Rhayna wakes up and gets up with the aid of others. “Thank you.” Rhayna says to the female dwarf and bows slightly. “Where am I?” She looks at the half-elf. “Greetings. Name’s Rhayna. Who are you and what are you reading? Books are my trade... Talking about books, where is my Journal?” Rhayna heart skips a beat, she looks for her Journal, and check if she still have her Selune’s pendant.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
The giant furry creature staring down at Kastix replies to his question in a genteel voice far different from what you might expect from such a brutish creature. We are presently the honored guests of the followers of the Lady of Chaos.
Another voice from the corner is heard, and sounds like someone speaking while gargling a mouthful of swamp water. In Velkynvelve you are. A drow outpost it is.
You all notice that your possessions are gone, and nothing remains but the clothes you wear.
At this moment you hear footsteps approach, and three dark elves appear, flanked by four furry hulks (identical to the one speaking to Kastix), two of whom are dragging a limp humanoid figure between them. One of the drow unlocks the cage door and speaks in the Common tongue: Another half-breed for the Lady's pleasure. Swinging the door wide, the drow steps aside to allow the two brutes to toss the figure into the center of the cage floor, after which the cage is locked and the captors move away. The newcomer appears to be a male half-elf.
Joetaro grunts as he rises to his feet, brushing the dirt out of his knees and blood-red hair. The broad-shouldered half-elf stroked his chin, covered by his five o'clock shadow, and without glancing back at the other captors he said, "There is only one lady I aim to please. Sweet Selune, I've really found myself in a bind this time." He turns to the other prisoners. "Well, this is a surprise. My name is Joetaro Jordilyn, a humble servant to the goddess Selune."
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I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"Hey now! Hey now, wake up!" The half-elf leaning over Rhayna gently shook her shoulders until her eyes opened and she sat up. Dark messy hair framed the face of a relatively young looking man, probably early thirties, with green eyes and close kept facial hair. He helped Rhayna to her feet. "Reading? I'm not reading anything. No one's got any books here, I'm afraid. They took everything from us when we were brought here and thrown in with the others." He studied her carefully for a moment, then extended a hand. "Zeno."
Lizardman made a sound, resembling a chuckle: "You lost, Jimjar, no brain damage." Then he licked his lips in unnerving reptilian manner and commented for newcomers in his deep hissing voice: "Derendil is funny like this, what he means by "honored guests" is you are now slaves of the Dark Ones, the drow. I am Sekkar Cress, that helpind dwarf - Eldeth, the gang of gnomes over there - Jimjar, Topsy and Turvy, derro near you is Buppido. The group over there you do not want to know better but for the sake of introduction," (it looked like Sekkar was enjoying complicate words, and liked to demonstrate his ability to speak proper enough), "Ront - that orc, he will try to beat you up, Sarith - is not it funny how drow prey on their own? but we did not kill him anyway, the kuo-toa is Shuushar, and the mushrom over there is not a food, " Sekkar liked his lips again, "but a prisoner too - Stool".
"I think this is all. Enjoy your last rest - drow like to work their slaves. You will work a lot. So far we had two shift, may be they will add third with you, may be they will add you to two ours. If it is that - hope you will get lucky and Derendil picks you up."
“Oh noo!! My Journal and Selune’s pendant is gone!!” She looks around and see Kastix and Kaylyn, and they seem to also have lost their possessions, like everyone around her. She spots Kaylyn and Kastix. “Ohh. Good to see you guys are still alive.”
She hears the broad shouldered half elf introduce himself. “Oh hello there Joetaro. I am also a follower of Selune. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She turns to Zeno. “I am sorry. I must have been dreaming that I saw you holding a book.” When he extends his hands, she shakes it back. “Do you speak Draconic by any chance?”
After the Sekkar introduces everyone in the prison. “Greetings everyone.” She holds Eldeth’s hand. “Thank you for helping me.”
(OCC: I am assuming Rhayna still has her glasses.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Kaylyn smiles at Rhayana. "Yes, I see you and Kastix, but not the others. My head is clearer now. I recall what happened and we fell. The others were on the other side of the cavern and they must have escaped, at least I hope so."
"I am Kaylyn." She says during introductions. "As for myself, I am not trapped in this cage so perhaps we can devise a plan to escape? I do not desire to be the slaves of the drow."
Looking at her dirty clothing she casts Prestidigitation and cleans up her clothing.
((Are we considered to have had a short or long rest while knocked out?"))
"Gods dammit," Kastix feels off as he stands up and punches the wall in frustration. After a moment, let out a cry of pain as he grabs his fist with his other hand before notiving his rather thin arms, "How long have we been here? I'm a freaking skeleton here," Kastix shows his arm to his old party and they can see very different between in muscule mass.(switched Str and Con so strength is 5)
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Sekkar let out another chuckle, not without amusement, though: "but you are trapped, Kay-lyn." he pronounced the name as if checking it's taste, "The prison is inside the fort and fort is guarded by many, many drow and their slaves and servants. Priests, warriors, quaggoths, spiders. I do not see you caring any weapon - drow saw to it. And soon, after a few days of working till you can not breath, sleeping on the stone floor and eating what they call food, you will be no better than that scrawny friend of yours."
"Well, since all you are selling is working till you can not breath, sleeping on the stone floor and eating what they call food, and that I will be no better than that scrawny friend of mine, then I am even more motivated to find a way out of here." She replies.
"So can anyone pick locks or use the weave to fight? Perhaps we can find weapons for those who prefer melee. But I don't intend to be a slave and would rather die trying to escape than die as a slave. If we pool our resources we might just make it out of here."
Kastix will let out a few sparks when the guards ain't look, "My magic's still working but might be a bit loud,"
(Found all of his spells dont need his wand to cast)
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Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
After thanking Eldeth. "How long have you all been here?"
(OCC: Can Rhayna cast any spells w/out her pendant?)
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Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
"Do you think we would sit here if was that simple? You are asking wrong questions for someone who truly wants to escape. Willingness to act is good," Sekkar looked at completely 'zen' drow prisoner, not participating in the conversation, "but this is not enough. Watch the guards, learn the paths in the caves, plan - then try!"
Zeno frowns at Rhayna’s question. “No, I don’t speak Draconic either. Are you sure you’re ok?”
As Kastix speaks up, Zeno looks over. “Not sure how that would happen, we’ve only been here a short while. You were all unconscious when I found you. I dug you out, but that’s when the drow showed up, took our stuff and brought us here.”
As the idea of escaping begins to take hold, he speaks up. “I can pick a lock pretty well, if I had my tools. The drow were thorough.”
Kastix feels drained, very similar to the first time his powers manifested, so long ago on the docks. It is as though the arcane fountain within has awoken for the second time, and although the process seems to have sapped his body, it has actually bolstered his vitality. He feels churning within the strength of multiple heritages - fiendish, human, draconic and divine - all striving to manifest their own unique traits through him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
(OOC: Yes, you can consider yourselves long-rested)
Rhayna's last question is answered by Jimjar. Ah, most of 'em be just quiet like, because they don't have any of yer surface-dwellers' tongue, tho Buppido there does be talkin' a lot, to be sure. Derendil has it, and Shuushar and Ront just a mite, but th'rest of 'em only have th'Undercommon.
He then turns to the figure in one dark corner and says: Stool! Zure esporak gurekin partekatzeaz, elkarrekin hitz egin ahal izateko?
For those who speak Undercommon:
how about sharing your spores with us so we can talk together
A puff is heard from the corner, followed by a slight musty, mouldy spell. Then each of you hears Jimjar's voice in your head. That'll do it. Now we understand each other a mite better. I be Jimjar, from Bligdenstone. I bet ye 10 gold none o' ye have been there, am I right?
Before anyone else has a chance to introduce themselves, the drow and their quaggoth guards return. The drow speak to you in Undercommon, but with the aid of the freshly-released spores, Jimjar relays their words telepathically for the benefit of those who don't understand.
Attention, unworthy slaves of the Spider *****! You will now serve the Dark Mother in three teams. You, lizardman! Take the blood traitor and the female half-breed, along with the derro and the gnome. Show them how we expect you to please the Queen of Spiders, or you shall taste of my lady's scourge. You, quaggoth! You will take the dwarf, the twins, the newcomer and the devil-man. Orc! You take the fish-man, the human, the myconid and the other half-breed. Serve well and you shall live to serve another day.
Buppido and Jimjar rise quickly, while the muscular quaggoths enter the cell and yank Kaylyn and Serith roughly to their feet, who then follow Sekkar. Next Derendil walks regally through the cage door with Eldeth, Topsy and Turvey, Kastix and Joetaro filing along behind. Meanwhile, Ront stomps around the cell giving unnecessary kicks to Shuushar, Stool, Rhayna and Zeno and shoving them roughly in front of him. In the hour before the spores wear off, you are able to communicate freely without the drow being aware, and even through telepathy you can still detect each of the prisoner's individual mannerisms.
(OOC: The following 'spoilers' are not secret - anyone can read them as all characters 'compare stories' after their shifts. I just organised them like this for ease of reading)
Sekkar/Kaylyn
Sekkar follows along the walkways behind the lead drow (named Balok) with the other prisoners coming behind, to the far end of the compound until they reach a lift constructed from a woven basket suspended by cord of spider silk. Piled beside the lift is a filthy accumulation of cooking pots and eating bowls, mingled in with soiled clothing and chamber pots. Telepathically, Sekkar explains that you seem to be on wash duty, and you should each gather an armful of the disgusting items. The five of you then file inside the lift, and the quaggoths winch the lift down through a gap in the spider webs to the cavern floor where a large pool . Several more drow and quaggoths are there to supervise the work, which lasts for several hours, including several trips up and down the lift to collect more items and return the clean ones. Afterwards, with no other important jobs to complete, the guards keep you busy with pointless tasks such as stacking rocks alongside the pool. It is during this task that Kaylyn rolls over a small boulder and spots the broken front half of a drow crossbow bolt, which she slips carefully into her clothing.
True to Jimjar's word, Buppido the derro is particularly talkative, although surprisingly pleasant despite his featureless white eyes. He claims to be from the duergar city of Gracklstugh, and seems optimistic despite his incarceration. I fink if we put our 'eads togevver we can come up wiv a way to get outta 'ere.
Sarith the drow says nothing, and doesn't even appear to hear or care about the conversation. But Jimjar whispers quietly that he used to be a warrior at the outpost before he killed another drow, although he claims he doesn't remember anything.
Kastix/Joetaro
Kastix and Joetaro's group are on food preparation duty. This mostly involves cutting up various mushrooms and fungi and stewing them in large pots with some dried meat. Eldeth is tasked with preparing cheeses and spicing dried fruits to serve to the priestesses, and is closely watched by two drow. The rest of the team is supervised by a young drow lieutenant named Shoor, who appears to be the chief among all the warrior males. He has the arrogant swagger of one with fresh authority, and spends most of the time following Kastix around, taunting him with every conceivable insult about his parentage or his masculinity (or lack thereof). The mushroom stew smells unappetising, but is enough to make empty stomachs rumble. Once the food is all cooked, the drow observe while shelves are restocked.
Derendil is a natural leader and ensures the tasks are shared equally, although he prefers to be addressed as Prince Derendil, befitting his royal station. With rich elven eloquence, he explains that he is a gold elf prince hailing from the kingdom of Nelrindenvane in the High Forest, and cursed by an evil wizard name Terrestor who sought to usurp his crown. It is my deep lamentation that I fear I shall lose myself to this savage form if I should fail to return to the surface and obtain the means to break the enchantment.
Eldeth says she was caught while scouting the 'corrupt dark dwellers' on behalf of Bruenor Battlehammer, the commander of the dwarven stronghold of Gauntlgrym. She seems capable of handling herself, and doesn't take any crap from the other prisoners. I cannae tell how, but if'n we do escape, I'd be glad to take ye all back to my city - if'n we can find th' way tha' is.
Topsy and Turvy are two of the newest arrivals. Both of the scruffy deep gnomes have a constantly dark mood, but Topsy is a relative socialite compared to her brother Turvy, who only mutters while Turvy translates. Topsy says we have to get out of here soon. And we will, won't be Topsy?
Rhayna/Zeno
Rhayna and Zeno's team arguably receive the worst job. The drow direct you to take empty water barrels from throughout the outpost to the waterfall, fill them with fresh water, and then haul them back again. It is back-breaking monotonous work, and while the kuo-toa manages well, the poor myconid struggles mightily. Ront spends much of his time bullying each of you to work harder, perhaps to disguise the fact that he does little himself. This group is supervised by the maimed drow that brought in Joetaro. His face appears to be melted on one side, and one hand is twisted and missing two fingers, and although the other warriors obey him, he seems somehow lacking in authority. When the barrels are all filled, the drow keep you occupied coiling loose ropes, of which there seems to be no end.
With Stool in the group, the conversation amongst the prisoners is able to continue freely throughout your shift. You can tell that Ront the orc is aware of the conversation, but he says nothing of himself. Zeno can overhear the drow guards speaking about the prisoners, and they comment that their mistress is deciding whether to bother sending Rhayna to Menzoberrenzan as she looks too weak to be a slave, and may serve more useful as a sacrifice to their goddess.
Shuushar quietly explains that he left his town of Sloobludop years ago to be alone in the Darklake, to seek enlightenment through solitude, and to overcome the legacy of madness common to his race. Now he would like to return and share his enlightenment with his people. As for his imprisonment, he merely says: What it is it is. To what end it might lead, who can say?
Stool is also 'talkative', but it is the chatter of the very young and very curious. The myconid asks lots of questions of Rhayna and Zeno and the surface world, and seems in awe of Rhayn's vast knowledge and experience. But underlying its friendly nature you also sense a lonely and frightened child who just wants to return home to its folk in the Neverlight Grove. I like you, but I miss my parent, it confides to Rhayna.
With the day's work completed, the quaggoths escort you all back to the pen and lock the cage once more. Some prisoners return to their sullen solitude, but the others continue to silently communicate with the aid of Stool's telepathy spores.
Fellow prisoners
Map
#1 Southern Watch Post #2 Drow Barracks #3 Main Hall #4 Elite Barracks #5 Lift #6 Shrine to Lolth #7 Priestess Quarters #8 Shoor's Quarters #9 Waterfall #10 Guard Tower #11 Slave Pen #12 Quaggoth Den #13 Northern Watch Post #14 Pool
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
By the way, when Kastix attempts anything more than 'sparkle-fingers' he finds he cannot. Apparently there is some kind of magical ward preventing this inside the slave pen.
Everyone is also wearing iron manacles connected by a chain. I put them in your inventory but forgot to mention them.
And all spells with a material component need either the component or a spellcasting focus, or you can't cast them.
Rhayna wakes up and gets up with the aid of others. “Thank you.” Rhayna says to the female dwarf and bows slightly. “Where am I?” She looks at the half-elf. “Greetings. Name’s Rhayna. Who are you and what are you reading? Books are my trade... Talking about books, where is my Journal?” Rhayna heart skips a beat, she looks for her Journal, and check if she still have her Selune’s pendant.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
The giant furry creature staring down at Kastix replies to his question in a genteel voice far different from what you might expect from such a brutish creature.
We are presently the honored guests of the followers of the Lady of Chaos.
Another voice from the corner is heard, and sounds like someone speaking while gargling a mouthful of swamp water.
In Velkynvelve you are. A drow outpost it is.
You all notice that your possessions are gone, and nothing remains but the clothes you wear.
At this moment you hear footsteps approach, and three dark elves appear, flanked by four furry hulks (identical to the one speaking to Kastix), two of whom are dragging a limp humanoid figure between them. One of the drow unlocks the cage door and speaks in the Common tongue: Another half-breed for the Lady's pleasure. Swinging the door wide, the drow steps aside to allow the two brutes to toss the figure into the center of the cage floor, after which the cage is locked and the captors move away. The newcomer appears to be a male half-elf.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Joetaro grunts as he rises to his feet, brushing the dirt out of his knees and blood-red hair. The broad-shouldered half-elf stroked his chin, covered by his five o'clock shadow, and without glancing back at the other captors he said, "There is only one lady I aim to please. Sweet Selune, I've really found myself in a bind this time." He turns to the other prisoners. "Well, this is a surprise. My name is Joetaro Jordilyn, a humble servant to the goddess Selune."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"Hey now! Hey now, wake up!" The half-elf leaning over Rhayna gently shook her shoulders until her eyes opened and she sat up. Dark messy hair framed the face of a relatively young looking man, probably early thirties, with green eyes and close kept facial hair. He helped Rhayna to her feet. "Reading? I'm not reading anything. No one's got any books here, I'm afraid. They took everything from us when we were brought here and thrown in with the others." He studied her carefully for a moment, then extended a hand. "Zeno."
OOC: GoodShepherd, the picture is invisible.
Lizardman made a sound, resembling a chuckle: "You lost, Jimjar, no brain damage." Then he licked his lips in unnerving reptilian manner and commented for newcomers in his deep hissing voice: "Derendil is funny like this, what he means by "honored guests" is you are now slaves of the Dark Ones, the drow. I am Sekkar Cress, that helpind dwarf - Eldeth, the gang of gnomes over there - Jimjar, Topsy and Turvy, derro near you is Buppido. The group over there you do not want to know better but for the sake of introduction," (it looked like Sekkar was enjoying complicate words, and liked to demonstrate his ability to speak proper enough), "Ront - that orc, he will try to beat you up, Sarith - is not it funny how drow prey on their own? but we did not kill him anyway, the kuo-toa is Shuushar, and the mushrom over there is not a food, " Sekkar liked his lips again, "but a prisoner too - Stool".
"I think this is all. Enjoy your last rest - drow like to work their slaves. You will work a lot. So far we had two shift, may be they will add third with you, may be they will add you to two ours. If it is that - hope you will get lucky and Derendil picks you up."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
“Oh noo!! My Journal and Selune’s pendant is gone!!” She looks around and see Kastix and Kaylyn, and they seem to also have lost their possessions, like everyone around her. She spots Kaylyn and Kastix. “Ohh. Good to see you guys are still alive.”
She hears the broad shouldered half elf introduce himself. “Oh hello there Joetaro. I am also a follower of Selune. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She turns to Zeno. “I am sorry. I must have been dreaming that I saw you holding a book.” When he extends his hands, she shakes it back. “Do you speak Draconic by any chance?”
After the Sekkar introduces everyone in the prison. “Greetings everyone.” She holds Eldeth’s hand. “Thank you for helping me.”
(OCC: I am assuming Rhayna still has her glasses.)
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Kaylyn smiles at Rhayana. "Yes, I see you and Kastix, but not the others. My head is clearer now. I recall what happened and we fell. The others were on the other side of the cavern and they must have escaped, at least I hope so."
"I am Kaylyn." She says during introductions. "As for myself, I am not trapped in this cage so perhaps we can devise a plan to escape? I do not desire to be the slaves of the drow."
Looking at her dirty clothing she casts Prestidigitation and cleans up her clothing.
((Are we considered to have had a short or long rest while knocked out?"))
(Selune seems like a favorite goddess of sorts)
"Gods dammit," Kastix feels off as he stands up and punches the wall in frustration. After a moment, let out a cry of pain as he grabs his fist with his other hand before notiving his rather thin arms, "How long have we been here? I'm a freaking skeleton here," Kastix shows his arm to his old party and they can see very different between in muscule mass.(switched Str and Con so strength is 5)
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneSekkar let out another chuckle, not without amusement, though: "but you are trapped, Kay-lyn." he pronounced the name as if checking it's taste, "The prison is inside the fort and fort is guarded by many, many drow and their slaves and servants. Priests, warriors, quaggoths, spiders. I do not see you caring any weapon - drow saw to it. And soon, after a few days of working till you can not breath, sleeping on the stone floor and eating what they call food, you will be no better than that scrawny friend of yours."
"Still eager to find your way out?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Joetaro shrugs and looks to Kaylyn. "We won't know if we don't try. I am all for escaping. Who knows, there may be a way we can sneak past them."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"Well, since all you are selling is working till you can not breath, sleeping on the stone floor and eating what they call food, and that I will be no better than that scrawny friend of mine, then I am even more motivated to find a way out of here." She replies.
"So can anyone pick locks or use the weave to fight? Perhaps we can find weapons for those who prefer melee. But I don't intend to be a slave and would rather die trying to escape than die as a slave. If we pool our resources we might just make it out of here."
Kastix will let out a few sparks when the guards ain't look, "My magic's still working but might be a bit loud,"
(Found all of his spells dont need his wand to cast)
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneAfter thanking Eldeth. "How long have you all been here?"
(OCC: Can Rhayna cast any spells w/out her pendant?)
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
As long as it doesn't have a material component you should be able to cast it.
"Do you think we would sit here if was that simple? You are asking wrong questions for someone who truly wants to escape. Willingness to act is good," Sekkar looked at completely 'zen' drow prisoner, not participating in the conversation, "but this is not enough. Watch the guards, learn the paths in the caves, plan - then try!"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Zeno frowns at Rhayna’s question. “No, I don’t speak Draconic either. Are you sure you’re ok?”
As Kastix speaks up, Zeno looks over. “Not sure how that would happen, we’ve only been here a short while. You were all unconscious when I found you. I dug you out, but that’s when the drow showed up, took our stuff and brought us here.”
As the idea of escaping begins to take hold, he speaks up. “I can pick a lock pretty well, if I had my tools. The drow were thorough.”
Kastix feels drained, very similar to the first time his powers manifested, so long ago on the docks. It is as though the arcane fountain within has awoken for the second time, and although the process seems to have sapped his body, it has actually bolstered his vitality. He feels churning within the strength of multiple heritages - fiendish, human, draconic and divine - all striving to manifest their own unique traits through him.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
(OOC: Yes, you can consider yourselves long-rested)
Rhayna's last question is answered by Jimjar.
Ah, most of 'em be just quiet like, because they don't have any of yer surface-dwellers' tongue, tho Buppido there does be talkin' a lot, to be sure. Derendil has it, and Shuushar and Ront just a mite, but th'rest of 'em only have th'Undercommon.
He then turns to the figure in one dark corner and says: Stool! Zure esporak gurekin partekatzeaz, elkarrekin hitz egin ahal izateko?
For those who speak Undercommon:
how about sharing your spores with us so we can talk together
A puff is heard from the corner, followed by a slight musty, mouldy spell. Then each of you hears Jimjar's voice in your head.
That'll do it. Now we understand each other a mite better. I be Jimjar, from Bligdenstone. I bet ye 10 gold none o' ye have been there, am I right?
Before anyone else has a chance to introduce themselves, the drow and their quaggoth guards return. The drow speak to you in Undercommon, but with the aid of the freshly-released spores, Jimjar relays their words telepathically for the benefit of those who don't understand.
Attention, unworthy slaves of the Spider *****! You will now serve the Dark Mother in three teams. You, lizardman! Take the blood traitor and the female half-breed, along with the derro and the gnome. Show them how we expect you to please the Queen of Spiders, or you shall taste of my lady's scourge. You, quaggoth! You will take the dwarf, the twins, the newcomer and the devil-man. Orc! You take the fish-man, the human, the myconid and the other half-breed. Serve well and you shall live to serve another day.
Buppido and Jimjar rise quickly, while the muscular quaggoths enter the cell and yank Kaylyn and Serith roughly to their feet, who then follow Sekkar. Next Derendil walks regally through the cage door with Eldeth, Topsy and Turvey, Kastix and Joetaro filing along behind. Meanwhile, Ront stomps around the cell giving unnecessary kicks to Shuushar, Stool, Rhayna and Zeno and shoving them roughly in front of him. In the hour before the spores wear off, you are able to communicate freely without the drow being aware, and even through telepathy you can still detect each of the prisoner's individual mannerisms.
(OOC: The following 'spoilers' are not secret - anyone can read them as all characters 'compare stories' after their shifts. I just organised them like this for ease of reading)
Sekkar/Kaylyn
Sekkar follows along the walkways behind the lead drow (named Balok) with the other prisoners coming behind, to the far end of the compound until they reach a lift constructed from a woven basket suspended by cord of spider silk. Piled beside the lift is a filthy accumulation of cooking pots and eating bowls, mingled in with soiled clothing and chamber pots. Telepathically, Sekkar explains that you seem to be on wash duty, and you should each gather an armful of the disgusting items. The five of you then file inside the lift, and the quaggoths winch the lift down through a gap in the spider webs to the cavern floor where a large pool . Several more drow and quaggoths are there to supervise the work, which lasts for several hours, including several trips up and down the lift to collect more items and return the clean ones. Afterwards, with no other important jobs to complete, the guards keep you busy with pointless tasks such as stacking rocks alongside the pool. It is during this task that Kaylyn rolls over a small boulder and spots the broken front half of a drow crossbow bolt, which she slips carefully into her clothing.
True to Jimjar's word, Buppido the derro is particularly talkative, although surprisingly pleasant despite his featureless white eyes. He claims to be from the duergar city of Gracklstugh, and seems optimistic despite his incarceration. I fink if we put our 'eads togevver we can come up wiv a way to get outta 'ere.
Sarith the drow says nothing, and doesn't even appear to hear or care about the conversation. But Jimjar whispers quietly that he used to be a warrior at the outpost before he killed another drow, although he claims he doesn't remember anything.
Kastix/Joetaro
Kastix and Joetaro's group are on food preparation duty. This mostly involves cutting up various mushrooms and fungi and stewing them in large pots with some dried meat. Eldeth is tasked with preparing cheeses and spicing dried fruits to serve to the priestesses, and is closely watched by two drow. The rest of the team is supervised by a young drow lieutenant named Shoor, who appears to be the chief among all the warrior males. He has the arrogant swagger of one with fresh authority, and spends most of the time following Kastix around, taunting him with every conceivable insult about his parentage or his masculinity (or lack thereof). The mushroom stew smells unappetising, but is enough to make empty stomachs rumble. Once the food is all cooked, the drow observe while shelves are restocked.
Derendil is a natural leader and ensures the tasks are shared equally, although he prefers to be addressed as Prince Derendil, befitting his royal station. With rich elven eloquence, he explains that he is a gold elf prince hailing from the kingdom of Nelrindenvane in the High Forest, and cursed by an evil wizard name Terrestor who sought to usurp his crown.
It is my deep lamentation that I fear I shall lose myself to this savage form if I should fail to return to the surface and obtain the means to break the enchantment.
Eldeth says she was caught while scouting the 'corrupt dark dwellers' on behalf of Bruenor Battlehammer, the commander of the dwarven stronghold of Gauntlgrym. She seems capable of handling herself, and doesn't take any crap from the other prisoners. I cannae tell how, but if'n we do escape, I'd be glad to take ye all back to my city - if'n we can find th' way tha' is.
Topsy and Turvy are two of the newest arrivals. Both of the scruffy deep gnomes have a constantly dark mood, but Topsy is a relative socialite compared to her brother Turvy, who only mutters while Turvy translates. Topsy says we have to get out of here soon. And we will, won't be Topsy?
Rhayna/Zeno
Rhayna and Zeno's team arguably receive the worst job. The drow direct you to take empty water barrels from throughout the outpost to the waterfall, fill them with fresh water, and then haul them back again. It is back-breaking monotonous work, and while the kuo-toa manages well, the poor myconid struggles mightily. Ront spends much of his time bullying each of you to work harder, perhaps to disguise the fact that he does little himself. This group is supervised by the maimed drow that brought in Joetaro. His face appears to be melted on one side, and one hand is twisted and missing two fingers, and although the other warriors obey him, he seems somehow lacking in authority. When the barrels are all filled, the drow keep you occupied coiling loose ropes, of which there seems to be no end.
With Stool in the group, the conversation amongst the prisoners is able to continue freely throughout your shift. You can tell that Ront the orc is aware of the conversation, but he says nothing of himself. Zeno can overhear the drow guards speaking about the prisoners, and they comment that their mistress is deciding whether to bother sending Rhayna to Menzoberrenzan as she looks too weak to be a slave, and may serve more useful as a sacrifice to their goddess.
Shuushar quietly explains that he left his town of Sloobludop years ago to be alone in the Darklake, to seek enlightenment through solitude, and to overcome the legacy of madness common to his race. Now he would like to return and share his enlightenment with his people. As for his imprisonment, he merely says: What it is it is. To what end it might lead, who can say?
Stool is also 'talkative', but it is the chatter of the very young and very curious. The myconid asks lots of questions of Rhayna and Zeno and the surface world, and seems in awe of Rhayn's vast knowledge and experience. But underlying its friendly nature you also sense a lonely and frightened child who just wants to return home to its folk in the Neverlight Grove. I like you, but I miss my parent, it confides to Rhayna.
With the day's work completed, the quaggoths escort you all back to the pen and lock the cage once more. Some prisoners return to their sullen solitude, but the others continue to silently communicate with the aid of Stool's telepathy spores.
Fellow prisoners
Map
#1 Southern Watch Post
#2 Drow Barracks
#3 Main Hall
#4 Elite Barracks
#5 Lift
#6 Shrine to Lolth
#7 Priestess Quarters
#8 Shoor's Quarters
#9 Waterfall
#10 Guard Tower
#11 Slave Pen
#12 Quaggoth Den
#13 Northern Watch Post
#14 Pool
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
By the way, when Kastix attempts anything more than 'sparkle-fingers' he finds he cannot. Apparently there is some kind of magical ward preventing this inside the slave pen.
Everyone is also wearing iron manacles connected by a chain. I put them in your inventory but forgot to mention them.
And all spells with a material component need either the component or a spellcasting focus, or you can't cast them.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?