„Are you talking about Tresendar Manor? If you follow the road east from the Stonehill Inn, you cant miss it. It is the castle ruin on top of the hill. But i would be carefull, i don‘t know how many Redbrands are here by now, but i would guess maybe 15 or 20? Their leader is a very charismatic man. It is strange, but if you talk with him, everything just makes sense. I don‘t know his name, but everyone just calls him Glassstaff, because he always uses this walking staff made from glass or crystal.“
She listens to the story of the Weave Echo Cave then she whispers to Nobody
"You know, I wish we had a way to sense magic continually we could probably find this place."
Without breaking eye contact on Barthen, Nobody gently shook his head to the sides. "Such magic exists in varying forms, but they each have their individual limitations. We could spend months, and be nowhere near the right start point to rely on such magic alone, I'm afraid." He absently whispers back to Margret.
At the mention of wolfhounds, Nobody's one visible eye narrows to a thin slit. "Wolfhounds and a man bearing a strange staff. If those aren't the making of greater trouble--" He pauses, frowning, then shakes his head. Softening his features for a smile he adds, "Thank you for the warning. We will be sure to keep it in mind. And if we should learn anything more about either Gundrun or the others, we will be sure to let you know as to ease your worries."Nobody bows formally at the waist, then turns to the others.
"Shall we head back to the Inn to wait for Sildar?"He asks, and if none object, comes close to leading the way back to the Inn. If there is still time before the meeting upon arrival, he apologizes briefly to the others, stating he had a spell to see to in his room, but would be back in time for the meeting.
(To Bhuralae: If there is time once back at the end, Nobody burns the holy kush to ritual summonSomebody during the wait period. Safe to assume at this point we finally hop back over to Ree'lyn and Sildar for their chat? Or was that already taken care of via PMs? Or things going another way?)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Yog - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Stars/Celestial (Libretalia)
Fifteen to Twenty thugs are a lot given how small Phandalin is. No wonder the residents seem concerned with their presence. Most definitely Mal believes that the thugs, kidnapping of Gundren, and the discovery of this "magical" mine are all connected.
When they return to the Inn, while waiting for Sildar, Mal talks to the members of the party there:
It would seem that we've become embroiled in some sort of power struggle in these parts. The kidnapping of our benefactor, who possesses a map to a long forgotten mine which is rumoured to have some magical properties and now has been recently discovered again and the appearance of these Red Brands who are, by all accounts, taking over Phandalin. Phandalin, from what I've heard is the closest settlement to this mine. Makes sense to me that this is a classic "land grab". Control the mine, control the town, and live off the profits from the mine. Anyone who gets out of line, the thugs will "convince" them that keeping the peace is better for their health...as well as their families.
While we don't know exactly yet where Cragmaw Castle is, we do know where these Red Brands are -- this Tresendar Manor. Someone there..this Glass Staff person maybe, would know more about what's happening in this town. Maybe where Cragmaw Castle is? Maybe where Gundren is? Maybe who Black Spider is?
Anyone fancy a tour of this quiet provincial town. I hear Tresendar Manor is the place to visit.
„Are you talking about Tresendar Manor? If you follow the road east from the Stonehill Inn, you cant miss it. It is the castle ruin on top of the hill. But i would be carefull, i don‘t know how many Redbrands are here by now, but i would guess maybe 15 or 20? Their leader is a very charismatic man. It is strange, but if you talk with him, everything just makes sense. I don‘t know his name, but everyone just calls him Glassstaff, because he always uses this walking staff made from glass or crystal.“
"I think we should be really weary Mal.
Elmar mentioned a Glass staff, that the aptly nicknamed carries. I'm not sure but being a dabbler in the Art. From the sound of it as Elmar said."
She dose her best Elmar. 10
"It is strange, but if you talk with him, everything just makes sense"
Marco bops her with his wing when she wishes she learnt the charm spell the gnome offered her then she returns to her own voice
"Its some sort of Arcane focus he carries I don't like it."
