As Najax attempts to remove the hat, he catches a faint glimpse of something reflecting in the darkness, before a pair of tentacles emerge from said darkness and pull the hat back down. Two more emerge from beneath the brim, and slap at his hand. Quill remains motionless, narrowed, pupilless eyes staring up. Whispers emerge from behind those eyes, eldritch incantations forming words in Najax's mind alone.
Najax opens his eyes wide and looks at the little creature unbelievably. The Dragonborn starts to shake his shoulders, then he chuckles, and then he roars in laughter.
" Tentacles! The little bird has tentacles! Oh I have a tentacle too! And mine is BIGGER! "
The space above Najax's head ripples like a water surface. A tentacle which is as thick as the Dragonborn's arm and long like a giant boa emerges from there.
" … Maybe we have something in common, little one. Come here. I give you a ride. It will take an hour if I walk at your pace."
Najax pads himself and holds his clawed hand to Quill, silently telling Kenku to perch on his shoulder.
The gaze with which Quill regards Najax could be defined as nothing less than apocalyptic. Behind the tiny motes of light perched above the kenku’s beak, the death-rattle of a stillborn sun screams. Those vehement orbs push upon Najax the whirling winds of a sun-beaten waste, sands so hot they are rendered molten, gobbets of glass searing the skin. An eye twitches, and as the kenku stares Najax down, he hears no real voice in his head: All he hears is what it sounds like to die.
In short, the lil fella looks mighty cross. It wouldn’t be all that intimidating, considering what a wee lad they are, except Najax can’t help but feel something… off. Kenku are known to be masters of mimicry, able to repeat any sound they have heard. These images that Quill sends to Najax… he can’t help but imagine they have seen these things before, that these are not their own creations, but a repetition of what their own mind has witnessed.
Quill huffs. Huffily. There will be no shoulder perching today.
Najax's mind is like the ocean. It is huge. It is vast, deep, filled with many interesting thoughts and ideas but most of its part is …very very very empty. He just sinks all the sounds and images Quill has made into the void of his mind without understanding what they mean. The Dragonborn blinks his eyes and shakes his head.
" Oh… the little bird is cranky."
Najax follows the Half-Orc to his client's house. He slows his walking pace to make sure that the Kenku will not be left behind by other taller adventurers.
As Najax slows, Quill blows straight by, moving at a brisk pace that allows them to keep up with the rest of the group. Their shoes click against the ground as they adjust their cloak, the back of it flapping out dramatically as they do. They say nothing, in person or via whatever mental link they have been using to communicate, but a low, impatient buzz sounds in the minds of all who get too close to them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
The half-orc lead you all to an estate on the outer part of town, more inland than the coastal town. Yet it boasts more fertile soil as Vertheg has to lead you all through the front garden first. And it is neatly pruned and groomed to a uniform state. The lawn is immaculate and hedges themselves are fashioned in a tasteful array of fish. With the centerpiece being a mermaid statue with a tree above it. Yet it would be more of a beautiful visage if the estate matched. The mansion seemed to be in various states of disrepair, fading paint, growing mold, and even the roof having some patches.
Upon leaving town, Dobin relaxes a bit. Those next to him hear a "glad to be out of there; too close". As they approach the mansion he says "This should be interesting."
Nivi has been looking coolly at the various buildings and houses as they pass through and out of town, as if storing away the information for later. Her owl Shiv flies up and around in a circle a few times, perhaps scouting. Or staying far from the panther, hard to say. When Dobin mentions it it being too close in the inn, she nods vaguely and looks thoughtful. But when she sees the estate and the front garden, she whistles low in what might be appreciation.
"Weren't kidding about the pretty leaf-art, Vertheg. Though judging by the mansion, seems as if old Aubreck may have fallen on some hard times?"
Brand followed silently. He observed the group, assessing them as best as he could. The Kenku made him uneasy and Najax seems the boisterous sort. The only other member of the group he kept looking at was the panther but that was because it was taking all his self-control to not impulsively go hug the kitty. It was not easy.
Vertheg opens the doors and you can see the foyer is in a somewhat similar state. While the room is free of dust and dirt, the furniture and decor are showing age as they fray and start to peel. The half-orc leads you to an lounge room of sorts,
"Me go get master, wait here please."
The couches here have started to fade from their original color and the wear and tear of it is evident. The table fares better as it seems to be made with marble. It has a bowl of fresh apples as its center.
As the half-orc departs to summon Aubreck, Nivi muses aloud:
"The loyal butler, Vertheg. Does great work in the garden and keeps the place well dusted and spruced up . But he's fighting a losing battle. Manor house is falling apart. Furniture needs to be replaced. His master Aubreck either doesn't have the funds to keep up the place, or doesn't care."
She picks up a piece of fruit from the bowl and tosses it up and down absent-mindedly, eyes wandering along the windows and hallway exits. "Have to keep our eyes open here and see where things truly stand, or we may end up being paid in apples for finishing the job. Not that these look half bad."
