Dodging out of the way of the cat's claw swipe with barely a thought, Nivi/Karl breathes a quiet sigh of relief as the Eladrin appears.
"Thanks for that, Shorty." Nivi has seen similar Sleep magic before and knows well that elves such as she, Jack and Olamoira are immune, yet finds herself wishing she had paid more attention as a child (as her sister had) to her tutor's droning on about Eladrin and seasons and various courts and fey connections. Can they all cast Sleep at will?Nivi finds that she cannot remember. Bigger issues at hand anyway.
"Clock is ticking, no lie. Found a key on one of the hell-kittens, and I'm thinking there's something else here, but no luck finding anything with all that caterwauling. Care to give a girl a little help and guidance? Can give it another shot. If still no dice, got to keep moving and find the Bones."
Without the distraction of the ferocious felines, Nivi/Karl tries once more to look for hidden compartments, cubbies, false bottoms/walls, or hidden doors/passageways in the room. Perhaps something that her newly-acquired key might fit? (Of course with the eventual goal of finding the Bones).
Nivi'sInvestigation (with or without help from Jack, first roll was higher): 21 (or 24 if with Guidance from Jack).
She sheathes each dagger (Free Action). Immediately afterwards, with the cats unconscious, she re-summons Ash, her owl, to her shoulder.
(Note: with the Minor Illusion of the dog barking, the Minor Illusion of the Imp's tail protruding into view would have vanished).
Jack's allows his next actions to be his answer providing both measures of assistance both magically and immediately after physically in covering the opposite half of the room from Nivi. And while normally he'd prefer a certain level of discretion in moving things about as needed to try and uncover any potential hidden caches, the urge to stay tidy and put things back after searching any given spot is kept on a short leash. It is also during this time that he conveys his worries about the felled imp, and how -- depending on the "intimacy" of the Lady's connection to the fiend -- it might have yet already alerted its mistress.
"You may also want to be mindful of placing your own familiar in danger going forward, darling. As a fiend leaving behind any remains does not bode well for our extraplanar friends in service." He continued to voice just quietly enough for Nivi's ears only before redoublingi his focus on the search. Once Nivi, at the very least, appeared satisfied with searching the room, and should they find neither bones or other artifact, Jack speaks up once more, "If you think you have not more need of me as I am, those cats have given me an idea. A risky one too myself, but I might be able to buy you a little more time up here, if nothing else. All you need but bid me to do it, and I shall." He offers, and regardless of the answer, he'd respect her wishes. But, he would also dismiss any request to elaborate with a curt headshake, citing a lack of time. One way or another, after the offer is made and should she have no other ideas on how to proceed, then he'd turn into a similar species of cats as one of the ones they'd just defeated.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(jack investigation: 15 ) Original - 2
Nivi redoubles her search, feeling there just has to be something in this room! Scanning every area that had looked promising before Nivi eventually finds something she had overlooked before.. something so painfully obvious in its difficulty to find that she realized she should have known fro mher years of prior skills! She had formerly looked at the books and drawers and other such things before, seeking hidden levers, but her mind was Guided to the simple solution... to just try shifting the shelf itself as a whole!
The bookshelf opens inward, towards Nivi, though it lets out a deep groan. The hinges weren't rusty but they also weren't far from it. The shelf swings open to reveal behind the hinged panel in the bookcase lies a dusty, ten-foot-square room with a curtained window and shelves lining three walls. On the bottom shelf rests an iron chest. The other shelves are bare.
Beren nods, surprised at his own luck. Seems Wachter should learn a thing or two about how to treat her own men. After a moment he says, "I see... Yes. This message is for Luvash." He slowly removes his signet ring from the pouch at his side (he never actually wears it), then holds it out to the stranger. "I don't know if Luvash knows who you are, but in any case, show this to him. That way he and hopefully anyone else you need to get past to deliver this message, knows that the message does come from me, and that it is not some trick."The ring has the same symbol carved onto it as the emblem on his tabard. "Wachter intends to have Luvash murdered, as her master desires. He pauses, "Also.. I understand your hesitance to turn on Wachter. She seems a powerful enemy. So, if you choose to take me up on this offer, I will do what I can to ensure that she deals you no harm--or simply does not find out that you turned on her, if that is what you wish."
At this point, he has a feeling they will end up fighting and possibly killing Lady Wachter, which would remove whatever threat she has to this man. If the man agrees, and takes the ring from him, he'll add, "Leave the ring with Luvash, so that I may retrieve it when this is over."Not that he really cares much about the ring, but perhaps it has its uses.
"Hold that thought, Shorty," Nivi drawls as the Jack'sguidance allows her to realize she simply needed to move the entire shelf. She does not pry further into exactly what her companion's idea for buying time is, knowing the Eladrin well enough not to ask for details.
