CF - Volo's Adventurers' Guild - PbP Campaign

Quote from CyberusFaustus >>

Banjo opens the door and peaks in. It is another empty room, in which the only immediately recognizable items are rat droppings and crumbled flagstone. This empty room also has a door on its north wall. 

 ((this is from when Banjo checked it out earlier. Anyone on the team could certainly give it another investigation as enough time has passed))

Serena does her door routine, listening first at the door in the north wall. Perception:15
And then checking the door for traps. Investigation:13 with help from Tresvar.
Unless the door is trapped or locked she swings it open, crossbow ready, after informing the others of any sounds she heard.

While Serena is busy with the door, Banjo turns to Livia.  "If I'm not mistaken, you unleashed a powerful cantrip on those rats back there.  Most impressive.  I had overheard you and Serena talking back in Oakhurst but I did not intend to pry.  But I see you do possess some natural magical talents!  I just wanted to commend you on your fine work, and if there are ever any questions I can answer about the arcane or the magical, please consider me at your service." 

(Edit) While speaking, Banjo will begin furiously casting prestidigitation as many times as are necessary to unsoil himself and his clothing/gear of all the foulness from the rats nest room.

"Ah, thanks," Livia replies, a little embarrassed, "but it wasn't really intentional, back then. I just really wanted to harm the rat without the risk of hitting Trrsvar in the way. I... don't fully understand nor control my powers, yet. Forgive me for not revealing this fact before, I didn't know how you'd react."

While investigating the door, Serena and Tresvar notice damage done to the door as someone had made some modifications. Carefully inspecting it further reveals that something has been affixed to the other side of the door, about three feet off the ground. Serena recognizes that it is likely a bell or other alarm which would alert others if the door were roughly or hastily opened.

Serena tries to find a way to disable the alarm, something of a speciality of hers actually.
Thieves tools:22
Or is it just to open the door slowly?

Assuming they share their discovery of the likely alarm trap, Banjo interjects.  "Now, this sounds like goblin trap work, based on my studies.  Let us pause for a moment here and think about this.  As we had discussed in town, I can disguise myself to look like a goblin and can speak their language. I might be able to pass among them, but more likely they will recognize that I am not a goblin any of them know or part of their tribe.  Yet I have been thinking... what if I enter their lair, claiming to be a... I don't know... a requisitions officer from a neighboring tribe... I could say we have heard about their capture of a baby dragon and some humans and ask to see if the stories were true and maybe even offer to buy them... If all goes well I could scout the interior and come back so we can plan an incursion.  If all goes poorly... well I suppose I will probably be fed to a baby dragon for sport.  But I am willing to give this a try if the rest of you are?  I'm also open to other suggestions if you think Operation Undercover Banjo could work but with some modifications."

"Sounds like a plan Banjo, but I think Yusdrayl still expects us to scour the Sunless Citadel of goblins. I wouldn't mind more intelligence on their numbers, traps and positions, but however formidable that magic of yours is I fear the risks you take outweigh what we could gain by this plan. I agree this alarm bell probably is set by the goblins, making this door the way into their territory. If we pass this door undetected we could stand a decent chance of catching any sentries off guard and hopefully be able to take the rest of the goblins out in small unprepared groups. Your visit might risk putting them on edge or at least gather together, which will make things more difficult for us I think. What do you say?" Serena finishes, looking to Tresvar, Livia and Meepo for their opinions.

Tresvar says “it’s a good plan, but I fear you being by yourself if things go wrong.  We should all stay together I think.  What about a mixed approach-  You can lead us into the goblin territory, as a goblin with your magic, Tell them we are your slaves- for a change., perhaps we can use that to get some information about the captives, how many goblins they have, and where the dragon is-  and then catch them off guard in an attack”.  

((Banjo, roll a History check for your knowledge of goblin interactions and society))

History 17

Banjo's knowledge of goblin interactions and society:

"All good points, all good points.  Lets be deliberate about this.  I can tell you from my studies of their culture, goblins love to bully the weak, but cower before the strong.  Tribes are ruled by the toughest and most ruthless, and they typically share common colors and attire.  Without study of these goblins, it would be difficult to pass as one of them as I may not be able to match their patterns and style."

"Say, that reminds me, there were some goblin corpses back in the rat nest....".  History check to remember any tattoos, colors, or other markings that would help determine what these gobos dress like? 14

"In any case, if I can't match the local tribes colors and style, acting like a member of another tribe might not work either... they know how cunning and deceitful they themselves are, and they count on other goblin tribes to behave the same as worse.  If anything I might have the same welcome walking in as Banjo as I would disguised as a goblin from another tribe."

"Upon consideration, I think we should hold this plan in reserve.  If we can capture or slay an existing member of the tribe so I can get a good look at him, then perhaps I could disguise myself as that particular goblin to do some snooping.  Otherwise I think you are right and the plan just has too many holes in it."  For a moment - just a moment - Banjo looks crestfallen that Operation Undercover Banjo is over before it begins.  But then he is back with a smile and ready to sneak past this alarm trap.

"Good, I´m sure you will find use of your deceptive magic in time Banjo." Serena says encouragingly. "Are we going with the sneak-up-on-the-gobs-an-killem plan for now then?" She asks the others.

Banjo's recollection of the goblin corpses:

Tresvar says “sneaking and killing works for me.  Except I’m not very good at the sneaking part.”  She grins. 

"OK.  A final word before we proceed.  If we come upon any large groups of goblins, I will attempt a spell to put as many of them as possible to sleep.  If successful, focus your attacks on those who remain awake.  If you strike a sleeper but he survives, he's likely to awaken and rejoin the fight.  Rather, save those who slumber until the end, and we can perhaps bind and question them."

"Good luck everyone... and keep in mind some of my goodcousin's sage advice, 'your most valuable tools in a dungeon are a friend's eyes watching your backside.' "

“got it.  No waking up goblins.   Let’s go!” Tresvar says

"Ok, here...we...go." Serena whispers before slowly, slowly opening the door, peeking beyond it, ready with her crossbow.
Stealth: 9 Perception: 17

Serena quietly and carefully opens the door, without jostling the bell which you can now see hung from the other side of the door.

((Can I get a marching order))