((I'll wait for Azrael before continuing with the Temple))
The locks open easily thanks to Petmailer's skills, and luckly there's no traps to be found. However, you can hear the fast footsteps of someone (or something) rapidly retreating and a door being slammed shut from inside the house when you open the entrance.
Inside, there's an old sofa, an oak table with papers and a journal over it, and a bookshelf filled to the brim with books. A brief glance over them reveals that the table's legs and the sofa's mattress have old bite marks on them, like if an animal chewed them, and some of the papers on the table are crudely drawn sketches done in bright colors, like the drawings of a child.
You can see a kitchen further down the hall, and there's a door leading to another room, probably a bedroom or a bathroom, but it has been closed. A staircase situated right next to it leads to the second floor.
Everyone currently inside the house, make a Perception check.
To Gunra:
There's some small footsteps in the path leading to the house, but not much else. The footsteps could just as easily belong to some beast than a small person.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kane inspects the bite marks, and shows the drawings. “Did you hear someone running before we came in?” Kane points to the bed room and then turns to others, “Be prepared, I have an idea of what we are dealing with, but we are about to find out.” He walks up to the bedroom door and knocks. “Hello? Is someone there? Don’t be afraid, we are friends. But if you do not want to open the door, that’s okay. We can just talk from out here.” He repeats this in Draconic as well. Persuasion: 21
As they entered the temple, Azrael's eyes swathed over its entirety like a mop, soaking in the walls, and everything about it, only moving the slits to Falconmoon when he spoke up. Azrael did not share the same enthusiasm as the priest did of meeting with him but he wouldn't outwardly show disrespect as the man introduced himself. Azraels overall demeanor rose ... slightly when Bahamut was regarded positively but only slightly. Indeed, I appreciate that you are aware of Bahamuts greatness. I am glad to meet you, though I wish it were under more auspicious circumstances.
Azraels attention had, however gone almost immediately to the monk, as he needed to be prodded to show even the most basic respect, something Azrael wouldn't do to anyone he felt at-least neutral about. His eyes narrowing at the monk remaining locked on him even as he continued to speak Harmony has some questions for you.... and your friend there. he said, hoping that Harmony would catch his intent to add the monk to the questioning itself. I would ask these questions myself, but I feel that Harmony has better rapport here within the town than myself. Nodding as if it were a given.
I am unaware if the DM wishes any rolls for anything, so if they do, I will allow them to roll for me, or to ask me to roll at the appropriate time.
Nurm orders his unseen servant ((post #51)) to search the bookshelf for any papers inserted into the books, or other hidden items. He himself than looks at the table, suddenly, the drawings and notes on the table lift* off and hover in front of Nurm's face. Nurm closely inspects them and tries to find any useful information in them.
((*Using the Mage Hand cantrip, the gith version is invisible and requires no components))
"I'm afraid he's right - we're here on business. Governor Nighthill has hired us to figure out what happened to Milo. I know you're his friend. I know you're probably very worried about him. You just want to see him brought home safely, as do we. It's in everyone's best interest that you tell us what you know."
Harmony then turns to address the monk.
"I don't know who you are. I don't know what you're here for. But you seem like a good man. A man who would help out a friend-" she nods towards Eadyan "-in his time of need. So, if you have any answers beyond what he can provide, feel free to chime in, okay?"
She waits for them to respond before she continues.
Gunra lowers his head, trying to hear for more noise. Too focused on listening, he bumps a toe on the leg of the sofa. He grunts and curses, stumbling a little but managing to right himself before all 500 pounds go crashing through the furniture.
(Namely, he didn't notice anything. XD )
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Attending Academy until November, slowdown in posts continue.
"Yes, I do tend to the Temple's gardens myself." Eadyan says proudly to Harmony, and smiles. "Though of course I'm not as foolish as to take credit for the beauty of those roses. Flowers are just one of the many gifts the Great Mother gives, all I do is care for them."
When Azrael speaks, Eadyan's expression switches to a more neutral one. "I understand." He says softly. "I actually don't have that much information, but if you think any small detail might help find him, I'm willing to tell you anything. Ask away."
