Out of the Abyss

Game Master Angie H

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M CG Drow Druid 4 | HP 21/26 | AC 16 | Saves: Str +1, Dex +2, Con +1, Int +3, Wis +6, Cha +1 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Wild Shape 0/2 | Guiding Bolt 0/2 | Spells [I] 3/4 [II] 0/3 | Inspiration 1/2 | Exhaustion 1/6 | Madness 1/3

Got you. In other circumstances, I would say that I'm glad to meet you, but now it's not too appropriate, right?... And now PLEASE everyone, let's try again to look for a little myconid. All together. He couldn't have gone far. Despite this suggestion, Kalanzar himself does not rush to a new search, but kneels down and begins to pray... He prays that if his eyes are blind and covered with darkness, then let the eyes of his allies shine enough to find the way to the child lost in the darkness. And he also prays that Stool is still alive and not eaten by predators in the water.


Stout Halfling Ranger lvl4 | AC 16 (st leather) | HP 32/32 | Init +4 | P. Perception 12, P. Insight 12 | Exhaustion: 0/6 | Inspiration: 1/2, Superiority dice: 3/4, Prim Aware: 1/1, Hunter sense: 2/2

As Kalanzar worked his way out of the still lake Hue guarded his retreat the final foot or two of water. He stabbed threateningly outward as he walked backwards to land, once nearly lancing his own foot. Not noticing Stool peaking out of the water, he fell on his knees.

"Oh! Stool is gone! The poor creature TAKEN with so much life left in him! Oh Stool, I barely got to know you but, don't tell the others, you were my favourite!" He wept openly thinking fondly of the poor myconid. He caught Precious' eye, "Sorry, happiness and sadness mixed together. It seems we have a new ally but only at the cost of another. Are we doomed to pay for every new friend!"

Once he'd had a moment to calm down and honestly, if a bit half hearted. "I think Precious is a pretty name." He took some deep breaths. "I'm Huet-huet, bu' you can call me Hue. Do we have anythin' I can make into some clean bandages? An hour of foraging an' I could produce a poultice or two. Then, I put in a vote for findin' these gentler friends a' Shuusar, the Great Sea Mother worshippers."

as per Monster Hunter - poultices


Female Barbarian 4 | HP 45/45 | AC:15 | Proficiency +2 | Inspiration: 0 | Madness: Lvl 1 | S +5 D +2 C +5 I +0 W +1 Ch +1 | Init +2 | Perc: +3 | Rage: 2/3 | Active Conditions: None | Short Rest: 3/4HD
Precious of Clan Ironeater wrote:


The innocent question caused the antler-crowned dwarf to pause visibly, shuffle his feet, glance down like an innocent schoolboy called to the front of the class for a dress-down by the teacher.

”…’sprecious…” he muttered, too quietly to be properly heard, and when he saw the puzzlement in Madison’s eyes he blushed furiously – whether from embarrassment or anger was hard to guess, but a keen judge of men would assume the former.

”Rust and ruin, here we go again… It’s Precious. Happy? Precious o’ bloody clan Ironeater, all right?” he growled, his tone suggesting he expected laughter and ridicule, and had prepared himself for it...

Maddy looked horrified as Precious shared his story. "I'm so sorry that that happened to you. I can't imagine not being able to remember my name. But the fact that you keep going despite your circumstances, you should be proud of the name you have now. It's a part of you, for now at least. Maybe one day you'll remember."


Female Barbarian 4 | HP 45/45 | AC:15 | Proficiency +2 | Inspiration: 0 | Madness: Lvl 1 | S +5 D +2 C +5 I +0 W +1 Ch +1 | Init +2 | Perc: +3 | Rage: 2/3 | Active Conditions: None | Short Rest: 3/4HD

Maddy got unsteadily to her feet, still exhausted. "Stool couldn't have gotten far. Like Kalanzar said, we need to find him. He shouldn't be all alone in the Underdark, no one should be."

She moved towards the water since that was the last place anyone saw him. She took her glowing jar along with her and raised it up so she could see further.

perception for Stool: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
I think she may be disadvantaged because the frenzy gave her 1 level of exhaustion
perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21


Maddy just can't see far enough, but Ksenia's dwarven eyes spy the myconid floating about 50 feet out. She points him out to the others. They call his name, but he doesn't respond.


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

Shushaar, lets help the living before mourning for the dead.

pesuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Alexandra is reay to grab hold of Shushaar, and provide covering fire from his back as he retrieves stool.


Stout Halfling Ranger lvl4 | AC 16 (st leather) | HP 32/32 | Init +4 | P. Perception 12, P. Insight 12 | Exhaustion: 0/6 | Inspiration: 1/2, Superiority dice: 3/4, Prim Aware: 1/1, Hunter sense: 2/2
Huet-huet 'Hue' Proudfoot wrote:
...Once he'd had a moment to calm down and honestly, if a bit half hearted. "I think Precious is a pretty name." ...

A shadow passed over Hue's recollection of a grand-auntie on his faidder's side and how she used to pinch his cheeks hard and say 'precious, isn' i' jus' so precious'. It was the 'it' that took all of the goodness out of the word precious. He thought of those words coming out of a being of unknown power and shiver went through his body, but he failed to mention it to the others.


Stout Halfling Ranger lvl4 | AC 16 (st leather) | HP 32/32 | Init +4 | P. Perception 12, P. Insight 12 | Exhaustion: 0/6 | Inspiration: 1/2, Superiority dice: 3/4, Prim Aware: 1/1, Hunter sense: 2/2
Alexandra Edgaria Poeschkina wrote:
Shushaar, lets help the living before mourning for the dead.

Hue ran to the shore line but didn't wade in, afraid he might frighten Stool. He instead stood there radiating waves of relief.


Shuushar looks up to see what the others were looking at. He moves to the edge of the water and hesitates. Alexandra's words persuades him, however, and he dives into the water, the warlock clinging around his neck.

The water is frigid, sucking warmth from their limbs. Even Shuushar is affected by this unnatural cold.

The "fish" wait until the shore is 30 feet behind them to attack. Four of the ray-looking creatures dart in from the darkness, biting at the kuo-toa. Two sink their needle-teeth deep into his slippery flesh, but Shuushar barely feels it. The water is too cold, the teeth too sharp. He swims as fast as he can, reaching out to the myconid.

Stool is unmoving, small eyes closed, arms wrapped around his body. Shuushar grabs him and prepares to swim back to shore.

Alex, you're up

DM rolls:

Alex init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Shuushar init: 1d20 ⇒ 20
fish init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
who is attacked 1=alex: 4d2 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 2) = 8 OMG all Shuushar!!
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

What is this cold, empty night!
what is this cold kn arcana: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Alexandra locks her legs around shushaars torso, and lashes out with her pact weapon!
TASTE THIS!
booming blade since the things are clearly in melee: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 3 = 12
thunderif it moves: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Shushaar grab stool and swim, with me on your back!

Alexandra moves in a way that she covers shushaar, likely making it so that a 2+ on a d4 hits her, on the next move, coupled with the fact that she is clearly more dangerous, she is also clearly ready to cast a shield spell as a reaction.


The surface of the Darklake begins to churn and froth, as Alexandra swings her weapon through the water. One of the creatures is close enough, and the warlock nearly cuts it in half. Its own momentum takes it past her, and the booming thunder finishes it off. Rather than float to the surface, however, it sinks like a stone.

The "fish" don't follow - they seem to be wary of Alexandra. However, as Shuushar swims away from them, they lash out with their barbed tails at him and Alexandra as they retreat.

Alex swivels her body, trying to block Shuushar from the attacks, and manages to take two of them. Unlike the sharp teeth, the barbed tails hurt. The barbs catch and tear at the skin, making large, bleeding wounds. Alexandra takes two, one in her thigh, and one across her backside. One of the attackers is too deep, and hits Shuushar from below.

The kuo-toa stops swimming, his muscles slack. His momentum propels them close enough to shore that Alexandra is able to jump in the water and pull him and Stool to shore.

Neither are breathing. Did Stool ever breathe? At least the "fish" can't follow them onto land.

Everybody who was in the water has one level of exhaustion (forgot to mention this when Kalanzar went in).

DM rolls:

who to hit, 2-4=Alex: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 1) = 8 2 on Shuushar, one on Alex
barbed tail: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Alex
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
barbed tail: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Alex
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
barbed tail: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Shuushar
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Total 19 on Alex (unless shield negates one?), another 10 on Shuushar


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

Not shieldable its just +5

Блин Swearing profusely she somehow drags both stool and Shushaar to the shore, probably more by rage and fumes then by strength.

*!§*%*%*§*%&§%&&//&%$$& More swearing as she lowers both on the shore.

That hurt! Can you heal the 2, I think they have some bleeding b$!#*%~% effect!

Kalanzar can you help them? Then me, I am not in danger of dying.

%()&(§/)!§****%%" She keeps swearing as she seeks to help in healing.


Female Barbarian 4 | HP 45/45 | AC:15 | Proficiency +2 | Inspiration: 0 | Madness: Lvl 1 | S +5 D +2 C +5 I +0 W +1 Ch +1 | Init +2 | Perc: +3 | Rage: 2/3 | Active Conditions: None | Short Rest: 3/4HD

Maddy looked at the commotion in the water and moved to the edge, sword drawn. Seeing that the threat wasn't following them on to shore, she sheathed her weapon and helped carry Shuushar and Stool further ashore.

She looked at Kalanzar and the others, "How can I help? I may not know how to treat serious wounds but I can help."


M LN Mountain dwarf Ranger 4 (Fey Wanderer) | HP 26/32 | AC 14 | Saves: Str +3, Dex +4, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +4, Cha +5 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Spells 0/3 | Speak with Animals 1/1 | Inspiration 0/2 | Exhaustion 0/6 | Madness 2

”Ye folks ain’t messin’ ’round,” Precious muttered, his voice hovering somewhere between awe and disbelief as he witnessed the madcap rescue effort that left Alexandra and their Kuo-Toa ally bleeding from numerous wounds and their myconid friend… dead? Catatonic? The antlered dwarf picked up a spear his captors no longer needed before rushing to join the others at the shore.

Madison Kokko wrote:
She looked at Kalanzar and the others, "How can I help? I may not know how to treat serious wounds but I can help."

”Ain’t got much left in me, but ‘least I got me another staff,”Precious grunted as he knelt next to the three wounded and began taking stock.

