...and realizes something isn't right there. She hesitates, unsure of what to do with this. Sildar and Gundren are nowhere to be seen. And she's certainly spent time in animal form where she wasn't liked. So she decides, for now, not to make a scene and continues her conversation with Ethan and Maxie, but makes sure to keep both eyes on Maxie, sidling away and turning to face him.
Enchanted clothes, or illusionist, could be both, y'know. I wouldn't mind if he was really an owl in disguise! Is there any story to tell?
"Maxie"slowly sets down his spoon and wipes his mouth.
"First of all, let me just say zat I zink you are all wondairful people and I was going to get around to telling you all eventually. Just please know that there was no malice intended, I just needed to know you were people who could be trusted."
His accent slips slowly away throughout those statements.
"It's not much of a story. Just a simple fact that 'Maximillion du Champris' isn't my real name. He isn't actually a real person. Well...except on paper."
He passes his hands in front of his face, like wiping away rain water. His dark hair fades to blonde. His mustache disappears. His blue eyes glow briefly and settle into a molten gold color.
"My name's Arvel. If you can forgive the deception, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Oh wow, so you are an illusionist! That's a great trick Maxi..ah Arvel was it?"
Ethan doest seem to be troubled at all, that his travelling companion wasn't who he said he was.
"You must have been using that a lot, is it magic you can cast whenever or does it just last a long time? If it is something you can cast often, is there any chance you would let me study it sometime? You know, cast it over and over, so I can see how it works?"
"Either way, it's all very fascinating."
"I am fond of illusion magic, even if I don't have much practice with any of it. The gnomes back at Lantan used to be able to use illusion naturally, and they would use them for pranks mostly, quite fun really."
Fae would enjoy her meal mostly in quiet, hiding under her hood. If the light catches her face at the right angle you could spot a smile in between bites. It’s a shame I feel the need to hide right now instead of being more personal with my new comrades. They are quite an interesting bunch, filled with enthusiasm. I won’t hide while on the road. Everyone’s enthusiasm brought the smile to her face. It’s been a while since Fae’s felt positive energy in a group of people like this. It was refreshing. She could appreciate Ethan’s inquisitiveness, Elra’s so sweet and bubbly, she’s charming to watch and Tarja’s pride for her people and love for the land is palpable.
When Ethan pipes up to inquire about Maxie, it peaks Fae’s attention, so she takes a closer look.
Investigation: 23
(lol and I’ll never see a nat 20 again)
But even as she does, Maxie reveals it himself. Fae would simply nod, “Ah... so I wasn’t imagining you excusing yourself a lot” she’d chuckle. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Arvel.” She’d dip her head in a new greeting to him. She definitely couldn’t be upset, considering she can sympathize with his plea... when is there a good time to tell someone? Do you even try? Maybe wait for an opportunity for it to be relevant? Maybe someone will figure it out like Ethan did? Everyone seems to be the forgiving type... Fae would shift uncomfortably in her seat as she gets caught up in her own thoughts. She’d shake her head as if shaking the thoughts from her mind, “I do apologize in advance if I slip and call you Maxie.”
By 10a, Zeke has his gear packed, has gone through his morning ablutions and has swept the area around the tavern for signs of anything unusual or out of place.
Perception 16
Starting at about 9:30, he waits outside in the hallwayand then follows Ethandownstairs to breakfast, where he takes up his station along the back wall so he can survey the room while they eat.
He too is enjoying a hot meal in anticipation of trail rations and chuckles lightly to himself at the interplay between Maxieand Elra. At Ethan's comment about illusion magic, Zeke looks up sharply at Maxie
Investigation 19
and sees right through the illusion all at once. Unsure what to think Zeke's hand instinctively slides down to the hilt of his blade and he shifts his weight so as to be ready to spring up from the chair. Why would he have fooled them? What exactly is he hiding?
As Maxie/Arvel releases the illusion and then cycles through his various disguises Zeke relaxes ever so slightly. He's still unsure what the purpose of the deception was but is less concerned that his new companion is an immediate danger.
