[OOC] Is the tube big enough to climb through?

Zanben looks at the tube in the water wondering if he could fit I side and decides he could indeed squeeze through it.

"F@^C* It", Zanben says, not interested in squeezing through a tube if he doesn't have too.  He reaches into his pack, knocks back one of his potion of healings.

[OOC] potion of healing 2D4+2=7

"That should top me off, I feel much better now."  Turning around heading back out the door he came, Zanben decides he wants to get a better look at that scorpion-like construct in the opposing room.  He attempts to walk up to it and investigate, being cautious of movement prepared to attack if any danger arises.

[OOC] Perception 1D20+6 = 16
Investigation 1D20+2 = 7

Zanben walks to the construct cautious of it's nature. The creature seems to be inert and whatever he does can not find a way to initiate anything from the beast.

Gwen joins Zanben, approaching cautiously in case the machine comes to life.

OoC: Gwen will use Arcana and/or History to identify it if she can... I'll post rolls later unless Curt beats me to it.

Zanben walks to the south wall to investigate the pile of sculls to the south blocking the double doors.

[OOC]  Investigation 1D20+2 = 16
Perception 1D20+6 = 13

He then thinks to himself “What the hell is with all these skulls and what is behind there?”

Imbert wanders over and watches Zanben move the skulls.

Zanben and Imbert look at the skulls. They poke the skulls. They kick the skulls. They appear to be numerous skulls from various creatures including sentient creatures. They clear the skulls out of the way and gain access to the double doors at the South end of the chamber they are in.

Zanben inspects the double doors for traps, and places his ear up to the door to see if he hears anything behind the doors.

[OOC] Investigation 1D20+2 = 9
Perception 1D20+6 = 22

If he doesn't hear anything he attempts to open and peak in without making any noise.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8 = 25

As Zanben places an ear to the large double door he can hear a hum from the other side.

Imbert watches Zanben as he listens

Zanben opens the door as slowly and quietly as possible peaking through and being mindful of any danger that may be behind.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8 = 17
Perception 1D20+6 = 26

This narrow chamber ends at two curved alcoves, one to the east and one to the west. Each alcove is enclosed by a dull iron portcullis. A winch next to each provides a way to raise or lower the gates. Beyond each portcullis a circle of runes glows with a faint orange light on the floor. Inside the circle to the West and the East are what appear to be Devils.

"Oh, golly," Gwen says in a hushed voice. "This looks like a room in which all sorts of bad decisions have been and may yet be made. Don't touch anything, m'kay?" She studies the devils and their prisons, keeping her staff at the ready.

OoC: Arcana (+7) and Religion and/or History (+5) to identify the devils, the runes, and anything else of interest.


20:20, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 12 using 1d20+7.  Arcana.
20:21, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Religion/History.

Imberts stands silently watching Gwen study the devils.

Gwen knows from her Arcane studies that devils can be locked in place and weakened with magic cicles.

She then has a religious moment of clarity and knows that devils represent the lawful realm of the Nine Hells.

As Gwen is studying the circles, bars and devils she notices they are studying her as well.

One of them clears it throat, then with blinding speed grabs the bar holding it back and says in a loud growling voice, "What are you doing here welp? Come to pick the minds of nightmares like the last one? Be careful with what you seak."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:06, Fri 13 Jan 2023.

Gwen shudders, swallows hard, and draws herself up to her most dignified height of three-foot-eight. She gives the slightest of nods to the devil and makes a genuine effort not to piss herself. "You are far from home, sir, and our business is local. Who was this 'last one' you speak of, and who are they to you?"

The devil responds, "A drow was here. He goes by the name of the Black Spider. He was trying to unlock the secrets of some mystical forge. He questioned me and my kin about it. I am far from home cursed to power this device with my own life. Release me the rewards would be momentous." As he says this the rune that holds him in place flashes a bit then returns to normal.

Gwen leans over to Bandalor and mutters, "Hold your nose, buddy, I'm about to stink it up real bad."

She steps closer to the devil. "We hunt the Spider as well, and we have heard of the artifact you mention. Perhaps there is a mutually beneficial path before us."

OoC: Who wants to make a deal with the devil?

13:15, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 19 using 1d20+7.  Arcana. What does Gwen know about the details of dealing with devils? Also, what does this thing look like? Can she get a read on what sort of devil this is, and how powerful?

Proposal: Barter their freedom and the Spider's head on a spike-- with our help-- for our safety (and Phandalin's) and possession of the Forge of Spells.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Tue 17 Jan 2023.

In deep gruff voice the devil cocks it's head to one side and says, "A deal huh. Very well. As per a contract you free me. I will tell you where this Black Spider was heading. I will at that time go back to whence I came. Is this contract acceptable?"

Jaskier shifts nervously from side to side at the thought of entering a contract with such a being.  One one hand it would be incredibly helpful to have to have the aid of such a powerful being, but on the other...
Jaskier pipes up "If we are to be bound in contract to this creature I must insist on several addendums...such as he/she/they will not, through direct or indirect action, cause any one of us harm or injury...or any other companions that may join us on our journey...or any barmen, service wenches and the like that we may encounter in the future.  Also if something could be done to improve Imbert's sour personality that would be a benefit to all."  Jaskier chuckles nervously and adds "I can quiet my worries about this deal if we can expediently deal with the black spider"

The Devil considers this for a second and says in it's deep rumbling voice, "I just want to go home. I have been locked in this cell for many centuries and wish to leave. I plan to take no action against anyone as those that bound me are all long dead. Your group would be safe from me at least and I would leave this plane. The Black Spider would be left to you to deal with as I fear my power is spent I would just have enough to shift myself home."

Zanben walks up to the devil, and stops about 1.5 ft from the cage, “Centuries you say, how did a powerful being such as yourself get locked up in this cage for so long?  Was it something you did, or something they wanted from you?  Also, when you say momentous reward, how momentous are we talking?”

The Devil clears his throat, "They knew my name and were able to summon me and bind me to this device," He waves his hands around at the structure about him. "My body and power along with that of my pathetic brother there infuse this place with energy to function. It has something to do with the water ways of this region. As the terms laid out in our contract would state you release me and I am bound to not harm you and to give you information on the Black Spider."

"Sounds like a fair deal to me."  Imbert states.