Ben casts Fox's Cunning (enhance ability) while he does his forgery to give himself a bit of an edge in staying focused with all that noise outside.
Forgery: 13
He will absently prestidigitate the other three clean of the stink they managed to already acquire so early in the day when they come in.
He'll try forging again on the boat if needed, using the captain's old room and writing table. The current captain will, obviously, not have a problem with Ben borrowing the room for the trip.
Forgery: 20
((Not sure if Jack of all trades would impact these rolls, if it does +1))
---
To the queen on trust,
"Trust is the bedrock of any deal, and you are wise to trust us! And I, we, trust you as well."
On delivery dates,
"The exact date is hard to promise but no more than three weeks. I believe we can be back far sooner, given the importance of the situation we'll certainly try."
(Building in some cushion there).
---
Ben hums a tune to himself while rolling a small feather over his knuckles as the queen lays out her request and the reward.
(Enhance ability)
Considering the crocodile quest and the offered reward to risk ratio while Kay makes his exclamation he waits for the queen's response and interjects,
"Not to be crass Queen Othokent, but while the reward you offer seems great it still pales in comparison to the risk we would undertaking and benefit you'd receive from the absence of this Thousand Teeth!"
He let's that settle briefly before rolling on,
"Is there any way you could level that out? We understand you're position with the war potentially limits your ability to offer monetary rewards... but perhaps other magical items or items of value outside that have little value to your clan or in the coming war on top of the bottles of herbs you've offered?"
Persuasion (floor of 20!): 30
((Ben is looking for at least a doubling of the reward. He figures Kay with almost certainly get eaten this time!))
Ess takes the bait with Korrik's first fake to the nutsack (lol), and then feels the strike on his head, realizing he'd been baited. "FORK! nice, bruh. Gotta protect the nuts at all times so you had me man."
After retaliating with his longsword slaps "shit bro, did I cut ya!?" and then checks Korrik's first kick to his thigh no problem but takes the elbow in his back. "uugghhhh"
He manages to slap Korrik a few more times with the sword, and then gets too cocky and eats both of the jabs. They sting. Almost breaks Ess's nose. He's done.
He mumbles and spits out blood and wipes his bloody nose with his sleeve "dude... those jabs are quick bro. You got me homey. Glad we are friends bruh."and then walks off to take care of his nose. He accepts Ben's magic to help with that. "Dude... Kay's got a wicked jab bro. Nearly broke my nose bro."
Korrik, the queen responds: "How big? That's the thing. It looks like a regular croc. Same size. You know, 10ft or so. Seems you're familiar with crocs? A tassssty fellow?" and she laughs a bit.
She tells you about the lair as many of the lizardfolk have seen it:
Thousand Teeth lives in a large pool of brackish water. Approx. sixty feet in diameter. Not sure how deep. They've also seen a HUGE snake in the same pool a few times, but aren't sure what its deal is. It's larger than Thousand Teeth even. "Don't know about big snake. Sometimes there. Sometimes not."
(I was looking for 20 or higher for the forgery success. Granted they are common documents, but they do have signatures and seals etc. and so that is why I went with the 20. I think the jack of all trades cannot be used in this case since a proficiency bonus is already included with the use of the forgery kit itself. So now you know the DC.)
Ben, you're just not able to re-create the ownership documents for the silk. The seals were too intricate. Perhaps on your next tries on the next opportunity you get.
((do forgery kits run out? I don't think they do, but I think we should implement a house rule and use a % for the 'amount of forgery kit left'. Do you agree? I mean, Ben is going to have to now throw out the papers he's ruined. I'd say you're at 80% now. Higher %'s for more complex docs. Actually... even if it's a success I'd say the % goes down.))
Ben, the queen responds
"Yes. Mutual trust we have. 3 weeks you say? Yessssss. That can work. We plan to launch our attack in a months time. Ideally. Yes. One month. One month to prepare."
About the reward (and she's basically stuck now since she's spilled the beans about there potentially being a really big snake there too along with the roll of 20):
"Yes. We don't have much monetary surplus left. Only enough for us. We use most of electrum stores to purchase weapons. Our new deal helps us greatly. Hmmm....."she thinks for a moment, then says something in draconic to a top ranked officer. He leaves, and comes back holding in his hands a small dragon which seems docile and quite happy.
The queen pets the dragon under its chin and then says:
"This is Bimz. Bimz great companion. Longtime pet. Very useful. I add Bimz to reward and brew you an extra potion. Yes. 3 potions,(potion of superior healing), plus Bimz. Yes. You accept?"
She has no perspective as to how you might take care of it should you accept it as a pet or anything like that (believe me, you will need to take care of it!), but this is what she is offering. 3 potions + the pseudodragon named Bimz which she would've told you all about hence why I added the stat block for you to see. This tiny dragon has been domesticated by the lizardfolk and could prove quite useful in the right situation.
If this is accepted, everyone please roll a charisma check. This will determine who the dragon initially bonds with and whos companion it will be (check out its stat block!) and hence who it will communicate basic telepathic ideas, emotions and images to. This is the player who I will share the control of this creature with. Please re-roll ties. I will roll for Ess if this deal is accepted.
BIMZ:
Ess goes "Ummmmmmmm..............." and looks at you all with a stunned look.
((Agreed on the forgery kit being used up, and crap on the fails. 20 is a tough DC given Ben's average intelligence but it will get easier as he levels.))
---
To Ess after cleaning him,
"In the nose? Did you lean down to let him reach...bro?"
He looks back at his forgery work and sighs when he sees the seal is slightly off kilter.
---
Ben nods and smiles graciously to the queen accepting the timeline for delivery.
On hearing the bit about the snake he chuckles and comments,
"Kay, how could we say no to a chance to get you eaten by a snake!"
Ben looks at the little dragonkin and nods then looks to the others.
(Guessing Ben would have seen wizard's with them around Waterdeep? A nice little status symbol!)
"A generous offer, I am up for accepting it."
He looks to the others.
Charisma check (flat cha, still advantage from eagle's splendor): 22
(OMG! So, I meant to write a message last night. Then I got sidetracked. I'm not sure if it would've been before Ash rolled... but I was going to say that IF Ash rolled a natural 20 that she would trump Ben's roll. I know you wanted the dragon, but are you cool with this as I feel the nat 20 should win in this case?)
Ash sees how much Ben wants it and gives the dragon a tiny private shake of the head, and then tilts her head over towards Ben, to indicate her consent, to the dragon, to favour Ben...
((Although we all know who the dragon really loves… Maybe Ash can get a little telepathic with it in some circumstances if she’s its 2nd favourite?? Lol ;-) ))
"Yes, they should be informed that we'll be a day in getting back. Any chance of a guide or two to the lair of this Thousand Teeth? We won't expect them to do any of the fighting but it would be a waste of everyone's time if we wandered into something else's lair."
(maybe we use this moment to baseline from the get go how much Bimz can actually communicate as limited telepathy might be viewed in different ways and so we can level set here! This is new for me, so let me know if I am totally off base with this ie. too much, too little)
Bimz first looks at Korrik. Korrik, you may or may not have felt a telepathic connection before, but you definitely feel it now. Either way, you know exactly what it is the moment Bimz creates the telepathic link. The weird thing is that the moment the link is created, it then goes away. Bimz must not have been interested in 'saying' anything to you and kind of dismisses you. It seems he was just letting you know that he can create that type of link.
He then glances over at Ess and seems to be attracted to how the light from the torches in the room seem to be glimmering off the scales of his armor. He creates the same link with Ess, and before anything happens Ess verbally out loud says "duuuude... wwoooaaahhhhhh..." (he's never experienced this before, lol). Bimz then makes a loud squawk, and then a notelepathically, and then like this.Ess telepathically responds ahhhhhhhh! cool, lil' bro!and Bimz smiles now that Ess understands how it works.
Ash is next. Bimz seems to be quite fond of you. He actually flies right over to you and lands on your shoulder (if you let him). He's a bit big, like a big cat (ha) with wings, so it's awkward at first, but after only a moment it feels quite comfortable as you can feel the creature as it constantly corrects its stance ever so slightly as you move to keep its balance. You then get the telepathic link and are immediately hit with a wave of emotions and feelings which include love, joy and happiness among others. pretty friends!
Benis the last person whoBimzconnects with, and it's on purpose. The tiefling caught the pseudodragons attention from the get go and onceBimzfinishes up rubbing itself againstAsh'shead and neck, he then flies over toBen, props up on his shoulder and initiates the link.You! Yes. Been waiting. Lonely here. Yes. Fate.and then you get a strong sense that something that you once had lost has finally come home. Bimz on your shoulder feels strangely... perfect. The creature has completely bonded with you from the moment it saw you for whatever reason. Now, it sees you as its master.
Ess goes "Ben dude!! It likes you!"
Ben, Othokent says "Ha. He DOES likes you."
Given Ben's floor for persuasion rolls and the situation at hand -> Othokent then says "Hmmmmm..... I've lost enough soldiers to this croc.... hmmmmm.... Yes. Fine. You right. Do not want you to get lost. I will send Aryte (which means war). She's always been keen on killing Thousand Tooth. She's always been keen on killing anything to be honest. She show way and help kill Thousand Teeth."
So Aryte is shown on the bestiary tab as a 'Stronger Lizardfolk' and she will accompany you on this quest.
The queen leaves, and Aryte who can speak common (not as good as the queen, but she gets by) explains in detail the options and length of time it will take to get there.
Getting to Thousand Tooth's pool - choose between a direct overland route or a winding route that follows the banks of the Dunwater River.
Trudging Through the Marsh (overland route). The marsh is difficult terrain, which turns the 12-mile trek into an 8-hour journey. High probability that the party will run into some type of marsh dweller on the way.
Following the Riverbank. The river snakes through the marsh for nearly twenty miles before arriving at Thousand Teeth’s pool. The riverbank is difficult terrain, and following it from the lizardfolk lair to the pool takes 13 hours. Lower probability of running into marsh dwellers on the way.
With all of that, it is now 7:00PM. When will the party start this quest? Tomorrow morning? The lizardfolk will put you up for the night in their best rooms. Whatever you end up deciding, we can assume you tell the captain and guards waiting on the ship what the plan is, and they are happy to continue to wait on the ship even a day or two. They might go sightseeing or something along the coast while you are gone. Or they can head back to Marshswamp without you. What they will NOT do is accompany you on the croc mission.
"It must be the...", Korrik puts a had on either side of his head, extending and wiggling his index fingers to indicate horns.
"I'm not too keen to take on TT at night... though anyone know if crocodiles can see in the dark? Of course, he might just hid in his lair at night. If leave first thing in the morning, we get there in the afternoon, depending on delays, but if we go by river, it's all day and we're either springing on him at night or waiting another night to make our move."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Ben looks momentarily miffed when Bimz lands on Ash but is all grins when he comes home to roost.
He sends back,
<And you! No more lonely for you, you have me now! My name is...Ben. What can you tell me about yourself Bimz? I play music that people love. We're going to have some fun together! These three are my friends.>
He projects a picture of each person as he sends the information,
<Ess, Ash and Kay. They are all safe to speak with. >
((More than I expected from limited telepathy but definitely easier!))
---
"Tomorrow. I don't want to deal "TT" or any snakes in the dark. My vote is the direct route, early so we can be back in time for dinner and celebrations, head in tow."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((ha! and I thought I was being too conservative! We will say that Bimz uses his limited telepathy more than the average pseudodragon and so that it is why it's a touch more advanced! Although he won't be able to use it like Ben did just there. Only 1-2 word sentences, and a few in a row at max. Like he did before.))
Bimz responds to Ben <happy, home.> and he shows you a rough image of a figure with horns walking off into a sunset with a small dragon propped on its shoulder.
Bimz then says <old master no more> and then shows an image of some sort of lizardfolk magic user. Just the face. It remains projected telepathically for a bit and then it vanishes away. And then Ben's face appears and there's hearts all around it.
The psuedodragon makes some cute noises as you project each of the party members faces and then Ash, Ess and Korrik each of you hear a <hello hello hello> whispering in your ear over and over for a few moments. Not at the same time.
There seems to be no response about the music playing part, Ben. Maybe you'll have to show him what it's all about :D
Lastly, about his name, Bimz flaps his wings and you get a very short but intense feeling of annoyance when you mention 'Bim'. He then says to Ben <zzzzz> <Z> <Z>
Marshswamp & Lizardfolk alliance formed + 2, 7:00AM, Lizardfolk caves.
The entire party gets a great nights sleep in the lizardfolk caves. You were each provided your own room, and while it is a cave, the rooms were quite nice with an interesting running water system which is somehow engineered in the caves and linked to the sea. The bedding is quite comfy and Ben you likely get to really bond with Bimz as you get to know each other in your room. Long rests all around!
The captain and guard on the Sea Ghost have been informed of the plan (or would you tell them exactly what you're doing with the croc mission?). Either way, they are going to wait on the Sea Ghost until you provide further orders. The ship is quite nice for them to live on for a few days anyhow, and they are free to enter the lizardfolk cave as well for a change of scenery which they likely do when you're gone. They'd likely play some recreational games with the lizardfolk while you are gone, maybe have a drink or two, and then some resting and sleeping in the ship. Seems like a pretty good gig for the captain and guard!
So it will take 8 hours to get to Thousand Teeth's pool taking the direct route trudging through the marshlands and swamps. It's going to be messy, Ash likely will be quite annoyed! Aryte doesn't seem to mind though, and she ensures that the party remains on track. Because of this, there is no chance for the party to get lost or go in a wrong direction to increase time. That being said, these marshes can be quite treacherous at times and are also home to numerous creatures which might not be necessarily happy that you're trudging through their home. Who knows what these marshes will hold? Aryte likely tells you the regular things to look out for which would be the bullywugs and perhaps some other lizardfolk who are part of hostile clans as well as some nasty creatures that make their home here (big toads, frogs, snakes and the like). Likely some things she hasn't even seen before. Either way, she says she'll be ready to fight.
You get a sense she's a little off her rocker, but you can bet she'll fight to the death and probably like it.
Here are the encounter rolls for the trip.
12 / 19 / 8
If needed: 3 OR 76 / 7 OR 14 / 7 OR 24
(don't mind the rolls... I'm using Marshswamp sourcebook along with a mystery source since Marshswamp module only uses a d8!)
**Ok, no encounters on the way! 8 hrs of sloppy marshland travel, no problems.
Feel free to RP if you'd like while I get the Thousand Tooth bit set up. Should be over the weekend.
I will set up the approach to the pool so you will be out like 100ft or so and you'll have time to plan and/or make rolls etc. once you get an idea of the surroundings and set up, so no worries there.
there's a long post before this on the prev. page. Just making sure you all saw it
Ben casts Fox's Cunning (enhance ability) while he does his forgery to give himself a bit of an edge in staying focused with all that noise outside.
Forgery: 13
He will absently prestidigitate the other three clean of the stink they managed to already acquire so early in the day when they come in.
He'll try forging again on the boat if needed, using the captain's old room and writing table. The current captain will, obviously, not have a problem with Ben borrowing the room for the trip.
Forgery: 20
((Not sure if Jack of all trades would impact these rolls, if it does +1))
---
To the queen on trust,
"Trust is the bedrock of any deal, and you are wise to trust us! And I, we, trust you as well."
On delivery dates,
"The exact date is hard to promise but no more than three weeks. I believe we can be back far sooner, given the importance of the situation we'll certainly try."
(Building in some cushion there).
---
Ben hums a tune to himself while rolling a small feather over his knuckles as the queen lays out her request and the reward.
(Enhance ability)
Considering the crocodile quest and the offered reward to risk ratio while Kay makes his exclamation he waits for the queen's response and interjects,
"Not to be crass Queen Othokent, but while the reward you offer seems great it still pales in comparison to the risk we would undertaking and benefit you'd receive from the absence of this Thousand Teeth!"
He let's that settle briefly before rolling on,
"Is there any way you could level that out? We understand you're position with the war potentially limits your ability to offer monetary rewards... but perhaps other magical items or items of value outside that have little value to your clan or in the coming war on top of the bottles of herbs you've offered?"
Persuasion (floor of 20!): 30
((Ben is looking for at least a doubling of the reward. He figures Kay with almost certainly get eaten this time!))
Ess takes the bait with Korrik's first fake to the nutsack (lol), and then feels the strike on his head, realizing he'd been baited. "FORK! nice, bruh. Gotta protect the nuts at all times so you had me man."
After retaliating with his longsword slaps "shit bro, did I cut ya!?" and then checks Korrik's first kick to his thigh no problem but takes the elbow in his back. "uugghhhh"
He manages to slap Korrik a few more times with the sword, and then gets too cocky and eats both of the jabs. They sting. Almost breaks Ess's nose. He's done.
He mumbles and spits out blood and wipes his bloody nose with his sleeve "dude... those jabs are quick bro. You got me homey. Glad we are friends bruh." and then walks off to take care of his nose. He accepts Ben's magic to help with that. "Dude... Kay's got a wicked jab bro. Nearly broke my nose bro."
Korrik, the queen responds: "How big? That's the thing. It looks like a regular croc. Same size. You know, 10ft or so. Seems you're familiar with crocs? A tassssty fellow?" and she laughs a bit.
She tells you about the lair as many of the lizardfolk have seen it:
Thousand Teeth lives in a large pool of brackish water. Approx. sixty feet in diameter. Not sure how deep. They've also seen a HUGE snake in the same pool a few times, but aren't sure what its deal is. It's larger than Thousand Teeth even. "Don't know about big snake. Sometimes there. Sometimes not."
(I was looking for 20 or higher for the forgery success. Granted they are common documents, but they do have signatures and seals etc. and so that is why I went with the 20. I think the jack of all trades cannot be used in this case since a proficiency bonus is already included with the use of the forgery kit itself. So now you know the DC.)
Ben, you're just not able to re-create the ownership documents for the silk. The seals were too intricate. Perhaps on your next tries on the next opportunity you get.
((do forgery kits run out? I don't think they do, but I think we should implement a house rule and use a % for the 'amount of forgery kit left'. Do you agree? I mean, Ben is going to have to now throw out the papers he's ruined. I'd say you're at 80% now. Higher %'s for more complex docs. Actually... even if it's a success I'd say the % goes down.))
Ben, the queen responds
"Yes. Mutual trust we have. 3 weeks you say? Yessssss. That can work. We plan to launch our attack in a months time. Ideally. Yes. One month. One month to prepare."
About the reward (and she's basically stuck now since she's spilled the beans about there potentially being a really big snake there too along with the roll of 20):
"Yes. We don't have much monetary surplus left. Only enough for us. We use most of electrum stores to purchase weapons. Our new deal helps us greatly. Hmmm....." she thinks for a moment, then says something in draconic to a top ranked officer. He leaves, and comes back holding in his hands a small dragon which seems docile and quite happy.
The queen pets the dragon under its chin and then says:
"This is Bimz. Bimz great companion. Longtime pet. Very useful. I add Bimz to reward and brew you an extra potion. Yes. 3 potions, (potion of superior healing), plus Bimz. Yes. You accept?"
She has no perspective as to how you might take care of it should you accept it as a pet or anything like that (believe me, you will need to take care of it!), but this is what she is offering. 3 potions + the pseudodragon named Bimz which she would've told you all about hence why I added the stat block for you to see. This tiny dragon has been domesticated by the lizardfolk and could prove quite useful in the right situation.
If this is accepted, everyone please roll a charisma check. This will determine who the dragon initially bonds with and whos companion it will be (check out its stat block!) and hence who it will communicate basic telepathic ideas, emotions and images to. This is the player who I will share the control of this creature with. Please re-roll ties. I will roll for Ess if this deal is accepted.
BIMZ:
Ess goes "Ummmmmmmm..............." and looks at you all with a stunned look.
Over to you!
((Agreed on the forgery kit being used up, and crap on the fails. 20 is a tough DC given Ben's average intelligence but it will get easier as he levels.))
---
To Ess after cleaning him,
"In the nose? Did you lean down to let him reach...bro?"
He looks back at his forgery work and sighs when he sees the seal is slightly off kilter.
---
Ben nods and smiles graciously to the queen accepting the timeline for delivery.
On hearing the bit about the snake he chuckles and comments,
"Kay, how could we say no to a chance to get you eaten by a snake!"
Ben looks at the little dragonkin and nods then looks to the others.
(Guessing Ben would have seen wizard's with them around Waterdeep? A nice little status symbol!)
"A generous offer, I am up for accepting it."
He looks to the others.
Charisma check (flat cha, still advantage from eagle's splendor): 22
"Heh, I wouldn't be the smallest one around anymore..."
11
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
“I like this deal too… Who could resist that little face?…”, says Ash, smiling at the little dragon…
Charisma check: 22
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Roll off!: 21
Ben pulls out all stops and extends his hand to have it fly to him making the pspsps sound that attracts cats and maybe small dragons?
(OMG! So, I meant to write a message last night. Then I got sidetracked. I'm not sure if it would've been before Ash rolled... but I was going to say that IF Ash rolled a natural 20 that she would trump Ben's roll. I know you wanted the dragon, but are you cool with this as I feel the nat 20 should win in this case?)
*just don't want to go back on something I had originally said. (tie = ROLL OFF)
Roll off!: 21
((let the gods of fate decide…))
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Ash sees how much Ben wants it and gives the dragon a tiny private shake of the head, and then tilts her head over towards Ben, to indicate her consent, to the dragon, to favour Ben...
((Although we all know who the dragon really loves… Maybe Ash can get a little telepathic with it in some circumstances if she’s its 2nd favourite?? Lol ;-) ))
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
"Well... sounds like we're doing this. Ought to let the crew know we're doing a job for our new allies."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"Yes, they should be informed that we'll be a day in getting back. Any chance of a guide or two to the lair of this Thousand Teeth? We won't expect them to do any of the fighting but it would be a waste of everyone's time if we wandered into something else's lair."
(maybe we use this moment to baseline from the get go how much Bimz can actually communicate as limited telepathy might be viewed in different ways and so we can level set here! This is new for me, so let me know if I am totally off base with this ie. too much, too little)
Bimz first looks at Korrik. Korrik, you may or may not have felt a telepathic connection before, but you definitely feel it now. Either way, you know exactly what it is the moment Bimz creates the telepathic link. The weird thing is that the moment the link is created, it then goes away. Bimz must not have been interested in 'saying' anything to you and kind of dismisses you. It seems he was just letting you know that he can create that type of link.
He then glances over at Ess and seems to be attracted to how the light from the torches in the room seem to be glimmering off the scales of his armor. He creates the same link with Ess, and before anything happens Ess verbally out loud says "duuuude... wwoooaaahhhhhh..." (he's never experienced this before, lol). Bimz then makes a loud squawk, and then a no telepathically, and then like this. Ess telepathically responds ahhhhhhhh! cool, lil' bro! and Bimz smiles now that Ess understands how it works.
Ash is next. Bimz seems to be quite fond of you. He actually flies right over to you and lands on your shoulder (if you let him). He's a bit big, like a big cat (ha) with wings, so it's awkward at first, but after only a moment it feels quite comfortable as you can feel the creature as it constantly corrects its stance ever so slightly as you move to keep its balance. You then get the telepathic link and are immediately hit with a wave of emotions and feelings which include love, joy and happiness among others. pretty friends!
Ben is the last person who Bimz connects with, and it's on purpose. The tiefling caught the pseudodragons attention from the get go and once Bimz finishes up rubbing itself against Ash's head and neck, he then flies over to Ben, props up on his shoulder and initiates the link. You! Yes. Been waiting. Lonely here. Yes. Fate. and then you get a strong sense that something that you once had lost has finally come home. Bimz on your shoulder feels strangely... perfect. The creature has completely bonded with you from the moment it saw you for whatever reason. Now, it sees you as its master.
Ess goes "Ben dude!! It likes you!"
Ben, Othokent says "Ha. He DOES likes you."
Given Ben's floor for persuasion rolls and the situation at hand -> Othokent then says "Hmmmmm..... I've lost enough soldiers to this croc.... hmmmmm.... Yes. Fine. You right. Do not want you to get lost. I will send Aryte (which means war). She's always been keen on killing Thousand Tooth. She's always been keen on killing anything to be honest. She show way and help kill Thousand Teeth."
So Aryte is shown on the bestiary tab as a 'Stronger Lizardfolk' and she will accompany you on this quest.
The queen leaves, and Aryte who can speak common (not as good as the queen, but she gets by) explains in detail the options and length of time it will take to get there.
Getting to Thousand Tooth's pool - choose between a direct overland route or a winding route that follows the banks of the Dunwater River.
Trudging Through the Marsh (overland route). The marsh is difficult terrain, which turns the 12-mile trek into an 8-hour journey. High probability that the party will run into some type of marsh dweller on the way.
Following the Riverbank. The river snakes through the marsh for nearly twenty miles before arriving at Thousand Teeth’s pool. The riverbank is difficult terrain, and following it from the lizardfolk lair to the pool takes 13 hours. Lower probability of running into marsh dwellers on the way.
With all of that, it is now 7:00PM. When will the party start this quest? Tomorrow morning? The lizardfolk will put you up for the night in their best rooms. Whatever you end up deciding, we can assume you tell the captain and guards waiting on the ship what the plan is, and they are happy to continue to wait on the ship even a day or two. They might go sightseeing or something along the coast while you are gone. Or they can head back to Marshswamp without you. What they will NOT do is accompany you on the croc mission.
Over to you!
"It must be the...", Korrik puts a had on either side of his head, extending and wiggling his index fingers to indicate horns.
"I'm not too keen to take on TT at night... though anyone know if crocodiles can see in the dark? Of course, he might just hid in his lair at night. If leave first thing in the morning, we get there in the afternoon, depending on delays, but if we go by river, it's all day and we're either springing on him at night or waiting another night to make our move."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Korrik, Ess looks confused. (lol) "Yeah... must be that, bro."
Ben looks momentarily miffed when Bimz lands on Ash but is all grins when he comes home to roost.
He sends back,
<And you! No more lonely for you, you have me now! My name is...Ben. What can you tell me about yourself Bimz? I play music that people love. We're going to have some fun together! These three are my friends.>
He projects a picture of each person as he sends the information,
<Ess, Ash and Kay. They are all safe to speak with. >
((More than I expected from limited telepathy but definitely easier!))
---
"Tomorrow. I don't want to deal "TT" or any snakes in the dark. My vote is the direct route, early so we can be back in time for dinner and celebrations, head in tow."
He gives queen Othokent a wink.
"Think they need a three letter nickname to roll with this crew. Bim? Biz? Bmz?"
"Shorter route time-wise sounds good to me."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"I think we can call him whatever we want. He'll know who we mean when we talk to him since everything seems to be accompanied with an image."
He thinks,
"I would prefer Bim. Goes well with Ben."
He'll run this by Bimz as best he can for his take, if any.
((ha! and I thought I was being too conservative! We will say that Bimz uses his limited telepathy more than the average pseudodragon and so that it is why it's a touch more advanced! Although he won't be able to use it like Ben did just there. Only 1-2 word sentences, and a few in a row at max. Like he did before.))
Bimz responds to Ben <happy, home.> and he shows you a rough image of a figure with horns walking off into a sunset with a small dragon propped on its shoulder.
Bimz then says <old master no more> and then shows an image of some sort of lizardfolk magic user. Just the face. It remains projected telepathically for a bit and then it vanishes away. And then Ben's face appears and there's hearts all around it.
The psuedodragon makes some cute noises as you project each of the party members faces and then Ash, Ess and Korrik each of you hear a <hello hello hello> whispering in your ear over and over for a few moments. Not at the same time.
There seems to be no response about the music playing part, Ben. Maybe you'll have to show him what it's all about :D
Lastly, about his name, Bimz flaps his wings and you get a very short but intense feeling of annoyance when you mention 'Bim'. He then says to Ben <zzzzz> <Z> <Z>
Marshswamp & Lizardfolk alliance formed + 2, 7:00AM, Lizardfolk caves.
The entire party gets a great nights sleep in the lizardfolk caves. You were each provided your own room, and while it is a cave, the rooms were quite nice with an interesting running water system which is somehow engineered in the caves and linked to the sea. The bedding is quite comfy and Ben you likely get to really bond with Bimz as you get to know each other in your room. Long rests all around!
The captain and guard on the Sea Ghost have been informed of the plan (or would you tell them exactly what you're doing with the croc mission?). Either way, they are going to wait on the Sea Ghost until you provide further orders. The ship is quite nice for them to live on for a few days anyhow, and they are free to enter the lizardfolk cave as well for a change of scenery which they likely do when you're gone. They'd likely play some recreational games with the lizardfolk while you are gone, maybe have a drink or two, and then some resting and sleeping in the ship. Seems like a pretty good gig for the captain and guard!
So it will take 8 hours to get to Thousand Teeth's pool taking the direct route trudging through the marshlands and swamps. It's going to be messy, Ash likely will be quite annoyed! Aryte doesn't seem to mind though, and she ensures that the party remains on track. Because of this, there is no chance for the party to get lost or go in a wrong direction to increase time. That being said, these marshes can be quite treacherous at times and are also home to numerous creatures which might not be necessarily happy that you're trudging through their home. Who knows what these marshes will hold? Aryte likely tells you the regular things to look out for which would be the bullywugs and perhaps some other lizardfolk who are part of hostile clans as well as some nasty creatures that make their home here (big toads, frogs, snakes and the like). Likely some things she hasn't even seen before. Either way, she says she'll be ready to fight.
You get a sense she's a little off her rocker, but you can bet she'll fight to the death and probably like it.
Here are the encounter rolls for the trip.
12 / 19 / 8
If needed: 3 OR 76 / 7 OR 14 / 7 OR 24
(don't mind the rolls... I'm using Marshswamp sourcebook along with a mystery source since Marshswamp module only uses a d8!)
**Ok, no encounters on the way! 8 hrs of sloppy marshland travel, no problems.
Feel free to RP if you'd like while I get the Thousand Tooth bit set up. Should be over the weekend.
Thanks!
I will set up the approach to the pool so you will be out like 100ft or so and you'll have time to plan and/or make rolls etc. once you get an idea of the surroundings and set up, so no worries there.
there's a long post before this on the prev. page. Just making sure you all saw it