Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC

[Ninja Dragon]

Also:

As he is following the group, Rik will turn around and walk backwards, pressing his Boots of False Tracks on the ground, in an attempt to create footprints of mraow leaving the tower and going behind it.

[Smilex]

Rik's completely undiscoverable before drinking the invisibility potion and after the drink there's even less to see. How lucky the item wasn't mislabeled.

The group goes inside the building and comes into a large room that feels like an entrance hall. There's a stairway up, but not down. There's a door to the right and one on the back of the room. Coccyx points at the most distant door and whispers
That one.

There's two other mraow here. One's a monk and the other is an armed and armored individual carrying the the holy symbol of Eternal.

The guard who's with you goes
There's something going on outside. These people asked for shelter.

The armored mraow approaches
How lucky for you. We have shelter. In the name of the Eternal and in the glory of Danifae, please feel welcome.

He glances at the other monk and calls out
Bring chairs.

The monk opens the door on the right where a couple of mraow seem to be having a discussion. The mraow monk carries in a pile of stools and spreads six of them out. The armored mraow takes one.

While all this is happening the original doorguard goes back out.

The armored mraow starts again
Please sit down. You can wait here safely while your fears pass. I am Huanco, a paladin of glory and a servant of the Eternal.

Coccyx says
I remember you. Five years past you missed your final examination. Later they found you locked in a cabinet. Something about vengeance for ratting some people out.
Coccyx glances at Oren.
No offence meant. I've got a friend who's a member of the ratfolk.

Huanco is taken aback.
Yes. Well, here academic titles are not what's important. We're all joined in united effort. Each person tries to help according to their ability.

Coccyx goes
Titles are always important.

Huanco says
That's the old view that we mean to challenge. With your great mind I'm sure people would follow your guidance even better if they weren't shackled by the dictates of hierarchy, Coccyx!

Coccyx says
Doctor!
But seems to think about the matter.

Huanco turns to face the others
What do you others think of the territory of Affios? Don't you think we should make all of Luracidon similar?

[Ninja Dragon]

It doesn't seem like there is any way to lose those guards. Rik will try to take advantage of his invisibility, then.

He whispers in Polari's ear: "I'll try to find Spinoza. Buy me time".

Then he goes to the door Dr. Coccyx pointed at and enters it.

[Bobthewizard]

Polari Human Sorcerer 2 AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6 PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12 Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3 Sorcery Points: 4/4 Restore Balance: 2/2 Conditions: none

Just was Rik starts to open the door, Polari tries to ask the guards questions in order to distract them from any noises his friend might make,

"We are new to this district. Tell us more about this society. Utopian, and yet, curious. If people are expected to contribute according to ability, how do you motivate someone who is just lazy?"

Polari keeps his concentration on the bonfire but stops the minor illusion.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action to help Rik's stealth.

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Geronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' - Allisog and Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guide RIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls (all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice

[Smilex]

Huanco answers Polari
The lazy? The war weeds out the lazy and the stupid. The Loser inherits their souls. Those who survive gain the spoils of victory, the prize of the Eternal - as long as they survive.


The monk intrudes
We're not interested in riddles or exceptions. We trust what we see, nothing else. Everything you see out there in this territory. It's real. It's there. And we want to keep it going.

Huanco continues
The problem with this city is simply that there's people who try to solve all their issues by sending other people into war, to fight for them. Why should such people rule? The generals don't need someone behind them that pulls strings.


Meanwhile Rik opens the door to the next room. It's a smaller room with a lit fireplace. There's two large chairs. There's a table between. There's a mirror above the fireplace. There's two doors: one to the left, another to the right. There's nobody in the room.


The monk goes
Don't, please, Huanco. We're not about politics.

Huanco says
These aren't just some people Millio. They're not here to score some drugs. This is my old teacher from the Mentaujit and his friends.

Coccyx stands up
Huanco, listen to me. We've left the Mentaujit. We've left!

Huanco looks puzzled
What do you mean?

