Morph still seems to be occupied with his thoughts.
Myth sighs mentally,
"Well, seeing as you already know enough to end my current "life", what can it hurt..."
"After leaving home, and setting out on my own, I...well I fell in with various, not all together savoury, types."
"The work was fun, but I was young and a little to self absorbed, so I wasn't quite aware, just how much I was hurting others."
"But life can balance things out sometimes. I got some work with a group run by one Harko Swornhold."
"I didn't feel so comfortable about them at the time, but I trusted my instincts a lot less back then."
"Harko needed me to play the part of a older man, who's family was being waylaid by a few bandits."
"I was to deceive a City Guard patrol, to get them to split up, sending half their number to an awaiting ambush, while the remaining soldiers would be ambushed by a separate group."
"I was successful in my part of the plan, but when the soldiers and I came to the ambush spot, I was attacked and almost killed, along with the soldiers."
"I think Harko was saving himself the cost of my pay. If it wasn't for a sole surviving solder from the other group, who found me, I would have died."
"The soldier, named Klein, still believed I was, who I was disguised as, and so he nursed me back to life and then he took me back to Waterdeep."
"I was, and still am, greatly indebted to Klein, so I created my current persona, and joined the City Guard, to try and repay my debt, and to try and change my ways."
"As for Harko, well I got to help "balance" his debt, only just this last week or so."
Morph's expression descends into a melancholy look, as he continues to stare at the wall.
"Mmmm," Golorr says, as if tasting Myth'sstory. "Wonderful. Thank you."
Silence ensues, becoming somewhat awkward as Mythwonders if Golorris still there. Then stone says, a little gleefully, "Mmmm, this test should be very interesting."
Sounds of a struggle come from outside the cell. A light crash is followed by "Sir!" then a thump and more sounds of a struggle. A few minute of silence pass and an officer of the watch appears, smoothing his tousled hair. He looks familiar to Laniel, Morph, Mal, and Rethan. He was the Watch captain that arrived at the Zhentarim hideout where they had rescued Lord Neverember.
His keys jangle as he looks for the correct one to open the cell door. Upon finding the correct key, he swings the door open and speaks in a hushed tone. "You are in danger," he says with urgency. "The magister is corrupt. He is going to sentence you to death. You should flee the city now while you can!"
Morph looks up as the captain begins speaking and opening the door.
"Our weapons?"
Morph looks between Rethan and Titus and back at the captain.
"They could be important..."
As Morph puts the stone back into his pouch, he has a thought,
"Will you be ok? Won't this magister come after you, for trying to help us?"
Morph gets up, securing his pack, ready to move.
Turning to Rethan, Morph asks,
"I don't suppose you have more than one use of you-know-what left for the day, do you? A quick drop by, to get our other stuff, before we leave, could be handy."
"But if you only have the one use left, perhaps we should save it for our full exit?"
Also, Insight check on the captain, to determine if he is being truthful: 17
"Ahem," the captain says. "Yes, excellent. But you know the stone is useless outside of the city. Trust it with me. I will keep it secure until you can safely return."
Morphshoots a look to his companions that lets them know this man is lying. And horribly at that.
While Morphand Rethanspeak with the captain, Lanielstands, positioning himself close to the cell entrance. At the moment Morphcaught the captain in a lie, he springs forward, striking at the man with speed and fury that the others have not seen in Lanielexcept a couple times before.
Unarmed Attack: 9 Damage: 6
Unarmed Attack: 10 Damage: 8
Unarmed Attack (for 1 Ki): 17 Damage: 8
The first two strikes are foiled by the tight space, but a clever punch through the bars lands and Lanielattempts to knock the man down.
DEX(12) check: 11
The captain is also surprised by the speed of Laniel'sassault and he ends up flat on his back outside the cell. "You'll all hang!" he says, wiping the blood off of his lip.
In response to the shocked looks from his cell mates, he says, panting, "If he goes, then its the gallows for us. He assaulted or killed someone to get to us. Let's make sure that is pinned on him."
Morphraises his hand towards the corrupt captainand calls radiant fire down upon him.
Turning his head to Rethanand while tapping his head, he adds,
"Maybe we should think about leaving the weapons? With out them, youand Titusare not going to be nearly as useful in a fight."
"And I'm not sure if Lanial, Maland I, will be enough to fight our way to wherever they have them stored."
"Or, we could stay put and see what happens. If we don't leave our cell, its not an escape, but if this captain is bad, who else is going to try and take us down?"
Action: Cast Sacred Flame at the captain: DC13 Dex Save - Damage: 4 radiant damage
The man rolls out of the way as the strike hits the ground next to him, then he stands up and charges at (1) Laniel, then (4) Titus, striking both with a club.
Club Attack against Laniel: 13 Damage: 8
Club Attack against Titus: 25 Damage: 10
Lanieldodges the blow but Titustakes it in the temple and it knocks him clean out.
(Maland Rethanare up. MalDOES have any instruments he would have grabbed, but otherwise it's going to be a bit of a brawl. I will roll a death save for Tituslast.)
Titus takes the club on his chin and tastes his blood in his mouth... his eyes flash with rage. He hears the soldiers approaching and channels his old role as a Seargant commanding new recruits. “ENOUGH! I AM TITUS VORENUS FIRST SHEILD THIRD LEGION OF THE WATERDAVIAN GUARD!” A vein in his forehead throbbed as he continued to bellow at the top of his lungs. “I HAVE BEEN ROBBED! ASSAULTED! JAILED! AND NOW I AM BESET UPON BY THIS TREACHEROUS GOON!?”
He grabs the guard and shoves him, attempting to stuff him in the cell. Shouting curses his draconian tongue as he engages with the captain.
He turns again to hall and the approaching soldiers. “I DEMAND TO SPEAK WITH THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT ONCE! I DON’T CARE IF ITS LAERAL SILVERHAND, GORIANS WARD, OR PELOR HIMSELF!
Rethansmirks at Malas the other man mentions him and Titus not being useful in a fight without their weapons. He holds his arm out to the side and grins as his glaive appears in his hand. "Forgetting my little trick?" he chuckles. "There's a reason I was so quick to give it up when they arrested us." Knowing from the sounds of the approaching footsteps that they have at least a little time before other guards get there, he gives Mala look, facing away from the captain, then rolls his eyes up toward his helmet and gives a slight shake of his head, mouthing the words "Not yet".
He turns back to the captain and his smile vanishes, to be replaced with a much more sinister look. "I was already in a bad mood after having my familiar eaten by a damn chair, then being arrested when I haven't committed a crime. You should not have come in here and tried to lie and steal the stone."
Taking a two-hand grip on the glaive, Rethansteps forward and slashes it at the captain, using the side of the blade to try to knock the man out, knowing things will go much harder if they're forced to kill him.
As the man ducks out of Titus' grasp, Rethanpulls his weapon out of thin air and readies it. When the man pops up, he slaps him across the face with the flat of his blade.
Mal, out of spells, with no weapon, and not much for brawling, gives the captain his best shove to see if he can push him over.
Athletics: 11
DEX check: 15
But the man stays on his feet. Lanielfinds an opening and assaults the watch captain again ruthlessly.
Attack: 25 Damage: 7
DEX check: 15
Bonus action - Attack: 21 Damage: 5
DEX check: 18
Unnecessary extra DEX check: 14
1 Ki for an extra attack - Attack: 20 Damage: 5
Lanielpounds on the man vigorously, dealing three rapid blows that crack some bones as they land. The man is breathing raggedly and barely keeping himself on his feet.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Morphfires an eldritch blast at the man, hoping to put him down.
Eldritch Blast Attack: 10 Damage: 10
The man twists to avoid the blast but it connects...barely. The captain hard against the wall, and slumps to the ground unconscious. He slowly begins to change color and appearance, turning a dark gray, with a naked, formlessness to him. He is clearly a doppelganger.
90 seconds later, a crowd of guards enters the cell block to find the shape-shifter in watch uniform and the heroes sitting quietly in their cell, the door still wide open.
----------
Less than an hour later, the group is brought before Magister Umbero Zastro. He is an eloquent, handsome half-elf in his thirties. You may have heard his name before (History check for more info.)
He begins, saying, "I have heard the testimony of eye witnesses, including a hire cab driver, several tavern patrons, and residents of Trollskull Alley, as well as several members of the city watch concerning the events in the North Ward of last night. The charge is disturbance of the public peace, in which you engaged in an admittedly contained fight in the streets of Waterdeep.
"Here is what I understand. I understand that villains employing fiends, no less, robbed your residence and that you pursued them into the streets. You defeated the fiends and chased away the man who hijacked the hire cab. I also understand that you did not call for the city watch, the sworn protectors of the city. Nor did you opt to pursue the villains safely through the streets but engage them directly in the view and close proximity to law-abiding citizens of this fair city. The punishment for disturbing the peace is 25 gold each and an edict.
"Regarding the events an hour ago in this very building, no charges will be brought to bear against you. In addition, the court deeply and sincerely apologizes for the threat to your safety while under the care of the court. Please know that the culprit, whom you subdued, will face strict punishment for his crimes."
The magister shuffles his papers and then looks the party each in turn. "On the matter of disturbing the peace," he says, "How do you plead?"
(Doh 17 minutes to slow :P That what i was planning to do this round anyway.)
(If i don't get on in time for next round, and we haven't teleported out, or left the cell, Morph will use Silent Image to create a false wall, to confuse the coming guards for a round, hopefully)
Morph:
"As I said," explains Golorr, "I am a collector of knowledge. That knowledge is prized by some."
Amusement colors Golorr's voice when he says, "What can you do for me? Tell me your story, the one that found you in the City Guard."
Morph still seems to be occupied with his thoughts.
Myth sighs mentally,
"Well, seeing as you already know enough to end my current "life", what can it hurt..."
"After leaving home, and setting out on my own, I...well I fell in with various, not all together savoury, types."
"The work was fun, but I was young and a little to self absorbed, so I wasn't quite aware, just how much I was hurting others."
"But life can balance things out sometimes. I got some work with a group run by one Harko Swornhold."
"I didn't feel so comfortable about them at the time, but I trusted my instincts a lot less back then."
"Harko needed me to play the part of a older man, who's family was being waylaid by a few bandits."
"I was to deceive a City Guard patrol, to get them to split up, sending half their number to an awaiting ambush, while the remaining soldiers would be ambushed by a separate group."
"I was successful in my part of the plan, but when the soldiers and I came to the ambush spot, I was attacked and almost killed, along with the soldiers."
"I think Harko was saving himself the cost of my pay. If it wasn't for a sole surviving solder from the other group, who found me, I would have died."
"The soldier, named Klein, still believed I was, who I was disguised as, and so he nursed me back to life and then he took me back to Waterdeep."
"I was, and still am, greatly indebted to Klein, so I created my current persona, and joined the City Guard, to try and repay my debt, and to try and change my ways."
"As for Harko, well I got to help "balance" his debt, only just this last week or so."
Morph's expression descends into a melancholy look, as he continues to stare at the wall.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Morph:
"Mmmm," Golorr says, as if tasting Myth's story. "Wonderful. Thank you."
Silence ensues, becoming somewhat awkward as Myth wonders if Golorr is still there. Then stone says, a little gleefully, "Mmmm, this test should be very interesting."
Sounds of a struggle come from outside the cell. A light crash is followed by "Sir!" then a thump and more sounds of a struggle. A few minute of silence pass and an officer of the watch appears, smoothing his tousled hair. He looks familiar to Laniel, Morph, Mal, and Rethan. He was the Watch captain that arrived at the Zhentarim hideout where they had rescued Lord Neverember.
His keys jangle as he looks for the correct one to open the cell door. Upon finding the correct key, he swings the door open and speaks in a hushed tone. "You are in danger," he says with urgency. "The magister is corrupt. He is going to sentence you to death. You should flee the city now while you can!"
Rethan looks up at the sounds of struggle, then watches as the watch captain enters. "Corrupt? What is he going to charge us with?"
"Whatever he can make stick," the watch captain says. "He clearly wants the stone. Do you want to stand around talking about it?"
Morph looks up as the captain begins speaking and opening the door.
"Our weapons?"
Morph looks between Rethan and Titus and back at the captain.
"They could be important..."
As Morph puts the stone back into his pouch, he has a thought,
"Will you be ok? Won't this magister come after you, for trying to help us?"
Morph gets up, securing his pack, ready to move.
Turning to Rethan, Morph asks,
"I don't suppose you have more than one use of you-know-what left for the day, do you? A quick drop by, to get our other stuff, before we leave, could be handy."
"But if you only have the one use left, perhaps we should save it for our full exit?"
Also, Insight check on the captain, to determine if he is being truthful: 17
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
DM Shield:
7
"Ahem," the captain says. "Yes, excellent. But you know the stone is useless outside of the city. Trust it with me. I will keep it secure until you can safely return."
Morph shoots a look to his companions that lets them know this man is lying. And horribly at that.
"Perhaps we should have our weapons before we give any stones?"
Morph pulls out his crystal focus, as if it is the stone he just put away in his pouch, waving it in the air.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
The captain backs up, raising his hands. "Fine," he says. "Be that way."
He takes a deep breath and, at the top of his lungs, he yells, "Guards! Guards! Jailbreak!"
Footsteps sound from down the hall. They will be here in 4 rounds
Initiative:
(Laniel and Morph have the drop on the captain, if they choose to take it. Then the captain goes, followed by everyone else.)
While Morph and Rethan speak with the captain, Laniel stands, positioning himself close to the cell entrance. At the moment Morph caught the captain in a lie, he springs forward, striking at the man with speed and fury that the others have not seen in Laniel except a couple times before.
Unarmed Attack: 9 Damage: 6
Unarmed Attack: 10 Damage: 8
Unarmed Attack (for 1 Ki): 17 Damage: 8
The first two strikes are foiled by the tight space, but a clever punch through the bars lands and Laniel attempts to knock the man down.
DEX(12) check: 11
The captain is also surprised by the speed of Laniel's assault and he ends up flat on his back outside the cell. "You'll all hang!" he says, wiping the blood off of his lip.
In response to the shocked looks from his cell mates, he says, panting, "If he goes, then its the gallows for us. He assaulted or killed someone to get to us. Let's make sure that is pinned on him."
Morph raises his hand towards the corrupt captain and calls radiant fire down upon him.
Turning his head to Rethan and while tapping his head, he adds,
"Maybe we should think about leaving the weapons? With out them, you and Titus are not going to be nearly as useful in a fight."
"And I'm not sure if Lanial, Mal and I, will be enough to fight our way to wherever they have them stored."
"Or, we could stay put and see what happens. If we don't leave our cell, its not an escape, but if this captain is bad, who else is going to try and take us down?"
Action: Cast Sacred Flame at the captain: DC13 Dex Save - Damage: 4 radiant damage
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
DEX(13): 21
The man rolls out of the way as the strike hits the ground next to him, then he stands up and charges at (1) Laniel, then (4) Titus, striking both with a club.
Club Attack against Laniel: 13 Damage: 8
Club Attack against Titus: 25 Damage: 10
Laniel dodges the blow but Titus takes it in the temple and it knocks him clean out.
(Mal and Rethan are up. Mal DOES have any instruments he would have grabbed, but otherwise it's going to be a bit of a brawl. I will roll a death save for Titus last.)
Titus takes the club on his chin and tastes his blood in his mouth... his eyes flash with rage. He hears the soldiers approaching and channels his old role as a Seargant commanding new recruits. “ENOUGH! I AM TITUS VORENUS FIRST SHEILD THIRD LEGION OF THE WATERDAVIAN GUARD!” A vein in his forehead throbbed as he continued to bellow at the top of his lungs. “I HAVE BEEN ROBBED! ASSAULTED! JAILED! AND NOW I AM BESET UPON BY THIS TREACHEROUS GOON!?”
He grabs the guard and shoves him, attempting to stuff him in the cell. Shouting curses his draconian tongue as he engages with the captain.
Athletics 17
He turns again to hall and the approaching soldiers. “I DEMAND TO SPEAK WITH THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT ONCE! I DON’T CARE IF ITS LAERAL SILVERHAND, GORIANS WARD, OR PELOR HIMSELF!
Intimidation 9
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
DEX check: 23
The man squirms out of Titus' grasp as the dragonborn rages against him.
(Rethan and Mal are up.)
Rethan smirks at Mal as the other man mentions him and Titus not being useful in a fight without their weapons. He holds his arm out to the side and grins as his glaive appears in his hand. "Forgetting my little trick?" he chuckles. "There's a reason I was so quick to give it up when they arrested us." Knowing from the sounds of the approaching footsteps that they have at least a little time before other guards get there, he gives Mal a look, facing away from the captain, then rolls his eyes up toward his helmet and gives a slight shake of his head, mouthing the words "Not yet".
He turns back to the captain and his smile vanishes, to be replaced with a much more sinister look. "I was already in a bad mood after having my familiar eaten by a damn chair, then being arrested when I haven't committed a crime. You should not have come in here and tried to lie and steal the stone."
Taking a two-hand grip on the glaive, Rethan steps forward and slashes it at the captain, using the side of the blade to try to knock the man out, knowing things will go much harder if they're forced to kill him.
(Yay weapon bond)
Attack: 17 Damage: 5
(2 natural 1s for the damage? Really? Sadface)
As the man ducks out of Titus' grasp, Rethan pulls his weapon out of thin air and readies it. When the man pops up, he slaps him across the face with the flat of his blade.
(Mal is up.)
Mal, out of spells, with no weapon, and not much for brawling, gives the captain his best shove to see if he can push him over.
Athletics: 11
DEX check: 15
But the man stays on his feet. Laniel finds an opening and assaults the watch captain again ruthlessly.
Attack: 25 Damage: 7
DEX check: 15
Bonus action - Attack: 21 Damage: 5
DEX check: 18
Unnecessary extra DEX check: 14
1 Ki for an extra attack - Attack: 20 Damage: 5
Laniel pounds on the man vigorously, dealing three rapid blows that crack some bones as they land. The man is breathing raggedly and barely keeping himself on his feet.
(Morph is up)
Morph fires an eldritch blast at the man, hoping to put him down.
Eldritch Blast Attack: 10 Damage: 10
The man twists to avoid the blast but it connects...barely. The captain hard against the wall, and slumps to the ground unconscious. He slowly begins to change color and appearance, turning a dark gray, with a naked, formlessness to him. He is clearly a doppelganger.
90 seconds later, a crowd of guards enters the cell block to find the shape-shifter in watch uniform and the heroes sitting quietly in their cell, the door still wide open.
----------
Less than an hour later, the group is brought before Magister Umbero Zastro. He is an eloquent, handsome half-elf in his thirties. You may have heard his name before (History check for more info.)
He begins, saying, "I have heard the testimony of eye witnesses, including a hire cab driver, several tavern patrons, and residents of Trollskull Alley, as well as several members of the city watch concerning the events in the North Ward of last night. The charge is disturbance of the public peace, in which you engaged in an admittedly contained fight in the streets of Waterdeep.
"Here is what I understand. I understand that villains employing fiends, no less, robbed your residence and that you pursued them into the streets. You defeated the fiends and chased away the man who hijacked the hire cab. I also understand that you did not call for the city watch, the sworn protectors of the city. Nor did you opt to pursue the villains safely through the streets but engage them directly in the view and close proximity to law-abiding citizens of this fair city. The punishment for disturbing the peace is 25 gold each and an edict.
"Regarding the events an hour ago in this very building, no charges will be brought to bear against you. In addition, the court deeply and sincerely apologizes for the threat to your safety while under the care of the court. Please know that the culprit, whom you subdued, will face strict punishment for his crimes."
The magister shuffles his papers and then looks the party each in turn. "On the matter of disturbing the peace," he says, "How do you plead?"
(Doh 17 minutes to slow :P That what i was planning to do this round anyway.)
(If i don't get on in time for next round, and we haven't teleported out, or left the cell, Morph will use Silent Image to create a false wall, to confuse the coming guards for a round, hopefully)
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
History (since I'm from the town and part of the guard): 16