"Or a lockpick. I can try to pick it," Saffi adds, watching Cylence holding the dwarf guard. "If not, I've probably got some in the armory, unless they got rid of them."
The changeling hopes that they guards have left her thieves' tools alone, but figures they'd have been destroyed if the dwarves knew what they were. She also hopes the rest of her gear is untouched, having politely refused Saoirse's offered crossbow. Saffi takes the opportunity, again, to size up her comrades. Her eyes smile a bit at her luck to be shoved in with such a useful lot. From spellcasters to healers to, well, a mountain of fur and muscle, the group seems to have been made for this sort of thing.
I was falsely accused of crimes I did not commit. Sha's earlier words come back to Saffron, as if echoing across a canyon. She wonders how many of her new friends are, indeed, innocent. Was she innocent? She showed up at the appointed time and place, ready to eliminate the proposed target. She agreed to be an assassin.
But you didn't do it, her own voice reasoned. But would I have, had someone not beaten me to it?
The changeling left her thoughts hanging, peering around for any sign of the armory.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
Lam watches Billywalk over to the dead Dragonborn and close its eyes. He cannot tell what Billyis whispering, but he can guess. When Billysays he will stay behind to offer the dead their last rites, Lam grunts “Thank you.” Before they leave. If Billyhad not offered to stay behind, Lam might have- or at least pointed out that something needed to be done.
When the Tortle introduces themself, Lam repeats their name: “Tesfaye.” And offers his own: ”Lam.” As they walk, he attempts to continue the conversation. “We have different skills.” Making things is an impressive craft which he has never been known to be good at. “I would like my axe back.”
I would like to know if Lam has ever heard of what Tesfaye was talking about with the Tides. I’ll roll religion in case that is what is needed: A low number, close to 5.
He also listens to the conversations of the others. Between what Hemlockis saying now and what the Bow Elf said earlier, Lam is beginning to think that this Mining Company does some awful things to the land. He feels a shred of relief that he seems to be leaving now instead. It occurs to him that he also has not spoken to Hemlockyet- the firbolg is the only one who comes close to Lam’s height, and he also showed impressive magical prowess in the Yard. Lam wonders if they will all get a chance to get to know each other better after this ordeal, or if they will part ways after this.
As the others talk about how to open the cell, Lam just stares at the bars wondering how easy they would be to pry apart.
Perception check: A low number, also close to 5. Does this look like something Lam could muscle through?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sha-gravis, “Did anyone see where Grommit went?” Sha looks around17 if he spots Grommit, “Grommit, yes you. What are your intentions? Would you care to join us?” please12
Cylence looks at the strange crowd around him, and seems to come to a conclusion. "Fate is a strange thing. I would talk to all of you when we have less time pressure. You are invited to the Village Tree, once we are all free of this place. Am I a leader? There are many among the elves of this valley who respect me, and in truth my voice may be heard above some others, although we do not have official leaders, in the way most of you must be used to. No one is recognized as being above another in that way in this valley's culture; although I have only been a resident for the last few years. Perhaps none in the valley is heard more respectfully than Rhys, who has offered guidance and spoken in village meetings for the past century. Speaking of, he can not stall the rest of this fortress' guards indefinitely - we should move swiftly."Cylence releases Crossbow Dwarf and addresses him directly. "I suggest you help these people, or if you can not do that, answer their questions and then go and rest in one of the nice beds nearby. I am sorry if you have lost friends this day. May you grow through the mourning, and remember them well."
Crossbow Dwarf looks around, tensed, and seems ready to run away from all of you... but then pauses to reconsider. You can see the fight go out of him - a man who recognizes that the battle is lost, and begrudgingly accepts the last option to leave the field with body and self-respect intact. "I have no keys or lockpicks on me. There may be extras in the offices - up the stairs and to the right when you get to a door. If they locked that in the chaos, then I can not help you further." He seems to be speaking truthfully.He looks at Sha-Gravis. "Grommit will most likely kill you when next he sees you. I know no one so devoted to the HMC, and Captain Jonah has saved his life many times. Besides, Grommit is the best warrior in the fortress when Jonah is gone, he is certainly put front bringing your friend Rhys to heel. If you are with the elves, you are no friend of his." Crossbow Dwarf then trudges slowly between you all, heading towards the other cells. He makes no attempt to take back his crossbow. After he has walked past Tesfaye, you can begin to hear him weep.