The "Master's" concerns lie elsewhere, it seems For his concern for his residence is naught. What, I wonder, could compel him To leave his home in ruin?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Um," Brand says nervously, "what does it matter? So what if his home isn't to your standards? It's still his home. And it's better than mine - seeing how I don't have one. I'm glad you enjoy your privilege and take it for granted but how about not judging others?"
Brand looks down, avoiding anyone's gaze and plays with fingers as his anxiety rises. He's spoken up. He's drawn attention to himself. Shit.
Nivi's eyes widen with amusement and she shakes her head, thinking to herself: again with the over-sensitivity about judging! First sweet lips and now fire boy over here... still, maybe I should tone it down a little... she thumps Brand on the shoulder.
"No judgement here and nothing wrong with the house, not permanently anyway. And the gardens are great. Just sayin'... looks like Aubreck fell on hard times. Need some assurance he's good for any reward he promises us for the job. Oh wait, were you talking about what Davak said?"
She turns to the duergar. "A dump, Davak? Can't hold a candle to the luxuriant paradise I've heard the Underdark is, to be sure."
Her eyes widen further, ruefully this time. So much for toning it down. Good work Nivi... she rocks back on her heels to wait for Aubreck.
Davak grunts. "Yeah, good, let's get movin'. I'm not gettin' any younger."
@Vertheg
" To your master then,Vertheg. Son of your pa and butler to your master. Let's see if your master's offer is just as good as this fish… "
The massive Dragonborn eats the roast fish with two bites. He still looks very hungry.
@Quill
"…What is it? "
Najax bends his knees to look down at the creature who is one third of his size ( and probably on tenth of his weight )
" I saw something under your hat. What is it? Do you have fur, little bird? Show me. "
The Dragonborn purrs like a giant cat. He reaches out to Quill and tries to take his hat away.
(OOC: Najax isn't really intent to take Quill's hat. So feel free to dodge or reject his hand)
As Najax attempts to remove the hat, he catches a faint glimpse of something reflecting in the darkness, before a pair of tentacles emerge from said darkness and pull the hat back down. Two more emerge from beneath the brim, and slap at his hand. Quill remains motionless, narrowed, pupilless eyes staring up. Whispers emerge from behind those eyes, eldritch incantations forming words in Najax's mind alone.
ꃳꏂꅐꋬꋪꏂ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꊰꄲ꒒꒒ꌦ ꄲꊰ ꉔ꒤ꋪ꒐ꄲꇙ꒐꓄ꌦ
ꇙꄲꂵꏂ ꀘꋊꄲꅐ꒒ꏂ꒯ꍌꏂ ꒐ꇙ ꂵꏂꋬꋊ꓄ ꓄ꄲ ꃳꏂ ꊰꄲꋪꍌꄲ꓄꓄ꏂꋊ
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Oh master's name, it's... a brick?" He gives a slight groan, rubbing his temples, "No, um, it's Aubreck. Like a brick but not it. Names are hard."
@Quill
Najax opens his eyes wide and looks at the little creature unbelievably. The Dragonborn starts to shake his shoulders, then he chuckles, and then he roars in laughter.
" Tentacles! The little bird has tentacles! Oh I have a tentacle too! And mine is BIGGER! "
The space above Najax's head ripples like a water surface. A tentacle which is as thick as the Dragonborn's arm and long like a giant boa emerges from there.
" … Maybe we have something in common, little one. Come here. I give you a ride. It will take an hour if I walk at your pace."
Najax pads himself and holds his clawed hand to Quill, silently telling Kenku to perch on his shoulder.
The gaze with which Quill regards Najax could be defined as nothing less than apocalyptic. Behind the tiny motes of light perched above the kenku’s beak, the death-rattle of a stillborn sun screams. Those vehement orbs push upon Najax the whirling winds of a sun-beaten waste, sands so hot they are rendered molten, gobbets of glass searing the skin. An eye twitches, and as the kenku stares Najax down, he hears no real voice in his head: All he hears is what it sounds like to die.
In short, the lil fella looks mighty cross. It wouldn’t be all that intimidating, considering what a wee lad they are, except Najax can’t help but feel something… off. Kenku are known to be masters of mimicry, able to repeat any sound they have heard. These images that Quill sends to Najax… he can’t help but imagine they have seen these things before, that these are not their own creations, but a repetition of what their own mind has witnessed.
Quill huffs. Huffily. There will be no shoulder perching today.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Aubreck it is, then. Big house, nice garden, many rooms, good with words. What's not to like? Let's roll, Vertheg. No time like the present."
Nivi pads out of the Inn and smiles at her new companions.
"Watch out world. We've got the terrible tentacle twins and we're not afraid to use them."
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Najax's mind is like the ocean. It is huge. It is vast, deep, filled with many interesting thoughts and ideas but most of its part is …very very very empty. He just sinks all the sounds and images Quill has made into the void of his mind without understanding what they mean. The Dragonborn blinks his eyes and shakes his head.
