Do I show my strength? thought Alexandra
Eldritch blasting the glue to bits would give away too much, but my illusionist talents? Can explain them as stage magiks. Need to do something that will amuse the cruel drow.
SLA Silent image
Behold the amazing Topsy, Silent Topsy and Turvy She said, in Elfish, as she made a second silent Topsy appear who cartwheels around in the slave pen, and then does a flying kick at Roncs face (unless Ronc is realy dumb he will know its illusionary) before running up the walls of the cave, hitting his head on the ceiling and falling down on Ronc again.
Dumb violence based Slaptstick probably works Thinks Alexandra as she has silent Topsy phantomime picking up a comically oversized Warhammer out of Ksenias rear end and hitting Ronc in the balls with it, the silent image suddenly gags and clutches its face akin to the real Topsy.
I have some stage magic. She deadpans.
Also, your highness, the two are twins, if you kill one of them the other will become useless as well, unless you wish to invest resources in stopping her from committing suicide.
At some point, I will enjoy killing you with slapstick Drow b$&@$ She thinks while doing so.
Alexandra used her free hand to go through some exaggerated magical motions as she speaks her words.
Alexandra's illusion managed to elicit an impressed eyebrow-raise from Ilvara. "Impressive. I did not smell sunlighter wizardry on you. You will fetch a higher price in Menzoberranzan. However, it also means you're more dangerous here."
Behind her, Topsy bucked and thrashed on the floor, his dark skin turning ashen. As the others screamed at her to save him, Ilvara raised a hand for silence, and grudgingly got it. "I will keep my word."
Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small vial. Uncorking it, she said to Kalanzar, "Hold him still." The druid was hard-pressed to, as Topsy was beyond reason. But he managed to settle the gnome, and Ilvara leaned over him, her long white hair brushing across Kalanzar's arms. She poured a few drops of the solution over Topsy's mouth. For a moment nothing happened, then the adhesive finally loosened, and Topsy tore his hands away from his mouth.
Gasping, Topsy rolled over onto his hands and knees, head down, breathing deeply. Turvy collapsed at the end of her chain, weeping in relief. Ilvara and Shoor left the cave, and the guards locked it behind her.
As Turvy caught her breath and stopped crying, she turned to Alexandra and said, "We owe you his life. Anything we can do for you, we will do it."
An hour or so later, the adhesive on Ksenia and Alexandra crumbled into dust, freeing them.
A few hours past that, Maddy, Ziyad and Jimjar returned, looking pleased with themselves.
Ksenia, the fishman, Eldeth and Buppido (the darrow) were taken for the next shift. Ksenia and Buppido were lowered in the lift along with three guards. At the bottom, they found two new guards had arrived with a four giant spiders. The spiders had been acting as pack animals, and needed to have their burdens unloaded. They held mostly still while Ksenia and Buppido worked the knots of the straps which held loads of various fungi and sacks of questionable substances (most of them dripping with blood or something worse). The spiders shifted restlessly, watching the short humanoids with hunger, clacking their mouthparts, venom dripping from their fangs.
As the other two worked the lift, Ksenia and Buppido unloaded the spiders and loaded the lift.
Shortly after the junior priestes, Asha, entered the cave, accompanied by several guards. Moving towards Maddy, she said (and Stool translated), "Hold your hands out." She held up a pair of leather gloves that had several straps dangling from them. It looked like they were meant to bind the fingers together so they couldn't move independently.
An hour or so in, Jimjar sidled up to Maddy and Ziyad and whispered in common, "See those two guards playing dice? Bet you 5 gold pieces I can get one of their purses without them noticing!"
Maddy wished her brother was here. He would be able to think of a way out of this predicament. She needed someone to tell her what to do. It’s probably why she would quickly obey the guards – because she couldn’t think of anything else to do at the moment.
She followed along behind the others, keeping her eyes on her surroundings and trying to figure out a way to keep track of the passage of time without being outside.
When Jimjar cleaned closer to where she and Ziyad were, she was grateful to hear words she understood but her eyes also widened at what he suggested. She wasn’t sure it was a good idea but at the same time, she was curious as to what would happen. She knew she wouldn’t be able to do it but Jimjar seemed pretty confident.
She hid a smile when Jimjar was successful. Now they just had to wait and watch what affect it would have. Maddy was tired from cleaning by the time the switch paid off. Seeing the guards almost come to blows gave her a weird sense of hope. As they were hurried back to the slave cave, she caught Jimjar’s eye and mouthed, Thank you.
When they arrived back at their quarters, the mood in the cave was odd. When she was chained again, as soon as the guards were gone she asked the slave next to her, "Did something happen while we were gone?"
Shortly after the junior priestes, Asha, entered the cave, accompanied by several guards. Moving towards Maddy, she said (and Stool translated), "Hold your hands out." She held up a pair of leather gloves that had several straps dangling from them. It looked like they were meant to bind the fingers together so they couldn't move independently.
