Voyage looks to the others and gives them brief, reassuring nods, her tail twisting around her waist. "If things turn rotten, head for the boats. If we can get to a boat, I can navigate for us. Won't know where in the Nine Hells we'll end up, but at least I can steer us there. See you sacrifices on the other side."
After about 10 more minutes of tense waiting, (Thodek you would have been able to cast detect magic) the time comes. A group of twelve kuo toa led by a kuo toa monitor reach the altar of the Sea Mother. Glooglugogg comes to meet the group and exchanges a few inaudible words before motioning to the group. The Kuo Toa all brandish their spears and Ploopploopeen also begins to approach whispering to the group as he passes “Follow me.”
(Thodek: You don’t sense any magic as you keep your head down except for a faint feeling of evocation that comes from the back room Ploopploopeen and Glooglugogg entered from.)
The Kuo Toa come to meet you, softly applying pressure to your backs with their spears as they begin to lead you through the winding paths of Sloobludop. After a quick minutes worth of this silent march, you reach what you assume to be the altar of the Deep Father that is located almost on the docks. A female Kuo Toa similarly adorned to Ploopploopeen steps forward, another Kuo Toa Whip at her side. She stands in front what can only be the shrine to the deep father— a large hide cut roughly in the shape of a manta ray and stretched out on cords between two support poles. A dead, splayed-out manta ray is pinned to the center of the hide. Two dead octopuses are draped across the top, their tentacles pinned and artfully arrayed, their heads tied together and painted with red and blue pigments. The idol reeks of decay, and the broad stone altar below the idol is stained dark with blood. “Welcome,” Bloppblippodd says loudly as she surveys the group, a proud smirk on her face.
Thodek just keeps his head down and waits for a signal to start fighting, trying to look around at how many kuo-toa are in the room and which side they might take in a fight.
Voyage stares at the ground, her fists clenched into tight balls. She did not like this -- even pretended to be captives put her on edge, and the sooner they could be done with this, the better. She liked Shushaar, but wondered if the Kuo-Tua's desire to spread his strange gospel among his people had led him to give the group some bad advice.
As the female priest addresses them she will look up and meet her gaze evenly, studying the altar and idol in case they sparked anything from the stories she had heard when she first became a sailor.
Syvis clutches Thodek's arm and loudly asks in undercommon (with far more exaggerated inflection than anyone has yet heard), "Dear, is this where the brochure said the deep rothé roast is to take place?" Looking up at Bloppblippodd, she says, "You there! Where are we? We've been lead all around this place but no one will answer my questions! Our accommodations are far too small and damp and we haven't seen the man who took our bags since we first arrived! While I appreciate the hospitality that has been afforded us thus far, as strange as it may be, I must say that the restraints are an odd touch... Even if they are customary! As a fairly well-traveled, metropolitan individual, I'd be more than happy to offer some suggestions to your bureau of tourism should the feedback be solicited. I think we'd like to gather our belongings and head to the next stop on our itinerary if you wouldn't mind."
Capitalizing on the moment of confusion, Syvis glances around to see if there's any visible evidence of the "something" that consumes the sacrifices coming to the surface in the area or if it seems like it waits for the chum to fall to the depths. She's less concerned with a handful of kuo-toa but more so with an unknown aquatic monster they may have to face.
“Silence, insolent fool,” Bloppblippodd says with disgust towards Syvis, contempt in her eyes. “You stand at the altar of the Deep Father. Show your respect.”
Plooploopeen then steps forward. “Calm my daughter, they are just simple travelers. They will be gone soon anyway, right?” He says, deescalating the situation. “Now, the time has come,” he says, “for us to acknowledge your divine vision and welcome it. I have brought these as offerings.” Ploopploopeen gestures toward all of you, standing within a circle of guards behind him. “Will you not accept them?”
“You are wise, father,” the younger archpriest replies. “I accept your offering in the name of the Deep Father. May their blood nourish and strengthen him!” A burbling cheer goes up from the surrounding kuo-toa, their fists raised in the air.
Thodek: On Bloppblippodd‘s side you see 12 kuo toa. Most of them behind you with their spears at your back. There are also two kuo toa monitors standing adjacent to the altar, a kuo toa whip at Bloppblippodd‘s side, and of course Bloppblippodd— a kuo toa Archpriest. Ploopploopeen has less that you can see. Glooglugogg a kuo toa whip stands at his side. Other than that, there is one kuo toa monitor and about six kuo toa that stand behind Plooploopeen and Glooglugogg.
Syvis: At the moment, the water is actually surprisingly calm, only occasionally lapping at the feet of the altar. You do not see any creatures.
Voyage: You do not remember much. Most of what you learned at sea was that the Kuo Toa were crazy and worshipped false gods. To stay away from them was safest.
One more important note: You see a bruised and bedraggled duergar bound to the altar of the Deep Father. He kneels, with his head down and you can see blood dripping from somewhere on his head to the ground.
Nicholas puts up a show and looks up defiantly at the priestess. As he does so he also takes the chance to check out their surrounding looking for anything that could possibly give them the advantage.
Investigation8 Perception19
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Characters Tink - Elf ArtificerNicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter Thurkear - Lizardfolk WarlockBjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With that, the Kuo Toa present begin to parade in a wide circle around the altar, chanting. Soon, it is difficult to tell who is of what faith as most of the Kuo Toa begin to join the circle and Bloppblippodd as well as her whip slowly make their way to the altar.
“Bring them forth!” She calls out and one by one, the Kuo Toa slowly shepherd your party into a slight depression about 20 feet away from the altar. The scent of blood is overwhelming as you step through the sticky floor of this depression stained by an innumerable amount of sacrifices.
Bloppblippodd begins to join the chanting, also thumping her scepter in rhythm. “The time has come!” She yells. “Deep Father, accept this offering. Let us fuel your power!” She begins to raise her scepter and as she begins to point it towards your party, Plooploopeen raises his scepter and with a cry, brings it down on top of Bloppblippodd’s head.
Attack: 25 Damage: 6 + 15 lighting damage
The attack makes contact with a sickening crunch as Bloppblippodd gives a growl of pain before facing her father. “I should have killed you ages ago. The Deep Father would be happy to accept your blood” she says with a crazed look in her eyes.
You then hear the voice of Glooglugogg yell out in Undercommon “Attack!” Kuo Toa surge from the nearby buildings, brandishing spears. Kuo Toa of the Deep Father meet them with a cry as the battle for Sloobludop begins.
Roll Initiative as well as make your surprise round attack. For simplicities sake, this fight will include 8 kuo toa (the ones guarding you), Bloppblippodd, and Ploopploopeen. The rest of the battle is occurring in a whirl around this central battle containing the party and two archpriests. At the moment, the 8 Kuo Toa stand looking in shock at the scene around them.
Syvis slips out of her bindings and draws the small crossbow hidden under her cloak. Taking a quick shot at Bloppblippodd, she ducks into the melee and attempts to hide behind the nearest building or object she can use for cover.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nicholas Initiative: 15
Dropping the ruse, Nicholas brings his hand crossbow to bear and takes a bead at Ploopploopeen. Cut off the head and perhaps they would be able to end this with less bloodshed. He fires.
Hand Crossbow Attack:13 Damage:9
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Characters Tink - Elf ArtificerNicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter Thurkear - Lizardfolk WarlockBjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiative - 9
Voyage curses and slips off her restraints quickly. As a bonus action, she will cast Expeditious Retreat on herself, then as an action will cast Eldritch Blast at Bloppblippodd.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Syvis produces her crossbow, taking a shot at Bloppblippodd that makes contact with the archpriest (-10 hp [Total: -28hp]). She then attempts to hid behind a nearby building, but it appears to be ineffective as multiple Kuo Toa follow with their eyes the flash of Syvis’ silver skin. (That is a failure to hide. No advantage on attacks next round.)
Nicholas also pulls out his crossbow, taking a shot at Bloppblippodd as well. This bolt also makes contact causing her to scream out in pain (-6hp [Total: -34hp])
Thodek rushes forward, drawing his warhammer. He successfully flanks Bloppblippodd and makes contact with a wet thud as it hits her. (-7hp [Total: -41hp])
Voyage murmurs an incantation, casting expeditious retreat before sending a bolt of eldritch energy hurtling towards Bloppblippodd. The blast hits Bloppblippodd in the chest causing her to stumble backwards from the force. (-13hp [Total: -54hp])
Cailean will use his action to wild shape into a wolf. You all see Cailean’s form shift into that of a wolf from the surface world who then moves forward to engage Bloppblippodd
Rian will turn to face the Kuo Toa behind him and takes a strike using his longsword at the fish like humanoid. (Attack: 17 Damage: 10) The strike sinks deep into the creatures chest causing it to cry out in pain (-10hp)
Jimjar will turn to attack the Kuo Toa behind him as well, drawing his shortsword and making two strikes. Attack (Sneak Attack): 24 Damage: 10) (Attack: 22 Damage: 7) Jimjar easily dispatches with his guard who falls to the ground in a pool of blood (Dead)
Derendil turns, savagely tearing into his Kuo Toa guard with his claws. (Attack: 11 Damage: 7) (Attack: 23 Damage: 9) One of Derendil’s strikes makes contact with the beast (-7hp)
Voyage looks to the others and gives them brief, reassuring nods, her tail twisting around her waist. "If things turn rotten, head for the boats. If we can get to a boat, I can navigate for us. Won't know where in the Nine Hells we'll end up, but at least I can steer us there. See you sacrifices on the other side."
Seems like everyone is good to go.
After about 10 more minutes of tense waiting, (Thodek you would have been able to cast detect magic) the time comes. A group of twelve kuo toa led by a kuo toa monitor reach the altar of the Sea Mother. Glooglugogg comes to meet the group and exchanges a few inaudible words before motioning to the group. The Kuo Toa all brandish their spears and Ploopploopeen also begins to approach whispering to the group as he passes “Follow me.”
What would you like to do?
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Nicholas pretend to struggle slightly, then follow Plooploopeen.
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Thodek follows silently, head down, but keeps his eyes moving trying to see any magic in the area, weapons or other held objects in particular.
Syvis follows Thodek's lead.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
(Thodek: You don’t sense any magic as you keep your head down except for a faint feeling of evocation that comes from the back room Ploopploopeen and Glooglugogg entered from.)
The Kuo Toa come to meet you, softly applying pressure to your backs with their spears as they begin to lead you through the winding paths of Sloobludop. After a quick minutes worth of this silent march, you reach what you assume to be the altar of the Deep Father that is located almost on the docks. A female Kuo Toa similarly adorned to Ploopploopeen steps forward, another Kuo Toa Whip at her side. She stands in front what can only be the shrine to the deep father— a large hide cut roughly in the shape of a manta ray and stretched out on cords between two support poles. A dead, splayed-out manta ray is pinned to the center of the hide. Two dead octopuses are draped across the top, their tentacles pinned and artfully arrayed, their heads tied together and painted with red and blue pigments. The idol reeks of decay, and the broad stone altar below the idol is stained dark with blood. “Welcome,” Bloppblippodd says loudly as she surveys the group, a proud smirk on her face.
What would you like to do?
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Thodek just keeps his head down and waits for a signal to start fighting, trying to look around at how many kuo-toa are in the room and which side they might take in a fight.
Perception: 24
Voyage stares at the ground, her fists clenched into tight balls. She did not like this -- even pretended to be captives put her on edge, and the sooner they could be done with this, the better. She liked Shushaar, but wondered if the Kuo-Tua's desire to spread his strange gospel among his people had led him to give the group some bad advice.
As the female priest addresses them she will look up and meet her gaze evenly, studying the altar and idol in case they sparked anything from the stories she had heard when she first became a sailor.
Religion - 5
Syvis clutches Thodek's arm and loudly asks in undercommon (with far more exaggerated inflection than anyone has yet heard), "Dear, is this where the brochure said the deep rothé roast is to take place?" Looking up at Bloppblippodd, she says, "You there! Where are we? We've been lead all around this place but no one will answer my questions! Our accommodations are far too small and damp and we haven't seen the man who took our bags since we first arrived! While I appreciate the hospitality that has been afforded us thus far, as strange as it may be, I must say that the restraints are an odd touch... Even if they are customary! As a fairly well-traveled, metropolitan individual, I'd be more than happy to offer some suggestions to your bureau of tourism should the feedback be solicited. I think we'd like to gather our belongings and head to the next stop on our itinerary if you wouldn't mind."
Capitalizing on the moment of confusion, Syvis glances around to see if there's any visible evidence of the "something" that consumes the sacrifices coming to the surface in the area or if it seems like it waits for the chum to fall to the depths. She's less concerned with a handful of kuo-toa but more so with an unknown aquatic monster they may have to face.
Perception: 13
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
“Silence, insolent fool,” Bloppblippodd says with disgust towards Syvis, contempt in her eyes. “You stand at the altar of the Deep Father. Show your respect.”
Plooploopeen then steps forward. “Calm my daughter, they are just simple travelers. They will be gone soon anyway, right?” He says, deescalating the situation. “Now, the time has come,” he says, “for us to acknowledge your divine vision and welcome it. I have brought these as offerings.” Ploopploopeen gestures toward all of you, standing within a circle of guards behind him. “Will you not accept them?”
“You are wise, father,” the younger archpriest replies. “I accept your offering in the name of the Deep Father. May their blood nourish and strengthen him!” A burbling cheer goes up from the surrounding kuo-toa, their fists raised in the air.
Thodek: On Bloppblippodd‘s side you see 12 kuo toa. Most of them behind you with their spears at your back. There are also two kuo toa monitors standing adjacent to the altar, a kuo toa whip at Bloppblippodd‘s side, and of course Bloppblippodd— a kuo toa Archpriest. Ploopploopeen has less that you can see. Glooglugogg a kuo toa whip stands at his side. Other than that, there is one kuo toa monitor and about six kuo toa that stand behind Plooploopeen and Glooglugogg.
Syvis: At the moment, the water is actually surprisingly calm, only occasionally lapping at the feet of the altar. You do not see any creatures.
Voyage: You do not remember much. Most of what you learned at sea was that the Kuo Toa were crazy and worshipped false gods. To stay away from them was safest.
One more important note: You see a bruised and bedraggled duergar bound to the altar of the Deep Father. He kneels, with his head down and you can see blood dripping from somewhere on his head to the ground.
What would you like to do?
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Syvis looks outraged and offended and pretends to pout.
Other than that, she does nothing until the signal is given.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Nicholas puts up a show and looks up defiantly at the priestess. As he does so he also takes the chance to check out their surrounding looking for anything that could possibly give them the advantage.
Investigation 8
Perception 19
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
With that, the Kuo Toa present begin to parade in a wide circle around the altar, chanting. Soon, it is difficult to tell who is of what faith as most of the Kuo Toa begin to join the circle and Bloppblippodd as well as her whip slowly make their way to the altar.
“Bring them forth!” She calls out and one by one, the Kuo Toa slowly shepherd your party into a slight depression about 20 feet away from the altar. The scent of blood is overwhelming as you step through the sticky floor of this depression stained by an innumerable amount of sacrifices.
Bloppblippodd begins to join the chanting, also thumping her scepter in rhythm. “The time has come!” She yells. “Deep Father, accept this offering. Let us fuel your power!” She begins to raise her scepter and as she begins to point it towards your party, Plooploopeen raises his scepter and with a cry, brings it down on top of Bloppblippodd’s head.
Attack: 25 Damage: 6 + 15 lighting damage
The attack makes contact with a sickening crunch as Bloppblippodd gives a growl of pain before facing her father. “I should have killed you ages ago. The Deep Father would be happy to accept your blood” she says with a crazed look in her eyes.
You then hear the voice of Glooglugogg yell out in Undercommon “Attack!” Kuo Toa surge from the nearby buildings, brandishing spears. Kuo Toa of the Deep Father meet them with a cry as the battle for Sloobludop begins.
Roll Initiative as well as make your surprise round attack. For simplicities sake, this fight will include 8 kuo toa (the ones guarding you), Bloppblippodd, and Ploopploopeen. The rest of the battle is occurring in a whirl around this central battle containing the party and two archpriests. At the moment, the 8 Kuo Toa stand looking in shock at the scene around them.
Kuo Toa Initiative: 6
Plooplopeen Initiative: 9
Bloppblippodd Initiative: 13
NPC (Including Rian and Cailean) Initiative: 15
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Initiative: 20
Syvis slips out of her bindings and draws the small crossbow hidden under her cloak. Taking a quick shot at Bloppblippodd, she ducks into the melee and attempts to hide behind the nearest building or object she can use for cover.
Attack: 7 Damage: 10
Stealth: 16
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Thodek initiative: 22
Thodek moves to flank Bloppblippodd with Ploopploopeen and swings with all his might, hoping to out her down so the rest will yield.
Attack: 24 Damage: 7
Nicholas Initiative: 15
Dropping the ruse, Nicholas brings his hand crossbow to bear and takes a bead at Ploopploopeen. Cut off the head and perhaps they would be able to end this with less bloodshed. He fires.
Hand Crossbow Attack:13 Damage:9
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Initiative - 9
Voyage curses and slips off her restraints quickly. As a bonus action, she will cast Expeditious Retreat on herself, then as an action will cast Eldritch Blast at Bloppblippodd.
Attack: 22 Damage: 13
Syvis produces her crossbow, taking a shot at Bloppblippodd that makes contact with the archpriest (-10 hp [Total: -28hp]). She then attempts to hid behind a nearby building, but it appears to be ineffective as multiple Kuo Toa follow with their eyes the flash of Syvis’ silver skin. (That is a failure to hide. No advantage on attacks next round.)
Nicholas also pulls out his crossbow, taking a shot at Bloppblippodd as well. This bolt also makes contact causing her to scream out in pain (-6hp [Total: -34hp])
Thodek rushes forward, drawing his warhammer. He successfully flanks Bloppblippodd and makes contact with a wet thud as it hits her. (-7hp [Total: -41hp])
Voyage murmurs an incantation, casting expeditious retreat before sending a bolt of eldritch energy hurtling towards Bloppblippodd. The blast hits Bloppblippodd in the chest causing her to stumble backwards from the force. (-13hp [Total: -54hp])
Cailean will use his action to wild shape into a wolf. You all see Cailean’s form shift into that of a wolf from the surface world who then moves forward to engage Bloppblippodd
Rian will turn to face the Kuo Toa behind him and takes a strike using his longsword at the fish like humanoid. (Attack: 17 Damage: 10) The strike sinks deep into the creatures chest causing it to cry out in pain (-10hp)
Jimjar will turn to attack the Kuo Toa behind him as well, drawing his shortsword and making two strikes. Attack (Sneak Attack): 24 Damage: 10) (Attack: 22 Damage: 7) Jimjar easily dispatches with his guard who falls to the ground in a pool of blood (Dead)
Derendil turns, savagely tearing into his Kuo Toa guard with his claws. (Attack: 11 Damage: 7) (Attack: 23 Damage: 9) One of Derendil’s strikes makes contact with the beast (-7hp)
Initiative Order: Nicholas, Thodek, Syvis, Kuo Toa, Ploopploopeen, NPCs, Voyage, Bloppblippodd
Nicholas, Thodek, and Syvis are up! There are 7 kuo toa, 2 of them injured, as well as Bloppblippodd who is also injured.
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Nicholas continues to fire at Bloppblippodd and then moves to take cover and keep distance between himself and the other kuo toa.
Hand crossbow Attack: 21 Damage:5
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Thodek invokes the fires of Moradin's forge upon his hammer and swings with all his might at Bloppblippodd's back.
Searing Smite Attack: 25 Damage: 13 + 3 fire
3 more fire damage at the start of her turn if she fails a DC13 con save.