Burn stands and dusts herself off. Without a word, she walks around, collects her marbles, and rolls them a few times in her hand, before dropping them back into her pouch. She slings her blunderbuss over her shoulder and walks down the ramp pulling an 18"x18"x16" cart on wheels, containing all her gear. The most noticeable artifact protruding in her cart is what appears to be the barrel of a very small cannon, like you might see on a naval ship. She makes her way to Torwin and stands next to them. Her eyes still scanning the horizon, she asks in a quiet, steady voice, "In all your books, have you any records describing the exploits of other adventuring bands?"
Geraine would notice that Torwin put back a leather cord they likely use to bind some of their books to prevent them fall around in their pack randomly. Nothing super long or useful for much else.
When Fifi explains about how there isn't a satyr style of music he seems to get a bit excited and takes out a notebook and writes something down. He pauses a moment after his music question and quick notation and then follows up with "E-e-everything? Is that for north forest satyrs or feywild s-s-saytrs? Both?" Torwin seems to have a little less stammering as they ask questions and seems excited to learn more about saytr culture in general.
When Burns comes over and asks them about their books they are at first very nervous with a terrible stammer but seems to loosen up as they talk about books and even goes on a bit too much after a bit, "I-I-I ummm... n-n-not with me. I r-r-read several books on a-ad-adventuring though like: m-m-making sure you are prepared and planning ahead. T-t-tools and items recommended to bring. Common pitfalls of beginning adventurers. They were very informative about many subject. I also read the journals of several adventuring gr-groups of the past to get an idea of day to day issues and I also tried to do research on creature we may encounter underground. I brought that book on that subject with me for reference. It's fascinating how much detail it goes into on various subterranean species. I wonder if I'll spot something new and undiscovered. I wasn't even expecting..." They seem to pause and get nervous again "Umm... s-s-s-sorry. I t-tend to ram-ramble about t-th-things I like."
Torwin was about to talk to Geraine again at their assurance that Torwin could talk to them but when some of his paper got loose in the passing wind of the wagon they didn't get a chance to. The lizardfolk manage to get most of them preventing them from leaving but one smacked Radu right in the face. Torwin looks absolutely petrified when they notice this. This was poor timing as they were about to reply to the cleric who assured them that they could speak freely which seemed to help Torwin seem less nervous. The stray page then continues past the hunter's face with the wind and flies out of the wagon in to the dry arid air outside. Torwin does watch the page make its exodus as their eyes go as big as dinner plates and they say "I-I-I'm s-s-s-sorry I-I-I d-d-din't m-me-mean t-to." Their stuttering seems to have gone into overdrive as they seem very afraid of Radu's reaction and what they might do next.
When the wagon stops Torwin quickly exits the wagon seemingly afraid of Radu and what they might do as they don't wait for a reply from them. They don't make it far as they drop their pack upon stepping down from the wagon and the contents go scattering across the dirt and ramp that was lowered to make things easier. Torwin is shaking as they pick up their things as quickly as they can. Several books, paper, ink bottles that are thankfully sealed and lots of notebooks scattered about and the lizard folk doing their best to be quick and not block the ramp for the others to exit.
"Now, now, gentlemen, we are all special in our own way. Best leave the heat to the weather, hey?" Rosie gently admonishes Radu and Geraine as she makes her way out of the wagon, much in the way a mother might chide her children for bickering over who gets the last biscuit. Once outside, she admires the little wagon Burn is toting: "Oh, isn't that wonderful. My boy had a wagon just like that. Used to put his toy elephant in there and take it on 'adventures'." She quickly helps Torwin pick up his things and stuff them back into his pack, before looking first at the massive chasm aside them and then up at the odd house before them. "Now doesn't that just point to money" she says, mentally comparing the newly-built house to the sea of tents and ramshackle huts. She gathers her things and walks up to the front door to knock.
"It was my father's... well my stepfather's. Don't think it's ever been on an adventure or ever carried an elephant. He used it to gather ingredients. He was an apothecary" Burn replied, gazing at her cart like it was the most precious thing in the world. After a long pause, she awkwardly asked "Your son.. where is he now?" But by then, Rosie had already moved on.
