"Look," The owlin responds, giving off the sense they have no real loyalty to whoever hired them. "Sorry for the surprise attack, okay? Nothing personal, just a simple job, yeah?" Holding an apologetic look about themselves, the owling continues: "The person who hired me and my two companions here clearly did not want to be identified. They were wearing loose, nondescript robes and a black half-mask. Their hands were not gloved, though, so I noticed they had smudges of blue ink on their fingers. They described the job in two or three sentences, told us to remove the red feathers from our hats, paid upfront, introduced us to Soares right there, and told us to follow his lead. And that is that, I know nothing beyond this."
"That's not a half bad idea, Graxx. Might not find anything of course, but it never hurts to double check." Obsben admits, then turns to the Owlin. "What's your name by the way? Mines Bibi. And what's this about red feathers? If it's your ties to your mercernary band or something, then you need not worry about retalliation or some such. But may have to worry about traitors within if that human there has been masquerading as a half-orc of all things... Or is that just his things?"She further probes.
Regardless of answers or lack thereof, an all the same satisfied Obby smiled and refrains from digging any deeper into the Owlin's mind in favor of hovering over the elf, waiting for others to finish any further questioning of the Owlin.
For a moment, The owlin believes their time under the spotlight is done, but Graxx comes back with a question. "At the Laughing Goblin," they answer in a brief manner. They then turn to Obsben, answering direct questions as well as some they are anticipating: "I am Fulta. The three of us are new recruits of the Red Plumes, hence the crimson feathers. Not Soares, though. He is not with the mercenary group." She looks at the unconscious half-orc and explains: "That's his thing, he likes to hide his real identity, not that it worked this time. Soares thought it was a good idea and asked for a makeover himself."
@Obby: The owlin's surface thoughts seem to linger on many make-up sets the "half-orc" has used in the past. Hovering over to the "elf," you don't pick up anything yet since he is unconscious.
"Like I said," Fulta turns to look at Utar, "they were wearing a mask. I don't think it was someone I know." She waits a second before answering the next question. "As for my companions' names, I don't want to betray their trust and offer them without them knowing. You understand, right... Just give my name or look for me if you need us. These two always come along."
Hearing Utar's bit about taking Soares elsewhere, Fulta hopes it means CRAP is done with them and their underlings: "Are we free to go now?"
Utar looks to the other members of CRAP. Is the owlin free to go? He reckons probably, yes.
"I'd say you've done enough. Just about. I'll have some further questions about the Red Plumes and we might even have need of your freelance skills if you're still looking for extra work from time to time."
"We most certainly do, and I am quite eager to begin."Obsben admits. "Though it may yet be prudent for us to hold on to your weapons until they can be dropped off elsewhere or retrieved tomorrow in a meeting, I... would leave this to the discretion of my fellows. But as for your other things, I don't see any reason why it cannot be returned~" She continued, only looking afterwards with a raised finger in a halting gesture. "But, anything in Soares possession or >was< in his possession is forfeit. So do not ask, if you had a mind to. But we may be open to discuss things at a later date, if you would be so inclined." Obby assured the Owlin with a small smile.
"As for your compatriots, I'm.. hmm... I suppose we can revive the frog one, provided you are certain you can convince him to stand down and help carry your not-so-orcish friend. Otherwise, I suppose you will have to ask the rest of the plumes to come pick them up later. Does this sound agreeable to all?" She asks of the party, and with their confirmation, let out a soft whistle and some "wakey, wakey, Mr. Frog." and a bit of magic(1st level), she'd see to part of the parties part of the bargain being seen to. The rest is left to the others. She, in the meantime, kept her eyes on the sleeping "elf", but mentally bid Salty to do the same with the red plumes until they left the alley.
You can't be absolutely sure, but they don't seem to be acting like they recognize you. Fulta mentioned being a new recruit, so they might not know much about the Red Plumes and their affairs to begin with.
@All: Are you returning all of the Red Plumes' belongings (listed again below for convenience)? All but the weapons? Some other mix? Please confirm.
With the topic brought to the table, CRAP seems to mostly agree the Red Plume mercenaries have paid their dues in information and should be released. Although the removal of the ropes is yet to be performed, there is some discussion of letting them keep most, if not all, of their belongings. Unless someone interrupts Obsben, the halfling witch soon grants the bullywug mercenary his consciousness back and a brief explanation of the agreement that is in the process of being formed. Both Fulta and the bullywug companion agree to the terms, including carrying the half-orc-wannabe out of the alley, as hard as that may be for the short duo.
Utar spends a few moments tying the hemp ropes that had restrained the 'half-orc' and bullywug back to their respective packs and helping Fulta and the bullywug distribute the three packs between themselves. As a final gesture, he takes their purses from his own pack and gives them back.
"The House of the Hand would be able to get you back on your feet before you head back to the Red Plumes. Tell them Utar sent you and remember to leave them a donation when you leave. Oh, and in future, maybe best not to take additional work from folks who won't show you their faces, tends to be a sign that what they want you to do isn't eactly on the level. Worse than that, they see you as being completely expendable."
Once the Red Plumes are gone, Utar looks to rest of CRAP. "I reckon our chat with Soares here is likely to be bit longer than the one we've just had with Fulta. I suggest we put something over the elf's head and head on home just in case."
(OOC Utar is keeping the manacles h took from the half-orc's pack but will return the rest. If we haven't put manacles on Soares yet, there's a pair on this wrists now. Obby has Soares' spellbook already and Utar is keeping his purse for dividing up between CRAP at a later date.)
"You fought well. May your adventures fair you well." says Graxx to the Red Plumes.
Graxx turns to Soares.
"How are we supposed to carry this fellow back to the house without the Black Fist sticking their nose in this?", asks Graxx.
"Surely it would draw attention. And whoever put this into motion would know their plot has failed." says Graxx.
Graxx looks around at the Dead End.
"These folks found a good ambush spot as no one found us even during all that racket. I think this place'll do just fine. He'll see he's alone and won't know what has happened to his hires." says Graxx.
"Hmn~ After giving it a bit of thought as well, I'd... have to agree with Graxx. Although-..." She turns to the party. "I have to ask is this -is- a potion of dominion and not a truth serum, correct? To be clear, I had my suspicions given how it was presented, but I honestly wasn't sure without further investigation." Obsben grins a little sheepishly at the admission.
With clarity eventually given, she nods and double downs on the suggest and pulls out the potion. "Fortunately, it's better that he's not conscious for this, as he'll no doubt try harder to resist given how we left things. But regardless of whether this takes or not, Utar, I will need you to bring him around afterwards for our much needed discussion."She requests. Unfortunately, while the wizard hadn't been lacking in material for record keeping, the same couldn't be said for blindfolds without tearing clothing. But if noone really had nothing off the sort, she'd break out a dagger to cut off the necessary cloth from their prisoner and tie it into place, before quaffing the potion and releasing its magic onto him.
-Drink Potion of Mind Control. -Casting Dominate Person on Elf. Wis Save(DC 15).
If Save is a success, using the most Meta Feature to date -- Chronal Shift -- to force a Re-roll.
WIS save {DC 15}: 7 (if reroll is forced with Chronal Shift:6)
Fulta nods along with Utar's instructions, and neither her or the bullywug complain about receiving the vast majority of their equipment back. If a set of manacles is all the Red Plume trio lost in the aftermath of this ill-fated encounter, then they count themselves lucky.
With the rest of CRAP opening the way for them to leave, the conscious Red Plumes each hold one of the "half-orc's" underarms and begin pulling. With the added weight of all their their returned equipment, this becomes a slower exit than CRAP had hoped, but onward they go.
"You are honorable folk," Fulta says her farewells, alluding to something CRAP had implied a moment ago: "I wouldn't mind roughing someone else on your behalf."
Wasting no time, Utar puts his new manacles to good use, just as Obsben puts Graxx's potion to good use. The tribesman comes to the realization they are all already in a pretty good, isolated location for the interrogation to begin and, as such, they all get ready. Neya, in particular, hones her person-reading skills.
-> Soares is now charmed by Obsben's concentration-free version of the dominate person spell. This effect lasts for 1 hour.
-> Soares is still unconscious. If anyone would like to estimate how long it might take him to recover consciousness on his own, please roll a medicine check.
-> Soares is also effectively blinded by the blindfold.
Guessing that whatever his answer will not be quick enough for his fellow CRAPpers, he nods to indicate he's willing to accelerate the process through divine intervention.
"Look," The owlin responds, giving off the sense they have no real loyalty to whoever hired them. "Sorry for the surprise attack, okay? Nothing personal, just a simple job, yeah?" Holding an apologetic look about themselves, the owling continues: "The person who hired me and my two companions here clearly did not want to be identified. They were wearing loose, nondescript robes and a black half-mask. Their hands were not gloved, though, so I noticed they had smudges of blue ink on their fingers. They described the job in two or three sentences, told us to remove the red feathers from our hats, paid upfront, introduced us to Soares right there, and told us to follow his lead. And that is that, I know nothing beyond this."
Graxx is with the other captives so he would not hear any of this and would just be waiting anxiously.
(OOC: Please let me know if misunderstood.)
Graxx's ears perk up at the mention of blue ink on the fingers.
Could these be additional scribes from the Library? Who can they trust? Should they go back to the library to see who has Blue Ink?
Graxx turns to the Owlin.
"It sounds like Soares is the person to talk to. Thank you."
Graxx casually asks as a follow up...
"Where did this meeting with the two robed individuals and Soares happen?" asks Graxx.
"That's not a half bad idea, Graxx. Might not find anything of course, but it never hurts to double check." Obsben admits, then turns to the Owlin. "What's your name by the way? Mines Bibi. And what's this about red feathers? If it's your ties to your mercernary band or something, then you need not worry about retalliation or some such. But may have to worry about traitors within if that human there has been masquerading as a half-orc of all things... Or is that just his things?" She further probes.
Regardless of answers or lack thereof, an all the same satisfied Obby smiled and refrains from digging any deeper into the Owlin's mind in favor of hovering over the elf, waiting for others to finish any further questioning of the Owlin.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Might be best to take Soares away from here for more in-depth questioning. Did you ever meet this blue handed individual before?"
So they'd just handed a bunch of Red Plumes their arses. No wonder they didn't want the Black Fist here.
"Be good to know the names of your friends as well, of we're to put in a word for you with more reputable contacts, we'll need names."
For a moment, The owlin believes their time under the spotlight is done, but Graxx comes back with a question. "At the Laughing Goblin," they answer in a brief manner. They then turn to Obsben, answering direct questions as well as some they are anticipating: "I am Fulta. The three of us are new recruits of the Red Plumes, hence the crimson feathers. Not Soares, though. He is not with the mercenary group." She looks at the unconscious half-orc and explains: "That's his thing, he likes to hide his real identity, not that it worked this time. Soares thought it was a good idea and asked for a makeover himself."
@Obby: The owlin's surface thoughts seem to linger on many make-up sets the "half-orc" has used in the past. Hovering over to the "elf," you don't pick up anything yet since he is unconscious.
"Like I said," Fulta turns to look at Utar, "they were wearing a mask. I don't think it was someone I know." She waits a second before answering the next question. "As for my companions' names, I don't want to betray their trust and offer them without them knowing. You understand, right... Just give my name or look for me if you need us. These two always come along."
Hearing Utar's bit about taking Soares elsewhere, Fulta hopes it means CRAP is done with them and their underlings: "Are we free to go now?"
Utar looks to the other members of CRAP. Is the owlin free to go? He reckons probably, yes.
"I'd say you've done enough. Just about. I'll have some further questions about the Red Plumes and we might even have need of your freelance skills if you're still looking for extra work from time to time."
Neya tries to evaluate if any of the Red Plume members seem to recognize her, but are attempting to conceal it.
Insight: 12
Extended Signature
Graxx nods in agreement with Utar.
”These folks were just doing their job. We need to talk to the head of this party.” says Graxx.
"We most certainly do, and I am quite eager to begin." Obsben admits. "Though it may yet be prudent for us to hold on to your weapons until they can be dropped off elsewhere or retrieved tomorrow in a meeting, I... would leave this to the discretion of my fellows. But as for your other things, I don't see any reason why it cannot be returned~" She continued, only looking afterwards with a raised finger in a halting gesture. "But, anything in Soares possession or >was< in his possession is forfeit. So do not ask, if you had a mind to. But we may be open to discuss things at a later date, if you would be so inclined." Obby assured the Owlin with a small smile.
"As for your compatriots, I'm.. hmm... I suppose we can revive the frog one, provided you are certain you can convince him to stand down and help carry your not-so-orcish friend. Otherwise, I suppose you will have to ask the rest of the plumes to come pick them up later. Does this sound agreeable to all?" She asks of the party, and with their confirmation, let out a soft whistle and some "wakey, wakey, Mr. Frog." and a bit of magic(1st level), she'd see to part of the parties part of the bargain being seen to. The rest is left to the others. She, in the meantime, kept her eyes on the sleeping "elf", but mentally bid Salty to do the same with the red plumes until they left the alley.
-Healing: 7 HP.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
DM's Screen:
soh {DC 8}: 16
DM's Screen:
soh {DC 8}: 21
@Neya:
You can't be absolutely sure, but they don't seem to be acting like they recognize you. Fulta mentioned being a new recruit, so they might not know much about the Red Plumes and their affairs to begin with.
@All: Are you returning all of the Red Plumes' belongings (listed again below for convenience)? All but the weapons? Some other mix? Please confirm.
With the topic brought to the table, CRAP seems to mostly agree the Red Plume mercenaries have paid their dues in information and should be released. Although the removal of the ropes is yet to be performed, there is some discussion of letting them keep most, if not all, of their belongings. Unless someone interrupts Obsben, the halfling witch soon grants the bullywug mercenary his consciousness back and a brief explanation of the agreement that is in the process of being formed. Both Fulta and the bullywug companion agree to the terms, including carrying the half-orc-wannabe out of the alley, as hard as that may be for the short duo.
Utar spends a few moments tying the hemp ropes that had restrained the 'half-orc' and bullywug back to their respective packs and helping Fulta and the bullywug distribute the three packs between themselves. As a final gesture, he takes their purses from his own pack and gives them back.
"The House of the Hand would be able to get you back on your feet before you head back to the Red Plumes. Tell them Utar sent you and remember to leave them a donation when you leave. Oh, and in future, maybe best not to take additional work from folks who won't show you their faces, tends to be a sign that what they want you to do isn't eactly on the level. Worse than that, they see you as being completely expendable."
Once the Red Plumes are gone, Utar looks to rest of CRAP. "I reckon our chat with Soares here is likely to be bit longer than the one we've just had with Fulta. I suggest we put something over the elf's head and head on home just in case."
(OOC Utar is keeping the manacles h took from the half-orc's pack but will return the rest. If we haven't put manacles on Soares yet, there's a pair on this wrists now. Obby has Soares' spellbook already and Utar is keeping his purse for dividing up between CRAP at a later date.)
Graxx will not stop the Red Plumes from leaving.
"You fought well. May your adventures fair you well." says Graxx to the Red Plumes.
Graxx turns to Soares.
"How are we supposed to carry this fellow back to the house without the Black Fist sticking their nose in this?", asks Graxx.
"Surely it would draw attention. And whoever put this into motion would know their plot has failed." says Graxx.
Graxx looks around at the Dead End.
"These folks found a good ambush spot as no one found us even during all that racket. I think this place'll do just fine. He'll see he's alone and won't know what has happened to his hires." says Graxx.
"Hmn~ After giving it a bit of thought as well, I'd... have to agree with Graxx. Although-..." She turns to the party. "I have to ask is this -is- a potion of dominion and not a truth serum, correct? To be clear, I had my suspicions given how it was presented, but I honestly wasn't sure without further investigation." Obsben grins a little sheepishly at the admission.
With clarity eventually given, she nods and double downs on the suggest and pulls out the potion. "Fortunately, it's better that he's not conscious for this, as he'll no doubt try harder to resist given how we left things. But regardless of whether this takes or not, Utar, I will need you to bring him around afterwards for our much needed discussion." She requests. Unfortunately, while the wizard hadn't been lacking in material for record keeping, the same couldn't be said for blindfolds without tearing clothing. But if noone really had nothing off the sort, she'd break out a dagger to cut off the necessary cloth from their prisoner and tie it into place, before quaffing the potion and releasing its magic onto him.
-Drink Potion of Mind Control.
-Casting Dominate Person on Elf. Wis Save(DC 15).
If Save is a success, using the most Meta Feature to date -- Chronal Shift -- to force a Re-roll.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After helping give the Plumes back their stuff, she joins in the interrogation circle.
She is prepared to keep an eye on Soares' expressions for deception or any other sudden moves.
(I will roll Insight again, but if we want to keep the previous 12, I'm cool with that)
Insight: 13 (13)
(not too much of a difference...)
Extended Signature
DM's Screen:
WIS save {DC 15}: 7 (if reroll is forced with Chronal Shift: 6)
Fulta nods along with Utar's instructions, and neither her or the bullywug complain about receiving the vast majority of their equipment back. If a set of manacles is all the Red Plume trio lost in the aftermath of this ill-fated encounter, then they count themselves lucky.
With the rest of CRAP opening the way for them to leave, the conscious Red Plumes each hold one of the "half-orc's" underarms and begin pulling. With the added weight of all their their returned equipment, this becomes a slower exit than CRAP had hoped, but onward they go.
"You are honorable folk," Fulta says her farewells, alluding to something CRAP had implied a moment ago: "I wouldn't mind roughing someone else on your behalf."
(@Ori: Chronal Shift was not needed.)
Wasting no time, Utar puts his new manacles to good use, just as Obsben puts Graxx's potion to good use. The tribesman comes to the realization they are all already in a pretty good, isolated location for the interrogation to begin and, as such, they all get ready. Neya, in particular, hones her person-reading skills.
-> Soares is now charmed by Obsben's concentration-free version of the dominate person spell. This effect lasts for 1 hour.
-> Soares is still unconscious. If anyone would like to estimate how long it might take him to recover consciousness on his own, please roll a medicine check.
-> Soares is also effectively blinded by the blindfold.
Utar checks Soares over and reports his conclusions back to the group.
Does Utar have any idea what he's doing, let's find out? - 10 (20)
Guessing that whatever his answer will not be quick enough for his fellow CRAPpers, he nods to indicate he's willing to accelerate the process through divine intervention.
(OOC Soares' gains 1d4+4 hp - 6 (6).)