead focus on strategy, "Yes, I think using Shoor's apparent favour against them would work, though I don't have a plan for how to use it as such. What I do know is that we can make it across the bridge unseen however to enter the stalactite we would pass through one or maybe both Elites' field of vision. If anyone knows any cloaking spells now would be a perfect time to share, otherwise we'll need to distract the guards so they don't see us enter. If entering the guardhouse is the plan."
El nods to Gnarls in acknowledgement of his diplomacy regarding JimJar, laughing wryly they joke, "you'll go broke if you keep that up."
Gnarls searches around and finds 5 crossbow bolts, 1 gold and 8 silver.
Sarith looks at Gnarls “I will try my best to help, whether that is attacking my kin or doing something else to help”
JimJar says “Fine, fine, double or nothing. Sounds good to me. The sooner we get out of here the sooner I can start looking for mushrooms to win another bet”
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
Vosdred Ironeye - Hill Dwarf - Fighter/Wizard - PBP Game of the Last Chance
"If I can get close enough, I would be able to make some sort of sound or tremor in the ground that could distract them."
OoC: Gnarls is happy to share anything he finds. He's in survival mentality just grabbing things he think may help.
"Shishalki, or anyone else, we have some extra bolts here."
"likewise, I can use my magic to effect small objects and help."
"What about those Quaggoths? Are the likely to leave the Drow alone or would they go on a bit of a rampage if we let them out? Of course then, we have more possible foes to deal with. Yuck."
"So, distract and enter only works if there are no elites in that tower/stalactite, which we can't guarantee. I think that's our best chance however. Tobias, El: How far away can you project a noise? Could you concoct something that would maybe get those Drow to head further in to the outpost and away from us?"
Cyndral shakes his head, doing his best to give Gnarls a sympathetic look as he loses the armor costume he'd donned before.
"It's well known down here that the Quaggoth are a subservient race to the the Drow. If their spirits are already broken, releasing them is likely inviting our own doom. And, to make things worse, I don't have any concealing magic or anything of the like. I've expended all my best spells in our initial assault. But, we have quite a bit of rope here, and climbing supplies to boot. Perhaps we should cut our losses and escape from here? I know there are things we wish not to lose, the spell components for my protective magic are still missing, but surely it's not worth our losses. Even a holy symbol can be replaced, if we could find some Zhurkwood stalks on our travels, we could carve our own."
Want more of my nonsense? Head over to https://bloodonthevine.podbean.com/ to listen to my DMing!
El thinks for a moment, "I can cast about 10 feet away, it's a simple spell but can be used for a variety of effects. If combined with Tobias' magic I'm sure we can focus their attention away from us but I worry about our odds of finding more guards inside, after there appears to be more cells or rooms there and there's some sort of platform which may be a way out. It makes sense that the Elite Drow are guarding it but there may well be more."
El turns to Cyndral, "my friend I understand that some of our equipment is not worth the risk however I am not the strongest and would much prefer to test my wits against the drow than my strength against a perilous climb. Plus if there are more beasts like the one we saw before I don't know how we could fight them attached to a rope."
"I don't think you are going to fool anyone from ten feet away. I believe our best choice would be to make it look like the three of you - El, Cyndral and Sarith - are leading the rest of us "prisoners" into the the next building."
“If you need a distraction I can cause one 60ft away with my Unseen Servant, she can cause quite a bit of trouble if she needs to”
Verim smirks to himself (the first time you’ve seen any kind of happiness on his face during your time together)
Suddenly, an idea strikes Gnarls. "Maybe we don't need to make them leave. Maybe they will on their own? With it being so dark down here it didn't occur to me before. Surely these guards must sleep? Sarith, his do your people discern night and day? Do we have any idea what time it is? Maybe we just wait until they walk away..."
"I don't believe they will just leave posts abandoned if the guards need sleep. Someone would come to relieve them. I don't think waiting is our best course of action now that we have set things in motion."
Tobias gives Verim a nod. "I do like your idea though, and you seem rather excited about the prospect. Do we need to give your servant something to carry to create a distraction? Before sending it off can it make sure the door is unlocked over there?"
Sarith answers “We tend to get into a routine, a sleep pattern that allows us to have a rough idea of time. For efficiency, half of a colony will sleep during the time you call night and the other half will sleep during the time you call day. Tobias is right, I can’t see them just abandoning their posts”
(By this point, with gathering the gear, discussions and killing this guard, it has been about an hour since your escape, Gnarls’ poison is wearing off)
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
Vosdred Ironeye - Hill Dwarf - Fighter/Wizard - PBP Game of the Last Chance
“Sheerava can perform the tasks I ask of her, to the best of her ability, fetching/ retrieving taking object elsewhere or even in this case checking doors, the best thing is she will only be visible to me but I will know what she’s doing, especially if the door is locked, she can try those keys the drow had?”
Verim proceeds to to pull out his bench leg with the rope attached
“These are all I need to summon her, just say the word”