[IC] Acquisitions Incorporated - Mirabar (5E)

[PartyOfRogues]

”How many troglodytes are there, do they outnumber you?”

[Tycho42]

Hekit asks the others “What is a troglodyte? More, or less dangerous than a kobold?”

[tuesdayscoming]

If Rin knows anything about troglodytes, he'll share it with the group.

"Troglodytes? Wait, do the kobolds have troglodyte support?! What are they saying??"

If the others accurately translate for him, he'll swear in Celestial -- they came in fully ready to kill a clan of intelligent, oppressed exiles. What they're doing is shameful. When he thinks of what Father Cordelius would say if he learned of this, that shame grows only deeper.

"We can't kill these things. We need to find another way. Whether that's negotiating safe passage out through the East gate or clearing a path for them through the West."

"Is there any legitimate reason that the kobolds could not move through Mirabar on their way to a new home? Or make Mirabar their new home, for that matter? Laws, cultural practices, what have you?"

Spoiler: OOC:

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It's POSSIBLE that Rin's Court Functionary feature might give him some background on local laws. If so, he'll relate everything he knows to the others.

"Feature: Court Functionary
Your knowledge of how bureaucracies function lets you gain access to the records and inner workings of any noble court or government you encounter. You know who the movers and shakers are, whom to go to for the favors you seek, and what the current intrigues of interest in the group are."

If the others don't share, he'll ask them to translate as the conversation continues, then wait for others to chime in with their suggestions.

[aguaracu]

"Get as much as you can about who else is down here," Geoff hisses. "Including strength and alliances."

Spoiler: Once Rin proposes peace

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"We should have asked Bruagh more questions before we came down here. But our job is to 'clear out' the kobolds.
Do you think you can convince them to abide by the laws of Mirabar and seek employment there? Otherwise they have to go, either past the troglodytes or well beyond Mirabar territory."

[Holy-hunter]

This place is going to get cleared one way or another, if they want to live they can aid us and we will make it worth their while, possibly a good future in it, or they can get out our way.

Feng growls with frustration after hearing the translation.

[Tycho42]

Hekit listens to everyone’s thoughts and questions and then turns around to face towards the kobolds area. He reapplies Thaumaturgy.

“Alright, so, we have decided we might be able to let you live in peace. Now, as I understand it, without asking any questions, you have been driven by these troglodyte things into this region, through no fault of your own. You just want to get back to your home, far away from any dwarves, and any of us, but can’t because of those evil troglodytes. Is that a fair assessment? Because if it is, we will go kill them. We don’t want to kill you...we just need you to go. It *is* that way, right?”

[The BBEG]

The kobold Meekins responds in draconic again "Look, we are in a rough spot, I'm not gonna lie. The gate is closed to the east. If we try to go there, or into the city, the guards will likely kill us. I speak very little of your language. We cannot go west. The troglodytes... think of them as uh, stinky lizard men but with a vile temperament. They are bigger and stronger than us, about like you all. They are enough that they can kill us if we fight them, but not enough that they can kill us in our home. But, they make food scarce. We are willing to go anywhere. We don't want to be here, we just have nowhere to go." You notice that compared to his compatriots, Meekins seems well spoken. After a moment in common he says, very brokenly, "We... need... help."

Answering other questions that were probably going to get asked to "speed things up".

"We don't know what is past the troglodytes. We haven't been able to get past the trog's."

"I know some common. I was an assistant in an alchemy store in Mirabar a few years back. My boss was making a mixture in the backroom when there was a small explosion. It was bad, but a piece of metal hit and killed him. I was afraid I would get blamed so I snuck down here. Found the others. I've been here since."

"We will leave further into the mine, we will leave and go topside, heck we will go anywhere you tell us. We don't want to die here."

"Exact number of trog's? More than 4, less than 8?"

[tuesdayscoming]

The negotiations seeming to have taken a turn towards peaceful resolution, Rin breathes a sigh of relief. Bloodshed is one thing, but killing those just looking for protection and shelter? An entirely different issue. "Thank you, Hekit. Most capably handled; yet again, you prove the worth of your silvered tongue." Had Rin understood the exact phrasing that Hekit had used... well, his praise might have been a bit more tempered.