Fifi hops off the wagon and stretches her arms high into the sky, "Whew, thanks for the ride Fletch!"
The satyr skips over to Burn, "Oh wow, you've got a lot of fancy things there don't ya! Heard you asking about adventuring bands earlier. If you wanna hear a story or two, I've got a few I can sing to ya later. You suppose our man from the letter is the one in the nice house?"
"Stories? Yes, I love stories. Do you any about a group called Apex Dawn? From what I heard, they were fairly famous." Burn asks Fifi as she cracks her first, albeit strained, smile of the trip.
"Apex Dawn, hmmmm," Fifi pauses a moment to think, bringing an inquisitive finger to her chin (History Check: 5, lol), "Sorry I can't quite recall an Apex Dawn. I believe my mother often used some to help wash our fancy china though."
After knocking on the door, Rosie hears some hurried footsteps approaching from the inside. A moment later, a latch is undone and one of the doors slides open. An elf woman in a simple brown-green dress stands in its place, scanning you all quickly.
She mutters something to herself. You can make out some numbers. She's counting you all, referencing a notepad she holds in her hands.
???: (muttering)...four... five.. six... satyr... halfling... man with scars... yellow and black scales... (speaking for all to hear) You must be the last of Mr. Klage's recruits. Welcome.
Notes:
An NPC dialogue box labeled "???" simply indicates that you do not know the NPC's name yet.
"Huh interesting, from where I'm from it's usually 7, 8 and 9 that come after 6," Fifi says jokingly before extending a hand out for a handshake. "The name's Fifi thanks for having me, and yours is...?"
Sheska: (awkwardly reaching under the hand with the notepad to shake Fifi's) "My name is Sheska. I'm the outpost caretaker. Nice to meet you." (to everyone else) "You can all come inside. The bedrooms are upstairs. We also have a library, a smithy, a kitchen & dining hall, and parlor. Feel free to explore the premises as you please until the dinner bell rings."
Her expression remains neutral and analytical.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
"Well met, and may the light of Amaunator shine upon you. Once you can spare a moment, might I steal a moment or two of your time to discuss the laws of this land?"
“I hope so, otherwise we will have died early. And probably painfully.”He said to Geraine. “Too pessimistic, right?” Radu noticed as soon as he finished speaking, deciding it was better to not share how high he thought the possibility of the group being entombed alive by a rock slide was. “And to be honest, Rosie, I prefer to not be special. On my experience, ordinary is much better.”
And what he wouldn’t give to get his ordinary days back. No more wounds or broken bones, no more danger to the close ones. Close ones, he censored himself. Can’t even think of them loved ones anymore. But that would change after killing the damn wolf. It had to change.
“Information on the expedition, things like departure time and specific objectives, will be given during the dinner I suppose?” Radu asked hiding the displeasure of having his scars mentioned during Sheska counting moment. “Do you provide supplies? Something on the lines of the ingredients for making antitoxin or alchemist’s fire.”
Out of the two he wanted to make the toxin the most. If half of the histories he heard about the Underdark were true then there was good chance they would need some vials. With his luck Radu was likely to need it himself.
The mention of a library made Fifi's ear perk up, "Oh a library, I didn't expect a place like that to be here so close to the canyon. I'll go give it a looksie, anyone wanna come with?"
Fifi headed to the library with anyone who wanted to tag along. The satyr searched the bookshelves for any literature that seemed related to the canyon their party would soon descend.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sheska. I'm Rosie, but I suppose you already know that." Rosie stands aside the door to bundle everyone else inside before herself entering the surprisingly large house. She takes in her surrounding for a few moments before being startled out of her reverie by Fifi's comment about a library.
"Oh yes, I'll join you in the library. I used to be a librarian, don't ya know. Oh and a smithy also? Can we get whatever we like made?"
Once Sheska has had a chance to respond to the barrage of questions from the group, Rosie follows Fifi to the library, with plans to check out the smithy afterwards.
