Session 23: The great deception

[istainion]

         

CHARACTER: Streth Evira  
CLASS: Paladin  LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 50%+

  

With just Smuck and I heading toward the danger, I felt a sense of insecurity mixing up with any remains of rational thought. It is not my faith that is weak, for the righteous will be the victors, but the inability to reason with this species. They might not listen to any words a human may speak, perhaps not even understand ...

We neared the temple, and made our appearance when all their weapons were aimed at me as we locked eyes. When Smuck spoke in a language I could not understand, I saw him move and wave his hands in my direction as to present me. I made sure to appear weakened, and even frightened of his presence, regardless of my well-kept equipment and shield positioned on my back. My hands tied only loosely in the rope he used.

A weak pull communicated to me to follow him, one I made appear much more vicious. The sounds I'd make need to signal these goblins my distress, and I managed to keep up much of it, enough for them to lower their weapon upon the masked leader's signal. A charismatic exchange began between both Smuck and their leader, Yokka, he is called, he said?

Countless of waving, and chatter to indicate the importance of their subjects, and the counting by fingers to present exactly the number nine. I did not quite understand. 

(Yokka explained that the temple is dedicated to nine Gods, and there are many traps hidden inside that Dirtbrain(?), their companion, lost their life to. The goblins consider this hilarious. They want Streth to head in first to catch all traps in their place, but Smuck argues against it for being good food. The Goblins are convinced that Smuck is great for bringing them a treat: human flesh.)

I heard a noise in the distance. Movement of some sort, this could be just any animal or monster, but it could also be our companions. It attracted the attention of these Chultan goblins, but it appears like Smuck assured them that he will take care of them. The goblins lowered their weapons when Smuck cast a spell on himself to move at an incredible speed. At a distance, he threw a number of fireballs, and returned with his usual, smug expression. That was done, I believe? Perhaps it was a minor monster after all.

The other goblins cheered enthusiastically upon his return, and I managed to get out of the bushes when Smuck pulled on the rope once again. After having previously pushed me in. Once we reached the stairs, and I stumbled it up, Smuck spoke up again soon after the goblins made the room for us to move inside. They appear impressed with the words he spoke. And gestured around like he typically would when he speaks of his strange form of magic.

In return, Yokka, their leader, used that same motion to refer to this magic and gestured with his hands that made it appear bigger. A stronger magic? My eyes could barely keep up with their wild gesturing and the odd, enthusiastic speech. Then they fell silent, as if shaken by something big. Almost like they were forced to bow, they were frozen for a duration as Smuck resumed speaking. Then a pause followed, and so did their enthusiasm. They are eager about something, and I was forced in the center of goblins that all took a position around me by Smuck's command and Yokka's confirmation.

Their weapons were taken, first their short bow, then followed by their scimitar. He placed two short bows around me to form a circle by their shake, then handed me the scimitar and placed it uncomfortably between at my back. I decided not to move in any suspicious way. Smuck used some of their blades to carve arcane sigils in the dirt all around me. Yokka stood close to me, when he came from the temple's entrance to express his fascination for it. And when Smuck moved closer to me, he told me to spin in circles and to ask for help.

As told, I did exactly as requested. I spun in a circle and yelled help as well as I begged for mercy. May Helm have mercy on my soul for this. This deceptive behavior is not usually what I do, but in order to-

The goblins laughed and cheered, but that did not remain for long when the group appeared from behind the tent. One group locked eyes with Arden in the distance, but missed, and he was returned an arrow.

(The fake ritual was to make Streth's human flesh much more delicious at the potential cost of Yokka's army of sacrifices. Easily convinced, he merely asks if it will be funny or not. Smuck assured this, and by request he'd make especially green explosions come out as well. They were easily deceived by the mention of Smuck's great leader, who is a necromancer that seeks allies that he will make strong once they are under his command. 

The ritual is intended to please the nine Gods, and various of specifics made Yokka upset, but he remained cooperative. Streth was required to be barefoot for the fake ritual, and the goblins needed to be positioned at specific locations. Some of their weapons were taken and used. The arcane sigils read only nonsense.)

The battle took place, and when victory appeared to be on our side, Yokka stepped back and reached for a horn which he blew. When the sound was heard, the ground suddenly began to shake. 

Something big is coming ... Be on your guard!