Maddy looked at the strange gloves skeptically. She didn't want to let any of her captors to put anything on her but after hearing what happened to Topsy earlier, she was afraid that any resistance on her part may cause one of her fellow prisoners to be harmed in order to teach her a lesson.
Hoping that her obeying would protect the others, Maddy tentatively held out her hands as she was told.
Alex bekons to two over to her.
How about a deal you two, if that Orc She points at Ronc without him noticing.
Goes after one of us three, the other 2 will assist whoever he goes after.
Also, I obviously plan to flee, I believe that is your goal as well? Once we are out of here, direction, guidance, things you know about this place will be much appreciated.
Watching the scene with Madison she thinks, possibly through her active telepathic link, if it is active.
Crud, now they think everyone here is a possible spell caster.
Alexandra, come closer. Just be quiet.
Kalanzar says the same word twice in Elvish, and each time the woman feels a light and very pleasant coolness. At the same time, her wounds are being healed.
Kalanzar tries to make it as inconspicuous as possible for everyone else.
Thanks, I owe you one and I pay my debts. Alexandra whipsers to him, half an hour later, in Elfish.
The priestess may be seeking to corrupt rather then destroy you. I wished I could have intervened to save Topsy without making it obvious that I have magiks.
Alexandra keeps her movement patterns to those of one battered, as to not raise questions about her recovery.
Even later
I take you are rather estranged from your kin rather then having been on the losing side of a conflict?
Good idea about corruption. I never thought about it. But an unpleasant surprise awaits her. I believe I will choose death and not a betrayal of ideals. And I believe even more that I can get out of here without losing myself.
Later.
It is difficult for me to answer that I have distanced myself, because I originally grew up with a different culture. I have never descended deep into the underdark, only into a few caves close to the surface where the temple of Eilistraee is located. As I said before... I love the light of the stars and I pray to completely different gods - those who are connected with them. Eilistraee, as goddess of the night and a true defender of our people; Desna, as the goddess of the Stars; Seluna as the goddess of the Moon; and Nocticula as the new goddess of darkness between the stars, which also shows us that redemption is possible despite any... difficulties. He grins at the word "difficulties", clearly hinting at the origin. At the same time, he lifts his robe, showing a map of the starry sky carved on his body. Some of the stars are connected by dotted lines, forming familiar constellations. Among these there are also symbols that are not in the starry sky - the sacred symbols of each of the goddesses. The scarring is done very skillfully and looks not like a consequence of torture, but a real work of art. I was supposed to be a druid. Soon, literally in 5 years, a ritual dedication was to take place... I hope I can become one in the future... You know... I feel sorry drow. They live with such evil in their soul and do not know real happiness. When your whole life consists of a mixture of fear, suspicion, hatred, greed and guile, you just don't have time to be happy. Your monstrously inflated ego devours absolutely everything. I feel sorry for them. I'd like to show them the light of the stars. Kalanzar lowers his eyes in thought and falls silent.
Alexandra moves close to you and speaks in pretty rapid fire whispered elfish
If she follows the "textbook", and goes for the long approach, she will incentivize you with "rewards" perhaps not for you but for those you consider friends, in return for whatever counts as "Loth-abiding behaviour", before altering this to rewards for yourself, constantly increasing your dependency on her. At the same time, she will aim to isolate you, or make hostile to you, any form of assistance you may have from the outside. She will likely insist, at a relatively early point, that you engage in torture of another slave.
If she follows the "short" approach, its just torture, either of yours or others. I am not excatly a wholesome source of life advice, but not all the redeemer queen does now is pleaseant sunshine, and not all she has done as Lady in Shadows was evil, consider the fate of the likes of Nahyndri, and look to how you could make Ilvarra share his fate at least in part.
Alexandra quickly touches Kalanzar where she had earlier seen the scarified 7 pointed crown above moon of Nocticula, making it look like a random accidental movement, but actually traces the contours without seeing the symbol or looking at it.
Kalanzar looks at Alexandra in amazement. I... I understand. He nods, putting a lot of emotion into the last word. And thank you for your advice. This only convinces me that I need to do something and look for ways to get out of here - along with all the prisoners.
Alexandra, Kalanzar, and the quaggoth were pulled out for the third shift of the day. As the two guards escorted them along the swaying bridges past the guard tower, the quaggoth leaned over and whispered in elven, [smaller]"I couldn't help but overhear you two speaking in a civilized language earlier. The others avoid me, because of my beastly appearance, and I cannot speak with them. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Prince Derendil, of Nelrindenvale."
The three prisoners were on chamberpot duty. After emptying the one in the guard tower, they were escorted to the other two stalactites. The doors were open, and other quaggoths could be seen moving around inside, cleaning. When the prisoners arrived, the quaggoths brought out rather full chamber pots - it was the prisoners' duty to bring them to the waterfall to dump them out and rinse them. Likewise with the two gated caverns next to the main hall.
At the first stalactite, the quaggoth servant thrust the chamber pot so roughly into the Derendil's arms that the contents slopped over onto this fur. Snarling with sudden beastial fury, he bared his teeth and for a moment it looked as though he would throw the chamber pot down and start a fight. One of the guards, however, kicked him hard in the knee, making it buckle. More of the chamber pot's contents were spilled, and the guard snarled, "Clean that up, you filthy animal."
Pleased as well your grace. Alexandra answered, utterly nonplussed, in Elfish.
As if common is uncivilized, also, if you are an elfen prince then I am a Paladin. She thought.
She watched the situation develop, and began cleaning up, perfectly obedient slave she was, in part to forestall a sudden if probably fatal explosion of heroic altruism from Kalanzar.
She does try to get an idea of Quaggoth numbers, and on the martial aptitude of the drow guard in the meantime.
She does try to get an idea of Quaggoth numbers, and on the martial aptitude of the drow guard in the meantime.
Make some rolls, my friend.
The Elvish language is certainly beautiful, but your cruel captors also speak it, Your Grace. How did you end up here? - the druid looks interested and slightly surprised, but not overly so. It seems that he is internally ready for such miracles.
_____
Kalanzar grits his teeth, but doesn't say anything in response to the slop scene. What is needed is not a useless deed, but an escape plan.
Ksenia, the fishman, Eldeth and Buppido (the darrow) were taken for the next shift. Ksenia and Buppido were lowered in the lift along with three guards. At the bottom, they found two new guards had arrived with a four giant spiders. The spiders had been acting as pack animals, and needed to have their burdens unloaded. They held mostly still while Ksenia and Buppido worked the knots of the straps which held loads of various fungi and sacks of questionable substances (most of them dripping with blood or something worse). The spiders shifted restlessly, watching the short humanoids with hunger, clacking their mouthparts, venom dripping from their fangs.As the other two worked the lift, Ksenia and Buppido unloaded the spiders and loaded the lift.
In moments when the guards seem distracted or bored, Ksenia asks Buppido (in common): "So what's your story?" and gregariously fills in any silence with rambling about Waterdeep. (if he seems to not speak Common, she'll try Dwarvish and then rattle through her other known languages).
She also would like to use a rag torn off her clothing to try to dart in and soak up some of the spider venom, and secret it away, perhaps by pretending to trip and land on the ground.
And perhaps if it's useful, a knowledge nature roll to recognize the properties of the venom and how best to do so safely?
Maddy's mind was active with questions when the strange gloves were being placed on her hands. She forgot about the telepathic link with the others through Stool so she wasn't really aware that she was broadcasting her thoughts to the others.
Why are they coming to me with these strange gloves? I haven't caused any issues and I've been a hard worker. These gloves are going to make doing the work more difficult. It's almost like they're putting the gloves on the wrong person. Do they even know what they're doing?
As her thoughts flitted through her mind, she flexed her hands into fists to see how well she'd be able to punch with the weird gloves on.
Maddy lifted her hands obediently, so Asha wasn't overly rough as she fitted the leather gloves over her hands. At first they seemed loose, but the priestess murmured a word and they shrank to fit Maddy's hands perfectly. The fingers were stitched together, and the straps pulled her hands uncomfortably forwards and then wrapped around her wrists. When the process was done, her hands were completely immobile.
In smoothly accented common, she said, "Don't make any trouble, or she'll make me gag you too." Then she rose gracefully and left the cave.
The derro didn't speak common, but dwarven was his native tongue and he was happy enough to chat with Ksenia. "Oh, not much of a story. Terrible racists, these drow, they love kidnapping any of us inferior races they can get their hands on. Killed a couple of my friends, they did, and caught me. So I don't make no trouble. But if an opportunity should arise, well, they don't outnumber us by much, do they?"
As Ksenia talks of Waterdeep, Buppido shivered. "I went to the surface once. Travelled with a surface gnome for a while, friendly fellow, raved about the sky. When I came above ground, I expected beauty, sunsets, and clear blue skies. But every time I looked up into the empty abyss that hungover us, I only felt panic. It's so big, you know? It goes on forever! I couldn't help but feel as if one day I would be pulled up into it.”
"The Elvish language is certainly beautiful, but your cruel captors also speak it, Your Grace. How did you end up here?" - the druid looks interested and slightly surprised, but not overly so. It seems that he is internally ready for such miracles.
The quaggoth's eyes widened. "Do they? They won't speak it to me. And they pretend not to understand when I speak. They are spiteful creatures, though, aren't they."
His tale interrupted by the slop scene, he picked it up again as they emptied the pots over the waterfall. "I'm not actually a quaggoth, you know. I'm a gold elf, and was polymorphed by the evil wizard Terrestor. He was one of my advisors, before he became power hungry and betrayed me. Exiled by my people, trapped in this form, I wandered alone, half mad. I barely remember how I came to be captured by these drow. But I will not despair, and I will not leave my people to suffer under Terrestor's cruel rule." He seemed about to say more, but he glanced at the guards and shut his mouth instead.
As for the quaggoth, there are certainly at least 4, probably more, but they all look the same so it's hard to count. You see them going past the slave cave regularly, so they might have quarters further north to your cave.
Guard who kicked you is likely a reasonably capable warrior. Not particularly strong but dextrous.Quaggoths likely have quarters to the north of our cave.
Alex whisper to her shiftmembers when out of earshot.
She is still here? Did they confuse me for her? I am like, mildly more then half her bodymass, have different skin and hair color, and at least the sizeable difference in hair cut should give it away? Arrogance induced Aphasia I guess.
When possible she moves to Maddy, trying to figure out what the gloves are.
But coming up blank.
Sorry for that, if I inform them, we probably both end up wearing such gloves. Anything I can do to be of assistance?
Kalanzar nods thoughtfully, but firstly does not answer Derendil. A little later he will say: Your story sounds incredible, but I'm certainly someone who won't judge by appearance. We'll get out and see the light of the stars again!
_____
Ziyad invites the resourceful Jimjar to the telepathic roundtable ::Jimjar, what other items are you able to conjure forth from the pockets of our captors? Have you seen a crystal, orb, or other implement magic user's employ? Perhaps inks and parchments...books for the recording of lexicon ciphers for spellcraft? Or, on a different track, perhaps you know a place we might use as a hidden stash, to gather resources for our journey into the dark...should the day of freedom come?::
Jimjar grins and cracks his knuckles. ::Oh, plenty of places to hide things in the cave. Bet you twenty gold you can't find even half the things I have stashed away in here. So far the drow haven't thought to search for contraband. Just don't let Ront see you do it, as he'll take your stuff, or wreck it for fun. The twins have sticky fingers too.::
He thought a moment, tapping his forehead with a long finger. ::I haven't seen anything magical, other than what Ilvara and Shoor carry. Maybe if we could get into their chambers, or into Asha's? They've probably got lots of stuff. But I'm not trying that alone, no matter the payout. We get caught trying that, we'll be spider food for sure.::
Questions. Can I determine if the spider web is sticky? Can I assume that jumping into the lake from the net would be much safer?
Alexandra chats up Jimjar out of earshot of hostile drows or Roncs
Can I verify something? Shoor is Ilvaras current boytoy, but something tells me he is unsure of his position and hasnt been her toyboy for long. Is the previous soyboy still alive? Maybe we can sow some discord
Alexandra chats up Jimjar out of earshot of hostile drows or Roncs
Can I verify something? Shoor is Ilvaras current boytoy, but something tells me he is unsure of his position and hasnt been her toyboy for long. Is the previous soyboy still alive? Maybe we can sow some discord[dice=persuasion to have Jimjar yield useful info]d20+5
Jimjar shrugs. "You were here before me. Maybe ask Sarith, I think he's one of the local boys. But watch your timing, he's a moody bugger." He absently rubbed the side of his head, where Sarith had cuffed him earlier that day. "In fact, I'll bet you a crossbow bolt dipped in drow poison that you can't get him to talk to you."
Kalanzar will quietly whisper to Alexandra when there is a moment that there will be no guards, quaggoths and other prisoners nearby:
Did you come up with something? I have two options so far. I can try to negotiate with the spiders below - yes, yes, you got it right, literally talk to them - when we jump on the web. It is much safer to jump into the lake from it. I'm delaying the spiders with my chatter, you jump down, I'm the last to leave. And then run. The second option is that I can prepare a charm spell after morning meditation. But its peculiarity is that after an hour, when the effect subsides, the creature will know that it was enchanted. So we need to understand in advance what and whom we want to ask and be prepared that then he will be negative towards us. That is, we will need to act immediately and quickly.
On occasion, he will repeat similar thoughts to Ziyad and Ksenia, intuitively sensing in them the future other leaders of the escape.
Sorry for that, if I inform them, we probably both end up wearing such gloves. Anything I can do to be of assistance?
Keeping her voice low she said, "They must think we're all the same. I won't make a fuss now and maybe that priestess will get in trouble when the one in charge realizes she put the gloves on the wrong one. But I still don't see how they can expect me to work with my hands made useless."
Once the priestess and guards had left the area, Maddy began to pull at the gloves with her teeth along with flexing her fingers and hand to pull the lacings apart.
Once the priestess and guards had left the area, Maddy began to pull at the gloves with her teeth along with flexing her fingers and hand to pull the lacings apart. strength: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Maddy had very little slack in the lacings to move her hands or fingers. She grabbed at the laces with her teeth, and triggered a clap of thunder from the gloves, so loud that her head snapped back and her ears rang.
Topsy and Turvy both clapped her ears and skittered backwards, as if trying to meld into the cave wall. The guards spun around, crossbows raised, but the priestess's voice stopped them from shooting.
Appearing back in front of the gate, the priestess laughed, a beautiful, tinkling sound. "Did I forget to mention? Don't try to get out of them."
Once the priestess and guards had left the area, Maddy began to pull at the gloves with her teeth along with flexing her fingers and hand to pull the lacings apart. strength: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20Maddy had very little slack in the lacings to move her hands or fingers. She grabbed at the laces with her teeth, and triggered a clap of thunder from the gloves, so loud that her head snapped back and her ears rang.
[dice=damage]1d6
Topsy and Turvy both clapped her ears and skittered backwards, as if trying to meld into the cave wall. The guards spun around, crossbows raised, but the priestess's voice stopped them from shooting.
Appearing back in front of the gate, the priestess laughed, a beautiful, tinkling sound. "Did I forget to mention? Don't try to get out of them."
Maddy grunted in surprised pain as the gloves hurt her when she tried to get out of them. It was then that she remembered one of Matty's rants about magical items and how they were hard to destroy and often had magical protection.
She could feel frustrated anger beginning to form in the pit of her stomach and the edges of her vision darkened. Not another blackout. Not now! Her quickly beating heart began to slow as she focused on her breathing. The anger stayed at a slow simmer in the root of her being and her eyes narrowed into a glare as she heard the priestess' voice. Asha became the first person in whatever this place was that Maddy actively disliked.
It had been a long time since the drow had brought any food. Ksneia and Buppido arrived back from their shift exhausted and thirsty, and had to make do with a few dregs of water in the bottom of their cups.
Kalanzar had barely returned from chamberpot duty before he was pulled out again, this time with Ront, Serith and Turvy. Ilvara herself met them at the main platform, outside the main hall. In undercommon, she explained, "One of my spiders has laid eggs, without my permission. You will collect them, and bring them to me. She, of course, will protest. You two," she pointed to the two drow, "will collect the eggs. The other two will provide a distraction. The little one as bait, and the big one to reel him in."
She pointed to a harness, and indicated that Turvy should put it on. It was attached to a spidersilk rope, which Ront took the other end of. "Dangle her into the web, and when the spiders come to investigate, you two collect the eggs." She gave them each a small potion. "This will allow you to climb down. Use this as an opportunity to chance escape, and my guards will shoot you."
Maddy slept poorly, her wrists sore from the position the gloves put her hands in. She heard somebody thrashing and moaning in their sleep, on the other side of the cave.
Ziyad dreamt...he stepped out into the street, and felt himself began to fall. Marshalling his will, he tried to form the chaos into the solid stuff he could stand on, but it slipped through his fingers and his mind like wisps of smoke. The tower in the distance began to shiver and dissolve. The githzerai inside the tower began to scream in fear and pain. Ziyad tried to run to them, but he was caught in a quagmire of chaos. The world became dark, and he felt himself falling, falling....
The guards opened the door, returning the spider-egg-retrieval team to the cave. After everybody had their iron belt locked to one of the chains, the guards came through with water, and let everybody drink their fill. They then dumped a bowl of what looked like buns near the front of the cave. Those at the back couldn't reach, and had to rely on the others passing some food back (it turned out to be a chewy fungus). The orc, Ront, refused to pass any back, gathering as much as he could and stuffing it into his mouth. Ksenia, Sarith and Ziyad were unable to reach any of the food.
As short while later, Maddy, Stool, the fishman, and Topsy were taken for work. They were taken to the guard tower, where there had clearly been a fight. Two of the chairs had been destroyed and broken bits of wood-like-fungus lay all around. There were blood splatters on the wall and floor, spilled food, and a pile of vomit.
A guard was climbing down from the trapdoor, carrying a few buckets and a pile of rags. "Clean it up," he said in undercommon, which Stool translated for Maddy.
As they worked, Ilvara and Jorlan came into the tower, and conferred in low tones with one of the guards standing duty.
Before the others were back, Ksenia, Ziyad and Jimjar were taken for a shift - the first time two shifts were out of the cave at once. They were brought into the main hall, where two tables had been pushed together to contain a heaping pile of fungus. The three were given strange tools - almost like small saws, they had blunt, squared-off ends and serrated edges.
One of the quaggoth servants said, "Trillimac stalk", in undercommon. Jimjar softly translated his (or was it hers? Impossible to tell) words into common. "Peel off the outer layer, like this." He showed them how to use the saw to cut a sharp and prickly outer layer off, and reveal the edible flesh inside. The quaggoth wore gloves to demonstrate, but did not provide the slaves with any.
Buppido: Ksenia is delighted to find that he speaks Dwarven and the next time they are chained together, introduces him to Eldeth. "What is this language our captors speak? It's so gutteral, like insects barking at each other."
Sarith: Ksenia leans over to the drow while eyeballing Ront cramming food into his mouth. "Will our captors just let some of us starve? I haven't eaten in at least two shifts and am starting to see colors where there aren't any."
Jimjar: Ksenia, having heard his boasting of hiding things away asks if he might hypothetically have anything airtight for squirreling away venom.
Stool: Having at some point been introduced to his telepathy, Ksenia eventually cannot help blurting out in her mind "Okay but if you don't have a mouth, how do you scream? How do you drink? How do you EAT?" She pauses, stomping down the line of questions, trying not to think of the next one but in thinking about not thinking about it she thinks it extremely loudly, "Is eating mushrooms cannibalism for you?"
@Maddy: "I have some skill at picking locks and fiddling with such things and haven't gotten my fingers cut off yet." Ksenia says and gestures towards the strange gloves. "If you'd like I can take a look to see if I could figure a way to unlatch them so that we know whether I can get them off in an emergency - or if perhaps I could disable them and leave them on you until you need to throw them off."
At the inevitable look of skepticism at getting zapped again, Ksenia will insist: "I swear I won't touch them! Just let me eyeball them!"
Kalanzar does exactly what a drow woman expects from a drow man - with a bow replies that the deed will be done. At the same time, he squints at Ront and tries to figure out what the probability is that he will let Toovey be eaten just for fun... or through inattention.
Not currently on a shift, and wishing to assemble more information, Aleksandra turns to something she has always been good at. Cheating.
Her connection to her Patron was always strongest around midnight, and by focusing on it, she hopes to note the passage of time. Of course, this would mean midnight for whereever her Patron is, not her (her Patron being far more powerfull and thus her location being more determinative), it could still serve as a rough idea for time passed.
Clever Alexandra, but focus on me like this, so you do not actually ping me. I wish you good luck in your escape. Alexandra hears through her connection. As well as telepathic instructions on how to do this less obtrusively.
And then aims to open up communications, in Elfish.
You are as stuck here as I am, and I believe I have demonstrated a degree of above average utility. Perhaps we both stand to profit from a degree of cooperation?
Earlier with Jimjar:
Interesting wager, I cannot accept as I do not currently feel like procuring a bolt with drow poison, should I lose the bet. May I propose an alternative? If I get him to chat, you will assist me if Ronc does something aggressive against you, if I fail, I shall assist you instead.
Earlier with Jimjar:
Interesting wager, I cannot accept as I do not currently feel like procuring a bolt with drow poison, should I lose the bet. May I propose an alternative? If I get him to chat, you will assist me if Ronc does something aggressive against you, if I fail, I shall assist you instead.
Jimjar waved away petty concerns like lack of personal possessions with a small hand. "There's no hurry, I keep my ledger in my head." Looking at Ront warily, he said, "Do we need to make mutual assistance part of a wager?"
We can also negotiate for it otherwise, I pledge to help you, you to help me in case he does aggression against either?
She was attempting to make contact with the Drow-prisoner Szarith earlier.
Maddy slept poorly, her wrists sore from the position the gloves put her hands in. She heard somebody thrashing and moaning in their sleep, on the other side of the cave.
Maddy’s hands ached and part of her felt like she was losing a grip on her calm as the seconds ticked by agonizingly slow since she couldn’t sleep. She could hear someone in the throes of a nightmare. She tried to wake them up without alerting the guards, ”Can you hear me? Wake up! You’re having a bad dream,” she hissed.
Maddy was in a somber mood as she was pushed forward for yet another work shift. A shift that she wasn’t truly sure how she was going to function with her hands tied the way they were. She liked that she was with Stool and Topsy because they could talk to each other inside their heads. She hadn’t met the fishman yet so it might be nice to find out his story. While they were on their way to the guard tower, Maddy telepathically asked Stool if he could send her thoughts to the fishman. Having agreed, Maddy thought, My name is Maddy. What’s your name? How long have you been down here and where are you from?
The fight in the guard tower made Maddy wonder if it had been the two guards that seemed upset with each other after Jimjar’s display of ability during their last shift. As the guard descended, she tried to catch a glimpse of what was above.
Maddy grimaced as she tried to use some of the rags to clean. She couldn’t grasp anything and the harder she tried, the more on fire her wrists felt due to the pain. She growled in frustration just as Ilvara entered the tower, ”I can’t do anything with these gloves!” She pathetically threw the rag onto the floor in anger.
Buppido: Ksenia is delighted to find that he speaks Dwarven and the next time they are chained together, introduces him to Eldeth. "What is this language our captors speak? It's so gutteral, like insects barking at each other."
Buppido laughs, a rich, hearty, dwarven sounding laugh. "Ach, undercommon, it's well-named. Most of the peoples down here speak it. It takes bits from most of the surface languages. For example..." He spends a few minutes elucidating on some similarities between undercommon and dwarvish.
Sarith: Ksenia leans over to the drow while eyeballing Ront cramming food into his mouth. "Will our captors just let some of us starve? I haven't eaten in at least two shifts and am starting to see colors where there aren't any."
Sarith looked to Stool, and after a moment, his mouth quirked sardonically. Ksenia heard him reply in her mind, ::Our kind are happy to weed out the weak. A slave who won't try to feed themselves is worth little.:: He grabbed a stone and lobbed it at Ront's head, smacking him squarely. "Hey ugly! Pass some back or you'll be spider food next shift we have together."
The half-orc bared his tusks, but tossed two chunks back to Sarith. He raised his eyebrows at Ksenia, then bit into his meal.
Ziyad waited a moment for Ront to turn his gaze the right direction, then reached out with his psyche through the hidden corridors revealed to his race. Every atom and molecule had a resonant sense buried deep within the subconscious of the observers, and Ziyad long ago learned to tap such neuronal pathways and affect change. He focused on the food, as it appeared to the others close by...altering its mass slightly and imparting a bouyant force that quickly lifted it and hovered it out of the way. Soon a few handfuls were tucked behind Ksenia.
Ksenia was saved needing to attack or threaten the orc, when she discovered some food making its way towards her.
Jimjar: Ksenia, having heard his boasting of hiding things away asks if he might hypothetically have anything airtight for squirreling away venom.
The gnome's eyes widened, and he said, "Don't look." Turning his back on her, he scrambled around in the rocks for a bit, then returned with a small vial. "Will this do?"
Stool: Having at some point been introduced to his telepathy, Ksenia eventually cannot help blurting out in her mind "Okay but if you don't have a mouth, how do you scream? How do you drink? How do you EAT?" She pauses, stomping down the line of questions, trying not to think of the next one but in thinking about not thinking about it she thinks it extremely loudly, "Is eating mushrooms cannibalism for you?"
She got a clear image of a smile in her mind, despite the fungus being mouthless. Then he screamed. The sounds was entirely in her head, and couldn't have been louder if a physical mouth had been right up against her ear. Ksenia clapped her hands over her ears in useless agony, then just as quickly as it started, it stopped.
Stool thought, ::Sorry, sorry! But we are very loud. And we cannot be gagged! Mouths are very vulnerable, I am sorry you rely on one. Eating fungus is not cannibalism! Do you not eat flesh of other flesh-creatures? I would not eat my own kind. But this is very tasty.::
He held his hands over the stew, and looking closely, Ksenia saw hair-thin tendrils unfurl from his fingers and drop into the food. It took a long while, but eventually, the volume of liquid decreased.
sleight of eye: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Ksenia took a good long look at the gloves, asking Maddy to turn her hands so she could see different angles. There were strange markings etched into the leather; symbols that seemed to swim before her eyes. She thinks that if they could be cut off, carefully, without disturbing any of the symbols, they might not trigger the alarm trap. But pulling at them, or untying the knots, would likely be unsuccessful.
Kalanzar does exactly what a drow woman expects from a drow man - with a bow replies that the deed will be done. At the same time, he squints at Ront and tries to figure out what the probability is that he will let Toovey be eaten just for fun... or through inattention. Insight: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
With my knowledge as a druid, I can try to understand how quickly a new spider will hatch from these eggs? And how long does it take him to grow up? One idea is crazier than another... )
Ront seems likely to toy with Turvy, but probably won't allow her to die, at least not on purpose. He's a bully, but he's afraid of the drow.
The eggs seem pretty developed, might hatch in a day or two. They're about the size of a grapefruit. As to how fast the spiders might grow... you know that growth of animals with exoskeletons really depends on how much they eat.
Ziyad inspected the Trillimac stalk with an abundance of caution. In Limbo, wild vegetation could become spontaneously carnivorous, arcane-wielding, or explosive...the prickly surface of this hardy underground species was deceptive, the gith sensed...
Rolling dex to avoid damage while working quickly, would like to add my herbalism proficiency since it is similar work if allowed.
Dex+herbs: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 2 = 16
Ziyad discovers that the stalks seem to have a mechanism for shooting the prickles almost like small harpoons. It's not working in the dead chunks of the mushroom, but the live ones should be handled with care. However, the barbs do easily break off even now, which is why they're peeled. Ziyad manages to avoid hurting his hands.
Maddy telepathically asked Stool if he could send her thoughts to the fishman. Having agreed, Maddy thought, My name is Maddy. What’s your name? How long have you been down here and where are you from?
Stool seemed surprised she wanted to talk to the fishman - the little sprout said, ::The kuo-toa are dangerous! Most dangerous!:: This was surprising, as the fishman had been calm and silent so far. Hiding a bit behind Maddy, Stool sent the thought.
The response was immediate. ::Hello, surface-walker! I am Shuushar, the Awakened! I am pleased to speak to you. I did not know the little one could speak like this, you are a clever little mushroom, aren't you? I have been here for longer than you, but not much:: He exuded a mental aura of calmness and balance. ::I am from Sloobludop, a town of my people near the Darklake. It is many days from here.::
The fight in the guard tower made Maddy wonder if it had been the two guards that seemed upset with each other after Jimjar’s display of ability during their last shift. As the guard descended, she tried to catch a glimpse of what was above.
perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
It appears to be the equivalent of a storage attic. Along with the cleaning equipment, she saw spare chain shirts hanging on pegs, a rack of weapons, and various crates stacked up.
Maddy grimaced as she tried to use some of the rags to clean. She couldn’t grasp anything and the harder she tried, the more on fire her wrists felt due to the pain. She growled in frustration just as Ilvara entered the tower, ”I can’t do anything with these gloves!” She pathetically threw the rag onto the floor in anger.
One of the guards not speaking to Ilvara moved to kick Maddy into action. The high-priestess, glancing over, did a double-take. She held up a hand imperiously, and the guard refrained.
Moving to Maddy, Ilvara hissed a curse in undercommon that Stool refused to translate. She waved a hand, and the knots unraveled. Pulling the gloves off, she turned her back on Maddy, and returned to speaking to the guards. She seemed upset.
And then aims to open up communications, in Elfish.
persuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
You are as stuck here as I am, and I believe I have demonstrated a degree of above average utility. Perhaps we both stand to profit from a degree of cooperation?
The drow stared at her, uncomprehending. After a moment, he threw a small stone at Jimjar, waking him up. The gnome startled awake, rubbing his eyes. He listened to what Sarith had to say, then said, "Sorry, could you repeat whatever that was? He only speaks the drow tongue."
When Alexandra repeated it, Jimjar translated. His face neutral, the drow said, "What did you have in mind?"
We can also negotiate for it otherwise, I pledge to help you, you to help me in case he does aggression against either?
Jimjar grinned, his teeth small and sharp looking. "Yes! Of course. Anything to bury that bully."
An hour or so into the shift, Ilvara came back, dragging Asha by the hair. She whisper-shouted something to the younger drow, then pointed at Alexandra. The guards opened the cage, then Asha, looking furious, approached Alexandra. She held the gloves. "Hands!" she demanded.
With Szarith:
I propose in essence mutual assistance should a certain incredibly unintelligent Orc get frisky at either of us. I would consider any additional insight concerning our position, our captives or our surroundings that you may have as valuable and would ask what you would request in return for divulging it so that we may
Her eyes roll so much they almost pop out of her sockets
better serve our most esteemed captors she finishes, voice dripping with sarcasm.
With Jinjar:
Bury? Why do it ourselfs then we can make the drow do it for us? Would be a funny reversal of the whole slave/master things would it not?
With Asha:
Alexandra immidiatly and obediently puts our her hands with a completely neutral expression, inwardly bracing for some serious blows.
Good thing I procured some allies against the stupid orc-a*#%$~~& before this happened. she thinks.
With Szarith: I propose in essence mutual assistance should a certain incredibly unintelligent Orc get frisky at either of us. I would consider any additional insight concerning our position, our captives or our surroundings that you may have as valuable and would ask what you would request in return for divulging it so that we may
Her eyes roll so much they almost pop out of her sockets better serve our most esteemed captors she finishes, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Sarith looked askance at Jimjar, as if doubting his translation. "Speak plainly, human. What do you want to know?"
Bury? Why do it ourselfs then we can make the drow do it for us? Would be a funny reversal of the whole slave/master things would it not?
Jimjar laughed, then immediately shushed himself. "There's no way they'll kill him! He's the most valuable one in here. I'll bet you 100 gold that you can't pull that off."
Alexandra immediatly and obediently puts our her hands with a completely neutral expression, inwardly bracing for some serious blows.
Good thing I procured some allies against the stupid orc-a!&&*!@+ before this happened. she thinks.
Asha pulled the gloves down roughly over her hands, activating them with a word of magic so they shrunk down to fit. Lacing the gloves up more roughly than she had with Maddy, Asha betrayed her fury. Alexandra soon found her fingers yanked downwards, bending her hands, so her fingertips nearly touched her wrists. The pain was immediate.
Meanwhile, Ilvara waited impatiently. As soon as the junior priestess was done, the high priestess motioned her to stand near the end of the cavern. Together, they began to speak arcane words, in a language nobody knew but themselves. It sounded thick and liquid, like dark lava, and hurt the ears to hear it.
A purple glow began to form around their upraised hands. It grew steadily brighter, though it illuminated nothing. After a moment, it began to spread, forming a lattice-like web between their hands. It lifted into the air, growing in size, and the two women's webs met each other and connected. Another minute, and it filled the inside of the cave.
The dark words reached a crescendo, and the purple network of energy blew apart. Settling into the walls, the floor, and the ceiling, into the very chains that bound them, it continued to glow for a few more seconds, then slowly faded.
Ilvara and Asha seemed to sag, clearly worn out from their ritual. Shaking her head as though to clear it, Ilvara took her staff from a guard who'd been holding it for her. She lashed out at Alexandra, but the tentacles hung limp and did nothing.