D&D 5E [IC] Uller's Out of the Abyss

[SunGold]

OOC: Heh, minor problem with that: she's lying too (albeit by omission), and Sarith knows that now. So if she says not to trust his guidance, he might (rightly) pipe up with, "Why don't you tell them what awaits them in Neverlight Grove?" She will likely tell you guys before departing Sloobludop anyway. Right now she's focused on the problem at hand, and also weighing where her loyalty lies. She likes you elves, but she was friends with Drum before you two showed up. She thinks mentioning the mushroom-slave-plague might put you two off risking a visit to return Drum, which she assured him she'd do. Problems, problems!

 

[DMAesh]

OOC: Ha ha, no, I totally understand. The interesting thing about all of this is that while Ezraen is devoted to keeping you all alive, even to the point that he would die to protect you all, he is very uncertain that any of you would do the same for him.

 

[SunGold]

OOC: Aw c'mon, you think Surana chased that d*cknose Sarith down a ravine but wouldn't fight for Ez? Risking herself would be a much easier choice. The problem here is that she has to risk either one friend or another. No good options.

 

[DMAesh]

OOC: It's not so much that, but more when it comes down to the choice of freedom (the surface) or us. He wants to believe, but is... hesitant. It is early yet, and keeping as many of us alive is still in the best interest of each of us, there will come a time when Ez fully expects to sacrifice himself for you all to make it home. Let us see where this takes us... Remember that Ez is a man with a second chance, so he feels like he is on borrowed time.

 

[Uller]

When you arrive back at Ploop's tent Shuushar is there and he motions for you to sit. The "monitors" are there and they move to clear away other kuo-toa in the area who might be lingering. Ploop comes out of his tent flanked by three others similar to the monitors but these are wearing clothing made out of netting (or maybe it is just nets) and equipped with strange weapons that look like giant pincers. They are clearly meant for capturing and manipulating human sized targets.

Ploop, through Shuushar, tells you not to be alarmed. These are his "whips", his assistants. They do not appear to be intending to menace you at all.

He then goes on to explain to you that in the last few weeks both he and his daughter have had strange visions. Hers of power and destruction of the kuo-toa's enemies (you swear he gives a nod toward Sarith) and his were visions of the arrival of outsiders to avert the destruction of the kuo-toa. At this point Shuushar looks a bit troubled. He says something about his own visions and Ploop cuts him off.

Ploop continues and explains that it is clear to him that Blopp is a menace and must be defeated even if it means slaying her. He has a son, Gluugloggogg (Gluug), who is still loyal and maintains guard over the Shrine to the Sea Mother but violence between the two factions cannot be averted much longer. He can be counted on to help.

Ploop explains his plan. He has sent a message telling Blopp that he intends to reconcile and will present sacrificial offerings to Leemooggoogoon to seal his conversion from the Sea Mother to the Deep Father. He would like a few of you to pose as the sacrifices but when Blopp is within reach you spring the trap and, along with the help of Ploop and those loyal to him, attack his daughter subduing her if you can, "slaying her if we must." His whips will remain with you and carry any weapons you want.

He says he understands if you are hesitant but is willing to grant you whatever favor he can in exchange for your help.

 

[DMAesh]

"I won't lie, this makes me nervous. 'Van, is there anything that you can rig up that makes us look like we are bound, but can be loosened easily by us?" Ezraen turns to the elf, "I want to make sure that we are in as much control as we can be if we do this."

 

[SunGold]

OOC: [roll0] on whether he's telling the truth about what he intends to do with us.

Surana pretends to look like she's considering the request, but through Drum, she speaks to Shuushar. "What were you trying to say when he spoke over you?"

 

[JustinCase]

Erevan raises one eyebrow. "I can use my elven magic to create illusions of ropes or manacles, so we will be free the entire time without anyone noticing. Might be a good plan, if our weapons are within easy reach."

The elf thinks for a moment before continuing, "I am hesitant to interfere with kuo toa religious affairs, but it appears we have few other options. We need food and safe passage. I think we should try."

 

[Uller]

OOC: [roll0] on whether he's telling the truth about what he intends to do with us.

Surana pretends to look like she's considering the request, but through Drum, she speaks to Shuushar. "What were you trying to say when he spoke over you?"

As far as she can tell, Ploop seems to be sincere in what he is saying his plans are.

Shuushar tells you he also had visions. "Small rocks tumbling down a hill, preceding an avalanche. A trickle of blood disappearing down a hole and undermining a damn, unleashing a torrent".

He is not sure if they represent you causing a disaster or if they represent Blopp's sacrifices.

Edit: Shuushar goes on to explain that the kuo-toa that live in the underdark are the remnants of escaped (or freed?) mind flayer slaves. Their former masters drove them mad with their psychic powers. The survivors, in their feeling of helplessness constructed 'gods' to protect them and found that if they believed fervently enough or made great enough sacrifices, those 'gods' would manifest and protect them or act on their behalf. Blopp is seeking to 'manifest' her new god by spilling enough blood on her new shrine.

 

[Uller]

Erevan raises one eyebrow. "I can use my elven magic to create illusions of ropes or manacles, so we will be free the entire time without anyone noticing. Might be a good plan, if our weapons are within easy reach."

The elf thinks for a moment before continuing, "I am hesitant to interfere with kuo toa religious affairs, but it appears we have few other options. We need food and safe passage. I think we should try."

OOC: Are you thinking of using minor illusion for this? A couple of problems with it: You can only have one illusion going at once with it (if you cast it again, the first illusion stops. Second, I don't think it is intended to be able to move or interact with the illusion so illusory shackles would be seen through once the person moves. Disguise self would absolutely work on you (only you since it is target: self). It disguises what you are carrying too. I think you could make use of sleight of hand for making characters appear to be bound but really can easily release themselves.