Medicine: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 I understand Medicine is a bit of a trash skill in 5e, but at least it can stabilize someone who is dying…

”If ye got any bandages, they could use some,” he said. ”An’ if not, someone take a look if them fishies got any reasonably clean rags on ‘em.” The ranger thrust his staff into the ground, looked for a knot in the wood. Finding one, he cupped one hand under it and muttered a quick incantation. In a matter of seconds a tiny bud formed on the dead wood, grew into a thin branch that grew leaves and flowers. Almost too quickly to keep track of the changes the flowers’ petals wilted and in their place, a handful of red rowan berries grew, ripened and dropped into Precious’s waiting hand.

10 Goodberries to share between Alex and Shuushar... and perhaps some for Stool if he/she/it is still among the living and can be roused enough to eat… if a myconid even can eat a berry?

”Here. Chew on these if we will; they’ll both fill ye up an’ do wonders fer yer wounds,” he said, offering the berries to Alex and Shuushar.


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

Thanks, ill take 3 of them, Fungi can consume biomass so this should work in theory on him, I think?

I do go to bat for any of my allies, redeeming feature I hope She smiles somewhat weakly.

The chill in this lake wasnt natural, somethings deeply wrong there. She adds, shivering a bit as she starts partially undressing and wringing her rags out.

Oh, if you hate "precious" as a name, how about you pick a new one? She adds, being surprisingly relaxed about her wounds.


M LN Mountain dwarf Ranger 4 (Fey Wanderer) | HP 26/32 | AC 14 | Saves: Str +3, Dex +4, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +4, Cha +5 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Spells 0/3 | Speak with Animals 1/1 | Inspiration 0/2 | Exhaustion 0/6 | Madness 2
Alexandra Edgaria Poeschkina wrote:
Oh, if you hate "precious" as a name, how about you pick a new one? She adds, being surprisingly relaxed about her wounds.

”Feel free to make up one if ye like – ye can hardly make things worse,” the dwarf grunted. ”Whatever that fae did to me, it ain’t preventin’ that. But… I know it ain’t the same. There be something special ‘bout yer capital-letter Name. It… defines ye, ye know? Nicknames an’ such? Merely paint on stone, gold leaf on’ a copper ring.”


Stout Halfling Ranger lvl4 | AC 16 (st leather) | HP 32/32 | Init +4 | P. Perception 12, P. Insight 12 | Exhaustion: 0/6 | Inspiration: 1/2, Superiority dice: 3/4, Prim Aware: 1/1, Hunter sense: 2/2

Hue was tired from acting as rear-guard in his half-hung way but still rushed to Stool and hugged him, "Oh, Shuushar, Alexandra! Tha' was amazin'! Listen, we gotta take some time before lookin' for friends, I mean friendly creatures in the town. If I can jus' find some clean cloth." He searched the Kuo-toa as Precious suggested, looking for anything that could be taken for clean bandages. They seemed wary of the water but perhaps had some kind of medical kit to deal with these kinds of wounds, being so present.

If he finds any bandages he'll take an hour to forage and make two poultices. If not then plan-B.


F Hill Dwarf, Inspiration 1/2, AC 13, HP 27, PP 12, Exh: 0/6, MADNESS: 2 Rogue 3, Skills: SoH+7, Stealth+5, Invst+7, Perc+2, Nature+5, Hist+5,Insight+0

Ksenia looks on at the injured friends, paces back and forth as those with healing knowledge get to work on triage. She mutters to herself "Can't swim very well and don't know a thing about medicine. But granddad always said if you aren't being useful, you ain't looking hard enough."

Ksenia moves to help search the bodies for anything that might be useful. She knows little about healing and so would have an eye out for anything that looks edible - food has been scarce in the Underdark - in addition to any other equipment so that we can move on as quickly as possible before any more patrols come.


Female Barbarian 4 | HP 45/45 | AC:15 | Proficiency +2 | Inspiration: 0 | Madness: Lvl 1 | S +5 D +2 C +5 I +0 W +1 Ch +1 | Init +2 | Perc: +3 | Rage: 2/3 | Active Conditions: None | Short Rest: 3/4HD

Upon Precious' suggestion of looking for bandages or anything else of use among the deceased kuo-toans, Maddy joined the others in searching the bodies and their surroundings.

Not sure what the kuo-toans were wearing but if anything is made of cloth, Maddy will cut up the fabric for bandages


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

Alexandra gets 3 berries each into shushaar and Stool. Then, once she is dry, starts rubbing their extremities to generate some warmth.


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Stout Halfling Ranger lvl4 | AC 16 (st leather) | HP 32/32 | Init +4 | P. Perception 12, P. Insight 12 | Exhaustion: 0/6 | Inspiration: 1/2, Superiority dice: 3/4, Prim Aware: 1/1, Hunter sense: 2/2

How's one bandage strap per Kuo-toan?
Shivering and hurting, Hue rolled over one of the bodies looking appraisingly for the cleanest piece of material long enough to wrap around a leg or bundle behind a belt. " Sorry, i's Madison, an Ksenia, right? Can you see if theres material enough tha' hasn' been mucked-up by the fighting? At lease' a hand width by the length of yer forearm. Poor fellows. We knock 'em down in a permanent way and then take their clothes. Oh, wha's this?" From around the neck of the first creature he untied a string of snail shells. On close inspection some of the shells had runes scratched into them. Initials? Hue thought. He tucked the string in the Kuo's hand and closed it.

The second body had a small stone carved out into a little bowl no more than three inches in diameter. The centre of the bowl had a hole in it with three others along the rim just big enough to run string through. He'd seen something like this before. It was a folk divination bowl. You dangled it from three strings or leather straps (if it was big enough) and poured water or fine sand in it. Ask a 'yes' or 'no' question. If it drew a line right to left the answer was 'yes. Up-down meant 'no. Any diagonal was 'none-of-your-bee's wax'. It had been kinda hidden away, was fortune telling taboo here? Hue spend a moment wondering what the Kuo had been asking for.

On a third there was a pouch of finger bones from some small creature, not humanoid, with runes cut into the sides of each? 'Dice maybe? A game?'

Well look at tha'. Mus' be enough unbloodied material here for six bandages ... what a bit of luck ... once again we're in agreeance?" Hue gathered all the material together. "Mister Precious, do you think we can risk a small fire? Jus' enough to boil these? I'll go collect some algae an' what-not." Seeing no one has taken the last berry, "Do ya' mind?" He popped it in his mouth. "Oooo ... tha's quite fillin' ... the juice is all acid and sugar ... Thanks Mr Precious."

After nearly an hour of scrounging in the dark Hue came back with something like periwinkles, some rich green algae, and two kinds of moss (one sage coloured and one alarmingly black). He shucked the periwinkles and laid the materials on a flat rock, grinding them down with another stone. Then he spread the mixture onto two of the bandages.

By my account: Alexandra down 16 (after the berries), Kalanzar down 7, Stool ?, Shuusar down 17 (after the berries), Hue down 15 (after a berry), I think some others took small hits from the Kuo-toans but I'm not sure how much.

"Miss Alexandra, do ya' mind?" He tied the first of the mixtures around the worst of her wounds. He looked at his own wounds and then to Shuusar. "Now don' get all greedy Mr Hue ... no, I wouldn' think of i', ahem ... Excusin' me and with your permission Mr Shuusar. Keep those on for today but not longer than that. They go bad quick. I think I should be able to make two tomorrow and two the day after, but then we'll need more bandages."

poultice for Alexandra: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 You get 5hp
poultice for Shuushar: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8 8 to Shuushar


M LN Mountain dwarf Ranger 4 (Fey Wanderer) | HP 26/32 | AC 14 | Saves: Str +3, Dex +4, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +4, Cha +5 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Spells 0/3 | Speak with Animals 1/1 | Inspiration 0/2 | Exhaustion 0/6 | Madness 2
Huet-huet 'Hue' Proudfoot wrote:
"Mister Precious, do you think we can risk a small fire? Jus' enough to boil these? I'll go collect some algae an' what-not."

”Guess we must, ‘less ye folks got a lot o’ blankets or some magical means o’ producin’ heat without fire,” he said, frowning in thought. ”That water had to be mighty cold an’ all. But lightin’ a fire where sentries at the town can see it be askin’ fer trouble, so we need some place a bit outta the way to hole in.”

Angie, since Precious has been here for a little while, does he happen to have some idea of the terrain around the town? Not that he’s been allowed to wander around freely, but just in case his route to and from the place he was put to work has passed something that looked like a reasonable campsite, out of direct view from the town…

Survival, look for campsite in favored terrain: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

My thanks Sir Hue, and here I thought periwinkle is some obscure term associated with mathematics.Alexandra is looking a fair bit less half dead from the combined effecs of 3 good berries and the poultice.

I think Shushaar will pull through, I dont know if stoll will make it. She pauses

Oh Lady in shadow, may thy wings shield the little one from the winds of death, and may his lust for life be rekindled to burn away the grip of disease.


Alexandra forces the berries into a hole in Stool's body - she's not sure if it's his mouth, eye, or a wound, and can only hope for the best.

The berries roll down Shuushar's slack, open mouth, and a moment later he gasps. A moment after that he groans, and coughs up a little blood. ::What were those things?:: he asks.

It takes a moment before you realize that the words were translated projected into your minds.

A moment later, feebly, a small voice adds, ::I'm not a witch::

Precious finds an outcropping of rock to hide the fire's light, and they find enough dried algae on the beach to make a hot, if rather smelly, fire. Warmth returns to the swimmer's limbs, though they still feel wrung out and exhausted.

Ksenia finds that each fish-man had a bundle of food - algae cakes and fish jerky. Strangely unsalted, and a bit ripe, but no doubt better than nothing. Each one had a spear, as well as a rope and a net (not counting the two that had been destroyed). As well, the leader had a shield. It seemed to be covered with a strange, sticky substance on the outside.

A little more than an hour passes, and then Kalanzar notices two red lights dancing up over the lake. It's Sarith's signal.


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

Earlier

Stool gets a patented Alex-hug which would have altered his blood circulation, if he were male and humanoid.
Your alive! And I better stop hugging you too hard! Damn I am glad about that!

To Shushaar:
I dont have the foggiest idea, I got one, they hit really hard.

As the signals are seen

Ok, get ready, perhaps diplomacy can work this time. Sir precious, do you have a favorite type of weapon? I can alter mine to be any melee weapon, and borrow it to you, but it will disappear after 1 minute if more then 5 feet away from me. She offers.


Stout Halfling Ranger lvl4 | AC 16 (st leather) | HP 32/32 | Init +4 | P. Perception 12, P. Insight 12 | Exhaustion: 0/6 | Inspiration: 1/2, Superiority dice: 3/4, Prim Aware: 1/1, Hunter sense: 2/2

"Well if'n you like it, you can have this spear Mr Precious. I's jus' five minutes back to my barrel and I can grab my new staff." Hue wasn't cowardly exactly, more unsure of himself. This new Mister Precious seemed like a wary and wise sort of fellow and he certainly seemed more 'proactive', and to Hue's mind more suited to the weapon. Hue handed him the spear and rushed back to the barrel for his quarterstaff oar. He wasn't gone long. When he returned he was muttering to himself, "Sure do miss that bow though ... an' my satchel, sure was a nice satchel."

As they headed out to head to the signal, Hue took up the little divination bowl and, using whatever still worked as pockets kept it out of sight. A second pocket kept the bandages safe. It was hard as his previous captors had torn most of them completely out on whatever clothes he was able to hold onto.

Precious - if you'd like it, the spear will give: Advantage on Initiative rolls/You and your friends within 30 feet can’t be surprised as long as you’re not incapacitated/automatically wake you up if you are sleeping naturally when combat begins.

If you don't want it then retcon to Hue keeping the spear and not heading back to the barrel.


M LN Mountain dwarf Ranger 4 (Fey Wanderer) | HP 26/32 | AC 14 | Saves: Str +3, Dex +4, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +4, Cha +5 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Spells 0/3 | Speak with Animals 1/1 | Inspiration 0/2 | Exhaustion 0/6 | Madness 2
Huet-huet 'Hue' Proudfoot wrote:
"Well if'n you like it, you can have this spear Mr Precious. I's jus' five minutes back to my barrel and I can grab my new staff."

”Keep it – this here length o’ wood will serve me just fine,” the dwarf said, brandishing his makeshift staff – a spear with its metal head now neatly detached. ”Don’t need anythin’ fancier – might git between me an’ me spellcastin’.”

Precious needs a quarterstaff or a club/cudgel specifically to cast his spells (and use his Druidic Warrior stuff with), so I think he’s better off with just a length of wood without any of the fancy sharp bits attached ;^)

”Anyhow… the town. Village. Whatever. Need a plan o’ action fer that. Ye wanted supplies? From what little I have managed to learn, that there be the best an’ only place fer those anywhere close. But there be those two problems ‘bout that. First, the religious schism be getting pretty heated there, an’ strangers ain’t exactly welcomed with open arms… though can’t say how much o’ that be different from what’s normal. Related to that, ye already chose sides, kinda, by puttin’ down those followes o’ the Deep Father.”

”The second problem be me; I was already taken prisoner, an’ if ye arrive with me in tow, it be pretty obvious ye freed me. ‘less we pretend ye took fancy o’ me an’ decided to take me from the fishies by force. No offence,” he said belatedly, nodding his head to Shushaar. ”Dunno how well them people can tell us dwarves apart, but me antlers kinda make it easy to pick me from a crowd.”

”So, either we make it our business to git somewhere very far, very fast, or we have a plan ready when we next git spotted by patrols or saunter to the gates to be met by sentries. If we git in, joinin’ in the religion games mighta be the only way to keep safe… from one half o’ the population if we be lucky. The way I understand, the ol’ high priest’s very own spawn be now heraldin’ this new god’s cause. An’ everyone ‘least seems to agree the daughter’s gotten power from somewhere all o’ a sudden, an’ ye don’t openly question a high priestess in her god’s high favor if ye value fer immortal soul. Dunno how much the ol’ head priest o’ the Sea Mother would appreciate outsiders mixin’ in right here an’ now, but if he be willin’ to resort to outside assistance to git the matter sorted out…”


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

I see, from what I get, Sea mother an Deep father could refer to a consierable variety of entities, with entities called "Sea mother" being a bit less likely to be really bad news compared to entities called "Deep father".

Deep Father could be Dagon, going by our customary amount of luck, which is bad. Sea mother, hmm, a buch of candidates but none as bad as Demon Lord of tentacles. I dont actually know much about that one, only that he sucks, likes tentacles and lives on the Ocean of Ishiar.

Teaming up with the Sea mother worshippers, perhaps Umberlee? Sounds reasonable enough, showing our might is a good idea in general.

Concernign your antlers, I could hide them with an illusion, but its a stop gap measure that would tax my resources. Depending on how religious they are, I could spin a tale that the followers of the deep father wished to insult the sea mother by sacrificing you, knowing that the sea mother has allies, among them the the forest father Silvanus, a god from the surface with whom she cooperates, to target her alliances and insult her before her peers.

She offers.


Female Barbarian 4 | HP 45/45 | AC:15 | Proficiency +2 | Inspiration: 0 | Madness: Lvl 1 | S +5 D +2 C +5 I +0 W +1 Ch +1 | Init +2 | Perc: +3 | Rage: 2/3 | Active Conditions: None | Short Rest: 3/4HD

Maddy gently picked up Stool to carry him with them. She tried to soothe him like she would her frightened sheep. She rubbed what may be his back or side in a circular motion, ::Of course you're not a witch, Stool. You're an important link in our group's chain. I'm just sorry I couldn't protect you better from those kuo-toans. I'm sorry they hurt you::

Maddy will carry Stool since Ziyad is no longer with us. If needed she should be able to carry both Stool and Jimjar but since they aren't moving quickly, Jimjar should be fine by foot

Precious wrote:
”Anyhow… the town. Village. Whatever. Need a plan o’ action fer that. Ye wanted supplies? From what little I have managed to learn, that there be the best an’ only place fer those anywhere close. But there be those two problems ‘bout that. First, the religious schism be getting pretty heated there, an’ strangers ain’t exactly welcomed with open arms… though can’t say how much o’ that be different from what’s normal. Related to that, ye already chose sides, kinda, by puttin’ down those followes o’ the Deep Father...”

Maddy may have been addressing what Precious said but she looked at Shuushar, ::Is there any way we can sneak into your city for supplies? Is there anyone that would be an ally? Maybe someone who follows the Sea Mother would help us?::


M CG Drow Druid 4 | HP 21/26 | AC 16 | Saves: Str +1, Dex +2, Con +1, Int +3, Wis +6, Cha +1 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Wild Shape 0/2 | Guiding Bolt 0/2 | Spells [I] 3/4 [II] 0/3 | Inspiration 1/2 | Exhaustion 1/6 | Madness 1/3

We have to get rid of the corpses and erase all traces of the fight. I wouldn't worry if they recognize Precious as a former prisoner... I think you all look the same to them. Am I right, Shuushar? Kalanzar pats Stool on the mushroom cap and smiles kindly. He looks tired. Let's do that, quickly.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

A cold shiver hits Kalanzar and he can barely drag the bodies and cover the bloodstains with pebbles.


Female Barbarian 4 | HP 45/45 | AC:15 | Proficiency +2 | Inspiration: 0 | Madness: Lvl 1 | S +5 D +2 C +5 I +0 W +1 Ch +1 | Init +2 | Perc: +3 | Rage: 2/3 | Active Conditions: None | Short Rest: 3/4HD
Kalanzar wrote:
We have to get rid of the corpses and erase all traces of the fight...

::Should we dump them in the water? Maybe try to weigh them down a bit? Otherwise, I'm not sure we'll be able to hide the bodies::

survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7


I'm not sure if this got missed, or if most of this discussion is meant to be before, but Sarith sent up the two-flare signal. Two KT are imminently incoming. Preparations/plans?


Female Barbarian 4 | HP 45/45 | AC:15 | Proficiency +2 | Inspiration: 0 | Madness: Lvl 1 | S +5 D +2 C +5 I +0 W +1 Ch +1 | Init +2 | Perc: +3 | Rage: 2/3 | Active Conditions: None | Short Rest: 3/4HD

Admittedly, I got a little muddled in the timeline. I thought the conversation about bodies/healing happened prior to the signal

Seeing Sarith's signal, Maddy drew her sword and prepared to meet their new threat. ::Hopefully these kuo-toans are more reasonable than the others. If they're reinforcements or friends of the ones we just encountered then talking to them probably won't do any good. But if they are ones from the opposite faction then they may be possible allies::


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

2 are more likely to be reasonable then more of them. Let us see if we can parley


M CG Drow Druid 4 | HP 21/26 | AC 16 | Saves: Str +1, Dex +2, Con +1, Int +3, Wis +6, Cha +1 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Wild Shape 0/2 | Guiding Bolt 0/2 | Spells [I] 3/4 [II] 0/3 | Inspiration 1/2 | Exhaustion 1/6 | Madness 1/3

My idea was to get rid of the bodies before they arrived - diplomacy in the midst of the consequences of the massacre carries a specific coloring .)


M LN Mountain dwarf Ranger 4 (Fey Wanderer) | HP 26/32 | AC 14 | Saves: Str +3, Dex +4, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +4, Cha +5 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Spells 0/3 | Speak with Animals 1/1 | Inspiration 0/2 | Exhaustion 0/6 | Madness 2

Thanks, Angie. I did imagine we didn’t have all the time in the world before the patrol would be missed, but I didn’t catch the fact that they managed to raise an actual alarm. Means if we start disposing of bodies right now, another patrol might come and catch us in the act, and I think being found defiling bodies of the fallen makes diplomacy even more challenging than merely being victors after a bloody battle ;^)

”Depends on whether we run into followers o’ the Sea Mother or Deep Father first,” Precious grunted. ”The latter might not appreciate us thinnin’ their numbers before a confrontation they might be headin’ towards with their traditionally-believin’ kin. The former we might be able to sway a bit at least, if we can present us o’ merely defendin’ ourselves ‘gainst religious fanatics, an’ us bein’ willin’ to work with ‘em. ‘course, either side might view us dimply if they happen to be friends or kin o’ some of them fallen.”


As you debate about what to do with the bodies, another six red sparks dance across the lake. Shuushar begs, ::Please, no more fighting!::

Stool's voice whines in your heads, ::I'm not talking to them!::

Jimjar pats Stool on the head and says, "You don't need to. Enough of us to translate. Let's walk ahead a bit, no need to see this."

You head towards Sloobludop, and a minute later see another group of kuo-toans, nine this time. Two of the big boss type, and one dressed in robes that seemed to be made of algae and netting.

The robed one stops the others when they catch sight of you, and holds his hands up. In undercommon, he says, "I am Ploopploopeen, archpriest of the Sea Mother Blibdoolvpoolp. She answers my prayers by delivering you to us! Help us, and we will reward you for your service!"


Female Temp HP 0/0 hp=30/35 AC=15 Spell slots 1/2 curse 1/1 SLA invis 1/1 SLA Silent image 1/1 passive perc=9 Advantadge 0/1 Madness 1 Hexblade 3 Resources hexblade curse 1/1 spellslots 1/2

Well met archpriest, Ploopploopeen, archpriest of Blibdoolvpoolp Alexandra answers via a translator, taking care to pronounce the unfamiliar names slowly but with a fair degree of precision.

My Lady of the dark has many allies, and Sea mother Blibdoolvpoolp may well be among them, the so called Deep father alas is amongst her foes. Let us discuss terms and conditions for joint aid against what is likely a common foe. I must alas add that we are tired and not at full capacity.

influence: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
influence exhaustion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15


Stout Halfling Ranger lvl4 | AC 16 (st leather) | HP 32/32 | Init +4 | P. Perception 12, P. Insight 12 | Exhaustion: 0/6 | Inspiration: 1/2, Superiority dice: 3/4, Prim Aware: 1/1, Hunter sense: 2/2

religion: 1d20 ⇒ 6
religion: 1d20 ⇒ 8
He knows the underside of little about their ways

Hue had been shifting his weight from foot to foot and listening to everyone's plans. The rationalizations were good but a little beyond him with the 'this god' and 'that god'. He knew the value of a rare mushroom but no one seemed to be talkin' fungi ... except for the obvious companion.

He followed along in a bit of a haze. "All-in-all, you've all been a pretty lucky find. Wounds exceptin' but I was lost and found you all. We got attacked an' none of us did the diin'. We lost poor Stool but there he was all safe-n-sound. If we can perhaps keep not-diin' we'll get outta this ..." The new group of Kuo-toans came closer and he shhhh'd himself and moved the spear behind his back. Nearly half the length stuck out over the back of his head and it was fooling nobody.

Still shivering a bit, he reached for his hat (which was gone) and put his empty hand on his chest. "Had a copper band. All patena'd. Sure do miss that ha..." Translations started. He buttoned up and listened hard through the multiple speakers. 'Hmmm, Plew-plew-pleen, Precious, everyone's got a pretty name.' He coughed out, "Um, excusin' me and hopin' this isn't too forward bu' might we get under some cover? A long talk in the not-so-out-in-the-open might be the thing. I know we jus' met an' all but as you aren't tryin' to come down on my new friends perhaps we can risk a closer, whatchacallit, tete-a-tete???"

Jimjar did his translating but said only maybe five or six words and Hue gave him a quick look.


F Hill Dwarf, Inspiration 1/2, AC 13, HP 27, PP 12, Exh: 0/6, MADNESS: 2 Rogue 3, Skills: SoH+7, Stealth+5, Invst+7, Perc+2, Nature+5, Hist+5,Insight+0

Ksenia puts on a necklace made of serrated teeth like a shark hanging on twine made of dried kelp that she finds on one of the Kuo-toa and upon hearing that there are more creatures incoming slinks behind some boulders a couple of dozen feet away so that she'll be near their backs as they reach the party.

"I don't speak the language and can't negotiate worth a wet shaker of salt in my own language, so I'll be more use as a hidden asset if the need arises."

stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Ksenia settles in and starts munching on some of the fish jerky. She watches the interchange as it begins, hand close to her sword if called upon.


M CG Drow Druid 4 | HP 21/26 | AC 16 | Saves: Str +1, Dex +2, Con +1, Int +3, Wis +6, Cha +1 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Wild Shape 0/2 | Guiding Bolt 0/2 | Spells [I] 3/4 [II] 0/3 | Inspiration 1/2 | Exhaustion 1/6 | Madness 1/3

Realizing that it is already too late, drow stops dragging another corpse, straightens up and dusts himself off a little immediately before the appearance of the kuo-toa.

Greetings to you. I am Kalanzar Mizzrim, druid of the circle of Stars and priest of those Goddesses who lead those who seek good in the Darkness... What can we do for you?


M LN Mountain dwarf Ranger 4 (Fey Wanderer) | HP 26/32 | AC 14 | Saves: Str +3, Dex +4, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +4, Cha +5 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Spells 0/3 | Speak with Animals 1/1 | Inspiration 0/2 | Exhaustion 0/6 | Madness 2

Precious waited with bated breath whether these Kuo-Toa wanted their former prisoner back of not. Although it wasn’t clear to him if his capture had been the idea of the Deep Father’s followers while the Sea Mother’s flock simply didn’t want to escalate things for the sake of a single foreigner. ’So far, so good,’ he thought as none of the amphibians paid the rare antlered specimen of the dwarven race any special attention.

He wasn’t quite certain how this strange telepathic network maintained by Stool worked, but this seemed the time to test things out… but perhaps with something that wouldn’t cause too big a fuss if the myconid interpreted his intentions the wrong way and transmitted his thoughts to everyone nearby, not just the party.

”The head priest himself, chancin’ a meetin’ with strangers outside yon walls?” he thought to the others. ”Fer him to take such a risk, guards or no guards, that we mighta chose violence as our first option an’ not be willin’ to listen… I guess the situation inside be tenser than I thought.”


Ksenia melts away into the shadows, and the kuo-toans don't think to look around for more strangers. The archpriest rubs his hands together and makes a face that could be interpreted as a smile.

"Excellent! My people are split in two at the moment, as my daughter has proclaimed herself to be the archpriestess of Leemooggoogoon the Deep Father. She claims a vision, and has power to back it up. But this divide is hurting the village." He moves as he speaks, often in quick, darting movements, and the other fishmen move with him, more-or-less in circles around the group of you. It's somewhat dizzying. "The Deep Father demands human sacrifices. I want to trade you to them, as an offering of peace and reconciliation between Sea Mother and Deep Father. You will be bait, you understand?" He looks at you with a wall-eyed gaze.

"You will disrupt the ritual, and my loyal followers will cut off the head of the cult, and end this division. You will be well rewarded for your help." He looks at you all, unblinkingly, waiting for a response.


M CG Drow Druid 4 | HP 21/26 | AC 16 | Saves: Str +1, Dex +2, Con +1, Int +3, Wis +6, Cha +1 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Wild Shape 0/2 | Guiding Bolt 0/2 | Spells [I] 3/4 [II] 0/3 | Inspiration 1/2 | Exhaustion 1/6 | Madness 1/3

Kalanzar looks around. Do we have a choice?

:: It seems crazy to me. But on the other hand, stopping any cult that brings human sacrifice is not so bad... ::, he adds telepathically.


Stout Halfling Ranger lvl4 | AC 16 (st leather) | HP 32/32 | Init +4 | P. Perception 12, P. Insight 12 | Exhaustion: 0/6 | Inspiration: 1/2, Superiority dice: 3/4, Prim Aware: 1/1, Hunter sense: 2/2

::Did I understand that translation right? He wants to cut his daughter's head off??? ... Can we smuggle in some weapons? ... It feels like we need to dot some Is and cross some Ts on the details of this plan. And maybe dot a few Ts.::


F Hill Dwarf, Inspiration 1/2, AC 13, HP 27, PP 12, Exh: 0/6, MADNESS: 2 Rogue 3, Skills: SoH+7, Stealth+5, Invst+7, Perc+2, Nature+5, Hist+5,Insight+0

Ksenia samples an algae cake and almost gags. Bitter. So bitter. And salty. Will have to think of a way to make these palatable. Maybe the base for a broth? Can make a broth of just about anything.

She listens to the exchange and is highly unenthused about the plan. ::So the first group of Kua wanted to forcibly put us in chains and lead us to be sacrificed. This group wants to politely put us in chains and lead us to sacrifice but trust that actually it's a ruse so we'll fight their civil war for them.::

Ksenia considers this while going back to the jerky. ::I'm not necessarily voting no, I just think we should have some type of collateral or leverage.::


Female Barbarian 4 | HP 45/45 | AC:15 | Proficiency +2 | Inspiration: 0 | Madness: Lvl 1 | S +5 D +2 C +5 I +0 W +1 Ch +1 | Init +2 | Perc: +3 | Rage: 2/3 | Active Conditions: None | Short Rest: 3/4HD

I'm not sure if this is correct but I'm assuming that Stool translates, although this could be one bizarre game of telephone...

Maddy was a bit nervous as a whole bunch of words started flying around that she didn't understand. But then the words began translating inside her head and she felt a bit better until it was mentioned that they would be traded to the evil cult for human sacrifices as a peace offering.

::If we're being given over as prisoners for their peace offering, how are we supposed to disrupt the ritual if we don't have any weapons? I don't think they'll hand us over with our weapons:: She had just gotten her grandfather's sword back. She didn't want to have to give it up again.

::Shuushar, can we trust them?::


F Hill Dwarf, Inspiration 1/2, AC 13, HP 27, PP 12, Exh: 0/6, MADNESS: 2 Rogue 3, Skills: SoH+7, Stealth+5, Invst+7, Perc+2, Nature+5, Hist+5,Insight+0

Ksenia concentrates and the short sword blinks from Maddy's bag into her outstretched hand with a slight pop. ::Well, we've got at least one weapon that doesn't need smuggled in.::


M LN Mountain dwarf Ranger 4 (Fey Wanderer) | HP 26/32 | AC 14 | Saves: Str +3, Dex +4, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +4, Cha +5 | Passive Perc/Insight 16 | Init +2 | DV60' | Spells 0/3 | Speak with Animals 1/1 | Inspiration 0/2 | Exhaustion 0/6 | Madness 2

Right, that was the correct format…

::Gotta say, I ain’t in love with the idea, havin’ already been in life fer the knife,:: Precious thought back glumly. ::But we need help, aye? And there ain’t much we can offer in trade that them folks will want, with a religious conflict raisin’ its ugly head. We should set the price up front, though, just in case. If a high priest swears by ‘is Goddess that he’ll deal with us in good faith… ain’t much better guarantees one can ask fer.::


If the kuo-toans were aware of the discussion happening in thought-space, they showed no hint of it. Replying to Kalanzar's question, the archpriest said, "Not much choice, I admit it. We need sacrifices to offer, and the Sea Mother led me to you. But if you cooperate, we won't take your weapons or tie you up. My daughter will not see you as a threat either way."

He motioned towards the town. "Will you aid us freely? The temple has treasures taken from the deep, you can choose your reward from that once we have freed my people from the grip of the Deep Father."

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