Slavers & Sewers: explorations. 'Team Alpha'

[Edeldhur]

Edel

Thanks for the replies Straither. I should have paid more attention to your description, as the idea was that the ogre stayed behind, so the rest of the group could jump it. This defeats my whole plan, as there is no advantage in having the clerics with us. Living and learning.

"Hm" - Edel puts on an annoyed look - "I don't want my employees to engage in chat and barter with these creatures" - he looked at the aspis then at the charmed orc - "Can your large associate take them back toward the stairs and with the others? We can proceed just the four of us? And what is this Temple access you speak of?"

[Straither]

viewtopic.php?p=753078#p753078

Actions for Brick, Olleg & Mortar..

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Actions for Durrant & Vennar (Edel has posted).

[OGRE MAGE]

Mortar studies the reactions between the ant creature and his invisible friend with great interest, watching the tunnel closely in case the thing went to get backup.

“None of this looks particularly useful at the moment. Did anyone bring along something sweet to feed these ant monsters? It seemed they were fond of the raw sugar. Maybe we could use that if they turn hostile.”

The Gnome looks up at the hatch and shrugs his tiny shoulders.

“We got no way to get up there, do we? If this is a dead end, I say we leave these ants alone and turn back to follow the others from behind.”

If the group agrees, he leads the way back in the direction they came.

[Rex]

Brick

"I don't have anything sweet with me Mortar. I am for following along behind the others, I am not so good at climbing."

[Straither]

The third pit contains bones. assorted skulls, ribs, femurs and the like. Many are broken or bear marks of being hacked. They rest on a pile of dented shields and rusted weapons.

Would it be worth getting shields for the two clerics and Esther? A minor boost to AC if nothing else.

The ladder is in two pieces. How badly do you want information about the trapdoor above and what is beyond? Could Brick climb one ladder and physically hold the second one, anchoring it himself while a lightweight person climbs to the top rung and checks out trapdoor?

As anyone tried to talk to or interact with the Aspis? Or do you consider that too dangerous or provocative?

Anyone want to check out the pits in more detail?

(of course none of the above might not actually achieve anything but I thought to propose a few options to consider).

[Rex]

The third pit contains bones. assorted skulls, ribs, femurs and the like. Many are broken or bear marks of being hacked. They rest on a pile of dented shields and rusted weapons.

Would it be worth getting shields for the two clerics and Esther? A minor boost to AC if nothing else. Brick has no clue if they want them and they look like junk so wouldn't bother with them himself.

The ladder is in two pieces. How badly do you want information about the trapdoor above and what is beyond? Could Brick climb one ladder and physically hold the second one, anchoring it himself while a lightweight person climbs to the top rung and checks out trapdoor? Sounds like a self inflicted accident waiting to happen to me.

As anyone tried to talk to or interact with the Aspis? Or do you consider that too dangerous or provocative? "Haven't tried it and not opposed to it but Brick would be a poor choice for it."

Anyone want to check out the pits in more detail? We could but it is likely to just be a waste of time.

(of course none of the above might not actually achieve anything but I thought to propose a few options to consider).

See above. Also all of these thing focus on keeping the party split up for minimal to no gain. I would prefer to stay as close to the others as possible in case something happens and we are needed or they are needed to help us.

[Straither]

all very valid and real points. I will update for team once Olleg gives an action and the other team when players post.

[Howman]

Olleg, Dwarf

Taking a quick rummage through his pack, Olleg withdraws two sealed earthen bottles. "The only sweet thing I have is some mead, although I don't know if the ants will share my fondness for it. I agree that we should trail the others for now. If we run into more ants, we can see how far the mead will get us." Olleg then passes off one of the bottles to Rogger, asking him to keep it close at hand.

If the party runs into another aspis, Olleg will slowly unseal the mead and attempt to peacefully offer the open bottle to the creature.

[Straither]

Goran pulls a wineskin and a whiskey bottle from his backpack and holds them out toward Olleg, and solemnly says to him’"Master Dwarf, I charge you with the protection of this strong ale and whiskey.”

You have these too. Would you like to offer some to the single Aspis guard in the Ladder Cave or content to try and use it as a bribe with the others?

[Howman]

Olleg, Dwarf

Realizing it might be better to first test the mead on the nearby ant creature, Olleg says to the others, "Give me a moment to see if this creature cares for my mead. Stay vigilant in case it decides to attack." Olleg then opens his mead and slowly approaches the single ant creature in the cave, cautiously offering it the bottle.

[Straither]

Tunnels below the Temple Ruin

Ladder Cave Team Alpha

Digging deep into creative options, the group debate a few choices. The broken ladder offers no solution and an idea to use half as a battering ram to push the Aspis guard away from a distance is dismissed.

