Linar asks in elven, "Those folks ok? Is there a gobolin leader still to find? Or are we done here?"
He then pulls back into the darkness, doing a circuit (perimeter check) of the darkness then taking up a position in the shadows (HS) to guard the exit for unplanned arrivals.
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TristenC wrote:... [i seem to recall Linar having a holy symbol of Corelon, is it readily visible? ...]
"Nesserr Leader have other Prisoners?" Katten speaks to the prisoners in her form of common, taking up the staff once again (she has been moving it as she does)
" Kid never learned to clear a room. Doors and corners, I told him. Doors and corners."
Demiplane of Dread - Mira Human Bard (Searching for the Crown)
Genwald - Nesserrr (Katten) Feliz Ranger (Going Solo..)
- Stardust (Jade) Pixie Warlock (Seeking answers)
Borderlands 3 - Navi
The group shields their eyes as Jordek brings a torchlight around, but they soon adjust to the sudden illumination. The group reacts excitedly to the appearance of the gnome and his offer of freedom. They move forward as far as their chains will allow, proffering the still locked shackles to see if anything can be done.
When we heard elves had come to free us, some of us dared to hope. the one of the humans says, excitedly. (Linar would note He was dressed in a common manner like many of the citizens of Bordertown). But then it was known that the attempt failed, and the goblins moved us from our usual place. They split us up. Some of us were brought here since the bear had escaped during the attack. The others... well I heard some goblins talking, I think they moved them much farther into the caves.
The tribal human tries vainly to calm down the dwarf, who is still shaking and cringing; not from the light or new arrivals, but from the very walls themselves.
The half-elf speaks up, Earthaniel? The Wild elf, right?! He is with the other prisoners. I don't really know him that well but... well he caused a lot of trouble for the goblins I heard, so they moved him here from one of the other caves. They chained him up with some human women and told him if he kept causing trouble, they were going to start... cutting pieces... The half-elven man shivers a little despite himself. The chief is the problem. And Krak and Krok. The rest are basically cowards but a cruel lot.
The gnome steps forward a little, rushing right up to the Squirrel Cleric. By the wildwanderer's beard am I glad to see you! The diminutive humanoid's grin practically splits his face. Too much time below ground is terrible! Why, just look at Thrinarv over there, he gestures to the Dwarf. He's having a hells of a fit. I mean, he hates it below ground, surface dwarf that he is you know, but sometimes he's ok. Always jittery but usually he keeps his cool somewhat. But when they crammed us back in that alcove over there, then chained us up and we couldn't spread out or see or nothin? Why the poor bastard went off the deep end! He shakes his head sadly. Well, now you're here and we can go and maybe his brain will find some way to cobble itself back together again someday. He finishes, having spoken the whole in nearly a single breath.
Jordek inadvertently gives a start, for just an instant; though the other gnome doesn't seem to notice. He knew this one... a fact quickly confirmed when the fellow stuck his hand out in greeting, Thaddeous Thornwhistle Ignatious Hackber!
===
Jordek knows Thad from Lesoger!... and about 50 years ago, lol. The fellow was not part of Jordek's old 'friends', but was a citizen he had acquaintance of...
When the jabber (that he doesn't understand) has settled down a bit, if nothing threatens, Linar will go see if he can help pick any locks to free the poor prisoners, (with a, "please tell him to hold still.")
"Thaddeous? By His beard indeed! How did you end up in a goblin lair? Last I saw you were safely tucked away at home. Mind you that was several decades ago." Jordek will rumage through his belongings a pull out his lock picks and start helping Linar. "You haven't seen two other gnomes from back home as prisonors here have you?" Jordek hesitates momentarily with his picks in hand as a thought occurs to him "Umm do any of you know your way around this place? Maybe where these other prisoners that were mentioned are being kept?"
[the locks are average quality, obviously not goblin made but taken from victims of the past.
SQuirrely and Chris, let me get some pick lock checks. there are 2 locks, and you can each try both if needed]
The Chief? His chambers are to the south down the long hall, then westward. [this lines up with what the goblin captive has told them previously]
The gnome scrunches his eyes up and looks at Jordek, tilting his head sideways and idly stroking his beard. Home? You know... decades hmm? ... hmm.. He adopts a look of shock. Jordek!?! Is it really you!? He shakes off his surprise and the grin widens. Why I was just shocked and ecstatic to see another fellow of the Gnomish persuasion! he barks a laugh. Well you've obviously done... erm.. well for yourself. Yes indeed, look right hale and quick you do! Other Gnomes? Oh my, yes. Oh but they're not here. They move the prisoners about sometimes between here and the other caves. Not much, usually when they cause trouble or the big chief wants to make a point... Garfin and Metthic I think were there names...
===
The leader of Jordek's old "group" was Garfin Mossburn, and Metthic Harby was another member.
"This short one friend?" Katten asks the Gnome, "They often move people, they know people like me come to stop them." Puffing out her furry chest for a moment she kneels to check Dran. "We find big chief."
" Kid never learned to clear a room. Doors and corners, I told him. Doors and corners."
Demiplane of Dread - Mira Human Bard (Searching for the Crown)
Genwald - Nesserrr (Katten) Feliz Ranger (Going Solo..)
- Stardust (Jade) Pixie Warlock (Seeking answers)
Borderlands 3 - Navi
[is Elden punching or bending them? He probably can't punch them open, but he could break the running chain and free one line of 4 prisoners with a Bend bars roll. his is 20%]
Linar readies his tools and sets to work on the locks. The mechanisms are rusty and hard used, and fail to yield to the delicate work. Alternatively, Elden grips the chain tightly with his hands, looping his arms as best he can. Bracing himself he strains, pulling with all of his not inconsiderable might. The metal groans and grinds as the muscles and veins on his arms protrude like small serpents under his skin. Eventually he has to relent; the chain proving too strong. [he can try the second chain if he likes]
We used to try to break free with the pickaxes they made us dig with, but it was so noisy and clumsy they would always notice and beat us... If we had some of those we might break free... one of the humans offers.
[there are no digging tools in this chamber, but there may be some elsewhere]
"Tools!, HA!" Elden grabs the second chain. [1d100] = 78
"Yes well may be tools aren't such a bad idea"
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Nocturno will offer while watching outside the torch light. "I can use my second favourite sword to try and break them if you are unable to free our new friends."
