Doozey crosses his arms on that pot, and eyed Derannos with no small amount of suspicion and incredulous at this point. Thankfully, others see to it to satisfy the Dragon's wish prior to an exhausted stoutling perhaps saying something best left unsaid. As soon as Derannos leaves the first time, Doozey breathes a heavy sigh of relief and shakes his head. "I've heard of hard bargains, but that felt right like being taken for a ride by the end there." He trails off muttering something in sylvan as he went about picking up his bolts.
"... At least this one was of an amicable sort. Though based on his words, being a bit on the young side might've had as much to do with it as any scale colors might say... Speaking of amicable..." Doozey turns back to Graxx, and folds his arms. "I know I said be on your guard, and I still say the words hold true. But you've been rather tense, Mr. Graxx. Something we might know about 'fore Derannos comes with the girl?" He asked worriedly, but wouldn't press the barbrain too hard. Everyone was various degrees of exhausted from both nights events and brew. Which in thinking about it, Doozey turns to Utar and ask, "You also wouldn't happen to have prepared anything to actually purge that crap from our systems? I myself felt a bit a better using the classic method. But trying something magical... wouldn't be a bad idea, maybe?"
After Derannos return!:
(@All: Holding off for now, as it may affect Doozey's reaction to the return)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx looks to Doozey a bead of sweat trails down his face but he breathes a short sigh of relief as the dragon has department. Graxx lowers his head and whispers louds enough for CRAP to hear.
"Look at the way the Dragon stands and the way his muscles are tensed in certain areas. He is not just talking to us he seems to be waiting at any moment to pounce! I am not losing anyone else!" says Graxx.
Graxx gives Doozey a knowing nod when says anyone else.
"Hopefully we have tickled his fancy enough to let us go but I'm not putting this sword down until we are far from this place." says Graxx.
Doozey was silent for a brief moment, before eventually nodding in understanding. "Though in fairness, it is a tense situation. Tired as we are, it would behoove a bit of readiness on his part for things to spoil at any moment. Having just come from the island, and we people -- well, mostly you tall folks, if'n I'm bein honest -- can be a fickle lot from the perspective of the long lived." He expresses, and would pat Graxx on the leg.
"But keep up the patience. All things considered, you're handling yourself well. And we'll be out of here before you know it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"You're supposing that the crones had cursed us?" Neya asks in reply to Utar. "You may be right, if they we willing to deal with devils, who knows what lengths they'd go to incentivize outsiders."
(@Ori, @Drache, @Grx: If you haven't done so, please remove the treasure statuettes, the magical helm, and the moon sword from your respective inventories.)
PRIOR TO DERANNOS' RETURN
Left on their own for a few moments, CRAP discusses Graxx's apparent uneasiness and the possibility that the general tiredness that they are all feeling is part of a more powerful curse than initially thought. On the former topic, Doozey seems satisfied for now with Graxx's response. On the latter, Utar's particularly bad condition leads Neya to believe the crones had more in store for the party.
Before they can arrive at more concrete conclusions however, Derannos begins to make its way back...
DERANNOS RETURNS
Eventually, Derannos returns. It appears at a distance, swimming swiftly with its adorned head above water. Elisande lays atop it, and the creature gently puts her down on top of a rock formation a bit ways away from the group. You can all see that she is alive but unconscious. A second limp but alive body is also deposited next to Elisande's. It would seem the girl managed to bring a companion with her during her escape. The resourceful little rascal surely had to risk her life in order to bring along the scrawny blind goat with her this far. Derannos speaks: "As you can see, the girl is well, as is her pet. She is unaware of her surroundings for now, and I prefer her condition remains unchanged. I consider this visitation to suffice in terms of half of my side of the trade. If you agree, I shall return her to her abode before delivering on the rest of my promise."
(@Grx: Please give me a WIS saving throw along with your next post).
(@Ori: Please give me an insight check along with your next post).
"She really loved that goat." Doozey states, smirking at the pair. "Though, I wished she had.... No. It's good that she's alright." He looks up to Derannos and nods. "You have our thanks. I just hope that whatever is got ya particular paranoid isn't all too bad... no offense." The stoutling shrugs haplessly, and at least started to fold up his arms in readiness for another lengthy wait.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Wis Save: 13
Graxx looks at the girl then at the Dragon.
