Following their conversation, Zensiro is slightly concerned for Malichi, but reminds himself, "In Haven, everyone can start anew. Assuming that his former 'colleagues' don't find their way here, of course. But Malichi doesn't seem to be the type of person to get himself in the type of trouble that would cause someone to pursue him across the planes. Best to keep an eye on him just in case."
On his way back from the Greasy Weasel, Zensiro stops by the Town Well to spend some moments contemplating in the company of Chauntea. Some combination of the mild spirits infused in his drink and the danger of the events at the Guard House earlier in the day fill him with a sense of purpose and achievement. After mumuring in sylvan some words of thanks and praise to the Earthmother, he returns to the Temple to meditate and enter his trance. During the night, he rests fitfully, having visions of shadowy, amorphous creatures pouring into the forests of his home through planar portals such as the one through which he travelled to Haven. However, in his vision, the Earthmother's servant, Kamerynn, joins with Zensiro to drive them back.
Arising from his trance early the next morning, Zensiro gathers his equipment and heads to the forest outside of the city proper. Wandering somewhat aimlessly, he eventually finds himself in what appears to be a grove of weirwood, though he did not know that they existed here in Haven. The grove appears to be ancient, incongruous with the relative youth of the city and what he knows of its history. On the ground a few metres away, Zensiro spies a fallen branch. Moved by some unseen force, he walks over and carves off a piece, about as long as his hand. As he observes it, the voice of the Earthmother flows through his mind, reassuring him of his ability to do what is needed in this place. Awash in the tranquility of the setting, ten berries suddenly appear in his other hand. Smiling, Zensiro pockets them and peers upward through the treetops to the sky. Realizing that the morning is quickly passing, Zensiro heads back to the city and the Temple to meet with his comrades.
As the party crosses over into the officials, the sun is beginning to set, casting a soft glow over the buildings.
The clock tower doles a sonorous tone and street lamps illuminate the cobble with a warm amber glow. Closer inspection reveals no flames are present in the lamps; they appear to be enchantments triggered by the clocktower bell. Iconography has been engraved under each lamp, displaying whose workmanship these marvels belong to.
Under the light of the setting sun, and assisted by the magic lamps, the party notices the clock tower displays not only the time, but the cycle of the two moons. Tonight is the lunar eclipse, a rare occasion.
There is already a queue at the lodge. The party sees townsfolk and adventurers alike in the queue, and more passing them as they approach. Some are dressed in Finery, wearing elegant masks glinted with gold thread, others are wearing capes over their adventurers kit with masks of grotesque, gothic amalgamations of fantastical creatures. Others still are not wearing masks at all, but still lined up to attend the Ball.
The visage of the lodging house is imposing, and does not fit entirely with the general theme of the surrounding buildings. Old and projecting a sense of grandeur, the party gets the sense this building has been in Haven since some of its earliest settlers. Some of the attendees walking to the lodge are overheard talking.
"... Nobody remembers who originally built the Lodge, it's passed hands over the years…"
"...My grandfather told me when he was a boy, Lord Prospero; an elven aristocrat, was master of the house. Apparently he disappeared some time ago and the lodge sat empty until some Tabaxi showed up with a writ of ownership…"
"...Lady Irene? No I can't say I've met her; just suddenly appeared a few weeks back, writ in hand, and took over the lodge. From what I hear though, she is a generous and charismatic mistress; she commissioned entertainers, artists, cooks and master craftsmen in preparation for this ball. I even hear she retains a handmaid who is a master seamstress. She has been making masks in house which Lady Irene has been distributing free of charge."
How would you like to proceed? If you join the queue, you will have 4 party goers ahead of you. Any conversations you want to have? Last minute preparations?
Hurren says quietly in Common, "Now what are we looking for? Evidence for the mutilation or murder of some creature?"
Dexen responds;
" Both I think. Can anyone jog my memory; was the body we found human, or some other creature? I remember the limbs were contorted, but I cannot recall other than that, how the body looked. Were there feathers around it...?"
Dexen wipes over his face and it starts to shimmer, when it settles Dexen now appears to be wearing a mask, simple in design, it covers his eyes, nose and upper lip. The white mask has an elongated nose which ends in a sharp point. " I'm ready".
“Severed arm seems right to me, guess the rest of the body might be about somewhere” Skrach rubs his head, “ We joining the queue or sneaking in some other ways?”
Hurren contemplates. "Well, Zensiro, Flint, Dexan and I should fit in without much trouble. Where did that hat of disguise get off to? You and Malichi can join the queue with us, or perhaps he wishes to do a little 'second-story' work," he says to Skrach.
Dexen chines in; " Is there an advantage to sneaking in? There is going to be dozens of people inside, everyone wearing masquerade, and we aren't known to many people. I believe a cut purse would call that 'hiding in a crowd'. My point is that with the amount of people inside, anyone not wearing a mask will stand out; unless that person was completely invisible. But if you want to hide, I'll carry you under my disguise Skratch" dexen passes his hand through his opposite shoulder and you see that though it looks like the regular garb Dexen wears, he has ' buffed up' his size to appear larger. Where his hand passes though, the image shimmers before resettling , obscuring his hand in illusionary clothes.
"I still have the hat (OOC as far as I'm aware) but I someone else can take it if they like. If it's a Masquerade party I'm good to go" Malichi chuckles "Getting in unseen from upstairs shouldn't be any problem. Skrach, you can ride with me if you like, or Dexen, whichever works for you. Anyone else want to go in with me?"
Flint enjoys a hot breakfast at the Greasy Weasel and spends most of the day sparring around with the off-duty guards that frequent the place, picking up a few more fighting techniques and tricks as well. After meeting the others at the Temple, he finds himself standing in line outside of the lodge. He waves his invitation “I am all for going in the front door, though I am not dressed in as much finery as some of the others here. As for what we are looking for, who knows? I doubt we are lucky enough to see a corpse in the main room, or someone missing an arm, but maybe we can find out more about the good lady.”
Having reviewed his options, Zensiro decides that his well-maintained traveller's clothes and nifty new cloak will be sufficient for the evening's festivities. After arriving at the Lodging House and assessing his fellow attendees, he's relieved that his judgment seems to have been correct. Zensiro waits patiently in the queue, discreetly observing the other partygoers to see if they appear to take notice of our group. He also keeps his ears open for anyone speaking celestial, primordial, or sylvan. To Skrach he replies, "I'd be honoured to carry one of your friends in with me. I've experience enough with animals, I should hopefully be able to keep an eye on them. If you and Malichi want to utilize your unique talents, then by all means. I trust you'll exercise an appropriate amount of caution, especially after the difficulties we faced at the Guard House. As Hurren says and judging by the crowd here, the rest of us shouldn't have any trouble blending in. Now who among us is charming enough to speak with this Lady Irene, maybe get a read on her if we have an opportunity? I can detect a falsehood, but I'm likely not much use in persuading her to reveal anything about this severed limb."
" I will walk in with you kids, seeing as we have an invitation. I can save the spider mode for when we is in if there is any sneaks to be done. He he I bet I get some looks"
The party (except for Malachi?) Come upon the front door.
At the door stands a tall female wearing a jet black mask of a cat; silver trim frames the eyes and the party otherwise notes this mask is highly detailed, the work of a master artisan. Zensiro notices her paws first. This must be the Tabaxi handmaid the party overhead other party goers speaking about; her bright green eyes are keen and observant as she watches you approach.
"Welcome to the home of Lady Irene" the Tabaxi has a deep voice, with the hint of a purr reverberating a timbre in her chest as she rolls the "r"s in her words. "Hmm doo you have...your invitation?" More deep purrs can be faintly heard in her chest.
As she checks over your invitations she gestures to a table where a selection of masks are sitting; " The Lady of the house has commissioned masks for party goers; tonight's theme is animals of the wildness. Please; select whatever mask you wish, we have multiples of each" the Tabaxi handmaid smiles, revealing polished feline teeth ending in sharp points.
Fox
Lynx
Wolf
Deer
Hare
Owl
Boar
Squirrel
Dexen comments; " no need for me" gesturing to his disguise " I came prepared".