"I crack this chest and it's got the Bones, could be we don't need to buy time. If not, then yeah, go for it. Meantime, a bit more of that guidance..."
Her invisibleMage Hand already summoned and holding the cat-collar key, Nivi stands a good 15' away from the iron chest on the bottom shelf and tries to judge whether the key seems the right size for it. If it does seem the right size, she uses her Mage Hand to attempt unlocking and opening it.
If the key seems the wrong size, or if it does not unlock the iron chest, she calls her Mage Hand back and hands it her Thieves' Tools instead, pocketing the key herself. The Mage Hand then returns and tries to jimmy the lock on the iron chest with the Thieves' Tools using Arcane Tricksters' Mage Hand Legerdemain. Still standing at least 15' away and a little to the side at all times and advising Jack to do the same.
(OOC: Oh my goodness, I hope the key worked and the Thieves' Tools check is not necessary. Because Nivi rolled a Nat. 1 on it AND a 1 on any Guidance from Jack... Nivi'sThieves' Tools check, rolled as Sleight of Hand, same +7 bonus, plus Guidance: 8 + 1 = 9)
The man seems to stand still, pondering the words Beren was saying. As if he was considering his options. The way a man might when he knows his decision might have consequences one way or another, but still never showing fear throughout. After a few long moments, he takes the offered item, and his eyes roll to one side as one does when trying to memorize a gram for another. The man seemed to be aware of atleast some of what Beren had said, so Beren's request was not an entirely unknown quantity to him. Aye. I will. I think a change in.. venues is overdue. I serves as I was bid better than expected only to be met with baseline... though his eyes shot to meet Berens.. as much as they could. But know this will almost assuredly turn Strahd against you, if he is not already. I just want my name left out of things.. not that I gave it to you but ... I still have a face. with that, he turned and casually yet swiftly made his way down the road, in the rough direction of the Burgomasters Mansion. Beren - despite seeing the man, did not hear his footsteps. The man was quiet, if this was someone who had been watching them, that would explain quite a bit.
Luckily for Nivi, the key was meant for this chest! with the cat as its keeper. And upon a breif inspection, Nivi would notice a poisoned needle trap had been set into it if anythign other than its intended key were to attempt to open it. Within the chest itself was:
A silk bag containing 180 ep, each coin bearing Strahd’s stern visage in profile
A leather bag containing 110 gp
A wooden pipe that seems as if it has been passed down through many generations of Wachter patriarchs
Five scrolls—notarized deeds for parcels of land given to the Wachter family by Count Strahd von Zarovich nearly four centuries ago
A supple leather case containing an unbound manuscript titled The Devil We Know—a poetic manifesto written by Lady Fiona Wachter attesting that the worship of devils can bring happiness, success, freedom, wealth, and longevity
A blasphemous treatise bound in black leather titled The Grimoire of the Four Quarters, written by Devostas, who was drawn and quartered for his fell practices yet did not die
A very old letter to Lady Lovina Wachter (an ancestor) from one Lord Vasili von Holtz, thanking Lovina for her hospitality, loyalty, and friendship over the years
As her Mage Hand returns the key to the collar of the (now unconscious) cat from which she had taken it, Nivi looks down at her own hands and finds them shaking. Get a grip, girl. Not your first job and won't be your last. Unless you make a mess of this...
Through long practice, Nivi quickly inspects the contents of the formerly-locked chest in Wachter's secret room, instinctively leaving each item in a state which looks as if it has never been found or disturbed, relaying each to Jack, though she is skeptical that the Eladrin will concern himself much, since...
"Got something, Shorty, but seeing no Bones. Family treasures only. May need that delaying tactic of yours. Got to keep moving."
Nivi wants no part of the electrum coins with Strahd's visage on them. Her Mage Hand hovers for a long moment over the leather bag of gold pieces, not to mention the five notarized deeds to properties. The look on her face is a study in frustration.
Should bloody well take these. This broad tried to get a kid murdered and frame me for it, works for Strahd, chums with devils and set her bloody Imp on me. Nothing wrong with a little bloody payback. Sodding Lady Wachter's earned that and a boatload more.
Yet then she thinks of Beren. And Olamoira. My crew. Thieving unrelated to the Bones might not fly with Sunshine. Definitely won't with Prophet.
Nivi's teeth grind nearly audibly as she leaves the gold coins and notarized deeds be. What she does swipe is the evidence for Luvash.
If I take this blasphemous grimoire,Wachter'll just deny it's hers and pin it on us. But no denying a manuscript she authored herself. "The Devil we Know". Yeah,Lu-lu, not only does this broad want to put you under, she's good buddies with fiends and proud of it. Just ask her - it's her own bloody book.
Taking only the manuscript espousing worship of devils in Lady Wachter's own hand, Nivi leaves the rest exactly how she found it, and closes the bookshelf, trying to make it look as if it had never been opened, with the key back on the unconscious cat's collar.
Her Mage hand still active and her owl familiar Shiv on her shoulder despite Jack's warning of the danger, Nivi turns to the Eladrin.
"Need to find the Bones. It's go-time, Shorty. You got any tricks, now's the time."
Nivi prepares to listen and peek her way out of the room, closing and locking it behind her and Jack if the coast is clear.
"I am well aware," Beren says gruffly in response to the stranger's comment about Strahd. "I won't ask your name, and we will meet again only if you wish it." That was another reason he asked that the ring be left with Luvash. Still, he's a little surprised when the man simply left without asking for payment of any sort. Beren doesn't stop him, instead he just gives a reluctant and quiet "Thank you" as the stranger slips away.
If the man hadn't been so obvious in his desire to 'change', Beren would have been more concerned with the potential backfire this could cause. As it is though, he just feels unusually lucky--not that luck is anything he likes to rely on. Regardless, it's not something he will take for granted.
Turning to Olamoira he says, "Alright. Now to deliver our message to Wachter."And he grips his sword as they continue on their way back to Wachter's manor.
Olamoira quietly listens to the exchange between the disgruntled spy and the Avatar of the Sun. Even those who seek some gain in serving evil sometimes have the grace to see that it isn't worth it. As the man accepts the message and ring, and departs on his way, Ola gives him a grateful smile. I have no fondness for Luvash, but it is a great work of mercy to warn him, and this is to be commended.
"Everything hidden will come to light, and evil will have shadows no longer to hide in,"Ola muses to Beren. "That is very kind of you, to want to warn Luvash. It is a good deed for you, and for this unnamed man, you will both gain a blessing for this."Her smile spreads, her eyes lighting up. "Yes, let's go... Jack and Nivi may be on the brink of finding those bones, a distraction will do them good."She falls into step beside Beren as they head back for the manor.
"Delaying tactic? Tricks?" Jack asks with his head canted to the side. But then following an "Oh!", he rights it again and sheepishly smiles. "My apologies, my dear. When you bade me pause before, I... Mn, well, I suppose it doesn't much matter now. Odds are my earlier idea may yet blow up in my face in quite a spectacular fashion. But be that as it may, continue your search upstairs -- though do mind that 2nd door down the hall, as it seems one of her children has gone quite feral. And the 3rd one was but storage closet." He swiftly and as succiently as possible supplied Nivi.
"As for me, the lower levels of this place call. But worry you not one bit." Jack goes to try and tap Nivi on the nose, reweaving a guiding spell back into being for his roguish companion. "I should be fine enough. Though on the off chance you do hear any noises of concern, never you mind them.... beyond, I suppose, taking them as your cue to leave out a window and regroup with the others. I know I certainly will~" He whispered to Nivi as he approached the door. "Now. No more questions. Let's be swift." As if to further hammer down the point/deny any further comunitcation, Jack becomes a cat of at least an eerie similarity as to one of the Lady Watcher's cats, and casually plods out into the hall once Nivi opens the door. Then while she's busy locking it for good measure, he busies himself by padding over to the fallen imp and tearing just enough of its tail or flesh to leave a bit dangling from his mouth.
His work soon complete, Jack's next aim is to quietly pad down the stairs and begin searching for a possible door leading to a basement. But while his aim was to avoid notice during this process, if he should be spotted, he makes a point of ensuring the bit of imp flesh is VERY noticeable before switching to plan B) Run and Hide
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nivi collects and places the items somewhere on her person that she feels is secure, and after carefully looking out, see's that, at-least for the moment, the coast is clear. Though that does not mean someone isn't at the base of the stairs or on their way there. They had been lucky so far that the (dice) staff had not decided to be on the upper floors or this may have gone south!
The man entrusted with the message continues on his way briskly as he see's a means for revenge against his former mistress. The man obviously knew some of what Beren told him already but now he had whatever he had been missing before. Beren and Moira speak, briefly together before heading to the door, easily able to reach it swiftly as they both leave the Wachter boy behind.
Inside, Jack, unable to find an imp as all demons vanish from the material plane when vanquished, panics breifly, but finds a piece of carpet that with just enough slobber... could almost pass for flesh of.. something. Making his way downstairs with the grace of a cat, and seeing Lady Wachter just beginning to exit the meeting area they had all been in minutes before. (perception: 15 ) original - 13. (Stealth: 18 ) Orig - 14.
Jack just barely able to go by unnoticed. Wachter reaches the base of the stairs. (please stealth Nivi, not owl, it's 'on' you')
Nivi/Karl sees CatJack slip off downstairs, as mysteriously as most cats (or Eladrin) do, just as she locks the door behind her and hears someone at the base of the stairs. Wonder if that could be her vampire and devil-loving ladyship coming up to check on her Imp. Still owe that one some payback.
Briefly, Nivi bares her teeth, wanting more than anything to find a hidden ambush point to stab the scheming ally of Strahd and devil consort in the throat.
Instead the she-elf pads silently south along the hallway, thinking Got your fiend-fondling book, Wachter. Just need the Bones, now and we'll be going...
Keeping a watchful Shiv upon her shoulder, Nivi sends her Mage Hand ahead to try the butler's keys on the one unexplored door (southeast?). Hoping to unlock it, peek inside and, if the coast is clear, slip in as quickly and quietly as possible, still bleeding and trying to maintain her frayed concentration.
Shiv'sPerception (advantage from Keen Hearing and Sight) to detect who is coming upstairs or any other threats in the hallway or room: 23 (Natural 20)
(Only if necessary) Nivi'sSleight of Hand to unlock the remaining door using her Mage Hand: 8 (Natural 1)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jack just about makes good on his offer to play distraction on reflex alone in seeing her ladyship start up the stairs. Yet as much as protective instincts demanded some form of interference, even if only slight, the patience and wisdom of the druid won out. This time. So, he would watch and wait, tail languidly waving through the air behind him until the perfect moment. The time in which most of her vision might yet be obscured enough not to notice him padding along on the ground floor in search for a basement... or kitchen. Really whichever one smelled the closest, as he was fairly confident the former wouldn't be far away from the latter.
And if he came across a door that might block his way, then he'd see to testing the seeming boneless nature of cats in trying to slip his way beneath it... so long as the doors did not appear completely flush to the ground. Otherwise, he'd pray the Wachter family were more of a latch handle type of family over the rounded sort, as that would actually require some consideration on how to overcome them...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
A muffled "Mmmph" is the only response Beren gives to Olamoira's comment on him wanting to warn Luvash. He's not particularly looking for any sort of blessing, he's just doing what he feels is best in the moment.
When they approach the entrance to the manor, he pulls up short. When he'd left, he'd been more than ready to simply attack the manor and cause as big of a distraction as possible. Now, facing the manor, he's not sure that's the best course of action. What if Nivi and Jack haven't been found out yet? Well, assuming he and Olamoira don't do or say anything to bring attention to the two of them, hopefully simply barging through the gates and subduing the guards will be enough to draw Watcher's attention. Perhaps it would have been better if he'd simply drawn sword while in her presence. Now they'll have to hope she comes to them.
"I'll lead," he says, drawing his sword and preparing to forcefully enter through the door.
"I am right behind you,"Ola says, standing up straight and pulling a salute before tagging along behind. She has a smile on her face, and seems rather almost the happiest she's been since arriving in this realm, there present in a charge she can stand behind. "For St. Andral!"
(OOC: I'm pretty sure Beren still has Vigilant Blessing on, but if he doesn't for some reason, she'll give it to him again.)
Beren nods, then prepares (attempt) to kick down the heavy front doors.
(dice please be in my favor lol)
Strength: 19
He prepares to intimidate whoever comes to bar their way with his Conquering Presence as well, but only if they find themselves immediately overwhelmed.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nivi quietly, yet as quickly as stealth would allow... moved towards the southernmost door on the opposite side of the hallway, moving mostly so that Wachter wouldn't see her at the very least... trying two keys before finding one that worked... opening the door to what appeared to be a master bedroom. Across from the door, a fire sputters and struggles for life in the hearth, above which hangs a framed family portrait: a noble father and mother, their two young sons, and a baby daughter in the father’s arms. The sons are smiling in a way that suggests mischief. The parents look like uncrowned royalty.
Wood paneling covers the walls of the room. A closet and a framed mirror flank a curtained window to the south. To the north, a wide, canopied bed lies pinned between matching end tables with oil lamps. Stretched out on one side of the bed is a man dressed in black, his eyes each covered with a copper piece. He bears a striking resemblance to the father in the painting.
Jack takes a massive whiff, sniffing the air several times, head bobbing as cats are wont to do. Only to realize the kitchen is..Right there! on the opposite side of the hall as the room they had all met with Wachter in. As this was a kitchen door, it swing open on rounded hinges, to better expedite food to table, with both speed, and less odds of accidents. (Staff Perception: 3 )
(original - 11)
Jacks luck just keeps going, as the myriad servants seem not to notice him during their busywork, though he does notice, they all wear robes of black, and smell faintly of sulfur. The house cook rushes about this spotless kitchen preparing meals or cleaning up after himself. A washbasin stands in the northeast corner. A slender door in the west wall leads to a small pantry. Jack finding nothing of note otherwise.
Suddenly however, Jack hears a massive thump, the groaning resistance of metal - only briefly - before it lands with a heavy thump and thud on the ground, sending air rushing past beyond its fall area, the wind caressing Wachters dress as she was three steps up the stairs. Eyes wide with shock at the break in. The chef too, looking towards the sound of the door.
(yes he still has the blessing and if you're planning to start combat, roll initiatives even Nivi/Jack. This will count as a surprise round.)
Dodging out of the way of the cat's claw swipe with barely a thought, Nivi/Karl breathes a quiet sigh of relief as the Eladrin appears.
"Thanks for that, Shorty." Nivi has seen similar Sleep magic before and knows well that elves such as she, Jack and Olamoira are immune, yet finds herself wishing she had paid more attention as a child (as her sister had) to her tutor's droning on about Eladrin and seasons and various courts and fey connections. Can they all cast Sleep at will? Nivi finds that she cannot remember. Bigger issues at hand anyway.
"Clock is ticking, no lie. Found a key on one of the hell-kittens, and I'm thinking there's something else here, but no luck finding anything with all that caterwauling. Care to give a girl a little help and guidance? Can give it another shot. If still no dice, got to keep moving and find the Bones."
Without the distraction of the ferocious felines, Nivi/Karl tries once more to look for hidden compartments, cubbies, false bottoms/walls, or hidden doors/passageways in the room. Perhaps something that her newly-acquired key might fit? (Of course with the eventual goal of finding the Bones).
Nivi's Investigation (with or without help from Jack, first roll was higher): 21 (or 24 if with Guidance from Jack).
She sheathes each dagger (Free Action). Immediately afterwards, with the cats unconscious, she re-summons Ash, her owl, to her shoulder.
(Note: with the Minor Illusion of the dog barking, the Minor Illusion of the Imp's tail protruding into view would have vanished).
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
Jack's allows his next actions to be his answer providing both measures of assistance both magically and immediately after physically in covering the opposite half of the room from Nivi. And while normally he'd prefer a certain level of discretion in moving things about as needed to try and uncover any potential hidden caches, the urge to stay tidy and put things back after searching any given spot is kept on a short leash. It is also during this time that he conveys his worries about the felled imp, and how -- depending on the "intimacy" of the Lady's connection to the fiend -- it might have yet already alerted its mistress.
"You may also want to be mindful of placing your own familiar in danger going forward, darling. As a fiend leaving behind any remains does not bode well for our extraplanar friends in service." He continued to voice just quietly enough for Nivi's ears only before redoublingi his focus on the search. Once Nivi, at the very least, appeared satisfied with searching the room, and should they find neither bones or other artifact, Jack speaks up once more, "If you think you have not more need of me as I am, those cats have given me an idea. A risky one too myself, but I might be able to buy you a little more time up here, if nothing else. All you need but bid me to do it, and I shall." He offers, and regardless of the answer, he'd respect her wishes. But, he would also dismiss any request to elaborate with a curt headshake, citing a lack of time. One way or another, after the offer is made and should she have no other ideas on how to proceed, then he'd turn into a similar species of cats as one of the ones they'd just defeated.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
(jack investigation: 15 ) Original - 2
Nivi redoubles her search, feeling there just has to be something in this room! Scanning every area that had looked promising before Nivi eventually finds something she had overlooked before.. something so painfully obvious in its difficulty to find that she realized she should have known fro mher years of prior skills! She had formerly looked at the books and drawers and other such things before, seeking hidden levers, but her mind was Guided to the simple solution... to just try shifting the shelf itself as a whole!
The bookshelf opens inward, towards Nivi, though it lets out a deep groan. The hinges weren't rusty but they also weren't far from it. The shelf swings open to reveal behind the hinged panel in the bookcase lies a dusty, ten-foot-square room with a curtained window and shelves lining three walls. On the bottom shelf rests an iron chest. The other shelves are bare.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Beren nods, surprised at his own luck. Seems Wachter should learn a thing or two about how to treat her own men. After a moment he says, "I see... Yes. This message is for Luvash." He slowly removes his signet ring from the pouch at his side (he never actually wears it), then holds it out to the stranger. "I don't know if Luvash knows who you are, but in any case, show this to him. That way he and hopefully anyone else you need to get past to deliver this message, knows that the message does come from me, and that it is not some trick." The ring has the same symbol carved onto it as the emblem on his tabard. "Wachter intends to have Luvash murdered, as her master desires. He pauses, "Also.. I understand your hesitance to turn on Wachter. She seems a powerful enemy. So, if you choose to take me up on this offer, I will do what I can to ensure that she deals you no harm--or simply does not find out that you turned on her, if that is what you wish."
At this point, he has a feeling they will end up fighting and possibly killing Lady Wachter, which would remove whatever threat she has to this man. If the man agrees, and takes the ring from him, he'll add, "Leave the ring with Luvash, so that I may retrieve it when this is over." Not that he really cares much about the ring, but perhaps it has its uses.
"Hold that thought, Shorty," Nivi drawls as the Jack's guidance allows her to realize she simply needed to move the entire shelf. She does not pry further into exactly what her companion's idea for buying time is, knowing the Eladrin well enough not to ask for details.
"I crack this chest and it's got the Bones, could be we don't need to buy time. If not, then yeah, go for it. Meantime, a bit more of that guidance..."
Her invisible Mage Hand already summoned and holding the cat-collar key, Nivi stands a good 15' away from the iron chest on the bottom shelf and tries to judge whether the key seems the right size for it. If it does seem the right size, she uses her Mage Hand to attempt unlocking and opening it.
If the key seems the wrong size, or if it does not unlock the iron chest, she calls her Mage Hand back and hands it her Thieves' Tools instead, pocketing the key herself. The Mage Hand then returns and tries to jimmy the lock on the iron chest with the Thieves' Tools using Arcane Tricksters' Mage Hand Legerdemain. Still standing at least 15' away and a little to the side at all times and advising Jack to do the same.
(OOC: Oh my goodness, I hope the key worked and the Thieves' Tools check is not necessary. Because Nivi rolled a Nat. 1 on it AND a 1 on any Guidance from Jack... Nivi's Thieves' Tools check, rolled as Sleight of Hand, same +7 bonus, plus Guidance: 8 + 1 = 9)
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
The man seems to stand still, pondering the words Beren was saying. As if he was considering his options. The way a man might when he knows his decision might have consequences one way or another, but still never showing fear throughout. After a few long moments, he takes the offered item, and his eyes roll to one side as one does when trying to memorize a gram for another. The man seemed to be aware of atleast some of what Beren had said, so Beren's request was not an entirely unknown quantity to him. Aye. I will. I think a change in.. venues is overdue. I serves as I was bid better than expected only to be met with baseline... though his eyes shot to meet Berens.. as much as they could. But know this will almost assuredly turn Strahd against you, if he is not already. I just want my name left out of things.. not that I gave it to you but ... I still have a face. with that, he turned and casually yet swiftly made his way down the road, in the rough direction of the Burgomasters Mansion. Beren - despite seeing the man, did not hear his footsteps. The man was quiet, if this was someone who had been watching them, that would explain quite a bit.
Luckily for Nivi, the key was meant for this chest! with the cat as its keeper. And upon a breif inspection, Nivi would notice a poisoned needle trap had been set into it if anythign other than its intended key were to attempt to open it. Within the chest itself was:
Occassional Dungeon Master.
As her Mage Hand returns the key to the collar of the (now unconscious) cat from which she had taken it, Nivi looks down at her own hands and finds them shaking. Get a grip, girl. Not your first job and won't be your last. Unless you make a mess of this...
Through long practice, Nivi quickly inspects the contents of the formerly-locked chest in Wachter's secret room, instinctively leaving each item in a state which looks as if it has never been found or disturbed, relaying each to Jack, though she is skeptical that the Eladrin will concern himself much, since...
"Got something, Shorty, but seeing no Bones. Family treasures only. May need that delaying tactic of yours. Got to keep moving."
Nivi wants no part of the electrum coins with Strahd's visage on them. Her Mage Hand hovers for a long moment over the leather bag of gold pieces, not to mention the five notarized deeds to properties. The look on her face is a study in frustration.
Should bloody well take these. This broad tried to get a kid murdered and frame me for it, works for Strahd, chums with devils and set her bloody Imp on me. Nothing wrong with a little bloody payback. Sodding Lady Wachter's earned that and a boatload more.
Yet then she thinks of Beren. And Olamoira. My crew. Thieving unrelated to the Bones might not fly with Sunshine. Definitely won't with Prophet.
Nivi's teeth grind nearly audibly as she leaves the gold coins and notarized deeds be. What she does swipe is the evidence for Luvash.
If I take this blasphemous grimoire, Wachter'll just deny it's hers and pin it on us. But no denying a manuscript she authored herself. "The Devil we Know". Yeah, Lu-lu, not only does this broad want to put you under, she's good buddies with fiends and proud of it. Just ask her - it's her own bloody book.
Taking only the manuscript espousing worship of devils in Lady Wachter's own hand, Nivi leaves the rest exactly how she found it, and closes the bookshelf, trying to make it look as if it had never been opened, with the key back on the unconscious cat's collar.
Her Mage hand still active and her owl familiar Shiv on her shoulder despite Jack's warning of the danger, Nivi turns to the Eladrin.
"Need to find the Bones. It's go-time, Shorty. You got any tricks, now's the time."
Nivi prepares to listen and peek her way out of the room, closing and locking it behind her and Jack if the coast is clear.
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
"I am well aware," Beren says gruffly in response to the stranger's comment about Strahd. "I won't ask your name, and we will meet again only if you wish it." That was another reason he asked that the ring be left with Luvash. Still, he's a little surprised when the man simply left without asking for payment of any sort. Beren doesn't stop him, instead he just gives a reluctant and quiet "Thank you" as the stranger slips away.
If the man hadn't been so obvious in his desire to 'change', Beren would have been more concerned with the potential backfire this could cause. As it is though, he just feels unusually lucky--not that luck is anything he likes to rely on. Regardless, it's not something he will take for granted.
Turning to Olamoira he says, "Alright. Now to deliver our message to Wachter." And he grips his sword as they continue on their way back to Wachter's manor.
Olamoira quietly listens to the exchange between the disgruntled spy and the Avatar of the Sun. Even those who seek some gain in serving evil sometimes have the grace to see that it isn't worth it. As the man accepts the message and ring, and departs on his way, Ola gives him a grateful smile. I have no fondness for Luvash, but it is a great work of mercy to warn him, and this is to be commended.
"Everything hidden will come to light, and evil will have shadows no longer to hide in," Ola muses to Beren. "That is very kind of you, to want to warn Luvash. It is a good deed for you, and for this unnamed man, you will both gain a blessing for this." Her smile spreads, her eyes lighting up. "Yes, let's go... Jack and Nivi may be on the brink of finding those bones, a distraction will do them good." She falls into step beside Beren as they head back for the manor.
"Delaying tactic? Tricks?" Jack asks with his head canted to the side. But then following an "Oh!", he rights it again and sheepishly smiles. "My apologies, my dear. When you bade me pause before, I... Mn, well, I suppose it doesn't much matter now. Odds are my earlier idea may yet blow up in my face in quite a spectacular fashion. But be that as it may, continue your search upstairs -- though do mind that 2nd door down the hall, as it seems one of her children has gone quite feral. And the 3rd one was but storage closet." He swiftly and as succiently as possible supplied Nivi.
"As for me, the lower levels of this place call. But worry you not one bit." Jack goes to try and tap Nivi on the nose, reweaving a guiding spell back into being for his roguish companion. "I should be fine enough. Though on the off chance you do hear any noises of concern, never you mind them.... beyond, I suppose, taking them as your cue to leave out a window and regroup with the others. I know I certainly will~" He whispered to Nivi as he approached the door. "Now. No more questions. Let's be swift." As if to further hammer down the point/deny any further comunitcation, Jack becomes a cat of at least an eerie similarity as to one of the Lady Watcher's cats, and casually plods out into the hall once Nivi opens the door. Then while she's busy locking it for good measure, he busies himself by padding over to the fallen imp and tearing just enough of its tail or flesh to leave a bit dangling from his mouth.
His work soon complete, Jack's next aim is to quietly pad down the stairs and begin searching for a possible door leading to a basement. But while his aim was to avoid notice during this process, if he should be spotted, he makes a point of ensuring the bit of imp flesh is VERY noticeable before switching to plan B) Run and Hide
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Will update tonight.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Nivi collects and places the items somewhere on her person that she feels is secure, and after carefully looking out, see's that, at-least for the moment, the coast is clear. Though that does not mean someone isn't at the base of the stairs or on their way there. They had been lucky so far that the (dice) staff had not decided to be on the upper floors or this may have gone south!
The man entrusted with the message continues on his way briskly as he see's a means for revenge against his former mistress. The man obviously knew some of what Beren told him already but now he had whatever he had been missing before. Beren and Moira speak, briefly together before heading to the door, easily able to reach it swiftly as they both leave the Wachter boy behind.
Inside, Jack, unable to find an imp as all demons vanish from the material plane when vanquished, panics breifly, but finds a piece of carpet that with just enough slobber... could almost pass for flesh of.. something. Making his way downstairs with the grace of a cat, and seeing Lady Wachter just beginning to exit the meeting area they had all been in minutes before. (perception: 15 ) original - 13. (Stealth: 18 ) Orig - 14.
Jack just barely able to go by unnoticed. Wachter reaches the base of the stairs. (please stealth Nivi, not owl, it's 'on' you')
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Nivi's Stealth plus Guidance from Jack: 15 + 3 = 18
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
Nivi/Karl sees CatJack slip off downstairs, as mysteriously as most cats (or Eladrin) do, just as she locks the door behind her and hears someone at the base of the stairs. Wonder if that could be her vampire and devil-loving ladyship coming up to check on her Imp. Still owe that one some payback.
Briefly, Nivi bares her teeth, wanting more than anything to find a hidden ambush point to stab the scheming ally of Strahd and devil consort in the throat.
Instead the she-elf pads silently south along the hallway, thinking Got your fiend-fondling book, Wachter. Just need the Bones, now and we'll be going...
Keeping a watchful Shiv upon her shoulder, Nivi sends her Mage Hand ahead to try the butler's keys on the one unexplored door (southeast?). Hoping to unlock it, peek inside and, if the coast is clear, slip in as quickly and quietly as possible, still bleeding and trying to maintain her frayed concentration.
Shiv's Perception (advantage from Keen Hearing and Sight) to detect who is coming upstairs or any other threats in the hallway or room: 23 (Natural 20)
(Only if necessary) Nivi's Sleight of Hand to unlock the remaining door using her Mage Hand: 8 (Natural 1)
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
Jack just about makes good on his offer to play distraction on reflex alone in seeing her ladyship start up the stairs. Yet as much as protective instincts demanded some form of interference, even if only slight, the patience and wisdom of the druid won out. This time. So, he would watch and wait, tail languidly waving through the air behind him until the perfect moment. The time in which most of her vision might yet be obscured enough not to notice him padding along on the ground floor in search for a basement... or kitchen. Really whichever one smelled the closest, as he was fairly confident the former wouldn't be far away from the latter.
Perception: 17.
(Advantage is from Keen smell)
And if he came across a door that might block his way, then he'd see to testing the seeming boneless nature of cats in trying to slip his way beneath it... so long as the doors did not appear completely flush to the ground. Otherwise, he'd pray the Wachter family were more of a latch handle type of family over the rounded sort, as that would actually require some consideration on how to overcome them...
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
(waiting to see how Beren/Moira approach since I don't know their exact intentions)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
A muffled "Mmmph" is the only response Beren gives to Olamoira's comment on him wanting to warn Luvash. He's not particularly looking for any sort of blessing, he's just doing what he feels is best in the moment.
When they approach the entrance to the manor, he pulls up short. When he'd left, he'd been more than ready to simply attack the manor and cause as big of a distraction as possible. Now, facing the manor, he's not sure that's the best course of action. What if Nivi and Jack haven't been found out yet? Well, assuming he and Olamoira don't do or say anything to bring attention to the two of them, hopefully simply barging through the gates and subduing the guards will be enough to draw Watcher's attention. Perhaps it would have been better if he'd simply drawn sword while in her presence. Now they'll have to hope she comes to them.
"I'll lead," he says, drawing his sword and preparing to forcefully enter through the door.
"I am right behind you," Ola says, standing up straight and pulling a salute before tagging along behind. She has a smile on her face, and seems rather almost the happiest she's been since arriving in this realm, there present in a charge she can stand behind. "For St. Andral!"
(OOC: I'm pretty sure Beren still has Vigilant Blessing on, but if he doesn't for some reason, she'll give it to him again.)
Beren nods, then prepares (attempt) to kick down the heavy front doors.
(dice please be in my favor lol)
Strength: 19
He prepares to intimidate whoever comes to bar their way with his Conquering Presence as well, but only if they find themselves immediately overwhelmed.
Nivi quietly, yet as quickly as stealth would allow... moved towards the southernmost door on the opposite side of the hallway, moving mostly so that Wachter wouldn't see her at the very least... trying two keys before finding one that worked... opening the door to what appeared to be a master bedroom. Across from the door, a fire sputters and struggles for life in the hearth, above which hangs a framed family portrait: a noble father and mother, their two young sons, and a baby daughter in the father’s arms. The sons are smiling in a way that suggests mischief. The parents look like uncrowned royalty.
Wood paneling covers the walls of the room. A closet and a framed mirror flank a curtained window to the south. To the north, a wide, canopied bed lies pinned between matching end tables with oil lamps. Stretched out on one side of the bed is a man dressed in black, his eyes each covered with a copper piece. He bears a striking resemblance to the father in the painting.
Jack takes a massive whiff, sniffing the air several times, head bobbing as cats are wont to do. Only to realize the kitchen is..Right there! on the opposite side of the hall as the room they had all met with Wachter in. As this was a kitchen door, it swing open on rounded hinges, to better expedite food to table, with both speed, and less odds of accidents. (Staff Perception: 3 )
(original - 11)
Jacks luck just keeps going, as the myriad servants seem not to notice him during their busywork, though he does notice, they all wear robes of black, and smell faintly of sulfur. The house cook rushes about this spotless kitchen preparing meals or cleaning up after himself. A washbasin stands in the northeast corner. A slender door in the west wall leads to a small pantry. Jack finding nothing of note otherwise.
Suddenly however, Jack hears a massive thump, the groaning resistance of metal - only briefly - before it lands with a heavy thump and thud on the ground, sending air rushing past beyond its fall area, the wind caressing Wachters dress as she was three steps up the stairs. Eyes wide with shock at the break in. The chef too, looking towards the sound of the door.
(yes he still has the blessing and if you're planning to start combat, roll initiatives even Nivi/Jack. This will count as a surprise round.)
Occassional Dungeon Master.