5E Adventure's in Midgard – South (Survivors of the Delightful Rose) (Inactive)

Game Master Tareth

I could hide in a tree," Dur offers helpfully. After a couple of seconds he adds, "And I suppose I could provide cover fire for a hasty tactical retreat."

Sorala's frown deepens as the others plan to flee south without their shipmates. She lowers her eyes as Toki asks her opinion. The Iron Squire was raised and trained to be little more than a tool. The discomfort at being consulted - rather than ordered - about what comes next shows plain on the young woman's face.

"The sailors did their best to save our lives, and I agree with Daknar that their fate is not something I can stomach. I'd like to return the favor, but understand that this may be an unpopular idea. It certainly is wiser to flee south. Some of us, perhaps, could go to parley with the slavers. If those that wish to move south head towards some recognizable landmark, or leave signs obvious to us and not the froglings, we could catch up."

"Bringing the frog men with us is a good idea, but they should be hidden away from those that talk, so that we aren't simply attacked. We can release them after an agreement is reached."

Turning to Dur, Sorala smiles, appreciative of the little one's bravery. "You have a good idea. If you provide cover, it should be done from a place where you can escape easily, and blend into the forest."

Of course, this would also mean splitting the party, which DM Tareth may or may not be OK with. Ultimately, if folks want to head south, Sorala would acquiesce.

N'Dateh shrugs and says: "Ok, yes... Other survivors... This is not so straightforward, yes? But we should consider our options carefully, lest we find ourselves no longer survivors... Is it fair for us to just walk away?"

Beordt looks to Toki, "Yes the string stretched a bit." He looks to the ratfolk, "Are you able to shorten the string some."

Beordt growls a little annoyed with Dacknar's words, "If the frogkin were a smaller group it would be a reasonable risk. Hearing the numbers and intent of them I worry that we would be fool hardy to think that we have a hope of negotiating a trade that we would survive."

"If we would attempt this I think we should understand if they would see their own as worthy to save. Does this leader see the other frog as disposable if so we truly have no leverage. We might do better to see if recon is possible. But we were spared the storm. Running into a cook pot or a slavers cage doesn't seem a wise choice."

Would you want them to leave you to your fate? Toki looks at N'Dateh, thoughtfully, You would not fault them, nor would you expect any less, but how would you feel, knowing that you were left to fend for yourselves?

The Northman looks the druid in the eye, but she does not see an ounce of judgment, That is the thought that drives me. That and the thought of leaving Sorala, or any of you, for that matter, to shoulder this task on your own...

Toki leaves that to hang silent in the air a little longer than he originally intended, but then stands up, stretching. He starts walking toward the sea, pulling and tossing his handaxes to the sand. Then his studded leathers and tunic hit the sand...

SPLOOSH! Soon, a naked Toki leaps over a small wave and into the water, where he bathes as best he can, using wet sand to scour his body clean...

"I agree with ye Beordt. I too think that seeing what their encampment is like before just walking in and saying 'here we are...the walking feast has arrived.'"

Going to the frogmen and seeing if they want anything that Dacknar has gathered to eat.
"So tell me about your encampment, where and how do they keep the slaves and prisoners. In chains, in a cage? Is there a way we can get our people back without more blood being spilled?"

"I gotcha, that's a pretty easy fix." The rat sits down with Berodt's bow, struggling a little bit with the great bear's mighty draw. "You know," he says in a conversational tone, but keeping his eyes on his work, and his voice almost too level, "Where I come from, family is everything. An entire genealogy might throw themselves futilely at an enemy just for a chance to retrieve a lost member, even the runtiest, weakest member. Our bonds give us strength, gave us people to trust deep under the mountain. On the other side, anyone not family was a potential enemy. To advance, one would have to trample the weak down. I left my family behind it is true, but I also left to avoid the harsh realities of insular family. I expect they would leave us, we are not family to them. But if we do save them... are we willing to have the responsibility of a family that we cannot be sure that we can care for?"

N'Dateh nods to the perspectives provided: "I agree with all of you... Nature has provided different solutions to different species to ensure their survival. And perhaps this diversity is what ensures the survival of so many and its great diversity..."

"But it also begs a question: What's kin? Are we, us here, kin? And if so, what makes it so? And further, what makes passengers aboard a boat, passengers, not crew, kin?"

"Yet I also agree that saving them might improve our chances, but it might reduce our chances as well, no? So how are we to decide? And decide as a group, for I now feel we are kin!"

Beordt puts out his large clawed hand in a stopping motion. "These folks could have just as easy been us. Let us get a look at things and we can make the choice to flee or attempt something else. Perhaps we will lay eyes on a solution. If there is no chance of success our eyes will tell us. If we cannot attempt a rescue now. When we come to safety in the south we can work with those who wish to hinder slavery and strike out with greater number."

"It would be dishonorable to leave others in a fate that we would not wish to be in. Let us move, and see what we can discover."

The frogman shrugs at Dacknar's question, holding up his still bound hands. "No more help you, unless set free." He shakes his head. "I no betray people. You like all the others. Say you leave us be. Say you set free in morning. Then want more. Take more. Take what Bobogluup have, crush our eggs, burn our nests."

You now can all see Toki's bare buttocks as he scrubs his clothing with sand and seawater. XD

Seems like there is consensus then to scout out the ruined fortress? That's where we think the froggies are, right?

Sorala nods. "We are family, bonded by need and tragedy. I agree with Beordt that scouting the slavers is a good first step. We'll know better what our possibilities are once we do so."

Talking with the frogmen
"I understand why you don't trust us. So maybe you can understand why we don't fully trust you yet.
We want our people back. And if that means you force us to crush your eggs and burn your nest so be it. You and your kind set the traps on the beach. You and your kind took our friends as slaves or as food. And looking at the sun It's still morning.
Now I am asking you how can we avoid crushing your eggs, burning your nests, and not spilling more blood on both sides, so I can get back those that have been taken by you you and yours?
We are not like the others. If we were, would we have used that special power to heal your friend? Or would we just keep it all to ourselves?
And would have the others that you spoke about have offered you food? if we were not trying to build trust between us how else can it be shown?
Please help us, so we can help you and yours."
Persuasion, please help me: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

I feel like you would be using the Help action, and the speaker should have to roll. ^_^

That would work for me if a talker wants to take point...hint,hint bard...lol

Don't speak the language. Shouldn't be allowed. Should be someone that speaks the language, in my mind. ;)

Beordt stands and pushes Toki further into the water. "We've seen enough of it. If it were as magical as you say someone would have pinched it by now." Beordt laughs with a deep rumble before submerging himself in the water.

Nah you walk up look him in the eye. And Dack translates for you. It comes down to body language and in this case I think offering the frog guy hope. I also think at this point it might be giving Dack advantage because he already tried rather than an fresh attempt.

Qwerbrac listens to Dacknar. As the elf speaks the frogman begins to nod slowly. His eyes glance to his companion, while not completely healed, is as Dacknar says, much better because of his captors. Finally the prisoner seems to come to an internal decision. He makes some sort of sign with his his hands. Forming them into a cup and then spreading them apart.

"*croak* Schaphigroadaz may freeze my spirit and forbid me from the eternal swamp *croak* but I believe your words." He says to Dacknar, bowing his large head toward the elf and his translators. "Will tell what I can. *groak*"

He points back north. "Watching Rock is home to small band of Bobogluub. *groak*groak* Biggest clans live further inland in vast, warm swamps of Googlaan. *croak* My clan use old stone fort from long ago as lookout against sea raiders or others who try to sneak up on my people. Good fishing and fewer great lizards make rock good home.*croak*"

His shoulders sag a little and he shakes his head in uncertainty. "But now chief Grumph *croak* has allowed Verrack and his clan to take over. *groak*croak* Verrack promises power and glory for Bobogluup, but mostly we just do work. Capture slaves, hunt and fish, clean pots, repair tower, serve Verrack and other big folk."

"Verrack is in charge of selling slaves. *ribbit* You will need much gold if you wish to buy friends. But more likely Verrack take you instead. *croak*" He shrugs. "Not many come near in last few moons. Verrack desperate. *croak* Even threaten Bobogluup with chains if we not do as he says.*groak*"

"Main path up to tower is narrow and guarded by Bobogluup and Verrack's people." He blinks first one eye and then the other. "But Qwerbrac know special way into tower. Secret cave under ocean leads inside rock and up to tower. *croak*"

N'Dateh's ears perk up: "Sounds as though this Verrack is more a nuisance than a true help, a true supportive leader. Seems he cares more about his power than his people's power. We might be able to remove him and him only. This would be good for everyone, no?"

Toki yelps as he is pushed back into the surf, and emerges once again, holding his clothing in front of his nethers as he returns up to the campfire. He shoots a dirty look to Beordt that he cannot sustain, breaking into laughter.

Wrapping his short cloak around his waist, like a towel, he sets to getting sticks to dry his clothes, asking as he does so, Do we plan to destabilize their whole power structure? That may do more damage to them as a people without a strong leader to step up. Ask him, if he had a choice, would he rather have his old chief rule?

N'Dateh shrugs, then realizes she had been dragged into a debate she did not wish to be a part of. Still, she translates to the Frogkin: "If we remove this Verrack, what happens then? Will your people be better off? Or would you prefer we not kill him?"

Qwerbrac ponders the question posed for several seconds. His shoulders droop a little as he begins to answer. "*croak*groak* Who can say? Verrack brought hope and pride back to Bobogluup. *croak* Promised great glory and return of lands." He pauses a moment, licking dry lips. "But mostly just do work. Fill his chambers with gold.*groak*groak*"

A frustrated sigh escapes his lips and he continues. "But priests say this is time of biding. *croak* That our work builds Schaphigroadaz's strength. That new temple gained with foreign gold is to be heart of new victories to come.*croak*croak*" He shrugs, but then a sudden light comes into his eyes. "*groak* I only simple warrior and gatherer. I know not what will happen. But perhaps you are guided by Schaphigroadaz and he is telling us that time of biding is over. *croak*groak* Yes! *croak* Great God sends us new swords from the sea to free Bobogluub from long fall into weakness and decline. *groak* Qwerbrac can see now." He bows his head, his hands held together in prayer. "Qwerbrac will aide warriors of Schaphigroadaz. Will show secret ways and help bring new life to Bobogluup. *ribbit*croak*"

He kneels and seems to drop into some sort of lengthy prayer until you are ready to break camp.

Toki nods, listening to the translation with interest and warming at the fire.

N'Dateh is touched and says back to the Frogkin, after she finishes translating.

Rilkus listened silently to the conversation, as unmoving as ever. It was amazing how many little ticks and movements a person had, and how much was lost without any bodily functions. The silence was broken as he rumbled ”It is rarely effective to wait for others to make a change. While I hope that our intervention is positive, the responsibility to remake their society ultimately rests on their shoulders. Glory and prosperity is not a destination one reaches and then rests upon.”

Sorry guys. Took off the weekend. Thought I'd posted the status, but if disappeared.

Lil snorts in displeasure at the plan to invade an unknown enemy position in their bedraggled state, and wonders why the others seemed to care so much for the crew. She continues her translation duties after morning prayer, but keeps silent for the most part as her train of thought seems to be in the minority... and at this time she needed the others... and they needed her. Once the plan is made to invade and rescue she states her position, then prepares to follow through with the group plan.

"I would think finding safety and possible allies, as well as information would be foremost, but if we're determined to commit suicide immediately on arrival on this land, let's at least prepare ourselves as well as we can".

With the debate seemingly over, your little band sets out heading north and back toward the looming rock and its slaver fortress. Working back along the same trail taken the day before, it is easy to notice the numerous tracks left by passing creatures both large and small. With the sun high in the sky, the temperature is hot and humid within the confines of the jungle canopy. Birds squawk and call all about along with a variety of other smaller jungle denizens. Worst of all are the insects. Perhaps driven into submission by the storm the day before, they have now returned in full force creating a constant droning hum along with the slapping and cursing of you and your companions.

After traveling about an hour north, you come to a swampy area where a large creek drains into the sea. Like the day before you loop around toward the open beach to avoid the worst of the swampy depths. Unlike the previous day as you do you hear a sudden change in the ever present drone of the jungle. A deeper humming or buzzing sound.

Bashing his clothes against the rocks to break up the salt crystals, Toki quickly shuffles them on and slips into his studded leathers. Kicking the fire out, he runs to catch up to the others!

Wisdom (Perception): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

EDIT: Hey, what's that? Toki starts, but his words trail off...

Wis save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

The Northman, shakes his head, Oh, don't look over there, guys!

In an instant, Sorala's blade is in her hand. She focuses on Toki, heading the man's direction. "Where? What did you see?"

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

A pattern of lights, no doubt a creature's hunting style. I would expect that someone that falls upon that would be mesmerized while the creature moves up to strike... Toki continues to move vegetation out of the way as they make their way to the frogman village...

When Dur hears the man say not to look that way, without hesitation he squinches his eyes shut. "Where I'm from, if someone says don't look over there, they have a very good reason. Lotta things that'll mess up your mind right good."

N'Dateh watches Dur close shut his eyes and freezes. So warned, she decides to simply keep looking at Dur, while she says: "Well, we'll need to keep moving, so what do we do about those lights Toki describes?"

Maybe ask the native?

N'Dateh nods and asks Qwerbrac.

Is the Frog village the same as the slaver fortress. Fortress sounds imposing.

Beordt: Heh...you really don't know for sure since you haven't scouted and didn't get much of a look before. Your prisoner has mentioned both a nearby village (or you assume something of village size) and the slaver/frogman occupied old fort at the top of the point. He did say the trail up to the fort was narrow and defended, but that he also knows a 'back way.'

Hearing the warning, Dacknar keeps his eyes fixed toward the sea.
"So I guess we keep moving and keep our eyes to the beach."
But Dacknar does look in the area for land marks, so if he passes this way again he would know the general area of where the swarm is at.

Toki gives his warning pointing over the swampy pond where the glittering, buzzing cloud can be seen. As the bard starts to step forward, D'Nateh falls back and asks Qwerbrac if he's ever seen anything like the swarm before. Stepping forward to be able to see through the hindering vegitation, the frogman's reaction is instant. He freezes in place and his eyes begin to frantically search the nearby area both on the ground and up in the trees.

"*croak*groak*croak* We are in great dan...." He nervous words are cut off as the other partially blinded frogman shouts in surprised fright. The prisoner's one good eye looking down at the large vine that was simply lying along the path, but is now winding itself around the frogman's legs. With another frightened *ribbit* the hapless prisoner is thrown to the ground as the vine suddenly tightens and begins to drag the bound frogman into the swampy waters.

At the same time more of the jungle seems to literally come alive as vine like appendages swirl around D'Nateh and Dacknar.

D'Nateh resist a grapple attack with a STR(Athletics) or DEX(Acrobatics) vs DC8. On fail you are grappled.
Dacknar resist a grapple attack with a STR(Athletics) or DEX(Acrobatics) vs DC17. On fail you are grappled.

Frogman prisoner #2 is being dragged into the swampy water. There are three tentacle vines visible at the moment. One dragging the prisoner, one attacking D'nateh, and one attacking Dacknar. Inititiative order is Toki, Lilly, Beordt, Rilkus, Dacknar, Sorala, Dur, Enemy, D'Nateh, and Tiberius. Party is up.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

N'Dateh sidesteps the grappling vine by just lifting her foot at the right time, effortlessly. Deeply curious, her attention shifts to the creature and its tactics to capture lunch...

I'm assuming, based on the initiative order, that my turn will come up only after the enemy's. Let me know if I should post my action now.

Dex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Hearing the frog screams. Dacknar spots the moving vines trying to grab him and leaps from them toward the helpless frog that is being dragged away.

With a slash of his blade he hacks at the vine holding the one eyed Kermit.
Shortsword attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Watch yer selves, the jungle has turned against us." he calls out.

Lilly gasps at the sudden change of events, and reacts by sending a bolt of sacred energy at the vine dragging the poor frogman back.

1d8 ⇒ 7 Sacred Flame (DEX Save DC 12)

Dack, it was a grapple attempt, but you made it whether you are trained in Acrobatics or not... ;)

Toki draws his axe, slashing down on the vine pulling the frogman in!

Handaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Dangit!

Sorala, swing your blade with surety! Bonus Action, Bardic Inspiration. Sorala may spend a d6 on any one Attack Roll, Ability Check, or Saving Throw within the next 10 minutes.

Sorala sprints to the vine, panic rising in her as she raises her sword. They could not let the jungle eat their leverage! Spurred on by Toki's encouragement, Sorala lashes out at the vine, hoping to save the frog.

longsword attack, inspiration: 1d20 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + (4) = 15
longsword damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

*shades drop* Nice!

Athletics?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Deciding that neither hammer nor fists were the best tool to use against a vine, Rilkus instead reached out to grab the entrapped frogman. From there, it would be a contest of strength between Rilkus and the monster. He just prayed that the frogman was tough enough to survive the contest.

Is there a target beyond vines?

Beordt descends on the vine itself with a ferocity. He plunges his dagger at it.

Dagger: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Grabbing the vine with his other hand he bit into the thing letting up to spit as it tasted aweful. "Ptttt."

Bite (Bear Hug ability grants Unarmed Strike bite ability is one of my unarmed strikes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Dack, it was a grapple attempt, but you made it whether you are trained in Acrobatics or not... ;)

Oops I saw the big DEX and went straight to a save, glad that the bonus is still the same with Acrobatics

Hearing the sounds of erupting chaos all around him, Dur opens his eyes. Following the metal dwarf's lead, Dur decides that both bow or rapier are probably not the most effective weaponry to use against vines, and attempts to help pull the injured frog away.
Athletics: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Although, he ponders as he grabs onto the back of Ironhand, perhaps he wasn't the person to call upon for matters of great strength.

D'Nateh and Dacknar manage to slip free of the grabbing vines. As the two shout their warnings, the rest of their companions spring into action. Toki grabs his small axe and slams it directly down toward the viney menace but it slides away and the axe bites nothing but dirt.

Years of surviving alone on a deserted isle having honed her instincts, Lilly quickly unleashes a blast of holy fire upon the vine dragging the frogman. The fire sears the vine as if striking living flesh. Reacting to the sudden burning fire, the thing's grip upon the prisoner is loosened just enough for Rilkus, with a bit of aide from Dur, is able to yank the hapless frogman free.

While the clockwork dwarf frees the frogman, Beordt slashes with his dagger. But like his northern companion, the ursine's strike misses the mark. However, unlike Toki, Beordt snarls and bites down on the vine. To his surprise he doesn't taste wood or plant fiber. Instead a foul tasting brackish, putrid pea green blood squirts into the bears mouth causing him to choke and gag.

In retaliation for the attempting to turn him into a midmorning meal, Dacknar lashes out with his short blade. The nimble elf slices a long gash in the offending tentacle as it slides away toward the water.

Taking Toki's inspiring words to heart, Sorala whips her blade around and deftly severs the already burned and cut vine that was holding the frogman. The warrioress is sprayed by the same toxic blood as Beordt from the swinging stump of truncated tentacle.

The tentacle bitten by Beordt attempts to wrap itself around the big bearfolk. Sliding through his jaws and around his neck the muscular appendage works to get a strangle hold on the big northerner.

The surface of the big pond begins to bubble and roil like something large may be rising from the depths. This causes Qwerbrac to croak out his fright as he tries to run toward the beach despite the bindings hindering his hands. "Run! It's a Bog Kraken! *croak*croak*croak* We must flee for our lives." The frogman shouts as he tries to scramble toward the drier ground.

Before the frogman's frantic croaks finish echoing through the trees, another tentacle flashes through the jungle foliage and grabs Toki. The slick and muscular appendage wraps itself around the bard's waist and chest in a manner of seconds leaving Toki little room to escape.

While the surging tentacles wrap around Toki and Beordt, the buzzing cloud of glittering light moves closer to the shore. As it approaches it is easier to see that the cloud is made up of hundreds of beetles. The hard shells of the insects reflecting a variety of gem-like colors as the swarm moves toward Dacknar.

Beordt make a STR(Athletics) or DEX(Acrobatics) DC19 to escape a grapple.

Toki make a STR(Athletics) or DEX(Acrobatics) DC23 to escape a grapple.

The second frogman prisoner is free. One tentacle is severed. There are three others currently visible. One around Beordt, one around Toki, and a third moving toward Qwerbrac.