" Oh… the little bird is cranky."
Najax follows the Half-Orc to his client's house. He slows his walking pace to make sure that the Kenku will not be left behind by other taller adventurers.
As Najax slows, Quill blows straight by, moving at a brisk pace that allows them to keep up with the rest of the group. Their shoes click against the ground as they adjust their cloak, the back of it flapping out dramatically as they do. They say nothing, in person or via whatever mental link they have been using to communicate, but a low, impatient buzz sounds in the minds of all who get too close to them.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(Uh, Vertheg has been waiting by the door.)
The half-orc lead you all to an estate on the outer part of town, more inland than the coastal town. Yet it boasts more fertile soil as Vertheg has to lead you all through the front garden first. And it is neatly pruned and groomed to a uniform state. The lawn is immaculate and hedges themselves are fashioned in a tasteful array of fish. With the centerpiece being a mermaid statue with a tree above it. Yet it would be more of a beautiful visage if the estate matched. The mansion seemed to be in various states of disrepair, fading paint, growing mold, and even the roof having some patches.
Upon leaving town, Dobin relaxes a bit. Those next to him hear a "glad to be out of there; too close". As they approach the mansion he says "This should be interesting."
D&D since 1984
Nivi has been looking coolly at the various buildings and houses as they pass through and out of town, as if storing away the information for later. Her owl Shiv flies up and around in a circle a few times, perhaps scouting. Or staying far from the panther, hard to say. When Dobin mentions it it being too close in the inn, she nods vaguely and looks thoughtful. But when she sees the estate and the front garden, she whistles low in what might be appreciation.
"Weren't kidding about the pretty leaf-art, Vertheg. Though judging by the mansion, seems as if old Aubreck may have fallen on some hard times?"
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Najax examines the fish shaped hedges and mermaid statue with hungry eyes.
"… Yeah. They look pretty. Can't eat but still pretty. You are a good gardener,Vertheg"
He scrapes a piece of mold from the wall and sniffs it.
" How many live here?"
Brand followed silently. He observed the group, assessing them as best as he could. The Kenku made him uneasy and Najax seems the boisterous sort. The only other member of the group he kept looking at was the panther but that was because it was taking all his self-control to not impulsively go hug the kitty. It was not easy.
My Homebrew: Races | Subclasses | Backgrounds | Spells | Magic Items | Feats
Need help with Homebrew? Check out this FAQ/Guide thread by IamSposta
See My Youtube Videos for Tips & Tricks using D&D Beyond
Vertheg opens the doors and you can see the foyer is in a somewhat similar state. While the room is free of dust and dirt, the furniture and decor are showing age as they fray and start to peel. The half-orc leads you to an lounge room of sorts,
"Me go get master, wait here please."
The couches here have started to fade from their original color and the wear and tear of it is evident. The table fares better as it seems to be made with marble. It has a bowl of fresh apples as its center.
As the half-orc departs to summon Aubreck, Nivi muses aloud:
"The loyal butler, Vertheg. Does great work in the garden and keeps the place well dusted and spruced up . But he's fighting a losing battle. Manor house is falling apart. Furniture needs to be replaced. His master Aubreck either doesn't have the funds to keep up the place, or doesn't care."
She picks up a piece of fruit from the bowl and tosses it up and down absent-mindedly, eyes wandering along the windows and hallway exits. "Have to keep our eyes open here and see where things truly stand, or we may end up being paid in apples for finishing the job. Not that these look half bad."
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
"What a dump," Davak mutters to himself. "I shoulda stayed in the Underdark."
The "Master's" concerns lie elsewhere, it seems
For his concern for his residence is naught.
What, I wonder, could compel him
To leave his home in ruin?
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Um," Brand says nervously, "what does it matter? So what if his home isn't to your standards? It's still his home. And it's better than mine - seeing how I don't have one. I'm glad you enjoy your privilege and take it for granted but how about not judging others?"
Brand looks down, avoiding anyone's gaze and plays with fingers as his anxiety rises. He's spoken up. He's drawn attention to himself. Shit.
My Homebrew: Races | Subclasses | Backgrounds | Spells | Magic Items | Feats
Need help with Homebrew? Check out this FAQ/Guide thread by IamSposta
See My Youtube Videos for Tips & Tricks using D&D Beyond
Nivi's eyes widen with amusement and she shakes her head, thinking to herself: again with the over-sensitivity about judging! First sweet lips and now fire boy over here... still, maybe I should tone it down a little... she thumps Brand on the shoulder.
"No judgement here and nothing wrong with the house, not permanently anyway. And the gardens are great. Just sayin'... looks like Aubreck fell on hard times. Need some assurance he's good for any reward he promises us for the job. Oh wait, were you talking about what Davak said?"
She turns to the duergar. "A dump, Davak? Can't hold a candle to the luxuriant paradise I've heard the Underdark is, to be sure."
Her eyes widen further, ruefully this time. So much for toning it down. Good work Nivi... she rocks back on her heels to wait for Aubreck.
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim