He takes your hand in a firm grasp, "It's good to have another non-human around here." Maldorn tsks but chuckles at the comment. Juglut nods to Therne in acknowledgement, "Massive beasts that roam the frigid areas of the world. They are extremely aggressive and ruthless in their ferocity." The half-orc takes a seat across from Maldorn and takes a drink from a wineskin at his belt. "The house is in ruins, most of the roof has fallen in and it looks like fire has consumed the building." He looks as though he is struggling to remember, "I remember there being old tracks nearby, bird-like in nature but larger. There may be a cockatrice nested within - so be on your guard. As for the journey, keep to the road as much as you can and travel by the light of day. It's not a rare occurrence to find trouble in the wilds along the High Road." Maldorn pipes up, "Bah! These seem like capable folk, I'm sure they can handle a cockatrice!"
Red and Adri
[OoC]: Can you make a performance check for me with +1d4, skuk? What is Adri doing during the performance?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." -Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
"What brought you to the ruins? Had you been there before?" he asks Juglut, taking a long sip of his tea.
"I normally scout a day's journey in every direction from the settlement, and it happens to be within that area. I have in the past seen the house when it was intact and homely, but I made conscious effort to keep my distance. A lot of noble folk would react poorly to seeing an orc at the edge of their property, watching them from the treeline." He smiles as he says this, so at least he can find the humour in the racial divides of Faerûn.
between songs Red's giving time to serve drinks with a bit of instrumental, and encourage the crowd
The crowd react extremely well to your upbeat music. As Dirk guessed, the sound carries and a number of the nearby populace - as small as it is - come to enjoy the show. even Therne, Abner and Brozak can hear the crescendos from across the hamlet. As your set goes on and you take a quick breather for a drink of the pear cider, you are approached by the excitable young halfling that you noticed earlier.
"Excuse me, Mr Horns? I'm Erric. I'm a dab hand at the flute m'self," you see his eyes wander towards Jambiya who is rushing around with cups of wine and small plates of cherry loaf, "would you mind if I joined ya for a song or two?" He looks up at you then with a hopeful expression.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." -Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
I go by Redemption, Erric, or Master Malxis. I'm sure I was introduced on the stage, but let's assume your attention was elsewhere.Nod towards Jambiya. Understandable. But "mister Horns" was the worst way to start that conversation, ok? Still, I'm in a good mood, and I would love to play together. Lets work out some songs. we'll discuss Northern Faerun folk and dance tunes. But no love songs, allright? Too obvious, and If this happens to be the way to her heart, you can play love songs yourself. And leaning in, showing fangs, and a stern voice If she already said 'no', leave it. If she changes her mind let her do it. I'll be a part of a romance but not a tragedy. And good luck.
Red will try to see how Jambiya is acting, and if she's not avoiding Erric he'll give Bardic Inspiration add 5 to Erric's attempt to play or impress Jambiya
Insight check 10
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
Adri is very enthusiastic while watching the performance, loudly cheering on Red. During the break she goes up to the bar and asks for a pear cider from Jambiya and while she waits, Adri will scan the tavern for any interesting faces.
"How long has it been since you last saw the home intact? Is there someone who visits them more frequently that we should talk to? A courier, or a grocer or somesuch."
Jambiya doesn't seem to be paying any attention to the halfling - she's way too busy. "Sorry sir, didn't mean any offence." He avoids reacting to your other points. He takes out a small flute and lets out a sharp melody, actually quite impressive. As he plays alongside you, he starts a little dance which gets the people of the inn dancing along too. It's very well received, Dirk and Brunthor stand by the bar watching the procession with big grins. Erric bids you farewell at the end of your set and thanks you for the chance to play with a 'proper musician'.
Adri
As you stand by the bar with your cider, you look around the tavern to spot any interesting faces.
You see an Illuskan woman dressed in mottled green and brown leathers. She is talking to a couple of men near the bar and seems to be content letting them buy mugs of ale for her. There is the pale-skinned tiefling with the spiral horns playing a game of dragonchess with an older farmer, a cup of wine in his hand and a smile on his face. In the far corner from you, near the stage, is a bronze dragonborn - short but stout for his kind - who drinks with a young Calishite human with a wiry but strong frame.
Therne
"A few weeks I suppose. They're closer to Neverwinter than they are to us, and I imagine their custom goes there. Good luck finding such in a city so big." The half-orc goes back to stoking the fire. "I'm sorry that I can't help you more," he adds. Maldorn gives an apologetic smile too, "Feel free to stay for food, I'm cooking a venison stew soon."
Wishes the halfling luck, hope to play together again, and finish the gig.
Red will play himself red in the face, but not too late. Plenty of time for people to wind down, buy drinks, etc. Leave them wanting more. Check in with Adri if she needs anything.
He'll take a last ale at the bar and go to bed very very pleased with himself.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
Abner listens thoughtfully to the strains of Red's distant music. To Maldorn he asks, "Do you let rooms? I have one reserved at the inn, but frankly I prefer the peace of this place." (Raucous parties make Abner uncomfortable. He'd plan to catch up with the others first thing in the morning.)
To Jugut, "Forgive me, but can you tell me what a cockatrice is? I'm getting the impression it's some sort of a big, dangerous bird. Any tips on how to manage one if we run across it? You clearly are very experienced with the beasts of the wild. I'd like to learn more, if you're willing."
"You're more than welcome to stay here, free of charge. It's not as comfortable as Dirk's, but you're welcome to share the fire." Maldorn smiles broadly.
Juglut looks at you surprised by the question, "You've got it pretty spot on there. Vicious little bastards, their venom can turn a man to stone for a day or two. They're quick but clumsy monsters."
The next morning you all wake to a glorious dawn. You spend the next couple of hours preparing your things, and reunite at the inn. Dirk makes sure to check your provisions, and to ensure that you're comfortable with the directions given. Brunthor hands each of you a cheese cloth wrapped around some dried meats and fruits to help you on your way, before double checking your provisions himself. Jambiya is aglow with enthusiasm throughout the preparations, and offers words of encouragement to anyone showing signs of doubt.
You spend the first part of your day heading down the High Road, passing numerous travellers and merchants, most of which are friendly enough to offer a quick greeting and a smile. Eventually, on direction from the map that Dirk drew, you break from the dwarven-built highway and head through the hills towards the Neverwinter Wood. Luckily enough, with perhaps the bright daylight and warm breeze helping, you do not encounter any hostile entities. Towards the latter part of the day, shortly after a brief stop for food and relief, you crest a hill and get a good look at the western side of the massive forest. The chestnut oak trees are tall and full of leaves, and a small woodland trail with a signpost greets you as you make your way onward.
The time is late afternoon, and by the light of the sun you can make out that the sign says "Redmane Manor" in fancy script. Tightening your backpack straps and moving forward, you begin to follow the small path into Neverwinter Wood.
After a half hour of walking beneath the huge canopies and between the thick trunks, the woodland surrounding the trail begins to thin considerably as it approaches a vast clearing ahead. Though still a couple of hundred feet away, a large house clearly stands within the glade - the details of which are hidden from you by the trees still blocking your line of sight. The path terminates some 70 ft. ahead of you. Pressing forward; those of you with keen ears (Adri, Brozak, Therne and Red) hear the sounds of a cat mewling from deeper within the bushes to the side of the trail. It sounds almost like it is in pain.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." -Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Better to help than be surprised later, we learn nothing by not looking.Red will follow behind Adri and Therne. If we decide to use stealth, he'll go with the non-chain-mailed faction
Passive perception 13, Perception 14 Stealth 6
[ooc we had a couple hours walk on the way here - I assume we had some conversation. Red, being more school trained than experienced, would want to talk tactics I will post flashback separately]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
[ooc we had a couple hours walk on the way here - I assume we had some conversation. Red, being more school trained than experienced, would want to talk tactics I will post flashback separately]
[OoC]: You can do this in the message thread. I'll wait a bit before posting to allow the others chance to catch up.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." -Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
"I hate to be over-cautious, but we are looking for folks who went mysteriously missing -- we haven't a way to investigate without leaving the path, do we?" Therne asks. "I can cast Speak With Animals."
Brozak, Therne and Abner
“And I’m Therne Wildcloak.” She nods a little. “What is a yeti?”
[OOC: Too slow on the post!]
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Brozak, Therne and Abner
He takes your hand in a firm grasp, "It's good to have another non-human around here." Maldorn tsks but chuckles at the comment. Juglut nods to Therne in acknowledgement, "Massive beasts that roam the frigid areas of the world. They are extremely aggressive and ruthless in their ferocity." The half-orc takes a seat across from Maldorn and takes a drink from a wineskin at his belt. "The house is in ruins, most of the roof has fallen in and it looks like fire has consumed the building." He looks as though he is struggling to remember, "I remember there being old tracks nearby, bird-like in nature but larger. There may be a cockatrice nested within - so be on your guard. As for the journey, keep to the road as much as you can and travel by the light of day. It's not a rare occurrence to find trouble in the wilds along the High Road." Maldorn pipes up, "Bah! These seem like capable folk, I'm sure they can handle a cockatrice!"
Red and Adri
[OoC]: Can you make a performance check for me with +1d4, skuk? What is Adri doing during the performance?
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Abner
"What brought you to the ruins? Had you been there before?" he asks Juglut, taking a long sip of his tea.
Performance 8
between songs Red's giving time to serve drinks with a bit of instrumental, and encourage the crowd
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"I normally scout a day's journey in every direction from the settlement, and it happens to be within that area. I have in the past seen the house when it was intact and homely, but I made conscious effort to keep my distance. A lot of noble folk would react poorly to seeing an orc at the edge of their property, watching them from the treeline." He smiles as he says this, so at least he can find the humour in the racial divides of Faerûn.
The crowd react extremely well to your upbeat music. As Dirk guessed, the sound carries and a number of the nearby populace - as small as it is - come to enjoy the show. even Therne, Abner and Brozak can hear the crescendos from across the hamlet. As your set goes on and you take a quick breather for a drink of the pear cider, you are approached by the excitable young halfling that you noticed earlier.
"Excuse me, Mr Horns? I'm Erric. I'm a dab hand at the flute m'self," you see his eyes wander towards Jambiya who is rushing around with cups of wine and small plates of cherry loaf, "would you mind if I joined ya for a song or two?" He looks up at you then with a hopeful expression.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
I go by Redemption, Erric, or Master Malxis. I'm sure I was introduced on the stage, but let's assume your attention was elsewhere. Nod towards Jambiya. Understandable. But "mister Horns" was the worst way to start that conversation, ok?
Still, I'm in a good mood, and I would love to play together. Lets work out some songs. we'll discuss Northern Faerun folk and dance tunes. But no love songs, allright? Too obvious, and If this happens to be the way to her heart, you can play love songs yourself. And leaning in, showing fangs, and a stern voice If she already said 'no', leave it. If she changes her mind let her do it. I'll be a part of a romance but not a tragedy. And good luck.
Red will try to see how Jambiya is acting, and if she's not avoiding Erric he'll give Bardic Inspiration add 5 to Erric's attempt to play or impress Jambiya
Insight check 10
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
Adri is very enthusiastic while watching the performance, loudly cheering on Red. During the break she goes up to the bar and asks for a pear cider from Jambiya and while she waits, Adri will scan the tavern for any interesting faces.
Brozak, Therne and Abner
"How long has it been since you last saw the home intact? Is there someone who visits them more frequently that we should talk to? A courier, or a grocer or somesuch."
Nature check for cockatrice knowledge: 21
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Red
Jambiya doesn't seem to be paying any attention to the halfling - she's way too busy. "Sorry sir, didn't mean any offence." He avoids reacting to your other points. He takes out a small flute and lets out a sharp melody, actually quite impressive. As he plays alongside you, he starts a little dance which gets the people of the inn dancing along too. It's very well received, Dirk and Brunthor stand by the bar watching the procession with big grins. Erric bids you farewell at the end of your set and thanks you for the chance to play with a 'proper musician'.
Adri
As you stand by the bar with your cider, you look around the tavern to spot any interesting faces.
Perception: 22
You see an Illuskan woman dressed in mottled green and brown leathers. She is talking to a couple of men near the bar and seems to be content letting them buy mugs of ale for her. There is the pale-skinned tiefling with the spiral horns playing a game of dragonchess with an older farmer, a cup of wine in his hand and a smile on his face. In the far corner from you, near the stage, is a bronze dragonborn - short but stout for his kind - who drinks with a young Calishite human with a wiry but strong frame.
Therne
"A few weeks I suppose. They're closer to Neverwinter than they are to us, and I imagine their custom goes there. Good luck finding such in a city so big." The half-orc goes back to stoking the fire. "I'm sorry that I can't help you more," he adds. Maldorn gives an apologetic smile too, "Feel free to stay for food, I'm cooking a venison stew soon."
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Wishes the halfling luck, hope to play together again, and finish the gig.
Red will play himself red in the face, but not too late. Plenty of time for people to wind down, buy drinks, etc. Leave them wanting more. Check in with Adri if she needs anything.
He'll take a last ale at the bar and go to bed very very pleased with himself.
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
Adri gives a nod to the Illuskan woman before downing her drink and heading up to bed, a bit wobbly.
Abner
Abner listens thoughtfully to the strains of Red's distant music. To Maldorn he asks, "Do you let rooms? I have one reserved at the inn, but frankly I prefer the peace of this place." (Raucous parties make Abner uncomfortable. He'd plan to catch up with the others first thing in the morning.)
To Jugut, "Forgive me, but can you tell me what a cockatrice is? I'm getting the impression it's some sort of a big, dangerous bird. Any tips on how to manage one if we run across it? You clearly are very experienced with the beasts of the wild. I'd like to learn more, if you're willing."
Abner
"You're more than welcome to stay here, free of charge. It's not as comfortable as Dirk's, but you're welcome to share the fire." Maldorn smiles broadly.
Juglut looks at you surprised by the question, "You've got it pretty spot on there. Vicious little bastards, their venom can turn a man to stone for a day or two. They're quick but clumsy monsters."
The next morning you all wake to a glorious dawn. You spend the next couple of hours preparing your things, and reunite at the inn. Dirk makes sure to check your provisions, and to ensure that you're comfortable with the directions given. Brunthor hands each of you a cheese cloth wrapped around some dried meats and fruits to help you on your way, before double checking your provisions himself. Jambiya is aglow with enthusiasm throughout the preparations, and offers words of encouragement to anyone showing signs of doubt.
You spend the first part of your day heading down the High Road, passing numerous travellers and merchants, most of which are friendly enough to offer a quick greeting and a smile. Eventually, on direction from the map that Dirk drew, you break from the dwarven-built highway and head through the hills towards the Neverwinter Wood. Luckily enough, with perhaps the bright daylight and warm breeze helping, you do not encounter any hostile entities. Towards the latter part of the day, shortly after a brief stop for food and relief, you crest a hill and get a good look at the western side of the massive forest. The chestnut oak trees are tall and full of leaves, and a small woodland trail with a signpost greets you as you make your way onward.
The time is late afternoon, and by the light of the sun you can make out that the sign says "Redmane Manor" in fancy script. Tightening your backpack straps and moving forward, you begin to follow the small path into Neverwinter Wood.
After a half hour of walking beneath the huge canopies and between the thick trunks, the woodland surrounding the trail begins to thin considerably as it approaches a vast clearing ahead. Though still a couple of hundred feet away, a large house clearly stands within the glade - the details of which are hidden from you by the trees still blocking your line of sight. The path terminates some 70 ft. ahead of you. Pressing forward; those of you with keen ears (Adri, Brozak, Therne and Red) hear the sounds of a cat mewling from deeper within the bushes to the side of the trail. It sounds almost like it is in pain.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
[OOC: Does Therne know enough about cockatrices to be able to tell if this sound is actually a cockatrice?]
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Therne Nature check: 17
Therne knows that cockatrice tend to make a high-pitched sound similar to a hawk.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
"Oh that sounded like a cat in need of help. Should we go help it?" She asks the others as she takes a couple steps in the direction of the noise.
Better to help than be surprised later, we learn nothing by not looking. Red will follow behind Adri and Therne. If we decide to use stealth, he'll go with the non-chain-mailed faction
Passive perception 13, Perception 14 Stealth 6
[ooc we had a couple hours walk on the way here - I assume we had some conversation. Red, being more school trained than experienced, would want to talk tactics I will post flashback separately]
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
[OoC]: You can do this in the message thread. I'll wait a bit before posting to allow the others chance to catch up.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
[moved to discussion]
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"I hate to be over-cautious, but we are looking for folks who went mysteriously missing -- we haven't a way to investigate without leaving the path, do we?" Therne asks. "I can cast Speak With Animals."
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep