Jane considers the options. "I've heard a story or two about encounters with dragons. My friend Tawna- maybe you've heard of her before? She says she is famous in some parts. Anyway, she told me about a group that she was drinking with one night that had just got back from an encounter with a dragon! Um, anyway, I suppose I mean to say that there's more than one way to deal with a dragon, but there's a good chance of needing to be patched up. I'm happy to help out in that regard, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I let you all fend for yourselves against a possible dragon."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rantel tries to think if he's heard of how far away Khundrukar is from Waterdeep. "I'd also lean toward 1 and 3. The third seems a bit vague. The first seems big. I don't know I'm cut out for fighting a dragon, not until I learn more. Should we head back to town and take stock of things? Ask around? In terms of our immediate future, I would like to do what I can to investigate this sample on my own, right now. That might give me a clue of what to do with it. Pretend it doesn't exist, dispose of it, or sell it to this family. Then I'll have a word with the matriarch. I'd like to find out what happened with the girl, and ask what they'd do with the sample, if I were to recall a place where they could get it, and really pay attention to her response. I'd also like to take a look at the girl's arcane notes, I might be able to learn something. Then I'm all for getting out of here. When do you all want to go?"
(I can't remember if we've gotten a long rest.)
Also need to sort loot and gold!
Here's an investigation check for looking at the sample on his own, away from the others to not risk their safety. Investigation: 16
I'm imagining Rantel's got a background in looking at odd fluids from crime scenes in a city full of magic. He doesn't want to touch it, but he'd pour out a drop onto a plate or a rag and see what he can ascertain.
Rantel breaks out the vial he collected in the dark underground laboratory. Holding it up to the light, sniffing it and running it through his CSI kit reveals the following:
1) The liquid is dark, thick, and viscous but dissolves almost instantly in nearly any other fluid. Almost like it was designed to be an additive.
2) On its own it has a pungent smell and vile flavor - one that sends a strong signal to your brain that this is 'bad'. In any liquid, the taste, color, and smell disappear.
3) It's arcane in nature - more like a potion than a poison, but unlike anything Rantel has ever seen. It appears to work through transmutation - by slowly transforming its target into a twisted perversion of nature - like Sharalyn or the twig blights you encountered.
Does he get a sense of how much is needed for a dose, or to be effective? He's thinking he might pour a non-effectual amount into another flask and offer that to the family, for testing and confirmation but not for practical use.
The potion is potent, a mouthful is all that's needed for full effect. Anything less than that would be unnoticed - at first - but it stays in your system and can build up over time. So if someone poisoned a well - or a supply of wine or ale - anyone drinking from the source regularly would be effected over time.
Rantel has effectively one dose - you could split it up, but doing so would leave you with only a few drops for yourself and a few for the Hucrele family - and unusual amount that would likely signal you had kept some.
Hoghead listens to the discussions about which path to choose. "Look, if y'all wanna go to the old dwarven ruins, that might be a good idea. We can smack some things around and maybe find some cool stuff. Now that my Axe is gone, I don't have a magic weapon. I may be able to find something or save up enough to have this hammer enchanted in case we run into any of those weirdos that can't be killed with a normal bash on the head. Otherwise, we can do the third one if you want."
Thinking back to the reaction of the household when Lady Huecrle asked about getting a sample, and the manner in which she did so, Rantel puts away thoughts of telling her about the sample he did keep. He didn't want to be the source of a line of malignant houseplants coming out of that greenhouse, or murderous mutated housecats. The house itself likely needs some closer investigation, he would have to get word back to the few people that did listen to him back on the city watch.
He agrees to the idea of the ruins. He does, when they get ready to leave, find the lady or her underlings, and ask, "how fares the poor lass? Did she persevere through the night?"
"It's settled then? Ruins it is." He looks at the gold handed to him. Shrugs and pockets.it. then to Hog. "You can use my staff if you want...tis not magical but does give a good whack"
Celeste was all puffed up with pride from not only completing a full assessment on her own and presenting it, but for also taking the lead on making a suggestion. Everyone was on board! Bright eyed, bushy tailed, she was ready to romp and get her nose dirty. “I can offer you magic pebbles to sling!” Celeste pipes up enthusiastically with a wiggle of her hips, adding to Z’s offer to Hog. Then she tilts her head. “Didn’t we find another blade?” What about the pile of goodies they found in the last ruins they were in? That is where she got her fancy crossbow after all! Wasn’t there a sword? Or was it just a dagger? Size didn’t matter to her. It was how you used it! But maybe it mattered to Hog. Dwarfs can be a particular bunch.