As you leave Elmars warehouse, you see a group of five rough looking humans across the street. They all wear some kind of grimmy red cloaks. Between them are two huge hounds. One of them sees you leaving the shop and points you out to the rest. „Ey who are you? Welcome to Phandalin. We are the local lawenforcement and taxcollector.“ One of them snickers and gets elbowed by his friend to shut up. „I assume you don’t want to break any rules, so we will take our 5 silver hospitality tax and you can be on your way. 5 silver per person that is.“
Margret angered by the uncouth thugs takes her sword and says something incomprehensible
a booming sound emanates from the blade but she mearly leaves the point in the ground holding it at ready
"May I introduce myself I am Margareth Eldritch Knight Of the Grey Hand. We have heard of you and your enforcement tactics, I am not intimidated by the likes of you."
Seeing that Margaret's entrance did not seem to have the desired effect, Mal moves to her side.
Milady, please let your humble servant deal with these gentlemen. Your blade must be reserved for those truly deserving of your attention.
Mal bows to the Red Brands
Gentlemen we are just newly arrived in your town and are unaware of any ordinances that you speak off. Nevertheless, we will be leaving soon enough and thus the fees you have mentioned should not therefore be applied to our persons.
I hope we can avoid any sort of altercation here in the streets so close to midday.
But I must impress upon you that any attempt to enforce payment of such fees will not end favourably on you.
“Zurzg not have five silver coins, plus Zurzg already owe ten gold coins. Zurzg saddled with lots of debt since travelling with non-goblins”, he says unhappily.
He thinks hard for a moment or two, cogs audibly whirring, before looking round the group with a hopeful look on his face. “Maybe if Zurzg stabs their faces, Zurzg not have to pay...?”
OOC - Editing this post to roll Initiative (should we need it): 10
Several of the Redbrands snicker at your feable attempt to intimidate them: "Look at those puppies, they think they are great warriors." several of the Redbrands start to reach for their weapons and the hounds start to snarl at you.
Intimidation 14
"You see, this tax is not negotiable and it just went up to one dragon per person. I think it is really better for you to pay up."
Ree'lyn sprints from the Stonehill inn to the streets, looking at the commotion that is brewing up. Upon seeing the thugs, certainly the Redbrand, threatening his newfound companions, the drow looks around to assess the situation.
Nobody chitters something in goblin aimed at Zurzg. Then appearing start at having garned some attention, he straightens up and gingerly starts forward. "W-wait! There is no real need for hostilities, is there? I-I'll cover for everyone, o-okay?"Nobody said as he appeared to awkwardly fish around in robe pockets until bandaged hand drew forth a small pouch. "Six dragons, right? For one of each? H-here. Take it." He said, stepping to the forefront of the group by five feet if not restrained along the way. Nobody gives the pouch a few shakes for good measure to get the coin jingling inside.
"I-I do apologize on behalf of my fellows. The r-road has left them rather testy, as you can see. T-Those are some nice hounds you have, by the way. Loyal and fierce. B-but true hounds, right? Not some other... I'm sorry. That was leading into the offensive. B-but please. I-I'd throw it, but I don't want to further insult or injury you. 'nd I'm.. I've fought wolves recently, and have discovered that I am deathly afraid of canines. W-who knew?" He rambles before chuckling to himself.
If the man approaches and tries anything funny, or a "friend" decides to take "advantage" of the moment, Nobody keeps his hidden sleeve dagger at the ready.
Under the pressure of having to act before the situation got dire, Ree'lyn acts fast on manipulating the thugs using the information he has gathered until now while his companions attended to other matters.
"Gentlemen! These are the new members to the Redbrand. Orders from the Spider." - Ree'lyn's voice is soothing, yet stern. - "We are to be taken to the headquarters for an unscheduled meeting. There will be changes in here."
Approaching the group in a manner that he can have enough thugs before him, the Drow smiles and nods.
Fey Presence (Wisdom saving throw DC 13):
Fey Presence
Starting at 1st level, your patron bestows upon you the ability to project the beguiling and fearsome presence of the fey. As an action, you can cause each creature in a 10-foot cube originating from you to make a Wisdom saving throw against your warlock spell save DC. The creatures that fail their saving throws are all charmed or frightened by you (your choice) until the end of your next turn.
Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
On a failed save, the enemies on a 10-foot cube are charmed.
Continuing the speech immediately after he wills the arcane fey powers to flow through him, Ree'lyn addresses the thugs. "The skills of these new members will increase tenfold the grip of the Spider in this region."
Persuasion (advantage under the charmed condition): 20
Kai remains silent, letting the others discuss with said thieves. She looks with interest when Ree'lyn joins the group and watches with an impressed expression as he tries to convince the thieves to leave the group alone. She remains quiet, letting Ree'lyn convince the Redband of what he is trying to achieve, she does however eye Ree'lyn curiously for his plan.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ree‘lyn, two of the four thugs that you can see visibly relax, while the other two look a bit confused. You think that with just a few more words you may turn the situation, but just as you start to explain further, you hear a crossbow string snap from somewhere behind the bushes:
Attack: 20 Damage: 12
You catch a glimpse of a fifth redbrand behind the hedges, who tries to hide again (stealth 19)
Kai tenses at the sound of the string and the bolt contact on Ree'lyn and she immediately frowns. She speaks in a calm tone as she does small symbols near her waist with her hand and mutters something quickly before raising her hand slightly. "Can't play nice now can we?" (I'm assuming everyone sees the failed stealth Redbrand?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Yes, you all see the fifth redbrand.
You also see how one of the wolfhound leaps at Nobody who was just about to give some coins to one of the redbrands and tries to bite him Attack: 23 Damage: 7.
Nobody roll a Strengt saving throw, on a 10 or lower you are knocked prone.
„Are you talking about Tresendar Manor? If you follow the road east from the Stonehill Inn, you cant miss it. It is the castle ruin on top of the hill. But i would be carefull, i don‘t know how many Redbrands are here by now, but i would guess maybe 15 or 20? Their leader is a very charismatic man. It is strange, but if you talk with him, everything just makes sense. I don‘t know his name, but everyone just calls him Glassstaff, because he always uses this walking staff made from glass or crystal.“
She nods
"Thank you that's really helpful."
The wheels turn in her head wondering if this castle might be the same they're looking for but lets it be till later.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
Without breaking eye contact on Barthen, Nobody gently shook his head to the sides. "Such magic exists in varying forms, but they each have their individual limitations. We could spend months, and be nowhere near the right start point to rely on such magic alone, I'm afraid." He absently whispers back to Margret.
At the mention of wolfhounds, Nobody's one visible eye narrows to a thin slit. "Wolfhounds and a man bearing a strange staff. If those aren't the making of greater trouble--" He pauses, frowning, then shakes his head. Softening his features for a smile he adds, "Thank you for the warning. We will be sure to keep it in mind. And if we should learn anything more about either Gundrun or the others, we will be sure to let you know as to ease your worries." Nobody bows formally at the waist, then turns to the others.
"Shall we head back to the Inn to wait for Sildar?" He asks, and if none object, comes close to leading the way back to the Inn. If there is still time before the meeting upon arrival, he apologizes briefly to the others, stating he had a spell to see to in his room, but would be back in time for the meeting.
(To Bhuralae: If there is time once back at the end, Nobody burns the holy kush to ritual summon Somebody during the wait period. Safe to assume at this point we finally hop back over to Ree'lyn and Sildar for their chat? Or was that already taken care of via PMs? Or things going another way?)
Yog - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Stars/Celestial (Libretalia)
Nobody - [Feral-Tiefling]Wizard/Sorcerer - War/Draconic (HoTDQ)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Dreams/Archfey
-
Hiatus:
Xanrazan - [Earth Genasi]Bard - College of Swords(Shadowthorn's Princess of the Apocalypse)
Mal takes in the information shared by Elmar.
Fifteen to Twenty thugs are a lot given how small Phandalin is. No wonder the residents seem concerned with their presence. Most definitely Mal believes that the thugs, kidnapping of Gundren, and the discovery of this "magical" mine are all connected.
When they return to the Inn, while waiting for Sildar, Mal talks to the members of the party there:
It would seem that we've become embroiled in some sort of power struggle in these parts. The kidnapping of our benefactor, who possesses a map to a long forgotten mine which is rumoured to have some magical properties and now has been recently discovered again and the appearance of these Red Brands who are, by all accounts, taking over Phandalin. Phandalin, from what I've heard is the closest settlement to this mine. Makes sense to me that this is a classic "land grab". Control the mine, control the town, and live off the profits from the mine. Anyone who gets out of line, the thugs will "convince" them that keeping the peace is better for their health...as well as their families.
While we don't know exactly yet where Cragmaw Castle is, we do know where these Red Brands are -- this Tresendar Manor. Someone there..this Glass Staff person maybe, would know more about what's happening in this town. Maybe where Cragmaw Castle is? Maybe where Gundren is? Maybe who Black Spider is?
Anyone fancy a tour of this quiet provincial town. I hear Tresendar Manor is the place to visit.
"I think we should be really weary Mal.
Elmar mentioned a Glass staff, that the aptly nicknamed carries. I'm not sure but being a dabbler in the Art. From the sound of it as Elmar said."
She dose her best Elmar. 10
"It is strange, but if you talk with him, everything just makes sense"
Marco bops her with his wing when she wishes she learnt the charm spell the gnome offered her then she returns to her own voice
"Its some sort of Arcane focus he carries I don't like it."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
As you leave Elmars warehouse, you see a group of five rough looking humans across the street. They all wear some kind of grimmy red cloaks. Between them are two huge hounds. One of them sees you leaving the shop and points you out to the rest. „Ey who are you? Welcome to Phandalin. We are the local lawenforcement and taxcollector.“ One of them snickers and gets elbowed by his friend to shut up. „I assume you don’t want to break any rules, so we will take our 5 silver hospitality tax and you can be on your way. 5 silver per person that is.“
Margret angered by the uncouth thugs takes her sword and says something incomprehensible
a booming sound emanates from the blade but she mearly leaves the point in the ground holding it at ready
"May I introduce myself I am Margareth Eldritch Knight Of the Grey Hand. We have heard of you and your enforcement tactics, I am not intimidated by the likes of you."
3 Intimidate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
Seeing that Margaret's entrance did not seem to have the desired effect, Mal moves to her side.
Milady, please let your humble servant deal with these gentlemen. Your blade must be reserved for those truly deserving of your attention.
Mal bows to the Red Brands
Gentlemen we are just newly arrived in your town and are unaware of any ordinances that you speak off. Nevertheless, we will be leaving soon enough and thus the fees you have mentioned should not therefore be applied to our persons.
I hope we can avoid any sort of altercation here in the streets so close to midday.
But I must impress upon you that any attempt to enforce payment of such fees will not end favourably on you.
OOC: For what its worth - Intimidation - 6
“Zurzg not have five silver coins, plus Zurzg already owe ten gold coins. Zurzg saddled with lots of debt since travelling with non-goblins”, he says unhappily.
He thinks hard for a moment or two, cogs audibly whirring, before looking round the group with a hopeful look on his face. “Maybe if Zurzg stabs their faces, Zurzg not have to pay...?”
OOC - Editing this post to roll Initiative (should we need it): 10
Several of the Redbrands snicker at your feable attempt to intimidate them: "Look at those puppies, they think they are great warriors." several of the Redbrands start to reach for their weapons and the hounds start to snarl at you.
Intimidation 14
"You see, this tax is not negotiable and it just went up to one dragon per person. I think it is really better for you to pay up."
23
Ree'lyn | Drow | Warlock | Level 2 | AC 15 | HP 18/18 | Temporary HP 7/7 | Cantrips Known 2 | Spells Known 3 | Spell Slots 2/2 | Slot Level 1 | Eldritch Invocations 2
________________________________________________________________________________________
Ree'lyn sprints from the Stonehill inn to the streets, looking at the commotion that is brewing up. Upon seeing the thugs, certainly the Redbrand, threatening his newfound companions, the drow looks around to assess the situation.
Initiative 11
While everyone talked at first, Nobody had slid a dagger in hand; ready for use, but secreted away. A precaution, if nothing else.
Hiding the Dagger: 18.
Nobody chitters something in goblin aimed at Zurzg. Then appearing start at having garned some attention, he straightens up and gingerly starts forward. "W-wait! There is no real need for hostilities, is there? I-I'll cover for everyone, o-okay?" Nobody said as he appeared to awkwardly fish around in robe pockets until bandaged hand drew forth a small pouch. "Six dragons, right? For one of each? H-here. Take it." He said, stepping to the forefront of the group by five feet if not restrained along the way. Nobody gives the pouch a few shakes for good measure to get the coin jingling inside.
"I-I do apologize on behalf of my fellows. The r-road has left them rather testy, as you can see. T-Those are some nice hounds you have, by the way. Loyal and fierce. B-but true hounds, right? Not some other... I'm sorry. That was leading into the offensive. B-but please. I-I'd throw it, but I don't want to further insult or injury you. 'nd I'm.. I've fought wolves recently, and have discovered that I am deathly afraid of canines. W-who knew?" He rambles before chuckling to himself.
If the man approaches and tries anything funny, or a "friend" decides to take "advantage" of the moment, Nobody keeps his hidden sleeve dagger at the ready.
If/When Initiative is necessary: 17.
Yog - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Stars/Celestial (Libretalia)
Nobody - [Feral-Tiefling]Wizard/Sorcerer - War/Draconic (HoTDQ)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Dreams/Archfey
-
Hiatus:
Xanrazan - [Earth Genasi]Bard - College of Swords(Shadowthorn's Princess of the Apocalypse)
Nodding to Mal, Her face remains a cold stare at the one who is talking even though her bluff didn't work
not acting she lets the others finish their say before determines her action
I'm going for the first hound that attacks if it does
21 init
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
ooc: if not then the first person
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
Ree'lyn | Drow | Warlock | Level 2 | AC 15 | HP 18/18 | Temporary HP 7/7 | Cantrips Known 2 | Spells Known 3 | Spell Slots 2/2 | Slot Level 1 | Eldritch Invocations 2
________________________________________________________________________________________
Under the pressure of having to act before the situation got dire, Ree'lyn acts fast on manipulating the thugs using the information he has gathered until now while his companions attended to other matters.
"Gentlemen! These are the new members to the Redbrand. Orders from the Spider." - Ree'lyn's voice is soothing, yet stern. - "We are to be taken to the headquarters for an unscheduled meeting. There will be changes in here."
Approaching the group in a manner that he can have enough thugs before him, the Drow smiles and nods.
Fey Presence (Wisdom saving throw DC 13):
Fey Presence
Starting at 1st level, your patron bestows upon you the ability to project the beguiling and fearsome presence of the fey. As an action, you can cause each creature in a 10-foot cube originating from you to make a Wisdom saving throw against your warlock spell save DC. The creatures that fail their saving throws are all charmed or frightened by you (your choice) until the end of your next turn.
Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
On a failed save, the enemies on a 10-foot cube are charmed.
Continuing the speech immediately after he wills the arcane fey powers to flow through him, Ree'lyn addresses the thugs. "The skills of these new members will increase tenfold the grip of the Spider in this region."
Persuasion (advantage under the charmed condition): 20
Persuasion (normal in case of save): 22
Kai remains silent, letting the others discuss with said thieves. She looks with interest when Ree'lyn joins the group and watches with an impressed expression as he tries to convince the thieves to leave the group alone. She remains quiet, letting Ree'lyn convince the Redband of what he is trying to achieve, she does however eye Ree'lyn curiously for his plan.
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
Ree‘lyn, two of the four thugs that you can see visibly relax, while the other two look a bit confused. You think that with just a few more words you may turn the situation, but just as you start to explain further, you hear a crossbow string snap from somewhere behind the bushes:
Attack: 20 Damage: 12
You catch a glimpse of a fifth redbrand behind the hedges, who tries to hide again (stealth 19)
Kai tenses at the sound of the string and the bolt contact on Ree'lyn and she immediately frowns. She speaks in a calm tone as she does small symbols near her waist with her hand and mutters something quickly before raising her hand slightly. "Can't play nice now can we?" (I'm assuming everyone sees the failed stealth Redbrand?)
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
Yes, you all see the fifth redbrand.
You also see how one of the wolfhound leaps at Nobody who was just about to give some coins to one of the redbrands and tries to bite him Attack: 23 Damage: 7.
Nobody roll a Strengt saving throw, on a 10 or lower you are knocked prone.
Round one is up, what do you do?