Ermasnietsz has stopped grappling Faila immediately when she retracted her claws. When she finds Faila examining the condition of the infected woman (Nancy), she will reveal the fact that both Billy and the woman might be going through premature ageing process.
Besides, she assumes that Nathaniel is either unwilling or incapable of providing healing magic to reverse the effect of the piercing damage. Thus, she attempts to leave the tent after declaring something of grave significance to everyone and especially to Nikita:
"Some of you have been sabotaging evidence of a criminal act by destroying the parasites while others are exposing sensitive information publicly... in a medical tent? The walls have ears."
She moves outside to ponder about the issue uninterrupted.
Nathaniel is about to heed Ermasnietsz's words, being incredibly trusting in nature, when he hears Nikita tell him to stand still. He freezes on the spot keeping himself absolutely still, not even daring to speak.
After Nikita has successfully contained the creature he lets out a mighty sigh of relief. It is clear that the events of the morning have worn the ex-Priest out. "Th-thank you Nikita," he says, his voice breaking a little. "Not of this world, you say? Undoubtedly some foul creature summoned from the Reaper's realm itself." Nathaniel says, a little of his former self returning.
"Hawkes... Hawkes,"Nathaniel thinks aloud, "I remember something..."his hands shake as he wipes his brow. "I was young, recently joined the Temple. I was so proud. Proud to be in the service of Procan."
"Thunderous skies, the heavy pitter-patter of rainfall, a carriage emerges from the night's sky. The parents of a concerned young girl - "She's having them again, unable to sleep". Hawkes, young Asha." Nathaniel says, almost in a trance, "Visions, visions beyond your wildest beliefs. A world with oceans without end, of canopied forests, of mushrooms as tall as houses, of beings with wings... Fanciful stuff."
Nathaniel shakes his head. "Yet she was not lying. She believed she was telling the truth. Flights of fancy from a young girl I was told. Her parents sought tonics to aid with sleep. Strangest little girl. Hair as red as blood. We had wondered whether her ailments required exorcising." He takes a hipflask from his pocket and has a swig.
"We saw her once more after that. Parents had sought other means to still their child's mind. Visions had got worse, you see. Claimed a gentleman had met with her in her dreams... cannot remember the name she had given him. Too long ago." Nathaniel shakes his head, seemingly coming out of whatever memory he had been recalling. "Huh, sorry about that. When you reach my age your mind tends to wander."
"Conspiracy you say? Brinck?" Nathaniel muses, "remember him from years ago. Lived in Port Torvin, worked for Sir Charles."His face looks downcast, "good man, Sir Charles. If Esther has gone missing, you have to find her. You know, I remember the day she was born. Lady Freyn was overjoyed, could hardly wait to hold her... snatched her right out of my hands."
Nathaniel picks up his gloves and makes his way towards Nancy. "I, I may require assistance," he explains, "do any of you have any medical training... or at least a steady pair of hands?"
You look over poor Nancy. As you see her skin writhing you believe you can make out at least half a dozen separate shapes. You are able to tell that without immediate medical intervention she will die; something tells you that you have, at most, a two-hour window.
Whereas the creatures from Billy seemed to be grown, those in Nancy seem to be recently hatched. You spot a number of the burst egg-sacs across her abdomen.
Nikita - Please can you roll a Medicine with advantage ((Going to do this a little differently - both you and Nathaniel will make checks as though assisting the other and we shall see how high the total is)).
Nick - Hiram gives you a quizzical look as if to say, Lady Isolde didn't inform me of any bouncers.
He makes his way into the Medical Tent. "How's she getting on Nate... I" the little halfling stops short, his face paling. "Nance,"he dashes to her side, all concern of his image forgotten. "What have you done to her?!"he yells at Nathaniel demandingly.
Boyd hears a lot going on in the medical tent. Anything going on in there is way beyond his area of expertise and his comfort zone. He finds a comfortable spot leaned up against a tree outside the medical tent and waits for the whole group to reconvene to plan their next moves. He's starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together, he thinks, but he's still a ways off.
