D&D 5E (IC) Rise of the Dracolich

[FitzTheRuke]

Sooty flew up the passage that connected the ice-toad throne room to their work chamber. At the main enterance four heavily armed and armored ice trolls were forcing their way past the toad guards. The toad labourers had stopped working and were watching the scene, while a few of the less brave were retreating into corners and cubbies. One was hopping past Sooty on its way to inform the Queen.

 

[Ancalagon]

"Trolls" barked Kalorn. "Well armed and armored. 4 of them, big".

He turned around, facing away from the queen and drew the Nail - he wished he had time to attune to the giant slaying sword, but it would take a full night. The Nail would do - it always had. He fell into the Ox guard.

"Mord, inquire if the Queen would like being rid of these troublesome trolls"

In a lower tone he added: "I may do something that will cause a great visual disturbance. When I tell you to ward you eyes, do so. If it works, the trolls will be stunned. Only attack one of them at a time, let the others remained stunned"

 

[gargoyleking]

Mord had just finished creating an image of Dretchroyaster in miniature complete with a tiny Terrus heroically ripping the crystal staff from the dracolich's grip. It was the finale of their previous adventure and mord was glad that they were nearly at an end. The magic entailed had been of little concern to him, in fact he'd felt his energy slowly coming back to him. But the storytelling was tiring in another way. Not least of which the delay due to having to be translated by Pyrus. Though he suspected the psychic already had the entire story in his head. Possibly from multiple angles.

The noise didn't really rouse Mord, he was almost in a trance in a way, and it took Kalorn's warning of trolls to break him out of it. Standing, he gave Primis a confirming nod to pass the offer and then turned to assist should battle ensue.

 

[Prickly Pear]

Sesto turned to the noise too. He let his mace hang lazily at his side while walked towards the cave entrance. It was possible best to let the Queen do the talking but be ready if the Trolls came with ill-natured intentions. At least he would able to understand these creatures.
And, as always, there was never enough time for a proper rest and to feel refreshed. Well, good old Lifebender will do for now, he thought and shifted his grip on the beloved mace.

Spoiler: minisheet

Sesto, Cleric of Lathander (Level 8)
HP: 55/59, Hit dice: 3/3 fighter, 4/5 warlock
Temp HP: 0
AC: 18 (with shield)
Passive Perception 15
Saving throws: Str: +2, Dex: +1, Con: +2, Int: +0 , Wis: +8, Cha: +2
Spell slots remaining; lvl1: 0/4, lvl2; 0/3, lvl3: 0/3, lvl4: 0/2
Advantage on saves vs spells and other magical effects (Spellguard Shield)
Disadvantage on stealth (Chain Mail)
Potions of Healing remaining: 3
Potions of Vitality remaining: 2
Vial of Acid remaining: 2
Vial of Antitoxin remaining: 2
Flask of Holy Water remaining: 2
Flask of Oil remaining: 2
Potion of Water Breathing remaining: 1
Scroll of Water Walk remaining: 1

 

[FitzTheRuke]

In the work-chamber, the four trolls were bullying the toad guards. They were not actively harming anyone, but they were pushing their way in against the toad's protest, and one of the trolls was yelling (in the lowest troll dialect of the Giant language), "Way be deez ootsidahs dat kilt me bruddahs? Brungem forth! Eye be smasheen anybods ud geddin me way. Coom bruddahs! Deez toads aen gots da stuff ta stoppus!"

 

[Prickly Pear]

It sounds like they are looking for us, Sesto translated to the group. And they are looking to avenge their friends, he added with a chill in his voice.
What shall we do? Taking the fight in here will jeopardise the toad people and put them in an unnecessary risk.
Primus, ask the Queen if she wants to handle this… and if there is a back door we could sneak out of!

 

[Prickly Pear]

Sesto realised that his zombie kobolds were still in the other chamber. He hadn’t given them any other instructions then to sit in the corner and wait for him. Hmmm, he would need to utilise them better as guards and lookouts in the future! But for now, they would be better suited to stay where they were and attack from the back, if necessary.

 

[gargoyleking]

"Best to offer them a challenge in another area. If we sneak out it may damage our relations with the toads, we don't need another enemy. How about the chamber with the frozen giants?"

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Queen Marfulb told Primus that she was happy to support any plan that would protect her people from the troll's wrath. She also added that the trolls were aggressive, but it was not impossible to reason with them, form a bargain, or to trick them, if necessary. She called out to her people in a loud CROAK which echoed up the corridor and informed her guards to stand down and her workers to retreat to the corners of the work chamber.

She chose to remain where she was, but she thanked them for their tale and promised to discuss matters further later, should it be possible. A few toads, which may have been her personal guards, or perhaps her husbands, helped the less sure-footed of Imani's Agents up the slippery and winding path from the 'throne' room to the work chamber, where they could see the trolls for themselves.

 

[Prickly Pear]

Let's try diplomacy first, Sesto told Mord with a meaningful look, we don't need to kill everything, right?

Sesto was grateful for a leg-up the slippery slope, the descend had been a little embarrassing...
He saw four large trolls composing themselves as the toad guards withdrew. Sesto walked up, mace in his left hand and lifted his right hand in a greeting. He said loudly in what he hoped was an authoritative voice: Salutations, Great Warriors! I Believe It Is Us You Have Been Looking For. Sesto paused a moment to see their reaction. He only saw puzzled looks. His language skills in Giant was a little rusty but he thought the words he delivered had the right meaning. Sesto continued: If You Seek To Avenge Your Friends Then I Hope That You Will Reconsider. Your Friends Were Foolish And Attacked Us. For That They Paid The Ultimate Price And Are No Longer With You. A short pause the ensure the words had sunk into the brutes' thick skulls and then he continued: Leave Now And We Shall All Happily See The Arrival Of Tomorrow Without Any Sorrow.

OOC: Pursuasion check: 1D20+2 = [3]+2 = 5 Poorly concealed intimidation check: 1D20-1 = [5]-1 = 4 And that's why Sesto usually keeps his mouth shut!!!