Before we separate Taran will wish them luck, and ask the Lady of Storms to watch over them. He'd also let them know that if he sees a major disturbance, he'll rush over to help them or cover their escape.
Once he sees the depression and the trees, Taran has the beginnings of a plan. He hesitates, but... Mr. Druhdaar and Miss River seem willing to listen, maybe they'll be okay with him starting...
"Mr. Druhdaar, Miss River, I think I may be able to set up some rope harnesses in the trees. With that, and using some of the grasses, we should be able to remain hidden from the refugees and any soldiers. Umm, we could also use Mr. Druhdaar's magic to excavate a hollow on the far end, and cover the entrance, but if anyone came from that side they might just fall in. We can risk it if you want, but the trees will give us a view of the approach as well, so we can see if Mr. Juhaan, Mr. Caelius, and the Esteemed Kishal require assistance."
Assuming they assist, making the camo should be at advantage. Hopefully I've got it figured now. 24
Druhdaar was just starting to relax after being rid of the ever-babbling presence of the cross-dressing kalashtar sword dancer, but he lets out a grunt of defiance and scorn at Taran's mention of tree-climbing.
" Get a grip, boy ! LOOK at me... do you honestly mean to send me up a tree ? "
He stares at his young ward dramatically and soon stears away from both Taran and River, mumbling to himself moodily.
After having a good look around the clearing and its curved-in inclination, he strides intently over to one of the bigger trees and, bending down towards the roots, spreads his hand in the now-familiar gesture: instantly, a gapping hole opens by the foot of the tree with a big spurt of dirt and grass, revealing a neat cube-like cavity with barely about enough room for a man of his size to curl into. He turns back towards Taran:
" Me, I can hide here . Once I'm in, we'll cover up the entrance with some of that soil, branches and the like, then you two can scatter the left-over earth into the bushes. "
The strapping druid looks dubiously at his intended hiding place, shaking his head mournfully as if not quite believing he was about to let himself getting half-buried alive, then he takes a few steps back as his pale green eyes scan the surrounding vegetation.
" Now help me find a bird or a small critter. A live one. "
** OOC: Once they find the animal in question, Druhdaar will gently approach it and use his skills to get it to serve as a scout / guardian, revealing any outside approach towards the clearing. To this end, he'll use a combination of Speak with Animals and either Animal Friendship and/or Beast Bond to guarantee that their new ally warns them of intruders. **
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
"Of-Of course not, Mr. Druhdaar, sir" Taran quickly backpedals. He'd thought the ropes... but of course, Druhdaar was much heavier so the margin for error in his knots would be much smaller. A single mistake could have led to Druhdaar falling and getting injured, or worse, strung up in plain view of Riedran soldiers. It had too many potentials for failure, he should ahve seen that. At least Druhdaar was gently in correcting his mistake. "I-I'll look for a bird first, wi-with water nearby they likely nest in these trees."
Taran scrabbles up the tree in the direction of the town, and begins trying to track and capture a small bird for Druhdaar.
Survival for tracking 18
Stealth to get up on it without scaring it away21
And... could I use sleight of hand to try and grab it after luring it close with bread crumbs? That would be a 10, mod for animal handling would be a +2 instead, and if it is simply a grapple, I might be able to swing athletics for +2 or acrobatics for +5
Depending on the success of this venture Taran will either go back to making a tree blind for himself and River, or go looking for rodents, like voles or field mice.
He smiles looking at Vivian "Now now, that's interesting" he says looking "her" up and down "But you are missing something." he says, taking his backpack and removing an item: "You can never have too many pairs of black pumps. They go with bloody everything." while he gives them to Vivian.
He then also puts in his current hat and retrieves a newsboy cap, placing it on, his features changing to those of a teenager boy with curly brown hair "There you go. No one ever looks too much to a boy. Except priests." he says. "So what's our cover story and what are our goals?"
Vivian smiles and says, “I agree. But I’m trying to go commoner right now. So no pumps just sensible shoes. And I say we go with trading route and just setting out. But let’s try and not draw any attention.”
Taran holds out the bird for Druhdaar, "Got one for you, sir," he says with a little glimmer of pride. Then his eyes wander to the side and a look of terror sweeps over his face.
"U-u-umm..." Taran stutters licking his lips, "M-m-m-miss River, I-um- this isn't a problem, is it? I don't know much about the kenku people, but this isn't... offensive or anything is it?"
Taran feels the tension in his gut loosen, glad he hadn't accidentally offended the small bird creature.
"Good, that- that's good." He adjusts his grip on the small, brown sparrow "As soon as Mr. Druhdaar is done with his magic, I'll go and finish the harnesses and camouflage for both of us. I-I'll do my best so you can stay out of sight until we know the status of the refugees."
At some point after their various hidden watch points are constructed, but before he gets settled in to keep a lookout across the plains, Taran is going to take this opportunity to scout the depression. Mostly, he's looking for ingredients, but he is prepared for sudden attacks from monsters or spies, as usual. Survival 20
Then it is keeping watch, sleeping in the tree harness and my leathers in case anyone approaches at night. Considering he's used to this sort of behavior from his training, he has not yet thought through what the others will do or where they will sleep.
Taran finds some fairy bells on one of the slopes and does not see any spies or creatures approaching the depression. Nor does he notice any tracks that would indicate creatures make their way through this area frequently.
People in the village:
I gave you a list of locations in sight. Which one are you going to first?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Taran grins, beaming as he gathers up the stalks of Fairy Bells and carefully stores them in his kit. He could make some potions with these, offer some greater healing to his companions and maybe the refugees as well.
He casts a glance up at the sky. It's a risk, leaving his post unwatched, but Mr. Druhdaar and Miss River are here as well, and they could spot trouble. Plus, all signs point to this area being too far out of the way for most. Taran looks at the softly ringing plant in his glass vial. A few more, if he can gather just a few more he can be actually useful instead of his companions just being kind to him and letting him handle the mundane tasks. Just a few more. Two hours at most, then he'll get in position and remain there to observe the refugees.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Taran's ecstatic mood is dimmed slightly by the Fleshwort plant, the plant's habit of growing near corpses sending all sorts of thoughts scurrying through his mind. Thoughts that drip with blood. But, it could also simply be where an animal died, hunted by some predator and the plant growing from its bones. He'd be able to convince himself of that, if he wasn't standing so close to a Riedran village. A village with a heavy presence of the Harmonious Shield.
Taran whispers a prayer over the spot, wishing that if some soul had been left out here in an unmarked grave, that they found their way back to the Path and live anew in happiness.
Even with the potential for death, Taran can't help but feel excited for his haul. Fleshwort can impart some healing even if he didn't mix it into a potion, and Bloodgrass can be turned into rations if they begin to run low. Yes, this... this might be good, he thinks as he climbs into the hammock of ropes and camouflage. Perhaps, perhaps things won't be too bad on this first mission.
As you enter the gathering place, you see it's all one room, with tables scattered about and crystals studding the walls. The walls themselves are engraved in one enormous altsen pattern, a grid of lines reminiscent of a maze. The effect of the complex pattern is quite breathtaking, in fact. A smooth crystal statue is set in an alcove on each wall. Commoners in simple clothing are scattered at the tables, murmuring to one another softly.
Before we separate Taran will wish them luck, and ask the Lady of Storms to watch over them. He'd also let them know that if he sees a major disturbance, he'll rush over to help them or cover their escape.
Once he sees the depression and the trees, Taran has the beginnings of a plan. He hesitates, but... Mr. Druhdaar and Miss River seem willing to listen, maybe they'll be okay with him starting...
"Mr. Druhdaar, Miss River, I think I may be able to set up some rope harnesses in the trees. With that, and using some of the grasses, we should be able to remain hidden from the refugees and any soldiers. Umm, we could also use Mr. Druhdaar's magic to excavate a hollow on the far end, and cover the entrance, but if anyone came from that side they might just fall in. We can risk it if you want, but the trees will give us a view of the approach as well, so we can see if Mr. Juhaan, Mr. Caelius, and the Esteemed Kishal require assistance."
Assuming they assist, making the camo should be at advantage. Hopefully I've got it figured now. 24
Then, it is just staying quiet and observing
(Edit: spelling)
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Druhdaar was just starting to relax after being rid of the ever-babbling presence of the cross-dressing kalashtar sword dancer, but he lets out a grunt of defiance and scorn at Taran's mention of tree-climbing.
" Get a grip, boy ! LOOK at me... do you honestly mean to send me up a tree ? "
He stares at his young ward dramatically and soon stears away from both Taran and River, mumbling to himself moodily.
After having a good look around the clearing and its curved-in inclination, he strides intently over to one of the bigger trees and, bending down towards the roots, spreads his hand in the now-familiar gesture: instantly, a gapping hole opens by the foot of the tree with a big spurt of dirt and grass, revealing a neat cube-like cavity with barely about enough room for a man of his size to curl into. He turns back towards Taran:
" Me, I can hide here . Once I'm in, we'll cover up the entrance with some of that soil, branches and the like, then you two can scatter the left-over earth into the bushes. "
The strapping druid looks dubiously at his intended hiding place, shaking his head mournfully as if not quite believing he was about to let himself getting half-buried alive, then he takes a few steps back as his pale green eyes scan the surrounding vegetation.
" Now help me find a bird or a small critter. A live one. "
** OOC: Once they find the animal in question, Druhdaar will gently approach it and use his skills to get it to serve as a scout / guardian, revealing any outside approach towards the clearing. To this end, he'll use a combination of Speak with Animals and either Animal Friendship and/or Beast Bond to guarantee that their new ally warns them of intruders. **
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
"Of-Of course not, Mr. Druhdaar, sir" Taran quickly backpedals. He'd thought the ropes... but of course, Druhdaar was much heavier so the margin for error in his knots would be much smaller. A single mistake could have led to Druhdaar falling and getting injured, or worse, strung up in plain view of Riedran soldiers. It had too many potentials for failure, he should ahve seen that. At least Druhdaar was gently in correcting his mistake. "I-I'll look for a bird first, wi-with water nearby they likely nest in these trees."
Taran scrabbles up the tree in the direction of the town, and begins trying to track and capture a small bird for Druhdaar.
Survival for tracking 18
Stealth to get up on it without scaring it away21
And... could I use sleight of hand to try and grab it after luring it close with bread crumbs? That would be a 10, mod for animal handling would be a +2 instead, and if it is simply a grapple, I might be able to swing athletics for +2 or acrobatics for +5
Depending on the success of this venture Taran will either go back to making a tree blind for himself and River, or go looking for rodents, like voles or field mice.
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Taran is able to get the suggested camo up. He is also able to find and catch a bird for Druhdaar.
The bird agrees to act as a scout, setting up a signal for when people approach the rendezvous site.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Juhaan
He smiles looking at Vivian "Now now, that's interesting" he says looking "her" up and down "But you are missing something." he says, taking his backpack and removing an item: "You can never have too many pairs of black pumps. They go with bloody everything." while he gives them to Vivian.
He then also puts in his current hat and retrieves a newsboy cap, placing it on, his features changing to those of a teenager boy with curly brown hair "There you go. No one ever looks too much to a boy. Except priests." he says. "So what's our cover story and what are our goals?"
Deception roll: 19
Vivian smiles and says, “I agree. But I’m trying to go commoner right now. So no pumps just sensible shoes. And I say we go with trading route and just setting out. But let’s try and not draw any attention.”
Taran holds out the bird for Druhdaar, "Got one for you, sir," he says with a little glimmer of pride. Then his eyes wander to the side and a look of terror sweeps over his face.
"U-u-umm..." Taran stutters licking his lips, "M-m-m-miss River, I-um- this isn't a problem, is it? I don't know much about the kenku people, but this isn't... offensive or anything is it?"
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
"*coo* isn't a problem *coo* remain hidden *coo*"
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Taran feels the tension in his gut loosen, glad he hadn't accidentally offended the small bird creature.
"Good, that- that's good." He adjusts his grip on the small, brown sparrow "As soon as Mr. Druhdaar is done with his magic, I'll go and finish the harnesses and camouflage for both of us. I-I'll do my best so you can stay out of sight until we know the status of the refugees."
At some point after their various hidden watch points are constructed, but before he gets settled in to keep a lookout across the plains, Taran is going to take this opportunity to scout the depression. Mostly, he's looking for ingredients, but he is prepared for sudden attacks from monsters or spies, as usual. Survival 20
Then it is keeping watch, sleeping in the tree harness and my leathers in case anyone approaches at night. Considering he's used to this sort of behavior from his training, he has not yet thought through what the others will do or where they will sleep.
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Taran finds some fairy bells on one of the slopes and does not see any spies or creatures approaching the depression. Nor does he notice any tracks that would indicate creatures make their way through this area frequently.
People in the village:
I gave you a list of locations in sight. Which one are you going to first?
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
“Why not try that general meeting place?” Vivian quietly suggests to the others.
Taran grins, beaming as he gathers up the stalks of Fairy Bells and carefully stores them in his kit. He could make some potions with these, offer some greater healing to his companions and maybe the refugees as well.
He casts a glance up at the sky. It's a risk, leaving his post unwatched, but Mr. Druhdaar and Miss River are here as well, and they could spot trouble. Plus, all signs point to this area being too far out of the way for most. Taran looks at the softly ringing plant in his glass vial. A few more, if he can gather just a few more he can be actually useful instead of his companions just being kind to him and letting him handle the mundane tasks. Just a few more. Two hours at most, then he'll get in position and remain there to observe the refugees.
Survival for hour one: 20
Survival for hour two: 21
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Taran finds another set of fairy bells, as well as two bloodgrasses and a fleshwort plant.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Caelius looks to Vishal and nods, pointing at words in his book.
"Should I Use The B-O-O-K Or Should You Use T-E-L-E-P-A-T-H-Y When I S-I-G-N?"
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"Let's go with the books. Its safer." Vivan replies quietly.
Caelius nods, and tucks the book away into a pocket of his robe.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Taran's ecstatic mood is dimmed slightly by the Fleshwort plant, the plant's habit of growing near corpses sending all sorts of thoughts scurrying through his mind. Thoughts that drip with blood. But, it could also simply be where an animal died, hunted by some predator and the plant growing from its bones. He'd be able to convince himself of that, if he wasn't standing so close to a Riedran village. A village with a heavy presence of the Harmonious Shield.
Taran whispers a prayer over the spot, wishing that if some soul had been left out here in an unmarked grave, that they found their way back to the Path and live anew in happiness.
Even with the potential for death, Taran can't help but feel excited for his haul. Fleshwort can impart some healing even if he didn't mix it into a potion, and Bloodgrass can be turned into rations if they begin to run low. Yes, this... this might be good, he thinks as he climbs into the hammock of ropes and camouflage. Perhaps, perhaps things won't be too bad on this first mission.
(OOC: Yep, I'm asking for it :P )
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
For those in the village:
As you enter the gathering place, you see it's all one room, with tables scattered about and crystals studding the walls. The walls themselves are engraved in one enormous altsen pattern, a grid of lines reminiscent of a maze. The effect of the complex pattern is quite breathtaking, in fact. A smooth crystal statue is set in an alcove on each wall. Commoners in simple clothing are scattered at the tables, murmuring to one another softly.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Let's head over there." Vivian replies pointing to an empty table and looking around a little as she walks to take a seat.
Perception: 20
Juhaan follows the direction Vivan pointed, trying to discern details.