Shrek silently turns to the rest of team, points at the apparent carriage house, and then pantomimes like he’s a horse. Nodding to affirm understanding of the message he’s silently trying to convey, he nods to Remi to urge him to open the door.
Damian had found great relief finally getting a bath and getting rid of the stench of the Vanthampur sewers. At dinner last night he had seemed very content with how things had unfolded so far, even allowing himself to smile a few times. He had been mostly quiet though, likely contemplating the days events while still making an effort to be a gracious host and finding the time to praise the others performance during the information gathering at the Elfsong tavern and the raid into the catacombs of the Dead Three. After several drinks he had convinced a fairly intoxicated Sam to borrow him some gold for an important investment. At the luxurious breakfast the next morning one of Damian's servants returned with a package which made Damian leave the table, promising to catch up with the others at Wyrm's Rock.
-------------
Damian listened attentively at Captain Zodge's briefing, frowning at first as the stinking goliath was introduced as a new addition to the team, but deciding he could still have his uses seeing as Master Turnuroth was no longer available for him as a meat shield. With a resolute affirmative nod at Captain Zodge Damian then led the team through the streets of Baldur's gate to the Vanthampur villa. He would give the new recruit Shrek the impression of being the teams informal leader suggesting the goliath would let the others take care of the first contacts but that he should be ready to ruthlessly stomp out any and all resistance to their most lawful search of the villa for the traitorous Vanthampur family. Damian stayed back at first giving instructions to the Flaming Fist commander on site but as Remi was about to enter the villa Damian decided to join his team, hovering forward, carried by his new red mantle.
(Damian's recently summoned imp familiar Azrael will stay invisible at his side for now, helping him with keeping a look out for threats.) Damian Perception: 15
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Once Remi opens the door to the carriage house, Ankita steps in quietly. First she admires the horses, she can't help herself, then looks for any secret door or escape hatch that might lead back to the house.
All - The large wooden doors to this building open to reveal stables for four draft horses, plus a fully equipped smithy with an anvil and a hearth. A shirtless, bespectacled man is tapping on a horseshoe with a small hammer when you all enter. He appears to be human and in his mid-to-late fifties, but he is in excellent shape for his age. Sweat beads on his bare tan skin as he works, the morning temperature already climbing this time of year. He hasn't seemed to notice you all yet, instead intently focused on his work.
Ankita - From a distance, the horses only paw the floor of their stables and twitch, making soft horse noises as they do so. Three of the four horses are of standard size and coloration, but the fourth is a remarkable specimen. A male, at least 18 hands high from hoof to withers and as black as jet, the horse stands in an oversize stall. A sign is mounted above the door to his stall that has the name Mandarb burned into it.
Damian & Remi -
Upon entering the stables, you see the farrier and the horses, but your eyes are also drawn to a peculiar section of floor in the SW corner of the room. This roughly 5ft x 5ft section of the floor is free from the dust and hay that are scattered about the rest of the room and a certain 3ft x 3ft flagstone in the center of the space catches your eye as it is much larger than any of the other flagstones in the area.
Damian hovers slowly towards the servant. "Put down the hammer and be speak quietly and you will live through this. We are sent by the Flaming Fists to find the Vanthampurs. If you try to warn them I will personally see to it that you will face their infernal masters. Now tell us quickly where we can find the Vanthampurs."He says, giving the servant a stern gaze, hovering by the roof, surrounded by hellfire (minor image) Intimidation: 17 (hoping for advantage from Remi or illusion, otherwise go with first roll)
Damian - The man slowly looks up to you with a raised brow. His blue eyes squinting in the light of your hellfire meet it with icy calm. The man has a large mustache that frames a cleft chin. He sets down his hammer and crosses his thick arms across his muscular chest, "Didn't know the Fists were hirin' flying monkeys nowadays." He looks over at the rest of the party and adds, "But I suppose we take what we can get, no?" He plants his hands on his hips and squints up at you, "Did you try checking the house?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“As my friend here so eloquently put it, the business we have with your patrons may be some grim work. We do not believe those in service to the family should be held accountable for the sins of their patron. Any information you could provide us would be of much help. Perhaps a secret way in or some strange new additions to the house? As for your livelihood after this incursion, you have a marketable skill. The Fist will surely compensate you fairly for your work, and perhaps even reward you for your role in bringing down a vile evil amongst the city.”
Samuel - The man begins gathering his tools as you speak, tossing everything into a well-worn leather bag. He unties his leather half-apron and stuffs it in the bag as well. As he pulls on a simple cotton work shirt he says, "You should teach your floating friend a thing or two about talking to people. Regarding information on my... former employers, all I can say is that I'm not allowed to place anything in the southwest corner of the stables and if I'm ever found here after dark it's my ass."
All - The farrier walks briskly over to the horses and utters a few words to each as he gently strokes their noses. He takes a bit more time with Mandarb, his movements slow and careful. Just as he's about to brush the large horse's nose, it suddenly bites at him. The man withdraws his hand viper-quick and says, "Ah, never change you stubborn bastard." He then leaves the stables and is quickly intercepted by Flaming Fists.
Samuel will escort the farrier out and explain the situation to the Flaming Fist. He will instruct them to send one man to escort him to Zodge. Samuel will then return to the stable. “Nothing in the southwest corner, eh? Sounds like an escape hatch of some sort. A good place for that package of yours perhaps Shrek? Or do we want to investigate it before we block it?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Damian floats down, muttering something about the insolence of the serving class these days, but does not interfere with the farrier leaving the house. He then motions for the others, particularly Shrek who he instructs to lift the flagstone, being very clear about which flagsone he would want him to lift. Perception: 15
While Damian is trying to explain to Shrek which flagstone to lift, Ankita heads over and does it herself. "Hey guys, I think this is what the farrier was referring to." And she peers down the hole.
Ankita & Damian - The stone covers a brick-walled shaft and a wooden ladder that descends 15ft into the ground. It appears to be a way to quickly access the stables. A tunnel leads southward from the ladder and appears to be dimly lit.
"Well, I think since the Fists have the house covered, going down this way into the house is the way to go. Though, going back into a dank, dark area is not my idea of fun, I think it would be our best bet to get the jump on them."
"Let's just block this apparent escape route for now." Damian says. "We can use this as an entry point to the dungeons as soon as we have secured the house." Damian adds and motions for the team to enter the main house now.
(Suggested marching order Shrek, Remi, Sam, Ankita, Damian.)
Ankita looks at Damian annoyed, "Well other than being completely ignored by my suggestion, I suppose you are much more versed in these abodes than me." She takes the anvil and places it over the flagstone. "Let's head out"
“I’m aware of some songs and poems which involve a pair of star crossed lovers escaping through a secret tunnel to ride their stolen horses from the family stable off into the sunset. I am confident that is the intent with this tunnel, escape that is, not a route to enjoy a tryst. This tunnel heads off towards the house, at least initially. Either way, front door or this tunnel, we will enter the home I believe.”
Remi says “The front door method might encounter the most resistance and be the expected route. The Fists are covering the front door manner of escaping. I thought going through their escape hatch and coming “in through the out door” as it were would lead a little bit to the element of surprise. But I will go along with the wishes of the group.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"As long as we don't waste more time letting the Vanthampurs prepare their defenses."Damian says impatiently and motions for Ankita to remove the anvil and then the flagstone so that Shrek can squeeze himself down the escape route. "Now let's move!" Stealth: 12 Perception: 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Shrek silently turns to the rest of team, points at the apparent carriage house, and then pantomimes like he’s a horse. Nodding to affirm understanding of the message he’s silently trying to convey, he nods to Remi to urge him to open the door.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Remi gives Shrek an exaggerated nod and opens the door to the carriage house.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Damian had found great relief finally getting a bath and getting rid of the stench of the Vanthampur sewers. At dinner last night he had seemed very content with how things had unfolded so far, even allowing himself to smile a few times. He had been mostly quiet though, likely contemplating the days events while still making an effort to be a gracious host and finding the time to praise the others performance during the information gathering at the Elfsong tavern and the raid into the catacombs of the Dead Three. After several drinks he had convinced a fairly intoxicated Sam to borrow him some gold for an important investment. At the luxurious breakfast the next morning one of Damian's servants returned with a package which made Damian leave the table, promising to catch up with the others at Wyrm's Rock.
-------------
Damian listened attentively at Captain Zodge's briefing, frowning at first as the stinking goliath was introduced as a new addition to the team, but deciding he could still have his uses seeing as Master Turnuroth was no longer available for him as a meat shield. With a resolute affirmative nod at Captain Zodge Damian then led the team through the streets of Baldur's gate to the Vanthampur villa. He would give the new recruit Shrek the impression of being the teams informal leader suggesting the goliath would let the others take care of the first contacts but that he should be ready to ruthlessly stomp out any and all resistance to their most lawful search of the villa for the traitorous Vanthampur family. Damian stayed back at first giving instructions to the Flaming Fist commander on site but as Remi was about to enter the villa Damian decided to join his team, hovering forward, carried by his new red mantle.
(Damian's recently summoned imp familiar Azrael will stay invisible at his side for now, helping him with keeping a look out for threats.)
Damian Perception: 15
Once Remi opens the door to the carriage house, Ankita steps in quietly. First she admires the horses, she can't help herself, then looks for any secret door or escape hatch that might lead back to the house.
Stealth: 15
Perception: 8
All - The large wooden doors to this building open to reveal stables for four draft horses, plus a fully equipped smithy with an anvil and a hearth. A shirtless, bespectacled man is tapping on a horseshoe with a small hammer when you all enter. He appears to be human and in his mid-to-late fifties, but he is in excellent shape for his age. Sweat beads on his bare tan skin as he works, the morning temperature already climbing this time of year. He hasn't seemed to notice you all yet, instead intently focused on his work.
Ankita - From a distance, the horses only paw the floor of their stables and twitch, making soft horse noises as they do so. Three of the four horses are of standard size and coloration, but the fourth is a remarkable specimen. A male, at least 18 hands high from hoof to withers and as black as jet, the horse stands in an oversize stall. A sign is mounted above the door to his stall that has the name Mandarb burned into it.
Damian & Remi -
Upon entering the stables, you see the farrier and the horses, but your eyes are also drawn to a peculiar section of floor in the SW corner of the room. This roughly 5ft x 5ft section of the floor is free from the dust and hay that are scattered about the rest of the room and a certain 3ft x 3ft flagstone in the center of the space catches your eye as it is much larger than any of the other flagstones in the area.
Damian hovers slowly towards the servant. "Put down the hammer and be speak quietly and you will live through this. We are sent by the Flaming Fists to find the Vanthampurs. If you try to warn them I will personally see to it that you will face their infernal masters. Now tell us quickly where we can find the Vanthampurs." He says, giving the servant a stern gaze, hovering by the roof, surrounded by hellfire (minor image) Intimidation: 17 (hoping for advantage from Remi or illusion, otherwise go with first roll)
Damian - The man slowly looks up to you with a raised brow. His blue eyes squinting in the light of your hellfire meet it with icy calm. The man has a large mustache that frames a cleft chin. He sets down his hammer and crosses his thick arms across his muscular chest, "Didn't know the Fists were hirin' flying monkeys nowadays." He looks over at the rest of the party and adds, "But I suppose we take what we can get, no?" He plants his hands on his hips and squints up at you, "Did you try checking the house?"
“As my friend here so eloquently put it, the business we have with your patrons may be some grim work. We do not believe those in service to the family should be held accountable for the sins of their patron. Any information you could provide us would be of much help. Perhaps a secret way in or some strange new additions to the house? As for your livelihood after this incursion, you have a marketable skill. The Fist will surely compensate you fairly for your work, and perhaps even reward you for your role in bringing down a vile evil amongst the city.”
Persuasion/Deception: 15 (17 minimum)
Samuel - The man begins gathering his tools as you speak, tossing everything into a well-worn leather bag. He unties his leather half-apron and stuffs it in the bag as well. As he pulls on a simple cotton work shirt he says, "You should teach your floating friend a thing or two about talking to people. Regarding information on my... former employers, all I can say is that I'm not allowed to place anything in the southwest corner of the stables and if I'm ever found here after dark it's my ass."
All - The farrier walks briskly over to the horses and utters a few words to each as he gently strokes their noses. He takes a bit more time with Mandarb, his movements slow and careful. Just as he's about to brush the large horse's nose, it suddenly bites at him. The man withdraws his hand viper-quick and says, "Ah, never change you stubborn bastard." He then leaves the stables and is quickly intercepted by Flaming Fists.
Samuel will escort the farrier out and explain the situation to the Flaming Fist. He will instruct them to send one man to escort him to Zodge. Samuel will then return to the stable. “Nothing in the southwest corner, eh? Sounds like an escape hatch of some sort. A good place for that package of yours perhaps Shrek? Or do we want to investigate it before we block it?”
Damian floats down, muttering something about the insolence of the serving class these days, but does not interfere with the farrier leaving the house.
He then motions for the others, particularly Shrek who he instructs to lift the flagstone, being very clear about which flagsone he would want him to lift.
Perception: 15
While Damian is trying to explain to Shrek which flagstone to lift, Ankita heads over and does it herself. "Hey guys, I think this is what the farrier was referring to." And she peers down the hole.
Ankita & Damian - The stone covers a brick-walled shaft and a wooden ladder that descends 15ft into the ground. It appears to be a way to quickly access the stables. A tunnel leads southward from the ladder and appears to be dimly lit.
"Well, I think since the Fists have the house covered, going down this way into the house is the way to go. Though, going back into a dank, dark area is not my idea of fun, I think it would be our best bet to get the jump on them."
"Let's just block this apparent escape route for now." Damian says. "We can use this as an entry point to the dungeons as soon as we have secured the house." Damian adds and motions for the team to enter the main house now.
(Suggested marching order Shrek, Remi, Sam, Ankita, Damian.)
All - If the final plan is to block the tunnel for now, there is an anvil nearby that would do so if someone sets it upon the flagstone.
Ankita looks at Damian annoyed, "Well other than being completely ignored by my suggestion, I suppose you are much more versed in these abodes than me." She takes the anvil and places it over the flagstone. "Let's head out"
“I’m aware of some songs and poems which involve a pair of star crossed lovers escaping through a secret tunnel to ride their stolen horses from the family stable off into the sunset. I am confident that is the intent with this tunnel, escape that is, not a route to enjoy a tryst. This tunnel heads off towards the house, at least initially. Either way, front door or this tunnel, we will enter the home I believe.”
Remi says “The front door method might encounter the most resistance and be the expected route. The Fists are covering the front door manner of escaping. I thought going through their escape hatch and coming “in through the out door” as it were would lead a little bit to the element of surprise. But I will go along with the wishes of the group.”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"As long as we don't waste more time letting the Vanthampurs prepare their defenses." Damian says impatiently and motions for Ankita to remove the anvil and then the flagstone so that Shrek can squeeze himself down the escape route. "Now let's move!"
Stealth: 12 Perception: 15