Before the party disperses a tiny Halfling man named zonanan hookstangies, wearing a chihuahua dog mask, has crashed the party. He collides with Hurren, on his way to refill his wine cup; clearly not his first, second, or even third helping of wine. Angry and growling, the Halfling attacks Hurren by throwing a punch.
"How dare -hyuk- you attack Zonanan- hyuk- yip! Ruff!" .
Was that last bit a hiccup? It sounded like a bark… you read nothing on the invitation about this being an in-character party.
The Halfling man continues to press his attack, bearing his teeth as he closes the distance. The crowd is filled with a few onlookers, but there is enough commotion with the entertainment that this event just becomes another part of the larger cacophony.
For Zensiro and Hurren
You notice in the crowd, up on the second level balcony, a figure wearing a mask depicting 3 faces is looking at this altercation more intently than anyone else.
As Zensiro approaches the entrance, he absentmindedly flips the invitation over repeatedly in his hands. "I do truly love bounding through the forest like a deer, but I think for tonight's assignment the owl is the best choice." When he notices the gaze of the tabaxi minding the door cast over his group, he quickly looks away, avoiding eye contact. Reaching the door, he presents the invitation, clears his throat nervously, and does his best to greet her formally. "The grace of Selune be with you on this beautiful evening! And, uh, I must say that you are every bit as lovely as this night's sky. Ahem, oh, what a charming theme, much appreciated by an elf such as I. If it has not been claimed, might I wear this owl mask? I strive to match the owl's wisdom!" He sighs and silently curses his lack of grace, then quickly picks up the owl mask and makes his way inside.
Zensiro will continue to observe the guests, seeing what he can overhear and relying on some discreet lip reading when necessary. Moreso, however, he will keep an eye on the employees of the house, as he reasons that they are most likely to have an idea of what happened. He will relay his thoughts to his comrades. Perhaps they should split up or pair off to cover more of the area?
The entertainment is a bit much and while Zensiro does appreciate the fiddle music, he will move away from the noise. Unfortunately, he comes upon the belly dancers next and realizes his mask is the same as theirs, causing him some embarrassment. He then notices Flint appearing to entertain the idea of having his fortune told and decides that this is likely a good location to collect information. It will also be good to be near one of his comrades if they need to act, so Zensiro picks up a drink and heads in that direction.
(Zensiro will rely on his high passive checks from Observant feat, let me know if there is something for him to focus on that would require a normal check.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Ha, bad timing for my post! I guess I took way too long authoring that one.)
With this altercation threatening Hurren, Zensiro redirects and heads toward the halfling whirlwind. It is unlikely he poses much of a threat to Hurren, especially w/his unarmed fighting abilities, but better safe than sorry. The canine nature of the fellow is a bit concerning.
Zensiro will keep one eye on the suspicious figure above while wading through the crowd. Maybe a Perception check for that? I'll roll it just in case.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Skrach is feeling overwhelmed at this stage. He has spent much of his life in isolation, and is not used to being in the company of this many people. The masks add another level of disorientation. He tries to resist the base goblin instinct to run and/or hide.
Malichi watches the group from a safe distance. The exchange between Dexen and the Tabaxi seemed suspicious to him. He's already scoping out an approach to the second story. Once he has a plan he vanishes into the shadows and moves into place
Stealth: 9
Unaware someone might spot him he begins climbing
Acrobatics: 5
and falls on his ass. He picks himself up and reassess the situation. Maybe something he's missed
Perception: 12
Party goers inside see you, and though they don't raise alarm, you feel like everyone is looking at the windows twice as much; take disadvantage on the next stealth check for climbing.
As you land hard on your arse you look up; you didn't see this before, but the building has a slight curve to it. Like an upside down pyramid, but much more subtle. It makes gaining footholds harder.
If you have climbing gear you might be able to negate this (grappling hook+2 to check). Otherwise the DC to meet is 16
Attempting to avoid making too much of a scene, Hurren nimbly dodges the tiny halfling's blows, and tries to disappear into the crowd. If this proves impossible, he will quietly attempt to apologize to the halfling, and offer him another drink.
Hearing the unusual vocalizations coming from his attacker, Hurren thinks to himself, Could these masks be enchanted such that they cause the wearer to behave like the animal depicted? As a test, he will discreetly attempt to find a corner, and temporarily lift the mask from his face, making sure it is not cursed. He will also look for stairs that lead to the second level.
(Ha, bad timing for my post! I guess I took way too long authoring that one.)
With this altercation threatening Hurren, Zensiro redirects and heads toward the halfling whirlwind. It is unlikely he poses much of a threat to Hurren, especially w/his unarmed fighting abilities, but better safe than sorry. The canine nature of the fellow is a bit concerning.
Zensiro will keep one eye on the suspicious figure above while wading through the crowd. Maybe a Perception check for that? I'll roll it just in case.
" Hyuk. Yea, don't let it happen again...pointy…." Zonanan pats his sheathed mace, then stumbles off to get another refill.
The figure from the balcony descends the stairs with fluid grace as they approach.
" I am so sorry this has occurred"
you notice the same rolled 'r' as the Tabaxi outside, but the purr is absent. " I am Lady Irene De Sousa, welcome to my lodge…." she makes a hand motion and two of her attendants come close. Irene whispers to them and they hurriedly remove Zonanan, taking him downstairs.
" I used to retain Zonanan as a guard in the past, it appears he has grown a love for drinking to excess since that time; I hope he didn't harm you?"
Zonanan appears to be making a commotion as he is dragged away from the party, down the staircase.
"It is rather loud down here, would you accompany me on a turn and I will show you around?". The mistress of the house points out some of the features in the main Hall you have already noted, comments that the staircase her attendees took (C2) leads down to the kitchen and servants quarters; then takes you up the grand staircase. The sound becomes muffled once you are above the crowd of voices
"Ahh much better. The design of the house means the most raucous party can be held downstairs, and you can still have a private conversation upstairs or in one of the rooms. Speaking of which, follow me"
Lady Irene will show you around the second level. (The party can stop her at any time to ask questions or discuss something she points out; she will pause her tour to address you before continuing).
(C5) Lady Irene walks over to the room on the far right. This spacious room contains only wall decorations- tapestries and curtains, a large area rug; but no furniture. Inside, sitting on large cushions in a circle, are a:
-A halfling wearing a mouse mask
-A dragonborn wearing a rabbit mask
-A dwarf wearing a crab mask
-A half-elf wearing a moon mask
-An elf wearing a crocodile mask
-A human wearing a skull mask
Each participant has a goblet in front of them, playing a drinking card game. The characters are invited to join the game.
"As you can see, I haven't got the furniture for this room yet, but the return party guests appear to be happy using this space as a games room for now, so perhaps I should be commissioning chairs instead of beds and dressers"
(C4) The party is taken to a centre room next. Inside, a table and two stools have been set up in the center of the room.
"This is Zula. She is a tattoo artist of extraordinary talent. " Lady Irene displays a tattoo on her wrist, depicting 2 masks melding with one another " Zula was kind enough to touch up this old thing; it's a sign of my house. You can ask Zula for any tattoo you like, it's free of charge to the guests tonight."
There are a few dark red armchairs also set up in the room for additional seating. The tattoo artist; Zula Ozu, is a Tiefling with crimson skin and large black ram horns. She wears a simple bejeweled mask. When the party enters, she is administering a tattoo to a Dragonborn wearing an iguana mask. The tattoo is a tribute to the Dragonborn's clan. As the finishing touches are made, the Dragonborn, Akra, looks beaming with pride to display this effigy to his people on his skin.
Lady Irene moves on to the last area of the lodge (C6) and gestures towards the room on the far left; "These are my personal chambers. Unfortunately they are off limits to guests; Malinov is asleep, besides… it's a mess in there"
Lady Irene gestures to the lodge with a sweeping motion of her arm; " I'm afraid here I must leave you, urgent party business to attend to. Everything here is free of charge, wine, food, tattoo parlour, the fortune telling, everything. Please enjoy yourselves." Lady Irene leaves with a final smile and gracefully descends the stairs to the main hall below.
Over to you, what would each of you like to do, and how would you like to proceed?
Flint moves closer to Hurren during the brief scuffle with the halfling and follows the group upstairs for the tour. Leaving the mass of people on the main floor, he becomes a little more at ease. He is quiet through most of the tour, but makes special note of the staircase leading down to the servant’s quarters. When Lady Irene points out her personal quarters he asks “Who is Malinov?”
When she leaves the group at the top of the staircase, he turns to the others. “What should we do now? We may learn more from others at the party, but I lack the skill and patience for party talk. I prefer the direct path, show me something I can hit. We should check her quarters and the basement below.”
Flint moves closer to Hurren during the brief scuffle with the halfling and follows the group upstairs for the tour. Leaving the mass of people on the main floor, he becomes a little more at ease. He is quiet through most of the tour, but makes special note of the staircase leading down to the servant’s quarters. When Lady Irene points out her personal quarters he asks “Who is Malinov?”
When she leaves the group at the top of the staircase, he turns to the others. “What should we do now? We may learn more from others at the party, but I lack the skill and patience for party talk. I prefer the direct path, show me something I can hit. We should check her quarters and the basement below.”
" Oh Malinov, sweet thing he is; Malinov is my bird. He isn't caged, but he perches in my room to sleep and I don't want to wake him, or worse, risk him escaping."
"I am happy to sneaky somewhere if that would help?" Skrach still looks uncomfortable, but slightly less anxious.
You could roll investigation and stealth to see if you can find an open window. If you have rope you could try to signal Malachi, to give him help sneaking in.
Investigation DC 15
Dependant on how you want to approach this I will roll against your check for stealth
When she leaves the group at the top of the staircase, he turns to the others. “What should we do now? We may learn more from others at the party, but I lack the skill and patience for party talk. I prefer the direct path, show me something I can hit. We should check her quarters and the basement below.”
Dex comments " I like the sound of a free tattoo, and from what I saw, that tattoo artist looks like her room wasn't full, so it might be a good opportunity to speak with her in private away from the other party goers."
"I am happy to sneaky somewhere if that would help?" Skrach still looks uncomfortable, but slightly less anxious.
You could roll investigation and stealth to see if you can find an open window. If you have rope you could try to signal Malachi, to give him help sneaking in.
Investigation DC 15
Dependant on how you want to approach this I will roll against your check for stealth
“A free tattoo is tempting, but I am not sure we have the time” Flint responds to Dexan. Seeing Hurren look toward the staircase where the party watched the drunken halfling disappear, Flint places a hand on his shoulder. “I will search the basement with you, but do you think it is best if we stay together as a group?”
Hurren nods, and responds in Common:"Yes, that is probably wise. Just from the way they hustled off that unfortunate creature, I am afraid the next severed limb might be halfling-sized. However, if Dexan wishes to question the artist, I will sit next door in the game room and observe the actions there. Call out if there is danger, and I will come quickly."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Malichi figures he's made enough of a commotion out here. He looks for a discrete place to use the Disguise Hat so nobody notices him change.
Stealth: 17 or lower of dice 18
Changes his appearance only marginally. The horns are gone, coloring is human, eyes light brown, hair the same. The kind of face you'd forget after 5 minutes. He hides his tail down his pants and take his invitation to the line
Before the party disperses a tiny Halfling man named zonanan hookstangies, wearing a chihuahua dog mask, has crashed the party. He collides with Hurren, on his way to refill his wine cup; clearly not his first, second, or even third helping of wine. Angry and growling, the Halfling attacks Hurren by throwing a punch.
"How dare -hyuk- you attack Zonanan- hyuk- yip! Ruff!" .
Was that last bit a hiccup? It sounded like a bark… you read nothing on the invitation about this being an in-character party.
The Halfling man continues to press his attack, bearing his teeth as he closes the distance. The crowd is filled with a few onlookers, but there is enough commotion with the entertainment that this event just becomes another part of the larger cacophony.
For Zensiro and Hurren
You notice in the crowd, up on the second level balcony, a figure wearing a mask depicting 3 faces is looking at this altercation more intently than anyone else.
As Zensiro approaches the entrance, he absentmindedly flips the invitation over repeatedly in his hands. "I do truly love bounding through the forest like a deer, but I think for tonight's assignment the owl is the best choice." When he notices the gaze of the tabaxi minding the door cast over his group, he quickly looks away, avoiding eye contact. Reaching the door, he presents the invitation, clears his throat nervously, and does his best to greet her formally. "The grace of Selune be with you on this beautiful evening! And, uh, I must say that you are every bit as lovely as this night's sky. Ahem, oh, what a charming theme, much appreciated by an elf such as I. If it has not been claimed, might I wear this owl mask? I strive to match the owl's wisdom!" He sighs and silently curses his lack of grace, then quickly picks up the owl mask and makes his way inside.
Zensiro will continue to observe the guests, seeing what he can overhear and relying on some discreet lip reading when necessary. Moreso, however, he will keep an eye on the employees of the house, as he reasons that they are most likely to have an idea of what happened. He will relay his thoughts to his comrades. Perhaps they should split up or pair off to cover more of the area?
The entertainment is a bit much and while Zensiro does appreciate the fiddle music, he will move away from the noise. Unfortunately, he comes upon the belly dancers next and realizes his mask is the same as theirs, causing him some embarrassment. He then notices Flint appearing to entertain the idea of having his fortune told and decides that this is likely a good location to collect information. It will also be good to be near one of his comrades if they need to act, so Zensiro picks up a drink and heads in that direction.
(Zensiro will rely on his high passive checks from Observant feat, let me know if there is something for him to focus on that would require a normal check.)
Passive WIS (Perception) 20
Passive INT (Investigation) 21
Passive WIS (Insight) 15
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
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(Ha, bad timing for my post! I guess I took way too long authoring that one.)
With this altercation threatening Hurren, Zensiro redirects and heads toward the halfling whirlwind. It is unlikely he poses much of a threat to Hurren, especially w/his unarmed fighting abilities, but better safe than sorry. The canine nature of the fellow is a bit concerning.
Zensiro will keep one eye on the suspicious figure above while wading through the crowd. Maybe a Perception check for that? I'll roll it just in case.
Perception 18
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
Skrach is feeling overwhelmed at this stage. He has spent much of his life in isolation, and is not used to being in the company of this many people. The masks add another level of disorientation. He tries to resist the base goblin instinct to run and/or hide.
Wisdom Save (Fear): 18
Skrach / Miner
Party goers inside see you, and though they don't raise alarm, you feel like everyone is looking at the windows twice as much; take disadvantage on the next stealth check for climbing.
As you land hard on your arse you look up; you didn't see this before, but the building has a slight curve to it. Like an upside down pyramid, but much more subtle. It makes gaining footholds harder.
If you have climbing gear you might be able to negate this (grappling hook+2 to check). Otherwise the DC to meet is 16
Attempting to avoid making too much of a scene, Hurren nimbly dodges the tiny halfling's blows, and tries to disappear into the crowd. If this proves impossible, he will quietly attempt to apologize to the halfling, and offer him another drink.
Hearing the unusual vocalizations coming from his attacker, Hurren thinks to himself, Could these masks be enchanted such that they cause the wearer to behave like the animal depicted? As a test, he will discreetly attempt to find a corner, and temporarily lift the mask from his face, making sure it is not cursed. He will also look for stairs that lead to the second level.
You get the sense you are being watched by someone important .
" Hyuk. Yea, don't let it happen again...pointy…." Zonanan pats his sheathed mace, then stumbles off to get another refill.
The figure from the balcony descends the stairs with fluid grace as they approach.
" I am so sorry this has occurred"
you notice the same rolled 'r' as the Tabaxi outside, but the purr is absent. " I am Lady Irene De Sousa, welcome to my lodge…." she makes a hand motion and two of her attendants come close. Irene whispers to them and they hurriedly remove Zonanan, taking him downstairs.
" I used to retain Zonanan as a guard in the past, it appears he has grown a love for drinking to excess since that time; I hope he didn't harm you?"
Zonanan appears to be making a commotion as he is dragged away from the party, down the staircase.
"It is rather loud down here, would you accompany me on a turn and I will show you around?". The mistress of the house points out some of the features in the main Hall you have already noted, comments that the staircase her attendees took (C2) leads down to the kitchen and servants quarters; then takes you up the grand staircase. The sound becomes muffled once you are above the crowd of voices
"Ahh much better. The design of the house means the most raucous party can be held downstairs, and you can still have a private conversation upstairs or in one of the rooms. Speaking of which, follow me"
Lady Irene will show you around the second level. (The party can stop her at any time to ask questions or discuss something she points out; she will pause her tour to address you before continuing).
(C5) Lady Irene walks over to the room on the far right. This spacious room contains only wall decorations- tapestries and curtains, a large area rug; but no furniture. Inside, sitting on large cushions in a circle, are a:
-A halfling wearing a mouse mask
-A dragonborn wearing a rabbit mask
-A dwarf wearing a crab mask
-A half-elf wearing a moon mask
-An elf wearing a crocodile mask
-A human wearing a skull mask
Each participant has a goblet in front of them, playing a drinking card game. The characters are invited to join the game.
"As you can see, I haven't got the furniture for this room yet, but the return party guests appear to be happy using this space as a games room for now, so perhaps I should be commissioning chairs instead of beds and dressers"
(C4) The party is taken to a centre room next. Inside, a table and two stools have been set up in the center of the room.
"This is Zula. She is a tattoo artist of extraordinary talent. " Lady Irene displays a tattoo on her wrist, depicting 2 masks melding with one another " Zula was kind enough to touch up this old thing; it's a sign of my house. You can ask Zula for any tattoo you like, it's free of charge to the guests tonight."
There are a few dark red armchairs also set up in the room for additional seating. The tattoo artist; Zula Ozu, is a Tiefling with crimson skin and large black ram horns. She wears a simple bejeweled mask. When the party enters, she is administering a tattoo to a Dragonborn wearing an iguana mask. The tattoo is a tribute to the Dragonborn's clan. As the finishing touches are made, the Dragonborn, Akra, looks beaming with pride to display this effigy to his people on his skin.
Lady Irene moves on to the last area of the lodge (C6) and gestures towards the room on the far left; "These are my personal chambers. Unfortunately they are off limits to guests; Malinov is asleep, besides… it's a mess in there"
Lady Irene gestures to the lodge with a sweeping motion of her arm; " I'm afraid here I must leave you, urgent party business to attend to. Everything here is free of charge, wine, food, tattoo parlour, the fortune telling, everything. Please enjoy yourselves." Lady Irene leaves with a final smile and gracefully descends the stairs to the main hall below.
Over to you, what would each of you like to do, and how would you like to proceed?
Link to map
Sorry guys, I tried to embed an image, but computer said no.... My number references will make sense once the map is open .
Hurren would like to go back down and descend to the servants quarters to see what became of the drunken halfling.
Flint moves closer to Hurren during the brief scuffle with the halfling and follows the group upstairs for the tour. Leaving the mass of people on the main floor, he becomes a little more at ease. He is quiet through most of the tour, but makes special note of the staircase leading down to the servant’s quarters. When Lady Irene points out her personal quarters he asks “Who is Malinov?”
When she leaves the group at the top of the staircase, he turns to the others. “What should we do now? We may learn more from others at the party, but I lack the skill and patience for party talk. I prefer the direct path, show me something I can hit. We should check her quarters and the basement below.”
"I am happy to sneaky somewhere if that would help?" Skrach still looks uncomfortable, but slightly less anxious.
Skrach / Miner
" Oh Malinov, sweet thing he is; Malinov is my bird. He isn't caged, but he perches in my room to sleep and I don't want to wake him, or worse, risk him escaping."
You could roll investigation and stealth to see if you can find an open window. If you have rope you could try to signal Malachi, to give him help sneaking in.
Investigation DC 15
Dependant on how you want to approach this I will roll against your check for stealth
Absolutely, I will wait to see if anyone wants to join you and will write a post.
Dex comments " I like the sound of a free tattoo, and from what I saw, that tattoo artist looks like her room wasn't full, so it might be a good opportunity to speak with her in private away from the other party goers."
Investigation: 12
Stealth: 7
Skrach / Miner
“A free tattoo is tempting, but I am not sure we have the time” Flint responds to Dexan. Seeing Hurren look toward the staircase where the party watched the drunken halfling disappear, Flint places a hand on his shoulder. “I will search the basement with you, but do you think it is best if we stay together as a group?”
Hurren nods, and responds in Common: "Yes, that is probably wise. Just from the way they hustled off that unfortunate creature, I am afraid the next severed limb might be halfling-sized. However, if Dexan wishes to question the artist, I will sit next door in the game room and observe the actions there. Call out if there is danger, and I will come quickly."
Malichi figures he's made enough of a commotion out here. He looks for a discrete place to use the Disguise Hat so nobody notices him change.
Stealth: 17 or lower of dice 18
Changes his appearance only marginally. The horns are gone, coloring is human, eyes light brown, hair the same. The kind of face you'd forget after 5 minutes. He hides his tail down his pants and take his invitation to the line
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Malichi, Tiefling Rogue - Worlds of Pphost- The Amazing Teleportation Machine
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