After hearing the gnome bring up that Graxx struck a woman and scared him Graxx struggles to keep his discipline. Graxx desperately wants to strike out at the gnome but contains it and instead expresses his emotions in words.
Graxx squats down to the gnome nostrils flaring and his eyes flaring with emotion. Almost, a mix of anger and possible emotional pain from being reminded of that day not so long ago.
"I scare you... I scare you, gnome?! Because I struck a woman? What you only saw as a woman I saw as a thief taking advantage of your table!"
Graxx pulls out his Charlatan's Die and holds it in his palm.
"You see this, gnome? This is what the dragonborn was using to cheat at the game."
Graxx rolls numerous times calling out "1, 2, 4, 6, 3" before he rolls the dice to show that it is controlled.
"I have no apologies for striking a thief. And now, you come here asking me to risk my life for another thief?!"
Graxx rises up and looks to his companions. "Lucky for this pipesmoker I despise torturers more than thieves. Let me know what you want to do."
Graxx walks away from the conversation and goes back to get some Tea from the daughter to help him control his rage.
Marfaen appears, clearly really late, but he doesn't seem like he cares about that, as he's calmly pacing toward the group, holding his spell book under his arm.
"Oh, I found you all again, long time hasn't been it?" He recognizes it's been just about a week, but for him it did feel like a lot. "So... Here is the place people are coming to mourn over the people killed by the wisps, right?" His temperament changes a bit more sorrowful after he says that, only now realizing the mood around the location. After that he notices he was still holding his book, and then he pockets it under his coat.
Neya's expression hardens a bit and ponders. "If these rumors ring true, this represents a grave betrayal of the trust of the people of Phlan. If I'm not mistaken, the Black Fist are supposed to be peacekeepers, not executioners."
Utar ruminates on his knowledge of the Black Lord. Utar's religion check:
You remember Madame Freona mentioning that Bane used to be the primary deity in Phlan in the past. The Black Lord is a local alias given to this deity. it is otherwise also referred to as the Black Hand, or the Lord of Darkness. While rooted in the clergy of Bane, the Black Fist severed all formal ties decades ago; they still pay lip service, however.
Bane has a simple ethos: the strong have not just the right but the duty to rule over the weak. A tyrant who is able to seize power must do so, for not only does the tyrant benefit, but so do those under the tyrant’s rule. When a ruler succumbs to decadence, corruption, or decrepitude, a stronger and more suitable ruler will rise.
Bane is vilified in many legends. Throughout history, those who favor him have committed dark deeds in his name, but most people don’t worship Bane out of malice. Bane represents ambition and control, and those who have the former but lack the latter pray to him to give them strength. It is said that Bane favors those who exhibit drive and courage, and that he aids those who seek to become conquerors, carving kingdoms from the wilderness, and bringing order to the lawless.
At many times and in many places in Faerûn, the faithful of Bane have been seen as saviors for their efforts in slaughtering raiders, throwing down corrupt rulers, or saving armies on the brink of defeat. But in just as many other places, the worship of Bane has created or supported cruel dictatorships, aided mercantile monopolies, or brought about the practice of slavery where before it didn’t exist.
As Graxx begins his enraged monologue, Rillo cowers behind Utar. Whether the barbarian has the right of it or not, the speech only serves to make the gnome even more frightened than before. It is doubtful he even understood how the Charlatan's Die even worked.
Meanwhile, Drazzim seems to understand, even in his inebriated state, that his aid his needed elsewhere, and Marfaen's arrival only serves to solidify the dwarf's conclusion.
Examining the offered items, Rag can tell that the pipe is indeed magical, but the magnifying glass isn't. The latter could however, probably be sold for a good amount of coin. Rag would know a few interested parties if he were to look for them.
Rillo then answers Neya: "Indeed, I couldn't agree more! But I'm afraid the average resident of Phlan would not be surprised to hear that the Black Fist can be just as cruel as they can be one's last hope. Their lowers ranks are rife with corruption." The gnome then steps away from Utar's shadow now that Graxx is a few paces off. "So, will you come? I can show you the secret entrance."
