The Drow shrugs and accepts Galinndan's answer, largely because he is pretty distracted. He turns to his underlings.
Return these others to the pen. I'll speak to this one in private and teach her to be more respectful of her betters.
They begin herding the clump of prisoners toward the slave pen.
One of the guards laughs about the antics and Irdril's suggestion while the other, a mark on his cheek where he was struck, walks the slave silently back to the pen and thrusts them inside. You expect it will be a few minutes before guards come for the next work shift again.
Shoor leads you out the other exit from this guardroom across another crosswalk to the bottom chamber of a separate stalactite. He keeps an eye on his surroundings as he walks. The chamber contains cushions laid out across floor mats, a small carved table with two chairs, and a sturdy zurkhwood chest. The table holds a pewter pitcher and a pair of matched goblets. He seems to relax when he brings you into the room.
Shoor is nervous he'll be caught taking you to his quarters.
You notice a wand that Shoor keeps in a loop on his belt.
Back at the pen...
Oy! Gather 'round, Galenus says. I've got stuff to share. And we ain't got much time. That pretty girl bought us a bit of time with Shoor, made the sacrifice for us, she did. Probably saved Galinndan's life with that. Don't know what they're gonna do to her but we best make is it what we can while we can.
There is a waterfall over there which has a pool below. It may be a route to escape. But there's a shit ton of spiderwebs between here and there, and it's active. I saw that one elf that was here earlier fall, and he was wrapped up quicker than a bat's wing flap. Them "flames" over there are also not real; dropped one down and nothing happened. So if anyone has some real fire, we might make a good distraction as well as open up an escape route. Ain't promising nothing about that pool down there; don't know the depth or if there's even a valid way out, but that water has got to go somewhere.
From there, Galenus paises to let Galinndan say what he discovered or let anyone else speak their piece.
Settle down Goblin. It is not an attack. Merely communication.
He looks to the Quaggoth prince. That is indeed a strange and sad story. If we all work together, we may yet get out. Though, the chances are slim without a bit of luck.
Once the other group returns to the cell, Tiberius will indeed hold a hand up to Galenus, and urge Stool to do the same for him and the others as he has most of those still in this cell.
Tiberius things a moment. Unless that water is the depth of where it travels, then it is very likely filled with an assortment of debris, left over spider food, and trash. Did you find anything else?
Slightly wary at why Shoor is worried Irdril performs to the best of her ability.
She shows him a trick or two she learned under her previous Master's care.
Afterwards..
"Maybe we can have second go around? I'm sure you had as much fun as I did! Perhaps we can make a deal for better living arrangements?"
Cyrus seems to calm somewhat but keeps a short distance from Stool none the less. A little warning next time before ya go blasting smoke in me face.
Ain't that the spot we be tossing the Quaggoth filth into? Cyrus asks with a look of disgust. Ya want me ta swim in that filth?
Galenus responds to Cyrus, Yeah, well there's a waterfall. Which means that the filth is constantly being washed away. Otherwise it would be all the way up here by now. Besides, do you really care if it meams our freedom?
Galenus chuckles to himself, Hell, I've gone through worse for less.
Kanzen is somewhat surprised by the spore-induced telepathy, but adapts quickly. Yes, anything is better than remaining here under the control of the followers of Lloth.
At least we'd all be gettin' a bath, HA. But, I think tryna swim wit these chains would be a problem. I did manage ta snag the wire the drow used ta pick lock ta the pen 'fore the guard noticed.
Kanzen gives a small smile at the dwarf's humour in the midst of such misery. Without thinking, unused to such a close mental connection with the others, he transmits a snatch of his stream of consciousness. It's good to hear laughter, even in someone's mind, here in such a bad situation - laughter that's not a mockery, or a result of someone else's pain, but a way to ease pain and dispel horror. I've never encountered it. Valuing such things is why I'm here. Realising that he is sharing his own, private thoughts, he sits against the wall, knees to his chest, somewhat embarrassed.
Galinndan has rarely been so on edge as he is while exfiltrating with the sack. But his luck holds, the drow are sloppy, and his companions are cunning.
And now...
*poof*
Wait what?
Galenus and the others speak up. In his mind. He is confused, especially by the thoughts of the drow.
I can hear you all?
I bring weapons. And rope.
Galenus puts his acquisitions on the floor, hidden from the front of the pen, showing studded leather armour under his shirt.
In and on the sack, there are:
6 shortswords
3 daggers
2 hand crossbows
2 cases of hand crossbow bolts, each case containing 20 bolts
And a 100-foot-long coil of silk rope.
I say we make for the water. Better a risk of drowning than a certainty of a miserable death here. One shortsword will suffice for me, but I can make good use of a second blade should there be a surplus.
There is a mental image of a wink.
The Goblins eyes go wide at the sight of the spoils. I'll be damned, that be quite the treasure you've brought us.
Cyrus reaches for a dagger and tries to use it on his shackles. Won't mean a lick of difference if we can't get these bloody things off first.
Where be the lass? She'd not be fated to spider food is she? He asks while digging into the metal.
Galenus chuckles to himself, Hell, I've gone through worse for less.
Galenus shoots off a memory of crawling through the muck of riding lizards, stabled in some underground cavern. To his left is a dwarf with skin the color of ash, hairless on the top. Up ahead is more of such beings, but much more heavily armored and armed.
We were sneaking in to steal...
Galenus pauses and looks back at the drow sitting against the wall. Go on with the plans, I'll be back.
Galenus walks over to the drow, and holds out a hand to help him up. Them myconid spored can take a bit to get used to. You reacted just about as I did my first time, 'cept I let on to the whole camp that I was attracted to this pretty dwarf woman who was traveling with us. Even more embarrassing as she didn't return the feelings.
Thanks for your help out there. I don't think I caught your name; my name is Galenus.
Come on back and try again. Just gotta compartmentalize your own thoughts and those that you want to share. Think of it like keeping one set in a back room, while the other you're trying to project onto a wall, like throwing shadow puppets onto a canvas. Ever do that as a kid?
Shoor's mind seems a bit blown. Drow men are used to being servants in passion, rather than lords. He lies back, somewhat glassy-eyed. He looks at you as you speak to him and responds in common.
You will return to the slave pen but perhaps there will be repeats of this.
He gives you some meat that is a much higher quality than the mushroom broth you've been served here and leads you back to the slave pen. He pushes you inside unceremoniously and leaves without a word.
Eddrikk attempts to remove his own manacles but can't quite manage it. He stops abruptly when the Drow returns, shoving Irdril into the slave pen and leaving without a word.
To everyone who is startled, a frightened voice rings in their heads.
I'm sorry! I was just trying to help!
The small myconid hides behind Tiberius' legs.
Irdril comes in quietly, takes a seat, and begins to eat a piece of meat. In between bites.
"So you managed to get back here unscathed I see. They will notice things are missing sooner than later. We should try to escape as soon as possible."
Your spores may be strange to me, but you have been a big help.
Whispering to Idril:
"I agree. We're finding the spores very helpful."
He nudges his head towards the myconid.
Galenus pauses and looks back at the drow sitting against the wall. Go on with the plans, I'll be back.Galenus walks over to the drow, and holds out a hand to help him up. Them myconid spored can take a bit to get used to. You reacted just about as I did my first time, 'cept I let on to the whole camp that I was attracted to this pretty dwarf woman who was traveling with us. Even more embarrassing as she didn't return the feelings.
Thanks for your help out there. I don't think I caught your name; my name is Galenus.
Come on back and try again. Just gotta compartmentalize your own thoughts and those that you want to share. Think of it like keeping one set in a back room, while the other you're trying to project onto a wall, like throwing shadow puppets onto a canvas. Ever do that as a kid?
Kanzen looks up at the dwarf's outstretched hand for a moment, then takes it firmly, standing up beside Galenus as he talks. He bows his head slightly. "I am Kanzen Millithor." He shifts uncomfortably, as if unaware of how to respond to such basic kindness. "I do not know shadow puppets, but I can guess what they are. You are... you have my thanks." He seems completely thrown by simple comradeship, but battles on. "It is good that the girl is back," he says, nodding to Irdril as she re-enters the pen. "And now we have weapons."
Comparing notes, you begin determining the layout of the outpost. Cyrus and Galinndan attempt to free themselves from their manacles but can't manage it.
Galinndan sees Cyrus' work and tries likewise to get free.
We should make for the guard tower. Prevent them raising an alarm. Prevent them reaching the Quaggoth pen.
Galenus tries to muscle his way out.
To Kanzen, he says, Ya know, you ain't like most elves I've met. You're humble. Most elves got a stick up their rear so big you could detect traps with it.
Tiberuis continues to give the dark elf a cold shoulder, and a heated glare. That is certainly impressive. It seems the drow guards here are more lax than at other camps. Or more incompetent. We may yet have a chance to escape. However, what should we do once we escape? Does anyone know of a way to get out of these caverns and caves?
Kanzen wriggles, trying to escape his bonds.
To Galenus, he shrugs. "I don't know about humble... I was raised a drow noble. My instinct is often to react the way I was taught. But I'm trying. As for you, most dwarves spit on my kind if they get the chance. I appreciate your tolerance."
Kanzen picks up one of the shortswords appreciatively. I fight best with two weapons, but I doubt there will be any to spare. I will need to kill one of the guards and take his. His eyes light up at the thought of killing drow.
Despite the struggles of those present, none manage to escape their bonds.
Sir Dwarf, I would appreciate it if you moderated your language. My people are a noble and compassionate race.
The quaggoth tries to wrench himself free of his bonds, seeing others attempting the same.
But even his hulking form seems unable to manage it.
Kanzen looks around for a nook or cranny to hide his weapon before any guards come.
I ain't said nothing about a Quaggoth, Galenus says in protest.
Galinndan pops a small gem out of a skull and palms it to Jimjar.
"Here you go. A bet is a bet."
He also seeks to hide his shortsword and leather armour.
Eddrikk approaches the returning female human, You were the one that was looking at the lock earlier, right? Here maybe you can make use of this. He hands her the wire the drow used in his failed escape.
The quaggoth speaks back into the minds of those around him in response to Galenus.
Sir, I am no quaggoth but an elven prince of beautiful sunlit lands.
Kanzen and Galinndan manage to stash a few weapons.
The orc in the corner, eyeing the weapons, speaks to you for the first time.
Common: Gimme one of those! He points at the shortswords demandingly.
Jimjar bows politely towards Galinndan.
A man of honor.
He accepts the gem and, when you aren't looking, stows it somewhere.
Gallindan is displeased that an orc is speaking to him, but reckons another blade in slave hands would not be a bad idea. He passes over a shortsword to the orc.
"Here. Be ready. Hide it until then. Got it?"
The orc snatches the weapon and grunts angrily.
Not stupid. He rips a few strips of cloth off the bottom of his tunic, unfortunately for the rest of you. He wraps the shortsword in the cloths then hides it under a pile of filth in his corner.
Orcs. The brutes never change.
Galinndan thinks uncharitably, forgetting for a moment the telepathic link. There is a distinct colour of irritation and anger, if not quite as raw as his reaction that you saw when he first laid eyes on Kanzen. There is a flash of a memory; orc warriors roaring at him among the trees as he charges at them, twin swords slashing.
Galenus smiles at Derendil's comment, and then snorts out loud at Galinndan's remark. He looks to Kanzen with a wry smile and says, See what I mean?
Irdril tries to slip the manacles, but is unsuccessful. Irdril takes the wire from Eddrik.
"Thanks, I'll give it a try if I must. Surely there's someone here thats better at lock picking though"
Tiberius also tries to break the shackles. If only half-heartedly.
A sword would be quite handy indeed. Where are we too hide them however? There are not many places around here to do so. I also still worry about our course of action after escaping. Should we succeed.
Getting more serious, Galenus suggests, They only take some of us at a time. Sit in groups, and hide them behind whoever isn't taken.
You find Galenus' advice reasonable and pile the weapons against the wall and sit in a bunch. Not too soon, either, as two guards and one with a silver spider on his chest approach the pen. This elite guard is not Shoor but instead a Drow who looks terribly deformed from acid scars. They pick out Eddrikk, Buppido, Ront, and Eldeth and take them along the catwalk toward the guard tower.
Eddrikk is still able to communicate with you mentally until he reaches the guard tower about 30 ft away, at which point all communication with him ceases.
The four of you are taken to the southwest end of the outpost where a great winch lowers a cage to the cave floor far below this suspended camp. You are all set to work scraping the rust out of the winch with small wire brushes.
In a hushed tone to Eldeth
While working on the winch Eddrikk keeps an eye out for any wire bristles that fall out and will try to stash them in his chops.
Kanzen begins to muse, but remembers in time the advice Galenus gave him about protecting his private thoughts. That quaggoth is out of its mind. That probably makes it even more unstable than its berserk kin. I'll be sure to keep my distance from it, especially in battle.
Opening up his consciousness more fully, he projects to the rest of the slaves. I am keen to strike, to escape. We have some weapons, now we need to find a way to escape these shackles. We will have a tough enough time defeating skilled drow warriors as it is, without having our wrists tied. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Cyrus growls in frustration at his shackles, unable to make any progress. He hides the blade for later and says. "I'm gonna try and get some sleep afore they drag me off again."
What if we got into a fight? Not a real one, but a loud argument. Loud enough to mask the sound of one of those swords breaking through the shackles?
Or maybe we can play on the jealous feelings of any of the drow working under Shoor.
"Shoor seemed very nervous about taking me to his private quarters. He did not reloax until we were there. This leads me to believe he fears being caught by someone. Perhaps someone higher up? Or maybe another supervisor. The disfigured drow just here had a silver star on his breatplate as well."
Blackmail? Trick the drow into finding Shoor with you? Though that could put you at serious risk.
Under her breath, Eldeth responds
That's Jorlan. 'e was Ilvara's favorite until he had a run-in wit the wrong end o' a black puddin'. She thinks to herself for a minute. Guess there isn't a right end. She chuckles.
You find a long, wiry bristle that may or may not prove useful.
"I think blackmail would just get you fed to the spiders with haste. Attempting to spread rumors among the other guards might work though. Perhaps the other silver breastplate one? He seems to be on the same level as Shoor and would likely want to move up being a Drow and all.."
That seems a wiser course of action. Any other thoughts or ideas, everyone?
I like the idea of spreading rumors.
Kanzen transits a feeling a agreement. It is a subtle strategy the drow themselves would employ. They will not expect it from their "inferior" captives.