Coccyx repeats
Left! Left all the way!

Huanco continues
Why would you leave the Mentaujit? It's practically been made for you.

Coccyx sinks back to his chair.
I don't feel like talking about it.

The monk leans forward and offers some a small jar to Coccyx.
You look like you need something that gives you a new viewpoint.

Coccyx opens the jar and there's a green powder inside.
Catnip?

The monk nods.

[Ninja Dragon]

Rik stops and looks at each door. The only sound he can hear is the fireplace. He is invisible, but if anyone is behind each door, he could be seen.

Left of right?

He takes a deep breath, and opens the left door.

[Smilex]

As Rik opens the door on the left he immediately sees a set of stairs down.
The sound of a handbell starts ringing in the area.

Huanco rises and yells
The cellar alarm's ringing!

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Threw some rolls for initiative just in case
23 Oren
22 Polari
21 Coccyx
15 Rik
Also 15 Geronimo
14 (?)
9 Millio
7 Huanco
4 Bellatrice

[Ninja Dragon]

Rik will try to go down the stairs as fast as he can. No time to lose.

[Smilex]

Rik finds himself going down a long spiral stairway that twists left, left...
This goes on for a while. At the same time in the building above...

Huanco goes
That'a magical alarm. Somebody has invaded the building! Excuse me.

Huanco and Millio rise up and start moving towards the back.

Coccyx says
We'd like to come with you.

Huanco says
Just don't get in the way!

The group moves into the room at the back. At the same time the rigthside door of the fireplace room opens and another monk pokes her head in.
What's going on here?

Huanco says
Somebody's sneaking around here.

Coccyx goes
I hope there's nothing too dangerous in the cellar. There's all sorts of things that live in the substratum and these old buildings tend to have connecting pipes and corridors down there. Anything could come up really. Invisible assassins, poltergeists, slimedevils... even morlocks can crawl through hidden spaces. My friends here know morlocks very well.

[Bobthewizard]

Polari Human Sorcerer 2 AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6 PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12 Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3 Sorcery Points: 4/4 Restore Balance: 2/2 Conditions: none

Polari follows along after Coccyx,

"We might be able to help. Especially if it's Morlocks. I know they're just servants here, but they can get pretty dangerous when there's a lot of them. Everyone be careful."

Polari loads his crossbow. He keeps his concentration on the bonfire outside, hoping the guards out there waste time trying to put out a magical fire.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Geronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' - Allisog and Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guide RIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls (all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice

[Wooloo]

Oren Ratfolk Fighter 2 AC: 16 | HP: 22/22 | HD: 2/1d10 Quiver: 20 arrows Action Surge: 1/1 PP: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 12 Conditions: none

"Don't worry, Polari. No slimedevil is getting a bite at you before I slash them into shreds."

Oren draws his thunder sword and stays near Polari, hoping to protect the valuable spellcaster from any sudden assailants.

[Smilex]

Huanco says.
How did you know this door goes to the cellar?

Coccyx answers
There's stairs down there. I'm just assuming.

Huanco goes
Morlocks, huh? Millio, stay here. We'll go check the cellar.

Millio nods

and you start walking the long stairway down

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Do you guys do something on the way down now that you're alone with Huanco or do you happily go all the way down as a group?

Meanwhile, Rik hears sounds of someone following him!

[Ninja Dragon]

Rik doesn't know who is following him. He is in a bad tactical position, though. He needs to get out of this stair so he can go to a more open place where he's not likely to bump into other people. He makes sure to go down as fast as he can.

As he goes down, he thinks of his secondary quest. Since he left Polonia's ship, this has been bothering him. He had accepted it at first, feeling proud of his previous success, and thankful to Polonia for helping them. But now he has had time to think.

He is here as a representative of the Monastery of White Rock. And that means he must be brave and honorable. Planting fake evidence to set two factions against each other is not honorable. And no, as much as Rik works for the Abracio Fleet, he is not loyal to them, he's with them for convenience. His creed is what really matters.

Never mind the fact Alissog was a member of the Mentaujit. What would she think if she knew Rik was backstabbing her faction?

But... now he has said he would fulfill his mission. Betraying Polonia is not honorable, either. Also, it's not just him, Oren is also part of it. He could be killed or punished for a betrayal or a failure. Rik doesn't think he has a right to make the other rat suffer for his own code. He is not blind enough about his ideology to believe everyone must think the same way as he does, either.

He will try to complete the mission. And then next time, he will make a decision more worthy of a monk.

[Smilex]

Rik descends the stairs until there's no more stairs. Instead there's a door. With the steps closing in from behind there's little to do but open it.

The door opens.

SCENE 4

Spoiler: MAP

Show

You enter at the top

You enter a plain room with a wooden floor. There's three openings into other rooms. There's four robed mraow playing a game similar to dominoes at the room ahead of you. Three of them are wearing masks. Another robed mraow enters the room from the bedroom area on your right.

The door opened and there's nobody here?!
This lady is wearing gang symbols that suggest she's a member of the Longwands.

[Ninja Dragon]

Rik does not recognize the woman who just spoke. And there are no signs of Spinoza anywhere. That means 5 enemies, plus the ones coming from the stairs. He needs to hide.

He will move to the room to his left, and stay beside the chair by the room's west wall. He will try to make the least noise he can.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Stealth: (1d20+5)[15]
Possible Advantage: (1d20+5)[11]

While he is there, he will take the chance to place the symbol of the Mentaujit under the chair, in a way that is not immediately visible to someone who is standing in the room, but could be found by anyone who spends a long time there.

[Smilex]

Rik successfully hides and plants a badge.

In little time the rest of the group appears down the stairs.

You see a youngish robed mraow lady and what looks like an apartment. At the back there's more people playing a game.

The woman greets you
Were you here a moment ago? And who are these people?

Huanco answers
We were worried that someone might have come through this way and done something to you. And these... this is my old teacher Coccyx and his friends.

Coccyx goes
Doctor.

The woman says
Idiot, this is a secret place and you're bringing in strangers here and someone from the Mentaujit yet? You're jeopardizing everyone here?

Huanco says
We were worried there could be morlocks here.

Coccyx says quietly to everyone
I don't think we should be standing in a group.

[Bobthewizard]

Polari Human Sorcerer 2 AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6 PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12 Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3 Sorcery Points: 4/4 Restore Balance: 2/2 Conditions: none

Polari lowers his crossbow. He walks forward and tries to keep the woman from becoming more alarmed. He lays all of his cards on the table to see what her response might be. He also wants to judge how Coccyx takes this.

"We're sorry ma'am, we don't mean any disrespect. I don't think Dr. Coccyx here is with the Mentaujit anymore. I think you might even find us amenable to recruitment. We were sent to rescue Sister Spinoza but I think our patrons might be trying to use us for more sinister aims. We'd rather talk to you than fight here anyway."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

We can always fight them if you all don't agree with this plan.

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Geronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' - Allisog and Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guide RIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls (all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice

[Zhentarim]

Trying to decide what to do next, Geronimo probes for more information.

"You said that the war weeds out the weak and lazy. I'm a foreigner, myself, so could you explain more to me about this war?"

[Smilex]

One of the masked individuals at the back stands up and takes a step nearer
Chelo! Don't be so hasty, always so rash. Huanco, you did good, please come and take this money. I'll take charge here.

Huanco seems confused and Chelo seems angry.

Huanco says
I don't need money.

Chelo says to you
Apoka wants to talk to you apparently.

Two of the robed individuals move out of the room through the door at the back.

Apoka keeps insisting
Huanco, there's a lesson here. I want to give you a gift for good work, don't be rude.

Huanco moves in towards Apoka who gives him a small pouch and then lays his arm on Huanco's shoulder. While this is happening, Coccyx takes a few steps back into the stairwell and Bellatrice moves forward to curiously peek into the bedroom. Chelo hisses at her and Bellatrice gives a smile back.

Apoka continues
I can see two of you are longwands. So are a number of us. The Gang-lion, sister Spinozo is here too. She's being heard by the circle. Meanwhile we were just spending time here so you're not interrupting anything important.

Coccyx says from the back
Oren, would you help Bellatrice with her shoes? One of them looks to be ready to fall off.

Apoka continues
A goblin traveller? How did you end up here and in the longwands then? I don't think Huanco was talking about a particular war, rather about how war always weeds out the unworthy. The plotters seek to keep war distant from them because they're afraid that they might not be worthy of their lofty positions in the end. They worry that a war might make them lose. So they craft war for others, while they retain a state of constant readiness in the city. Always tension, always fear. The plotters are weak and their fear and weakness keeps people suffering.

[Bobthewizard]

Polari Human Sorcerer 2 AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6 PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12 Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3 Sorcery Points: 4/4 Restore Balance: 2/2 Conditions: none

Polari keeps his crossbow lowered. He walks past Chela to approach Apoka, mostly to address the one who seems to be the leader, but also to listen to Coccyx' advice and help everyone spread out.

"I would like to talk to Sister Spinoza if you would allow it, regardless of whether she is here as a guest or as a prisoner. It does not have to be in private. I have no more secrets."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

We can still fight them if you all ever don't agree with this plan.

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Geronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' - Allisog and Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guide RIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls (all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice
Huanco, dumb armored Nip
Chelo, cautious nip
Apoka, leader? nip

[Ninja Dragon]

Rik listens to the conversation, trying to figure out if his teammates are actually planning to join the Nip or just deceiving them. Polari's request to see Spinoza suggests it's the later.

The ratling himself thinks the philosophical discussion is fascinating, actually, and would love to join it. He is not sure if the people they are working for are worthy of respect, to be fair. And he has always felt like some things about the Sninig Sea were a bit too cruel, maybe it would be good to change them.

But at the same time, he is not sure if he buys what the Nip are saying. He recalls the last time his party gave them a chance to talk, they ended with Alissog dead and a few of their members gravely injured, including Rik himself. They are not peaceful people, and the talk about war doesn't sound like something the rat would agree with. He has learned in his training that violence is to be used to protect the weak, not to cull them.

But he cannot talk now, and he has only one shot at element of surprise. He decides to trust his friends' judgement here. The events at the forge have shown that they are people who want to do the right thing. He will attack if they attack too.

[Ninja Dragon]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Insight check on what Apoka just said: (1d20+3)[21]

[Smilex]

Rik listens carefully to what's happening. He can't see people well, except for Chelo and Bellatrice.

Everything that Apoka says sounds legit, and Apoka sounds very natural when talking. He doesn't pause to invent stuff. At the same time there's something about the flow of the conversation that makes no sense to Rik. Like there's a missing piece to the puzzle.

[Smilex]

Apoka glances over his shoulder at the door that's behind him and continues
Polari, isn't it? You might not be so interested in the redistribution of goods but it is important to the people. For us wizards and sorcerers the important thing is the freedoms.

Currently, if you simply control flames to dance in the wrong place, you're likely to end up beaten up by followers of plotters - or worse. Our mother and father in the longwands try to create a territory of their own where one would be free to cast spells of any school. But what's that? A reserve where we're hiding. The Nip offer freedom and calm - a world where we could freely cast as we will.

At this point Rik hears a change in the voice. There's a bit of fear mixed in. It still doesn't sound like lying, but it sounds like stalling.

Having Apoka use Polari's name triggers a memory with Polari. He's heard of a transmuter called Apoka working for another heir of the gang somewhere in Luracidon - Brother Apoka.

[Zhentarim]

Geronimo responds to Apoka, I am a travelling minstrel, and I joined with this party to find inspiration for my next piece. I'm trying to decide who the heroes and villains are for my next ballad. Every great story has a kernel of truth to it, and I'm here to find my kernel of truth. I can give you a sample of the melody I have in mind, if you'd like, but I haven't chosen lyrics to accompany it, yet."

[Wooloo]

Oren Ratfolk Fighter 2 AC: 16 | HP: 22/22 | HD: 2/1d10 Quiver: 20 arrows Action Surge: 1/1 PP: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 12 Conditions: none

Spoiler: Coccyx said this

Show

Coccyx says from the back
Oren, would you help Bellatrice with her shoes? One of them looks to be ready to fall off.

Somewhat apprehensive, Oren approaches Bellatrice and looks at her shoes.
“Hello, miss. May I tie your shoe? You don’t want to trip on undone laces.”

The rat fighter is a bit confused. “Was the shoe a code for something?” He feels out of his league in this political discussion. For a moment, he almost wishes the cellar was actually filled with morlocks and slimedevils.

A lifetime of being told what to do takes a toll on the young rat. Oren finds himself agreeing with what the disciples of Danifae are saying. "Could it be that they are the good guys? But then Wing-Captain Polonia would be in the wrong... And what fury will she unleash on a rat turned traitor?"

Suddenly Oren forgets all about Bellatrice’s shoe and exclaims:

“I want to join the Nip!”

But even as the words roll out of his tongue, the rat is conflicted and unsure of what to do.

[Ninja Dragon]

Rik moves slowly as not to make any sound. He approaches Polari and whispers on his ear.

"He is stalling for something"

He is not sure how to react to Oren's exclamation. He trusts the other rat's heart, but not necessarily his judgement.

[Bobthewizard]

Polari Human Sorcerer 2 AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6 PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12 Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3 Sorcery Points: 4/4 Restore Balance: 2/2 Conditions: none

Grateful to hear that his friend Rik is here, Polari keeps up the conversation with Apoka as he glances over at Oren.

"It looks like my ratfolk friend over there is interested in joining you too. While I agree that the plotters rules are entirely too stifling, I have a question. How do you ensure that freedom without things falling into chaos?"

While he would prefer chaos over stifling rules, his days in Mechanus left a mark on his outlook and presentation. He knows how to argue for structure even though he prefers freedom. He is also trying to gauge what Coccyx and Bellatrice think of this discussion.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Geronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' - Allisog and Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guide RIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls (all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice
Huanco, dumb armored Nip
Chelo, cautious nip
Apoka, leader? nip

[Smilex]

The door at the back opens again and the two robed figures that left... they now come back into the room.

Polari glances back and notices that both Bellatrice and Coccyx are fiddling with their weapons.

Apoka smiles
A song? That would be lovely.
He grabs a pile of dominoes and tosses them next to Chelo.
Meanwhile, would you please cast augury, just to check that their intentions are forthright?

When Chelo doesn't immediately act, Apoka claps his hands. Chelo still doesn't move so Apoka claps his hands again and says sternly.
Now!

Spoiler: Rik

Show

You realize there's something wrong here.

Spoiler: Polari

Show

A stern clapping of hands is a longwands' signal for 'thunderclap'

Chelo squats to pick up the dominoes and starts reciting a spell.

Apoka continues
During war there's always chaos but war is not the aim or the end. After war there's ... well, you've seen how it is outside, where the people are simply enjoying the spoils of war. People are enjoying themselves, no harm in that.

[Ninja Dragon]

Rik Silverfang Ratfolk Monk 2 AC: 16 | HP: 17/17 | HD: 2/1d8 Javelins: 5/5 | Darts: 10/10 Ki: 2/2 PP: 15 PInv: 10 PIns: 12 Conditions: none

A trap.

Not on his watch.

He moves towards Chelo and starts attacking him to prevent him from casting.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Spear: (1d20+5)[16]
Advantage: (1d20+5)[24]
Damage: (1d8+3)[4]
Damage if Crit: (1d8)[5]

Unarmed Strike: (1d20+5)[19]
Advantage: (1d20+5)[8]
Damage: (1d4+3)[4]
Damage if Crit: (1d4)[4]

"I will have to refuse your offer".