Tex, melancholic after his conversation with Zane, finishes his drink and a small sandwich while silently listening to the new plan. “I’m ready when you are,” he states and shoulders his pack.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
The tiefling woman was watching the group's approach quite attentively, not forgetting to scan the area around as well. Young, and lean, she was wearing leather armour that fit her lithe form perfectly and had a bow and quiver of arrows strapped to her back. The armour did not hide her unusual features (if anything regarding tiefling can be counted as "usual" at all). Silvery skin with scales on the back of her arms and neck, underlined her white hair and almost human (if not for the purple colour) eyes.
"You are the group sent by Jersali," it was not a question but a statement. "I am Lana. Did she tell you what I saw inside?"
Tex, a middle aged kobold (leaning towards the end of middle aged to be honest) with moss-ash coloured scales and a long white Fu Manchu mustache, rides atop a mechanical turtle wearing a breastplate, shield and spear almost as if marching to battle. "Greetings," he replies politely. "I believe so," he says unsure and glances to Rel and Bellamy.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Rel takes a moment to take in the tiefling's unexpectedly striking appearance, then recovers and looks her in the eyes.
"Lana. I am Rel Serafin. Jarsali Firahel informed me and Bellamy here that you saw the same woman who took the delivery of a crate we were hired to guard on its ship journey from Port Zoon. A crate sent by one Lord Agustin that contains a human body which isn't truly dead and has some strange delayed magic command placed on it. We secretly followed the crate here after delivery at the port and it was brought to the back of this manor."
"Jarsali asked us to join you to investigating the manor to identify any possible threat it may pose with the gala tomorrow in which members of The Clovis Concord (and Lord Agustin) may attend. A witness described Lord Agustin and strange red-eyed associates placing the body in the crate in Port Zoon. It is possible they wish to have an undead servant carry out some deed while maintaining deniability, though that is just speculation on my part."
She pauses. "As for the woman who took our delivery of the crate, she seemed competent and formidable. Very quick and strong with unarmed strikes. Do not underestimate her, especially considering the possible Briarwood link. Was she inside the manor when you saw her?"
Rel is an earnest, young silver-haired half-drow female wearing studded leather and a shield. Something in her grey eyes that suggests her non-drow parent may not have been human. She wears dark earrings to match the jet-black warhammer that hangs, seemingly to heavy for her, at her side.
Lana nodded slowly to Rel's words. "Well can be I saw the same woman. Brown hair, colourful clothing - violet, gold, grey, moves like a professional killer. Sounds right?"Lana's voice was a bit smoother than her look. "She is not alone in this building. At least two others - maybe more - and they are familiar with magic. I managed to enter through the main entrance," she gestured toward the doors behind her. "There is an Alarm spell on them, that reacts to opening. A room behind with an exit on the east wall. Could not see more, that woman came too fast, I had to leave. But I did check the backdoor. You said you saw your crate delivered through that door? Maybe they do not use the main entrance at all... Anyway, the back door - very squeaky, by the way, leads into the mudroom, a small one, ten by ten, no more, and then another door into the house itself. That one I could not open. Gave a good try," Lana smiled playfully, "say, on a scale of one to twenty it was a good fifteen. Broke two of my best lockpicks but could not open. If one of you knows your way around these things, we can try again."
"I think this is all." Lana looked at the mechanical turtle - not for the first time during this conversation - and finally asked. "Um... If we go in, do you plan to take this thing inside with you?"
Bellamy stands at 4ft in height and is a plump tabaxi.
"I believe the back entrance is the better way to go, but I am not skilled with lock picks. If not can bypass that door than our only option is the front entrance"says Bellamy as he strokes his bushy mustache.
As soon as it was clear they were heading towards the tiefling then Zane bent down to adjust something with his boots and slipped into a side alley. He keeps an eye on the surroundings for anyone who might be interested in this meeting. (let me know if you need any rolls)
Once it's clear that the stranger is friendly and introductions are happening then he will approach as well.
What you see is a tabaxi of average heigh, wrapped in a gray cloak against the morning chill. It definitely looks like he's practiced at keeping a low profile. There's a rapier hanging on his hip, but not much otherwise distinguishing features.
He nods, "Zane. Nice to meet you."
