"I was going to agree with Chill. Perhaps at the very least learn what the Drows are really up to since we know their location." Kazri turns southwards. "However, if we do not deem them a threat, let us proceed to the Tower of Abjuration."
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."
"I do consider them a threat for our quest, as they might hinder our progress," Krom says with a steady tone of voice in response to Kazri's statement. "It will do not us good to linger here, undecided." The dwarf turns towards the rest of the group, pauses for a moment to scratch his chin before continuing, "It seems that our opinions are split on how to handle the drow, but we all consider them a problem. Even if I don't fully support retracing our steps towards the Tower of Divination, delaying a decision will harm us more in the long run." Krom pats the head of his hammer "Let's go after them. But if we don't find them there, we must refocus on the task at hand without any more delays or diversions."
Chill nods in agreement. "Better to deal with them now then have them show up at some inopportune time and cause trouble. We know where they likely are. If we don't find them there then we can continue our quest."
Both Rhogar and Gorrah share a sidelong look with each other, sigh softly, and then without a word the former began marching towards the tower of divination, as he had already spoken his piece. So, why belabor the point? For all of his apparent disappointment in the moment however, he yet calmly marched with a purpose and a trust in the others either following along or eventually falling into the group's usual travel order for safety.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The hunt is on as you make your way back towards the Tower of Divination. Your efforts are quickly rewarded. When you approach the tower and are about 20 feet away three drow exit the tower. Two are clearly warriors who have shields, short swords at their belts. The other appears to likely be a mage of some sort as he carries a staff.
One of the warriors spots you immediately and calls out to you in a language you do not understand. But his tone and inflection is clearly a challenge as he holds a hand out motioning you to stop.
Kazri steps in front of the others and stop. She has her sword and shield at the ready. Next to her Oli gets up with his hind legs, growls, then goes down on all four. He means business.
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."
Krom also stops next to Kazri and nodding in agreement to Chill's suggestion takes out from his backpack the Professor Orb. "Professor, do you understand what he is saying?" Krom asks while keeping the drow within his sight.
(Dang. I always keep forgetting our o' good Professor)
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."
Rather than languidly observe from the shoulders of a companion, Gorrah actually stood up from her perch on Rhogar, raised her stinger, and hissed at the drow. "Easy, Gorrah, Easy. Not yet... if it can be helped,"Rhogar whispered in only a half-hearted attempt at calming the blue-scaled tiny terror. As soon as Rhogar so much as catches a glimpse of the orb in his peripheral, he groans and shakes his head. "Odds don't favor it, but on the off chance the professor can't work something, try, uhh, dwarvish, Master Krom. Might as well at that point on the off chance these lot have been in plenty contact with your, uh... with the Duergar we met before."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Professor Skant listens to the words of the drow as the drow repeats its statement and then repeats it again in another language you do not understand. The last sounds more familiar and you recognize that it is likely elvish.
Skant's voice drips with incredulity. "Do you not understand Elvish? Truly? As seasoned travelers and, dare I say, adventurers, none of you speak Elvish?" He scoffs, in mock dismay. "Undercommon, I could comprehend—perhaps a necessity in the depths—but not Elvish? Honestly."
He continues,, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Anyway, for those who find subtleties of language elusive, let me spell it out: he tells you to halt and declare yourselves. Clear enough?"
Rhogar huffs. "Unfortunately, the Alu'Tels or Sea Elves as they are more commonly known weren't much of a mind to share their mother tongue with my home town. And I've had far more pressing-..." But he cuts himself off there with another huff before sharply turning away. "Why even bother."He mutters.
Having not forgotten about the potential threat of the drow however, Rhogar turned enough to side-eye and say, "If the rest of you are disclined, I'd say we should be straight forward with our answer and see how they take it. At worse they'll either fight or flee, and at best they might be willing to negotiate. Either way, we'll spare us the trouble of trying to play the dance of silver tongues and make but a fool of ourselves later."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I agree with you Mr. Nimbatuul. I rather be done with these Drows. One way or another." Kazri stays on guard, but looses slightly the aggressive stance. "Assuming that we are all after the same thing here." Oli growls loudly. "Patience my friend. If possible, we should try to find a peaceful solution."
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."
"I agree. Tell it plain, we seek access to the tower to find the magic that will stop the endless winter that plagues this area of the world. We aren't here to compete with them and are even willing to trade information if they would be so inclined as we do seek the riddle words found in the towers. We could share the dangers we have learned."
Chill looks over at the orb.
"Could you handle that in a slightly less offensive tone and in a more diplomatic manner?"
"Back in Neverwinter, my clan didn't trade too much with Elves," Krom replies to the Orb, "And the ones we did trade with spoke perfect Common, so I never saw the need of learning Elvish, Professor." The dwarf shifts his stance, and nods in agreement with Rhogar's suggestion. "I agree as well. In this peculiar circumstance, straight and simple words are the proper approach."
With Chill’s last comment, if the orb had been an eyeball—or even had one—you were certain it would have rolled as dramatically as any exasperated teenager. The sheer sarcasm radiating from its non-existent gaze was practically palpable, rivaling the expressive disdain of the most practiced teenage eye-roll. "Yes, I am sure that I could." he replies.
Skant floats closer, its crystalline form glowing faintly as it addresses the drow in an oddly melodic yet firm tone. The language of the elves flows from the orb effortlessly. The drow, clad in dark, supple armor and bearing an array of weapons, listen with narrowed eyes. One of them, taller than the others and holding a staff, responds curtly in the same tongue.
After a tense exchange, the drow step back slightly, forming a tight cluster. Their voices drop to a near whisper, too low for you to discern, as they confer amongst themselves. They glance in your direction occasionally, their expressions a mixture of suspicion and disdain.
After a moment, Skant swivels to face you, its tone cautious concern. "They are distrustful, as I feared," it relays, its voice clear in your mind. "They call you surface-dwellers, a term they use with a certain venom. Your affairs above ground mean little to them, and they see no reason to concern themselves with the weather or anything else from your world. Yet, I sense they may be swayed... though it will not be easy."
The drow stand poised, waiting for your next move, their hands never straying far from their weapons.
Krom scratches his chin thoughtfully as the Professor translates the exchange with the drow. The dwarf turns towards his companions, he says "Persuasion isn't exactly my strong suit. I'd likely do more harm than good if I tried to speak with them. Best to leave this matter in the hands of one of you."
(Kazri has advantage when persuading Dwarves. I guess that doesn't help here. Can she give Rhogar advantage?)
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."
Rhogar and I both have +8, so I could give it a go but I see Rhogar has inspiration so he could roll with advantage even if the DM says no to the Help action.
"I was going to agree with Chill. Perhaps at the very least learn what the Drows are really up to since we know their location." Kazri turns southwards. "However, if we do not deem them a threat, let us proceed to the Tower of Abjuration."
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."
"I do consider them a threat for our quest, as they might hinder our progress," Krom says with a steady tone of voice in response to Kazri's statement. "It will do not us good to linger here, undecided."
The dwarf turns towards the rest of the group, pauses for a moment to scratch his chin before continuing, "It seems that our opinions are split on how to handle the drow, but we all consider them a problem. Even if I don't fully support retracing our steps towards the Tower of Divination, delaying a decision will harm us more in the long run."
Krom pats the head of his hammer "Let's go after them. But if we don't find them there, we must refocus on the task at hand without any more delays or diversions."
Chill nods in agreement. "Better to deal with them now then have them show up at some inopportune time and cause trouble. We know where they likely are. If we don't find them there then we can continue our quest."
Both Rhogar and Gorrah share a sidelong look with each other, sigh softly, and then without a word the former began marching towards the tower of divination, as he had already spoken his piece. So, why belabor the point? For all of his apparent disappointment in the moment however, he yet calmly marched with a purpose and a trust in the others either following along or eventually falling into the group's usual travel order for safety.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The hunt is on as you make your way back towards the Tower of Divination. Your efforts are quickly rewarded. When you approach the tower and are about 20 feet away three drow exit the tower. Two are clearly warriors who have shields, short swords at their belts. The other appears to likely be a mage of some sort as he carries a staff.
One of the warriors spots you immediately and calls out to you in a language you do not understand. But his tone and inflection is clearly a challenge as he holds a hand out motioning you to stop.
Kazri steps in front of the others and stop. She has her sword and shield at the ready. Next to her Oli gets up with his hind legs, growls, then goes down on all four. He means business.
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 stops, this seems the prudent action for the moment. He looks at the others.
"Anyone able to translate? Maybe ol' prof Skant the orb of wonder?"
Krom also stops next to Kazri and nodding in agreement to Chill's suggestion takes out from his backpack the Professor Orb.
"Professor, do you understand what he is saying?" Krom asks while keeping the drow within his sight.
(Dang. I always keep forgetting our o' good Professor)
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."
Rather than languidly observe from the shoulders of a companion, Gorrah actually stood up from her perch on Rhogar, raised her stinger, and hissed at the drow. "Easy, Gorrah, Easy. Not yet... if it can be helped," Rhogar whispered in only a half-hearted attempt at calming the blue-scaled tiny terror. As soon as Rhogar so much as catches a glimpse of the orb in his peripheral, he groans and shakes his head. "Odds don't favor it, but on the off chance the professor can't work something, try, uhh, dwarvish, Master Krom. Might as well at that point on the off chance these lot have been in plenty contact with your, uh... with the Duergar we met before."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Professor Skant listens to the words of the drow as the drow repeats its statement and then repeats it again in another language you do not understand. The last sounds more familiar and you recognize that it is likely elvish.
Skant's voice drips with incredulity. "Do you not understand Elvish? Truly? As seasoned travelers and, dare I say, adventurers, none of you speak Elvish?" He scoffs, in mock dismay. "Undercommon, I could comprehend—perhaps a necessity in the depths—but not Elvish? Honestly."
He continues,, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Anyway, for those who find subtleties of language elusive, let me spell it out: he tells you to halt and declare yourselves. Clear enough?"
Rhogar huffs. "Unfortunately, the Alu'Tels or Sea Elves as they are more commonly known weren't much of a mind to share their mother tongue with my home town. And I've had far more pressing-..." But he cuts himself off there with another huff before sharply turning away. "Why even bother." He mutters.
Having not forgotten about the potential threat of the drow however, Rhogar turned enough to side-eye and say, "If the rest of you are disclined, I'd say we should be straight forward with our answer and see how they take it. At worse they'll either fight or flee, and at best they might be willing to negotiate. Either way, we'll spare us the trouble of trying to play the dance of silver tongues and make but a fool of ourselves later."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I agree with you Mr. Nimbatuul. I rather be done with these Drows. One way or another." Kazri stays on guard, but looses slightly the aggressive stance. "Assuming that we are all after the same thing here." Oli growls loudly. "Patience my friend. If possible, we should try to find a peaceful solution."
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."
"I agree. Tell it plain, we seek access to the tower to find the magic that will stop the endless winter that plagues this area of the world. We aren't here to compete with them and are even willing to trade information if they would be so inclined as we do seek the riddle words found in the towers. We could share the dangers we have learned."
Chill looks over at the orb.
"Could you handle that in a slightly less offensive tone and in a more diplomatic manner?"
"Back in Neverwinter, my clan didn't trade too much with Elves," Krom replies to the Orb, "And the ones we did trade with spoke perfect Common, so I never saw the need of learning Elvish, Professor."
The dwarf shifts his stance, and nods in agreement with Rhogar's suggestion. "I agree as well. In this peculiar circumstance, straight and simple words are the proper approach."
With Chill’s last comment, if the orb had been an eyeball—or even had one—you were certain it would have rolled as dramatically as any exasperated teenager. The sheer sarcasm radiating from its non-existent gaze was practically palpable, rivaling the expressive disdain of the most practiced teenage eye-roll. "Yes, I am sure that I could." he replies.
Skant floats closer, its crystalline form glowing faintly as it addresses the drow in an oddly melodic yet firm tone. The language of the elves flows from the orb effortlessly. The drow, clad in dark, supple armor and bearing an array of weapons, listen with narrowed eyes. One of them, taller than the others and holding a staff, responds curtly in the same tongue.
After a tense exchange, the drow step back slightly, forming a tight cluster. Their voices drop to a near whisper, too low for you to discern, as they confer amongst themselves. They glance in your direction occasionally, their expressions a mixture of suspicion and disdain.
After a moment, Skant swivels to face you, its tone cautious concern. "They are distrustful, as I feared," it relays, its voice clear in your mind. "They call you surface-dwellers, a term they use with a certain venom. Your affairs above ground mean little to them, and they see no reason to concern themselves with the weather or anything else from your world. Yet, I sense they may be swayed... though it will not be easy."
The drow stand poised, waiting for your next move, their hands never straying far from their weapons.
Someone roll persuasion
Krom scratches his chin thoughtfully as the Professor translates the exchange with the drow. The dwarf turns towards his companions, he says "Persuasion isn't exactly my strong suit. I'd likely do more harm than good if I tried to speak with them. Best to leave this matter in the hands of one of you."
(Kazri has advantage when persuading Dwarves. I guess that doesn't help here. Can she give Rhogar advantage?)
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."
Rhogar and I both have +8, so I could give it a go but I see Rhogar has inspiration so he could roll with advantage even if the DM says no to the Help action.
Guidance would be helpful also.
I'll say no to the Help action as Skant is the one doing the actual talking.
But yeah, inspiration and guidance are certainly avaliable