"I guess she's safer here from those villagers than anywhere else. I'd say none of them will be venturing down here to try to and take her." says Graxx.
"Having been there, I think we all might have looked to get clear of that island first chance we got. Could you at least let her know that the outsides wish her well, when she wakes,of course?"
Derannos nods at your mostly neutral if not agreeable responses. It looks at Utar and says: "I shall let her know that the four of you came to check on her and agreed that my lair was the safest of places for her for now." With that, the metallic dragon carefully wraps both girl and goat in its coils and places them within the well-adorned natural crown on its head. It swims back from whence it came a moment ago, presumably leaving Elisande and the blind animal in their temporary abode.
While Derannos is away for a second brief moment, Graxx begins to ever so slightly twitch a bit.
Graxx:
Something about this dragon is not right. If it had the girl's best interest in mind, why would it require so many valuable articles in exchange for a quick visit and some shared knowledge. Knowledge that, by the way, it has yet to share with CRAP as promised. Perhaps this creature is just a fancy swindler, or is even just biding its time before sneakily attacking the group. Playing with its food. Yes, that's probably it.
You look at you blade and it seems to agree with you. You tighten your grip around its hilt and can almost hear the blade talk back to you. The two of you are probably better off by attacking first and asking questions later. This creature can't be trusted. This creature did something wrong. It did something to the sword. And the sword was a gift from Tempus, was it not? You can't let this stand!
(@Grx: The decision on what to do next is yours. You are still in control for now, but there is no telling what the curse may build up to next.)
Doozey:
Graxx is sweating profusely and and tightening his grip on the greatsword he did not gift the dragon. The blade is out even though everyone else's weapon is stowed. Sure the dragon drives a hard bargain, but surely not enough to risk everyone's life with unwarranted aggression, right? There is something else at play here. Something is afoot. Maybe your barbarian friend has some sort of history with Derannos. Maybe he remembers the dragon but the opposite is not true... but then again, the dragon knew of the Redfoot clan simply by sniffing the air around you. It does not look like the type of creature who forgets. Something is going on... something is not right... something is about to happen if you don't stop it.
Neya and Utar:
Graxx is starting to breath a bit heavier than normal. Maybe the crones' concoction is finally getting to him. Whatever it is, Dozzey seems to be watching the barbarian intently. Also, Graxx's agreeable words are not exactly matching his demeanor.
(OOC: I'll stop here for now and give you all a chance to respond before Derannos returns for a second time).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doozey's eyes widen in one moment of fear, only to narrow in the next, a sense of resolve setting into his visage. If there was to be any warning to his next intention, his tone of his eyes turning from their murky tones to a bright gold give it away. But it's not nearly enough of a warning before he lashed out with a punch at Graxx's shin. The weight and strength of which was laughable compared to the physique of the barbarian. Yet, if his aim is true enough, there was an unnatural bite to it; as if, similar to Neya's own techniques, a nerve or joint had been struck at just the right angle to cause harm.
Bonus Action: Slayer's Prey on Graxx.
Action: Surprise Punch - Attack: 13 Damage: 6 of bludgeoning damage(the damage coming from Slayer's Prey).
Whether or not the stoutling succeeds in doing more than embarrassing himself, the determined look in his eyes doesn't waver as he bounds a step back, and got into a loosely defensive boxer's pose. "That's enough, Mr. Graxx. Me and you are going outside now. A b-b-b-but!" He holds up a finger, interrupting (or so he hoped) any immediate attempt at complaint. "Outside. Now. I feel for ya, I do, wanting to protect friends. But yer start'n to look awfully like Ms. Villie 'fore she lost her cool back at the office. And we've ALL seen how that turned out.... something's wrong. And we're stepping out to talk. Or, you can surrender your weapons. 'cause I ain't have'n no itchy trigger fingers get us trouble yet again. Not. Today." He states firmly, and unless any attempts at easing the situation involving the two now involved folk taking the stoutling's side, he blatantly ignores to keep on staring down Graxx.
And, if Graxx did not comply with either of his demands, or so much as made a move to draw his blade or go for the water in some manic fit.... Doozey draws his shortsword and continues to stare down at Graxx with a 'Don't make me go further', or lunges ready to try and incapicitate the man.
Graxx looks down at his sword and at the halfling after the punching attempt. He looks to the direction of the Dragon and raises his blade.
"The dragon has offended Tempus and must die. It will feel my blade upon it's neck when it returns and I will take it's plumes as proof of my deed to fight for control of the Sky Pony tribe! You will not stop me Doozey. Now leave this place and let me finish this." snarls Graxx.
Doozey returns the snarl with an incredulous brow raise. But seeing the genuine determination, the stoutling closed, took a deep breathe, then took casually took the rapier. "The crones have gotten to you, my friend. Or maybe... it's the thing Neya's mentioned a ways back. I don't know. But,what I do now, I do for your sake, as well as the rest of your friends. So if you're as determined as you think you are... you're gonna have to kill me first." He states frankly, completing the draw with those last few words and leveling the blade at Graxx.
Again, nothing short of surrender or restraining of Graxx, or in someway doing the same to Doozey would stay the stoutling's hands. Momentary hesitation on Graxx' part might give him pause at least. But little more than that. If need be, he would strike first well before the Dragon has a chance to return.
(For if/when Initiative is needed)
Doozey Initiative: 21.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar rolls his eyes and clutches his amulet. It glows faintly in the light of the Driftglobe as he casts guidance.
Pulling himself up in height and setting his jaw to make his tusks all the more prominent, he looms over Doozey and locks Graxx with a hard stare. Half growling and half hissing, he begins.
"Torm give me strength. Both of you will discover why I am called the Hammerhand if this behaviour keeps up. Doozey, you are in no state to fight Graxx, even if he is being an arse. Put your sword away and carry on addressing this dragon, who will be back soon. Graxx, do the same. None of us are in any position to fight anything. Do you understand? Try it with that dragon and we're either joining those kuo-toa from the shore or the only thing standing between that girl and whatever in the nine those crones on the island were. Have you all forgotten there's a gnome rotting in a Black Fist cell for the second time because of us?!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Come to think of it, you've become a lot more reckless, lately, Graxx." Neya observes. "Not just in battle, we know that's how you've been trained. But, even then, I've seen you switch to different foes for little reason."
"When Captain Burral ordered us to disarm, you got into an unnecessary fight because you wouldn't take off that sword."
"Now, you want to attack a dragon in his own lair while he is in the midst fulfilling his end of a bargain with us? On top of that, you are willing to fight us to accomplish that! What is going on with you?"
Graxx steps back and his sword lowers but his grip remains tight after Utar’s threats. His stares in utter disbelief at Utar. His eyes widen in shock as Neya also piles onto the mental attack on the barbarian.
”Utar.... Neya...”
Graxx shakes his head.
”I wasn’t shocked the hafling stood against me but... You two. After everything we’ve been through you turn against me now! Now that my time has come to earn back my tribe and stop this evil doings you turn on me! I am not even asking you to fight beside me though I thought you would without me asking!
Graxx faces becomes disgusted.
”Now that you’re bringing up the past that makes me think. You’ve been against me this whole time. I wanted to take out the Black Fist one by one but you said no!”
Graxx spits on the ground.
”I’m through with you. With all of you! You are all against me! Questioning me every step of the way! All I need is my sword and Tempus to guide me! Leave me!” yells Graxx.
Graxx steps back to where he is facing all three of them.
Utar replays his memories of Graxx since he received the sword in their battle against Grim under Sokol Keep. He also recalls the actions of the Dragonborn Sergeant and tries to spot any common patterns.
"Have we not bled against the same foes? All of us? Together? I would stand with you human and be glad to call you friend. But this is not you. The Graxx I know is not so quick to throw his life away."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Doozey crosses his arms on that pot, and eyed Derannos with no small amount of suspicion and incredulous at this point. Thankfully, others see to it to satisfy the Dragon's wish prior to an exhausted stoutling perhaps saying something best left unsaid. As soon as Derannos leaves the first time, Doozey breathes a heavy sigh of relief and shakes his head. "I've heard of hard bargains, but that felt right like being taken for a ride by the end there." He trails off muttering something in sylvan as he went about picking up his bolts.