"Very good attempt, Mr. Lam! So close, but it is pronounced Tesfaye," says Tesfaye. You can not hear any difference between their pronunciation and Lam's. "I will be glad to help you all with what humble skills I can offer."
Lam thinks he might be able to pry the doors open by force, and has no idea where in the world his new Tortle friend might have come from.
Hemlock listens to Cylence and the dwarf, and can't help but look about a little nervous that this Grommit would come charging at them at any moment.
"I would like to see this Village Tree. Shall we hurry, before Grommit returns?", he suggests to the others, but does not make a move in that direction himself, preferring someone else to take the lead.
He concentrates on the direction of the office, trying to hear anything that might be coming from that direction.
Before Crossbow Dwarf goes away, Saoirsestops him and asks him for the bolts he has on him. It would be useles to have a weapon and no further bolts to shoot when the need arises. And the fire genasi is sure the need will arise.
How many bolts did he have on him?
Looking at the clearly defeated man, the young woman feels some degree of sympathy towards him. She's of course still angered whole imprisonment situation is no friend of any of the prison guards, but she also knows there's not point of making firewood out of the fallen tree. So she tells him:
- I know this doesn't really solve anything, but I'm sorry for what happened to your companion. I really wish we could end this without further violence, but after hearing what you've said about Grommit... - she just shakes her head.
"Blood will surely be spilled. Shall I have to use my own today?", she wonders, unsure of how people around her will react to her using blood magic. But there are more pressing matters than and Saoirse puts these thoughts away for a moment. The party must think the next steps: freeing Cylence, getting their stuff back and then exiting this place. They will probably even to help this Rhysto achieve that.
Regarding the door, she sees Lamtalking to the curious tortle - Tesfaye, they seem to be called - and notices that, after finishing talking, the bugbear begins to check Cylence's door. He seems to be evaluating how to open it. So she tells him:
- Lam, are you thinking of prying this open? I'll help you.
“Tesfaye. Tesfaye. Tesfaye.” Lam makes a few attempts, but fails to pronounce Tesfaye’s name any differently than he had the first time. He knows how to say a couple sounds from languages he doesn’t speak because he always tries hard to pronounce names correctly, even when they have sounds he isn’t used to, but he has never heard of Tesfaye’s language before, and he cannot hear a single difference between what he is saying and the correct pronunciation. A small growl of frustration escapes him. “I will get it.”
As he examines the door and looks just about ready to up and try it, Saoirse speaks up and offers her assistance. Lam nods. “Yes. Thank you.” As he listens to Saoirse’s instructions about which parts of the door might be most susceptible to force, Lam grabs onto the door and begins to try as hard as he can to pry it open, grunting with effort.
I hope this interpretation of the help action was ok? Here is a strength check: 25 and another, in case I do get advantage from Saoirse: 11
Hemlock can just barely make out the sounds of fighting, and the release of crossbow bolts. They are coming from the direction of the armory, but sound too far away to actually be in this building.
Saoirse receives 10 crossbow bolts.
Lamgrabs two of the bars of Cylence's cell, placing his hands as Saoirse suggests. Lam's muscles ripple, sending waves through his fur, and as he grunts, his impressive build and powerful form become very clear to everyone. Sha-Gravismutters briefly, and a shadow seems to pass over Lam, and as it lifts again the bars begin to bend away from each other. With great struggle, he is able to widen a space large enough for Cylence to step through. All three elves' jaws literally drop in astonishment, and Cylence comments "That is Dwarven steel... I would not have expected that to work at all. You are truly a sight to behold - and by that I also mean the help you recieved."Cylence steps through the hole that Lam has made, and issues a quick physical greeting to the other elves (they press palms to each other momentarily).
I did not want you to just force this open - but Lam rolled a natural 20 even before guidance and help! This is supernatural strength.