"If you two don't mind, I also have a few questions to make, myself." The monk, Leosin, intervenes. He looks at Azrael when he speaks. "You mentioned Bahamut. Can I trust then that you and your companion are not involved with the Cult of the Dragon in any way?"
Turning to Harmony, he adds. "I'm sorry if I'm coming out as rude, but please understand that we might be dealing with a serious problem here, and I need to know if I can trust you first."
At Milo's House:
Everyone but Gunra sees that there's a trail of some drops of blood that start at the middle of the hall and end at the closed door, and hears that there's sounds of movement and hushed speaking coming from the second floor.
To Akanos and Nurm:
You can hear hushed voices from upstairs saying "I found it!""Then hurry up and cast the spell, before that monster comes back!"
There appear to be some books missing from the shelves, and most of the pages of the journal have been ripped off. A lot of the books are about theology, demonology and the different deities, fiends and religions of Faerun. From the childlike drawings, two are clearer than the rest: A man and what resembles a bipedal dog hugging each other with the words "Me and Dad" scribbled at the bottom, and a drawing done in red crayon of a figure with a dragon-looking head breathing fire.
On the pages left on the journal, the following have been written on the same handwritting of the letter the governor showed you all back in the Inn. It's all separated in 3 different entries, the oldest dating back five years ago and the newest one having a date of four months back:
Entry 01:
First day in Greenest.
I have friends here, so I knew I would be allowed to stay without being asked too many questions, though Tarbaw was being a little too curious for my taste. Well, it was this or trying to live both in the wilderness.
I already find myself missing Candlekeep, but if I was to make this experiment I sadly needed to go. The pup has already proven herself to be too destructive, and I'm afraid of what she would do if allowed to be anywhere near a library. I couldn't risk it.
I also decided that if this experiment has any chance of being a success, the pup will need a name, I can't keep calling her just "the pup" or "the experiment". I decided to name her Leyding, like one of the chains used to restrain a giant wolf in that one legend a Paladin of Tyr told me once. It seems fitting.
Let's see if I can teach any sense of morality to this little creature, or if her demonic origins and insatiable hunger will force me to put her down for everyone's sake. Either way, it should be an interesting research on her species.
Entry 2:
I have allowed Eadyan to meet Leyding, after making him promise he wouldn't tell any of this to anyone else. They seem to have gotten along well.
So well in fact, that Leyding now keeps asking me if she can become a priestess one day, just like Eadyan. I know that a father shouldn't be laughing at his daughter's dreams, but at the end of the day Leyding is not really my daughter, and something about the idea of a Chauntea cleric of her kin is hilarious to me.
This is an experiment that keeps on giving, it seems.
Entry 3:
After some adventurers managed to defeat an infamous pack of kobolds, a strange relic was found among their loot. Contact says that it looks like a mask, but that it has wondrous properties to it.
It will arrive here tomorrow. It could end up being nothing, but my contact's description of it has me curious, I'm not going to lie.
It seems that finally I'm going to be able to use my extensive research on dragons for something.
When Akanos speaks to the one behind the door, there's a yelp before it answers. It speaks Common, but with some difficulty, and some words come out sounding weird or butchered. "Friends? Are you one of Dad's friends?" It asks. The voice sounds somewhat canine. "Please leave. They are here. They hurt you. Run!"
When Akanos speaks in Draconic, it growls. "That sounds like them. No!" Despite that growl, it seems to trust you. "If I go out, you promise not hurt me?"
Kane turns to his group and puts his finger on his lips and then points upstairs. “Gunra. People. Upstairs.” He whispers. He motion to Nurm to stay with him. He turns back to the door. “Yes. We promise not to hurt you. We are friends. Did you do the drawings? They look very good. I see that there is blood outside the door. Are you hurt?” “My name is Kane. Can you tell me your name? You said there are other people here. Do you know where they are? Did they hurt you?” Kane’s voice is slow and calm.
"I understand completely. I can assure you that I have no relations with the Cult of the Dragon. If I worship anyone, it would be Selûne."Harmony narrows her eyes, trying to get a good read on both the monk and the priest. "But, it would only be fair that we ask you the same question. How do we know that neither of you are members of the Cult?"
