After Hildigrim points out the level of magic needed to perform such lasting transformations, his face goes slack as he stares at nothing. "I'm not sure we're equipped to take on such a power wizard."

Quote from DirtyDogP >>

After Hildigrim points out the level of magic needed to perform such lasting transformations, his face goes slack as he stares at nothing. "I'm not sure we're equipped to take on such a power wizard."

 Pascal waves a hand, “Pshaw, c’mon, what’s the worst that can do? Turn us into a rabbit? Maybe a little ol’ puppy dog? He can only do that a couple times.”

Quote from DirtyDogP >>

After Hildigrim points out the level of magic needed to perform such lasting transformations, his face goes slack as he stares at nothing. "I'm not sure we're equipped to take on such a power wizard."

Hildigrim (and actually, everyone) feels there is something off about the sheep's tale. Anyone with a high enough level to cast a 9th level spell wouldn't have to work so hard trying to convince you that he is powerful... Finethir seems to believe everything he is saying, but there is too much insecurity and ego behind his words.

And if Noke could cast the spell, why would he endure being an apprentice to anyone, especially while being humiliated? Shinebright's wand seems to be mentioned quite often... 

Pascal’s head does a sweeping turn to the sheep, who he squints at, “Wait a minute, monsieur mouton, you ain’t actually doing jack, is ya? It’s all that wand, no? Noke stole the wand and then poof, a floofy living hell, yeah?”

Quote from JcAndD >>

Pascal’s head does a sweeping turn to the sheep, who he squints at, “Wait a minute, monsieur mouton, you ain’t actually doing jack, is ya? It’s all that wand, no? Noke stole the wand and then poof, a floofy living hell, yeah?”

The sheep straightens up, and looks indignant. Or at least, as much as a sheep can have that expression.

"That is outrageous slander! I am a wizard, skilled and powerful. The wand is merely a tool that lets me... do more. But the true power is in the paw... the hand... that wields it.

"We are wasting time. Gather your things, we are going to my tower outside the city."

Drusk scratches his side. "That sounds dangerous and tiring. Unfortunately we have matters of great importance to deal with here. These dishes won't wash themselves. And Jorin, didn't you say you had to clip your toenails?... Yes, far too busy to run around town, because of a sheep barking at us."

Jorin glances down at his boots and raises an eyebrow at Drusk, "It, uh, does sound dangerous and tiring, but I love danger and I never tire.  Besides, we could use some more coin for Road's End, and such a powerful wand would fetch fair coin at market."

Quillary just watches as Jorin and Drusk attempt to extort the fluffy wizard. 

Some of you have wondered if sheep have sweat glands. You realize the answer is yes.

"You people are so selfish. Why don't you think of me first?

"Fine, fine... What I meant to say, I have been visiting by rulers and kings. I have resources. If you get my wand back to me and return me to being an elf, then... I... will..." (struggling to get the words out) "fairly compensate your group for your time and effort."

Jorin gives the sheep a rough scratching behind the ears, "Well that sounds pretty to me!"

Pascal cleans his teeth, “Now, hold on a moment. When we talkin’ ‘fair,’ I met many people who had a different idea of fair than myself. So, lemme ask you, monsieur mouton, what’s your idea of fair?”

Quillary appears to make a decision. "How far is your tower from the city?" she asks, standing up. "We can visit with this apprentice of yours, and see what he has to say about your claims. Perhaps he will have a more fair offer." She goes to the wall to retrieve her cloak, shield, and club, as well as a small traveling pack she takes with her at night to the City of the Dead.

Quote from JcAndD >>

Pascal cleans his teeth, “Now, hold on a moment. When we talkin’ ‘fair,’ I met many people who had a different idea of fair than myself. So, lemme ask you, monsieur mouton, what’s your idea of fair?”

(Since you are in Waterdeep, the legal phrase "fair compensation for time and effort" in the verbal contract means an independent 3rd party can arbitrate, if there is a dispute over the terms. That was why the sheep was struggling to force the words out, as Shinebright doesn't get to decide on his own on the value.)

The tower is half an hours walk outside the city walls. So with pedestrian traffic and gate delays, a trip there and back (plus time to fight) will take up the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening.

Drusk gets his armor and equipment, so that will take about 15 minutes.

Oh, lovely! This oughta be good.

Pascal will get suited up.

Anyone watching Hildigrim will see him point his finger toward the wall facing the street and then move his lips soundlessly. Immediately afterward, he runs outside, saying over his shoulder, "I'll be right back down."

The halfling runs up to his room and gathers his adventuring gear, but leaves his spare spell book, journal, and spell scroll of sleep behind.

The party takes a few minutes to go upstairs to your rooms, don armor, gather equipment, then meet again downstairs. Before you leave, your neighbor Fala the herbalist comes through the door. "Ah, you are leaving? I was hoping to get some of Pascal's cooking while I'm here." (Looks at Hildigrim, then notices the damage in the dining area) "Did Pascal add too much hot sauce again? If you mentioned that earlier, I would've brought the balm for your tongues."

Pascal shouts from the kitchen as he packs, “I DON’T ADD TOO MUCH! Y’all just got weak taste...” Alligator grumblings are heard shortly after.

Quillary (who has probably met Fala in the time we have been back) says, “Would you look after Twigroot while we are gone? They are still acclimating to being Awakened.”

Quote from Mingofaust >>

Quillary (who has probably met Fala in the time we have been back) says, “Would you look after Twigroot while we are gone? They are still acclimating to being Awakened.”

(OOC: I had to look up Fala, who I completely forgot about. As you say, you would have interacted with your neighbor during your normal day.)

Jorin suits up as well and whirls his battleaxe in a flourish as the group leaves the tavern!

Hildigrim gives Fala a quick bow. "Thank you for coming, Fala. We need to accompany this sheep to his wizard's tower and inquire as to why his apprentice is creating an animal army. There are a bear and two wolves tied up in the cellar," he says nonchalantly. "While it is doubtful they can escape both their bindings and the locked cellar, we would appreciate if you could be on premises just in case. Please don't feel the need to interfere if they do escape." He looks at the others. "Are we ready to proceed?"