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Content enough that Airi take the magic blade for her own, she merely mentioned, "The coin'll come in handy for the rest of us. Every bit counts."
Noting Airi's multiple wounds, Ness *tsked* before setting to task on healing the half-elf girl. She sat before her, cross-legged as was her way. Verdi appeared out of her pocket hideaway once again and took her place on Ness' thigh; a small, happy rustling sound coming from her.
Happy that she had picked ten fresh blueberries this morning and placed them in the pouch, Ness reminded herself to collect more once they had finished their work inside the fishery. With all the unforeseen injury taken this day, her berries were diminishing faster than expected. Taking two plump and juicy ones out of the pouch, she placed them in her palm and so began her commune with the nature around them; imbuing each berry in turn with the bounty and succour that would mend her friend before they could continue on.
"This'll take some time, but best you're hale and whole, Airi. Now, eat the first berry and then the second when I'm done with it."
After time has passed, Ness satisfied the wounds had healed clean and whole, patted Airi's knee and said. "You're right as rain!" Tying her pouch and placing it carefully inside the pocket of her pack (for she didn't want to squash any of the remaining fruit) and placing Verdi back inside the coat pocket with a soothing, melodic tune sounding much like an old Sylvan song Leo would remember from his childhood, she was ready to move on, if the others were.
Seeing Sansaárë sit down on one of the crates, Knowing Nyswyn would take the time to heal her, Leo sat down on a box beside her. as Ambrose came over, placing both front paws on the box, giving a yap, Loe reached down and picked the corgi up. Deciding It was nice being tall enough not to have climb, Leo held Ambrose on his lap as the druid began to looks at the wounds. Resisting the urge to chuckle as Nyswn 'tsked' at the half elf. Watching as the little leachy, helps the druid prepare the berries.
Once Nyswyn announced Sansaárë was 'right as rain' Loe dropped Ambrose to the ground and jumped up ready to follow the ladies further into the caves.
After a tasty treat of wildberries provided by Nyswyn (and Verdi), our Heroes decide to continue their investigation into what really is the Menace in Otari!?
This short hallway has smooth walls of worked stone with a door at either end, though the door at the far end is closed. The floor is tiled with large, square stone tiles.
Sansaárë, Tannakin and Leo notices something a bit off in the hallway.
Notice DC 20 Perception check
Disable A hero must succeed at a DC 18 Thievery check on the triggering square or the ceiling to prevent the stone blocks from falling.
Falling Stones [reaction] When a creature steps on the square closest to the north door, the trap drops blocks of stone all along the hallway. It makes one ranged Strike against each creature between the two doors.
Ranged Strike falling block +8, Damage 1d8 bludgeoning
The hallway seems to lead to another door....
@Ness. I'm glad someone is keeping track of my hit points. Thank you.
Sansaárë walks a little ways and stops.
There is something wrong with the floor. It looks like a trap. Let's see what I can do to disable the device.[b]
[b]Yes, I got it on the first try this time. Ok guys. Let's go see what there is but be careful. We still don't know what we will run into.
Everyone ready?
And Sansaárë starts to skip down the hall.
As Leo followed along behind the ladies, he had been trying to hold the torch still and pay attention. Seeing the trap about the same time Sansaárë pointed it out, Leo steps back calling Ambrose in sylvan, picking the little corgi up to keep it away from the trap.
As Sansaárë dealt with the issue, Leo let out a sigh of relief, putting the dog down. Well done Sansaárë!" As he followed along trying to keep pace, skipping as well.
"I never saw it. Good eyes, Airi," she added as Ness moved along with the others.
Tannakin follows along with the rest as Airi skips down the hall...
The door to this chamber silently glides open to reveal a long room. Two stone statues of priests stand in the corners along one side of the room, facing a towering statue of a man holding out both of his hands, palms up. In front of this statue is a stone altar holding nine golden coins. A voice booms out from the statue.
“In my hands I judge the value of all wealth, raising up whichever is greater. One of these coins is a deception. Find it using only two judgments and receive my blessing.”
The statue and the coins represent a puzzle. The challenge here is to identify which of the coins is fake. All of them look identical and they all weigh exactly the same, but the fake coin is worth less than the others. Explain to the players that when the heroes place coins in the statue’s hands, it will raise the hand that has a higher value. So if the heroes put four coins in each hand and the right hand contains the fake, the statue will raise the left hand. After two attempts, the statue asks the heroes to identify the fake.
Ness looked up at the towering statue of a man and the stone altar holding the golden coins. Listening to the riddle coming from the statue, Ness waited until the voice ended and then said to her companions, "Here's Abadar, god of wealth and civilisation."
Puzzles weren't her choice of pass times, so the druidess waited on Tann or Leo to work out the weighing of the coins so they could all gain the god's blessing.
Pausing, Leo begins to smile. it was a puzzle. He loved puzzles. His brain started working, quickly realizing that breaking the nine into two halves would not work. He looked down at Ambrose to see if the dog had any ideas. When Ambrose was not forthcoming, he started thinking about it again. Maybe stacks of three. Turning towards Nyswyn as she explained it was Abadar, he had heard of Abadar, as he pondered he noticed Tannakin was smiling with a twinkle in her eye. Realizing his friend had solved the puzzle he gestured toward the hands. "Lady Tannakin, doest thou have yon solution?"
Tan says, "This is a merchant's puzzle! Put three in each side. If it balances, great--the fake is in the other three. If it doesn't balance, great--you know the fake is among the three on the light side."
She performs the above operation.
"And once you have it down to three, you just put one on each side. If it balances, great--the fake is the last one. If it doesn't, great, the fake is on the light side."
She points to the fake coin. "That one's no good."
Sansaárë looks at the statue, the gold coins and nods to Tann and Leo.
You two must be having fun with this puzzle.
The rogue smiles at Ness.
Let them play with it. Hehe.
She waits for the two brains to figure it out.
The trick to solving the puzzle is to split the coins into three groups of three coins each. By placing one group of three in each hand and leaving the third group on the altar, the players can determine which group contains the fake coin. If one hand rises, the other hand contains the fake. If neither rises, then the fake is in the three coins that were left on the altar. The heroes then need to repeat this process with the group containing the fake, by placing one coin in each hand and leaving the third on the altar. If one hand rises, the coin in the other hand is the fake. If neither rises, the coin on the altar is the fake.
As Tann makes the declaration of which gold coin is the fake, the voice says,
The sounds of a stone door opening follows the proclamation.
Abadar’s Vault
This small chamber contains an old wooden chest emblazoned with the symbol of a key. Behind the chest is a massive contraption of gears and pulleys that looks like the inner workings of some unseen device.
The unlocked chest contains the blessing of Abadar. Inside is a pile of coins, a rolled-up piece of parchment, and a small glass box containing a single emerald (20 gp.). The coins consist of 214 cp, 22 sp, and 3 gp, plus any coins that the heroes lost to the puzzle in Area 9.
Although the room is dark when the heroes first enter, they can see tiny shafts of light coming from the wall on the north side. Tiny holes in the wall allow them to peek into Area 11. On the far side of this area is a kobold, standing watch. If the heroes listen, they can hear fragments of a quiet conversation between a few other kobolds, out of sight, talking about “the boss’s new pet” and plans for “the town above.”
If a hero examines the chest, they notice a lever protruding from the back of it. Have them roll a DC 15 Crafting check. If the hero succeeds, they realize that this mechanism controls a trap hidden in Area 11, though from here they can’t tell precisely how the trap is triggered or what it does.
The lever is currently set to the “disarmed” position. If the heroes set it to the “active” position, the trap in Area 11 activates.
When the unlocked chest was opened, Ness' eyes fell on the rolled piece of parchment. She began casting Detect Magic, hands and words working together to make her nature magic work.
"There's a scroll of magic missile. Once it's used, it'll crumble to dust."
She then continued to look over the old wooden chest.
"Look, there's a lever jutting out from the back of the chest. I'm not going to pull it. Ari, what do you think it does?"
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Eyeing the chest, Leo holds the torch still in his left hand as he waives his right at the parchment "မှော်ကိုထောက်လှမ်း"
Nodding his head in agreement with Nyswyn, he asks, "Mightest I see the parchment?" Accepting the scroll from the dwarf, he shifts the torch to under his arm to investigate the scroll. Just as he does so, Ambrose jumps up catching the scroll in his mouth, running off. Leo frowns, "Ambrose come back here right...."
Seeing Ambrose drop the scroll and quickly begin to eat it, Leo looks up at the other apologetically. "Oh bother."
Tannakin, eyes shining, scoops the loot into a sack. Real divine puzzle loot!
She turns her beaming face to the kobolds and whispers as Leo pursues his wayward pup, "Shhhsshshsh... let him have it... it'll keep him quiet. We've got company."
She peers through the holes and tries to focus her hearing, trying to learn more...
Sansaárë turns to look at the chest and lever found by Ness.
Not too sure, but, I bet it's not good. Perhaps, Leo may have an idea?
The rogue also listens with Tann.
Abadar’s Vault
Finding the vault most gracious, our Heroes begin to gather the treasure bestowed upon them by Abadar.
Leo and Nyswyn take the time to look over the parchment, finding it as a valuable...corgi treat!
Tannakin and Sansaárë begins peeping through the holes found in the wall to gather further intelligence.
The lever is currently set to the “disarmed” position. If the heroes set it to the “active” position, the trap in Area 11 activates.
Encouraged by he fact that Tannakin had said to let Ambrose 'have it' Leo tried to ignore the slurping and crunching sounds of his corgi mount eating a very expensive ancient Parchment. Wanting to do something other than stand there and look embarrassed, Leo glances from Sansaárë to the lever that Nyswyn had pointed out. Scratching his head, he observes. "I doest believe yon lever arms and disarms the trap we found earlier."
He looks towards where the sound is coming from, "Shalt we address yon Kobolds, before we attempt to learn more about the trap?"
Tannakin leans over the chest and carefully, quietly, stealthily reaches out, grasps the lever, slams it down... and arms the trap.
Then she waits.
She says to Leo, "We can try to talk, but I think they are gonna be hostile like those others."
Watching as Tannakin sets the trap, Leo raises an eyebrow. Looking towards the kobolds. "Shalt we watch yon Kobolds and see what transpires?"
Sansaárë keeps on listening and whispers.
Yes, we should wait a few minutes. Maybe we can find some information from them while we listen. If anything happens, then maybe Nyswyn can try talking to them.
Tannakin sighs and says, "We can try to be nice. I'll disarm the trap again if you think it's the right thing to do."
She tries to figure out the ethics of the situation, but it's kind of complicated. "...but we did just stab their friends and family, so I don't think they'll be very happy with us."
Sansaárë looks around the corner to see how many there is.
Your right. I see two of them. One in the corner about 15 feet from me, and one in the far right corner. But I hear a third one that I don't see. Nyswyn, What do you think?
Which one would you like to go get first?
Sansaárë looks around again to try to pinpoint where the other one is.
Everyone ready? Let's put on our MEAN faces!!!
As the corgi continued to devour the parchment with the spell, much to Ness' surprise, she sat down and with Verdi communed with the nature spirits to refocus and gain back what she had lost during the last fight with the lizard folk. Once done, Verdi returned to her coat pocket sanctuary and Ness stood up.
Ness then watched as Tann armed the trap; hoping the half elf's gambit would prove fruitful.
"If anything happens, then maybe Nyswyn can try talking to them."
"Nyswyn, What do you think? Which one would you like to go get first?"
Shaking her head, the druidess replied in a much lowered voice, "These lizard people aren't animals, Airi, so my mojo won't work on 'em. And, I don't speak their tongue - that'll be Tann's gift."
She quietly enquired, "Should we first see if these lizard folk trip the trap Tann just armed before we go in? I'm not wanting to get hurt by some trap, if I can help it."
Peeking through a hole to see if any of the kobolds set off the trap, Leo turns and looks from Tannakin to Sansaárë. Nodding in agreement with Sansaárë he furrows his brow and scowls, giving his best mean face. Relaxing his face a little he adds. "Pray tell, yon kobolds were stealing from our benefactor. Are we not honor bound to wreak havoc?"
Gesturing out the hallway towards the other door, he asks, "Doest we desire to attack forthwith, or see what damage yon trap wilt do?"
Tannakin's mean face is extra scary because it's a happy face, too. Like a jack-o'-lantern with a big evil grin, she's looking forward to another chance to fight. "We don't know where yon trap is, so let's let them find it first, like Ness says... when they trip the trap, we'll start the scrap!"
Tan walks over to the door to the kobold room, draws her sword, puts her off-hand on the latch, ready to fling it open and charge into the fray! She waits to hear some action on the other side. She waits. She waits expectantly.
She whispers:
"This is like fishing!"
Less than a minute passes. She whispers again:
"Fishing is kinda boring, isn't it?"
The door opens with a creak, revealing a massive chamber that looks like an audience hall. On the far side, a broad set of stairs leads up to where a throne might once have been. Pillars support the high ceiling, and the ruined tatters of once decorative banners still hang from them. A decorative tile pattern centered in the middle of the room shows through the grim coating the floor.
Kobold Fight
Two kobold warriors are stationed here, along with a kobold trapmaster. As our Heroes open the door they spring into action! All three kobolds look mean, snarling and raising spears!
The two warriors start the combat at either side of the spiral staircase leading down, but they move to block the stairs at the start of their first turn.
The kobold trapmaster stays where she is, spending all of her actions to lay down small spike traps.
Notice DC 20 Perception check:
Disable A hero must succeed at a DC 18 Thievery check on the triggering floor tiles or the wall sockets in the western wall.
Spear Barrage [reaction] When a creature moves into any of the squares in the outlined area, the trap shoots three spears from the western wall. It makes one ranged Strike against the westernmost creature in each row.
Ranged Strike spear +10, Damage 1d8+4 piercing
Reset The central spears reset after 1 minute.
Tannakin and Nyswyn both notice how the Trap works. By the looks of it, the kobolds themselves seem to be about to spring it ....
Tannakin, wanting to help but not wanting to trip the trap or draw a ranged weapon, spends Turn One yelling encouragement and insults. Her mean face glows with happy malice.
Tan roars back at the Trapmaster in her best Red Dragon-accented Draconic, "No, YOUSE BE TRESPASSERS and you're LITTERING to boot! To spike a boot! I will spike you with my boot! Kick you clear across the field."
Turning her literary ministrations to the next bold, "And YOU! Telling TANNAKIN the DRAGON QUEEN of OTARI to bow! Shiver with fear before I shiv your ribs and serve Kobold on the Kob for dinner!"
"And if I miss, my co-monarch AIRI the DESPICABLE will END you! I recommend a quick shot to the lizard kidneys, your highness!"
===
Having heard the hissing-like taunts coming from Tann with a gusto only the wild elf-girl could muster (at least they sounded like taunts) and waiting for the kobolds to set off the traps, Ness took the time to bolster her companion's talents in her own way; hoping the divine guidance would be of some benefit.
In a voice as strong as the rock/stone surrounding them, Ness spoke the words of power, weaving them in the Sylvan tongue, calling upon the nature spirits and ancestors to first guide Tann, then Airi and finally Leo. Inside her coat pocket, Ness could feel the mystical/magical energy move through Verdi at each casting as her leaves softly rustled with sweet promise.
The kobolds snarl at Tannakin, as the witty swashbuckler peels layers off their scales!
Tannakin then grants some helpful advice to Sansaárë!
Nyswyn appraises the situation, smiles and calls upon the powes of Nature to grant Guidance to her friends!
The Trapmaster continues to snarl at the intruders, while fiddling with mechanisms and such!
Sansaárë giggles at the soon to be unfortunate kobolds. She decides in the name of entertainment to wait to watch the show!
The two kobold roars (well roar for a kobold) at the would-be intruders!
They both Stride across the tiled flooring!
Spear Barrage [reaction] When a creature moves into any of the squares in the outlined area, the trap shoots three spears from the western wall. It makes one ranged Strike against the westernmost creature in each row.
Both kobolds cry out in alarmed dismay at the treachery of these trespassers!
And both promptly fall to the traitorous tiles!
Tannakin and Nyswyn both declare it safe now to cross the tiled area!
Sansaárë looks at the 2 kobolds that went down from the spears.
Those 2 were easy. Let's see how this one goes down.
Sansaárë then ◆◆skips 50' over to the last kobold and tries to stab her with her magical shortsword.
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Raising his eyebrows as the kobolds declare themselves dragons and rush to their death, Leo moves along the wall where the spyholes were. "Dragons? Thou mayst speak truth, but be warned, I am a giant sprite." Preparing to attack the last kobold, he realizes there is no rubble for his magic. Speaking in sylvan "ကျည်ဆန်." He waives his empty hand releasing the torch using Telekinetic Projectile to send its blunt end flying at the lone Kobold. The blue flame whooshing towards the lizard.
Tann rushes into the flank with Airi, gritting her teeth if she steps on some of the spiky caltrops...
Tannakin lunges forward, confidently swinging her sword with a smile.
Ness moved forward, along the wall as Leo had, 35 feet and then took cover behind the stone pillar/column in the chamber, pressing her back against the stone wall to see the outcome of the fighting duo of Tann and Airi before deciding what next to do and how she could help rather than hinder the pair.
Round 2
The Trapmaster watches the most unfortunate unveiling of the current circumstances, as a bit dire!
Sansaárë and Tannakin both bravely cross the tiled flooring and boldly step up to the roaring (a bit less convincingly) Trapmaster!
And they both do indeed step into the Trapmaster's
Both Rogue and Swashbuckler are a bit out of sorts, causing both strikes to find only air! Although, the swashbucker's reflexes allowed for Tannakin's rapier to still scratch her!
Leo--being quite the improvisor--flings his Everburning Torch at the distracted Trapmaster! It bangs the kobold in the side of the face!
Nyswyn strides further into the chamber to get a better view of her friend's shenanigans!
The Trapmaster growls at Leo and his Torch!
A bit of nervousness seems to be expressing itself on the lone kobold in the form of a distinct odor coming from it!
She takes a strike at
Her heart apparently not quite in it, She courageously ◆◆strides away behind a column of stone.
Flinching as the spiked trap goes off, Leo watches the kobold run to the other side of the room. Stepping back he spies the kobold hiding behind the pillar. Reaching his hand out towards the torch again, speaking in sylvan "ကျည်ဆန်." using telekinetic projectile. He turns the palm of his hand up, lifting his hand about six inches. Snapping his fingers into a fist he then extends his index finger, twirling it about then pointing it at the kobold. Causing the torch to be lifted and fly towards the enemy, it's blue flames whooshing behind it. Frowning as he hit the column of stone instead.
Sansaárë ◆◆skips 50' to block the door.
Where do you think you are going, tiny dragon?
Sansaárë then strikes at the tiny dragon.
Hey Leo, how about using some of that cheese that is still on Tann's chin next time?
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Tan wipes her mouth with a grin. "Trust me, kobold, you should just surrender. Once Airi starts a fight, she doesn't give up. On the other hand..."
She ◆ moves, ◆ tumbles, and ◆ stabs.
"...I don't give up easily either."
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Sansaárë watches Tann as she does her swashbuckler things and stabs the kobold in the eye.
Nice job sis. I do love it when you hit if I don't. Let's see what happens next.
Leo. That was a good move with the everburn torch. Don't forget to pick it up. It will come in handy again.
Come on Nys, join the party.
"Did Tann end its life?" Ness called out to Airi since the half-elf rogue had called her to their side.
Then striding twice, careful moving back around and past Leo, Ness stopped and waited to see the condition of the remaining kobold.