Rillo then starts to move west, toward the closest section of the Stojanow River that cuts through the city. He keeps looking back trying to make sure you are all following. He leads the group to the secret entrance, which is simply a tunnel starting at the river's edge and running under Phlan to the secret chambers beneath the ruined Lyceum. This tunnel is sort of hidden in plain sight, like a whole on the earth moistened by the water. Most residents probably ignore it, thinking of it as part of some rudimentary sewage system, you all would gather. While traveling through it, Rillo talks to anyone who would listen, repeating himself to exhaustion: "I would hate for you to get hurt. so if you think you can collect information only, I'll be happy to take it. It is unlikely that the leadership of the Black Fist knows that this secret prison exists and that the guards who use it do so in a personal capacity. With that said, I wouldn't blame you for smashing a few skulls! I heard the Valhingen Graveyard is itching for some new residents... hihihi" He laughs at his own joke. "As long as I can have my daughter back safe..."
The tunnel is not guarded, and it runs for several hundred yards before it ends in a door. The stonework around the door is well crafted, unlike the rudimentary tunnel.
MAP:
(OOC: I managed to enable auto-coordinates this time around, but some numbers are skipped depending on the set zoom. Nonetheless, it should be easy enough to deduce the skipped numbers).
Andmarir listens to the gnome and then watches the others reactions. He says not much but the gnome does need help, in a way.
He is not to sure about much but Andmarir will follow the gnome and the others. He keeps silent, watching for anything out of the ordinary, other than the group.
Drazzim blinks a few times in an attempt to get a clearer view. "Tormite, let'sh go shave the day, eh?" He says a little louder than he meant to. He uses his glaive partially as a walking aid, put attempts to pull it off as some sort of marching gait.
Utar follows the gnome, turning his head to ensure that Andmarir and Marfaen are following along too given the elf had positioned himself a little way off from the group and the half-elf was a little late in arriving.
"I'm now starting to appreciate why I really dealings with the Black Fist has been less than helpful. Given we're going to be going under his Lyceum, I suspect some aspect of worship of The Black Lord here." Pausing to arm himself with warhammer and shield, he turns "Since we're sneaking in a back entrance, Master Rag, would you care to give this door your considered opinion?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rag steps forward and says "Yes sir, let me examine that door." He will carefully examine the door, entrance area and then the latch and lock if present."
While Rag is working on the lock, Neya says, "One moment, we weren't exactly invited, and there might be a rudimentary watch posted here.."
She places the thumb, index, and middle finger of her right hand on her forehead, and pulls her hand away as she pinches her fingers together, drawing out some ephemeral energy. She blows on the energy, dispersing it as it scatters to the ground and settles around everyone's feet.
Utar, being an avid frequenter of Phlan's temples by now, would know the following information:
The Ruined Lyceum: Originally dedicated to Bane, the large temple was rededicated after the riots following the Lord Protector’s death. It was looted and burned and its clergy slain. the temple is currently being renovated by up-and-coming lay clerics of Lathander, who petitioned the Lord Reagent for permission to use the grounds as a refuge for those in need of healing or even a hot meal.
Rag makes short work of the simple lock. Rillo is thoroughly impressed: "Wow! that was quite efficient!" He then concludes "I am very much out of my area of expertise here. I shall wait for your return right in the exact spot." He is clearly afraid and nervous, and despite his words, moves back a few feet.
Neya finishes her spell as Rag pushes the door open a couple of inches. Looking inside, the halfling sees a half of a room that contains three cells. The center one is empty, but the other two are currently occupied by prisoners who have not yet noticed the party. A door to the east is barred from the side you are looking from, and there is also a door on the south wall. A more thorough look would require that you enter the room.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Andmarir does not say much but he ain't going to stay back. He'll stay somewhere in the middle so he can cover the others in front and if need be the ones in the back. Moving as quietly as possible, once they start moving forwards.
He will have his longbow out and try to perceive noises up ahead.
"I know stealth is our watchword here but," Utar reaches his hand to his amulet, a warm glow now eminating from it, "Our usual...idiom, is less so." Utar casts aid.
Removing his hand from the amulet, the glow appears to have settled on it. Touching Drazzim, Graxx and Neya in turn, a portion of the light sticks to them then is slowly absorbed into their skin.
He then follows Drazzim into the room.
Stealth - 12
OOC - Drazzim, Graxx and Neya add 5 to their max and current hp for the next 8 hours.
Utar will try to recall anything about The Black Lord.
Religion - 5
After hearing the gnome bring up that Graxx struck a woman and scared him Graxx struggles to keep his discipline. Graxx desperately wants to strike out at the gnome but contains it and instead expresses his emotions in words.
Graxx squats down to the gnome nostrils flaring and his eyes flaring with emotion. Almost, a mix of anger and possible emotional pain from being reminded of that day not so long ago.
"I scare you... I scare you, gnome?! Because I struck a woman? What you only saw as a woman I saw as a thief taking advantage of your table!"
Graxx pulls out his Charlatan's Die and holds it in his palm.
"You see this, gnome? This is what the dragonborn was using to cheat at the game."
Graxx rolls numerous times calling out "1, 2, 4, 6, 3" before he rolls the dice to show that it is controlled.
"I have no apologies for striking a thief. And now, you come here asking me to risk my life for another thief?!"
Graxx rises up and looks to his companions. "Lucky for this pipesmoker I despise torturers more than thieves. Let me know what you want to do."
Graxx walks away from the conversation and goes back to get some Tea from the daughter to help him control his rage.
Marfaen appears, clearly really late, but he doesn't seem like he cares about that, as he's calmly pacing toward the group, holding his spell book under his arm.
"Oh, I found you all again, long time hasn't been it?" He recognizes it's been just about a week, but for him it did feel like a lot. "So... Here is the place people are coming to mourn over the people killed by the wisps, right?" His temperament changes a bit more sorrowful after he says that, only now realizing the mood around the location.
After that he notices he was still holding his book, and then he pockets it under his coat.
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
Rag finishes up his tea and puts his hood back on and then meanders over to get rather close to the Gnome eyeing up the Pipe and the magnifying glass.
Neya's expression hardens a bit and ponders. "If these rumors ring true, this represents a grave betrayal of the trust of the people of Phlan. If I'm not mistaken, the Black Fist are supposed to be peacekeepers, not executioners."
Extended Signature
Utar ruminates on his knowledge of the Black Lord. Utar's religion check:
You remember Madame Freona mentioning that Bane used to be the primary deity in Phlan in the past. The Black Lord is a local alias given to this deity. it is otherwise also referred to as the Black Hand, or the Lord of Darkness. While rooted in the clergy of Bane, the Black Fist severed all formal ties decades ago; they still pay lip service, however.
Bane has a simple ethos: the strong have not just the right but the duty to rule over the weak. A tyrant who is able to seize power must do so, for not only does the tyrant benefit, but so do those under the tyrant’s rule. When a ruler succumbs to decadence, corruption, or decrepitude, a stronger and more suitable ruler will rise.
Bane is vilified in many legends. Throughout history, those who favor him have committed dark deeds in his name, but most people don’t worship Bane out of malice. Bane represents ambition and control, and those who have the former but lack the latter pray to him to give them strength. It is said that Bane favors those who exhibit drive and courage, and that he aids those who seek to become conquerors, carving kingdoms from the wilderness, and bringing order to the lawless.
At many times and in many places in Faerûn, the faithful of Bane have been seen as saviors for their efforts in slaughtering raiders, throwing down corrupt rulers, or saving armies on the brink of defeat. But in just as many other places, the worship of Bane has created or supported cruel dictatorships, aided mercantile monopolies, or brought about the practice of slavery where before it didn’t exist.
As Graxx begins his enraged monologue, Rillo cowers behind Utar. Whether the barbarian has the right of it or not, the speech only serves to make the gnome even more frightened than before. It is doubtful he even understood how the Charlatan's Die even worked.
Meanwhile, Drazzim seems to understand, even in his inebriated state, that his aid his needed elsewhere, and Marfaen's arrival only serves to solidify the dwarf's conclusion.
Examining the offered items, Rag can tell that the pipe is indeed magical, but the magnifying glass isn't. The latter could however, probably be sold for a good amount of coin. Rag would know a few interested parties if he were to look for them.
Rillo then answers Neya: "Indeed, I couldn't agree more! But I'm afraid the average resident of Phlan would not be surprised to hear that the Black Fist can be just as cruel as they can be one's last hope. Their lowers ranks are rife with corruption." The gnome then steps away from Utar's shadow now that Graxx is a few paces off. "So, will you come? I can show you the secret entrance."
Rillo then starts to move west, toward the closest section of the Stojanow River that cuts through the city. He keeps looking back trying to make sure you are all following. He leads the group to the secret entrance, which is simply a tunnel starting at the river's edge and running under Phlan to the secret chambers beneath the ruined Lyceum. This tunnel is sort of hidden in plain sight, like a whole on the earth moistened by the water. Most residents probably ignore it, thinking of it as part of some rudimentary sewage system, you all would gather. While traveling through it, Rillo talks to anyone who would listen, repeating himself to exhaustion: "I would hate for you to get hurt. so if you think you can collect information only, I'll be happy to take it. It is unlikely that the leadership of the Black Fist knows that this secret prison exists and that the guards who use it do so in a personal capacity. With that said, I wouldn't blame you for smashing a few skulls! I heard the Valhingen Graveyard is itching for some new residents... hihihi" He laughs at his own joke. "As long as I can have my daughter back safe..."
The tunnel is not guarded, and it runs for several hundred yards before it ends in a door. The stonework around the door is well crafted, unlike the rudimentary tunnel.
MAP:
(OOC: I managed to enable auto-coordinates this time around, but some numbers are skipped depending on the set zoom. Nonetheless, it should be easy enough to deduce the skipped numbers).
Andmarir listens to the gnome and then watches the others reactions. He says not much but the gnome does need help, in a way.
He is not to sure about much but Andmarir will follow the gnome and the others. He keeps silent, watching for anything out of the ordinary, other than the group.
Drazzim blinks a few times in an attempt to get a clearer view. "Tormite, let'sh go shave the day, eh?" He says a little louder than he meant to. He uses his glaive partially as a walking aid, put attempts to pull it off as some sort of marching gait.
Current Player In: The Guild as Elsara Deepmoon
Utar follows the gnome, turning his head to ensure that Andmarir and Marfaen are following along too given the elf had positioned himself a little way off from the group and the half-elf was a little late in arriving.
"I'm now starting to appreciate why I really dealings with the Black Fist has been less than helpful. Given we're going to be going under his Lyceum, I suspect some aspect of worship of The Black Lord here." Pausing to arm himself with warhammer and shield, he turns "Since we're sneaking in a back entrance, Master Rag, would you care to give this door your considered opinion?"
Rag steps forward and says "Yes sir, let me examine that door." He will carefully examine the door, entrance area and then the latch and lock if present."
Investigation: 10
Rag does not find any out of the ordinary latches or triggers, but as expected, the door is definitely locked.
OOC: Assuming the Gnome does not have the key.
Rag will say "Well, I guess when you are all ready I will see if I can pick this lock?"
OOC: If there is then no objection he will proceed to take out his Thieves Tools:
25
While Rag is working on the lock, Neya says, "One moment, we weren't exactly invited, and there might be a rudimentary watch posted here.."
She places the thumb, index, and middle finger of her right hand on her forehead, and pulls her hand away as she pinches her fingers together, drawing out some ephemeral energy. She blows on the energy, dispersing it as it scatters to the ground and settles around everyone's feet.
(2 ki points spent to activate Shadow Arts: Pass without Trace)
"This should dampen our footfalls if we continue a clandestine approach..."
Extended Signature
Utar, being an avid frequenter of Phlan's temples by now, would know the following information:
Rag makes short work of the simple lock. Rillo is thoroughly impressed: "Wow! that was quite efficient!" He then concludes "I am very much out of my area of expertise here. I shall wait for your return right in the exact spot." He is clearly afraid and nervous, and despite his words, moves back a few feet.
Neya finishes her spell as Rag pushes the door open a couple of inches. Looking inside, the halfling sees a half of a room that contains three cells. The center one is empty, but the other two are currently occupied by prisoners who have not yet noticed the party. A door to the east is barred from the side you are looking from, and there is also a door on the south wall. A more thorough look would require that you enter the room.
UPDATED MAP:
"Shhhhhhh...." Drazzim slurs as he bumbles forward to the front of the group. He normally walks at the front, so what's the difference now?
Stealth: 16
Current Player In: The Guild as Elsara Deepmoon
Andmarir does not say much but he ain't going to stay back. He'll stay somewhere in the middle so he can cover the others in front and if need be the ones in the back. Moving as quietly as possible, once they start moving forwards.
He will have his longbow out and try to perceive noises up ahead.
Stealth 10
Perception 14
"I know stealth is our watchword here but," Utar reaches his hand to his amulet, a warm glow now eminating from it, "Our usual...idiom, is less so." Utar casts aid.
Removing his hand from the amulet, the glow appears to have settled on it. Touching Drazzim, Graxx and Neya in turn, a portion of the light sticks to them then is slowly absorbed into their skin.
He then follows Drazzim into the room.
Stealth - 12
OOC - Drazzim, Graxx and Neya add 5 to their max and current hp for the next 8 hours.
(Amended Drazzim. Now has 36/36 HP!)
Current Player In: The Guild as Elsara Deepmoon
Graxx is following the group and doing his best to try this new stealth tactic.
Stealth: 14