Razi stands in silence, listening to Jim's theory. His expression of concern melts away and then hardens. "So this was a trap? If so, who set it? Conjuring illusions that can speak and behave like real children - that can feel solid enough for you to pick them up - is no mean feat. Yet this place seems deserted. Why bring us here?"
He looks around some more, his breath rate increasing, his words becoming more manic. "And what manner of villain uses children in such a way? To manipulate and coerce..."as he wheels toward the door. "Were they illusions at all? Were they the ghosts of real children, forced into undead servitude? Who would do this?!"he shouts. It seems he is no longer conversing with the others, but shouting at the walls themselves. "Answer me! Let the monster responsible for this reveal themselves and face the light of judgement!" He raises a palm toward the ceiling near the staircase, a ball of white light gathering before his hand... but then he sighs, closing his fist and extinguishing the light. He moves back toward the mantle, looking up at the windmill design and muttering to himself.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Caine frowns a little when Jim lays out his ideas, and as much as he'd like to find fault, it sounds pretty spot on. Then he takes half a step back from Razi as he threatens to attack the house.
"Okay, okay. Agreed, this isn't the ideal scenario, but look," Caine begins and spins around, hands in the air, "walls, lanterns, fireplaces, no wolves or stick monsters. If we're stuck for the night, at least we're out of the mist. And a big house like this is bound to have some actual beds."
He looks at the entrance door again.
"There was the sound of a lock clicking shut," Caine says. "So it can probably be unlocked. But there's probably another way out."
He looks at the wall carvings again and then sticks his head in the kitchen.
"Did you notice the serpents and skulls mixed in with the pretty woodland stuff on the walls? And what's with all the black cloaks in the closet?"
"I don't know if it was a trap, or it was some sort of manifestation of the dead children," Jim replies. "I've heard of ghosts, but I thought they were incorporeal. Maybe there's something like ghosts?
Razi returns from the corner, his smile back and he runs his hands through his hair. Then he claps his hands and saunters into the middle of the group. "Time to put together a game plan. Now, its probably a great time to get to know one another and what skills we bring to the table. I've worked with some of you before... others not." He leans in, hands on his knees. "Cards on the table: I'm a warlock. Years ago I was approached by a... an angel... an angelic being," he falters a bit, like he can't find the words. "She taught me a little magic and gave me a purpose: to help the weak and the needy; and to destroy evil. I personally much prefer the former. But the sweet innocent children have been pulled off the table. All that's left here is to find out who was pulling their strings and put an end to them." Razi says this with a grin and a friendly twinkle in his eyes, but there is a hard edge behind his words. "After that rest, I've got one good healing spell back within my power. And I can burn away evil with the cold light of judgment. Other than that, I'm not good for much unless you need a house built... or a little light," he adds, holding up his lit hammer.
"How about the rest of you? Any hidden talents that may come in handy or help us figure out what's going on in this house of horrors?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Caine smiles as Razi wraps up his quick biography.
"Nothing so grand, I'm afraid," Caine says with a half bow. "But growing up in the Field Ward does make one resourceful. I've been able to talk my way out of most trouble, and convince slumming nobles that that their investments are safe with me. If those don't work, I've a knack for acquiring what I want when those who have it don't want to give it to me. And in worst case scenarios, I can just slip away unseen."
He looks over at Jim and gives him a nod. "Gentleman Jim here I think understands the gist of all this."
"I am afraid my skills are a bit limited when it comes to dealing with such voodoo and witchcraft. I was raised by a clan of gnomes and if farming or hunting is involved, I am your guy. My adopted father was afraid of tight places if you can believe it so we farmed on the surface and never went underground. I returned from a long hunting expedition and found the farm had been burned and smoke was coming from the tunnel entrance. I never found any bodies. Some human traders came by and I have been working trade the routes ever since trying to figure out what happened. I can breathe some really cold air however, not sure if the undead feel cold but anyone alive will feel the chill and I never have to put on a cloak no matter how cold it is. <smiles and grabs his sword> Just keep your distance when I start swinging this thing! I'm used to hunting alone."
blows a rotating smoke ring made from very cold air that sinks to the floor and dissipates....
"I was really hoping there really was a Madame Eva that had some answers."
"You were raised by gnomes?" Caine says when Sleet finishes, keeping a laugh from escaping. "Gnome farmers? And they called you Sleet? Nothing against the name. It suits you."
He looks over at Razi.
"And you've been juiced up by dudes with big wings?" Caine adds. He turns to Nelyna. "And you've mentioned a magical master of some sort. And Jimbo here's interested in the mystic too."
Caine rubs the back of his neck and lets his gaze linger on a shadow in the corner for a moment before continuing.