"... At least this one was of an amicable sort. Though based on his words, being a bit on the young side might've had as much to do with it as any scale colors might say... Speaking of amicable..." Doozey turns back to Graxx, and folds his arms. "I know I said be on your guard, and I still say the words hold true. But you've been rather tense, Mr. Graxx. Something we might know about 'fore Derannos comes with the girl?" He asked worriedly, but wouldn't press the barbrain too hard. Everyone was various degrees of exhausted from both nights events and brew. Which in thinking about it, Doozey turns to Utar and ask, "You also wouldn't happen to have prepared anything to actually purge that crap from our systems? I myself felt a bit a better using the classic method. But trying something magical... wouldn't be a bad idea, maybe?"
After Derannos return!:
(@All: Holding off for now, as it may affect Doozey's reaction to the return)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
**PRIOR TO RETURN**
Graxx looks to Doozey a bead of sweat trails down his face but he breathes a short sigh of relief as the dragon has department. Graxx lowers his head and whispers louds enough for CRAP to hear.
"Look at the way the Dragon stands and the way his muscles are tensed in certain areas. He is not just talking to us he seems to be waiting at any moment to pounce! I am not losing anyone else!" says Graxx.
Graxx gives Doozey a knowing nod when says anyone else.
"Hopefully we have tickled his fancy enough to let us go but I'm not putting this sword down until we are far from this place." says Graxx.
**Prior to the Return**
Doozey was silent for a brief moment, before eventually nodding in understanding. "Though in fairness, it is a tense situation. Tired as we are, it would behoove a bit of readiness on his part for things to spoil at any moment. Having just come from the island, and we people -- well, mostly you tall folks, if'n I'm bein honest -- can be a fickle lot from the perspective of the long lived." He expresses, and would pat Graxx on the leg.
"But keep up the patience. All things considered, you're handling yourself well. And we'll be out of here before you know it."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar shakes his head, swallowing a small amount of vomit in his mouth.
"I think what you're talking about is outside of my wheelhouse..."
Utar emits a loud burp, then grimaces as if it's reminded him of a particularly unpleasant meal.
"I think you need a direct line to a deity if you're looking for any respite."
*Before Derannos returns*
"You're supposing that the crones had cursed us?" Neya asks in reply to Utar. "You may be right, if they we willing to deal with devils, who knows what lengths they'd go to incentivize outsiders."
Extended Signature
(@Ori, @Drache, @Grx: If you haven't done so, please remove the treasure statuettes, the magical helm, and the moon sword from your respective inventories.)
PRIOR TO DERANNOS' RETURN
Left on their own for a few moments, CRAP discusses Graxx's apparent uneasiness and the possibility that the general tiredness that they are all feeling is part of a more powerful curse than initially thought. On the former topic, Doozey seems satisfied for now with Graxx's response. On the latter, Utar's particularly bad condition leads Neya to believe the crones had more in store for the party.
Before they can arrive at more concrete conclusions however, Derannos begins to make its way back...
DERANNOS RETURNS
(@Grx: Please give me a WIS saving throw along with your next post).
(@Ori: Please give me an insight check along with your next post).
"She really loved that goat." Doozey states, smirking at the pair. "Though, I wished she had.... No. It's good that she's alright." He looks up to Derannos and nods. "You have our thanks. I just hope that whatever is got ya particular paranoid isn't all too bad... no offense." The stoutling shrugs haplessly, and at least started to fold up his arms in readiness for another lengthy wait.
Insight: 10.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Wis Save: 13
Graxx looks at the girl then at the Dragon.
"I guess she's safer here from those villagers than anywhere else. I'd say none of them will be venturing down here to try to and take her." says Graxx.
INSPIRATION REROLL: 14
Edit OOC: Ain't this some CRAP.
Neya smiles fondly, "I do recall she yearned to leave of the island because she was curious about the mainland. She has an interesting start, so far."
Extended Signature
"Having been there, I think we all might have looked to get clear of that island first chance we got. Could you at least let her know that the outsides wish her well, when she wakes,of course?"
Derannos nods at your mostly neutral if not agreeable responses. It looks at Utar and says: "I shall let her know that the four of you came to check on her and agreed that my lair was the safest of places for her for now." With that, the metallic dragon carefully wraps both girl and goat in its coils and places them within the well-adorned natural crown on its head. It swims back from whence it came a moment ago, presumably leaving Elisande and the blind animal in their temporary abode.
While Derannos is away for a second brief moment, Graxx begins to ever so slightly twitch a bit.
Graxx:
Something about this dragon is not right. If it had the girl's best interest in mind, why would it require so many valuable articles in exchange for a quick visit and some shared knowledge. Knowledge that, by the way, it has yet to share with CRAP as promised. Perhaps this creature is just a fancy swindler, or is even just biding its time before sneakily attacking the group. Playing with its food. Yes, that's probably it.
You look at you blade and it seems to agree with you. You tighten your grip around its hilt and can almost hear the blade talk back to you. The two of you are probably better off by attacking first and asking questions later. This creature can't be trusted. This creature did something wrong. It did something to the sword. And the sword was a gift from Tempus, was it not? You can't let this stand!
(@Grx: The decision on what to do next is yours. You are still in control for now, but there is no telling what the curse may build up to next.)
Doozey:
Graxx is sweating profusely and and tightening his grip on the greatsword he did not gift the dragon. The blade is out even though everyone else's weapon is stowed. Sure the dragon drives a hard bargain, but surely not enough to risk everyone's life with unwarranted aggression, right? There is something else at play here. Something is afoot. Maybe your barbarian friend has some sort of history with Derannos. Maybe he remembers the dragon but the opposite is not true... but then again, the dragon knew of the Redfoot clan simply by sniffing the air around you. It does not look like the type of creature who forgets. Something is going on... something is not right... something is about to happen if you don't stop it.
Neya and Utar:
Graxx is starting to breath a bit heavier than normal. Maybe the crones' concoction is finally getting to him. Whatever it is, Dozzey seems to be watching the barbarian intently. Also, Graxx's agreeable words are not exactly matching his demeanor.
(OOC: I'll stop here for now and give you all a chance to respond before Derannos returns for a second time).
Doozey's eyes widen in one moment of fear, only to narrow in the next, a sense of resolve setting into his visage. If there was to be any warning to his next intention, his tone of his eyes turning from their murky tones to a bright gold give it away. But it's not nearly enough of a warning before he lashed out with a punch at Graxx's shin. The weight and strength of which was laughable compared to the physique of the barbarian. Yet, if his aim is true enough, there was an unnatural bite to it; as if, similar to Neya's own techniques, a nerve or joint had been struck at just the right angle to cause harm.
Bonus Action: Slayer's Prey on Graxx.
Action: Surprise Punch - Attack: 13 Damage: 6 of bludgeoning damage(the damage coming from Slayer's Prey).
Whether or not the stoutling succeeds in doing more than embarrassing himself, the determined look in his eyes doesn't waver as he bounds a step back, and got into a loosely defensive boxer's pose. "That's enough, Mr. Graxx. Me and you are going outside now. A b-b-b-but!" He holds up a finger, interrupting (or so he hoped) any immediate attempt at complaint. "Outside. Now. I feel for ya, I do, wanting to protect friends. But yer start'n to look awfully like Ms. Villie 'fore she lost her cool back at the office. And we've ALL seen how that turned out.... something's wrong. And we're stepping out to talk. Or, you can surrender your weapons. 'cause I ain't have'n no itchy trigger fingers get us trouble yet again. Not. Today." He states firmly, and unless any attempts at easing the situation involving the two now involved folk taking the stoutling's side, he blatantly ignores to keep on staring down Graxx.
And, if Graxx did not comply with either of his demands, or so much as made a move to draw his blade or go for the water in some manic fit.... Doozey draws his shortsword and continues to stare down at Graxx with a 'Don't make me go further', or lunges ready to try and incapicitate the man.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx looks down at his sword and at the halfling after the punching attempt. He looks to the direction of the Dragon and raises his blade.
"The dragon has offended Tempus and must die. It will feel my blade upon it's neck when it returns and I will take it's plumes as proof of my deed to fight for control of the Sky Pony tribe! You will not stop me Doozey. Now leave this place and let me finish this." snarls Graxx.
Doozey returns the snarl with an incredulous brow raise. But seeing the genuine determination, the stoutling closed, took a deep breathe, then took casually took the rapier. "The crones have gotten to you, my friend. Or maybe... it's the thing Neya's mentioned a ways back. I don't know. But,what I do now, I do for your sake, as well as the rest of your friends. So if you're as determined as you think you are... you're gonna have to kill me first." He states frankly, completing the draw with those last few words and leveling the blade at Graxx.
Again, nothing short of surrender or restraining of Graxx, or in someway doing the same to Doozey would stay the stoutling's hands. Momentary hesitation on Graxx' part might give him pause at least. But little more than that. If need be, he would strike first well before the Dragon has a chance to return.
(For if/when Initiative is needed)
Doozey Initiative: 21.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Initiative:
2
Graxx steps back looks to Doozey.
"You're not doing this for my sake! Why do you care so much about the Dragon! You can have the girl when I'm done!" says Graxx.
Graxx raises his blade about halfway toward Doozey.
"You will not stop the will of Tempus. Do not die needlessly." says Graxx as he grips his blade.
Utar rolls his eyes and clutches his amulet. It glows faintly in the light of the Driftglobe as he casts guidance.
Pulling himself up in height and setting his jaw to make his tusks all the more prominent, he looms over Doozey and locks Graxx with a hard stare. Half growling and half hissing, he begins.
"Torm give me strength. Both of you will discover why I am called the Hammerhand if this behaviour keeps up. Doozey, you are in no state to fight Graxx, even if he is being an arse. Put your sword away and carry on addressing this dragon, who will be back soon. Graxx, do the same. None of us are in any position to fight anything. Do you understand? Try it with that dragon and we're either joining those kuo-toa from the shore or the only thing standing between that girl and whatever in the nine those crones on the island were. Have you all forgotten there's a gnome rotting in a Black Fist cell for the second time because of us?!"
Intimidation 7 plus 1
"Come to think of it, you've become a lot more reckless, lately, Graxx." Neya observes. "Not just in battle, we know that's how you've been trained. But, even then, I've seen you switch to different foes for little reason."
"When Captain Burral ordered us to disarm, you got into an unnecessary fight because you wouldn't take off that sword."
"Now, you want to attack a dragon in his own lair while he is in the midst fulfilling his end of a bargain with us? On top of that, you are willing to fight us to accomplish that! What is going on with you?"
Insight: 15
Extended Signature
Graxx steps back and his sword lowers but his grip remains tight after Utar’s threats. His stares in utter disbelief at Utar. His eyes widen in shock as Neya also piles onto the mental attack on the barbarian.
”Utar.... Neya...”
Graxx shakes his head.
”I wasn’t shocked the hafling stood against me but... You two. After everything we’ve been through you turn against me now! Now that my time has come to earn back my tribe and stop this evil doings you turn on me! I am not even asking you to fight beside me though I thought you would without me asking!
Graxx faces becomes disgusted.
”Now that you’re bringing up the past that makes me think. You’ve been against me this whole time. I wanted to take out the Black Fist one by one but you said no!”
Graxx spits on the ground.
”I’m through with you. With all of you! You are all against me! Questioning me every step of the way! All I need is my sword and Tempus to guide me! Leave me!” yells Graxx.
Graxx steps back to where he is facing all three of them.
Insight 10
Utar replays his memories of Graxx since he received the sword in their battle against Grim under Sokol Keep. He also recalls the actions of the Dragonborn Sergeant and tries to spot any common patterns.
"Have we not bled against the same foes? All of us? Together? I would stand with you human and be glad to call you friend. But this is not you. The Graxx I know is not so quick to throw his life away."