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Daishain's 5e D&D RPG Main Thread - Page 482

Shortly after the group takes to the water again, Snapjaw reunites with the group Jack spied on. Immediately there is a loud squabbling amongst them. You don't know what is being said, but it becomes clear that few among them are really happy with this alliance.

Snapjaw does not say anything, instead he stands, crest rising to full mast, as he stares down the loudest dissident. Shortly, the smaller male shuts up and backs off.

The matter is settled for now, but Snapjaw still has his men stay apart from your group as you travel.

Moving through the swamp with a lizardfolk escort proves considerably easier than without. Twice, some of them use their talents in the water to confuse and divert one of the many hordes of wandering undead. Snapjaw is also quick to point out some of the less obvious dangers, including another shambling mound, and a hydra lurking in a particularly deep section of water.

You estimate it to be around mid afternoon when Snapjaw indicates that stealth is needed. If you haven't lost your bearings, you are very near the spot indicated by your maps.

Stealing forward, the group finds themselves huddled behind a mass of bushes, peering out at a large, partially ruined structure. Source 7j

In some respects, Castle Naerytar is even more formidable now than before the area was claimed by swamp. Its walls are weaker, and beginning to crumble in a few places, but getting siege equipment in place to take advantage would be an impossibility. Two banners hang in prominance outside the main gate. The cloven skull of the Eldreth Veluuthra, and the black wing, representing the Black Wing sect of the cult of Tiamat. This is definitely the place.

The rest of Snapjaw's warriors are housed just outside the castle, in surprisingly well built structures. You can see a few black clad figures moving amongst them. Strapped to an x frame on the roof of the external gatehouse (The lower structure in front) is one of the lizardfolk with some of the cultists clustered around. You cannot see exactly what they are doing, but you can hear his screams, even over this great distance.

Snapjaw explains grimly, "One angers them, they taken and made to scream. Many angers them, our females and younglings made to scream. They no kill, no maim, just hurt and hurt and hurt until obeyed. Tribe cannot leave, cannot fight, cannot stand, not while they have… what is word… hostages. No hope for tribe without."

He points at the moat around the castle. "Entrance under water. We get you in, you do something with stone man, then help rescue rest of tribe. Can do this? What is price?"

Out of Character: As with the Cobalt Claw sect you dealt with before, the Black Wing emulates dragons of their color. Among other things, black dragons are known for their love of inflicting pain, and thus so are their humanoid followers. For Game of Thrones fans, imagine for a moment a castle full Ramsey Boltons. (Okay, so maybe half a dozen Ramseys and quite a few more wannabes, but still).

Edited: daishain on 6th Sep, 2017 - 1:19pm

Thread Main RPG Dragons and Dungeons e Daishains

Poljen says to the others, "Learn what you can about this stone man. I am going to use Trammet to do a full scouting." The big man then finds a relatively dry patch on which to sit while he begins his ritual. After a few minutes, the eagle that mostly rides on his shoulder or flying nearby takes to the sky. Poljen's eyes are closed as he begins to scout around the area, especially looking into the interior of the ruins.

Rolling Percpetion, but if Investigation, ignore the modifier.

Daishain's 5e D&D RPG Main Thread Archive Pathfinder / D&D

Fay looks at Snapjaw, "Tell us what you know about this stone man." This information about a stone man concerns him greatly.

Page 482 Thread Main RPG Dragons and Dungeons e Daishains

"Tall, carved stone. No smell, no heart, no heat, but alive anyway. Strong too, crushed warrior's skull like egg one hand."

"Weapons not hurt it, not even picks for chipping stone."

As you ask him for further details, it becomes obvious to some that he is almost certainly speaking of a Stone Golem, a magically formed non sapient automaton. They are difficult to harm with magic, and among unenchanted weapons, only those composed of the rare metal adamantium are capable of hurting it at all.

Avoiding such things is generally the smartest course, and is often rather simple, but if one is set to guard a path you must take, they don't get distracted or diverted from their instructions.

Edited: daishain on 6th Sep, 2017 - 1:31pm

Thread Main RPG Dragons and Dungeons e Daishains

Velon addresses Lia, Fay, Jack and anyone else in their party that chooses to listen when the opportunity arises. "What should we ask of Snapjaw? Should we tell him we are here for a similar purpose? I was thinking a few of the lizardfolk should infiltrate with us. They know the way in and their women and children would be less alarmed and confused if they see their kin. Perhaps we even have a weapon or two to lend."

The paladin continues "If we have a way of messaging Snapjaw from afar, we could signal an attack on the castle once we are in a position to protect the women and children." "It would prove a great distraction for the cult. Somehow in all of this we must find the mask, of course."

"I defer to all of you, being the smarter and more tactical folk. I'll settle for being the most handsome still." (Grin) "Well, except maybe Jack. It must be the red in his cloak. It's a good color you know *wink* "

Daishain's 5e D&D RPG Main Thread

Fay listens to Velon and smiles at his joke, "I always thought handsome meant good looking… when did the definition change to burly and unkempt?" He asks innocently. "As fer me, I just be ruggedly handsome, it be me magnetic personality that be irresistible."

As Mari rolls her eyes at that Fay smiles, "Twas you said I was too quiet. Now to the problem at hand. I like yer idea of bringing a few of the lizardfolk with us" he says to Velon. "They need to be quiet though if possible. Methinks when we find this stone man we'll have found our quarry. If it were me I'd use a stone golem that can't be swayed from its duties to guard me treasure. 'Tis but a guess. Now, if right I be getting past it be the problem."

Daishain's 5e D&D RPG Main Thread - Page 482

From Poljen's bird eye perspective, he estimates around 40 people active where he can see on the walls and in the bailey. Hundreds more could be within the buildings, or it could only house a handful at present, it is difficult to say. Most are wearing cultist robes, but he also sees a handful of tall elves in ornate and traditional clothing, no doubt members of Eldreth Veluuthra. A number of lizardfolk are also moving about, mostly older children, they are apparently being used as servants.

The odd domed structure on the northern wall appears to be composed entirely of brass. It seems to be damaged, but something must be protecting it, or it would have long ago rusted in this air otherwise. Some manner of complex instrument can be seen within, it looks arcane in nature.

Daishain's 5e D&D RPG Main Thread D&D / Pathfinder Archive - Page 482

Once Trammet has given Poljen the overall view he seeks, he tells the bird of prey to find itself some dinner then return to them. He shakes his head as his vision returns to his own eyes and he stands and approaches the group.

"I saw about 40 outside and on the walls. Mostly human, but some of those angry elves. The, uh, Eldritch Veloura? Anyway, you know who I mean. I saw some of the lizard children acting as servants. I was unable to see inside, not without sending Trammet closer than would be safe. That weird, metal dome? It appears to be brass, but it should be much more corroded than it is. I suspect magic is involved. And there is some big, metal, magic machine inside the dome. At least, I think it is magic."