“Vistra.” She croaks. “Vistra is my name. I have been traveling these accursed caverns for some time now. As your friend said earlier, I was exiled from the city of Gracklstugh— thrown out like garbage. I now find myself making my way towards Sloobludop in the hopes of finding safety. Do you know the way?” She asks, disgust filling her voice as she speaks of her people.
As Thodek walks over, her head turns to you, but still stares at the ground. “Really... a duergar... and an exiled one too? I am sorry. I know it is a horrible thing to go through.”
Vistra then turns back, looking a no one in particular. “My eyesight has begun to leave me. So much time without light has left even my dwarven eyes weak and clouded. These waters are dangerous and so I have been docked here for some time in the hope that someone might come to my aid. Wasting away until I find myself in eternal darkness. Thank you,” she finishes, reaching out once again to Syvis. “I cannot thank your kind souls enough.”
Syvis takes both of Vistra's hands, attempting to emulate what she's seen others do when attempting to comfort someone in distress, and says flatly, "If you are destined for Sloobludop, I bear ill tidings. The town has fallen to a great evil. The village of the kuo-toa is no more." She pauses as her statements hang in the air. "But you are fortunate, yet. We are traveling to Neverlight Grove to return a companion to his people. You are welcome to accompany us rather than wasting away here or running toward a demonic onslaught." Syvis looks to the group for confirmation.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Voyage keeps her distance, watching the duergar suspiciously. She's not following the conversation, but looking at Syvis attempting to console the woman, she sighs and says to the others "Looks like we might just be picking up another misfit for our crew." She will keep a lookout just in case they've walked into a trap.
At the sound of the downfall of Sloobludop, a crestfallen look crosses Vistra’s face. “Really?” She murmurs softly. “Wh...what happened?”
But then, at the invitation to join the party, she once again begins to smile and gives Syvis’ hands a squeeze. “Thank you, thank you. You have already done so much for me. What causes one to be so kind? The Underdark... is so cruel.” She says.
Vistra then shakily stands up. “Come. Where are the rest of you. I must meet all of you. I would like to thank my saviors.”
Voyage. Nothing suspicious catches your eye about Vistra or the surrounding area. One thing of note though, Syvis. Something about Vistra’s voice seems off to you. It almost seems as though there is the echo of a second voice as she speaks. Additionally, her skin seems unusually rough and her nails are noticeably painful as she clutches your wrists as digs into them.
Syvis brows furrow. She pulls one hand away to motion and lead Vistra toward the group.
As they begin to walk, she replies to Vistra, "Kindness engenders the opportunity to mutually thrive. Should it not be the default in the absence of hostility? You have not acted in a hostile manner toward us. Therefore we have no reason to not be kind. I shall continue to be kind to you by not going into detail about Sloobludop. It is a tale fit for scaring children, not comforting one in your current condition."
Looking to the group, Syvis cocks her head at the quizzically as if to say "Am I missing something?"
"My companion would like to know, though, why we find you in this state. I imagine reasons for exile must be serious and possibly varied. How did one such as yourself end up here?"
Nicholas would remain quiet, but suspicious of the new comer. He would look her over then ask, "Why is it that you want to go to Sloobludop of all places? Should you not find another place of your people?"
Insight:7
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Characters Tink - Elf ArtificerNicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter Thurkear - Lizardfolk WarlockBjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Vistra begins to loosely follow Syvis, making her way to the rest of the party. “Ah, the story of my exile. It is a sad one... one I would rather not tell.” She begins to shiver and breaks into a fit of coughing once again. “As you said, it is best not to talk of such horrible things right now. I am not sure I am ready to speak, but in due time, I promise you will know. Just know... I.. I took the place of someone I loved dearly. I faced the consequences meant for them.” Then almost as quickly as the topic comes up, Vistra moves on. “Tell me, do you bring any good news?”
At this point, Vistra has reached the party at the boat. What would you like to do?
Edit: Nicholas is not able to tell much. Something seems off, but you can’t entirely tell what.
"Hold it right there," Nicholas would say as Vistra approaches the boat, "I'm sorry it is a sad tale, but you need to tell it to us. And I mean tell all of it. I would know exactly who is joining us before you get in our ship."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Characters Tink - Elf ArtificerNicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter Thurkear - Lizardfolk WarlockBjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Thodek remains cautious and alert with the woman, he well knows that some duergar are exiled for good reason, “As he says miss, I’m afraid we must insist. We both know the mark isn’t given lightly.”
Though she doesn't understand the conversation, Thodek's repeating a few phrases and his manner concerns Voyage slightly. "I...think maybe we should leave this one be. We've fed her, and we can leave more food, but... I don't know. Things always seem a little more sinister when you don't understand them."
Vistra looks hurt at the sound of such words. “What is wrong? Do you not trust me? I thought I have been nothing but kind. What has changed?” She asks, her voice beginning to waver.
One thing of note, while this encounter has been going on, Jimjar, Derendil, and Cailean have been staying on the boat, protecting the children. Jimjar is becoming increasingly nervous, saying “C’mon guys, Voyage is right. Something doesn’t feel right. We should go.”
Syvis looks to Vistra. "'Kind' and 'forthright' are not codependent. My companion's request is valid. We are traveling with a trust borne of shared trauma. If we are to travel with you, we must know your destination and reasons for flight."
“If I must.” She says forlornly. “You see, this story... it gives me much pain to speak of. My... my family was... is... very poor. One must understand that to understand my position. My brother worked long hours in the forge and I spent my days taking care of our feeble mother.” Vistra pauses for a moment as emotion fills her voice. “My mother... I hope she is okay. It has been almost... four tenday since I have last seen my family.”
”...Sorry, I do not mean to ramble. Around the time of my exile, our mother began to become sick. W...we tried everything. It seemed as though she would die, and... we... became desperate. My brother had heard of a cure— powerful magic that could save her. Of course though, this magic was unavailable to us. Both too costly and too exotic.” Vistra stops for a second, taking a deep breath. “This is when it gets difficult.”
She takes another breath before continuing. “Despite the fact I begged and pleaded for him to not, my brother has made up his mind to try to steal the cure. And so that is what he did. He had even made it back to our home. The city guard however knew where he was hidden and barged in. At the last moment, I took my brothers place and admitted to the crime. I was taken in to the prison for a minor charge— ten years— that was it.”
Vistra begins to shake her head, a grimace covering her face. “Apparently that wasn’t enough for the owner of the cure. He was a powerful man that used his influence to change the ruling. I was then exiled, marked with tattoos for my disloyalty, while my brother— and mother— were both still imprisoned. I have not seen them since.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I am not sure how much longer my mother would have been able to live. Especially in those horrible prisons.”
After this, Vistra is quiet, silently staring at the ground, apparently finished with her story. What would you like to do?
Thodek. Most elements of Vistra’s story seem to make sense. Corruption is relatively rampant in the higher parts of duergar society and the fact that her brother would have worked in a forge makes sense as well. The one thing that doesn’t make sense is the cure she spoke of. Yes, there are practitioners of magic in Gracklstugh, but due to its location and nature of the Underdark, a medicinal cure would not make sense as most duergar do not engage in those sorts of activities. It is odd that she seemed to switch her sorry or not specify what kind of remedy this really was.
Syvis. At this point, you are almost confident there is something wrong with Vistra’s voice. Occasionally, you catch snippets of what actually sound like a raspy old woman speaking in her place.
Nicholas unfortunately is not able to learn anything new. With limited experience in the Underdark, this story sounds completely plausible to you, but does not necessarily soothe your suspicions.
“Vistra.” She croaks. “Vistra is my name. I have been traveling these accursed caverns for some time now. As your friend said earlier, I was exiled from the city of Gracklstugh— thrown out like garbage. I now find myself making my way towards Sloobludop in the hopes of finding safety. Do you know the way?” She asks, disgust filling her voice as she speaks of her people.