Insight check for once they respond: 1
While she's trying to look for any signs of a lie - darting eyes, a clenched jaw, a wavering word - she gets really distracted by an odd-looking freckle near Leosin's eye. Is that normal? Does he need to see a doctor about that?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Azrael's eyes had began moving between the pair, his head barely needing to swivel to manage it. He had caught something that Falconmoon hadn't said, but before he could voice it, the monk made his comment and almost immediately Azraels fans were bared and his slits thinned to fine threads as he stared the monk down. I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are simply ignorant. But you dare accuse the dragon of justice to be associated with a cult?he said through clenched teeth. Perhaps you are also of the belief that Corellon is the diety of the goblins, and that Mystra is a patron to fighters and warriors! Azrael seemed to stand taller as he tried to contain himself. Never again associate the great Bahamut with such filth as any cult, or it will be the last time you do so. But to answer your question, no.
Azrael had unfortunately already broken the plan, but such slander against his patron, even in ignorance, could not -in his mind- be let to slide. Taking in a deep breath, he calmed himself. trying then to focus on the pair to see if they seemed to be holding back.
Insight: 11
(OOC: ha, apparently we're Larry and Curly, we just need a Moe..)
Leosin gets startled by Azrael's visible anger, but Eadyan remains level-headed. The elf priest remains silent for now, allowing the monk to speak.
"...Please do not misunderstand. Of course I would never dare to imply Bahamut would ally himself with his enemies for any reason." He backtracks, now with a satisfied smirk. He seems content by your reaction. "I wanted to see if you really were a follower of the Platinum Dragon, and not one of the cultists faking to be one to remain undercover."
"I have been trying to put a stop to the Cult's activities for years now" He explains. "In my investigations, I discovered that they are being led by a group of Half-Dragons, and one of them just so happens to be a blue half-dragon. I hope you can forgive me for being suspicious when I come here searching for new clues and I'm greeted by a dragonborn of blue ancestry." He's obviously looking at Azrael's scales when he says this.
He sits down. "With that hopefully out of the way, please do make your questions. I'm sure you have a lot of them..."
((I'll update on what's going down at the house in a moment. Please wait for it.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
At Kane's questions, the voice answers softly. "...Just a little hurt. I okay." It whimpers. "They came, I got scared, so I hurt them. I think I hurt them, I don' know. The tall one pushed me, and they went up, to Dad's room. I played dead, then got up and was gonna run outside, but there was sounds... I think it was you? I ran here and hide."
The door opens, and a figure peeks out its head, still hesitant of getting out of the room. It's a Gnoll, too tall and big to be a cub anymore but still not strong-looking enough to be really an adult. It's wearing a costume replica of a priestess' dress: A white cloak and a light green tunic, and it looks as weird on it as you might expect. It is also wearing a bit and a bridle, the kind halflings use on Mastiffs when they use them as mounts, and it is constantly chewing and biting down on the bit when it is not talking. It seems to work as a muzzle of sorts.
This gnoll doesn't seems to act normally: It does not attack, it does not even growl or bares its teeth at you. It's just standing there, trembling with fear, staring at you with big, milky white eyes. There's some shallow cuts on its back, but does not seem to be bleeding anymore.
"Leyding" It (she?) says, pointing to its/her chest. She then points up. "They. A tall one, and 'rour little ones." She puts up four claws up. "Little ones look like funny dragons. No wings."
Inside the open door, you can see that it is a normal bathroom, but there's a bedroll and a blanket on the ceramic floor next to the sink, and lots of crayons and chalk of different colors litter the floor. There was a mirror on the wall, but it has now been shattered by an impact, and some blood can be seen on the glass shards. "I okay now." The strange gnoll repeats, pointing at the broken mirror and her injured back.
Assuming the rest of the team decides to go up the stairs, you will find a door which is half-open. Inside, you catch a glimpse of a man wearing black robes, and some kobolds.
They seem to still be unaware of your presence, maybe because they are too concentrated in whatever it is they are doing or because they assumed the noises coming from downstairs were from the gnoll.
Kane turns to the people left on the first floor and says, “Not what I was expecting.” He turns back to Leyding. “You seem to have some cuts in your back. May I see?” He inspects the wounds. “You are not bleeding anymore. That’s good. Don’t worry, my friends will take care of the people who hurt you. He takes Leyding (if she lets him) towards the sofa and sits her down. He turns to Gunra and Nurm, since Petmailer was already upstairs, “I’ll stay down here with Leyding, in case they try to make a break for the door. Can you two join Petmailer and help him?”
Petmailer quietly moves back from view a couple of steps and sends a message to his allies downstairs, "What appears to be a human dark wizard and 4 kobolds up here, I need some help please." He then quietly pulls out his longbow and readies an action to shoot whoever comes through that door into sight. After that happens, he would move back downstairs quickly.
Harmony watches this whole interaction with raised eyebrows. She has to admit, what Leosin just did was a clever move. Once everyone has settled down, she turns to the monk and says, "If you've been tracking this cult, do you know anything the mask Milo was studying? What it does? Who might be looking for it?"
Azrael was smart enough to see what had happened, still he was at-least mildly annoyed by the whole transaction. If this had been a different situation, he would have been able to keep himself in check, if only to make the other person useful, but it seemed this time his own strategies had been used against him to stunning effect. He remained silent for a short time as the Monk and Harmony spoke for a while. Fully closing his eyes as he felt calm come over him like recovering from stubbing a toe, fading quickly but immediately intense and painful. And just as Harmony finishes speaking, Azrael adds in And the rest of our group are likely going to kill whatever experiment Milo had, if it's as bad as we were made to assume. he said this, with eyes closed, saying it matter of factly, as he had managed to skim over the letter enough that he hoped that random comment would draw something out, whether it be panic at the potential fate, satisfaction that it might die, and so forth.
And do either of you know why he would be interested in researching it in the first place.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Occassional Dungeon Master.
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
6
4
((I'll wait for Azrael before continuing with the Temple))
The locks open easily thanks to Petmailer's skills, and luckly there's no traps to be found. However, you can hear the fast footsteps of someone (or something) rapidly retreating and a door being slammed shut from inside the house when you open the entrance.
Inside, there's an old sofa, an oak table with papers and a journal over it, and a bookshelf filled to the brim with books. A brief glance over them reveals that the table's legs and the sofa's mattress have old bite marks on them, like if an animal chewed them, and some of the papers on the table are crudely drawn sketches done in bright colors, like the drawings of a child.
You can see a kitchen further down the hall, and there's a door leading to another room, probably a bedroom or a bathroom, but it has been closed. A staircase situated right next to it leads to the second floor.
Everyone currently inside the house, make a Perception check.
To Gunra:
There's some small footsteps in the path leading to the house, but not much else. The footsteps could just as easily belong to some beast than a small person.
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
Gunra scoffs as they file into the house.
"No sign of a struggle. If the cult was here, they either flew in or covered their tracks."
Perception: 7
Attending Academy until November, slowdown in posts continue.
Kane inspects the bite marks, and shows the drawings. “Did you hear someone running before we came in?” Kane points to the bed room and then turns to others, “Be prepared, I have an idea of what we are dealing with, but we are about to find out.” He walks up to the bedroom door and knocks. “Hello? Is someone there? Don’t be afraid, we are friends. But if you do not want to open the door, that’s okay. We can just talk from out here.” He repeats this in Draconic as well.
Persuasion: 21
Perception: 9
As they entered the temple, Azrael's eyes swathed over its entirety like a mop, soaking in the walls, and everything about it, only moving the slits to Falconmoon when he spoke up. Azrael did not share the same enthusiasm as the priest did of meeting with him but he wouldn't outwardly show disrespect as the man introduced himself. Azraels overall demeanor rose ... slightly when Bahamut was regarded positively but only slightly. Indeed, I appreciate that you are aware of Bahamuts greatness. I am glad to meet you, though I wish it were under more auspicious circumstances.
Azraels attention had, however gone almost immediately to the monk, as he needed to be prodded to show even the most basic respect, something Azrael wouldn't do to anyone he felt at-least neutral about. His eyes narrowing at the monk remaining locked on him even as he continued to speak Harmony has some questions for you.... and your friend there. he said, hoping that Harmony would catch his intent to add the monk to the questioning itself. I would ask these questions myself, but I feel that Harmony has better rapport here within the town than myself. Nodding as if it were a given.
I am unaware if the DM wishes any rolls for anything, so if they do, I will allow them to roll for me, or to ask me to roll at the appropriate time.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Perception: 20
Nurm orders his unseen servant ((post #51)) to search the bookshelf for any papers inserted into the books, or other hidden items. He himself than looks at the table, suddenly, the drawings and notes on the table lift* off and hover in front of Nurm's face. Nurm closely inspects them and tries to find any useful information in them.
((*Using the Mage Hand cantrip, the gith version is invisible and requires no components))
Petmailer pulls out his rapier and shield, and begins walking down the hall. "Come out, come out, wherever you are...."
Perception : 9
"I'm afraid he's right - we're here on business. Governor Nighthill has hired us to figure out what happened to Milo. I know you're his friend. I know you're probably very worried about him. You just want to see him brought home safely, as do we. It's in everyone's best interest that you tell us what you know."
Harmony then turns to address the monk.
"I don't know who you are. I don't know what you're here for. But you seem like a good man. A man who would help out a friend-" she nods towards Eadyan "-in his time of need. So, if you have any answers beyond what he can provide, feel free to chime in, okay?"
She waits for them to respond before she continues.
Persuasion if needed: 24
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
Gunra lowers his head, trying to hear for more noise. Too focused on listening, he bumps a toe on the leg of the sofa. He grunts and curses, stumbling a little but managing to right himself before all 500 pounds go crashing through the furniture.
(Namely, he didn't notice anything. XD )
Attending Academy until November, slowdown in posts continue.
At the temple:
"Yes, I do tend to the Temple's gardens myself." Eadyan says proudly to Harmony, and smiles. "Though of course I'm not as foolish as to take credit for the beauty of those roses. Flowers are just one of the many gifts the Great Mother gives, all I do is care for them."
When Azrael speaks, Eadyan's expression switches to a more neutral one. "I understand." He says softly. "I actually don't have that much information, but if you think any small detail might help find him, I'm willing to tell you anything. Ask away."
"If you two don't mind, I also have a few questions to make, myself." The monk, Leosin, intervenes. He looks at Azrael when he speaks. "You mentioned Bahamut. Can I trust then that you and your companion are not involved with the Cult of the Dragon in any way?"
Turning to Harmony, he adds. "I'm sorry if I'm coming out as rude, but please understand that we might be dealing with a serious problem here, and I need to know if I can trust you first."
At Milo's House:
Everyone but Gunra sees that there's a trail of some drops of blood that start at the middle of the hall and end at the closed door, and hears that there's sounds of movement and hushed speaking coming from the second floor.
To Akanos and Nurm:
You can hear hushed voices from upstairs saying "I found it!" "Then hurry up and cast the spell, before that monster comes back!"
There appear to be some books missing from the shelves, and most of the pages of the journal have been ripped off. A lot of the books are about theology, demonology and the different deities, fiends and religions of Faerun. From the childlike drawings, two are clearer than the rest: A man and what resembles a bipedal dog hugging each other with the words "Me and Dad" scribbled at the bottom, and a drawing done in red crayon of a figure with a dragon-looking head breathing fire.
On the pages left on the journal, the following have been written on the same handwritting of the letter the governor showed you all back in the Inn. It's all separated in 3 different entries, the oldest dating back five years ago and the newest one having a date of four months back:
Entry 01:
First day in Greenest.
I have friends here, so I knew I would be allowed to stay without being asked too many questions, though Tarbaw was being a little too curious for my taste. Well, it was this or trying to live both in the wilderness.
I already find myself missing Candlekeep, but if I was to make this experiment I sadly needed to go. The pup has already proven herself to be too destructive, and I'm afraid of what she would do if allowed to be anywhere near a library. I couldn't risk it.
I also decided that if this experiment has any chance of being a success, the pup will need a name, I can't keep calling her just "the pup" or "the experiment". I decided to name her Leyding, like one of the chains used to restrain a giant wolf in that one legend a Paladin of Tyr told me once. It seems fitting.
Let's see if I can teach any sense of morality to this little creature, or if her demonic origins and insatiable hunger will force me to put her down for everyone's sake. Either way, it should be an interesting research on her species.