"We must away, but please do follow us to the Village Tree when you can. Leave this place through the hole in the yard, and give the battlefield a wide berth. Then, follow the road to the Northwest. When you arrive, if you are permitted entry, find me at the North Branch. I look forward to seeing you with all your gear returned to you. The Dwarves did not lock the offices when the alarms sounded, inexperienced fools." Cylence looks at the two other elves, and then begins to run back towards (and through) the yard. !Vamanos, hermanos!" The other elves follow, and in an instant all three of them have sprinted silently back and out of sight.
Saffi's eyes bulge as the bugbear rips the cell door off the wall. She's never seen such an impressive display of strength, and she's glad that Lam is on her side. As she listens to Cylence's explanation about the Village Tree and the state of their equipment, she begins to instinctively push her long, red locks behind her pointed elf ears. Her face lights up as the elf motions in the likely direction of her gear. "I'm game for getting my stuff back, how about you lot?"
Without waiting for an answer, Saffron begins walking toward the offices where their equipment is held. "Last one there is a rotten bullywug spawn."
As soon as Saffi issues the challenge Sha uses feline agility dash and movement even running along the wall if need be to get there 1st, “Not a chance, bullywug spawn, that’s hilarious.”
Lam just stays still for a few moments. Breathing heavy after the feat he just accomplished, made possible only by his companions, it takes a moment before he can speak at all. Watching Sha and Saffron dash off and in no state to race anyone, he turns to Saoirse.
“Thank you… your help… and his…“ Lampants, also pointing to the direction Sha ran off in. There was no way he could have gotten those bars apart by himself. This was not the first time today that Lam could be of use to his companions because the fire genasi came up with a plan that he could help with. He struggles to form the words for his gratitude to her and to whatever magical strength Sha imbued into him as he keeps breathing to get back to feeling normal again. “That was hard.”
When he can breathe normally again, he begins heading slowly in the direction that his companions went.
- "That was hard"? Really! My friend, it almost looked that you could have done that even without us there! That was absolutely impressive, Lam! I'm very very glad to count you among us. I really am.- she places her right arm on Lam's shoulder for a moment as she says this.
She looks at Saffi urging them in a very funny way to go to the armory and smiles at her too, and nods in agreement. But she will wait for Lam to catch his breath before following the rest. When he seems recovered, the fire genasi says:
- Well, looks like we are bullywug spawn now! But after such a display of strength, I'll take that nickname gladly if waiting and being last has helped you recover your breath. Anyway, come on, let's follow!
With that, she follows the rest. Her spirits are definitely getting higher after spending more and more time with this group and seeing their freedom nearer and nearer. Shall she go to that Tree Village afterwards? Shouldn't she be going back to the cloister? That was a decision to make later.
Hemlock watches in awe as Lam bends the dwarven steel.
When Cylence offers them the chance to meet him at the Village Tree, he quickly accepts the invitation. "I will certainly come, just as soon as I can", he says.
It is at that point that Saffi and Sha-gravis rush off down the corridor. "Wait...", he says but too late. "I can hear the sound of battle just outside, be careful", he adds hoping at least Saffi would hear. Sha-gravis had disappeared faster than he would have thought possible.
"That was impressive", he says turning to Lam. And he meant it. His kin came from the blood of giants, and even he had to be impressed.
With that, he moves on down the corridor, keeping himself between Saffi and Sha, and Lam, Saoirse and Tesfaye.
The Office is unlocked, as Cylence said it would be. As you all round a few corners and find the entrance, you pass a few more emty cells, and a heavy steel door leading further up into the keep. That door is locked, but you pass by it for now. Leaving everyone in the dust, Sha arrives at the Office entrance. When Sha, (panting slightly, and perhaps a little cocky), pushes the door open, and the group comes and peers in, they see a very large room, with several work areas and desks, organized in order to promote creative teamwork and clear communication. In the middle of the room, there is a large map on a round table.
The map that is lying on the table looks basically like this. There are tokens placed on the map, a helpful reminder sitting nearby for which colors indicate what: dark red are areas that the HMC intends to explore, following Strixwell's orders. Bright red are suspected local strongholds. Purple are places where the HMC has already managed to establish a presence. Please disregard labels, place names, and my obvious edits and cover-ups. The map is one that I found online, and it matches closely but not perfectly to my actual mental image of the valley. Of note is the fact that the HMC does not seem to have been able to cross the river as of yet.
Here is the map:
It is clear to see that the room was abandoned quickly, there are portions of half-eaten food at some of the desks, and loose papers on others. There is a door in the SouthWest corner of the room. Through it, you can make out the sounds of fighting from beyond the walls, although it is still faint. There is another door right next to the one you entered through. This large wooden door has a keyhole, but is shut tightly.
"What do you see?", Hemlock asks as he approaches the office a little after Sha and Saffi and peers in.
"Do you see our things?", he adds, as he starts to look about, taking note of the map on the table. "Fascinating", he says, getting distracted by it for a moment.
He then continues looking about for any sign of what might be their things, and in particular his amulet.
Sha-gravis likewise looks for gear/tools amulets etc. as he is looking he eats up any meat sandwich leftovers, if he doesn’t see our stuff he points out the other door, but waits for everyone to arrive.
The fire genasi also takes a look at the map, pointing to the dot that looks to be Village Tree:
- This is where Cylenceinvited us to go, right? Tree Village? - though Saoirse focuses on that specific place, she tries to take note of as many locations as possible in case they need to remember them in the future.
What should I roll to try to memorize the map? Survival maybe? 7....not memorizing much, I guess.
(Though, if the map is a paper I can take with me, I'll just take it, fold it and keep it in my clothes or my backpack - when I get it)
- The dwarf did something about spare keys being in this office. Perhaps the key to the that locked door is here, too?- she mutters to herself while looking specifically for that.
Investigation: 14.
If she finds any key, she will give it to Saffi or Sha so they can check if it opens the door that will, hopefully, lead to their equipment. Meanwhile, she will stay alert with the crossbow ready in case someone appears. The battle sounds may be faint, but she does not forget the dwarf's warning about Grommit. That guy sure worries her. Also, as as she is already armed, it is only fair that she keeps watch while the rest gather their things, so she will be the last to gather her equipment, when they find it.
Saoirse rolls up the map and tucks it under her arm. As she does, the tokens marking important locations fall off. Whoops! She hopes she'll be able to remember where they were - or that one of her companions will. As she does this, she also hears the click of some keys falling onto the table.
The party notices that things are very organized in here - although people left in a hurry. For example, there is large (fills most of a table, very heavy) journal describing (dozens of them!) on all of the current prisoners and workers, listing the belongings they arrived with, and their current level of trust with the HMC. All of these papers are written in Common. The trust scale has 5 levels, from "Ready to lead" (best) to "new" (second worst) to "Violent resistor" (worst). Looking into his own file, Hemlock does see his amulet listed among his possessions, a positive sign that it can be easily found on just the other side of the door, in the armory. On most pages, these classifications have been crossed out or changed over time. You all are the last entries in the journal, although there are plenty of blank pages following your names. The desk with this journal also has a locked drawer on it.
Tesfaye wanders around the room as well, not touching in the leftovers, but leafing through the papers they find. "Someones using the HMC to look for something up here, I think. Can't figure out what, though." Then they put their hand to their mouth, realizing too late that it might have been a bad idea to speak so loudly.
Sha-Gravis eats some meat left on a plate on a desk on the eastern side of the room, recognizing the taste as being mutton. Hemlock and Sha-Gravis hear movement on the other side of the Southwest door, and the familiar sound of a bow firing. Then, a sudden stop, and heavy footsteps approaching the door.
"Or a lockpick. I can try to pick it," Saffi adds, watching Cylence holding the dwarf guard. "If not, I've probably got some in the armory, unless they got rid of them."
The changeling hopes that they guards have left her thieves' tools alone, but figures they'd have been destroyed if the dwarves knew what they were. She also hopes the rest of her gear is untouched, having politely refused Saoirse's offered crossbow. Saffi takes the opportunity, again, to size up her comrades. Her eyes smile a bit at her luck to be shoved in with such a useful lot. From spellcasters to healers to, well, a mountain of fur and muscle, the group seems to have been made for this sort of thing.
I was falsely accused of crimes I did not commit. Sha's earlier words come back to Saffron, as if echoing across a canyon. She wonders how many of her new friends are, indeed, innocent. Was she innocent? She showed up at the appointed time and place, ready to eliminate the proposed target. She agreed to be an assassin.
But you didn't do it, her own voice reasoned. But would I have, had someone not beaten me to it?
The changeling left her thoughts hanging, peering around for any sign of the armory.
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
Lam watches Billy walk over to the dead Dragonborn and close its eyes. He cannot tell what Billy is whispering, but he can guess. When Billy says he will stay behind to offer the dead their last rites, Lam grunts “Thank you.” Before they leave. If Billy had not offered to stay behind, Lam might have- or at least pointed out that something needed to be done.
When the Tortle introduces themself, Lam repeats their name: “Tesfaye.” And offers his own: ”Lam.” As they walk, he attempts to continue the conversation. “We have different skills.” Making things is an impressive craft which he has never been known to be good at. “I would like my axe back.”
I would like to know if Lam has ever heard of what Tesfaye was talking about with the Tides. I’ll roll religion in case that is what is needed: A low number, close to 5.
He also listens to the conversations of the others. Between what Hemlock is saying now and what the Bow Elf said earlier, Lam is beginning to think that this Mining Company does some awful things to the land. He feels a shred of relief that he seems to be leaving now instead. It occurs to him that he also has not spoken to Hemlock yet- the firbolg is the only one who comes close to Lam’s height, and he also showed impressive magical prowess in the Yard. Lam wonders if they will all get a chance to get to know each other better after this ordeal, or if they will part ways after this.
As the others talk about how to open the cell, Lam just stares at the bars wondering how easy they would be to pry apart.
Perception check: A low number, also close to 5. Does this look like something Lam could muscle through?
Sha-gravis, “Did anyone see where Grommit went?” Sha looks around 17 if he spots Grommit, “Grommit, yes you. What are your intentions? Would you care to join us?” please 12
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Cylence looks at the strange crowd around him, and seems to come to a conclusion. "Fate is a strange thing. I would talk to all of you when we have less time pressure. You are invited to the Village Tree, once we are all free of this place. Am I a leader? There are many among the elves of this valley who respect me, and in truth my voice may be heard above some others, although we do not have official leaders, in the way most of you must be used to. No one is recognized as being above another in that way in this valley's culture; although I have only been a resident for the last few years. Perhaps none in the valley is heard more respectfully than Rhys, who has offered guidance and spoken in village meetings for the past century. Speaking of, he can not stall the rest of this fortress' guards indefinitely - we should move swiftly." Cylence releases Crossbow Dwarf and addresses him directly. "I suggest you help these people, or if you can not do that, answer their questions and then go and rest in one of the nice beds nearby. I am sorry if you have lost friends this day. May you grow through the mourning, and remember them well."
Crossbow Dwarf looks around, tensed, and seems ready to run away from all of you... but then pauses to reconsider. You can see the fight go out of him - a man who recognizes that the battle is lost, and begrudgingly accepts the last option to leave the field with body and self-respect intact. "I have no keys or lockpicks on me. There may be extras in the offices - up the stairs and to the right when you get to a door. If they locked that in the chaos, then I can not help you further." He seems to be speaking truthfully. He looks at Sha-Gravis. "Grommit will most likely kill you when next he sees you. I know no one so devoted to the HMC, and Captain Jonah has saved his life many times. Besides, Grommit is the best warrior in the fortress when Jonah is gone, he is certainly put front bringing your friend Rhys to heel. If you are with the elves, you are no friend of his." Crossbow Dwarf then trudges slowly between you all, heading towards the other cells. He makes no attempt to take back his crossbow. After he has walked past Tesfaye, you can begin to hear him weep.
"Very good attempt, Mr. Lam! So close, but it is pronounced Tesfaye," says Tesfaye. You can not hear any difference between their pronunciation and Lam's. "I will be glad to help you all with what humble skills I can offer."
Lam thinks he might be able to pry the doors open by force, and has no idea where in the world his new Tortle friend might have come from.
Owlbear (Coldwater)
DM: Heavy is the Head
Hemlock listens to Cylence and the dwarf, and can't help but look about a little nervous that this Grommit would come charging at them at any moment.
"I would like to see this Village Tree. Shall we hurry, before Grommit returns?", he suggests to the others, but does not make a move in that direction himself, preferring someone else to take the lead.
He concentrates on the direction of the office, trying to hear anything that might be coming from that direction.
Perception: 10+5=15 (Passive : 15)
Before Crossbow Dwarf goes away, Saoirse stops him and asks him for the bolts he has on him. It would be useles to have a weapon and no further bolts to shoot when the need arises. And the fire genasi is sure the need will arise.
How many bolts did he have on him?
Looking at the clearly defeated man, the young woman feels some degree of sympathy towards him. She's of course still angered whole imprisonment situation is no friend of any of the prison guards, but she also knows there's not point of making firewood out of the fallen tree. So she tells him:
- I know this doesn't really solve anything, but I'm sorry for what happened to your companion. I really wish we could end this without further violence, but after hearing what you've said about Grommit... - she just shakes her head.
"Blood will surely be spilled. Shall I have to use my own today?", she wonders, unsure of how people around her will react to her using blood magic. But there are more pressing matters than and Saoirse puts these thoughts away for a moment. The party must think the next steps: freeing Cylence, getting their stuff back and then exiting this place. They will probably even to help this Rhys to achieve that.
Regarding the door, she sees Lam talking to the curious tortle - Tesfaye, they seem to be called - and notices that, after finishing talking, the bugbear begins to check Cylence's door. He seems to be evaluating how to open it. So she tells him:
- Lam, are you thinking of prying this open? I'll help you.
Can I try my luck with Tesfaye too? Religion= 13.
Can I assist Lam into opening the door?
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
“Tesfaye. Tesfaye. Tesfaye.” Lam makes a few attempts, but fails to pronounce Tesfaye’s name any differently than he had the first time. He knows how to say a couple sounds from languages he doesn’t speak because he always tries hard to pronounce names correctly, even when they have sounds he isn’t used to, but he has never heard of Tesfaye’s language before, and he cannot hear a single difference between what he is saying and the correct pronunciation. A small growl of frustration escapes him. “I will get it.”
As he examines the door and looks just about ready to up and try it, Saoirse speaks up and offers her assistance. Lam nods. “Yes. Thank you.” As he listens to Saoirse’s instructions about which parts of the door might be most susceptible to force, Lam grabs onto the door and begins to try as hard as he can to pry it open, grunting with effort.
I hope this interpretation of the help action was ok? Here is a strength check: 25 and another, in case I do get advantage from Saoirse: 11
If Sha sees Lam attempting to force open the cell door he grants him guidance to better his chance 2
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Hemlock can just barely make out the sounds of fighting, and the release of crossbow bolts. They are coming from the direction of the armory, but sound too far away to actually be in this building.
Saoirse receives 10 crossbow bolts.
Lam grabs two of the bars of Cylence's cell, placing his hands as Saoirse suggests. Lam's muscles ripple, sending waves through his fur, and as he grunts, his impressive build and powerful form become very clear to everyone. Sha-Gravis mutters briefly, and a shadow seems to pass over Lam, and as it lifts again the bars begin to bend away from each other. With great struggle, he is able to widen a space large enough for Cylence to step through. All three elves' jaws literally drop in astonishment, and Cylence comments "That is Dwarven steel... I would not have expected that to work at all. You are truly a sight to behold - and by that I also mean the help you recieved." Cylence steps through the hole that Lam has made, and issues a quick physical greeting to the other elves (they press palms to each other momentarily).
I did not want you to just force this open - but Lam rolled a natural 20 even before guidance and help! This is supernatural strength.
"We must away, but please do follow us to the Village Tree when you can. Leave this place through the hole in the yard, and give the battlefield a wide berth. Then, follow the road to the Northwest. When you arrive, if you are permitted entry, find me at the North Branch. I look forward to seeing you with all your gear returned to you. The Dwarves did not lock the offices when the alarms sounded, inexperienced fools." Cylence looks at the two other elves, and then begins to run back towards (and through) the yard. !Vamanos, hermanos!" The other elves follow, and in an instant all three of them have sprinted silently back and out of sight.
Let's go, brothers!
DM: Heavy is the Head
Saffi's eyes bulge as the bugbear rips the cell door off the wall. She's never seen such an impressive display of strength, and she's glad that Lam is on her side. As she listens to Cylence's explanation about the Village Tree and the state of their equipment, she begins to instinctively push her long, red locks behind her pointed elf ears. Her face lights up as the elf motions in the likely direction of her gear. "I'm game for getting my stuff back, how about you lot?"
Without waiting for an answer, Saffron begins walking toward the offices where their equipment is held. "Last one there is a rotten bullywug spawn."
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
As soon as Saffi issues the challenge Sha uses feline agility dash and movement even running along the wall if need be to get there 1st, “Not a chance, bullywug spawn, that’s hilarious.”
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Lam just stays still for a few moments. Breathing heavy after the feat he just accomplished, made possible only by his companions, it takes a moment before he can speak at all. Watching Sha and Saffron dash off and in no state to race anyone, he turns to Saoirse.
“Thank you… your help… and his…“ Lam pants, also pointing to the direction Sha ran off in. There was no way he could have gotten those bars apart by himself. This was not the first time today that Lam could be of use to his companions because the fire genasi came up with a plan that he could help with. He struggles to form the words for his gratitude to her and to whatever magical strength Sha imbued into him as he keeps breathing to get back to feeling normal again. “That was hard.”
When he can breathe normally again, he begins heading slowly in the direction that his companions went.
Saoirse smiles widely at Lam:
- "That was hard"? Really! My friend, it almost looked that you could have done that even without us there! That was absolutely impressive, Lam! I'm very very glad to count you among us. I really am. - she places her right arm on Lam's shoulder for a moment as she says this.
She looks at Saffi urging them in a very funny way to go to the armory and smiles at her too, and nods in agreement. But she will wait for Lam to catch his breath before following the rest. When he seems recovered, the fire genasi says:
- Well, looks like we are bullywug spawn now! But after such a display of strength, I'll take that nickname gladly if waiting and being last has helped you recover your breath. Anyway, come on, let's follow!
With that, she follows the rest. Her spirits are definitely getting higher after spending more and more time with this group and seeing their freedom nearer and nearer. Shall she go to that Tree Village afterwards? Shouldn't she be going back to the cloister? That was a decision to make later.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Hemlock watches in awe as Lam bends the dwarven steel.
When Cylence offers them the chance to meet him at the Village Tree, he quickly accepts the invitation. "I will certainly come, just as soon as I can", he says.
It is at that point that Saffi and Sha-gravis rush off down the corridor. "Wait...", he says but too late. "I can hear the sound of battle just outside, be careful", he adds hoping at least Saffi would hear. Sha-gravis had disappeared faster than he would have thought possible.
"That was impressive", he says turning to Lam. And he meant it. His kin came from the blood of giants, and even he had to be impressed.
With that, he moves on down the corridor, keeping himself between Saffi and Sha, and Lam, Saoirse and Tesfaye.
The Office is unlocked, as Cylence said it would be. As you all round a few corners and find the entrance, you pass a few more emty cells, and a heavy steel door leading further up into the keep. That door is locked, but you pass by it for now. Leaving everyone in the dust, Sha arrives at the Office entrance. When Sha, (panting slightly, and perhaps a little cocky), pushes the door open, and the group comes and peers in, they see a very large room, with several work areas and desks, organized in order to promote creative teamwork and clear communication. In the middle of the room, there is a large map on a round table.
The map that is lying on the table looks basically like this. There are tokens placed on the map, a helpful reminder sitting nearby for which colors indicate what: dark red are areas that the HMC intends to explore, following Strixwell's orders. Bright red are suspected local strongholds. Purple are places where the HMC has already managed to establish a presence. Please disregard labels, place names, and my obvious edits and cover-ups. The map is one that I found online, and it matches closely but not perfectly to my actual mental image of the valley. Of note is the fact that the HMC does not seem to have been able to cross the river as of yet.
Here is the map:
It is clear to see that the room was abandoned quickly, there are portions of half-eaten food at some of the desks, and loose papers on others. There is a door in the SouthWest corner of the room. Through it, you can make out the sounds of fighting from beyond the walls, although it is still faint. There is another door right next to the one you entered through. This large wooden door has a keyhole, but is shut tightly.
DM: Heavy is the Head
"What do you see?", Hemlock asks as he approaches the office a little after Sha and Saffi and peers in.
"Do you see our things?", he adds, as he starts to look about, taking note of the map on the table. "Fascinating", he says, getting distracted by it for a moment.
He then continues looking about for any sign of what might be their things, and in particular his amulet.
Perception: 11+5=16 (Passive: 15)
Investigation: 1+1=2 (Passive: 11)
Sha-gravis likewise looks for gear/tools amulets etc. as he is looking he eats up any meat sandwich leftovers, if he doesn’t see our stuff he points out the other door, but waits for everyone to arrive.
perception 7. passive. 15.
investigation 8 passive 10
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
The fire genasi also takes a look at the map, pointing to the dot that looks to be Village Tree:
- This is where Cylence invited us to go, right? Tree Village? - though Saoirse focuses on that specific place, she tries to take note of as many locations as possible in case they need to remember them in the future.
What should I roll to try to memorize the map? Survival maybe? 7....not memorizing much, I guess.
(Though, if the map is a paper I can take with me, I'll just take it, fold it and keep it in my clothes or my backpack - when I get it)
- The dwarf did something about spare keys being in this office. Perhaps the key to the that locked door is here, too? - she mutters to herself while looking specifically for that.
Investigation: 14.
If she finds any key, she will give it to Saffi or Sha so they can check if it opens the door that will, hopefully, lead to their equipment. Meanwhile, she will stay alert with the crossbow ready in case someone appears. The battle sounds may be faint, but she does not forget the dwarf's warning about Grommit. That guy sure worries her. Also, as as she is already armed, it is only fair that she keeps watch while the rest gather their things, so she will be the last to gather her equipment, when they find it.
Perception: 5. (Passive: 12)
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Saoirse rolls up the map and tucks it under her arm. As she does, the tokens marking important locations fall off. Whoops! She hopes she'll be able to remember where they were - or that one of her companions will. As she does this, she also hears the click of some keys falling onto the table.
The party notices that things are very organized in here - although people left in a hurry. For example, there is large (fills most of a table, very heavy) journal describing (dozens of them!) on all of the current prisoners and workers, listing the belongings they arrived with, and their current level of trust with the HMC. All of these papers are written in Common. The trust scale has 5 levels, from "Ready to lead" (best) to "new" (second worst) to "Violent resistor" (worst). Looking into his own file, Hemlock does see his amulet listed among his possessions, a positive sign that it can be easily found on just the other side of the door, in the armory. On most pages, these classifications have been crossed out or changed over time. You all are the last entries in the journal, although there are plenty of blank pages following your names. The desk with this journal also has a locked drawer on it.
Tesfaye wanders around the room as well, not touching in the leftovers, but leafing through the papers they find. "Someones using the HMC to look for something up here, I think. Can't figure out what, though." Then they put their hand to their mouth, realizing too late that it might have been a bad idea to speak so loudly.
Sha-Gravis eats some meat left on a plate on a desk on the eastern side of the room, recognizing the taste as being mutton. Hemlock and Sha-Gravis hear movement on the other side of the Southwest door, and the familiar sound of a bow firing. Then, a sudden stop, and heavy footsteps approaching the door.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha-gravis readies a Sleep spell for the person about to enter the room.
ready sleep 24 hit points affected
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn