Seeing so much attention being given to the sky by the merchant and guard pair, Doozey quirked a brow, before looking up to try and possibly spy whatever it was that had them so distracted.
But short of spying a worryingly large shape -- like say that of a certain ancient green dragon -- dive bombing the city, odds are the halfling ultimately files the site away for later, prior to then focus again on approaching the duo. After clearing his throat to catch their attention soon after, Doozey offers the merchant the makeshift business card he'd been working on for CRAP, before directing the merchants attention to Neya.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Moneus continues to enjoy his apple. He elaborates in between bites. "It seems that the supply trouble in Phlan is being caused, at least partially, by a former Knight of the Black Fist, one who apparently plotted against the Lord Regent Ector Brahms himself. Sahnd Krulek escaped from Stojanow Gate after being arrested, tried, and sentenced to hang for his plotting. Some of his colleagues never believe the crime and claimed having proof of his innocence, saying that he was framed after he arrested an influential noble. Some other Knights broke him out of Valjevo Castle, and most of them left town with Sir Krulek, eventually turning to banditry to strike back against the noble houses and the merchants that represent them. Guess who is among the few who stayed behind to clean the house from the inside?" Moneus pauses for a moment but does not wait long enough for Utar to reply just yet. "How well do you think this is working out for her right now?"
Neya and Raist exchange a short introduction and soon join Doozey in keeping an eye out, if not more specifically on the merchant of interest. The halfling points out that there is nothing on the sky other than a few clouds and the the bright sun. Doozey ponders a bit on why the merchant would be staring at the sun. Neya tries to pay some close attention but her senses are overtaken by the continued escalation of tension all around. With tensions this high, it surely won’t be long before trouble flares.
Then, Raist notices it first: something soft and stinky flies through the air and splatters on one of the guard’s armor. Soon, everyone in the plaza notices it too. Doozey's advance toward the merchant and guard duo is interrupted by the Black Fists beginning to charge forward, cudgels drawn. The plaza erupts into chaos. Many folks begin to disperse, but others prepare for a confrontation. Mobs form, turning on one another, and the covered wagon of the merchant of interest is swiftly caught right in the center of it all. “These goods are going to waste,” snarls one of the angry citizens nearby as he clambers atop the wagon. “Let us take them off your hands!”
A small group of five commoners break away from the main mob and attempt to rob the merchant's wagon. The merchant stays out of combat, shouting for someone to help. The Black Fists are busy pacifying the main mob with the help of their cudgels. The guard in the weaver's loom tabbard has seemingly deserted the merchant of interest.
"Hmmm I never saw the Black Fist as an especially good fit for her. I'll try and get some face time with the good captain then, get the insider view. Do you know the name of the noble they arrested by any chance?"
Raise reaches into his pocket while stepping behind the cart. He pulls out a glove and what looks to be an eggshell and with two quick motions and a mutter. A flash and then a giant purple hand appears in front of the cart blocking access to it
Cast: Bigbys interposing hand . The hand grants you Half Cover against attacks and other effects that originate from its space or that pass through it. In addition, its space counts as Difficult Terrain for your enemies.
Seeing the escalating situation forming by the cart, Neya tries to get in between some of the frantic commoners and the cart at an area where it isn't covered by Raist's spell.
"This is not a matter of recent history," Moneus warns Utar, "but I believe the name you ask for is Porphyrys of House Cadorna. The gentleman has passed away since then." Moneus then finishes his apple, litters the ground with its core, and begins to indicate his departure through body language. "It might be a tall ask to get face-to-face time with Aleyd at the moment. Good luck." Moneus then points to the commotion around the merchant's covered wagon and says his goodbyes: "Time to leave."
As Utar glaces over to the scene, he sees a gigantic shimmering hand blocking the advance of angry citizens who were ready to claim its contents by force. This is no incantation that either Neya or Doozey have used in the past, so Utar is left wondering who might be the tall, fragile elf scholar manipulating the impressive spell in broad daylight in the middle of the bazaar!
Such a display is more than enough to cause all citizens in the immediate vicinity of the wagon to stop on their tracks. That said, one of the assailants, the one who managed to jump on top of the cart a moment ago, has his back turned to the spell and seems oblivious to it. Neya advances and makes sure she is in plain view of this would-be rioter. He pauses, looks angrily at Neya, but hesitates.
Doozey takes this moment to approach the cowering merchant as he had originally intended before chaos ensued. A business card reading "Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party" is handed to the merchant, as he looks at Doozey gesturing over to Neya and Raist. The merchant connects the dots, which helps him calm down a bit. "Thank you," he nods nervously still. "Can you shoo them away?"
While CRAP was quick to stop the advance of these five troublemakers, in the background, the Black Fists are still attempting to control the main mob.
@Drache: Please give me an intimidation check to see if your protective reposition is enough to steal away this guy's bravery.
@RedShirt (May I call you @Red, @RedShirt, or @SRS? Do you have a preference?): No need to roll a check here. Your spell is more than enough to stop most of these civilians on their tracks. I would be inclined to let it function as a help action for Neya's intimidation check but the new 2024 rules would only allow this if you were proficient in intimidation yourself, so it is a no-go on that front unfortunately.
You have a mind for tactics on and off the battlefield. When you fail an ability check, you can expend a use of your Second Wind to push yourself toward success. Rather than regaining Hit Points, you roll 1d10 and add the number rolled to the ability check, potentially turning it into a success. If the check still fails, this use of Second Wind isn’t expended.
Utar watches Moneus go and sends a more familiar message to his former brother-in-arms.
"As ever brother, my thanks. Be good to catch up more formally soon. I'll leave a window open. Stay safe."
Pushing himself away from the wall he has been leaning against, Utar skirts the edge of the crowd and looks to come closer to the enormous magical hand. He keeps an eye open to spot either of his companions as he goes.
In answer to the merchant, Doozey gave the man his best reassuring smile. But once his attention returned to the nearby throng, it immediately twists into a grimace. And yet despite unspoken misgivings, the stoutling still searched the immediate area for a decent platform to stand upon and better garner some attention. But hardly had he started the search did an uncomfortable feeling worked its way into his throat, and refused to be massaged away no matter how much he absently tried while looking about. Eventually things reach the point that following a frustrated huff, he fished around in one of his many belt pouches before producing a miniature statue of an onyx dog and made ready to activate it in the event more civilians slipped past the hand before the guard dealt with the mob.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Drache: I’m going with an original roll of 14, as discussed in the OOC Channel.)
While Raist keeps four attackers away from the wagon, Neya manages to frighten the fifth with her stare alone. Soon, the five rioters exchange looks and scatter, not having the needed courage to even rejoin the main mob.
In the meantime, Doozey non-verbally reassures the merchant and watches as the Black Fist does what it is here to do. Many a cudgel swing to find the face, back, legs, and arms of screaming rioters. Soon the fight is wacked out of them as the guards reclaim order in the plaza to a degree. It is neither quick nor pretty, but the job is done to the Black Fist’s satisfaction. Those fortunate enough to scramble away avoid being dragged to the Stojanow Gate, surely having earned some time in its dungeons. Doozey had been ready to liberate his onyx dog statuette, but that final decision may now rely on his preference more so than an evident need.
Utar approaches the rest of the group as the plaza begins to clear. Many folks had already left, but now even the stragglers and the curious have started to disperse. Most merchants had already closed shop for the day during the escalation phase, and are now leaving with heir meager offerings. The Black Fist is busy with the aftermath of he quelled mini riot. CRAP is left in the middle of the plaza with the merchant they saved.
Rather than risk a stray eye of the Black Fist misinterpreting his posture and possibly confiscate "Berry", Doozey quietly accepted things were calm enough and put away the statuette. Though as his gaze lingered on some of the injured rioters, a nugget of guilt wormed its way into his heart, leaving him rubbing at his chest in discomfort. "Whaz bom is bom."He murmured, turned to give Raist an approving nod for the show of magic, and then looked to the merchant. "Mm. Maybe, eh... maybe we help more?" Doozey asks suggestively of the merchant.
“Yes, yes, indeed. I feared for my life when my bodyguard abandoned me,” the merchant replies to Neya’s question while getting up from the floor. “Thanks to you and your friends, I am safe and so are most of my wares.” He takes a moment to look over each of you in turn, adding: “You are the adventuring party that apprehended the infamous scroll thief, right? I was in the plaza when you made your announcement that day!”
Doozey’s offer for further help arrives at this moment. He accepts it without hesitation. “Ah, yes, yes. I can indeed use some help. I am Branden Yil, a merchant and retainer of House Cadorna. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He pats some of the dust off his robes, a result of falling to the ground during the commotion. “Shall we find a place to settle and discuss in private? Do you have a preferred spot when negotiating with new clients? As long as I can take my wagon, I am at your disposal, my dear saviors.”
After loitering at the back of the group, Utar suggests that Leadstopper Manor might serve. It is nearby and has a stable, although it has never taken a wagon before.
Raist listens and when it appears they will be moving on he gives a casual wave of his hand. The giant hand sparkles and dissaperates. He looks down to the halfling with a thin smile. "These are your friends I assume" turning again to the human and orc. "Greetings once again. Name is Raist. Madam Cass thinks I may be of assistance"
Though a touch taken aback by so swift an accept, Doozey still mustered a crooked smile and nod to merchant, before finding himself gazing up in thanks for Utar at the sound suggestion. "Mm. Aye. Wha' Rai say be."He'd later add, backing Raist claim while hoping Neya did much the same. Either way, the matter was settled as far as he was concerned, prompting him to let out a couple of distinct bird whistles. Moments later one of the most peculiar of critters could be seen gliding down from some nearby rooftop and land atop Doozey's shoulder, looking to be a mixture of rabbit but with pronounced fangs, an elk given the horns, and a pheasant judging by its wings and tail.
"Ta'ers." Doozey says as he gestures to the beast, only to be somewhat interrupted and needing to dodge getting poked in the eye from the small beast's attempt to make room in Doozey's hood. "Mot mow, Ta'ers. We be away from raim soom."Doozey assured after peeling the rabbit hybrid away, and after some delicate maneuvering, tuck him under an arm with Doozey's cloak acting as cover from the rain. Afterwards he gestures for all to follow him, but would just as happily follow after other veteran members of CRAP should they beat him to the punch in taking point.
Imagery of Taters:
Desc: If not at rest on a shoulder, then usually at the Ranger's side is what might be a cousin of the Almiraj, a horned rabbit more often seen in Chult than in most other places. Unlike such beast however, the spiral horn has been replaced by antlers, long fangs protrude from the top of its mouth, and the red-brown wings and tail feathers of a pheasant sprout from Tater's back and replace an otherwise bushy tail, lending the creature a more chimeric appearance. As unusual as the beast's appearance may be, more shocking still for some is the greater sense of intelligence in both Tater's eyes and behavior, as well as being possessed of a mischievous spirit. When roused to anger or some other intense emotions, the air around the creature turns warmer as a directionless breeze whips up around him.
"You have certainly shown that you may be more than an assist, if helping disperse the crowds was any indication. If anything, I assisted you." Neya says to Raist.
"My name is Neya," she finds the opportunity to actually introduce herself.
Utar cross his arms and mirrors Moneus' behaviour. His eyes keep scanning over the crowd.
"I've been out of town and out of contact. Please elaborate."
Seeing so much attention being given to the sky by the merchant and guard pair, Doozey quirked a brow, before looking up to try and possibly spy whatever it was that had them so distracted.
-Perception: 22.
But short of spying a worryingly large shape -- like say that of a certain ancient green dragon -- dive bombing the city, odds are the halfling ultimately files the site away for later, prior to then focus again on approaching the duo. After clearing his throat to catch their attention soon after, Doozey offers the merchant the makeshift business card he'd been working on for CRAP, before directing the merchants attention to Neya.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya tries to be more precise with scanning for danger by trying to follow the gazes of the guard and merchant.
Perception: 7
Extended Signature
Moneus continues to enjoy his apple. He elaborates in between bites. "It seems that the supply trouble in Phlan is being caused, at least partially, by a former Knight of the Black Fist, one who apparently plotted against the Lord Regent Ector Brahms himself. Sahnd Krulek escaped from Stojanow Gate after being arrested, tried, and sentenced to hang for his plotting. Some of his colleagues never believe the crime and claimed having proof of his innocence, saying that he was framed after he arrested an influential noble. Some other Knights broke him out of Valjevo Castle, and most of them left town with Sir Krulek, eventually turning to banditry to strike back against the noble houses and the merchants that represent them. Guess who is among the few who stayed behind to clean the house from the inside?" Moneus pauses for a moment but does not wait long enough for Utar to reply just yet. "How well do you think this is working out for her right now?"
Neya and Raist exchange a short introduction and soon join Doozey in keeping an eye out, if not more specifically on the merchant of interest. The halfling points out that there is nothing on the sky other than a few clouds and the the bright sun. Doozey ponders a bit on why the merchant would be staring at the sun. Neya tries to pay some close attention but her senses are overtaken by the continued escalation of tension all around. With tensions this high, it surely won’t be long before trouble flares.
Then, Raist notices it first: something soft and stinky flies through the air and splatters on one of the guard’s armor. Soon, everyone in the plaza notices it too. Doozey's advance toward the merchant and guard duo is interrupted by the Black Fists beginning to charge forward, cudgels drawn. The plaza erupts into chaos. Many folks begin to disperse, but others prepare for a confrontation. Mobs form, turning on one another, and the covered wagon of the merchant of interest is swiftly caught right in the center of it all. “These goods are going to waste,” snarls one of the angry citizens nearby as he clambers atop the wagon. “Let us take them off your hands!”
A small group of five commoners break away from the main mob and attempt to rob the merchant's wagon. The merchant stays out of combat, shouting for someone to help. The Black Fists are busy pacifying the main mob with the help of their cudgels. The guard in the weaver's loom tabbard has seemingly deserted the merchant of interest.
"Hmmm I never saw the Black Fist as an especially good fit for her. I'll try and get some face time with the good captain then, get the insider view. Do you know the name of the noble they arrested by any chance?"
Raise reaches into his pocket while stepping behind the cart. He pulls out a glove and what looks to be an eggshell and with two quick motions and a mutter. A flash and then a giant purple hand appears in front of the cart blocking access to it
Cast: Bigbys interposing hand . The hand grants you Half Cover against attacks and other effects that originate from its space or that pass through it. In addition, its space counts as Difficult Terrain for your enemies.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Seeing the escalating situation forming by the cart, Neya tries to get in between some of the frantic commoners and the cart at an area where it isn't covered by Raist's spell.
Extended Signature
"This is not a matter of recent history," Moneus warns Utar, "but I believe the name you ask for is Porphyrys of House Cadorna. The gentleman has passed away since then." Moneus then finishes his apple, litters the ground with its core, and begins to indicate his departure through body language. "It might be a tall ask to get face-to-face time with Aleyd at the moment. Good luck." Moneus then points to the commotion around the merchant's covered wagon and says his goodbyes: "Time to leave."
As Utar glaces over to the scene, he sees a gigantic shimmering hand blocking the advance of angry citizens who were ready to claim its contents by force. This is no incantation that either Neya or Doozey have used in the past, so Utar is left wondering who might be the tall, fragile elf scholar manipulating the impressive spell in broad daylight in the middle of the bazaar!
Such a display is more than enough to cause all citizens in the immediate vicinity of the wagon to stop on their tracks. That said, one of the assailants, the one who managed to jump on top of the cart a moment ago, has his back turned to the spell and seems oblivious to it. Neya advances and makes sure she is in plain view of this would-be rioter. He pauses, looks angrily at Neya, but hesitates.
Doozey takes this moment to approach the cowering merchant as he had originally intended before chaos ensued. A business card reading "Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party" is handed to the merchant, as he looks at Doozey gesturing over to Neya and Raist. The merchant connects the dots, which helps him calm down a bit. "Thank you," he nods nervously still. "Can you shoo them away?"
While CRAP was quick to stop the advance of these five troublemakers, in the background, the Black Fists are still attempting to control the main mob.
@Drache: Please give me an intimidation check to see if your protective reposition is enough to steal away this guy's bravery.
@RedShirt (May I call you @Red, @RedShirt, or @SRS? Do you have a preference?): No need to roll a check here. Your spell is more than enough to stop most of these civilians on their tracks. I would be inclined to let it function as a help action for Neya's intimidation check but the new 2024 rules would only allow this if you were proficient in intimidation yourself, so it is a no-go on that front unfortunately.
(All shortening of the name are acceptable)
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Intimidation: 7
(if needed using Tactical Mind: 4)
Tactical Mind:
You have a mind for tactics on and off the battlefield. When you fail an ability check, you can expend a use of your Second Wind to push yourself toward success. Rather than regaining Hit Points, you roll 1d10 and add the number rolled to the ability check, potentially turning it into a success. If the check still fails, this use of Second Wind isn’t expended.
Extended Signature
Utar watches Moneus go and sends a more familiar message to his former brother-in-arms.
"As ever brother, my thanks. Be good to catch up more formally soon. I'll leave a window open. Stay safe."
Pushing himself away from the wall he has been leaning against, Utar skirts the edge of the crowd and looks to come closer to the enormous magical hand. He keeps an eye open to spot either of his companions as he goes.
In answer to the merchant, Doozey gave the man his best reassuring smile. But once his attention returned to the nearby throng, it immediately twists into a grimace. And yet despite unspoken misgivings, the stoutling still searched the immediate area for a decent platform to stand upon and better garner some attention. But hardly had he started the search did an uncomfortable feeling worked its way into his throat, and refused to be massaged away no matter how much he absently tried while looking about. Eventually things reach the point that following a frustrated huff, he fished around in one of his many belt pouches before producing a miniature statue of an onyx dog and made ready to activate it in the event more civilians slipped past the hand before the guard dealt with the mob.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Drache: I’m going with an original roll of 14, as discussed in the OOC Channel.)
While Raist keeps four attackers away from the wagon, Neya manages to frighten the fifth with her stare alone. Soon, the five rioters exchange looks and scatter, not having the needed courage to even rejoin the main mob.
In the meantime, Doozey non-verbally reassures the merchant and watches as the Black Fist does what it is here to do. Many a cudgel swing to find the face, back, legs, and arms of screaming rioters. Soon the fight is wacked out of them as the guards reclaim order in the plaza to a degree. It is neither quick nor pretty, but the job is done to the Black Fist’s satisfaction. Those fortunate enough to scramble away avoid being dragged to the Stojanow Gate, surely having earned some time in its dungeons. Doozey had been ready to liberate his onyx dog statuette, but that final decision may now rely on his preference more so than an evident need.
Utar approaches the rest of the group as the plaza begins to clear. Many folks had already left, but now even the stragglers and the curious have started to disperse. Most merchants had already closed shop for the day during the escalation phase, and are now leaving with heir meager offerings. The Black Fist is busy with the aftermath of he quelled mini riot. CRAP is left in the middle of the plaza with the merchant they saved.
Neya turns to the merchant and checks on him, "Are you alright? That crowd was rather aggressive."
Extended Signature
Rather than risk a stray eye of the Black Fist misinterpreting his posture and possibly confiscate "Berry", Doozey quietly accepted things were calm enough and put away the statuette. Though as his gaze lingered on some of the injured rioters, a nugget of guilt wormed its way into his heart, leaving him rubbing at his chest in discomfort. "Whaz bom is bom." He murmured, turned to give Raist an approving nod for the show of magic, and then looked to the merchant. "Mm. Maybe, eh... maybe we help more?" Doozey asks suggestively of the merchant.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
“Yes, yes, indeed. I feared for my life when my bodyguard abandoned me,” the merchant replies to Neya’s question while getting up from the floor. “Thanks to you and your friends, I am safe and so are most of my wares.” He takes a moment to look over each of you in turn, adding: “You are the adventuring party that apprehended the infamous scroll thief, right? I was in the plaza when you made your announcement that day!”
Doozey’s offer for further help arrives at this moment. He accepts it without hesitation. “Ah, yes, yes. I can indeed use some help. I am Branden Yil, a merchant and retainer of House Cadorna. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He pats some of the dust off his robes, a result of falling to the ground during the commotion. “Shall we find a place to settle and discuss in private? Do you have a preferred spot when negotiating with new clients? As long as I can take my wagon, I am at your disposal, my dear saviors.”
Utar receives an answer to his Sending:
"Interesting choice of words, considering what happened the last time you left your window open. Always a pleasure, old friend.”
After loitering at the back of the group, Utar suggests that Leadstopper Manor might serve. It is nearby and has a stable, although it has never taken a wagon before.
Raist listens and when it appears they will be moving on he gives a casual wave of his hand. The giant hand sparkles and dissaperates. He looks down to the halfling with a thin smile. "These are your friends I assume" turning again to the human and orc. "Greetings once again. Name is Raist. Madam Cass thinks I may be of assistance"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Though a touch taken aback by so swift an accept, Doozey still mustered a crooked smile and nod to merchant, before finding himself gazing up in thanks for Utar at the sound suggestion. "Mm. Aye. Wha' Rai say be." He'd later add, backing Raist claim while hoping Neya did much the same. Either way, the matter was settled as far as he was concerned, prompting him to let out a couple of distinct bird whistles. Moments later one of the most peculiar of critters could be seen gliding down from some nearby rooftop and land atop Doozey's shoulder, looking to be a mixture of rabbit but with pronounced fangs, an elk given the horns, and a pheasant judging by its wings and tail.
"Ta'ers." Doozey says as he gestures to the beast, only to be somewhat interrupted and needing to dodge getting poked in the eye from the small beast's attempt to make room in Doozey's hood. "Mot mow, Ta'ers. We be away from raim soom." Doozey assured after peeling the rabbit hybrid away, and after some delicate maneuvering, tuck him under an arm with Doozey's cloak acting as cover from the rain. Afterwards he gestures for all to follow him, but would just as happily follow after other veteran members of CRAP should they beat him to the punch in taking point.
Imagery of Taters:
Desc: If not at rest on a shoulder, then usually at the Ranger's side is what might be a cousin of the Almiraj, a horned rabbit more often seen in Chult than in most other places. Unlike such beast however, the spiral horn has been replaced by antlers, long fangs protrude from the top of its mouth, and the red-brown wings and tail feathers of a pheasant sprout from Tater's back and replace an otherwise bushy tail, lending the creature a more chimeric appearance. As unusual as the beast's appearance may be, more shocking still for some is the greater sense of intelligence in both Tater's eyes and behavior, as well as being possessed of a mischievous spirit. When roused to anger or some other intense emotions, the air around the creature turns warmer as a directionless breeze whips up around him.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"You have certainly shown that you may be more than an assist, if helping disperse the crowds was any indication. If anything, I assisted you." Neya says to Raist.
"My name is Neya," she finds the opportunity to actually introduce herself.
Extended Signature