"Hello Boyd!"- Ermasnietsz greets the rogue companion, then stands beside him quietly to observe the condition of her tattoo. Did the Imp with red pointy hat catch the golden butterfly?
Meresaa deftly steps between Nancy (and those tending her) and the newcomer and raises her hands placatingly.
"We believe she should recover with time. Nathaniel is currently removing the parasites that have been affecting her. Please calm yourself and give them a few moments to finish and we'll answer all of your questions. We found the same parasites in Harold but it was too late. Young Billy, here," she indicates the unconscious boy nearby, "was also found to have been infected. But it was Nathaniel who discovered that they can be removed and he expects Billy to make a full recovery as well."
Putting a long-fingered hand on Hiram's shoulder she attempts to redirect him. "Let's step outside and take a breath. They'll be done shortly."
Ignoring Hiram's complaints, both Nathaniel and Nikita get to work removing the small, infant lampreys from Nancy's abdomen. Nikita's tongs enter in and out of Nancy's stomach without meeting resistance, as though the very composition of her body was being changed; the tongs leave no scarring or damage to her skin. After roughly 10 minutes the tray contains 7 grubs. As Nikita reaches in she removes what she believes is the last of the creatures, leaving 8 total.
"Is that it?" Nathaniel questions Nikita, sweat pouring from his brow. Nancy's condition seems stable.
In the meantime, Hiram agrees to go with Meresaa outside, realising that he can do little to help. "Parasites?"he asks, his face paling. "Is that the cause of her sickness? She said she was feeling under the weather this morning. I, I, I had no idea there were parasites." He looks down at the floor, clearly chastising himself internally.
Outside the Medical Tent
Meresaa and Hiram join the others (Boyd, Ermasnietsz & Nick) outside the medical tent. The sound of the hustle and bustle of the Carnival does nothing to alleviate the sombre feeling as Hiram waits patiently for news on Nancy.
A young lady in Skurra clothing approaches the front of the medical tent. A young man wearing black and white facepaint accompanies her, silently. When she sees the group gathered outside the tent, she smiles and nods. "How does Billy fare?"she asks gently, "we were all worried when we saw him being carried in."
((The Crimson Rose))
"Rose," she says by way of introduction. "In truth, I was sent by Madame Fortuna to check on the boy. She was wondering why you have yet to pay her a visit."
Nikita uses the tongs to contain the 8 creatures in the jar with the 3 others taken from Billy. Is that 11 total? She then casts Shape Water on any available water nearby to encase the jar in a layer of ice at least 3 inches thick in case the creatures are capable of crawling out of the jar. And Prestidigitation to clean the tongs.
Nikita then does a thorough search throughout the tent and the patients to see if any more of the creatures are at large, every few seconds looking back at the jar to make sure that none of the creatures are escaping. She asks Nathaniel to do a full medical exam of both Nancy and Billy (and anyone else in the tent) if he has not already. If Faila is still there outside, she asks her to come in and help Nathaniel or do a check herself, after first making sure that the girl is not beginning her wild transformation at the sight of the lampreys. Nikita is, at this stage, also concerned about Billy, who had been kidnapped, also being possibly mind-controlled, so she keeps an eye on him, especially if he makes a move towards the jar. She thinks about what Nathaniel said about Asha Hawkes. It sounds like she is indeed the red-haired woman in the group with Brinck's black carriage, but whether she (or Brinck) are in control of their own actions or mind is hard to say. ((OOC: Let me know if any further rolls are required))
Finally, Nikita spends 10 minutes to cast Detect Magic as a ritual to look for any magic, but especially the necrotic magic that had been coming from the creatures, to make sure that there are no others near the vicinity. The spell should last another further 10 minutes and she keeps concentrating on it if she can for the full duration. (30' radius).
Nikita grits her teeth. She would like nothing better than to just destroy these creatures (with Nick Nack's help) but she does not. She will not leave the creatures behind in the tent though. If nothing else has happened to that point, she will put some covering over the ice-covered jar to hide the creatures and use Mage Hand to carry the covered, ice-encased jar out of the tent to talk it over, though of course at that point, the others may be gone.
Edited to add: Nikita's owl familiar Thumbtack does a quick circuit around the tent, also looking for any stray creatures, and reports back. ((Once again, let me know if I should do any further rolls)).
Her hypervigilance finally calming, Faila has moved into quiet helper mode, bringing instruments, towels, containers, or whatever else is required for Nathaniel and Nikita during the extraction of worms. Though her eyes are wide as she watches Nikita pull them from Nancy's stomach, she stays quiet and watches. She leans forward in worry when Nikita is done, hoping that she didn't accidentally miss any. Then she looks Nancy over carefully, and will help Nathaniel examine Billy and any others in the tent as well.
"Hullo there, Ermasnietsz." Boyd says, greeting his patchwork comrade, "Discover anything of interest while we was out?" He squints at her tattoo, trying to remember if she had that when he first met her this morning. "I got a bit of a picture of what's going on in town, but that," he points to the medical, "that I got no idea about. Good to have some of you magic-types around for that or I'd be a chicken with me head cut off."
He starts giving the short version of what he knows, saving the long version for a full group meeting. "So anyways while I was in town..." He starts, but then Rose arrives at the scene. "He looks at Erma for confirmation, as though she could read his mind, then says, "Wait a hot second, Billy's back?" He clears his throat. "Well I suppose that, in a way, answers your second question. We haven't gathered back up to compare notes. Soon as we do, Lady Isolde'll be the first to know. After you. So... second."
At first, Ermasnietsz moves her head side-by-side to deny the fact that they've discovered something important. But she changes her mind immediately and declares proudly: "Father Nathaniel has successfully treated the poor condition of Billy. Yes, Billy is with us and he's cured of the disease. Unfortunately, we don't get to claim the double payment now."
She revolves around the man (Boyd) following an anti-clockwise direction while tracing the outline of his spine with her fingertips and nudging both of his shoulder-blades to correct his posture so that it matches her own. She is disregarding the right of personal space. Then she whispers: "Magic's not always the solution... just don't let your enemies take advantage."
To Rose: "Take us to your Madame Fortuna, and then we want to meet Toska."
Nikita - You place the creatures into containment. As you encase the container in ice you notice that the creatures squirming seems to dull a little and they become lethargic, however, they still seem to be very much alive.
Nathaniel confirms that he will keep both Billy and Nancy in the medical tent for observation. Nancy's condition still seems to be weakened, but you are confident that all of the parasites have been removed. Your detect magic spell successfully determines that there are no stray parasites within the medical tent - the only creatures emitting magic are those you have contained.
You are able to quickly discern that Nancy is in a weakened state; however, this should be able to be easily remedied with the correct potions/magic. Billy looks like he will make a full recovery, though it looks like the parasites have taken a toll, prematurely ageing him; his eyes look a little sunken and his cheeks gaunt.
In as confident and authoritative a tone as she can muster, Meresaa puts a reassuring hand on Hirams arm and replies, "Yes. It seems some sort of parasite has been the source of the illness that's been plaguing the Carnival of late. Fortunately, as I said, Nathaniel has found a way to remove them safely and we expect the patients to recover, given time." She puts a hint of emphasis on Nathaniel's name hoping to bolster Hiram's confidence in the healer. "There's still a lot we don't know about the parasites themselves and their origin, but it seems like my companions may have a lead that we'll be following up on in due time. For now, try not to worry too much, and let Nancy rest. The last thing she and Billy need right now is more excitement in that tent. I'm sure Nathaniel will keep you updated and let you know when she's well enough to have visitors." She gently tries to further redirect him, indicating that he should leave for the time being.
Observing Ermasnietsz interaction with Boyd, Meresaa just cocks her head slightly and tries to make any sense of it. What an odd individual. As long as she isn't randomly killing people, I suppose it's fine...
Ermasnietsz - Rose smiles kindly at you. "Certainly,"she says, "if you would like to follow me." She proceeds to lead you through the Carnival to the place where all the Skurra wagons are located. A particularly old and well decorate wagon sits with a sign outside reading, "Madame Fortuna's Fortune-Telling". A number of potential customers stand around outside patiently waiting to see Madame Fortuna. Rose takes you straight up to the wagon and opens the door, paying little regard to those waiting. "If you will,"she offers beckoning to enter the wagon.