As Thodek walks over, her head turns to you, but still stares at the ground. “Really... a duergar... and an exiled one too? I am sorry. I know it is a horrible thing to go through.”
Vistra then turns back, looking a no one in particular. “My eyesight has begun to leave me. So much time without light has left even my dwarven eyes weak and clouded. These waters are dangerous and so I have been docked here for some time in the hope that someone might come to my aid. Wasting away until I find myself in eternal darkness. Thank you,” she finishes, reaching out once again to Syvis. “I cannot thank your kind souls enough.”
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 takes both of Vistra's hands, attempting to emulate what she's seen others do when attempting to comfort someone in distress, and says flatly, "If you are destined for Sloobludop, I bear ill tidings. The town has fallen to a great evil. The village of the kuo-toa is no more." She pauses as her statements hang in the air. "But you are fortunate, yet. We are traveling to Neverlight Grove to return a companion to his people. You are welcome to accompany us rather than wasting away here or running toward a demonic onslaught." Syvis looks to the group for confirmation.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Voyage keeps her distance, watching the duergar suspiciously. She's not following the conversation, but looking at Syvis attempting to console the woman, she sighs and says to the others "Looks like we might just be picking up another misfit for our crew." She will keep a lookout just in case they've walked into a trap.
Perception: 16
At the sound of the downfall of Sloobludop, a crestfallen look crosses Vistra’s face. “Really?” She murmurs softly. “Wh...what happened?”
But then, at the invitation to join the party, she once again begins to smile and gives Syvis’ hands a squeeze. “Thank you, thank you. You have already done so much for me. What causes one to be so kind? The Underdark... is so cruel.” She says.
Vistra then shakily stands up. “Come. Where are the rest of you. I must meet all of you. I would like to thank my saviors.”
Voyage. Nothing suspicious catches your eye about Vistra or the surrounding area. One thing of note though, Syvis. Something about Vistra’s voice seems off to you. It almost seems as though there is the echo of a second voice as she speaks. Additionally, her skin seems unusually rough and her nails are noticeably painful as she clutches your wrists as digs into them.
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
As Thodek slowly approaches he questions her again, "How did you come to be cast out?"
As Thodek slowly approaches he questions her again, "How did you come to be cast out?"
Syvis brows furrow. She pulls one hand away to motion and lead Vistra toward the group.
As they begin to walk, she replies to Vistra, "Kindness engenders the opportunity to mutually thrive. Should it not be the default in the absence of hostility? You have not acted in a hostile manner toward us. Therefore we have no reason to not be kind. I shall continue to be kind to you by not going into detail about Sloobludop. It is a tale fit for scaring children, not comforting one in your current condition."
Looking to the group, Syvis cocks her head at the quizzically as if to say "Am I missing something?"
"My companion would like to know, though, why we find you in this state. I imagine reasons for exile must be serious and possibly varied. How did one such as yourself end up here?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Nicholas would remain quiet, but suspicious of the new comer. He would look her over then ask, "Why is it that you want to go to Sloobludop of all places? Should you not find another place of your people?"
Insight: 7
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Vistra begins to loosely follow Syvis, making her way to the rest of the party. “Ah, the story of my exile. It is a sad one... one I would rather not tell.” She begins to shiver and breaks into a fit of coughing once again. “As you said, it is best not to talk of such horrible things right now. I am not sure I am ready to speak, but in due time, I promise you will know. Just know... I.. I took the place of someone I loved dearly. I faced the consequences meant for them.” Then almost as quickly as the topic comes up, Vistra moves on. “Tell me, do you bring any good news?”
At this point, Vistra has reached the party at the boat. What would you like to do?
Edit: Nicholas is not able to tell much. Something seems off, but you can’t entirely tell what.
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
"Hold it right there," Nicholas would say as Vistra approaches the boat, "I'm sorry it is a sad tale, but you need to tell it to us. And I mean tell all of it. I would know exactly who is joining us before you get in our ship."
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Thodek remains cautious and alert with the woman, he well knows that some duergar are exiled for good reason, “As he says miss, I’m afraid we must insist. We both know the mark isn’t given lightly.”
Though she doesn't understand the conversation, Thodek's repeating a few phrases and his manner concerns Voyage slightly. "I...think maybe we should leave this one be. We've fed her, and we can leave more food, but... I don't know. Things always seem a little more sinister when you don't understand them."
(If Vistra is still speaking undercommon, Syvis would be succinctly translating for the group. Sorry... Forgot we weren't speaking common.)
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Vistra looks hurt at the sound of such words. “What is wrong? Do you not trust me? I thought I have been nothing but kind. What has changed?” She asks, her voice beginning to waver.
One thing of note, while this encounter has been going on, Jimjar, Derendil, and Cailean have been staying on the boat, protecting the children. Jimjar is becoming increasingly nervous, saying “C’mon guys, Voyage is right. Something doesn’t feel right. We should go.”
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 to Vistra. "'Kind' and 'forthright' are not codependent. My companion's request is valid. We are traveling with a trust borne of shared trauma. If we are to travel with you, we must know your destination and reasons for flight."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
“If I must.” She says forlornly. “You see, this story... it gives me much pain to speak of. My... my family was... is... very poor. One must understand that to understand my position. My brother worked long hours in the forge and I spent my days taking care of our feeble mother.” Vistra pauses for a moment as emotion fills her voice. “My mother... I hope she is okay. It has been almost... four tenday since I have last seen my family.”
”...Sorry, I do not mean to ramble. Around the time of my exile, our mother began to become sick. W...we tried everything. It seemed as though she would die, and... we... became desperate. My brother had heard of a cure— powerful magic that could save her. Of course though, this magic was unavailable to us. Both too costly and too exotic.” Vistra stops for a second, taking a deep breath. “This is when it gets difficult.”
She takes another breath before continuing. “Despite the fact I begged and pleaded for him to not, my brother has made up his mind to try to steal the cure. And so that is what he did. He had even made it back to our home. The city guard however knew where he was hidden and barged in. At the last moment, I took my brothers place and admitted to the crime. I was taken in to the prison for a minor charge— ten years— that was it.”
Vistra begins to shake her head, a grimace covering her face. “Apparently that wasn’t enough for the owner of the cure. He was a powerful man that used his influence to change the ruling. I was then exiled, marked with tattoos for my disloyalty, while my brother— and mother— were both still imprisoned. I have not seen them since.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I am not sure how much longer my mother would have been able to live. Especially in those horrible prisons.”
After this, Vistra is quiet, silently staring at the ground, apparently finished with her story. 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 listens to the story, trying to decide if she sounds honest, and if the story sounds plausible.
History: 16
Insight: 9
Nicholas would likewise try to gauge the authenticity of this story.
Insight 11
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
(It probably goes without saying that nobody trusts her...)
Syvis frowns slightly and regards Vistra for a long moment.
Insight: 16
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
DM Stuff:
19
Thodek. Most elements of Vistra’s story seem to make sense. Corruption is relatively rampant in the higher parts of duergar society and the fact that her brother would have worked in a forge makes sense as well. The one thing that doesn’t make sense is the cure she spoke of. Yes, there are practitioners of magic in Gracklstugh, but due to its location and nature of the Underdark, a medicinal cure would not make sense as most duergar do not engage in those sorts of activities. It is odd that she seemed to switch her sorry or not specify what kind of remedy this really was.
Syvis. At this point, you are almost confident there is something wrong with Vistra’s voice. Occasionally, you catch snippets of what actually sound like a raspy old woman speaking in her place.
Nicholas unfortunately is not able to learn anything new. With limited experience in the Underdark, this story sounds completely plausible to you, but does not necessarily soothe your suspicions.
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