The Tabaxi steps forward. She places her paw on Dexen's face; " This… will not do. Lady Irene is very insistent physical masks be worn inside, otherwise I cannot permit you entry; besides, if your illusion slips, you will ruin the atmosphere and fun.." the handmaid flashes another Sharp toothed grin at Dexen and gestures to the masks with a graceful, clawed paw.
Zensiro waits patiently in the queue, discreetly observing the other partygoers to see if they appear to take notice of our group. He also keeps his ears open for anyone speaking celestial, primordial, or sylvan.
While waiting, you don't pick up on anyone who isn't speaking common.
As for anyone taking notice of the party, no other party goers notice you, but as you approach towards the front of the queue you could swear you caught the handmaid locking eyes on your party, and other groups of adventurers.
" I will walk in with you kids, seeing as we have an invitation. I can save the spider mode for when we is in if there is any sneaks to be done. He he I bet I get some looks"
Skrach starts swaggering towards the queue.
The Tabaxi peers down at you and you hear a warm purr. " Little treat, I think for you, perhaps a fox mask? " ...Did she wink at you? You can't be sure.
Feel free to respond and argue on the last post, but for time sake, I'll post the next bit here so you guys have more to work with/respond to.
It is now dusk, and the lodge is candlelit within; chandeliers emit a golden glow over the festivities. The last amber visages of daylight filter through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns onto the high walls.
The main hallway is filled with party goers dancing, and others conversing at the back wall, which is lined with long rectangular tables covered in a variety of offerings:
goblets of wine, cakes and cookies, plaited black breads, and a roast pig with an apple in its mouth. A human in a parrot mask, and another wearing the guise of a Raven are laughing at the food table, already inebriated on the wine freely flowing from the kitchens on platters carried by servants.
A Halfling wearing a Bat mask is dancing with a Tiefling donning a Squid. The couple pass you on their way to the dancefloor.
A dwarf wearing the mask of a donkey, and a Dragonborn presenting as an iguana are watching the various entertainment provided in the hall. Among the commissioned entertainers in the main hall, the party notes:
A gnome bard, wearing a mask adorned with finch feathers, enthusiastically playing a fiddle while others dance.
A trio of belly dancers, each wearing an owl mask, moving in syncopation.
An Elven snake charmer, wearing a serpent mask, sitting cross-legged on the floor before his snake basket.
A drow fortune teller, donning a scorpion mask, sitting behind a low, velvet-covered table.
The festivities are an assault on the senses, and it is very overwhelming.
As the party takes the scene in, is there anything you would like to do?
Flint considers his options for a moment and then responds to the Tabaxi “I will take the boar mask, if you please”
Entering the party with his face now covered, he takes in the partygoers and entertainers. He is almost immediately uncomfortable with the crowd and bustling activity, his own personality is more quiet and withdrawn. Although he does give the fortune teller a second glance. He hangs back at the edges of the crowd, he makes special note of the masks of his companions and is sticking close by them.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Remembering that they are here to investigate a death, likely a murder, Hurren moves about the room, trying to focus on watching various party-goers for suspicious activity, such as passing packages back and forth, disappearing into other rooms, pickpocketing, slipping drugs or poisons into the drinks or food. He looks for any tapestries that might be similar to that found with the severed limb, or that look like they might have been recently damaged or repaired.
He is also on the alert for any charm magic that might be coming from the music, or the performers.
Malichi watches the group from a safe distance. The exchange between Dexen and the Tabaxi seemed suspicious to him. He's already scoping out an approach to the second story. Once he has a plan he vanishes into the shadows and moves into place
Stealth: 17
Unaware someone might spot him he begins climbing
Acrobatics: 19
and falls on his ass. He picks himself up and reassess the situation. Maybe something he's missed
Following their conversation, Zensiro is slightly concerned for Malichi, but reminds himself, "In Haven, everyone can start anew. Assuming that his former 'colleagues' don't find their way here, of course. But Malichi doesn't seem to be the type of person to get himself in the type of trouble that would cause someone to pursue him across the planes. Best to keep an eye on him just in case."
On his way back from the Greasy Weasel, Zensiro stops by the Town Well to spend some moments contemplating in the company of Chauntea. Some combination of the mild spirits infused in his drink and the danger of the events at the Guard House earlier in the day fill him with a sense of purpose and achievement. After mumuring in sylvan some words of thanks and praise to the Earthmother, he returns to the Temple to meditate and enter his trance. During the night, he rests fitfully, having visions of shadowy, amorphous creatures pouring into the forests of his home through planar portals such as the one through which he travelled to Haven. However, in his vision, the Earthmother's servant, Kamerynn, joins with Zensiro to drive them back.
Arising from his trance early the next morning, Zensiro gathers his equipment and heads to the forest outside of the city proper. Wandering somewhat aimlessly, he eventually finds himself in what appears to be a grove of weirwood, though he did not know that they existed here in Haven. The grove appears to be ancient, incongruous with the relative youth of the city and what he knows of its history. On the ground a few metres away, Zensiro spies a fallen branch. Moved by some unseen force, he walks over and carves off a piece, about as long as his hand. As he observes it, the voice of the Earthmother flows through his mind, reassuring him of his ability to do what is needed in this place. Awash in the tranquility of the setting, ten berries suddenly appear in his other hand. Smiling, Zensiro pockets them and peers upward through the treetops to the sky. Realizing that the morning is quickly passing, Zensiro heads back to the city and the Temple to meet with his comrades.
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
As the party crosses over into the officials, the sun is beginning to set, casting a soft glow over the buildings.
The clock tower doles a sonorous tone and street lamps illuminate the cobble with a warm amber glow. Closer inspection reveals no flames are present in the lamps; they appear to be enchantments triggered by the clocktower bell. Iconography has been engraved under each lamp, displaying whose workmanship these marvels belong to.
Under the light of the setting sun, and assisted by the magic lamps, the party notices the clock tower displays not only the time, but the cycle of the two moons. Tonight is the lunar eclipse, a rare occasion.
There is already a queue at the lodge. The party sees townsfolk and adventurers alike in the queue, and more passing them as they approach. Some are dressed in Finery, wearing elegant masks glinted with gold thread, others are wearing capes over their adventurers kit with masks of grotesque, gothic amalgamations of fantastical creatures. Others still are not wearing masks at all, but still lined up to attend the Ball.
The visage of the lodging house is imposing, and does not fit entirely with the general theme of the surrounding buildings. Old and projecting a sense of grandeur, the party gets the sense this building has been in Haven since some of its earliest settlers. Some of the attendees walking to the lodge are overheard talking.
"... Nobody remembers who originally built the Lodge, it's passed hands over the years…"
"...My grandfather told me when he was a boy, Lord Prospero; an elven aristocrat, was master of the house. Apparently he disappeared some time ago and the lodge sat empty until some Tabaxi showed up with a writ of ownership…"
"...Lady Irene? No I can't say I've met her; just suddenly appeared a few weeks back, writ in hand, and took over the lodge. From what I hear though, she is a generous and charismatic mistress; she commissioned entertainers, artists, cooks and master craftsmen in preparation for this ball. I even hear she retains a handmaid who is a master seamstress. She has been making masks in house which Lady Irene has been distributing free of charge."
How would you like to proceed? If you join the queue, you will have 4 party goers ahead of you. Any conversations you want to have? Last minute preparations?
Hurren says quietly in Common, "Now what are we looking for? Evidence for the mutilation or murder of some creature?"
Dexen responds;
" Both I think. Can anyone jog my memory; was the body we found human, or some other creature? I remember the limbs were contorted, but I cannot recall other than that, how the body looked. Were there feathers around it...?"
Dexen wipes over his face and it starts to shimmer, when it settles Dexen now appears to be wearing a mask, simple in design, it covers his eyes, nose and upper lip. The white mask has an elongated nose which ends in a sharp point. " I'm ready".
"If memory serves, the Lieutenant reported that his men had found a severed arm, wrapped in a bit of tapestry, near the lodge," the wood elf answers.
“Severed arm seems right to me, guess the rest of the body might be about somewhere” Skrach rubs his head, “ We joining the queue or sneaking in some other ways?”
Skrach / Miner
Hurren contemplates. "Well, Zensiro, Flint, Dexan and I should fit in without much trouble. Where did that hat of disguise get off to? You and Malichi can join the queue with us, or perhaps he wishes to do a little 'second-story' work," he says to Skrach.
"I have been working on a few things, if one of you fancies carrying a rat or spider in, I can slip in unnoticed"
Skrach / Miner
Dexen chines in; " Is there an advantage to sneaking in? There is going to be dozens of people inside, everyone wearing masquerade, and we aren't known to many people. I believe a cut purse would call that 'hiding in a crowd'. My point is that with the amount of people inside, anyone not wearing a mask will stand out; unless that person was completely invisible. But if you want to hide, I'll carry you under my disguise Skratch" dexen passes his hand through his opposite shoulder and you see that though it looks like the regular garb Dexen wears, he has ' buffed up' his size to appear larger. Where his hand passes though, the image shimmers before resettling , obscuring his hand in illusionary clothes.
"I still have the hat (OOC as far as I'm aware) but I someone else can take it if they like. If it's a Masquerade party I'm good to go" Malichi chuckles "Getting in unseen from upstairs shouldn't be any problem. Skrach, you can ride with me if you like, or Dexen, whichever works for you. Anyone else want to go in with me?"
The Worlds of Pphost a community of DMs and Players making PbP better
Malichi, Tiefling Rogue - Worlds of Pphost- The Amazing Teleportation Machine
DM Worlds of Pphost - Haven 'A Few Days at a Tavern'
Extended Signature
Flint enjoys a hot breakfast at the Greasy Weasel and spends most of the day sparring around with the off-duty guards that frequent the place, picking up a few more fighting techniques and tricks as well. After meeting the others at the Temple, he finds himself standing in line outside of the lodge. He waves his invitation “I am all for going in the front door, though I am not dressed in as much finery as some of the others here. As for what we are looking for, who knows? I doubt we are lucky enough to see a corpse in the main room, or someone missing an arm, but maybe we can find out more about the good lady.”
Having reviewed his options, Zensiro decides that his well-maintained traveller's clothes and nifty new cloak will be sufficient for the evening's festivities. After arriving at the Lodging House and assessing his fellow attendees, he's relieved that his judgment seems to have been correct. Zensiro waits patiently in the queue, discreetly observing the other partygoers to see if they appear to take notice of our group. He also keeps his ears open for anyone speaking celestial, primordial, or sylvan. To Skrach he replies, "I'd be honoured to carry one of your friends in with me. I've experience enough with animals, I should hopefully be able to keep an eye on them. If you and Malichi want to utilize your unique talents, then by all means. I trust you'll exercise an appropriate amount of caution, especially after the difficulties we faced at the Guard House. As Hurren says and judging by the crowd here, the rest of us shouldn't have any trouble blending in. Now who among us is charming enough to speak with this Lady Irene, maybe get a read on her if we have an opportunity? I can detect a falsehood, but I'm likely not much use in persuading her to reveal anything about this severed limb."
Passive WIS (Perception) 20
Passive INT (Investigation) 21
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
" I will walk in with you kids, seeing as we have an invitation. I can save the spider mode for when we is in if there is any sneaks to be done. He he I bet I get some looks"
Skrach starts swaggering towards the queue.
Skrach / Miner
The party (except for Malachi?) Come upon the front door.
At the door stands a tall female wearing a jet black mask of a cat; silver trim frames the eyes and the party otherwise notes this mask is highly detailed, the work of a master artisan. Zensiro notices her paws first. This must be the Tabaxi handmaid the party overhead other party goers speaking about; her bright green eyes are keen and observant as she watches you approach.
"Welcome to the home of Lady Irene" the Tabaxi has a deep voice, with the hint of a purr reverberating a timbre in her chest as she rolls the "r"s in her words. "Hmm doo you have...your invitation?" More deep purrs can be faintly heard in her chest.
As she checks over your invitations she gestures to a table where a selection of masks are sitting; " The Lady of the house has commissioned masks for party goers; tonight's theme is animals of the wildness. Please; select whatever mask you wish, we have multiples of each" the Tabaxi handmaid smiles, revealing polished feline teeth ending in sharp points.
Fox
Lynx
Wolf
Deer
Hare
Owl
Boar
Squirrel
Dexen comments; " no need for me" gesturing to his disguise " I came prepared".
The Tabaxi steps forward. She places her paw on Dexen's face; " This… will not do. Lady Irene is very insistent physical masks be worn inside, otherwise I cannot permit you entry; besides, if your illusion slips, you will ruin the atmosphere and fun.." the handmaid flashes another Sharp toothed grin at Dexen and gestures to the masks with a graceful, clawed paw.
While waiting, you don't pick up on anyone who isn't speaking common.
As for anyone taking notice of the party, no other party goers notice you, but as you approach towards the front of the queue you could swear you caught the handmaid locking eyes on your party, and other groups of adventurers.
The Tabaxi peers down at you and you hear a warm purr. " Little treat, I think for you, perhaps a fox mask? " ...Did she wink at you? You can't be sure.
Feel free to respond and argue on the last post, but for time sake, I'll post the next bit here so you guys have more to work with/respond to.
It is now dusk, and the lodge is candlelit within; chandeliers emit a golden glow over the festivities. The last amber visages of daylight filter through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns onto the high walls.
The main hallway is filled with party goers dancing, and others conversing at the back wall, which is lined with long rectangular tables covered in a variety of offerings:
goblets of wine, cakes and cookies, plaited black breads, and a roast pig with an apple in its mouth. A human in a parrot mask, and another wearing the guise of a Raven are laughing at the food table, already inebriated on the wine freely flowing from the kitchens on platters carried by servants.
A Halfling wearing a Bat mask is dancing with a Tiefling donning a Squid. The couple pass you on their way to the dancefloor.
A dwarf wearing the mask of a donkey, and a Dragonborn presenting as an iguana are watching the various entertainment provided in the hall. Among the commissioned entertainers in the main hall, the party notes:
A gnome bard, wearing a mask adorned with finch feathers, enthusiastically playing a fiddle while others dance.
A trio of belly dancers, each wearing an owl mask, moving in syncopation.
An Elven snake charmer, wearing a serpent mask, sitting cross-legged on the floor before his snake basket.
A drow fortune teller, donning a scorpion mask, sitting behind a low, velvet-covered table.
The festivities are an assault on the senses, and it is very overwhelming.
As the party takes the scene in, is there anything you would like to do?
Hurren watches Skrach being outfitted as a fox, ponders for a moment and then selects the Hare for himself.
"I will take a fox miss, thank you kindly" Skrach straightens himself, brushing a cobweb from his shoulder.
Skrach / Miner
Flint considers his options for a moment and then responds to the Tabaxi “I will take the boar mask, if you please”
Entering the party with his face now covered, he takes in the partygoers and entertainers. He is almost immediately uncomfortable with the crowd and bustling activity, his own personality is more quiet and withdrawn. Although he does give the fortune teller a second glance. He hangs back at the edges of the crowd, he makes special note of the masks of his companions and is sticking close by them.
Remembering that they are here to investigate a death, likely a murder, Hurren moves about the room, trying to focus on watching various party-goers for suspicious activity, such as passing packages back and forth, disappearing into other rooms, pickpocketing, slipping drugs or poisons into the drinks or food. He looks for any tapestries that might be similar to that found with the severed limb, or that look like they might have been recently damaged or repaired.
He is also on the alert for any charm magic that might be coming from the music, or the performers.
Perception: 7
Malichi watches the group from a safe distance. The exchange between Dexen and the Tabaxi seemed suspicious to him. He's already scoping out an approach to the second story. Once he has a plan he vanishes into the shadows and moves into place
Stealth: 17
Unaware someone might spot him he begins climbing
Acrobatics: 19
and falls on his ass. He picks himself up and reassess the situation. Maybe something he's missed
Perception: 4
The Worlds of Pphost a community of DMs and Players making PbP better
Malichi, Tiefling Rogue - Worlds of Pphost- The Amazing Teleportation Machine
DM Worlds of Pphost - Haven 'A Few Days at a Tavern'
Extended Signature