As Torwin receives some help from Rosie they nod towards them and say "Ummm th-thank you." they hastily pick up their things with her help. Still quite nervous they seem uncertain what to say next and settle for walking away awkwardly from Rosie to shake the hand of Fletch. "Th-thank you... umm... i-it was a n-nice j-j-journey." The yellow and black scaled lizard man seems quite comfortable in the arid area and also finally standing on ground. The bumpy ride didn't agree with them too much but they were thankful they managed not to get sick on the trip. When the rest of the people get off the wagon Torwin looks back a bit uncertain but when Radu doesn't seem to react to the accident the lizard folk seems to relax a bit
They listen to the question about an adventuring group that Torwin has read a bit about, they address Burn and say with increasing confidence as they continue with their knowledge "Umm... I-I know... ummm... the Apex D-dawn... n-n-not that I m-met th-them. Re-researched t-t-them a bit... umm... famous... s-s-seemed like a good i-idea too. M-m-many adventures and exploration, six me-members. Ahad the Resolute, Brunahel the Accursed, Eledan the Inspired, Jalen the Vexatious, Lembar the incorruptable, Mariah the Orchestrator. Interdenominational adventurers with a plethora of achievements tied to their exploits. Many dungeons, wars, artifact retrieval...... Th-th-they s-s-sound in-int-intimidating."
Realizing what they just said Torwin kind of hides their face in embarrassment and shuffles away from Burn towards the building to almost run into the Sheska. Luckily they managed not to as the lady gives them a run down on their lodging. Torwin says "N-n-nice to m-m-meet you." They were about to inquire on the library but fifi seemed to be the first one to inquire and when asked if anyone wanted to join the lizardman raises their hand like in school. They then follow the satyr to the library to also do research on the local area...or maybe just get distracted with random books and knowledge. That happens often too. (Investigation: 18)
Sheska: (To Geraine) "Of course. Find me when you've gotten situated."
(To Radu) "Yes, Mr. Klage will give a debriefing of the expedition's specifics at and after dinner. You may be able to find some alchemical components in the storage rooms. They're just behind the kitchen. I can't guarantee you'll find exactly what your looking for, but you can ask Breda the cook for assistance. She knows the pantry better than I do."
(To Rosie) "Yes, the smithy has all the materials necessary for forging tools. Unfortunately, Mr. Klage's hired smith had some travel difficulties and will not be able to make it here for the expedition."
Fifi, Rosie, and Torwin (in the Library)
"Library" was a bit too generous of a term to describe the small room near the end of the main hallway. It consists of a single wall of bookcases, with some desks and lecterns scattered about. Opposite from the bookshelves is a long sofa. There is a noticeable lack of dust in the library. Like the outside, the inside of the house feels very new. At the back of the room is a door leading into what is presumably the parlor that Sheska mentioned.
On the far end of the sofa, an imposing minotaur sits, casually reading a book. He is decked in ornamental armor and a tattered red cloak.
Torwin's Investigation check: Most of the books on the shelves are adventure novels and popular nonfiction (cookbooks, ). Torwin gets the impression that this isn't much of a library and more like someone took their personal collection and called it a library.
Fifi's Investigation check: At first, there seems to be nothing of value among the books. However, at the far end of one of the shelves she manages to find a copy of Volo's Guide to Monsters, a guide popular among adventurers.
Bernadette (heading Upstairs)
Sheska hurries up the stairs after Burn.
Sheska: "You six were the last ones to arrive, so your choice of bedroom is a bit limited. There should be six empty rooms."
At the top of the stairs is a long hallway lined with doors. Some open, most aren't. It appears to round the corner and continue down the "L" shape of the house.
Sheska: "The room at the end of the hall is Mr. Klage's."
Sheska follows Burn upstairs, leaving Radu and Geraine alone at the front door.
Notes:
Whenever the party splits up, I will divide my post into sections based on the sub-groups the party has split into. You are only required to read the section for your sub-group, but there isn't a problem with reading others too (though it might be immersion-breaking for you to be reading scenes when your character isn't there).
Also, from now on, could people make dice rolls using the forum post dice roller? Thank you!
Radu nodded in response to Sheska’s words. There was practicality on saving the explanations for a single occasion in a single place, but more than that, the fact that the briefing was to take place in Klage’s own house suggested the man had information he preferred to keep secret. Maybe the expedition was less about exploring a new frontier and more about searching for something specific. That or Eduan was about to led them into a death trap so they could be made into a blood sacrifice for a dark god, a devil of Baator or a demon of the Abyss. Always possible, the Blood Hunter said to himself while trying to decide if it would be worse than a full moon. Somehow, he doubted.
“I will check the kitchen then the storage.” He said considering for a moment to take a look on the smithy. Maybe he could get himself a melee weapon there, but then he was not sure about needing one. His strength was average at beast and the kind of blade that could make more damage than his bolts, a rapier, was not cheap. Hells, he couldn’t even pay for one of those then. “Breda, right?”
The name sounded like a gentle grandmother so, of course, Radu made his way to the kitchen expecting to find some ruthless monster killer with manners worse than even his own. She is tough enough to come work here, Ashford considered.
Geraine nods to Sheska with a smile. "Thank you Sheska, I will come find you shortly".
Once Radu leaves and Geraine is alone, he immediately casts Detect Magic before following behind Radu as the first stop in his tour of the house. He walks into the kitchen long enough to gaze around the room, as well as at Radu, nodding as he goes (regardless of what he sees) before moving on.
Thinking to himself as he enters the kitchen: "The plan is simple, over the next 10 minutes I will make a quick visit to the kitchen before self-guiding my little tour just as briefly into and out of the dining room, and thense to the library. With a moment or two to spare I can likely make it to my room to lighten my load before my magic runs its course prior to searching for Sheska to discuss the rules in these parts. I suspect law is likely a short topic as of late around here, and perhaps we will receive more of this from Klage. However, she seems quite tightly wound, who better a person to understand law and order to the letter to ensure they are upheld!"
Geraine is not actively investigating so much as seeing if anything pops up as he goes so I assumed more passive perception while the spell is active. But, let me know if you want any checks as we go.
The satyr brushes a finger across each level of books, scanning through the titles as she touches the spine of each book, "Hmmmmm. Nope, nope, nope, nada, nah, nope, nope. Aha, what do we have here?"
Fifi pulls out a single book from the shelves, "Volo's Guide to Monsters, huh? Quite a find!" The satyr calls to grab Towrin and Rosie's attention and shows the book off to the two. She waits for the two to come over, should they wish, before she opens the book and begins looking over its pages.
Burn stands and dusts herself off. Without a word, she walks around, collects her marbles, and rolls them a few times in her hand, before dropping them back into her pouch. She slings her blunderbuss over her shoulder and walks down the ramp pulling an 18"x18"x16" cart on wheels, containing all her gear. The most noticeable artifact protruding in her cart is what appears to be the barrel of a very small cannon, like you might see on a naval ship. She makes her way to Torwin and stands next to them. Her eyes still scanning the horizon, she asks in a quiet, steady voice, "In all your books, have you any records describing the exploits of other adventuring bands?"
Geraine would notice that Torwin put back a leather cord they likely use to bind some of their books to prevent them fall around in their pack randomly. Nothing super long or useful for much else.
When Fifi explains about how there isn't a satyr style of music he seems to get a bit excited and takes out a notebook and writes something down. He pauses a moment after his music question and quick notation and then follows up with "E-e-everything? Is that for north forest satyrs or feywild s-s-saytrs? Both?" Torwin seems to have a little less stammering as they ask questions and seems excited to learn more about saytr culture in general.
When Burns comes over and asks them about their books they are at first very nervous with a terrible stammer but seems to loosen up as they talk about books and even goes on a bit too much after a bit, "I-I-I ummm... n-n-not with me. I r-r-read several books on a-ad-adventuring though like: m-m-making sure you are prepared and planning ahead. T-t-tools and items recommended to bring. Common pitfalls of beginning adventurers. They were very informative about many subject. I also read the journals of several adventuring gr-groups of the past to get an idea of day to day issues and I also tried to do research on creature we may encounter underground. I brought that book on that subject with me for reference. It's fascinating how much detail it goes into on various subterranean species. I wonder if I'll spot something new and undiscovered. I wasn't even expecting..." They seem to pause and get nervous again "Umm... s-s-s-sorry. I t-tend to ram-ramble about t-th-things I like."
Torwin was about to talk to Geraine again at their assurance that Torwin could talk to them but when some of his paper got loose in the passing wind of the wagon they didn't get a chance to. The lizardfolk manage to get most of them preventing them from leaving but one smacked Radu right in the face. Torwin looks absolutely petrified when they notice this. This was poor timing as they were about to reply to the cleric who assured them that they could speak freely which seemed to help Torwin seem less nervous. The stray page then continues past the hunter's face with the wind and flies out of the wagon in to the dry arid air outside. Torwin does watch the page make its exodus as their eyes go as big as dinner plates and they say "I-I-I'm s-s-s-sorry I-I-I d-d-din't m-me-mean t-to." Their stuttering seems to have gone into overdrive as they seem very afraid of Radu's reaction and what they might do next.
When the wagon stops Torwin quickly exits the wagon seemingly afraid of Radu and what they might do as they don't wait for a reply from them. They don't make it far as they drop their pack upon stepping down from the wagon and the contents go scattering across the dirt and ramp that was lowered to make things easier. Torwin is shaking as they pick up their things as quickly as they can. Several books, paper, ink bottles that are thankfully sealed and lots of notebooks scattered about and the lizard folk doing their best to be quick and not block the ramp for the others to exit.
"Now, now, gentlemen, we are all special in our own way. Best leave the heat to the weather, hey?" Rosie gently admonishes Radu and Geraine as she makes her way out of the wagon, much in the way a mother might chide her children for bickering over who gets the last biscuit.
Once outside, she admires the little wagon Burn is toting: "Oh, isn't that wonderful. My boy had a wagon just like that. Used to put his toy elephant in there and take it on 'adventures'."
She quickly helps Torwin pick up his things and stuff them back into his pack, before looking first at the massive chasm aside them and then up at the odd house before them. "Now doesn't that just point to money" she says, mentally comparing the newly-built house to the sea of tents and ramshackle huts. She gathers her things and walks up to the front door to knock.
"It was my father's... well my stepfather's. Don't think it's ever been on an adventure or ever carried an elephant. He used it to gather ingredients. He was an apothecary" Burn replied, gazing at her cart like it was the most precious thing in the world. After a long pause, she awkwardly asked "Your son.. where is he now?" But by then, Rosie had already moved on.
Fifi hops off the wagon and stretches her arms high into the sky, "Whew, thanks for the ride Fletch!"
The satyr skips over to Burn, "Oh wow, you've got a lot of fancy things there don't ya! Heard you asking about adventuring bands earlier. If you wanna hear a story or two, I've got a few I can sing to ya later. You suppose our man from the letter is the one in the nice house?"
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"Stories? Yes, I love stories. Do you any about a group called Apex Dawn? From what I heard, they were fairly famous." Burn asks Fifi as she cracks her first, albeit strained, smile of the trip.
"Apex Dawn, hmmmm," Fifi pauses a moment to think, bringing an inquisitive finger to her chin (History Check: 5, lol), "Sorry I can't quite recall an Apex Dawn. I believe my mother often used some to help wash our fancy china though."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
After knocking on the door, Rosie hears some hurried footsteps approaching from the inside. A moment later, a latch is undone and one of the doors slides open. An elf woman in a simple brown-green dress stands in its place, scanning you all quickly.
She mutters something to herself. You can make out some numbers. She's counting you all, referencing a notepad she holds in her hands.
Notes:
An NPC dialogue box labeled "???" simply indicates that you do not know the NPC's name yet.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
"Huh interesting, from where I'm from it's usually 7, 8 and 9 that come after 6," Fifi says jokingly before extending a hand out for a handshake. "The name's Fifi thanks for having me, and yours is...?"
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Her expression remains neutral and analytical.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Geraine smiles kindly and approaches Sheska.
"Well met, and may the light of Amaunator shine upon you. Once you can spare a moment, might I steal a moment or two of your time to discuss the laws of this land?"
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
“I hope so, otherwise we will have died early. And probably painfully.” He said to Geraine. “Too pessimistic, right?” Radu noticed as soon as he finished speaking, deciding it was better to not share how high he thought the possibility of the group being entombed alive by a rock slide was. “And to be honest, Rosie, I prefer to not be special. On my experience, ordinary is much better.”
And what he wouldn’t give to get his ordinary days back. No more wounds or broken bones, no more danger to the close ones. Close ones, he censored himself. Can’t even think of them loved ones anymore. But that would change after killing the damn wolf. It had to change.
“Information on the expedition, things like departure time and specific objectives, will be given during the dinner I suppose?” Radu asked hiding the displeasure of having his scars mentioned during Sheska counting moment. “Do you provide supplies? Something on the lines of the ingredients for making antitoxin or alchemist’s fire.”
Out of the two he wanted to make the toxin the most. If half of the histories he heard about the Underdark were true then there was good chance they would need some vials. With his luck Radu was likely to need it himself.
The mention of a library made Fifi's ear perk up, "Oh a library, I didn't expect a place like that to be here so close to the canyon. I'll go give it a looksie, anyone wanna come with?"
Fifi headed to the library with anyone who wanted to tag along. The satyr searched the bookshelves for any literature that seemed related to the canyon their party would soon descend.
Investigation Check: 19
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sheska. I'm Rosie, but I suppose you already know that." Rosie stands aside the door to bundle everyone else inside before herself entering the surprisingly large house. She takes in her surrounding for a few moments before being startled out of her reverie by Fifi's comment about a library.
"Oh yes, I'll join you in the library. I used to be a librarian, don't ya know. Oh and a smithy also? Can we get whatever we like made?"
Once Sheska has had a chance to respond to the barrage of questions from the group, Rosie follows Fifi to the library, with plans to check out the smithy afterwards.
As Torwin receives some help from Rosie they nod towards them and say "Ummm th-thank you." they hastily pick up their things with her help. Still quite nervous they seem uncertain what to say next and settle for walking away awkwardly from Rosie to shake the hand of Fletch. "Th-thank you... umm... i-it was a n-nice j-j-journey." The yellow and black scaled lizard man seems quite comfortable in the arid area and also finally standing on ground. The bumpy ride didn't agree with them too much but they were thankful they managed not to get sick on the trip. When the rest of the people get off the wagon Torwin looks back a bit uncertain but when Radu doesn't seem to react to the accident the lizard folk seems to relax a bit
They listen to the question about an adventuring group that Torwin has read a bit about, they address Burn and say with increasing confidence as they continue with their knowledge "Umm... I-I know... ummm... the Apex D-dawn... n-n-not that I m-met th-them. Re-researched t-t-them a bit... umm... famous... s-s-seemed like a good i-idea too. M-m-many adventures and exploration, six me-members. Ahad the Resolute, Brunahel the Accursed, Eledan the Inspired, Jalen the Vexatious, Lembar the incorruptable, Mariah the Orchestrator. Interdenominational adventurers with a plethora of achievements tied to their exploits. Many dungeons, wars, artifact retrieval...... Th-th-they s-s-sound in-int-intimidating."
Realizing what they just said Torwin kind of hides their face in embarrassment and shuffles away from Burn towards the building to almost run into the Sheska. Luckily they managed not to as the lady gives them a run down on their lodging. Torwin says "N-n-nice to m-m-meet you." They were about to inquire on the library but fifi seemed to be the first one to inquire and when asked if anyone wanted to join the lizardman raises their hand like in school. They then follow the satyr to the library to also do research on the local area...or maybe just get distracted with random books and knowledge. That happens often too. (Investigation: 18)
A slight widening of her eyes as Torwin rattles off their roster is the only crack in her normally stoney countenance.
“Let’s have a chat later, ok,Torwin?”
Burn heads up the stairs to drop off her gear and then to seek a bath.
Fifi, Rosie, and Torwin (in the Library)
"Library" was a bit too generous of a term to describe the small room near the end of the main hallway. It consists of a single wall of bookcases, with some desks and lecterns scattered about. Opposite from the bookshelves is a long sofa. There is a noticeable lack of dust in the library. Like the outside, the inside of the house feels very new. At the back of the room is a door leading into what is presumably the parlor that Sheska mentioned.
On the far end of the sofa, an imposing minotaur sits, casually reading a book. He is decked in ornamental armor and a tattered red cloak.
Torwin's Investigation check: Most of the books on the shelves are adventure novels and popular nonfiction (cookbooks, ). Torwin gets the impression that this isn't much of a library and more like someone took their personal collection and called it a library.
Fifi's Investigation check: At first, there seems to be nothing of value among the books. However, at the far end of one of the shelves she manages to find a copy of Volo's Guide to Monsters, a guide popular among adventurers.
Bernadette (heading Upstairs)
Sheska hurries up the stairs after Burn.
Sheska:
"You six were the last ones to arrive, so your choice of bedroom is a bit limited. There should be six empty rooms."
At the top of the stairs is a long hallway lined with doors. Some open, most aren't. It appears to round the corner and continue down the "L" shape of the house.
Sheska:
"The room at the end of the hall is Mr. Klage's."
Sheska follows Burn upstairs, leaving Radu and Geraine alone at the front door.
Notes:
Whenever the party splits up, I will divide my post into sections based on the sub-groups the party has split into. You are only required to read the section for your sub-group, but there isn't a problem with reading others too (though it might be immersion-breaking for you to be reading scenes when your character isn't there).
Also, from now on, could people make dice rolls using the forum post dice roller? Thank you!
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Radu nodded in response to Sheska’s words. There was practicality on saving the explanations for a single occasion in a single place, but more than that, the fact that the briefing was to take place in Klage’s own house suggested the man had information he preferred to keep secret. Maybe the expedition was less about exploring a new frontier and more about searching for something specific. That or Eduan was about to led them into a death trap so they could be made into a blood sacrifice for a dark god, a devil of Baator or a demon of the Abyss. Always possible, the Blood Hunter said to himself while trying to decide if it would be worse than a full moon. Somehow, he doubted.
“I will check the kitchen then the storage.” He said considering for a moment to take a look on the smithy. Maybe he could get himself a melee weapon there, but then he was not sure about needing one. His strength was average at beast and the kind of blade that could make more damage than his bolts, a rapier, was not cheap. Hells, he couldn’t even pay for one of those then. “Breda, right?”
The name sounded like a gentle grandmother so, of course, Radu made his way to the kitchen expecting to find some ruthless monster killer with manners worse than even his own. She is tough enough to come work here, Ashford considered.
Notes: Radu goes to the kitchen.
Geraine nods to Sheska with a smile. "Thank you Sheska, I will come find you shortly".
Once Radu leaves and Geraine is alone, he immediately casts Detect Magic before following behind Radu as the first stop in his tour of the house. He walks into the kitchen long enough to gaze around the room, as well as at Radu, nodding as he goes (regardless of what he sees) before moving on.
Thinking to himself as he enters the kitchen: "The plan is simple, over the next 10 minutes I will make a quick visit to the kitchen before self-guiding my little tour just as briefly into and out of the dining room, and thense to the library. With a moment or two to spare I can likely make it to my room to lighten my load before my magic runs its course prior to searching for Sheska to discuss the rules in these parts. I suspect law is likely a short topic as of late around here, and perhaps we will receive more of this from Klage. However, she seems quite tightly wound, who better a person to understand law and order to the letter to ensure they are upheld!"
Geraine is not actively investigating so much as seeing if anything pops up as he goes so I assumed more passive perception while the spell is active. But, let me know if you want any checks as we go.
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
The satyr brushes a finger across each level of books, scanning through the titles as she touches the spine of each book, "Hmmmmm. Nope, nope, nope, nada, nah, nope, nope. Aha, what do we have here?"
Fifi pulls out a single book from the shelves, "Volo's Guide to Monsters, huh? Quite a find!" The satyr calls to grab Towrin and Rosie's attention and shows the book off to the two. She waits for the two to come over, should they wish, before she opens the book and begins looking over its pages.
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN