Patrin casts a stern look at Fargoth, before returning his attention to the guards.
‘I found our previous chapter less dedicated than I would wish, and have heard great things of the Shadow… I brought these acolytes with me as they showed promise, though *some* lack seasoning.’
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Deception check (with advantage and an additional 1d4 from Gwin's guidance) for Patrin: 25
NOTE: Allowing Brevigto offer help in Patrin's deception attempt.
"The worship of dragons includes the great wyrms of the shadow realm," replies the silvery-blue dragonborn somewhat condescendingly to Fargoth.
"It seems fortuitous then, that you you have been sent to us. To learn of this," he adds.
The other dragonborn, slighter in build and greyish-white in color nods his head in agreement before asking (in a slightly more amiable tone), "Tell us your names and from whence you have come. Then I will inquire within about granting you entrance."
NOTE: It's safe to assume that all of you, as such experienced adventurers, have some knowledge of other dragon cult locations in Faerun.
Donir and Gwin provide their aliases and the grayish-white dragonborn disappears from view, making his way into the stronghold. A few minutes later, you hear the sound of the gate being unlatched from within. A lone masked human female greets you in Common, "I will lead you to Mandrithar. He wishes to greet you and learn of your journey to the Cult of Shadow."
As you cross the courtyard and enter the main hall, you see no signs of activity in the cult stronghold. The only movement is that of the two guards you met who stand atop the wall near the gate. The main hall is decorated with every manner of artwork depicting the strength and power of dragons: tapestries, sculptures, paintings, and bas-relief. You notice one of the sculptures has a flying snake wrapped around it.
After descending a short flight of stairs, you are led into a simple sitting room. The light is poor, but the furnishings are rather high quality. A dragonborn cloaked in grey robes stands, nods, and says, "The road from Neverwinter was favorable, I hope? I am Mandrithar, priest of the Cult of Shadow."
He motions for you to be seated and then says, "Within this chamber, no mask is necessary. Please, allow me to see your faces."
Brevig looks back and forth at his companions, not wishing to be the first, but says to Mandrithar, "I am...er...ashamed to show my face, scale-less as it is. But...if it is your wish, then there must be wisdom in such humiliation...and I shall obey." Brevig pulls down the mask slowly, revealing a sad and contemplative countenance, not meeting Mandrithar's eyes, except a quick, humble, glance.
Patrin watches Mandrithar closely, hoping to discern the cult cleric's reaction when Brevig lowers his dragon mask. Patrin detects nothing that causes him concern; it seems, for now anyway, that Mandrithar is at ease with the presence of his unexpected guests.
Donir, or Rodin, as he introduced himself as, lowers his mask as well, exposing... well, not all that much, really, as much of his face is still covered by his thick hair and beard.
"Here it is, though the gods were careless enough to cover me with this useless, tangled hair, rather than the scales we all covet, as Icthalion stated."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Mandrithar nods in silent greeting to each of you as you reveal your faces. He listens politely as you tell a story about the journey from Neverwinter, but when you finish, the cleric asks, "Can you tell me now why you are truly here?"
He looks at each of you, one by one, with a look of earnestness on his face. "I believe I know the answer to my question already. I do, however, allow the possibility that I have failed to divine this matter correctly."
"I seek Badrizar Nath,"replies Brevig, "whose name is known among the faithful. My prayers have told me that he holds the key to the truths I seek. I shall learn, so that I may then teach, in my travels. At least, as much as my wretched, scale-less form will allow."
Gwin, having already provided Mandrithar with her alias of Deanna Troi, reverently removes her mask with a slight bow. I have spent my life seeking what it is that will satisfy my soul and bring purpose to my existence. That journey has brought me here.Not being an experienced liar the new "acolyte" instead dips into her wealth of religious knowledge to speak passionately about dragonborn cults.
Religion check:11
Unbeknownst to anyone else in the room, including her companions, Gwin also attempts to divine the priest's thoughts toward them.
Channel Divinity: Read Thoughts
As an action, you can use Channel Divinity to choose one creature that you can see within 60 ft. That creature must make a WIS saving throw (16). On success, you can’t use this feature on it again until you finish a long rest. On failure, you can read its surface thoughts while within 60 ft. for 1 minute. During that time, you can cast suggestion as an action on the target without expending a spell slot.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Fargoth stretches his legs and gets comfortable in a chair. "I saw a dragon once, most awe-inspiring thing I've ever seen." He says no more, hoping his reasons for being there would be apparent, without trying to come up with some convoluted story on the fly.
"One of you seeks Badrizar Nath, Leader of the Cult of Shadows. One of you seeks purpose. And another of you seeks...well... to tell me of the awe one might experience when encountering a dragon," remarks Mandrithar.
The dragonborn cleric shifts in his chair and closes his eyes for a few seconds before continuing. When he opens his eyes, he looks directly at Patrin and says, "You state you have come from Neverwinter. Is that right, Pallas? It is strange to me that Ugarian, leader of the Neverwinter cult, has failed to inform us of your visit. His negligence is quite troubling, I'm sure you would agree."
Mandrithar closes his eyes briefly a second time and concludes, "No matter. These are strange times for the Cult of Shadows, and your presence here today underscores that truth. But I do not believe that strange things should necessarily be unwelcome things. Now, please, tell me why you seek Badrizar Nath. Speak truthfully, and I shall do the same."
Gwin responds first. All I can say is we are friends to Badrizar Nath and wish him no harm. In fact, I've been able to divine that he is not here and hasn't been for some time. So mySuggestionwould be that my friends and I be on our way peacefully and without incident.
"Without incident? Of course. Your rather long journey fails to achieve its end, yet you seem eager to move on," muses Mandrithar. "I find that peculiar.
After another one of his characteristic closing of the eyes, he adds, "I will tell you where Badrizar might be found, for it will benefit me greatly if you were able to return him to this place. He cannot return of his own accord, and I lack sufficient power to aide him. You, however strange it may be, could be the answer I have been seeking."
Mandrithar goes on to explain that Badrizar is in the Shadowfell, a realm he regularly visits for cult-related matters despite the inherent risks of frequenting such a place. On his most recent foray into the Land of Shadows, Badrizar was taken captive by a group of shadar-kai. One acolyte (of the seven that accompanied Badrizar) returned to tell the tale. Mandrithar can lead you to the shadow crossing if you choose to pursue Badrizar.
"Surely Badrizar will be inclined to give you what you wish if you save him from this trouble."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Patrin Pallas nods, 'I think that would be acceptable.'
Insight check on Mandrithar looking for duplicity or falsehood: 12
He then looks around the group. 'I think we're ready to travel now...? No sense wasting time. Perhaps we should speak with the surviving acolyte on the way though?'
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Patrin casts a stern look at Fargoth, before returning his attention to the guards.
‘I found our previous chapter less dedicated than I would wish, and have heard great things of the Shadow… I brought these acolytes with me as they showed promise, though *some* lack seasoning.’
“I come to learn, and to worship,” says Brevig.
Action: Help Patrin with deception.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Deception check (with advantage and an additional 1d4 from Gwin's guidance) for Patrin: 25
NOTE: Allowing Brevig to offer help in Patrin's deception attempt.
"The worship of dragons includes the great wyrms of the shadow realm," replies the silvery-blue dragonborn somewhat condescendingly to Fargoth.
"It seems fortuitous then, that you you have been sent to us. To learn of this," he adds.
The other dragonborn, slighter in build and greyish-white in color nods his head in agreement before asking (in a slightly more amiable tone), "Tell us your names and from whence you have come. Then I will inquire within about granting you entrance."
NOTE: It's safe to assume that all of you, as such experienced adventurers, have some knowledge of other dragon cult locations in Faerun.
The paladin is an unpracticed liar. “I am Brevig. Er, Thaylion. Brev Icthalion.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
‘I’m Pallas Blightwalker, and we come from the chapter in Neverwinter.’
his voice then firms ‘By all means seek permission for our admittance, but we’ve travelled far and are weary. Do not tarry…’
"Meriadoc Brandybuck, at your service." Fargoth gives the man a nod.
Donir and Gwin provide their aliases and the grayish-white dragonborn disappears from view, making his way into the stronghold. A few minutes later, you hear the sound of the gate being unlatched from within. A lone masked human female greets you in Common, "I will lead you to Mandrithar. He wishes to greet you and learn of your journey to the Cult of Shadow."
As you cross the courtyard and enter the main hall, you see no signs of activity in the cult stronghold. The only movement is that of the two guards you met who stand atop the wall near the gate. The main hall is decorated with every manner of artwork depicting the strength and power of dragons: tapestries, sculptures, paintings, and bas-relief. You notice one of the sculptures has a flying snake wrapped around it.
After descending a short flight of stairs, you are led into a simple sitting room. The light is poor, but the furnishings are rather high quality. A dragonborn cloaked in grey robes stands, nods, and says, "The road from Neverwinter was favorable, I hope? I am Mandrithar, priest of the Cult of Shadow."
He motions for you to be seated and then says, "Within this chamber, no mask is necessary. Please, allow me to see your faces."
Brevig looks back and forth at his companions, not wishing to be the first, but says to Mandrithar, "I am...er...ashamed to show my face, scale-less as it is. But...if it is your wish, then there must be wisdom in such humiliation...and I shall obey." Brevig pulls down the mask slowly, revealing a sad and contemplative countenance, not meeting Mandrithar's eyes, except a quick, humble, glance.
Deception 10
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
PatrinPallas looks around at the group, nodding, then watching Mandrithar for any reactions…Insight: 13
Patrin watches Mandrithar closely, hoping to discern the cult cleric's reaction when Brevig lowers his dragon mask. Patrin detects nothing that causes him concern; it seems, for now anyway, that Mandrithar is at ease with the presence of his unexpected guests.
Donir, or Rodin, as he introduced himself as, lowers his mask as well, exposing... well, not all that much, really, as much of his face is still covered by his thick hair and beard.
"Here it is, though the gods were careless enough to cover me with this useless, tangled hair, rather than the scales we all covet, as Icthalion stated."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Mandrithar nods in silent greeting to each of you as you reveal your faces. He listens politely as you tell a story about the journey from Neverwinter, but when you finish, the cleric asks, "Can you tell me now why you are truly here?"
He looks at each of you, one by one, with a look of earnestness on his face. "I believe I know the answer to my question already. I do, however, allow the possibility that I have failed to divine this matter correctly."
"I seek Badrizar Nath," replies Brevig, "whose name is known among the faithful. My prayers have told me that he holds the key to the truths I seek. I shall learn, so that I may then teach, in my travels. At least, as much as my wretched, scale-less form will allow."
Deception: 6
Luck reroll: Deception: 23
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Gwin, having already provided Mandrithar with her alias of Deanna Troi, reverently removes her mask with a slight bow. I have spent my life seeking what it is that will satisfy my soul and bring purpose to my existence. That journey has brought me here. Not being an experienced liar the new "acolyte" instead dips into her wealth of religious knowledge to speak passionately about dragonborn cults.
Religion check: 11
Unbeknownst to anyone else in the room, including her companions, Gwin also attempts to divine the priest's thoughts toward them.
As an action, you can use Channel Divinity to choose one creature that you can see within 60 ft. That creature must make a WIS saving throw (16). On success, you can’t use this feature on it again until you finish a long rest. On failure, you can read its surface thoughts while within 60 ft. for 1 minute. During that time, you can cast suggestion as an action on the target without expending a spell slot.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
WIS save for Mandrithar - 11
Gwin:
You read the following in Mandrithar's thoughts:
Fargoth stretches his legs and gets comfortable in a chair. "I saw a dragon once, most awe-inspiring thing I've ever seen." He says no more, hoping his reasons for being there would be apparent, without trying to come up with some convoluted story on the fly.
"One of you seeks Badrizar Nath, Leader of the Cult of Shadows. One of you seeks purpose. And another of you seeks...well... to tell me of the awe one might experience when encountering a dragon," remarks Mandrithar.
The dragonborn cleric shifts in his chair and closes his eyes for a few seconds before continuing. When he opens his eyes, he looks directly at Patrin and says, "You state you have come from Neverwinter. Is that right, Pallas? It is strange to me that Ugarian, leader of the Neverwinter cult, has failed to inform us of your visit. His negligence is quite troubling, I'm sure you would agree."
Mandrithar closes his eyes briefly a second time and concludes, "No matter. These are strange times for the Cult of Shadows, and your presence here today underscores that truth. But I do not believe that strange things should necessarily be unwelcome things. Now, please, tell me why you seek Badrizar Nath. Speak truthfully, and I shall do the same."
Gwin responds first. All I can say is we are friends to Badrizar Nath and wish him no harm. In fact, I've been able to divine that he is not here and hasn't been for some time. So my Suggestion would be that my friends and I be on our way peacefully and without incident.
If needed, Persuasion check: 4
DC WIS 16 on Suggestion from my Channel Divinity
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
WIS save for Mandrithar: 6
"Without incident? Of course. Your rather long journey fails to achieve its end, yet you seem eager to move on," muses Mandrithar. "I find that peculiar.
After another one of his characteristic closing of the eyes, he adds, "I will tell you where Badrizar might be found, for it will benefit me greatly if you were able to return him to this place. He cannot return of his own accord, and I lack sufficient power to aide him. You, however strange it may be, could be the answer I have been seeking."
Mandrithar goes on to explain that Badrizar is in the Shadowfell, a realm he regularly visits for cult-related matters despite the inherent risks of frequenting such a place. On his most recent foray into the Land of Shadows, Badrizar was taken captive by a group of shadar-kai. One acolyte (of the seven that accompanied Badrizar) returned to tell the tale. Mandrithar can lead you to the shadow crossing if you choose to pursue Badrizar.
"Surely Badrizar will be inclined to give you what you wish if you save him from this trouble."
PatrinPallas nods, 'I think that would be acceptable.'Insight check on Mandrithar looking for duplicity or falsehood: 12
He then looks around the group. 'I think we're ready to travel now...? No sense wasting time. Perhaps we should speak with the surviving acolyte on the way though?'