At the mention of 'psuedodragon', Gorrah pokes her head out again from Rhogar's hood for a better look, only to turn her nose up at the creation. Whatever thoughts she had after cracks even Rhogar's stony demeanor. As he cannot help but crack a grin before tersely whispering at her in draconic. The hardly cowed familiar merely nips at his maw before burrowing herself again deeper into the shadows and relative warmth of her summoners hood.
Following a sigh of mild annoyance and a sidelong glare, Rhogar's attention returns to Gradolpha with somewhat less hostility but lingering suspicion. "These other Underdark monsters... what can you tell us about them? I'm afraid most of my learnings have largely been focused on matters of the surface world. And while time is of the essence, it would do neither of us any good if any actions of ours done in recklessness accomplished little more than helping this Xardorok eliminate the only enemies and... main competition that are able to act with any degree of immediacy." He requests. "And how has swayed this monsters and this sovereign to work under him? As in, simply through brute force or magical means?"
Krom watches closely Grandolpha as she speaks trying to discern if the old duergar is hiding something from the group (insight14. The dwarf nods in agreement at Rhogar's question and adds "So the chardalyn dragon is just a mindless construct? How does Xardorok control it and what kind of abilities does it have?" Krom pauses for a moment "Another question if you do not mind. A friend of ours, a human woman, has been captured, we suppose, by Xardorok when she attempted to enter this fortress. Do you know where she may be?"
Still watching the door, Kazri asks. "Is the dragon programmed to attack the people for the dale?"
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."
"So your angle is you want Sunblight, but have no interest in conquering Icewind Dale. Fair enough I think. But the longer we tarry here the more damage the dragon does. So it is not a true dragon but some sort of construct? Interesting. Show us the attack path and lead us to our friend, the woman who has been brought here as a captive." Chill responds. "I think we can help in deposing this Xar fella."
Grandolpha answers your questions. "The dragon is a construct and so it has some level of programming. He controls it by setting it in motion and allowing it to act out what it has told it to do. I do not know beyond that. It is not mindless and yet not an autonomous living creature either."
She then turns to Rhogar, "As for monsters of the underdark, I could tell you much about many of them, but I will not. As for how he controls them, I do not know. Perhaps he just has them penned up and he will then release them and allow them to do what they would do naturally? "
She returns her attention to Krom. "There is a human woman held here at the fortress. The last I knew she was held in a torture chamber in the level below us. I do not know her fate."
The smell of ozone began filling the air as a once again glaring and growling Rhogar had clearly not taken well to the denial of his request. Yet for all of his rebuilding anger and frustration enough sense remained to him not to try and get in close enough to release his breath weapon. Not yet, at least. He also blatantly ignored any alarm or drawing of potential weapons from the other duergars, as he'd only had eyes from Grandolpha.
If either urged to calm by others or she did not relent after a tense few moments, Rhogar would eventually let out a frustrated huff that sent a few sparks dancing about in the air. And after taking a moment more to take a few calming breathes. "The path then as my friend requested. You mention your people being able to show us. Let us see it. Immediately after which, we can see about making our way to... wait, where is this Xardorok? Below as well? And is there anything else we should be aware of? Markers we might use to identify your forces, perhaps, least they find themselves in the crossfire."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Very well then, let's get this done Grandolpha, we are running out of time." says Krom after Rhogar finishes to speak. "After Xardorok and the dragon are taken care of, keep your side of the bargain up and you will not see us again. But, if you betray our trust and harm the citizens of the dale you will suffer the consequences. " The dwarf adds putting both hands on his hips.
Grandolpha stared back at Rhogar in defiance of his clear mood. Eventually though she turned away, but Rhogar could tell that it was not in defeat but simply changing her attention away from him as if he wasn't worth any more of hers.
"I do not know where Xardorok is. He is here at the fortress, but where I do not know. He had been questioning the woman." She then looks at Dreck. "Take them to the map room. But be wary, not all of the guards are with us."
Dreck motions for you to follow.
Everyone roll stealth and post anything else that you want before moving on.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rhogar grimaced at the news, before his eyes are set to dancing back and forth as thoughts churned in reconsideration of the plan moving forward. Knowing, however, that understanding of the dragon's path might make it easier to relay more information to the people of ten towns, the dragonborn quietly and grimly accepted the delay to act, and tried his best to quietly follow along after some minor enchantment cast to further boost his odds.
Krom frowns at the lack of information about the warlord's whereabouts. "We also have to find a way to free Vellynne Harpell, she may know how to stop the dragon." says the dwarf to the rest of the group. After murmuring an hymn of guidance to enhance his abilities, the dwarf, hammer and shield at the ready, follows Dreck outside while trying to be as quiet as possible.
Kazri goes to follow her companion, and on her first step, she trips over an indentation on the floor and basically face plants on the stone floor. She stay still for a moment, making sure there are no commotion in the hallway, and quickly gets up. She whispers to Krom and Rhogar. "Apologies. I think we should try to find Ms. Harpell first, if possible." She is clearly very embarrassed by the noise she caused.
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."
Chill slips the hood of his cloak over his head after Gorrah flies over and burrows her way inside. "Silent is my middle name." he says as he grimaces as Kazri trips, her heavy armor clanging.
Once again Dreck leads you into the hallway. He stops and looks both ways and then turns right. Fortunately, despite the noise of your louder and more armored companions, no one seems to be about.
"Straight ahead is the guard room so be quiet, at least 9 guards will be in there." He then ushers you into a room to the north.
This rectangular room has two sets of double doors, one to the north and the other to the south. A brazier of glowing-hot coals stands in each corner. In the middle of the room is a low stone table, on the top of which is drawn an illustration that looks something like a map.
"This is the map room. Those doors to the north lead to Xaradok's Quarters."
Closer inspection of the drawing reveals that it’s an accurate depiction of Ten-Towns and its environs. Mounted to the top of a thin iron stand on the table is a 6-inch-tall dragon figurine carved out of a dark material—a miniature version of Xardorok’s chardalyn dragon, its wings outstretched. The figurine’s stand is attached by an iron rod to a groove carved into the table, allowing the figurine to move across the map from one settlement to another. If a lever on the west side of the table is pulled, the dragon figurine “flies” over Ten-Towns
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Chill stepped into the room and glanced about. He took in the map and the rest of the room quickly. But upon hearing that the next room was Xaradok's personal room he quickly stepped to that side of the room and put his ear to the door to see if he could hear anything and look for traps.
Perception 17
If he heard nothing he then checked the door and if it was unlocked he would ease it open and step into the room.
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."
"A good lightning bolt would fix that," Rhogar grumbled under breath, still seething from their interaction with Grandolpha. Yet despite such bold claims however, the Dragonborn made no motion or suggestion that entailed dealing with the guards before the party ultimately made their way into Xaradok's planning room.
He insists on at very least mostly closing the doors behind them if but to limit any noises from unexpected traps. Then, it is onward to studying the map itself. If noone else did so, he'd go so far as to pull the lever, confirming the dragon's flight path and spurring his own frantic efforts to pull out parchment and utensils to notate things. "Unlikely. Even mad the implied obsession with the thing and conquering ten towns means he's unlikely to leave its controller unguarded, let alone out of easy reach.... if such a thing even exists."He sighed, then looked over to Chill, curious to see what came of his exploration.
"I doubt that it's that simple." replies Krom to Kazri as Rhogar examines the map "The warlord would not leave this room unguarded in that case. Rhogar, could you check if there are enchantments on this map or room? If we find something, I could try to understand how they actually work." asks the dwarf as he studies the map to determine the exact flying path of the dragon.
"Ah. How foolish of me. 'That' should've been the first order of business in the event this Tyrant had at least an alarm set in place. A moment."After some rummaging about his person Rhogar eventually produces the familiar blue wand and utter its command word. Within moments, the orb at its tip lights up as did the dragonborn's eyes. "Now... let's see..." He mutters as he begun scanning the area.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogar quickly scans the room but finds nothing enchanted by magic within. A study of the map and table shows that it is all mechanical in nature. Feeling it's safe to do so Rhogar pulls the lever and the group around the table can see the small dragon slid along on the groove set in the table. The path of the dragon is discerned as it moves around the table.
Chill has passed the map by and heads for the set of doors on the north wall. He checks the door for traps and listens carefully but neither finds or hears anything. The door, he finds, is unlocked and he eases it open.
Braziers heaped with glowing-hot coals heat this chamber, which contains a large stone bed covered with soot-stained furs, its head against the north wall. In a shallow niche above the bed is a bas relief of a giant, scowling duergar clenching its teeth. At the foot of the bed is a flat-topped iron trunk sealed with a bulky padlock. A stone door is set into the western wall.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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At the mention of 'psuedodragon', Gorrah pokes her head out again from Rhogar's hood for a better look, only to turn her nose up at the creation. Whatever thoughts she had after cracks even Rhogar's stony demeanor. As he cannot help but crack a grin before tersely whispering at her in draconic. The hardly cowed familiar merely nips at his maw before burrowing herself again deeper into the shadows and relative warmth of her summoners hood.
Following a sigh of mild annoyance and a sidelong glare, Rhogar's attention returns to Gradolpha with somewhat less hostility but lingering suspicion. "These other Underdark monsters... what can you tell us about them? I'm afraid most of my learnings have largely been focused on matters of the surface world. And while time is of the essence, it would do neither of us any good if any actions of ours done in recklessness accomplished little more than helping this Xardorok eliminate the only enemies and... main competition that are able to act with any degree of immediacy." He requests. "And how has swayed this monsters and this sovereign to work under him? As in, simply through brute force or magical means?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Krom watches closely Grandolpha as she speaks trying to discern if the old duergar is hiding something from the group (insight 14.
The dwarf nods in agreement at Rhogar's question and adds "So the chardalyn dragon is just a mindless construct? How does Xardorok control it and what kind of abilities does it have?" Krom pauses for a moment "Another question if you do not mind. A friend of ours, a human woman, has been captured, we suppose, by Xardorok when she attempted to enter this fortress. Do you know where she may be?"
Still watching the door, Kazri asks. "Is the dragon programmed to attack the people for the dale?"
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."
"So your angle is you want Sunblight, but have no interest in conquering Icewind Dale. Fair enough I think. But the longer we tarry here the more damage the dragon does. So it is not a true dragon but some sort of construct? Interesting. Show us the attack path and lead us to our friend, the woman who has been brought here as a captive." Chill responds. "I think we can help in deposing this Xar fella."
Grandolpha answers your questions. "The dragon is a construct and so it has some level of programming. He controls it by setting it in motion and allowing it to act out what it has told it to do. I do not know beyond that. It is not mindless and yet not an autonomous living creature either."
She then turns to Rhogar, "As for monsters of the underdark, I could tell you much about many of them, but I will not. As for how he controls them, I do not know. Perhaps he just has them penned up and he will then release them and allow them to do what they would do naturally? "
She returns her attention to Krom. "There is a human woman held here at the fortress. The last I knew she was held in a torture chamber in the level below us. I do not know her fate."
The smell of ozone began filling the air as a once again glaring and growling Rhogar had clearly not taken well to the denial of his request. Yet for all of his rebuilding anger and frustration enough sense remained to him not to try and get in close enough to release his breath weapon. Not yet, at least. He also blatantly ignored any alarm or drawing of potential weapons from the other duergars, as he'd only had eyes from Grandolpha.
If either urged to calm by others or she did not relent after a tense few moments, Rhogar would eventually let out a frustrated huff that sent a few sparks dancing about in the air. And after taking a moment more to take a few calming breathes. "The path then as my friend requested. You mention your people being able to show us. Let us see it. Immediately after which, we can see about making our way to... wait, where is this Xardorok? Below as well? And is there anything else we should be aware of? Markers we might use to identify your forces, perhaps, least they find themselves in the crossfire."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Very well then, let's get this done Grandolpha, we are running out of time." says Krom after Rhogar finishes to speak.
"After Xardorok and the dragon are taken care of, keep your side of the bargain up and you will not see us again. But, if you betray our trust and harm the citizens of the dale you will suffer the consequences. " The dwarf adds putting both hands on his hips.
Grandolpha stared back at Rhogar in defiance of his clear mood. Eventually though she turned away, but Rhogar could tell that it was not in defeat but simply changing her attention away from him as if he wasn't worth any more of hers.
"I do not know where Xardorok is. He is here at the fortress, but where I do not know. He had been questioning the woman." She then looks at Dreck. "Take them to the map room. But be wary, not all of the guards are with us."
Dreck motions for you to follow.
Everyone roll stealth and post anything else that you want before moving on.
Rhogar grimaced at the news, before his eyes are set to dancing back and forth as thoughts churned in reconsideration of the plan moving forward. Knowing, however, that understanding of the dragon's path might make it easier to relay more information to the people of ten towns, the dragonborn quietly and grimly accepted the delay to act, and tried his best to quietly follow along after some minor enchantment cast to further boost his odds.
-Rhogar's Stealth: 23.
(Gorrah is gonna ride along with Chillsince she'd trust him a bit more with being quiet)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Krom frowns at the lack of information about the warlord's whereabouts. "We also have to find a way to free Vellynne Harpell, she may know how to stop the dragon." says the dwarf to the rest of the group.
After murmuring an hymn of guidance to enhance his abilities, the dwarf, hammer and shield at the ready, follows Dreck outside while trying to be as quiet as possible.
Stealth 8 + Guidance 3
@DM
With the his 23 of insight, does Krom discern if Grandolpha was saying the truth about her not being interested in conquering the dales?
Stealth: 2
Kazri goes to follow her companion, and on her first step, she trips over an indentation on the floor and basically face plants on the stone floor. She stay still for a moment, making sure there are no commotion in the hallway, and quickly gets up. She whispers to Krom and Rhogar. "Apologies. I think we should try to find Ms. Harpell first, if possible." She is clearly very embarrassed by the noise she caused.
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."
Chill slips the hood of his cloak over his head after Gorrah flies over and burrows her way inside. "Silent is my middle name." he says as he grimaces as Kazri trips, her heavy armor clanging.
Stealth 33
14
Once again Dreck leads you into the hallway. He stops and looks both ways and then turns right. Fortunately, despite the noise of your louder and more armored companions, no one seems to be about.
"Straight ahead is the guard room so be quiet, at least 9 guards will be in there." He then ushers you into a room to the north.
This rectangular room has two sets of double doors, one to the north and the other to the south. A brazier of glowing-hot coals stands in each corner. In the middle of the room is a low stone table, on the top of which is drawn an illustration that looks something like a map.
"This is the map room. Those doors to the north lead to Xaradok's Quarters."
Closer inspection of the drawing reveals that it’s an accurate depiction of Ten-Towns and its environs. Mounted to the top of a thin iron stand on the table is a 6-inch-tall dragon figurine carved out of a dark material—a miniature version of Xardorok’s chardalyn dragon, its wings outstretched. The figurine’s stand is attached by an iron rod to a groove carved into the table, allowing the figurine to move across the map from one settlement to another. If a lever on the west side of the table is pulled, the dragon figurine “flies” over Ten-Towns
Chill stepped into the room and glanced about. He took in the map and the rest of the room quickly. But upon hearing that the next room was Xaradok's personal room he quickly stepped to that side of the room and put his ear to the door to see if he could hear anything and look for traps.
Perception 17
If he heard nothing he then checked the door and if it was unlocked he would ease it open and step into the room.
"Is this were the dragon is controlled?" Kazri nods at the map, and she stays by the south double doors.
(Almost forgot. I am assuming Oli is with the group. How big is the little fellow by now?)
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."
"A good lightning bolt would fix that," Rhogar grumbled under breath, still seething from their interaction with Grandolpha. Yet despite such bold claims however, the Dragonborn made no motion or suggestion that entailed dealing with the guards before the party ultimately made their way into Xaradok's planning room.
He insists on at very least mostly closing the doors behind them if but to limit any noises from unexpected traps. Then, it is onward to studying the map itself. If noone else did so, he'd go so far as to pull the lever, confirming the dragon's flight path and spurring his own frantic efforts to pull out parchment and utensils to notate things. "Unlikely. Even mad the implied obsession with the thing and conquering ten towns means he's unlikely to leave its controller unguarded, let alone out of easy reach.... if such a thing even exists." He sighed, then looked over to Chill, curious to see what came of his exploration.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I doubt that it's that simple." replies Krom to Kazri as Rhogar examines the map "The warlord would not leave this room unguarded in that case. Rhogar, could you check if there are enchantments on this map or room? If we find something, I could try to understand how they actually work." asks the dwarf as he studies the map to determine the exact flying path of the dragon.
"Ah. How foolish of me. 'That' should've been the first order of business in the event this Tyrant had at least an alarm set in place. A moment." After some rummaging about his person Rhogar eventually produces the familiar blue wand and utter its command word. Within moments, the orb at its tip lights up as did the dragonborn's eyes. "Now... let's see..." He mutters as he begun scanning the area.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogar quickly scans the room but finds nothing enchanted by magic within. A study of the map and table shows that it is all mechanical in nature. Feeling it's safe to do so Rhogar pulls the lever and the group around the table can see the small dragon slid along on the groove set in the table. The path of the dragon is discerned as it moves around the table.
Chill has passed the map by and heads for the set of doors on the north wall. He checks the door for traps and listens carefully but neither finds or hears anything. The door, he finds, is unlocked and he eases it open.
Braziers heaped with glowing-hot coals heat this chamber, which contains a large stone bed covered with soot-stained furs, its head against the north wall. In a shallow niche above the bed is a bas relief of a giant, scowling duergar clenching its teeth. At the foot of the bed is a flat-topped iron trunk sealed with a bulky padlock. A stone door is set into the western wall.