"Good thing you've all got me then. You might all be after the answers to the mysteries of the planes but that doesn't put food on the table," Caine says. "Now me. Never had much but always found more."
With that he lights another one of the oil lamps and heads into the kitchen, lighting every lamp he gets close to - every lamp. He props the door open to keep an open dialog with everyone in the main hall.
"Let's see what they've got," Caine says and begins banging around in the cupboards and even takes a look inside the dumbwaiter.
"Sleet is not quite rain, not quite snow. I am not quite dragon, and not quite human, hence the name. The gnomes had a real sense of humor, they would have loved you guys, kept an eye on their purse of course, but everyone has a role to play they taught me so all good. Anyone mind if I grab that heavy crossbow? I rarely use one but might come in handy for hunting."
Deciding the kitchen is a bust and that even if he could convince someone to go inside the dumbwaiter, there's no one in the group small enough to fit, Caine exits the kitchen and picks one of the remaining doors and opens it.
"Does burglary count?" Caine asks as he listens at the door. Then he looks back at Jim. "You're a decent guy, Jim, but I don't think we're at the share-all-of-our-deepest-secrets phase of our friendship. Guy's got to keep a couple of cards up his sleeve. Oh yeah, I'm decent at that too."
Caine's hand moves to the back of his neck and he rubs it for a moment before turning back to the door.
Razi remains curious about what Nelyna's background might be and what arcane powers she can wield but he appreciates everyone's candor. "Caine, given the circumstances, we don't know what is waiting for us in this home. It would be wise if you continue to take the lead as we explore. If anything seems out of place, just point it out to us and we will investigate." He smiles another big, too-happy-for-what's-happening smile and says, "We've got this. No problem."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Caine pulls out one of the black cloaks and sweeps it around over his shoulders, trying it on.
"How many black cloaks do you need?" Caine asks everyone before deciding to keep wearing this one for now.
(Are there any other doors downstairs? If so, Caine will open them and take a look inside. If not, he'll head up the stairs, bringing a lamp along and lighting any and all lamps he comes across along the way, keeping a watch for traps, and secret panels - Perception: 12 )
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Razi will walk around the table, hammer held high for light to see. Is anything out of place? What about the painting and the tapestry? Anything behind them? Investigation: 19
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Razi stands in silence, listening to Jim's theory. His expression of concern melts away and then hardens. "So this was a trap? If so, who set it? Conjuring illusions that can speak and behave like real children - that can feel solid enough for you to pick them up - is no mean feat. Yet this place seems deserted. Why bring us here?"
He looks around some more, his breath rate increasing, his words becoming more manic. "And what manner of villain uses children in such a way? To manipulate and coerce..." as he wheels toward the door. "Were they illusions at all? Were they the ghosts of real children, forced into undead servitude? Who would do this?!" he shouts. It seems he is no longer conversing with the others, but shouting at the walls themselves. "Answer me! Let the monster responsible for this reveal themselves and face the light of judgement!" He raises a palm toward the ceiling near the staircase, a ball of white light gathering before his hand... but then he sighs, closing his fist and extinguishing the light. He moves back toward the mantle, looking up at the windmill design and muttering to himself.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Caine frowns a little when Jim lays out his ideas, and as much as he'd like to find fault, it sounds pretty spot on. Then he takes half a step back from Razi as he threatens to attack the house.
"Okay, okay. Agreed, this isn't the ideal scenario, but look," Caine begins and spins around, hands in the air, "walls, lanterns, fireplaces, no wolves or stick monsters. If we're stuck for the night, at least we're out of the mist. And a big house like this is bound to have some actual beds."
He looks at the entrance door again.
"There was the sound of a lock clicking shut," Caine says. "So it can probably be unlocked. But there's probably another way out."
He looks at the wall carvings again and then sticks his head in the kitchen.
"Did you notice the serpents and skulls mixed in with the pretty woodland stuff on the walls? And what's with all the black cloaks in the closet?"
"I don't know if it was a trap, or it was some sort of manifestation of the dead children," Jim replies. "I've heard of ghosts, but I thought they were incorporeal. Maybe there's something like ghosts?
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Razi returns from the corner, his smile back and he runs his hands through his hair. Then he claps his hands and saunters into the middle of the group. "Time to put together a game plan. Now, its probably a great time to get to know one another and what skills we bring to the table. I've worked with some of you before... others not." He leans in, hands on his knees. "Cards on the table: I'm a warlock. Years ago I was approached by a... an angel... an angelic being," he falters a bit, like he can't find the words. "She taught me a little magic and gave me a purpose: to help the weak and the needy; and to destroy evil. I personally much prefer the former. But the sweet innocent children have been pulled off the table. All that's left here is to find out who was pulling their strings and put an end to them." Razi says this with a grin and a friendly twinkle in his eyes, but there is a hard edge behind his words. "After that rest, I've got one good healing spell back within my power. And I can burn away evil with the cold light of judgment. Other than that, I'm not good for much unless you need a house built... or a little light," he adds, holding up his lit hammer.
"How about the rest of you? Any hidden talents that may come in handy or help us figure out what's going on in this house of horrors?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Caine smiles as Razi wraps up his quick biography.
"Nothing so grand, I'm afraid," Caine says with a half bow. "But growing up in the Field Ward does make one resourceful. I've been able to talk my way out of most trouble, and convince slumming nobles that that their investments are safe with me. If those don't work, I've a knack for acquiring what I want when those who have it don't want to give it to me. And in worst case scenarios, I can just slip away unseen."
He looks over at Jim and gives him a nod. "Gentleman Jim here I think understands the gist of all this."
"I am afraid my skills are a bit limited when it comes to dealing with such voodoo and witchcraft. I was raised by a clan of gnomes and if farming or hunting is involved, I am your guy. My adopted father was afraid of tight places if you can believe it so we farmed on the surface and never went underground. I returned from a long hunting expedition and found the farm had been burned and smoke was coming from the tunnel entrance. I never found any bodies. Some human traders came by and I have been working trade the routes ever since trying to figure out what happened. I can breathe some really cold air however, not sure if the undead feel cold but anyone alive will feel the chill and I never have to put on a cloak no matter how cold it is. <smiles and grabs his sword> Just keep your distance when I start swinging this thing! I'm used to hunting alone."
blows a rotating smoke ring made from very cold air that sinks to the floor and dissipates....
"I was really hoping there really was a Madame Eva that had some answers."
"You were raised by gnomes?" Caine says when Sleet finishes, keeping a laugh from escaping. "Gnome farmers? And they called you Sleet? Nothing against the name. It suits you."
He looks over at Razi.
"And you've been juiced up by dudes with big wings?" Caine adds. He turns to Nelyna. "And you've mentioned a magical master of some sort. And Jimbo here's interested in the mystic too."
Caine rubs the back of his neck and lets his gaze linger on a shadow in the corner for a moment before continuing.
"Good thing you've all got me then. You might all be after the answers to the mysteries of the planes but that doesn't put food on the table," Caine says. "Now me. Never had much but always found more."
With that he lights another one of the oil lamps and heads into the kitchen, lighting every lamp he gets close to - every lamp. He props the door open to keep an open dialog with everyone in the main hall.
"Let's see what they've got," Caine says and begins banging around in the cupboards and even takes a look inside the dumbwaiter.
"Sleet is not quite rain, not quite snow. I am not quite dragon, and not quite human, hence the name. The gnomes had a real sense of humor, they would have loved you guys, kept an eye on their purse of course, but everyone has a role to play they taught me so all good. Anyone mind if I grab that heavy crossbow? I rarely use one but might come in handy for hunting."
"Well," Jim says. "I'm pretty good at singing, and I'm not too bad at playing an instrument. Not sure how it would help here though."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Deciding the kitchen is a bust and that even if he could convince someone to go inside the dumbwaiter, there's no one in the group small enough to fit, Caine exits the kitchen and picks one of the remaining doors and opens it.
He takes a look around from the doorway.
Jim follows Caine behind, "So, what about you? Any secret talents other than thieving?"
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
"Does burglary count?" Caine asks as he listens at the door. Then he looks back at Jim. "You're a decent guy, Jim, but I don't think we're at the share-all-of-our-deepest-secrets phase of our friendship. Guy's got to keep a couple of cards up his sleeve. Oh yeah, I'm decent at that too."
Caine's hand moves to the back of his neck and he rubs it for a moment before turning back to the door.
Razi remains curious about what Nelyna's background might be and what arcane powers she can wield but he appreciates everyone's candor. "Caine, given the circumstances, we don't know what is waiting for us in this home. It would be wise if you continue to take the lead as we explore. If anything seems out of place, just point it out to us and we will investigate." He smiles another big, too-happy-for-what's-happening smile and says, "We've got this. No problem."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Caine pulls out one of the black cloaks and sweeps it around over his shoulders, trying it on.
"How many black cloaks do you need?" Caine asks everyone before deciding to keep wearing this one for now.
(Are there any other doors downstairs? If so, Caine will open them and take a look inside. If not, he'll head up the stairs, bringing a lamp along and lighting any and all lamps he comes across along the way, keeping a watch for traps, and secret panels - Perception: 12 )
quietly grabs the heavy crossbow, leaves the light one.
eyes the top hat and shakes his head and chuckles...
Razi will walk around the table, hammer held high for light to see. Is anything out of place? What about the painting and the tapestry? Anything behind them? Investigation: 19
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War