As the black shadow closes in on the party, Zeke will move to interpose himself between the impending danger and his friends. Spinning his glaive in front of him like a windmill he'll call out 'No closer, or you'll face my wrath' his voice booming with unnatural volume Thaumaturgy
“Now, now everyone. Let’s not overreact here. Remember our goal is to help the goblins against the Spider. Yeemik? Perhaps you could inform your friend as to the plan here and I’ll keep my friends in check for the moment?”
Ethan, holds his shield up and his Fire Caster pointed into the air.
Ethan looks back and forth between everyone, waiting to see what action to take.
As the sphere of darkness comes more fully into view, Ethan tilts his head to the side.
"Um, I think that's just an illusion, or something like it. Look, see? It passes around everything without leaving any mark. I don't think it has any substance to it."
"Is it just to hide in?"
Ethan, seems to be maybe addressing Yeemik or the now approaching goblin, with his last question, or maybe his is just talking to himself.
Zeke's warning drops into a guttural growl, still unnaturally amplified by the magic that runs through his veins. His wings flare out to the sides and the glaive continues to dance, now moving into a series of intricate figure eights, using the full length of the shaft to create a physical barrier between the approaching goblin, the black shadow, and his comrades.
But he holds his ground, not advancing and not moving to strike at the newcomers, simply waiting like a bolt in a cocked crossbow, ready to be unleashed at Arvel's command.
Yeemik tries to shush Arvel as he mentions the Spider but it is too late. The black sphere draws close and a cold, haunting voice is heard from the darkness. "Yeemik, I didn't know you were bringing friends." The sphere stays still but numerous spider legs begin to emerge, soon to be followed by the bodies of two large spiders similar to those that the group killed in the spider den the evening before. They stop moving just outside the sphere and show no aggression. Then a humanoid figure emerges, an elf with charcoal skin, white hair and pale, colorless eyes. He is dressed in black and is holding a black staff with the shape of a spider on the top. The drow glances at the sky briefly and squints but continues on to say "well, are you going to introduce me?" "Let's see, we have the smart one" he says referring to Ethan. "The warrior and protector" referencing Zeke, followed by a small, brief sneer to show the warrior that he is unimpressed. "And then we have the talkative one." He looks at Arvel. "What was that about your goal to help the goblins? How noble." He then turns his cold gaze to Yeemik. In the meantime two more large spiders who had been behind the dark elf emerge from the sphere and stand at attention just outside it as well.
(OOC Yeemik takes half a step forward and looks like he is about to speak but you guys are the stars of this show so I'll pause the scene to see if anyone wants to do or say anything.)
"Greetings...well, I can't just call you 'Spider' now, can I? You know us by reputation and we know yours. I'm Arvel. These are my companions Zeke, Ethan, Tarja, Elra, and Fae. We've come to rescue our employer, the dwarf Gundren Rockseeker. I don't suppose I could convince you to release him unharmed and allow us to leave peacefully?"
The charlatan moves himself so that he is standing between the spiders, the Spider, and Elra.
Fae would try to take advantage of not being pointed out by the spider and just remain quiet to observe. She'd be more interested in studying his magic (the black orb) and looking over his wardrobe, including his staff. The wizard wondered if she could recognize anything from her studies. Maybe it could give her a clue to understanding his power. The thought of snooping into his surface thoughts would cross her mind, but she would decide against it. It was not a risk worth taking at this time.
*Feel free to roll Arcana about any magic such as the black sphere, History for general Drow knowledge, etc. as you like. Just let me know what your intention is. Also, I forget to mention a scimitar at his waist.
To Arvel's question the dark elf replies "you absolutely could convince me, actually." He smirks and raises an eyebrow.
Without looking away from the charlatan the Spider adds "Yeemik, I've never heard you so quiet before." "Did you have something to say?"
The goblin steps forward and says "your pets killed Azzinax!"
"Oh but that simply cannot be. We just left him at the castle. Your friend here saw him. How strange."
(Once again Yeemik might say more, but it's your show first and foremost.)
"Now there's something I like to see. A person with a willingness to give their opposition fair consideration.
As to the issue of the aforementioned Azzinak, our mutual associate Yeemik here is in possession of incontrovertible evidence that the entity you think is Azzinak is an impostor. Evidence my companions will use to confront said impostor on your behalf.
In exchange you will release Gundren Rockseeker to us alive and as unharmed as possible and allow us to return to Phandelin in peace."
Arvelnotices Yeemikshifting a bit.
"Oh. And you'll depose your bugbear minion and allow Yeemik here to become ruler of the Keep. As a reward for rooting out the impostor for you.
Unless, of course, you have no doubts about the security of your operation here?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elra takes a deep breath and tries to get a grip on herself, focusing on the dark aura and racking her brain for dark elf information. "Uh.... um... who are you?"
Fae and Elra are familiar with the existence of magic that creates darkness regardless of the surrounding environment. Elra also knows most creatures cannot see in such darkness, even those such as elves and dwarves with darkvision.
Fae and Elra are both familiar with basic knowledge of the drow, aka dark elves. They live below the surface in the Underdark, are hated for their cruel or downright evil nature, have a distinct look similar to the Spider's with dark skin, white hair and pale eyes, prefer to stay out of the sun and worship Lolth, aka the Queen of Spiders. Their most notable city in the Underdark is Menzoberranzan, where rival houses work to topple one another to increase their standing amongst the drow and win Lolth's favor. Those houses are all led by female drow, as men are of lower standing in drow culture. Lolth encourages this infighting culture as a way to control her subjects, keep their devotion focused entirely on her, and for her own amusement. Elra can actually recall several several specific tales of warring houses that she has read, and knows that many drow are quite adept at magic. They are often resistant to some magics, and many can cast spells such as Dancing Lights, Darkness and Faerie Fire.
Fae has trouble reading exactly what the Spider is playing at, but knows his voice alone makes her uneasy.
The Spider looks to Ethan with feigned offense. "You wound me, dear friend of Yeemik."
To Elra he replies "I am but a wanderer, a seeker of knowledge, a servant of the Queen, of course."
He then returns his attention to Arvel. "Opposition? Why so much hostility from your group? I thought we were to meet and see how we might help one another." He looks to the goblin that came along with him. "Isn't that what we came for? To meet Yeemik's new friends?" He sighs. "I am quite afraid that your offer just won't do, however. Indeed I had hoped for much more." He feigns disappointment. "In fact it seems you offer nothing of value at all, in exchange for several things of great value in return. No, this will not do. What could you offer....what could you offer... Ah, I have it! There is a dragon in these parts who has been... a bit bothersome. He has even inquired about me specifically! Perhaps you could travel to the West where I'm told he makes his lair, find out why he wants to meet me so badly, and bring back his head! ...or a few scales and a few teeth... whatever is most convincing. I'm really quite reasonable. I'll admit, I have not been inclined to subject myself to the breath of a green dragon for long enough to inquire myself. Surely you all are mighty enough to be the heroes to rid the land of such a vile threat? We can't be the only source of the beast's food, the only victims of his endless wrath, no. I will see to the safe return of your...employer... from those bugbears, even at my own peril. In fact, what more might you ask of me in exchange? Yeemik and his mates to hold the castle for themselves? It is possible..." He seems to be pondering that part of the bargain.
Zeke snorts derisively 'Seems unreasonable tobargain with one who holds our friend for ransom. Should we also pay you for free passage in the forest? For permission to breathe the air here? For insurance to make sure no trouble befalls us in the future?'
The tiefling never breaks eye contact with the Drow, but is watching the spiders and goblin companion closely for any signs of trouble.
"It is Yeemik's friends at the castle that hold your dwarf. I am but a servant of the mighty King Grol. I merely seek ways in which we can help one another. I however may be able to provide some protection in the forest if you wish, master tiefling. I will do whatever you wish, if we have a bargain."
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As the black shadow closes in on the party, Zeke will move to interpose himself between the impending danger and his friends. Spinning his glaive in front of him like a windmill he'll call out 'No closer, or you'll face my wrath' his voice booming with unnatural volume Thaumaturgy
“Now, now everyone. Let’s not overreact here. Remember our goal is to help the goblins against the Spider. Yeemik? Perhaps you could inform your friend as to the plan here and I’ll keep my friends in check for the moment?”
DCI: 3319125026
Ethan, holds his shield up and his Fire Caster pointed into the air.
Ethan looks back and forth between everyone, waiting to see what action to take.
As the sphere of darkness comes more fully into view, Ethan tilts his head to the side.
"Um, I think that's just an illusion, or something like it. Look, see? It passes around everything without leaving any mark. I don't think it has any substance to it."
"Is it just to hide in?"
Ethan, seems to be maybe addressing Yeemik or the now approaching goblin, with his last question, or maybe his is just talking to himself.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
"Looks like it," Elra replies, moving forward to get a better look at it.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Zeke's warning drops into a guttural growl, still unnaturally amplified by the magic that runs through his veins. His wings flare out to the sides and the glaive continues to dance, now moving into a series of intricate figure eights, using the full length of the shaft to create a physical barrier between the approaching goblin, the black shadow, and his comrades.
But he holds his ground, not advancing and not moving to strike at the newcomers, simply waiting like a bolt in a cocked crossbow, ready to be unleashed at Arvel's command.
Fae could only stand and watch with anticipation.
just an unstable unicorn.
Yeemik tries to shush Arvel as he mentions the Spider but it is too late. The black sphere draws close and a cold, haunting voice is heard from the darkness. "Yeemik, I didn't know you were bringing friends." The sphere stays still but numerous spider legs begin to emerge, soon to be followed by the bodies of two large spiders similar to those that the group killed in the spider den the evening before. They stop moving just outside the sphere and show no aggression. Then a humanoid figure emerges, an elf with charcoal skin, white hair and pale, colorless eyes. He is dressed in black and is holding a black staff with the shape of a spider on the top. The drow glances at the sky briefly and squints but continues on to say "well, are you going to introduce me?" "Let's see, we have the smart one" he says referring to Ethan. "The warrior and protector" referencing Zeke, followed by a small, brief sneer to show the warrior that he is unimpressed. "And then we have the talkative one." He looks at Arvel. "What was that about your goal to help the goblins? How noble." He then turns his cold gaze to Yeemik. In the meantime two more large spiders who had been behind the dark elf emerge from the sphere and stand at attention just outside it as well.
(OOC Yeemik takes half a step forward and looks like he is about to speak but you guys are the stars of this show so I'll pause the scene to see if anyone wants to do or say anything.)
Elra takes a few steps back as the spiders step around.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"Hey, I'm not the only one who's smart! Just because you don't know the others..."
Ethan stop for a moment, in mid sentence,
"Actually, how do you know who any of us are?"
Ethan brings his shield up, and points his Fire Caster in the general direction of the Spider and his spiders, ready for anything hostile.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Zeke grounds his blade, keeping the point inclinced towards the Drow, but freeing a hand for a hatchet if needed.
**Well, that's unfortunate. Still...**
"Greetings...well, I can't just call you 'Spider' now, can I? You know us by reputation and we know yours. I'm Arvel. These are my companions Zeke, Ethan, Tarja, Elra, and Fae. We've come to rescue our employer, the dwarf Gundren Rockseeker. I don't suppose I could convince you to release him unharmed and allow us to leave peacefully?"
The charlatan moves himself so that he is standing between the spiders, the Spider, and Elra.
DCI: 3319125026
Fae would try to take advantage of not being pointed out by the spider and just remain quiet to observe. She'd be more interested in studying his magic (the black orb) and looking over his wardrobe, including his staff. The wizard wondered if she could recognize anything from her studies. Maybe it could give her a clue to understanding his power. The thought of snooping into his surface thoughts would cross her mind, but she would decide against it. It was not a risk worth taking at this time.
just an unstable unicorn.
*Feel free to roll Arcana about any magic such as the black sphere, History for general Drow knowledge, etc. as you like. Just let me know what your intention is. Also, I forget to mention a scimitar at his waist.
To Arvel's question the dark elf replies "you absolutely could convince me, actually." He smirks and raises an eyebrow.
Without looking away from the charlatan the Spider adds "Yeemik, I've never heard you so quiet before." "Did you have something to say?"
The goblin steps forward and says "your pets killed Azzinax!"
"Oh but that simply cannot be. We just left him at the castle. Your friend here saw him. How strange."
(Once again Yeemik might say more, but it's your show first and foremost.)
Ethan looks very slightly hopeful at the Spiders response to Arvel, but looks mildly confused a moment later at his response to Yemmik.