Hearing that Meekins speaks at least some Common, Rin will call out. "Once the troglodytes are clear, you will be free to move out beyond the territory they held. However, should you wish to return to Mirabar, you would be welcome to accompany us. In our presence, you would not be immediately attacked by the town guard -- and we would ensure that you had a chance to explain yourself to the City Watch and attempt to clear your name. We might even be able to provide shelter and employment for you in our agency, at least until you find a line of work you prefer."

"Additionally, would one of you like to accompany us while we clear the troglodytes? That way you could see that our word is true and verify that the area is clear with your own eyes. I'm sure we would also benefit from your assistance, should violence break out with the troglodytes."

edit: If Meekins clarifies that he has trouble understanding Rin's words, Rin will ask Hekit to translate.

Rin pulls out his occultant's abacus and begins furiously casting beads about. His brow creases with concentration as he attempts to calculate how these new developments impact the franchise's chances of success.

Spoiler: OOC:

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The abacus stuff is just for flavor, I realize that there's nothing I can actually do with it at this point.

[Tycho42]

“Woah, woah, sunshine and roses. Send someone out here first to sign a contract to the effect of what you said, then we can start getting down there to clear out your...new home. Bring a knife out with you. Actually on second thoughts bring two of you. There are alot of signatures we will need and you are small...”

[Kvard51]

Colonel Files, seeing that things are turning away from combat, holsters his mace and slips his glasses from his pouch. He wants to see Hekit at work on the contracts, so he can make sure the negotiations don't go too far afield. "Don't give away the farm, devil-spawn. I've got my eye on a pool table for our recreation area. But yes, hire the little buggers. We'll train 'em as sappers. Never know when we might get hired to infiltrate a castle or a fort."

[The BBEG]

The group hears hushed whisperings in draconic. After a moment Meekins calls out in draconic. "I'm coming out... please don't shoot me... gain." The kobold that comes out has dark scales that are a reddish/brown and his eyes are a piercing yellow. He holds his clawed hands up above his head, though he has a dagger at his belt. "I have the dagger like you asked. I left my spear and other weapons behind."

He walks upright and erect but his eyes show that he is weary and perhaps... hopeful?

He will sign anything you wish, using his blood, someone else's, or ink.

[Holy-hunter]

Feng lashed out and tightly grabbed the Kobold to make her point clear.

You are all already considered dead, and if you do die, know that no one will be reprimanded for it.
You can no longer claim what is not yours without earning it.

You are however not useless
First you earn your life, than your food and lastly if you do good, gold, reward and fame. But if you do a poor job or are found to not have done it at all, well you can guess what will happen.

We will arrange for housing down here for you and your kin. You can guard only that and every other trap must be removed.
We will however want your trapping and scouting skills.

We will not put you in direct danger but risks must be made for reward.
There are many other duties we need done. Two must first accompany us to battle the trogs, assign some others to clean up what they can of the other buildings and take inventory of what has been left here.

Quickly pass on the message and bring what you need. We are heading for a fight. Tell us what you know of them on the way.


Matter settled, Feng forcefully surged on ahead, her face stern and determined. She checked her weapons and readied for battle. Once again she was a soldier, and in that space decisions had to be made quick and followed. She gave nothing a second thought.

[Tycho42]

Hekit watches, taken a little aback as Feng grabs and threatens the kobold. When she returns him, he waits a beat. “Yes, well, as my friend says...this is all fairly boilerplate stuff. You agree to aid us personally to find and dispatch said troglodytes, whence completed we escort you and yours to the new region. You remain on call as acting consultants/interns on matters related to the underground and environs, etc etc. I’ll just need you to initial here...sign there. Yes, in blood. And here again. Yes, that clause just obligates future generations to said bargain no worries. And here. Now, that seems to be all in order. It has been a pleasure. And as a side note should any of your kind wish to bargain with Asmodeus as well, I’m certain I can help.”

Hekit returns to the party, especially grinning at Feng. “I can’t say as I’ve ever seen a lizard wet itself as much as you caused that one too! Certainly helped the contract get signed.

Speaking of which, that’s done and we aren’t paying out a penny! I’d say that’s a damnably good deal. I feel wonderful! Shall we away to the troglodytes? Oh yes, and I’d watch Meekings our new friend. I did probably take a great deal of blood.”

[tuesdayscoming]

Rin smiles contentedly as Hekit expertly draws up the contract. It was good to see that his new companions were reasonable and could employ diplomacy, not just force.

But as Feng seizes the kobold, Rin's mouth drops. His hand moving instinctively to his spell component pouch, he considers, for a moment, casting Sanctuary on Meekins. To kill him now, like this, would be murder, not lawful execution of their duties!

But their intimidating companion drops the (likely terrified) kobold, and Rin realizes he hasn't breathed for a few moments. Deliberately exhaling, he lowers his hand and offers a sympathetic look to Meekins while he prepares to sign.

After, as they move towards their new goal, he quietly addresses Feng. "Madame, I'm... quite surprised to have heard you speak so forcefully as you did just now. Or, for that matter, at such length; I don't believe I've heard you speak that much in the entirety of our time together thus far!" Slightly intimidated himself, he decides not to voice his concern over the directness of her methods; after all, no harm had really been done, and her technique may have been the deciding factor in getting the contract signed.

Inspiring Leader:Assuming that Meekins and/or another kobold agree to come with them, Rin will take a few minutes to give them a bit of a pep talk. He talks up how impressive it is that they've made due down here, survived without support or sympathy for so long. He transitions into company-branded PR, attempting to sing the glories of AI, his companions, and the many prospects for growth that our franchise has to offer new interns such as Meekins and his fellows. Most of all, he tries to make them believe that this new chapter in their life will be the beginning of a brave and profitable new life. Whichever of the listening kobolds understand common will gain 4 temporary hit points.

As they approach the gate to the troglodyte's lair, Rin will take a deliberate breath in, out, in out. Steadying himself, he prepares by checking his torch and armaments, polishing his AI badge, and casting-off a bit of dirt on his left boot. "Once more into the breach, friends."

[The BBEG]

While many would know that Kobolds typically respond well to being dominating, considering they are known to beg and cower, Meekins seems to defeated and dejected that even the threat of death does little cower him further. He simply nods to Feng and replies dejectedly with. "Ok."

He puts a small slice on his forearm and signs the documents as needed with no complaints. He then yips at the kobolds inside. "Begin dismantling all the traps. They are going to take care of the troglodytes. We will have a new home... somewhere. We won't return here. Have your belongings prepared for when I return. We will be trekking away from here. Be ready." It is obvious that this kobold cares for his people and is struggling with the wait of what he is asking them to do. Depending on your own characters leadership style, you either view him as a true leader who cares for his people, or a weakling who should have bargained better.

"Me grab... sling... spear... from inside. Or you make... fight... trogs with dagger... only?"

A few kobolds, mostly the very young and very old filter out first. The sounds of stone tools smacking things can be heard from inside, the kobolds staying true to their words regarding dismantling the traps. The kobolds look at Rin funny as he speaks. It appears only Meekins and on other ancient looking kobold understand the words he provides.

[tuesdayscoming]

To whatever extent Rin understands Meekins's directive to his people, he certainly falls into the "view[s] him as a true leader who cares for his people" category. Helm teaches that keeping one's people safe is difficult and often requires compromise. As an aegis mage, Rin understands the need for temperance and sacrifice, and respects those who do what they can to avoid bloodshed.

"By all means, Meekins, you are entitled to utilize..." Realizing that the kobold's Common proficiency is limited, he slips into a sort of simplified Pidgin dialect. "Spears good. We trust that kobolds will help us. You are stronger, we are stronger. We will help protect you if you will help protect us."

[The BBEG]

Meekins nods and walks into the rubbled house to get his gear. He is wearing a spear in his right hand, a backpack on his back with a small shield attached, and a sling attached to his belt. This is a small leather pouch attached to his belt as well. "Ready. Follow to trog's." He says in common.

It's a short walk to the next gate. The gate is closed most of the way, but large debris underneath keeps if from closing the last two feet or so. Meekins ducks down to go underneath. Everyone else will have to get on hands and knees to go under. It is still very dark. With torches lit you can see the other side is pretty much the same, but in worse disrepair than the previous. And it smells awful. Like a bog was used as a latrine for skunks with dysentery. It is, quite awful truth be told.

Meekins eyes are darting around, looking for any sign of the creatures he is looking for. His head peaks up and he whispers. "There, there, there, there, and there."

With him pointing them out, everyone with darkvision sees five troglodytes, sneaking towards the group. Those without darkvision cannot yet see what he is pointing at. They are spread out ahead, but all between 45 and 60 feet away.

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Be in any formation you like and have made any preparations you want. Meekins pointing them out gives you guys the higher initiative and a chance to act. They are NOT surprised though.

[PartyOfRogues]

Arth moves up 15 feet and prepares to attack if any trogs come near him

Spoiler: Rolls

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(1d20+5)[16] to hit
(1d8+3)[11] damage
(1d6)[5] sneak attack if I can

[Holy-hunter]

Get ready. Feng calls aloud as she holsters her axe and draws a javelin. Taking a step forward she eyes the nearest troglodyte. Take out one at a time and protect the back line. with that she takes a few more steps and then launches her weapon at the creature with a loud aggressive grunt.

Spoiler: attack

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Disadvantage due to range
(1d20+5)[14]
(1d20+5)[24]
(1d6+3)[4]

[aguaracu]

Geoff shoulders his shield and positions himself slightly ahead of Rin and tries to clear his mind.

Spoiler: OOC

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Geoff will cast Entangle on the troglodytes when they are within torch light if he can get at least two of them in the casting area.

[Kvard51]

The Colonel prepares to cast Bless on Feng, Arth, and himself as soon as the Trogs are within 30’ of any of the three of them.

Spoiler: Actions

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If Sneak attack is possible for Arth, he will use his BA to give Arth a reaction attack. If not, he will use the same for Feng.

[tuesdayscoming]

Taking up a position in the back, Rin reaches into his component pouch. Muttering a few arcane syllables, he calls on Helm's blessing for himself, Hekit, and Geoff.

Spoiler: Assuming combat actually breaks out

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Casts Bless from a first level slot.

[Tycho42]

Hekit focuses, remembering all the clauses in his agreement, and categorizing the lethality of his spells. Then...he starts to scratch. More and more though not enough to cause him to break their position.

He mutters something under his breath in infernal about blessings. He’d take the help but it didn’t feel good. They always made him itch.

Spoiler: Actions

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I already posted my contingencies in Discord. Basically priotitizing my safety, then catching 2+ in arms of hadar, then casting eldritch blast.

[The BBEG]

The Colonel and Rin both buff up their party members, helping guide the attacks.

Feng hefts a javelin and sends it flying, striking troglodyte deep into its chest. Dishearteningly it rips the javelin out though it obviously grimaces.

As the troglodytes move forward, Hekit and Geoff use their spells to their advantage.

As two get close together, Hekit casts a spell causing tentacles to slap at them.

Trog 1 Strength save vs. Arms of Hadar: (1d20+2)[12] Taking 4 damage.
Trog 2 Strength save vs. Arms of Hadar: (1d20+2)[17] Taking half damage for 5 damage.

Geoff drops causes roots to pop up, grabbing at two other troglodytes.

Trog 3 Strength save vs. Entangle: (1d20+2)[9]
Trog 4 Strength save vs. Entangle: (1d20+2)[3]

The troglodyte that Feng hit with a spear makes it through unmolested and charges right up to Arth. His blade pierces the creature in the neck and it slumps to the ground without making a word.

The Colonel motivates Feng to throw another javelin at one of the four remaining Troglodytes, but misses by a few inches.
Feng Attack: Disadvantage: (1d20+5)[8] or (1d20+5)[11]
Feng Damage: (1d6+3)[8]

Please do not post until I post the trog's actions in the next post. It is easier since I need the outcomes of the rolls in this post.

[The BBEG]

Troglodyte 5 has perished to a combination of Feng's javelin and Arth's blade.

Troglodyte 1 is smashed by the arms of hadar but continues his assault, running up adjacent to Arth who is alone ahead of the group. It bites and claws at Arth trying to rend flesh. The creature smells foul, causing Arth to nearly vomit. Arth please make a DC 12 Con save vs Trog 1's Stench of be poisoned and another for Trog 2's Stench.

Trog 1 Bite Attack: (1d20+4)[11]
Trog 1 Bite Damage:(1d4+2)[6]

Trog 1 Claw Attack: (1d20+4)[20]
Trog 1 Claw Damage:(1d4+2)[6]

Trog 1 Claw Attack: (1d20+4)[5]
Trog 1 Claw Damage:(1d4+2)[6]

The 2nd Trog moves to the other side of Arth, flanking him before biting and clawing at its target.

Trog 2 Bite Attack: (1d20+4)[17] or (1d20+4)[6] due to advantage.
Trog 2 Bite Damage:(1d4+2)[4]

Trog 2 Claw Attack: (1d20+4)[9] or (1d20+4)[15] due to advantage.
Trog 2 Claw Damage:(1d4+2)[5]

Trog 2 Claw Attack: (1d20+4)[14] or (1d20+4)[20] due to advantage.
Trog 2 Claw Damage:(1d4+2)[6]

Arth falls to the ground unconscious from the vicious attack by the first two trogs. (Any attacks after you went unconscious were not made.

Trog 3 and Trog 4 both try to break free of the entanglement.

Trog 3 Strength Save vs Entanglement:(1d20+2)[17]
Trog 4 Strength Save vs Entanglement:(1d20+2)[10]

If successful they will run towards Feng and attack as the others did against Arth. If not, they will just stand there. If they are not stopped by the entangle, Feng please make two DC 12 Con saves vs Stench from Trog 3 and Trog 4 of be poisoned.

Trog 3 Bite Attack: (1d20+4)[5]
Trog 3 Bite Damage:(1d4+2)[6]

Trog 3 Claw Attack: (1d20+4)[20]
Trog 3 Claw Damage:(1d4+2)[5]

Trog 3 Claw Attack: (1d20+4)[12]
Trog 3 Claw Damage:(1d4+2)[4]

The 4th Trog moves to the other side of Feng, flanking her before biting and clawing at its target.

Trog 4 Bite Attack: (1d20+4)[21] or (1d20+4)[23] due to advantage.
Trog 4 Bite Damage:(1d4+2)[5]

Trog 4 Claw Attack: (1d20+4)[15] or (1d20+4)[23] due to advantage.
Trog 4 Claw Damage:(1d4+2)[4]

Trog 4 Claw Attack: (1d20+4)[20] or (1d20+4)[23] due to advantage.
Trog 4 Claw Damage:(1d4+2)[5]

Because only one Trog made it past, Feng only takes 5 points of damage.

It is now the players turn.

[The BBEG]

Meekins moves up beside on the otherside of Trog 3 who is attacking Feng and attacks with his spear.

Meekins Attack with spear: (1d20+5)[7] or (1d20+5)[19] due to advantage.
Meekins Damage: (1d6+3)[8]

[Tycho42]

Hekit seems unphased by the horrific attack, mostly given that he is preparing his next attack. Seeing one fall and another actively being threatened, he positions himself so trogs would have to get past others to get to him, and flicks his wand as if he is dragging a bell-rope towards the one attacking Feng. There is the echoing sound if a dolorous bell.

Spoiler: Actions

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Toll the Dead on Trog 3 - DC 13 wisdom save or (1d12)[11](11) necrotic damage

[PartyOfRogues]

Death save
(1d20)[13]

[tuesdayscoming]

Seeing Arth fall, Rin's protective instinct kicks in. He yells out, trying to distract the troglodytes from his fallen companion before muttering a few arcane syllables to patch up the rogue's wounds.

Bonus action: Healing Word to heal Arth for (1d4+3)[4]

Then, dropping the torch he holds, Rin shoulders his crossbow and takes aim at whichever of the troglodytes looks most severely wounded. Praying that Helm guide his shot, he lets a bolt fly!

Attack roll: (1d20+5)[10]+(1d4)[1] (Bless)
Damage roll: (1d8+3)[5]

[PartyOfRogues]

Arth stands up and heads back to the group after disengaging from the trogs