D&D 5E (2014) Out of the Abyss IC

[CanadienneBacon]

Raza maneuvered back to the group. The kuo-toa appeared not to have noticed either her, or her retreat. Once she was out of earshot and eyesight around the bend in the passageway, she relayed the news to the others. Shuushar listened without comment. He was silent a long time, then offered, "I hesitate to put myself forward. It has been many years since I last lived among my brethren. If it is the will of the group, however, I will attempt to parlay."

 

[Kobold Stew]

Solace, left alone below the overhang of the guard point, waits motionless in the dark.

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[Yavathol]

A look of surprise and alarm was plain on Kamael's face, as he saw Brinn step forward and realised his intent, "No!! Ahem, I mean, please good Brinn, I implore you to let me speak for our group. You see, this is an alien culture, and we would not want to inadvertently cause offence. I have been speaking with Shushaar about his people's customs in preparation for this moment. Pray hold a moment yet, and further practice your meditation."

Kamael gestures to Shushaar and moves with him to the point where they are about to be visible to the guard, "If you would be so good, please Shushaar, to translate for me: Greetings! My name is Shushaar and my companion is Kamael. I am originally from Slubloodop, though I have been away for many years! Is the high priest Ploopploopeen still ruling the town? "

OOC: [roll0] Hmm, any bonus for knowing not to scratch my head? If this initial interaction is peaceful, Kamael will continue, if not, he is ready to cast a shield spell.

"I have several companions with me, may I continue onwards with them in peace? We have do not intend to permanently settle but merely to re-supply and rest before journeying further afield."

[sblock=status]Kamael hp 22/22
AC 15
Inspiration yes, Tides of Chaos yes, Concentrating no
Slots 3/4 3/3
SP: 3/4
HD: 4/4[/sblock]

 

[CanadienneBacon]

Shuushar escorted Kamael around the bend in the passageway. As soon as the pair got within fifty feet of the kuo-toa on the ledge, the creature spotted them then discernibly stiffened and went on the alert. Before Kamael could get out many words, the kuo-toa began croaking a loud sort of call that echoed in the tunnel.

Bullfrogs croaking

Kamael felt rather than saw, but felt nonetheless, Shuushar wilt slightly at his side. Even so, Shuushar took a step forward and croaked in Undercommon. He kept his hands at his sides as he did, and hunched his shoulders into a non-threatening pose. Solace, who remained hidden and undetected at the base of the ledge, made out Shuushar's words. Part-way through his monologue, Shuushar gestured once at the bend in the passageway.
[sblock=Undercommon]"Youngling, he says he means no harm, and can be taken at his word. I am of Sloobludop, a son returned. This one is called Kamael. There are several others in our party, beyond the bend." Shuushar made a slow open-palm gesture toward the bend in the passageway before continuing, "We do not intend to permanently settle, but merely to re-supply and rest before journeying further. Might we treat with Ploopploopeen?"[/sblock]

The kuo-toa guard left off croaking, and ducked into a crevice, out of sight. A moment later it reappeared with a colleague, another kuo-toa. The two raised their trident-like spears to ear level and kept their weapons trained on Shuushar and Kamael. It eyed Shuushar and Kamael, and croaked a barking sort of response in Undercommon.
[sblock=Undercommon]"You are known to Hruldoop, Shuushar the Banished. If you are returned, we are duty bound to bind you and your new kin, and present you for justice to the High Priest. You will stand fast where you are. Say nothing to the human at your side."[/sblock]

Shuushar said nothing in return. He did, however, turn mournful eyes on Kamael.

OOC: Pausing here for interaction from others. Kamael's message spell is still active if he wants. Solace understood the Undercommon being bantied back and forth nothing. Brinn knows Undercommon but was not present for the exchange. I'm not calling for initiative. Yet. The kuo-toa are on a ledge 15' above the passageway floor.

 

[Yavathol]

Kamael could infer from Shushaar's expression that he was not happy to see his fellow citizens. He subtly leaned back against the wall behind him in order to minimise the amount of rock between himself and Raza, and effortlessly but stealthily shaped the Weave to communicate his whisper to the venerable lady.

OOC: Message is not an ongoing spell but an action with V,S,M components. Stealth check to try and hide the somatic components: [roll0] I'd like to note that there are no lights around, so hopefully the kuo-toa have disadvantage, right? JimJar or Turvey probably has the stone with light, wrapped in his clothes maybe?

"They do not seem friendly, please get closer in case assistance is needed. They know you are near but not precisely where, so keep it dark for now, and watch your rear!"

OOC: I liked how my words were slightly altered in translation, CB! Kamael is keeping an eye on the passage ahead and will be ready to create a bonfire at G11 at the slightest sign of movement from that direction, ok?

[sblock=status]Kamael hp 22/22
AC 15
Inspiration yes, Tides of Chaos yes, Concentrating no
Slots 3/4 3/3
SP: 3/4
HD: 4/4[/sblock]

 

[CanadienneBacon]

Half a minute passed by without either side moving. The kuo-toa guards seemed to be waiting for something. Shortly thereafter, Solace and Kamael became aware of sound and movement coming from the west. The passageway remained dark, but it seemed that creatures approached from that direction.

 

[Yavathol]

Upon hearing the sound of reinforcements, Kamael moved forward and created a bonfire at the narrowest part of the tunnel, and carrying on moving until he was right next to the blaze. As he did so, he called out for Raza & Kago!

OOC: what was Shushaar doing during the delay? Trying to block the tunnel so they can't just run through the flames! If it's needed: [roll0]

[sblock=status]hp 22/22
AC 15
Inspiration yes, Tides of Chaos yes, Concentration yes
Slots 3/4 3/3
SP: 3/4
HD: 4/4[/sblock]

 

[industrygothica]

OOC: Seems like it's probably gonna be time for this... Initiative: 1D20-1 = [2]-1 = 1 That has to be the most impressive initiative roll in the history of initiative rolls.

 

[CanadienneBacon]

OOC: Folks, go ahead and provide an initiative roll. And specify a grid square where your character's standing, too.