As the party gathers itself in the morning, servants appear at the guest room door alerting you to the presence of a lovely breakfast laid out in the garden. The party dines alone, with members of the household noticeably absent.
As the last of the meal is carried away, Valzire (the Dragonborn paladin you met at the Yawning Portal and who is clearly a majordomo of some sort) appears to let you know that young Sharalyn expired quietly during the night. He asks that you all respect the family's privacy as the grieve - and strongly implies you all should get on the road as soon as possible.
Gathering your gear and heading out through the main gate, you all consult the map from the fallen paladin's pouch. It looks like the Ruins lie somewhere in the Sword Coast Mountains - to the North of Waterdeep under a singular mountain peak known as the Stone Tooth. The easiest - and safest - way to approach would be to head back to Waterdeep (roughly a half-day's journey south) before turning back along the coast and following the road northwest along the coast for several days. This approach would require roughly a week's travel to get to the small mining town of Blasingdell - the last outpost of civilization before reaching the Stone Tooth.
Your other choice would be to set off directly from the Hucrele Estate making your way NNW overland. Blasingdell is clearly marked on Sir Bradford's map and it seems like a direct route over the fields and through Kryptgarden Forrest to the small mining town tucked into the shadow of Stone Tooth. It's unclear how long this path would take - but it appears to be much, much shorter on the map.
"Hmmm looks like two routes. And the path through the woods seems shorter. But shortcuts usually lead to long delays. I'm for going to water deep and stocking up then taking the road" zerxius looks to the others
“Breakfast! Breakfast! Breakfast!” Full of morning energy Celeste bounces around with excitement for food. In the garden too! She couldn’t wait to roll around in it. Maybe even while she eats! She gasps in excitement, then practically vibrates with enthusiasm. “Breakfast! Breakfast!” She bounces off of Z. “Breakfast!” Tugging at him to go to the food first. Soon enough she’d just zip off. “Foooooooood!” There was no stopping her now.
Once bibbed, fed and dirt bathed, Celeste lay comfy on her back. Big sad eyes watch them carry the last of the meal away. “But what about second breakfast? Elevensies?” She looks over at the others extremely concerned.
At mention of the young woman’s death, Celeste would look sad. She was. But a part of her was relieved that the darkness wasn’t still present. “Do we get to keep her stuff?” She whispers quietly to Rantel. The dagger had a sister! It was a pair! And surely he likes books of the wizard kind?
Then eventually, with a wiggle of her hips, Celeste agrees with Z’s suggestion. “Take the long way round.” She sing songs to herself.
Rantel would, as soon as it seemed like the breakfast was beginning to be over, pantomime to Celeste to pocket as much of the meal as they could.
He imparts to Valzire his sincere condolences - and offers to take the lass’s spellbook if they had no other use for it. Perhaps the party could be of more use on future tasks with its contents.
And since it feels like a long time gone now since the top of the world came crashing down, he says he is fine to take the long way around.
Hoghead thanks Z for the offer. "My hammer can still crack skulls as well as it ever has. We got a couple of longswords, if nobody is using them, I can try one."
Hoghead wakes up groggy and slowly makes his way to breakfast with the rest of the group. He eats heartily until he is completely full. He's happy to leave the creepy family. After the group gets on the road, he will speak up again. "Too bad about the girl although if she's anything like her mother, they world may be better off without her. Better her than us." Hog was speaking to nobody in particular and was absentmindedly chewing on some sort of dried meat he had in his pocket.
Celeste salutes Rantel for his service of reminding her. She immediately sinks back, disappearing into the bushes. As staff pass by, she swipes and pockets snacks from her cover like it was a game. Eventually when they all filed away, marking the end of that 'round', the young woman helped herself to some of the herbs on her way out like it was a bonus round. There were perfect picks from this shnazzy garden to fill up her and Jane's healing kits.
Popping up behind Z, Celeste hops onto his back and helps herself to a piggyback ride. "I agree!" She clings, a few lbs heavier thanks to herbs, snacks and shinies. "Someone should make friends with that 'snitch sword'" She agreed with Z's (discord suggestion) that someone should connect themselves with that warning blade for an advantage.
Having not heard any 'no's earlier, Celeste was already committed to spending time with her new 'toys'. The dagger 'sisters'! She'd attune herself to the fancy danger blades, with the full intention of respecting their power in the memory of the souls who wielded them before her.
Giving a slight "oof" at the sudden unexpected extra weight Zerxius steadies up. "Are we ready to proceed then? This family and house do little for my comfort level"
"I'll take the blade then tho I doubt I'll ever use it"
Hoghead picks up the Dragon Slayer Longsword and takes a good long look at it. "Hello pretty. Do you want to go kill a dragon with me? Yeah, you'll do nicely." He closes his eyes and takes a long inhale smelling the blade. He takes a small taste and smiles. This may be all for show. It's unclear to anyone watching whether he is serious with this or it is just a game. He has the familiar twinkle in his eye.
"Let's get going. I can't wait to try out this new sword, especially since it prolly won't make me crazy this time."
The party makes good time traveling back to Waterdeep. It feels like a year or so since they last stepped foot inside the city walls, even though it's really only been a matter of a week or two.
A quick stop for fresh supplies, a night in a soft bed, and a hot meal before starting off fresh in the morning on the Sword Coast road, making your way northwest, the sea on your left, and the mountains ahead of you.
The road is a busy one, full of travelers, caravans of goods, and the occasional official-looking delegation, modest nobles without access to the magics of teleportation circles.
Late in your first day of travel you see an Inn on the sea-side of the road, precariously perched on a bluff hanging over the crashing surf below. A handpainted sign hangs out from the front door 'Breaker's Bar' is apparently open for business and eager for travelers - or at least that's what the sign says, the letters crammed together as the author ran out of room near the end.
The sun is making it's way towards the horizon, but you probably have another hour or two of daylight left if you choose to continue on.
A second sign warns you that this is the last Inn for at least a day's travel and that their beds aren't great, but they're better than sleeping on gravel.
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Jane considers the options. "I've heard a story or two about encounters with dragons. My friend Tawna- maybe you've heard of her before? She says she is famous in some parts. Anyway, she told me about a group that she was drinking with one night that had just got back from an encounter with a dragon! Um, anyway, I suppose I mean to say that there's more than one way to deal with a dragon, but there's a good chance of needing to be patched up. I'm happy to help out in that regard, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I let you all fend for yourselves against a possible dragon."
Rantel tries to think if he's heard of how far away Khundrukar is from Waterdeep. "I'd also lean toward 1 and 3. The third seems a bit vague. The first seems big. I don't know I'm cut out for fighting a dragon, not until I learn more. Should we head back to town and take stock of things? Ask around? In terms of our immediate future, I would like to do what I can to investigate this sample on my own, right now. That might give me a clue of what to do with it. Pretend it doesn't exist, dispose of it, or sell it to this family. Then I'll have a word with the matriarch. I'd like to find out what happened with the girl, and ask what they'd do with the sample, if I were to recall a place where they could get it, and really pay attention to her response. I'd also like to take a look at the girl's arcane notes, I might be able to learn something. Then I'm all for getting out of here. When do you all want to go?"
(I can't remember if we've gotten a long rest.)
Also need to sort loot and gold!
Here's an investigation check for looking at the sample on his own, away from the others to not risk their safety. Investigation: 16
I'm imagining Rantel's got a background in looking at odd fluids from crime scenes in a city full of magic. He doesn't want to touch it, but he'd pour out a drop onto a plate or a rag and see what he can ascertain.
Rantel breaks out the vial he collected in the dark underground laboratory. Holding it up to the light, sniffing it and running it through his CSI kit reveals the following:
1) The liquid is dark, thick, and viscous but dissolves almost instantly in nearly any other fluid. Almost like it was designed to be an additive.
2) On its own it has a pungent smell and vile flavor - one that sends a strong signal to your brain that this is 'bad'. In any liquid, the taste, color, and smell disappear.
3) It's arcane in nature - more like a potion than a poison, but unlike anything Rantel has ever seen. It appears to work through transmutation - by slowly transforming its target into a twisted perversion of nature - like Sharalyn or the twig blights you encountered.
Does he get a sense of how much is needed for a dose, or to be effective? He's thinking he might pour a non-effectual amount into another flask and offer that to the family, for testing and confirmation but not for practical use.
With that roll, he does indeed!
The potion is potent, a mouthful is all that's needed for full effect. Anything less than that would be unnoticed - at first - but it stays in your system and can build up over time. So if someone poisoned a well - or a supply of wine or ale - anyone drinking from the source regularly would be effected over time.
Rantel has effectively one dose - you could split it up, but doing so would leave you with only a few drops for yourself and a few for the Hucrele family - and unusual amount that would likely signal you had kept some.
Hoghead listens to the discussions about which path to choose. "Look, if y'all wanna go to the old dwarven ruins, that might be a good idea. We can smack some things around and maybe find some cool stuff. Now that my Axe is gone, I don't have a magic weapon. I may be able to find something or save up enough to have this hammer enchanted in case we run into any of those weirdos that can't be killed with a normal bash on the head. Otherwise, we can do the third one if you want."
Thinking back to the reaction of the household when Lady Huecrle asked about getting a sample, and the manner in which she did so, Rantel puts away thoughts of telling her about the sample he did keep. He didn't want to be the source of a line of malignant houseplants coming out of that greenhouse, or murderous mutated housecats. The house itself likely needs some closer investigation, he would have to get word back to the few people that did listen to him back on the city watch.
He agrees to the idea of the ruins. He does, when they get ready to leave, find the lady or her underlings, and ask, "how fares the poor lass? Did she persevere through the night?"
"It's settled then? Ruins it is." He looks at the gold handed to him. Shrugs and pockets.it. then to Hog. "You can use my staff if you want...tis not magical but does give a good whack"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Celeste was all puffed up with pride from not only completing a full assessment on her own and presenting it, but for also taking the lead on making a suggestion. Everyone was on board! Bright eyed, bushy tailed, she was ready to romp and get her nose dirty. “I can offer you magic pebbles to sling!” Celeste pipes up enthusiastically with a wiggle of her hips, adding to Z’s offer to Hog. Then she tilts her head. “Didn’t we find another blade?” What about the pile of goodies they found in the last ruins they were in? That is where she got her fancy crossbow after all! Wasn’t there a sword? Or was it just a dagger? Size didn’t matter to her. It was how you used it! But maybe it mattered to Hog. Dwarfs can be a particular bunch.
just an unstable unicorn.
As the party gathers itself in the morning, servants appear at the guest room door alerting you to the presence of a lovely breakfast laid out in the garden. The party dines alone, with members of the household noticeably absent.
As the last of the meal is carried away, Valzire (the Dragonborn paladin you met at the Yawning Portal and who is clearly a majordomo of some sort) appears to let you know that young Sharalyn expired quietly during the night. He asks that you all respect the family's privacy as the grieve - and strongly implies you all should get on the road as soon as possible.
Gathering your gear and heading out through the main gate, you all consult the map from the fallen paladin's pouch. It looks like the Ruins lie somewhere in the Sword Coast Mountains - to the North of Waterdeep under a singular mountain peak known as the Stone Tooth. The easiest - and safest - way to approach would be to head back to Waterdeep (roughly a half-day's journey south) before turning back along the coast and following the road northwest along the coast for several days. This approach would require roughly a week's travel to get to the small mining town of Blasingdell - the last outpost of civilization before reaching the Stone Tooth.
Your other choice would be to set off directly from the Hucrele Estate making your way NNW overland. Blasingdell is clearly marked on Sir Bradford's map and it seems like a direct route over the fields and through Kryptgarden Forrest to the small mining town tucked into the shadow of Stone Tooth. It's unclear how long this path would take - but it appears to be much, much shorter on the map.
"Hmmm looks like two routes. And the path through the woods seems shorter. But shortcuts usually lead to long delays. I'm for going to water deep and stocking up then taking the road" zerxius looks to the others
Laissez les bons temps rouler
“Breakfast! Breakfast! Breakfast!” Full of morning energy Celeste bounces around with excitement for food. In the garden too! She couldn’t wait to roll around in it. Maybe even while she eats! She gasps in excitement, then practically vibrates with enthusiasm. “Breakfast! Breakfast!” She bounces off of Z. “Breakfast!” Tugging at him to go to the food first. Soon enough she’d just zip off. “Foooooooood!” There was no stopping her now.
Once bibbed, fed and dirt bathed, Celeste lay comfy on her back. Big sad eyes watch them carry the last of the meal away. “But what about second breakfast? Elevensies?” She looks over at the others extremely concerned.
At mention of the young woman’s death, Celeste would look sad. She was. But a part of her was relieved that the darkness wasn’t still present. “Do we get to keep her stuff?” She whispers quietly to Rantel. The dagger had a sister! It was a pair! And surely he likes books of the wizard kind?
Then eventually, with a wiggle of her hips, Celeste agrees with Z’s suggestion. “Take the long way round.” She sing songs to herself.
just an unstable unicorn.
Rantel would, as soon as it seemed like the breakfast was beginning to be over, pantomime to Celeste to pocket as much of the meal as they could.
He imparts to Valzire his sincere condolences - and offers to take the lass’s spellbook if they had no other use for it. Perhaps the party could be of more use on future tasks with its contents.
And since it feels like a long time gone now since the top of the world came crashing down, he says he is fine to take the long way around.
Hoghead thanks Z for the offer. "My hammer can still crack skulls as well as it ever has. We got a couple of longswords, if nobody is using them, I can try one."
Hoghead wakes up groggy and slowly makes his way to breakfast with the rest of the group. He eats heartily until he is completely full. He's happy to leave the creepy family. After the group gets on the road, he will speak up again. "Too bad about the girl although if she's anything like her mother, they world may be better off without her. Better her than us." Hog was speaking to nobody in particular and was absentmindedly chewing on some sort of dried meat he had in his pocket.
Celeste salutes Rantel for his service of reminding her. She immediately sinks back, disappearing into the bushes. As staff pass by, she swipes and pockets snacks from her cover like it was a game. Eventually when they all filed away, marking the end of that 'round', the young woman helped herself to some of the herbs on her way out like it was a bonus round. There were perfect picks from this shnazzy garden to fill up her and Jane's healing kits.
Popping up behind Z, Celeste hops onto his back and helps herself to a piggyback ride. "I agree!" She clings, a few lbs heavier thanks to herbs, snacks and shinies. "Someone should make friends with that 'snitch sword'" She agreed with Z's
(discord suggestion)that someone should connect themselves with that warning blade for an advantage.Having not heard any 'no's earlier, Celeste was already committed to spending time with her new 'toys'. The dagger 'sisters'! She'd attune herself to the fancy danger blades, with the full intention of respecting their power in the memory of the souls who wielded them before her.
just an unstable unicorn.
Giving a slight "oof" at the sudden unexpected extra weight Zerxius steadies up. "Are we ready to proceed then? This family and house do little for my comfort level"
"I'll take the blade then tho I doubt I'll ever use it"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Hoghead picks up the Dragon Slayer Longsword and takes a good long look at it. "Hello pretty. Do you want to go kill a dragon with me? Yeah, you'll do nicely." He closes his eyes and takes a long inhale smelling the blade. He takes a small taste and smiles. This may be all for show. It's unclear to anyone watching whether he is serious with this or it is just a game. He has the familiar twinkle in his eye.
"Let's get going. I can't wait to try out this new sword, especially since it prolly won't make me crazy this time."
“I’m ready!” Celeste chimes and bounces enthusiastically from her perch, with no intention of getting down any time soon.
just an unstable unicorn.
The party makes good time traveling back to Waterdeep. It feels like a year or so since they last stepped foot inside the city walls, even though it's really only been a matter of a week or two.
A quick stop for fresh supplies, a night in a soft bed, and a hot meal before starting off fresh in the morning on the Sword Coast road, making your way northwest, the sea on your left, and the mountains ahead of you.
The road is a busy one, full of travelers, caravans of goods, and the occasional official-looking delegation, modest nobles without access to the magics of teleportation circles.
Late in your first day of travel you see an Inn on the sea-side of the road, precariously perched on a bluff hanging over the crashing surf below. A handpainted sign hangs out from the front door 'Breaker's Bar' is apparently open for business and eager for travelers - or at least that's what the sign says, the letters crammed together as the author ran out of room near the end.
The sun is making it's way towards the horizon, but you probably have another hour or two of daylight left if you choose to continue on.
A second sign warns you that this is the last Inn for at least a day's travel and that their beds aren't great, but they're better than sleeping on gravel.