Entry 2:
I have allowed Eadyan to meet Leyding, after making him promise he wouldn't tell any of this to anyone else. They seem to have gotten along well.
So well in fact, that Leyding now keeps asking me if she can become a priestess one day, just like Eadyan. I know that a father shouldn't be laughing at his daughter's dreams, but at the end of the day Leyding is not really my daughter, and something about the idea of a Chauntea cleric of her kin is hilarious to me.
This is an experiment that keeps on giving, it seems.
Entry 3:
After some adventurers managed to defeat an infamous pack of kobolds, a strange relic was found among their loot. Contact says that it looks like a mask, but that it has wondrous properties to it.
It will arrive here tomorrow. It could end up being nothing, but my contact's description of it has me curious, I'm not going to lie.
It seems that finally I'm going to be able to use my extensive research on dragons for something.
When Akanos speaks to the one behind the door, there's a yelp before it answers. It speaks Common, but with some difficulty, and some words come out sounding weird or butchered. "Friends? Are you one of Dad's friends?" It asks. The voice sounds somewhat canine. "Please leave. They are here. They hurt you. Run!"
When Akanos speaks in Draconic, it growls. "That sounds like them. No!" Despite that growl, it seems to trust you. "If I go out, you promise not hurt me?"
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
Kane turns to his group and puts his finger on his lips and then points upstairs. “Gunra. People. Upstairs.” He whispers. He motion to Nurm to stay with him. He turns back to the door. “Yes. We promise not to hurt you. We are friends. Did you do the drawings? They look very good. I see that there is blood outside the door. Are you hurt?” “My name is Kane. Can you tell me your name? You said there are other people here. Do you know where they are? Did they hurt you?” Kane’s voice is slow and calm.
Petmailer sneaks upstairs, moving as quickly as he can, readying himself for what he finds, curious about what they are doing.
Sneak : 12
"I understand completely. I can assure you that I have no relations with the Cult of the Dragon. If I worship anyone, it would be Selûne." Harmony narrows her eyes, trying to get a good read on both the monk and the priest. "But, it would only be fair that we ask you the same question. How do we know that neither of you are members of the Cult?"
Insight check for once they respond: 1
While she's trying to look for any signs of a lie - darting eyes, a clenched jaw, a wavering word - she gets really distracted by an odd-looking freckle near Leosin's eye. Is that normal? Does he need to see a doctor about that?
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
Azrael's eyes had began moving between the pair, his head barely needing to swivel to manage it. He had caught something that Falconmoon hadn't said, but before he could voice it, the monk made his comment and almost immediately Azraels fans were bared and his slits thinned to fine threads as he stared the monk down. I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are simply ignorant. But you dare accuse the dragon of justice to be associated with a cult? he said through clenched teeth. Perhaps you are also of the belief that Corellon is the diety of the goblins, and that Mystra is a patron to fighters and warriors! Azrael seemed to stand taller as he tried to contain himself. Never again associate the great Bahamut with such filth as any cult, or it will be the last time you do so. But to answer your question, no.
Azrael had unfortunately already broken the plan, but such slander against his patron, even in ignorance, could not -in his mind- be let to slide. Taking in a deep breath, he calmed himself. trying then to focus on the pair to see if they seemed to be holding back.
Insight: 11
(OOC: ha, apparently we're Larry and Curly, we just need a Moe..)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
((Using Message on every ally reachable by it))
Someone is upstairs, I think they are trying to escape.
Nurm moves to the stairs and waits for the others, so they can enter together.
At the Temple:
Leosin gets startled by Azrael's visible anger, but Eadyan remains level-headed. The elf priest remains silent for now, allowing the monk to speak.
"...Please do not misunderstand. Of course I would never dare to imply Bahamut would ally himself with his enemies for any reason." He backtracks, now with a satisfied smirk. He seems content by your reaction. "I wanted to see if you really were a follower of the Platinum Dragon, and not one of the cultists faking to be one to remain undercover."
"I have been trying to put a stop to the Cult's activities for years now" He explains. "In my investigations, I discovered that they are being led by a group of Half-Dragons, and one of them just so happens to be a blue half-dragon. I hope you can forgive me for being suspicious when I come here searching for new clues and I'm greeted by a dragonborn of blue ancestry." He's obviously looking at Azrael's scales when he says this.
He sits down. "With that hopefully out of the way, please do make your questions. I'm sure you have a lot of them..."
((I'll update on what's going down at the house in a moment. Please wait for it.))
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
At Milo's house:
At Kane's questions, the voice answers softly. "...Just a little hurt. I okay." It whimpers. "They came, I got scared, so I hurt them. I think I hurt them, I don' know. The tall one pushed me, and they went up, to Dad's room. I played dead, then got up and was gonna run outside, but there was sounds... I think it was you? I ran here and hide."
The door opens, and a figure peeks out its head, still hesitant of getting out of the room. It's a Gnoll, too tall and big to be a cub anymore but still not strong-looking enough to be really an adult. It's wearing a costume replica of a priestess' dress: A white cloak and a light green tunic, and it looks as weird on it as you might expect. It is also wearing a bit and a bridle, the kind halflings use on Mastiffs when they use them as mounts, and it is constantly chewing and biting down on the bit when it is not talking. It seems to work as a muzzle of sorts.
This gnoll doesn't seems to act normally: It does not attack, it does not even growl or bares its teeth at you. It's just standing there, trembling with fear, staring at you with big, milky white eyes. There's some shallow cuts on its back, but does not seem to be bleeding anymore.
"Leyding" It (she?) says, pointing to its/her chest. She then points up. "They. A tall one, and 'rour little ones." She puts up four claws up. "Little ones look like funny dragons. No wings."
Inside the open door, you can see that it is a normal bathroom, but there's a bedroll and a blanket on the ceramic floor next to the sink, and lots of crayons and chalk of different colors litter the floor. There was a mirror on the wall, but it has now been shattered by an impact, and some blood can be seen on the glass shards. "I okay now." The strange gnoll repeats, pointing at the broken mirror and her injured back.
Assuming the rest of the team decides to go up the stairs, you will find a door which is half-open. Inside, you catch a glimpse of a man wearing black robes, and some kobolds.
They seem to still be unaware of your presence, maybe because they are too concentrated in whatever it is they are doing or because they assumed the noises coming from downstairs were from the gnoll.
Adventurers, what do you wish to do now?
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
Kane turns to the people left on the first floor and says, “Not what I was expecting.” He turns back to Leyding. “You seem to have some cuts in your back. May I see?” He inspects the wounds. “You are not bleeding anymore. That’s good. Don’t worry, my friends will take care of the people who hurt you. He takes Leyding (if she lets him) towards the sofa and sits her down. He turns to Gunra and Nurm, since Petmailer was already upstairs, “I’ll stay down here with Leyding, in case they try to make a break for the door. Can you two join Petmailer and help him?”
Petmailer quietly moves back from view a couple of steps and sends a message to his allies downstairs, "What appears to be a human dark wizard and 4 kobolds up here, I need some help please." He then quietly pulls out his longbow and readies an action to shoot whoever comes through that door into sight. After that happens, he would move back downstairs quickly.
Harmony watches this whole interaction with raised eyebrows. She has to admit, what Leosin just did was a clever move. Once everyone has settled down, she turns to the monk and says, "If you've been tracking this cult, do you know anything the mask Milo was studying? What it does? Who might be looking for it?"
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
Azrael was smart enough to see what had happened, still he was at-least mildly annoyed by the whole transaction. If this had been a different situation, he would have been able to keep himself in check, if only to make the other person useful, but it seemed this time his own strategies had been used against him to stunning effect. He remained silent for a short time as the Monk and Harmony spoke for a while. Fully closing his eyes as he felt calm come over him like recovering from stubbing a toe, fading quickly but immediately intense and painful. And just as Harmony finishes speaking, Azrael adds in And the rest of our group are likely going to kill whatever experiment Milo had, if it's as bad as we were made to assume. he said this, with eyes closed, saying it matter of factly, as he had managed to skim over the letter enough that he hoped that random comment would draw something out, whether it be panic at the potential fate, satisfaction that it might die, and so forth.
And do either of you know why he would be interested in researching it in the first place.
Occassional Dungeon Master.