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Velas nods along with Quintessa negotiations with the kobold tribe's chief. He leans over to Alvis and speaks quietly. "Impressive bit of diplomacy from Quintessa, don't you agree? I'm afraid she could convince me that my hair is platinum blonde if we ever got into an argument!" Hoping that he wasn't overhead, Velas starts when Quintessa calls out to the group. "No other business for me. I'm ready to pursue this Tartuk immediately."
Velas continues translating as needed, but otherwise stays quiet. He whispers to Scarlet at some point. "This is above my pay grade. I'm going to stay silent for now."
Velas continues translating for those that need it. Then, he tries to reason with the kobold. "Meepo, tell the chief that we can rid the tribe of Tartuk and his evil influence. We only need to speak to the chief first. And perhaps, Alvis here can do something to provide relief for the chief."
FYI: going on a family trip. Will be mostly unavailable for the next few days.
Velas agrees with the plan that Quintessa suggested. "Well said, Quintessa. This Tartuk fellow seems to be pushing the kobolds towards a path they didn't choose on their own. Getting back the ring for Svetlana seems to require finding Tartuk."
Velas translates for those that don't know Draconic, but continues to let the others do the talking.
Velas translates back and forth as needed. Upon hearing Quintessa's suggestion for how to proceed, Velas nods in agreement. "The figurine for the ring and information. Seems like a fair trade to me." Velas pockets the figurine when Teela offers it. "I'll keep it safe until we are satisfied with the trade>
Heeding Alvis' word of caution, Velas strides up next to Teela. "I can translate into Kobold, if that would help." In Draconic, which he assumes to be the kobold's native tongue, Velas provides his name and relays Teela's words so that the kobold can better understand.
Velas finds Alvis' logic to be well formed. "I've found that Teela or Quintessa can charm just about anyone. Perhaps one or both of you want to be the first to make contact with the Sootscales, with the rest of us quite close."
"Well spotted, Graham. I agree with Alvis and Teela. We should make camp a good distance from the caverns and venture into the caverns in the morning with fresh minds and bodies." Velas turns to Quintessa to get their opinion. "Quintessa, perhaps you want to weigh in on how best to approach the caverns." Having little in the way of survival skills, Velas keeps on eye on their flanks while others handle making the camp.
Quintessa, glad to hear that you are on the mend. Hope your recovery continues to progress well!
"I say we head toward those caverns. If we can't safely arrive by sunset, then let's find camp somewhere on the way. I'd prefer we avoid rushing toward an unfamiliar cave in the dark."
Velas voted to clear to the next chamber. But, I, the player, don't mind if he is out-voted. By my quick tally, the votes were: * Leave: Scarlett, Teela
Velas is somewhat impressed his dwarven friend was able to scout ahead without drawing unwanted attention. "Well, we have more information than before. Well done, Alvis. It seems that we'd end up in a fight if we head that way. I'd still prefer to check it out, but I defer to the wisdom of the group."
Velas realizes he may be the only one who desires to clear the other fork of the passage. "While I don't want to spend any more time here than necessary, I'd prefer to follow these underground passages to their end - if only to rule out backstabbing in the future."
When Quintessa volunteers to escort Faen outside for some fresh air and rest away from danger, Velas briefly considers joining them for additional security - given his secondary purpose on this expedition, of course. But, he knows full well that Quintessa is very capable and decides he is needed here. Velas examines the map table and tries to ascertain what is being displayed. "Hmm, that pile of rocks seems like an important landmark." Secret Society check:
As Teela and Alvis tend to injuries, Velas stays out of the way and keeps an eye out for opportunistic attackers. "Close one. These cramped quarters work in the favor of these mites."
Best of luck, Faen. Hope to see you in a game in the future!
With the riderless mount directly in front of him, Velas combines blade and magic for another attack. Then repositions to setup an easier flank for someone else. ◆◆ Spellstrike w/ Ignition
With a dead mite at his feet, Velas continues to focus on his magical shield before disappearing and quickly reappearing near Faen and the mite leader, slashing with his sword when he reappears. ◆ Raise (magical) Shield
Happy New Year, all! @DM DoctorEvil: for your awareness, Quintessa let some of us know that IRL has resulted in them being mostly unavailable lately. They hoped to be back soon.
◆◆ Spellstrike @ Blue
Thanks for the kind words, everyone. I'm still less available than normal with children on break and being away from work. But, I should be able to keep up.
Quickly checking in to let you know that there was a death in my family. I won't be available much for the next week or so.
I'm dealing with a family emergency. Might be unavailable in the short-term.
With Graham and Faen on one flank, Velas joins Scarlet on the other. He moves quickly forward, slashes at the mite, and then casts a layered shield spell. "Got my back, right, Scarlett?" ◆ Stride
Velas agrees with Teela. "Let's go investigate the room Faen scouted. And then circle back to this other route. Eventually, we need to go both ways and there likely isn't a best option."
"Be careful, Faen. Don't get too far ahead. I'm ready to come running if needed."
Seeing the natural stairs down deeper underneath the tree, Velas suggests leaving the rope ladder in place. "In case we need to make a hasty retreat, having the rope ladder here will be to our advantage." He nods to Scarlet. "You first again?
Just after Scarlet descends the rope ladder, Velas starts his trek. "If those ropes hold Scarlet and his armor, they should hold everyone else."
"Be careful, Scarlet. I'll be right behind you."
:wave:
”Ah, yes, a rope ladder will be much more flexible and easier to manage underground. We have to have enough rope between us to manage that.” Velas sets about making the rope ladder after given the improved idea. With help from the group, he feels like the work went well and the ladder is sturdy enough for even the armored members of the party.
As the group gets closer to the sycamore tree, Velas considers how to make their climbs down into the roots of the tree easier than last time. "Perhaps I could try to craft a makeshift ladder to make our approach into the root system easier than last time." Velas looks at the nearby trees for long, thin branches that could serve as either side of the ladder.
Velas smiles as Teela hasn't lost her wit. "That's a very vivid picture ... that I can't get out of my head." Happy to move on to other topics, Velas agrees with Alvis. "After such a close call and multiple battles already fought, I think we should find a safe place to rest for the night and finish dealing with these gremlins at our best. I suggest we retrace out steps out of these tunnels and make camp a little ways from this tree."
"Come on, Teela. Stay with us." Velas holds his breath as the others tend to Teela. When it appears that Alvis' medicine and the potion from Graham will do just enough to keep Teela alive, Velas exhales loudly. "Phew, that was close. Too close." With little to do to help Teela, Velas keeps his eyes on their surroundings, wary that the gremlins will come after them.
As Alvis and Quintessa assist Teela, Velas keeps an eye on their surroundings, wary about more large crawling creatures.
Velas gathers himself and quickly stands up. As he twists and turns his fingers near his blade, Velas' magic mixes with the empowering magic of Quintessa. Then, he slashes across the beast's torso, aiming for the area he weakened previously. ◆ Stand
Embolden by Teela and empowered by Quintessa, Velas strikes at the centipede, conjures a shield to protect himself, and then draws in some of the stray magical energy to be unleashed in his next attack. ◆ Strike
Long weekend away. Going to catch up here ASAP.
Velas sees a potential opening to get within reach of the centipede, but it'll be tight. He hopes someone else can help Teela up. "Graham, Faen, help Teela. I'll fight off the crawler with Bucky." Velas exhales a deep breath in hopes to narrow himself and squeeze into the gap between Scarlet and the cave wall. Then, he thrusts his dueling sword at the centipede, his off-hand imbuing the blade with magic.
◆ Step
"This Sharptooth. Teela lens over whoever is nearest. "Anyone knows what it looks like?" "Don't think I heard Meepo describe it. I guess we'll just know it when we see it." After stretching a bit and making sure his equipment is ready, Velas turns to the group. "Ready to explore deeper into the cave? Graham, Bucky, one of your first perhaps?"
"I think Teela is right. We don't have a quarrel with Meepo and these kobolds, at least not yet. But I don't feel comfortable with freeing him until we are done exploring these root-filled caves."
Velas translates the conversation between the kobold and Quintessa. Then, he replies in Draconic. Spoiler: "Do you know where this Tartuk is? Deeper underground perhaps?"
"There's also the reward offered to 'slay or pacify the Sootscale kobolds.'" Velas clears his throat before continuing. "Perhaps, our opinion on these kobolds has changed now that we've encountered them. Perhaps this Tartuk is the true issue, along with these nasty and thieving mites." Velas eases his sword a few inches from its sheath before stowing it properly again. "If Teela, Quintessa, and Alvis can continue, I'm ready to continue. Preferably without getting stabbed too many times, but that might just be my lot in life!"
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