Ethan whispers to Arvel,
"I don't think I like this guy. He makes me feel funny."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
"Now there's something I like to see. A person with a willingness to give their opposition fair consideration.
As to the issue of the aforementioned Azzinak, our mutual associate Yeemik here is in possession of incontrovertible evidence that the entity you think is Azzinak is an impostor. Evidence my companions will use to confront said impostor on your behalf.
In exchange you will release Gundren Rockseeker to us alive and as unharmed as possible and allow us to return to Phandelin in peace."
Arvel notices Yeemik shifting a bit.
"Oh. And you'll depose your bugbear minion and allow Yeemik here to become ruler of the Keep. As a reward for rooting out the impostor for you.
Unless, of course, you have no doubts about the security of your operation here?"
DCI: 3319125026
(Arcana: 13 for his magic, and staff?
History: 12 on drow
Insight: 9 is he being truthful, or pulling our leg?)
just an unstable unicorn.
Elra takes a deep breath and tries to get a grip on herself, focusing on the dark aura and racking her brain for dark elf information. "Uh.... um... who are you?"
Arcana on the darkness: 18
History on Dark Elves: 8
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Regarding the skill checks...
Fae and Elra are familiar with the existence of magic that creates darkness regardless of the surrounding environment. Elra also knows most creatures cannot see in such darkness, even those such as elves and dwarves with darkvision.
Fae and Elra are both familiar with basic knowledge of the drow, aka dark elves. They live below the surface in the Underdark, are hated for their cruel or downright evil nature, have a distinct look similar to the Spider's with dark skin, white hair and pale eyes, prefer to stay out of the sun and worship Lolth, aka the Queen of Spiders. Their most notable city in the Underdark is Menzoberranzan, where rival houses work to topple one another to increase their standing amongst the drow and win Lolth's favor. Those houses are all led by female drow, as men are of lower standing in drow culture. Lolth encourages this infighting culture as a way to control her subjects, keep their devotion focused entirely on her, and for her own amusement. Elra can actually recall several several specific tales of warring houses that she has read, and knows that many drow are quite adept at magic. They are often resistant to some magics, and many can cast spells such as Dancing Lights, Darkness and Faerie Fire.
Fae has trouble reading exactly what the Spider is playing at, but knows his voice alone makes her uneasy.
The Spider looks to Ethan with feigned offense. "You wound me, dear friend of Yeemik."
To Elra he replies "I am but a wanderer, a seeker of knowledge, a servant of the Queen, of course."
He then returns his attention to Arvel. "Opposition? Why so much hostility from your group? I thought we were to meet and see how we might help one another." He looks to the goblin that came along with him. "Isn't that what we came for? To meet Yeemik's new friends?" He sighs. "I am quite afraid that your offer just won't do, however. Indeed I had hoped for much more." He feigns disappointment. "In fact it seems you offer nothing of value at all, in exchange for several things of great value in return. No, this will not do. What could you offer....what could you offer... Ah, I have it! There is a dragon in these parts who has been... a bit bothersome. He has even inquired about me specifically! Perhaps you could travel to the West where I'm told he makes his lair, find out why he wants to meet me so badly, and bring back his head! ...or a few scales and a few teeth... whatever is most convincing. I'm really quite reasonable. I'll admit, I have not been inclined to subject myself to the breath of a green dragon for long enough to inquire myself. Surely you all are mighty enough to be the heroes to rid the land of such a vile threat? We can't be the only source of the beast's food, the only victims of his endless wrath, no. I will see to the safe return of your...employer... from those bugbears, even at my own peril. In fact, what more might you ask of me in exchange? Yeemik and his mates to hold the castle for themselves? It is possible..." He seems to be pondering that part of the bargain.
Zeke snorts derisively 'Seems unreasonable to bargain with one who holds our friend for ransom. Should we also pay you for free passage in the forest? For permission to breathe the air here? For insurance to make sure no trouble befalls us in the future?'
The tiefling never breaks eye contact with the Drow, but is watching the spiders and goblin companion closely for any signs of trouble.
"It is Yeemik's friends at the castle that hold your dwarf. I am but a servant of the mighty King Grol. I merely seek ways in which we can help one another. I however may be able to provide some protection in the forest if you wish, master tiefling. I will do whatever you wish, if we have a bargain."