((All - Does anyone go with Ermasnietsz? Boyd/Meresaa?))
Thumbtack seems unable to locate any of the missing creatures. However, he does spot something unusual - a dark-skinned gentleman, walking with a pronounced limp, seems to be snooping around the camp. Initially, Thumbtack assumes it to be another Carnival-goer but this particular person appears to be attempting, poorly, to keep in the shadows.
"Closer?"Thumbtack relays to back to your mind. Through your familiar's ears, you can just about make out that the man is talking to himself, though you cannot make out what is said from Thumbtack's current position.
Meresaa - Hiram nods. "Thank you,"he says, his face downcast. "You know she gave up a lot for me. She could have stayed in Port Torvin, instead, she chose to accompany me,"he looks around at the Carnival, "to this forsaken place. She's beyond loyal..."he sighs. "She'll be alright, won't she? Not sure what I would do otherwise,"the halfling wrings his hands nervously as he waits.
All - The situation within the Medical Tent seems to be under control - the parasites have been extracted and successfully contained. Ermasnietsz (and whoever accompanies her) has headed to see Madame Fortuna with Rose. Currently, it is approaching evening, is there anything in particular that people are looking to do? I believe Boyd wants to pay a visit after hours to the Weekly Wail. Nick Nack was looking to grab a bite to eat. If there are no other things people would like to do then I could always advance/end the day.
In terms of downtime activities, now would be the time to undertake any.
Entering into Madame Fortuna's wagon you are instantly struck by smells of lavender and wild blossoms. Sitting at the far part of the wagon is a frail-looking elderly woman with dark sunken eyes, clearly blind. She wears a beautifully decorated headscarf in the traditional Skurra-style. In front of her stands a table with a crystal ball, it glows a pale white colour, and a deck of ornately illustrated cards. Candles illuminate the inside, oranges and reds, even the occasional green flicker and provide an 'enchanting' feel.
((Madame Fortuna))
"Please, be welcome Ermasnietsz,"Madame Fortuna says with a thick accent ((akin to a real-world French accent))."We have much to discuss, do we not?" she leaves little room for an answer. "Please have a seat, let Madame Fortuna see what the future holds for you, my dear," she beckons to a number of cushions set in front of her, "a regimented and structured a mind as yours needs answers, does it not?"
Ermasnietsz squints her eyes when she watches Rose skipping the row of customers and letting her take advantage of the situation. Before entering, she stands still in front of the wagon to examine the condition of the crowd and search for the well-built silhouette of Toska.
"Thanks Rose. I'll be delighted if you claim this and let Toska know that I've been looking for her."
She creates an illusion of red rose in her clenched fist by casting Prestidigitation and offers the trinket to the woman. The rose disintegrates to reveal a pouch of 10 gold pieces.
Nikita hesitates whether to put Thumbtack unnecessarily in harm's way, in case the watcher has a ranged weapon or a nearby sea hawk passes by. But her plan had been to cover the jar with the creatures (which is already covered in ice) with a cloth and use Mage Hand to carry it out of the tent so the party can decide what to do with them together. She doesn't want to do that with someone clearly watching them. She knows she can't just invite the rest of the party into the tent as not all of them are there any longer, as the owl would have seen.
So Nikita does send Thumbtack to look and listen closer. If the owl sees that the man has any obvious ranged weapon, she does not finish her turn any closer than 90' to the man, flying in a flyby loop around to observe before winging back to alight behind the partial cover of any available tree, tent or wagon roof. If there's no ranged weapon visible, Thumbtack can finish her turn within 30', again resting on a perch on top of something raised. Trying to appear nothing more than an ordinary bird, but listening and watching.
Ermasnietsz has stopped grappling Faila immediately when she retracted her claws. When she finds Faila examining the condition of the infected woman (Nancy), she will reveal the fact that both Billy and the woman might be going through premature ageing process.
Besides, she assumes that Nathaniel is either unwilling or incapable of providing healing magic to reverse the effect of the piercing damage. Thus, she attempts to leave the tent after declaring something of grave significance to everyone and especially to Nikita:
"Some of you have been sabotaging evidence of a criminal act by destroying the parasites while others are exposing sensitive information publicly... in a medical tent? The walls have ears."
She moves outside to ponder about the issue uninterrupted.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Inside the Medical Tent
DM Rolls:
15
20
Nathaniel is about to heed Ermasnietsz's words, being incredibly trusting in nature, when he hears Nikita tell him to stand still. He freezes on the spot keeping himself absolutely still, not even daring to speak.
After Nikita has successfully contained the creature he lets out a mighty sigh of relief. It is clear that the events of the morning have worn the ex-Priest out. "Th-thank you Nikita," he says, his voice breaking a little. "Not of this world, you say? Undoubtedly some foul creature summoned from the Reaper's realm itself." Nathaniel says, a little of his former self returning.
"Hawkes... Hawkes," Nathaniel thinks aloud, "I remember something..." his hands shake as he wipes his brow. "I was young, recently joined the Temple. I was so proud. Proud to be in the service of Procan."
"Thunderous skies, the heavy pitter-patter of rainfall, a carriage emerges from the night's sky. The parents of a concerned young girl - "She's having them again, unable to sleep". Hawkes, young Asha." Nathaniel says, almost in a trance, "Visions, visions beyond your wildest beliefs. A world with oceans without end, of canopied forests, of mushrooms as tall as houses, of beings with wings... Fanciful stuff."
Nathaniel shakes his head. "Yet she was not lying. She believed she was telling the truth. Flights of fancy from a young girl I was told. Her parents sought tonics to aid with sleep. Strangest little girl. Hair as red as blood. We had wondered whether her ailments required exorcising." He takes a hipflask from his pocket and has a swig.
"We saw her once more after that. Parents had sought other means to still their child's mind. Visions had got worse, you see. Claimed a gentleman had met with her in her dreams... cannot remember the name she had given him. Too long ago." Nathaniel shakes his head, seemingly coming out of whatever memory he had been recalling. "Huh, sorry about that. When you reach my age your mind tends to wander."
"Conspiracy you say? Brinck?" Nathaniel muses, "remember him from years ago. Lived in Port Torvin, worked for Sir Charles." His face looks downcast, "good man, Sir Charles. If Esther has gone missing, you have to find her. You know, I remember the day she was born. Lady Freyn was overjoyed, could hardly wait to hold her... snatched her right out of my hands."
Nathaniel picks up his gloves and makes his way towards Nancy. "I, I may require assistance," he explains, "do any of you have any medical training... or at least a steady pair of hands?"
Faila's Medicine check:
You look over poor Nancy. As you see her skin writhing you believe you can make out at least half a dozen separate shapes. You are able to tell that without immediate medical intervention she will die; something tells you that you have, at most, a two-hour window.
Whereas the creatures from Billy seemed to be grown, those in Nancy seem to be recently hatched. You spot a number of the burst egg-sacs across her abdomen.
Nikita - Please can you roll a Medicine with advantage ((Going to do this a little differently - both you and Nathaniel will make checks as though assisting the other and we shall see how high the total is)).
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nick - Hiram gives you a quizzical look as if to say, Lady Isolde didn't inform me of any bouncers.
He makes his way into the Medical Tent. "How's she getting on Nate... I" the little halfling stops short, his face paling. "Nance," he dashes to her side, all concern of his image forgotten. "What have you done to her?!" he yells at Nathaniel demandingly.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita's Medicine check with advantage: 23
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Boyd hears a lot going on in the medical tent. Anything going on in there is way beyond his area of expertise and his comfort zone. He finds a comfortable spot leaned up against a tree outside the medical tent and waits for the whole group to reconvene to plan their next moves. He's starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together, he thinks, but he's still a ways off.
"Hello Boyd!"- Ermasnietsz greets the rogue companion, then stands beside him quietly to observe the condition of her tattoo. Did the Imp with red pointy hat catch the golden butterfly?
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Meresaa deftly steps between Nancy (and those tending her) and the newcomer and raises her hands placatingly.
"We believe she should recover with time. Nathaniel is currently removing the parasites that have been affecting her. Please calm yourself and give them a few moments to finish and we'll answer all of your questions. We found the same parasites in Harold but it was too late. Young Billy, here," she indicates the unconscious boy nearby, "was also found to have been infected. But it was Nathaniel who discovered that they can be removed and he expects Billy to make a full recovery as well."
Putting a long-fingered hand on Hiram's shoulder she attempts to redirect him. "Let's step outside and take a breath. They'll be done shortly."
Persuasion: 15
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Inside the Medical Tent
Ignoring Hiram's complaints, both Nathaniel and Nikita get to work removing the small, infant lampreys from Nancy's abdomen. Nikita's tongs enter in and out of Nancy's stomach without meeting resistance, as though the very composition of her body was being changed; the tongs leave no scarring or damage to her skin. After roughly 10 minutes the tray contains 7 grubs. As Nikita reaches in she removes what she believes is the last of the creatures, leaving 8 total.
"Is that it?" Nathaniel questions Nikita, sweat pouring from his brow. Nancy's condition seems stable.
In the meantime, Hiram agrees to go with Meresaa outside, realising that he can do little to help. "Parasites?" he asks, his face paling. "Is that the cause of her sickness? She said she was feeling under the weather this morning. I, I, I had no idea there were parasites." He looks down at the floor, clearly chastising himself internally.
Outside the Medical Tent
Meresaa and Hiram join the others (Boyd, Ermasnietsz & Nick) outside the medical tent. The sound of the hustle and bustle of the Carnival does nothing to alleviate the sombre feeling as Hiram waits patiently for news on Nancy.
A young lady in Skurra clothing approaches the front of the medical tent. A young man wearing black and white facepaint accompanies her, silently. When she sees the group gathered outside the tent, she smiles and nods. "How does Billy fare?" she asks gently, "we were all worried when we saw him being carried in."
"Rose," she says by way of introduction. "In truth, I was sent by Madame Fortuna to check on the boy. She was wondering why you have yet to pay her a visit."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita uses the tongs to contain the 8 creatures in the jar with the 3 others taken from Billy. Is that 11 total? She then casts Shape Water on any available water nearby to encase the jar in a layer of ice at least 3 inches thick in case the creatures are capable of crawling out of the jar. And Prestidigitation to clean the tongs.
Nikita then does a thorough search throughout the tent and the patients to see if any more of the creatures are at large, every few seconds looking back at the jar to make sure that none of the creatures are escaping. She asks Nathaniel to do a full medical exam of both Nancy and Billy (and anyone else in the tent) if he has not already. If Faila is still there outside, she asks her to come in and help Nathaniel or do a check herself, after first making sure that the girl is not beginning her wild transformation at the sight of the lampreys. Nikita is, at this stage, also concerned about Billy, who had been kidnapped, also being possibly mind-controlled, so she keeps an eye on him, especially if he makes a move towards the jar. She thinks about what Nathaniel said about Asha Hawkes. It sounds like she is indeed the red-haired woman in the group with Brinck's black carriage, but whether she (or Brinck) are in control of their own actions or mind is hard to say. ((OOC: Let me know if any further rolls are required))
Finally, Nikita spends 10 minutes to cast Detect Magic as a ritual to look for any magic, but especially the necrotic magic that had been coming from the creatures, to make sure that there are no others near the vicinity. The spell should last another further 10 minutes and she keeps concentrating on it if she can for the full duration. (30' radius).
Nikita grits her teeth. She would like nothing better than to just destroy these creatures (with Nick Nack's help) but she does not. She will not leave the creatures behind in the tent though. If nothing else has happened to that point, she will put some covering over the ice-covered jar to hide the creatures and use Mage Hand to carry the covered, ice-encased jar out of the tent to talk it over, though of course at that point, the others may be gone.
Edited to add: Nikita's owl familiar Thumbtack does a quick circuit around the tent, also looking for any stray creatures, and reports back. ((Once again, let me know if I should do any further rolls)).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Meanwhile, Ermasnietsz is trying to figure out how to respond to the woman who's just introduced herself as 'Rose'.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Her hypervigilance finally calming, Faila has moved into quiet helper mode, bringing instruments, towels, containers, or whatever else is required for Nathaniel and Nikita during the extraction of worms. Though her eyes are wide as she watches Nikita pull them from Nancy's stomach, she stays quiet and watches. She leans forward in worry when Nikita is done, hoping that she didn't accidentally miss any. Then she looks Nancy over carefully, and will help Nathaniel examine Billy and any others in the tent as well.
Medicine: 18
"Hullo there, Ermasnietsz." Boyd says, greeting his patchwork comrade, "Discover anything of interest while we was out?" He squints at her tattoo, trying to remember if she had that when he first met her this morning. "I got a bit of a picture of what's going on in town, but that," he points to the medical, "that I got no idea about. Good to have some of you magic-types around for that or I'd be a chicken with me head cut off."
He starts giving the short version of what he knows, saving the long version for a full group meeting. "So anyways while I was in town..." He starts, but then Rose arrives at the scene. "He looks at Erma for confirmation, as though she could read his mind, then says, "Wait a hot second, Billy's back?" He clears his throat. "Well I suppose that, in a way, answers your second question. We haven't gathered back up to compare notes. Soon as we do, Lady Isolde'll be the first to know. After you. So... second."
At first, Ermasnietsz moves her head side-by-side to deny the fact that they've discovered something important. But she changes her mind immediately and declares proudly: "Father Nathaniel has successfully treated the poor condition of Billy. Yes, Billy is with us and he's cured of the disease. Unfortunately, we don't get to claim the double payment now."
She revolves around the man (Boyd) following an anti-clockwise direction while tracing the outline of his spine with her fingertips and nudging both of his shoulder-blades to correct his posture so that it matches her own. She is disregarding the right of personal space. Then she whispers: "Magic's not always the solution... just don't let your enemies take advantage."
To Rose: "Take us to your Madame Fortuna, and then we want to meet Toska."
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Nikita - You place the creatures into containment. As you encase the container in ice you notice that the creatures squirming seems to dull a little and they become lethargic, however, they still seem to be very much alive.
Nathaniel confirms that he will keep both Billy and Nancy in the medical tent for observation. Nancy's condition still seems to be weakened, but you are confident that all of the parasites have been removed. Your detect magic spell successfully determines that there are no stray parasites within the medical tent - the only creatures emitting magic are those you have contained.
Perception or Investigation checks for Thumbtack please.
Faila's Medicine check:
You are able to quickly discern that Nancy is in a weakened state; however, this should be able to be easily remedied with the correct potions/magic. Billy looks like he will make a full recovery, though it looks like the parasites have taken a toll, prematurely ageing him; his eyes look a little sunken and his cheeks gaunt.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Thumbtack (owl) Perception check at advantage due to Keen Hearing and Sight: 12
(Thinking that as an owl, Thumbtack is usually napping in the early afternoon, so she's probably not at her best right now).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
In as confident and authoritative a tone as she can muster, Meresaa puts a reassuring hand on Hirams arm and replies, "Yes. It seems some sort of parasite has been the source of the illness that's been plaguing the Carnival of late. Fortunately, as I said, Nathaniel has found a way to remove them safely and we expect the patients to recover, given time." She puts a hint of emphasis on Nathaniel's name hoping to bolster Hiram's confidence in the healer. "There's still a lot we don't know about the parasites themselves and their origin, but it seems like my companions may have a lead that we'll be following up on in due time. For now, try not to worry too much, and let Nancy rest. The last thing she and Billy need right now is more excitement in that tent. I'm sure Nathaniel will keep you updated and let you know when she's well enough to have visitors." She gently tries to further redirect him, indicating that he should leave for the time being.
Observing Ermasnietsz interaction with Boyd, Meresaa just cocks her head slightly and tries to make any sense of it. What an odd individual. As long as she isn't randomly killing people, I suppose it's fine...
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Ermasnietsz - Rose smiles kindly at you. "Certainly," she says, "if you would like to follow me." She proceeds to lead you through the Carnival to the place where all the Skurra wagons are located. A particularly old and well decorate wagon sits with a sign outside reading, "Madame Fortuna's Fortune-Telling". A number of potential customers stand around outside patiently waiting to see Madame Fortuna. Rose takes you straight up to the wagon and opens the door, paying little regard to those waiting. "If you will," she offers beckoning to enter the wagon.
((All - Does anyone go with Ermasnietsz? Boyd/Meresaa?))
Thumbtack's Perception check:
Thumbtack seems unable to locate any of the missing creatures. However, he does spot something unusual - a dark-skinned gentleman, walking with a pronounced limp, seems to be snooping around the camp. Initially, Thumbtack assumes it to be another Carnival-goer but this particular person appears to be attempting, poorly, to keep in the shadows.
"Closer?" Thumbtack relays to back to your mind. Through your familiar's ears, you can just about make out that the man is talking to himself, though you cannot make out what is said from Thumbtack's current position.
Meresaa - Hiram nods. "Thank you," he says, his face downcast. "You know she gave up a lot for me. She could have stayed in Port Torvin, instead, she chose to accompany me," he looks around at the Carnival, "to this forsaken place. She's beyond loyal..." he sighs. "She'll be alright, won't she? Not sure what I would do otherwise," the halfling wrings his hands nervously as he waits.
All - The situation within the Medical Tent seems to be under control - the parasites have been extracted and successfully contained. Ermasnietsz (and whoever accompanies her) has headed to see Madame Fortuna with Rose. Currently, it is approaching evening, is there anything in particular that people are looking to do? I believe Boyd wants to pay a visit after hours to the Weekly Wail. Nick Nack was looking to grab a bite to eat. If there are no other things people would like to do then I could always advance/end the day.
In terms of downtime activities, now would be the time to undertake any.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Madame Fortuna's Wagon (Ermasnietsz et al)
Entering into Madame Fortuna's wagon you are instantly struck by smells of lavender and wild blossoms. Sitting at the far part of the wagon is a frail-looking elderly woman with dark sunken eyes, clearly blind. She wears a beautifully decorated headscarf in the traditional Skurra-style. In front of her stands a table with a crystal ball, it glows a pale white colour, and a deck of ornately illustrated cards. Candles illuminate the inside, oranges and reds, even the occasional green flicker and provide an 'enchanting' feel.
"Please, be welcome Ermasnietsz," Madame Fortuna says with a thick accent ((akin to a real-world French accent)). "We have much to discuss, do we not?" she leaves little room for an answer. "Please have a seat, let Madame Fortuna see what the future holds for you, my dear," she beckons to a number of cushions set in front of her, "a regimented and structured a mind as yours needs answers, does it not?"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Ermasnietsz squints her eyes when she watches Rose skipping the row of customers and letting her take advantage of the situation. Before entering, she stands still in front of the wagon to examine the condition of the crowd and search for the well-built silhouette of Toska.
"Thanks Rose. I'll be delighted if you claim this and let Toska know that I've been looking for her."
She creates an illusion of red rose in her clenched fist by casting Prestidigitation and offers the trinket to the woman. The rose disintegrates to reveal a pouch of 10 gold pieces.
"I'll just wait here for awhile."
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Perception for owl at advantage due to Keen Hearing and Sight: 21
Stealth: 13
Nikita hesitates whether to put Thumbtack unnecessarily in harm's way, in case the watcher has a ranged weapon or a nearby sea hawk passes by. But her plan had been to cover the jar with the creatures (which is already covered in ice) with a cloth and use Mage Hand to carry it out of the tent so the party can decide what to do with them together. She doesn't want to do that with someone clearly watching them. She knows she can't just invite the rest of the party into the tent as not all of them are there any longer, as the owl would have seen.
So Nikita does send Thumbtack to look and listen closer. If the owl sees that the man has any obvious ranged weapon, she does not finish her turn any closer than 90' to the man, flying in a flyby loop around to observe before winging back to alight behind the partial cover of any available tree, tent or wagon roof. If there's no ranged weapon visible, Thumbtack can finish her turn within 30', again resting on a perch on top of something raised. Trying to appear nothing more than an ordinary bird, but listening and watching.
See Perception and Stealth rolls above.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk