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"We have found them." says Krom as the group stumbles upon the one-eyed creatures. "Hello there." says the dwarf while taking a good look at the creatures trying to discern their intentions.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"That they are," Rhogar said with a bit of a huff, still bitter over the dryad's attempt at duplicity, understandable-ish though it was. He then takes a deep breath, calming his nerves, but only to the point of still needing the distraction of trying to identify the creatures while awaiting their response to Krom.
If anything comes to mind before long he'd then try to whisper his findings to the next closest person. But otherwise, the dragonborn remained loosely guarded in only tightening his grip on his staff and standing at full attention, ready to move at a moment's notice.
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When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Chill stood near the exit to the cavern seeing it was a dead end. He'll watch the parties back and make sure nothing tries to approach them from the grove. Clearly there were drow nearby, what else could the dark elves be?
He'll leave the communication with these creatures to the others.
Rhogar cannot place these creatures, they are alien to his knowledge.
Krom tries to discern their motives or intentions. What he does glean is that they look shabby and tired, hungry.
¿pikunataq kay watukamuwaqninchikkuna? ¿Mikhuyniyoqchu kanmanku?
One of the creatures ventures to speak but in a language you cannot understand. It sounds very familiar, you heard it once already in the caves, very similar to what the wraith spoke.
Again that annoyingly smug voice from the Professor Orb can be heard.
"Whatever that was it wants to know if you have food."
"From what I can discern, they do not seem to be hostile, just tired and hungry." says Krom to the rest of the group. The dwarf takes from his backpack a couple of rations and places them in front of him. "Professor, since you understand them, translate for us. Tell them that they can have those rations and asks if they know the path to the hidden city."
His interest piqued especially after hearing the creature talk, Rhogar turned to the others and started to say something, only to turn and half-heartedly glare at whereever the Professor Orb had been kept. "Hmph! Well, they do appear hungry, and relatively harmless-..." The Bronzeborn looks again to the creatures. "For the moment... Hmn... But in any event, it is good you are saving your miracles, Master Krom, assuming of course you were bestowed the sort for conjuring food. Let's see if our rations will suffice." Rhogar said before fishing around about his pack and carefully place on the ground at least three days worth of rations between the group and the creatures as well, adding to Krom's spread. "It is curious how these creatures know what I can only presume to be... Netherese?"He looks to the rest of the party for any agreeing opinion.
Kazri remains on alert, and instruct Oli to stay close to Vellynne, and not wonder around. Without taking her eyes off the creatures, she takes some of her ration, and give them to Krom. "Here Master Krom, please add these rations to your offer. I will keep an eye on them, even thought they seems non threatening." She stays in between the creatures and the group with her shield and sword at the ready, but will try not to intimidate the poor things too much.
(OOC: I thought we encountered one of those in our DOIP adventure for some reason, but I guess we did not.)
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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."
"Unfortunately, I haven't prepared that hymn today." replies Krom to the dragonborn. "I prayed for more battle-oriented blessings, but all things considered I should have prepared it. One can never predict when they might need food.."
"I think that they are speaking some kind of elf dialect, like that undead we fought before. Am I right Professor?" asks to the Orb.
"Oh you are so perceptive you wise dwarf." The Professor Orb replies dryly. "Now pull me out of your pack and let me see!"
"Ah, so much better than that stuffy pack." The orb says. "Now what do we have here? Oh, interesting! Do you know what you have here? Well of course not." So condescending! "Those are Nothics, cursed arcanists. Rather than gaining the godlike supremacy they crave, some wizards who devote their lives to unearthing arcane secrets are reduced to creeping, tormented monsters by a dark curse left behind by Vecna, a powerful lich who, in some worlds, has transcended his undead existence to become a god of secrets. Nothics retain no awareness of their former selves, skulking amid the shadows and haunting places rich in magical knowledge, drawn by memories and impulses they can’t quite understand. Beware, they possess a strange magical insight that allows them to extract knowledge from other creatures."
One of the nothics scrambles forward and snatches the offered food and returns to the safety of the others. They look at you with their unblinking eyes as they start to eat the food. They all speak at the same time. One points at Rhogar and another Kazri.
¿Imatan munanku tapukunanchispaq? Ancha kallpasapa, ancha kallpasapa.
The orb translates for you.
"Everything they say is garbled with bits of nonsense. They wonder what you want."
"Why are they pointing at Rhogar and Kazri?" asks Krom to the Professor. "I do not like the idea of them being able to extract knowledge from us..." says the dwarf.
"I already asked a question about the entrance to the city, but they haven't answered me; maybe if you ask, they may answer." says Krom to the dragonborn and paladin.
(@Wolfy911: Minor spoiler for one of the early modules, but you might be thinking of LMOP, which is set in the same region as DOIP)
Rhogar would be never sure how he managed it, but by some miracle even the scent of ozone wouldn't fill the air from the bronzeborn being but moments away from threatening to fry the orb. That isn't to say he hadn't glared at the orb, before the explanation piqued enough interest as to look to the nothics with a mixture of pity and empathy.
A sudden thought leaves him reeling his head back, then squinting back at the nothics. "Hmm... I am with Master Krom. Er, especially in regards to that first bit, as I'd presume these magical insights include picking up on the touch of extraplanar powers upon us. But then again, why not Chill or Master Krom instead, as I believe the morninglord blessed you two in particular, no?" He said, before turning towards the noted pair above for the last question.
"Also--"He turns to the orb next. "Is it possible these Nothics are the former residents of the city? Or were merely lured to the region by whatever remains there from say, like... the underdark! Much like those Drow that the dryad mentioned."
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When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
When one of the creature points at Kazri, she takes a half step forward brandishing her sword, but she stops herself when she realizes they mean no harm. Not yet, at least. "Perhaps, they can tells us what are they doing here?" She tells Professor Orb.
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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."
"Or perhaps you may realize that they don't speak common, only the lost language of Loross." The orb responds condescendingly, seemingly unfazed or oblivious to the near threat of Rhogar. "I will ask them"
Qatiqnin pasajeqa llaqtamanmi pusawanchik the Nothic answer. Huk runaqa huk ritualtan ruwanan Ythrynpa chawpi torrenman haykunanpaq.Iriolarthas, Netheresemanta ancha atiyniyuq arco brujo, Ythrynta qhawan. Payqa manan yuyayllantachu chinkachirqan, aswanpas yaqa llapan cuerpontapas. Paymanta puchuqqa unupi puriq runap uma tullullanmi.
The orb translates,
They say the next passage to the east leads to the city. They also say that One must perform a ritual to enter Ythryn’s central spire. Also Iriolarthas, a powerful Netherese archwizard, watches over Ythryn. He has lost not only his mind, but most of his body as well. All that remains of him is a floating human skull.
As for why they are here? As I said, they retain no awareness of their former selves. Perhaps they are Netherese arcanist trapped here by the curse that changed them. Perhaps wizards who came seeking the lost arcane knowledge of the city. There is no way to know. Who they were is lost now. The same condescending tone is used to answer Kazri's question.
"Maybe they sense the magic coming from one of your items Rhogar." replies the dwarf "Since they are, for the moment, non-hostile, it may be for the best to not further inquiry on the matter."
Krom listens with attention to the Professor's translation and scratches his beard as he ponders what just transpired. "Well, my friends, now, we know where to go." The dwarf pauses for a moment "An undead archwizard is a formidable foe, but he is not a match for our Fellowship."
"Very well then." Kazri responds matter of factly to the Professor. "It is best that we do not have to worry about these creatures as we move forward." Kazri and Oli position to the front of the group. "Me and Oli will take lead, now that we know where to go."
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."
"Right. Loross."Rhogar stated dryly in initial response to the orb; who despite all odds thus far, remained miraculously un-charred by a draconic outburst. Though by and large such fortune seemed more the byproduct of the dragonborn becoming easily caught up in the professor's translation before he can become to riled up over matters of tone.
"Mn. All fair points. Though I confess, I believe it best to leave Gorrah at the grove for the time being. If need be, I can always summon her to my side, and may once we encounter this archwizard. Though before we go-"Rhogar turns to Vellynne and says, "Anything you personally might ask of these fellows? For though as the professor orb said, they retain next to nothing of their former selves, they seem to have retained enough of their facilities as to know some things about the city. Mayhaps they may even know of something more of specific interest of yours?"He asks politely enough, but watched her closely as she answered.
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When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Nothing specific." Vellynne answers, "Though if they are talkative perhaps there is more information they have to share, other dangers or, well anything could be helpful."
The orb picks up on this and poses what appears to be more questions and it and the nothic engage in a short conversation. He then summarizes their answers as best as he can (which is quite well if you were to ask it)
"They say Giant floating hands made of magical force wander around in the city. Though they give no other information regarding them. Also they speak of a mythallar, and I assume you do not know what that is so allow me to explain. It was a Netherese device that allowed access to vast amounts of raw magic. The city has one but it won’t function properly as long as the Spindle—a powerful artifact dating back 40,000 years—remains in the city. The artifact is located within the city’s central spire. They don't speak of anything else."
"Giant floating hands made of magical force? At least they won't take us by surprise." grins the dwarf as the group takes the eastern tunnel. Krom stays right behind Kazri and Oli as they march on.
"I wonder if the Frostmaiden, or one of her servants are using that mythallar or that Spindle to enhance their magic. It could be what it's causing this eternal winter." says Krom.
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"We have found them." says Krom as the group stumbles upon the one-eyed creatures. "Hello there." says the dwarf while taking a good look at the creatures trying to discern their intentions.
Insight 14
"That they are," Rhogar said with a bit of a huff, still bitter over the dryad's attempt at duplicity, understandable-ish though it was. He then takes a deep breath, calming his nerves, but only to the point of still needing the distraction of trying to identify the creatures while awaiting their response to Krom.
-Arcana: 17.
If anything comes to mind before long he'd then try to whisper his findings to the next closest person. But otherwise, the dragonborn remained loosely guarded in only tightening his grip on his staff and standing at full attention, ready to move at a moment's notice.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Chill stood near the exit to the cavern seeing it was a dead end. He'll watch the parties back and make sure nothing tries to approach them from the grove. Clearly there were drow nearby, what else could the dark elves be?
He'll leave the communication with these creatures to the others.
Rhogar cannot place these creatures, they are alien to his knowledge.
Krom tries to discern their motives or intentions. What he does glean is that they look shabby and tired, hungry.
One of the creatures ventures to speak but in a language you cannot understand. It sounds very familiar, you heard it once already in the caves, very similar to what the wraith spoke.
Again that annoyingly smug voice from the Professor Orb can be heard.
"Whatever that was it wants to know if you have food."
"From what I can discern, they do not seem to be hostile, just tired and hungry." says Krom to the rest of the group. The dwarf takes from his backpack a couple of rations and places them in front of him.
"Professor, since you understand them, translate for us. Tell them that they can have those rations and asks if they know the path to the hidden city."
His interest piqued especially after hearing the creature talk, Rhogar turned to the others and started to say something, only to turn and half-heartedly glare at whereever the Professor Orb had been kept. "Hmph! Well, they do appear hungry, and relatively harmless-..." The Bronzeborn looks again to the creatures. "For the moment... Hmn... But in any event, it is good you are saving your miracles, Master Krom, assuming of course you were bestowed the sort for conjuring food. Let's see if our rations will suffice." Rhogar said before fishing around about his pack and carefully place on the ground at least three days worth of rations between the group and the creatures as well, adding to Krom's spread. "It is curious how these creatures know what I can only presume to be... Netherese?" He looks to the rest of the party for any agreeing opinion.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Kazri remains on alert, and instruct Oli to stay close to Vellynne, and not wonder around. Without taking her eyes off the creatures, she takes some of her ration, and give them to Krom. "Here Master Krom, please add these rations to your offer. I will keep an eye on them, even thought they seems non threatening." She stays in between the creatures and the group with her shield and sword at the ready, but will try not to intimidate the poor things too much.
(OOC: I thought we encountered one of those in our DOIP adventure for some reason, but I guess we did not.)
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 continues his vigilance at the entry to the cavern. He remains quiet.
"Unfortunately, I haven't prepared that hymn today." replies Krom to the dragonborn. "I prayed for more battle-oriented blessings, but all things considered I should have prepared it. One can never predict when they might need food.."
"I think that they are speaking some kind of elf dialect, like that undead we fought before. Am I right Professor?" asks to the Orb.
"Oh you are so perceptive you wise dwarf." The Professor Orb replies dryly. "Now pull me out of your pack and let me see!"
"Ah, so much better than that stuffy pack." The orb says. "Now what do we have here? Oh, interesting! Do you know what you have here? Well of course not." So condescending! "Those are Nothics, cursed arcanists. Rather than gaining the godlike supremacy they crave, some wizards who devote their lives to unearthing arcane secrets are reduced to creeping, tormented monsters by a dark curse left behind by Vecna, a powerful lich who, in some worlds, has transcended his undead existence to become a god of secrets. Nothics retain no awareness of their former selves, skulking amid the shadows and haunting places rich in magical knowledge, drawn by memories and impulses they can’t quite understand. Beware, they possess a strange magical insight that allows them to extract knowledge from other creatures."
One of the nothics scrambles forward and snatches the offered food and returns to the safety of the others. They look at you with their unblinking eyes as they start to eat the food. They all speak at the same time. One points at Rhogar and another Kazri.
¿Imatan munanku tapukunanchispaq? Ancha kallpasapa, ancha kallpasapa.
The orb translates for you.
"Everything they say is garbled with bits of nonsense. They wonder what you want."
"Why are they pointing at Rhogar and Kazri?" asks Krom to the Professor. "I do not like the idea of them being able to extract knowledge from us..." says the dwarf.
"I already asked a question about the entrance to the city, but they haven't answered me; maybe if you ask, they may answer." says Krom to the dragonborn and paladin.
(@Wolfy911: Minor spoiler for one of the early modules, but you might be thinking of LMOP, which is set in the same region as DOIP)
Rhogar would be never sure how he managed it, but by some miracle even the scent of ozone wouldn't fill the air from the bronzeborn being but moments away from threatening to fry the orb. That isn't to say he hadn't glared at the orb, before the explanation piqued enough interest as to look to the nothics with a mixture of pity and empathy.
A sudden thought leaves him reeling his head back, then squinting back at the nothics. "Hmm... I am with Master Krom. Er, especially in regards to that first bit, as I'd presume these magical insights include picking up on the touch of extraplanar powers upon us. But then again, why not Chill or Master Krom instead, as I believe the morninglord blessed you two in particular, no?" He said, before turning towards the noted pair above for the last question.
"Also--" He turns to the orb next. "Is it possible these Nothics are the former residents of the city? Or were merely lured to the region by whatever remains there from say, like... the underdark! Much like those Drow that the dryad mentioned."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
When one of the creature points at Kazri, she takes a half step forward brandishing her sword, but she stops herself when she realizes they mean no harm. Not yet, at least. "Perhaps, they can tells us what are they doing here?" She tells Professor Orb.
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."
"Or perhaps you may realize that they don't speak common, only the lost language of Loross." The orb responds condescendingly, seemingly unfazed or oblivious to the near threat of Rhogar. "I will ask them"
¿Kaypi ruwasqaykita yachayta munaykuchu? ¿Yachankichu maypi chinkasqa Ythryn llaqtaman yaykuna punku kasqanmanta? The orb asks
"Maybe they sense the magic coming from one of your items Rhogar." replies the dwarf "Since they are, for the moment, non-hostile, it may be for the best to not further inquiry on the matter."
Krom listens with attention to the Professor's translation and scratches his beard as he ponders what just transpired.
"Well, my friends, now, we know where to go." The dwarf pauses for a moment "An undead archwizard is a formidable foe, but he is not a match for our Fellowship."
"Very well then." Kazri responds matter of factly to the Professor. "It is best that we do not have to worry about these creatures as we move forward." Kazri and Oli position to the front of the group. "Me and Oli will take lead, now that we know where to go."
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 pushed himself off of the wall he was leaning on.
"Works for me. I'll watch the rear. Let's get Gorrah and keep moving. I'm confident we will take care of whatever needs to be done."
"Right. Loross." Rhogar stated dryly in initial response to the orb; who despite all odds thus far, remained miraculously un-charred by a draconic outburst. Though by and large such fortune seemed more the byproduct of the dragonborn becoming easily caught up in the professor's translation before he can become to riled up over matters of tone.
"Mn. All fair points. Though I confess, I believe it best to leave Gorrah at the grove for the time being. If need be, I can always summon her to my side, and may once we encounter this archwizard. Though before we go-" Rhogar turns to Vellynne and says, "Anything you personally might ask of these fellows? For though as the professor orb said, they retain next to nothing of their former selves, they seem to have retained enough of their facilities as to know some things about the city. Mayhaps they may even know of something more of specific interest of yours?" He asks politely enough, but watched her closely as she answered.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Nothing specific." Vellynne answers, "Though if they are talkative perhaps there is more information they have to share, other dangers or, well anything could be helpful."
The orb picks up on this and poses what appears to be more questions and it and the nothic engage in a short conversation. He then summarizes their answers as best as he can (which is quite well if you were to ask it)
"They say Giant floating hands made of magical force wander around in the city. Though they give no other information regarding them. Also they speak of a mythallar, and I assume you do not know what that is so allow me to explain. It was a Netherese device that allowed access to vast amounts of raw magic. The city has one but it won’t function properly as long as the Spindle—a powerful artifact dating back 40,000 years—remains in the city. The artifact is located within the city’s central spire. They don't speak of anything else."
"Giant floating hands made of magical force? At least they won't take us by surprise." grins the dwarf as the group takes the eastern tunnel. Krom stays right behind Kazri and Oli as they march on.
"I wonder if the Frostmaiden, or one of her servants are using that mythallar or that Spindle to enhance their magic. It could be what it's causing this eternal winter." says Krom.