As the meeting was wrapping up the evening before and everyone descended from the hay loft, Ethan noticed Gundren pull out the crumpled letter from his pocket and stair at it curiously. Just before reentering the inn he and Sildar could be heard arguing once again, although this time with less of a playful tone from Gundren.
Always the attentive one, Zeke notices that the inn is particularly quiet in the morning. It's not just the hour of the day and lack of patrons, something else is missing. Ah, clearly it is the absence of the excitable dwarf and the frequent bickering between he and his oddly paired partner, Sildar.
A few moments later, as the majority of the group has assembled around 10am, Madame Rosene enters and approaches you. "Good morning friends of Gundren." She sees Arvel and hesitates slightly "oh, hello and welcome, I am Rosene." Apparently deciding to continue despite the group being slightly different than the night before she states "do not be alarmed, but Mr. Rockseeker had to leave with haste very early this morning. Sir Hallwinter was with him, reluctantly so I'm afraid." She pulls a folded piece of paper out from her sleeve and holds it out to Zeke. "Mr Hallwinter asked me to give this to you, and asked that you still carry on with your duties as he will be in need of your help in Phandalin." It is a brief note, but written in dwarvish.
"Little Brother,
Things in Phandalin are not as promised.We’ve been threatened by locals calling themselves ‘Redbrands’ and most of our supplies were taken.Luckily they haven’t found our map yet, but poor Nundro got into a scuffle and is a bit worse for wear.We’re headed for the mine right away to avoid more trouble, but now lack in supplies.Please do hurry and bring as much help as you can.
Zeke takes the note from Madame Rosene. Opening it, he squints at the squiggles and can't make sense of the strange language.
'Tyra, this looks to be written in Dwarvish - can you read it for us?'
Once she translates for the group - Zeke looks up at his companions. 'Looks like we're on our own for now - but that moving sooner rather than later would be advantageous. I don't like the sound of these 'Redbrands' or the loss of supplies for our journey. Feels like our troubles have gotten started before we have - I for one would like to try to catch up with them.'
Standing up from the table, Zeke checks that his shield is in place on his shoulder and that his blade is settled in its sheath. He grabs his pack from where he had stashed it against the wall and slides the straps into place.
'I will take up position outside the door and ensure that your preparations to set out are not interrupted.'
With that, Zeke strides out of the tavern and takes a position just outside the door with his shield on his fist and his blade shaken out into its' full Kwando size, the butt of the menacing polearm planted firmly on the ground, the blade leaning out just slightly to create a pocket of space around the imposing Tiefling. Madame Rosene's business might suffer a bit until they head out, but it is unlikely she will be robbed.
Tarja is taken aback by the rotation of disguises. Just who is in this group that Gundren point together?? She takes a back seat and listens as Ethan continues to banter with Arvel, looking to Zeke to judge the threat. Since he seems calm, she relaxes as well.
She is further alarmed by the news from Rosene, and again watches for Zekes reaction to the letter.
Perception: 25
(Ooc: I know Dwarvish, but if I haven’t seen the letter so I don’t even know that it’s in Dwarvish. Can zeke read it?)
When Zeke steps outside all is relatively quiet until a few minutes later when he witness a minor ruckus down the street a ways as a very large cart ladened with crates and barrels and pulled by two large oxen makes its way through the busy streets. He does not see a driver but thinks he glimpses a hand in the crowd holding the reigns of the oxen and hears someone yelling "make way, make way, I'm on a schedule here!"
As Arvel takes off down the street, Zeke finds himself momentarily torn between helping Arvel with the conspicuously (and suspiciously) loud caravan driver and maintaining his self-imposed post at the front of the tavern. The possibility that this is a diversion designed to draw him away and expose the more vulnerable members of his party keeps Zeke's feet firmly planted where they are. He does lean his head into the tavern and call to the others 'Sooner is most definitely better - our friend Arvel has already stepped out and I worry about him getting to far from the rest of us. Are you all quite ready to move?'
Investigation on the caravan and the driver - is it our stolen supplies? 7
Perception to continue to keep an eye out for anyone closing in on the tavern: 12
OOC: well, with those rolls he won't notice much :)
People seem to pay attention a lot more once Arvel gets involved and the pedestrians part allowing the wagon through and on to the Driftwood. Arvel and then Zeke notice a halfling walking along guiding the oxen from on foot, presumably to ensure he doesn't run anyone over with the large beasts and their burden.
The halfling turns as Arvel shouts to the crowd and calls back "hey, stranger, don't think I don't appreciate the help and all, but ah, respectfully, who the heck are ya and what are you doing?" "Don't think you'll be taking my payday or anything of the sort!"
As the wagon comes to a stop not far in front of Zeke the halfling keeps one eye on Arvel and says to Zeke "shipment for a Mr. Rockslinger." "The rest should be here shortly." He looks Zeke up and down from his low vantage point, taking note of Zeke's unique features and large glaive. "No offense bub, especially on account of you being the biggest tiefling I've ever seen in my entire life and of course that nasty looking weapon ya got there and all, but I don't think you're the dwarf they sent me to find." The halfling starts to tie the oxen off to a nearby post.
He then turns back to Arvel, spreads his hands open and makes a facial expression to suggest "so what are you doing up there?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hearing Zeke call out to them from outside, Fae scrambles to finish her breakfast. She must have zoned out again enjoying her meal, trying to keep up with all of the commotion. “Coming Zeke! My apologies!” She’d hurry from her seat, giving Madame Rosene a hasty wave good bye, her cloak flaring out as she heads out.
Fae would burst through the doors with a little more enthusiasm than she intended, almost bumping right into Zeke. She’d take a moment to collect herself,she’d hold her hands in front of her and bow to Zeke in thanks for always being on the look out and in apologies for almost rushing into him. She’d side step to move out of his way although he could easily see over her.
She’d adjust her hood to make sure it didn’t fall off her head and then take some time to look over the halfling sizing up Arvel.
Can I try and help Zeke with a perception and insight roll? Can’t promise anything but Fae would want to try and be helpful.
Perception of the situation and immediate area: 16
Tarja hears the commotion and heads out as well. Those supplies would go far in Phandalin. (And perhaps having a dwarf around will help assuage the wagondriver's worries, since he's looking for a dwarf?)
Nevertheless, she's had far too many introductions lately, so Tarja hangs back and lets Arvel take the lead, staying just behind him. She's still wary of his disguises, but given the situation, he seems the most confident.
Thank you for spotting our supplies, Arvel.
Tarjacasts guidance on Arvel, saying a quick prayer of thanks.
We'll keep them safe, spirits willing.
(ooc: have a d4 on one ability check of your choice within the next minute, usable after you see the initial roll result)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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(Ooc: I’ll give everyone some time to make their checks and for the successful to make comments.)
DCI: 3319125026
...and realizes something isn't right there. She hesitates, unsure of what to do with this. Sildar and Gundren are nowhere to be seen. And she's certainly spent time in animal form where she wasn't liked. So she decides, for now, not to make a scene and continues her conversation with Ethan and Maxie, but makes sure to keep both eyes on Maxie, sidling away and turning to face him.
Enchanted clothes, or illusionist, could be both, y'know. I wouldn't mind if he was really an owl in disguise! Is there any story to tell?
"Maxie" slowly sets down his spoon and wipes his mouth.
"First of all, let me just say zat I zink you are all wondairful people and I was going to get around to telling you all eventually. Just please know that there was no malice intended, I just needed to know you were people who could be trusted."
His accent slips slowly away throughout those statements.
"It's not much of a story. Just a simple fact that 'Maximillion du Champris' isn't my real name. He isn't actually a real person. Well...except on paper."
He passes his hands in front of his face, like wiping away rain water. His dark hair fades to blonde. His mustache disappears. His blue eyes glow briefly and settle into a molten gold color.
"My name's Arvel. If you can forgive the deception, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
DCI: 3319125026
"Oh wow, so you are an illusionist! That's a great trick Maxi..ah Arvel was it?"
Ethan doest seem to be troubled at all, that his travelling companion wasn't who he said he was.
"You must have been using that a lot, is it magic you can cast whenever or does it just last a long time? If it is something you can cast often, is there any chance you would let me study it sometime? You know, cast it over and over, so I can see how it works?"
"Either way, it's all very fascinating."
"I am fond of illusion magic, even if I don't have much practice with any of it. The gnomes back at Lantan used to be able to use illusion naturally, and they would use them for pranks mostly, quite fun really."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
"I dunno. When you've been pretending to be other people as long as I've had, the magic for it just came naturally."
He brushes his hands again and again, each time saying <Vaihda kasvoni> (Sylvan = Finnish) and his face and clothes take on a different form.
"But it's really the only illusion magic I know. Most of what I do has more of a...persuasive...effect."
DCI: 3319125026
Fae would enjoy her meal mostly in quiet, hiding under her hood. If the light catches her face at the right angle you could spot a smile in between bites. It’s a shame I feel the need to hide right now instead of being more personal with my new comrades. They are quite an interesting bunch, filled with enthusiasm. I won’t hide while on the road. Everyone’s enthusiasm brought the smile to her face. It’s been a while since Fae’s felt positive energy in a group of people like this. It was refreshing. She could appreciate Ethan’s inquisitiveness, Elra’s so sweet and bubbly, she’s charming to watch and Tarja’s pride for her people and love for the land is palpable.
When Ethan pipes up to inquire about Maxie, it peaks Fae’s attention, so she takes a closer look.
Investigation: 23
(lol and I’ll never see a nat 20 again)
But even as she does, Maxie reveals it himself. Fae would simply nod, “Ah... so I wasn’t imagining you excusing yourself a lot” she’d chuckle. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Arvel.” She’d dip her head in a new greeting to him. She definitely couldn’t be upset, considering she can sympathize with his plea... when is there a good time to tell someone? Do you even try? Maybe wait for an opportunity for it to be relevant? Maybe someone will figure it out like Ethan did? Everyone seems to be the forgiving type... Fae would shift uncomfortably in her seat as she gets caught up in her own thoughts. She’d shake her head as if shaking the thoughts from her mind, “I do apologize in advance if I slip and call you Maxie.”
just an unstable unicorn.
Ethan nods at Fae's last remark,
"Yeah you're such a good actor Arvel, I might forget your not Maxie myself."
Ethan looks mildly confused for a moment,
"No wait, it's the other way around, or...uh, I dunno, forget I said anything maybe?"
"Anyway you are very talented. I bet you could play in a bards stage play, and no one would even know you were just an actor."
Ethan beams with a big smile,
"You know, you could have all kinds of fun with illusion magic like that."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
By 10a, Zeke has his gear packed, has gone through his morning ablutions and has swept the area around the tavern for signs of anything unusual or out of place.
Perception 16
Starting at about 9:30, he waits outside in the hallway and then follows Ethan downstairs to breakfast, where he takes up his station along the back wall so he can survey the room while they eat.
He too is enjoying a hot meal in anticipation of trail rations and chuckles lightly to himself at the interplay between Maxie and Elra. At Ethan's comment about illusion magic, Zeke looks up sharply at Maxie
Investigation 19
and sees right through the illusion all at once. Unsure what to think Zeke's hand instinctively slides down to the hilt of his blade and he shifts his weight so as to be ready to spring up from the chair. Why would he have fooled them? What exactly is he hiding?
As Maxie/Arvel releases the illusion and then cycles through his various disguises Zeke relaxes ever so slightly. He's still unsure what the purpose of the deception was but is less concerned that his new companion is an immediate danger.
As the meeting was wrapping up the evening before and everyone descended from the hay loft, Ethan noticed Gundren pull out the crumpled letter from his pocket and stair at it curiously. Just before reentering the inn he and Sildar could be heard arguing once again, although this time with less of a playful tone from Gundren.
Always the attentive one, Zeke notices that the inn is particularly quiet in the morning. It's not just the hour of the day and lack of patrons, something else is missing. Ah, clearly it is the absence of the excitable dwarf and the frequent bickering between he and his oddly paired partner, Sildar.
A few moments later, as the majority of the group has assembled around 10am, Madame Rosene enters and approaches you. "Good morning friends of Gundren." She sees Arvel and hesitates slightly "oh, hello and welcome, I am Rosene." Apparently deciding to continue despite the group being slightly different than the night before she states "do not be alarmed, but Mr. Rockseeker had to leave with haste very early this morning. Sir Hallwinter was with him, reluctantly so I'm afraid." She pulls a folded piece of paper out from her sleeve and holds it out to Zeke. "Mr Hallwinter asked me to give this to you, and asked that you still carry on with your duties as he will be in need of your help in Phandalin." It is a brief note, but written in dwarvish.
"Little Brother,
Things in Phandalin are not as promised. We’ve been threatened by locals calling themselves ‘Redbrands’ and most of our supplies were taken. Luckily they haven’t found our map yet, but poor Nundro got into a scuffle and is a bit worse for wear. We’re headed for the mine right away to avoid more trouble, but now lack in supplies. Please do hurry and bring as much help as you can.
-Tharden"
Zeke takes the note from Madame Rosene. Opening it, he squints at the squiggles and can't make sense of the strange language.
'Tyra, this looks to be written in Dwarvish - can you read it for us?'
Once she translates for the group - Zeke looks up at his companions. 'Looks like we're on our own for now - but that moving sooner rather than later would be advantageous. I don't like the sound of these 'Redbrands' or the loss of supplies for our journey. Feels like our troubles have gotten started before we have - I for one would like to try to catch up with them.'
Standing up from the table, Zeke checks that his shield is in place on his shoulder and that his blade is settled in its sheath. He grabs his pack from where he had stashed it against the wall and slides the straps into place.
'I will take up position outside the door and ensure that your preparations to set out are not interrupted.'
With that, Zeke strides out of the tavern and takes a position just outside the door with his shield on his fist and his blade shaken out into its' full Kwando size, the butt of the menacing polearm planted firmly on the ground, the blade leaning out just slightly to create a pocket of space around the imposing Tiefling. Madame Rosene's business might suffer a bit until they head out, but it is unlikely she will be robbed.
Tarja is taken aback by the rotation of disguises. Just who is in this group that Gundren point together?? She takes a back seat and listens as Ethan continues to banter with Arvel, looking to Zeke to judge the threat. Since he seems calm, she relaxes as well.
She is further alarmed by the news from Rosene, and again watches for Zekes reaction to the letter.
Perception: 25
(Ooc: I know Dwarvish, but if I haven’t seen the letter so I don’t even know that it’s in Dwarvish. Can zeke read it?)
(Ooc: lol yes let’s use up all our nat 20s on RP in a tavern, great plan
also, sorry for the cross post, I’ll refresh next time)
When Zeke steps outside all is relatively quiet until a few minutes later when he witness a minor ruckus down the street a ways as a very large cart ladened with crates and barrels and pulled by two large oxen makes its way through the busy streets. He does not see a driver but thinks he glimpses a hand in the crowd holding the reigns of the oxen and hears someone yelling "make way, make way, I'm on a schedule here!"
"Yeah, Maxie is my 'go to guy' in a lot of ways. He was my bread and butter back in Waterdeep."
Stepping outside to join the caravan, he notices the driver having problems. He climbs atop the lead cart and raises his voice like a carnival barker.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE! THESE SUPPLIES ARE URGENTLY NEEDED AT THEIR DESTINATION. KINDLY MAKE WAY!"
Persuasion: 17
DCI: 3319125026
As Arvel takes off down the street, Zeke finds himself momentarily torn between helping Arvel with the conspicuously (and suspiciously) loud caravan driver and maintaining his self-imposed post at the front of the tavern. The possibility that this is a diversion designed to draw him away and expose the more vulnerable members of his party keeps Zeke's feet firmly planted where they are. He does lean his head into the tavern and call to the others 'Sooner is most definitely better - our friend Arvel has already stepped out and I worry about him getting to far from the rest of us. Are you all quite ready to move?'
Investigation on the caravan and the driver - is it our stolen supplies? 7
Perception to continue to keep an eye out for anyone closing in on the tavern: 12
OOC: well, with those rolls he won't notice much :)
People seem to pay attention a lot more once Arvel gets involved and the pedestrians part allowing the wagon through and on to the Driftwood. Arvel and then Zeke notice a halfling walking along guiding the oxen from on foot, presumably to ensure he doesn't run anyone over with the large beasts and their burden.
The halfling turns as Arvel shouts to the crowd and calls back "hey, stranger, don't think I don't appreciate the help and all, but ah, respectfully, who the heck are ya and what are you doing?" "Don't think you'll be taking my payday or anything of the sort!"
As the wagon comes to a stop not far in front of Zeke the halfling keeps one eye on Arvel and says to Zeke "shipment for a Mr. Rockslinger." "The rest should be here shortly." He looks Zeke up and down from his low vantage point, taking note of Zeke's unique features and large glaive. "No offense bub, especially on account of you being the biggest tiefling I've ever seen in my entire life and of course that nasty looking weapon ya got there and all, but I don't think you're the dwarf they sent me to find." The halfling starts to tie the oxen off to a nearby post.
He then turns back to Arvel, spreads his hands open and makes a facial expression to suggest "so what are you doing up there?"
Hearing Zeke call out to them from outside, Fae scrambles to finish her breakfast. She must have zoned out again enjoying her meal, trying to keep up with all of the commotion. “Coming Zeke! My apologies!” She’d hurry from her seat, giving Madame Rosene a hasty wave good bye, her cloak flaring out as she heads out.
Fae would burst through the doors with a little more enthusiasm than she intended, almost bumping right into Zeke. She’d take a moment to collect herself,she’d hold her hands in front of her and bow to Zeke in thanks for always being on the look out and in apologies for almost rushing into him. She’d side step to move out of his way although he could easily see over her.
She’d adjust her hood to make sure it didn’t fall off her head and then take some time to look over the halfling sizing up Arvel.
Can I try and help Zeke with a perception and insight roll? Can’t promise anything but Fae would want to try and be helpful.
Perception of the situation and immediate area: 16
Insight on the halfling: 6
just an unstable unicorn.
Arvel smiles dashingly and steps down from the wagon and approaches the halfling.
"No need to worry, my friend. We work towards a common purpose. Mr. Rockslinger has hired me and my companions to escort this shipment to Phandelin."
He offers his hand.
"Arvel. At your service."
DCI: 3319125026
"Oh. Well good, in that case, Finnan Tallfellow at your service!"
(Will give Zeke a chance to respond mid conversation since Finnan spoke directly to him.)
(Fae does not perceive any threats in the immediate area nor anything shady about the mildly confrontational halfling.)
Tarja hears the commotion and heads out as well. Those supplies would go far in Phandalin. (And perhaps having a dwarf around will help assuage the wagondriver's worries, since he's looking for a dwarf?)
Nevertheless, she's had far too many introductions lately, so Tarja hangs back and lets Arvel take the lead, staying just behind him. She's still wary of his disguises, but given the situation, he seems the most confident.
Thank you for spotting our supplies, Arvel.
Tarja casts guidance on Arvel, saying a quick prayer of thanks.
We'll keep them safe, spirits willing.
(ooc: have a d4 on one ability check of your choice within the next minute, usable after you see the initial roll result)