The three NPC's try to get a better inspection of each pit. The leafy one is just waste castaways of the wrapped pheromone gels and none can be salvaged to create another single smearing. The pit of grain and dried pulses are exactly that, a dry food source. You have no need to add into any stewpots yourselves. The bone pit is investigated with more care. Of the distressed pile, a usable shield can be retrieved and Rogger can equip one to upgrade his base protection.

Mortar and Brick suggest the room has no further purpose, “We've got no way to get up there, do we? If this is a dead end, I say we leave these ants alone and turn back to follow the others from behind.” and propose to follow in the footsteps of the others.

If the group agrees, he leads the way back in the direction they came.

I
will advance this and give you knowledge of what is happening in the other cave once the other team sort out what they want to do, as returning with the Ogre or not for example will affect your next scene.

Olleg has no sweet treats except 'liquid gold', his previous dwarven mead and the wineskin and whiskey bottle handed over by Goran. He puts them to use, slowly approaching the wary Aspis, unarmed and holding the mead out. He uncorks the stopper, takes a swig and waves it slowly under the Aspis' proboscis.

Unruffled at first, the Insectoid guard eventually gives way to temptation and takes a sniff then a taste with its long tongue. Then another swig ...
and another.

The refreshing brew is sweet, strong and heady. I am not sure you can hear an Aspis burp, but after a moment or two, the creature becomes unsteady upon its hind legs. Slurring some clicking sounds and getting a very glazed look upon its hundred lens eyeballs.

Aspis: getting drunk vs poison save [1d20]=4

It begins to act erratically,

Aspis: [1d100]=14

Which in this instant is to manically wave its broadswords in wild flourishes, supposing it sees double-dwarf and succumbs to the alcoholic effect with a rowdy result.

we've all been there when someone has had one too many ...

The Insectoid has become drunk and aggressive rather than drunk and sleepy (favourable reaction check), so you need pacify it in another manner.

Actions Mortar, Brick, Olleg

Olleg: 26/33hp
Brick: 15/18hp
Mortar: 7/10hp
Esther: 2/3hp.
Jacupo: 7/15hp
Rogger: 10/10hp

[Rex]

Brick

Seeing this go the wrong way, steps up and throws a javelin at the Aspis.

Thrown Javelin [1d20]=16 to hit [1d6+4]=3+4=7 damage
Sloppy typing, the damage should have been +5, so 8 damage.

[Howman]

Olleg, Dwarf

Olleg raises his shield and rams into the now aggressive aspis. He then draws his sword and takes a stab at the creature.

Shield bash to hit [1d20]=10
Bastard sword (1H) to hit [1d20]=10 for [1d8]=2 damage

[Scott308]

Durrant Winterflame - Human Magic User

Yes, perhaps it might be best if those two don't come along. They are not worthy of touring your facility,

[gurusql]

Vennar

"Galadria is that something that you are willing to do? I would prefer to keep my shield."

[Straither]

Tunnels below the Temple Ruin

Aspis Cave Team Bravo

The team display a certain lack of 'hive mind' with contradictory statements. Having just accepted a resolution to get extra characters from the main party, namely two of the clerics, to accompany the mages through inspection route, Edel and Durrant try to dismiss them.

"I don't want my employees to engage in chat and barter with these creatures. Can your large associate take them back toward the stairs and wait with the others?"

"Yes, perhaps it might be best if those two don't come along. They are not worthy of touring your facility".

The request is taken as vexatious and insulting by Galadria who feels offended by being deemed unworthy and treated as an employee.

"I would remind you Sir that I am an ordained priest in my own right and worthy of every consideration in this Merchant endeavour."

Galadria: reactions to dismissal [1d100]=8

With Durrant supporting Edel's request, the two charmed Orcs take the side of their charmers, addressing the Ogre to escort the two clerics upstairs once the quartet move from the cave.

The Aspis drone repeats his request for trade, showing interest in the shields held by Vennar & Galadria.

"I would prefer to keep my shield." says one, "My Lord is the Helmet of my Salvation and I am His shield. My sigil is boldly displayed and I will not part with it." says Galadria, declining to trade her shield.

The Aspis seems to understand the verbals, gestures and frowns. It looks down then reaches into a rear pouch on its leather belt and pulls out a thick glass vial. A potion of some kind judging by the shape and craftsmanship of the vial. He offers that along with his wooden shield, hoping to barter a better deal before they depart. A fellow Aspis gives the gaudy shield he offers a couple of broadsword whacks to demonstrate its authenticity as a base protection. Galadria is still unmoved so passes the second offer back to Vennar to accept or decline.

this plays into Edel's unspoken thought here:

I am not sure if we are controlling Galadria, but I would agree with her trading her shield with the Aspis one, PLUS some more doses of those scent leaves. To be negotiated?

"What is this Temple access?" asks chief merchant advisor Edel.

"It is not far, the passage leads into the holy sanctuary. Her Highness will be about her duties. Even the slaves come to worship at Gruumsh feet and if it pleases her, many are baptised into the One True Faith. It is holy ground and the un-Chosen must walk barefoot in humility upon the sacred tiles." he says with a disparaging look at the two 'infidel' clerics.

As you talk, Giant Ants scuttle about the room, ignoring all inside save for getting a head petted or thorax tickled from an Aspis drone. Some carry leafy morsels, others bits of nest materials, some quickly pass carrying precious newly laid eggs. A red-headed soldier ant accompanying each drone midwife across the cave floor.

The four Aspis turn back to their mundane tasks, waiting on the conclusion of the trade 'deal or no deal'. The Ogre waits on a final gesture to return escort the clerics upstairs.

Health status & conditions:

Galadria: 16/17hp
Vennar: 12/19hp
Durrant: 7/7hp
Edel: 11/11hp (14/14hp with Pallas the Owl:
3/3hp)

There is no sight or sound of Team Alpha behind you, you assume they did as planned and waited a turn as you stepped into this room before sneaking back down the slippery staircase to suss out the Ladder Cave.

next Actions, comments & questions Vennar decide on a deal or not. Edel & Durrant.

[Edeldhur]

Edel

"I would remind you Sir that I am an ordained priest in my own right and worthy of every consideration in this Merchant endeavour."

"I am not interested in any more conversation" - Edel raised an eyebrow as Galadria seemed not to understand the precariousness of their current situation - "Trade or no trade, just leave my sight both of you before we have a problem" - he added.

"Mauk-izish ghashat ob thrak latzûl." Edel exhaled sharply, talking to his orcish 'friend' and rolling his eyes. "Agh burzum-lat narg grish latz gûl."

In orcish:

"Hired mercenaries are a good thing and all" Edel exhaled sharply, talking to his orcish 'friend' and rolling his eyes. "But you never REALLY know what you are getting..."

"What is this Temple access?" asks chief merchant advisor Edel.

"It is not far, the passage leads into the holy sanctuary. Her Highness will be about her duties. Even the slaves come to worship at Gruumsh feet and if it pleases her, many are baptised into the One True Faith. It is holy ground and the un-Chosen must walk barefoot in humility upon the sacred tiles." he says with a disparaging look at the two 'infidel' clerics.

"Interesting" - the elf nodded - "Ok, please take us along your usual patrol route - that should suffice for my report"

[OGRE MAGE]

About to sneak away back down the tunnel towards the others again, Mortar espies the interaction with the Aspis.

Sighing heavily at the sudden turn of events, he shakes his head and joins the others in a battle he sincerely hopes won't attract even more of these monsters to their already precarious position.

"We can't afford to engage in random combat right now!"

Thrown Dagger Attack [1d20+1]=13+1=14 Dam [1d4]=2

[Straither]

Tunnels

Ladder Cave Team Alpha

The Aspis drone-warrior gets inebriated and it's drunken state leads it to hostile actions, whirling its blade in front and staggering towards a myriad of dwarves that it sees through glazed eyes.

A javelin halts it temporarily, -8hp the shaft thrown out of thin air as Brick remains in the last minutes of his invisibility.

Olleg & Mortar & Rogger make little headway, their attacks parried by the creature's shields or failing to penetrate its tough chitinous plated body. Jacupo & Esther try a different tack, grabbing a ladder section and rushing the creature intending to trip it or push it into one of the pits.

Ladder improvised weapon [1d20]=1

But despite its clouded mind and vision, the Aspis has enough wherewithal to knock down the ladder, stepping upon the rungs and whirling a blade at each protagonist.

Aspis: broadsword vs Esther [1d20-2]=12-2=10 [2d4]=4 vs Jacupo [1d20-2]=6-2=4 [2d4]=7

Rescued slave Esther gets a cut across her throat, a mortal wound and she falls into the pit of bones bleeding out. -4hp

next attacks please. Team Alpha

Olleg: 26/33hp
Brick: 15/18hp
Mortar: 7/10hp
Esther: deceased
Jacupo: 7/15hp
Rogger: 10/10hp

[Rex]

Brick

Brick draws his sword and charges the Aspis.

Bastard Sword [1d20+4]=11+4=15 to hit [2d4+7]=6+7=13 damage sm/lg [2d8+7]=10+7=17 damage lg
Includes +2 to hit for being invisible and +2 to damage for his charge.