Zane looks at others, "I have a way to make a quiet entrance, that's not a problem at all."
Rel looks relieved when Zane claims he has the means to enter secretly. To Lana, she responds:
"Violet and gold trim, brown hair, deadly. Yes that is the woman. Did she see you when you entered? Was the Alarm triggered? Did you see these two others with her use magic? I apologize for all the questions - I am just considering whether they may be lying in wait for us."
“I can try to pick a lock. I repaired locks beyond counting, and first had to open the one or other jammed one, too,” Tex replies. “But perhaps Zane can open it some easier way.”
”Lizzy can stay outside if you think that’s better. But she really doesn’t need much more space than any of you and can move quietly. More than anything, though, she’s pretty good at noticing things like ambushers before they can strike, if that’s a concern.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Lana nodded again, approvingly to every mention of the skill but shook her head answering Rel's question. "No need for apology, you have to know of course. Yes, the alarm was triggered when I opened the door, but she did not see me. Have a feeling we would not be talking now if she did. I hid before she entered the room - there is some furniture there. The woman assumed whoever triggered it ran away spooked by the sound. Then she called back into the house with these exact words: "Somebody get back up to set the alarm again!" Hence, my assumption is there is more than one "somebody" who can do it."She looked at each person in turn checking if her description were understandable. "If there are other questions, please ask away!"
While the group was collecting thoughts, the tiefling crouched near the turtle to see it better. "Nice contraption. If you say it can move quietly and climb the stairs should we encounter some, it sure welcome to stay. You be the judge. Just saying... We are technically not intruders, as the building counted abandoned, but not owners of the manor either. If those inside have any legitimate claim, they have the right to fight the intruders, if they are squatters and do not want witnesses, they will fight too. Either way, most likely, your turtle is in for a fight." Lana stood up again. "Let's move to the backdoor?"
Once in sight of the back door (within 120 feet) he says, "Lets lay low, it will take me a few minutes."
And he ritually casts silence at the door (it's a 20-foot-radius sphere). Once it's done he says, "No sound can be made or can escape from a 20 foot radius sphere. That also means no spells with a verbal component can be cast. But also no squeaky doors or breaking of locks."
He starts moving, "It lasts for 10 minutes, lets go."
Tex follows Zane to the backdoor and tries to move silently, even though Zane said no sound can escape. At the door, he takes his thieves' tools and gets to work on the lock. First he tries to hear the clicking sounds to gauge the successful picking but realised soon that there wasn't any sound. What an odd thing!Good that he is used to be able to feel the pins fall in place, too.
(Lockpick: 8 + 2/4 for DEX/INT)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Lana slipped into the outer door right after Tez, smiling with satisfaction when she had not heard that terrible squeak which terrified her before. She watched Tex working, sometimes silently (the spell was indeed a great one - she could not hear her own voice!) pointing at the weak spots which she could not utilize in her attempts, and generally helping. If the lock gives up, she would be the first one to enter the house.
You all enter through the backdoor of the Briarwood Manor, which Lana once found the hinges to scream at her upon entry, they are silent this time. Walking into the area you all find that you cannot hear anything at all. The effects of the silence do indeed make everything in the area silent. You see ahead of you in this ten by ten mudroom, a second door. As Lana would recall locked, her broken lockpick still sticking out of it.
Tex
The initial backdoor was open, it is the second door inside that is locked. If you wish to roll a lockpicking check, going forward it is a Dexterity check plus proficiency. Lana is provided the help action for advantage as she has already attempted the lock before.
Tex flushes when he noticed that the door wasn't actually locked and Lana pointed out that it is the second door that is locked. Entering after her, now Tex sees the failed attempt with the locked door. Apparently, they didn't enter or leave after she tried to open to the door, otherwise wouldn't they have noticed and probably removed her tool? That could be a good sign, perhaps, they really aren't waiting for them and they can still enter unnoticed. Anyway, he gets to work on the locked door and first carefully removes Lana's lock pick and then attempts to unlock it himself.
(tools check: 10)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
(Prior to entering the house and the Silence): Rel touches her black earrings lightly and whispers a few words as shadows seem to dance through her form, weaving them gradually into a different appearance. Continuing to undulate and shift until she looks exactly like the brown-haired woman in the hat and violet and gold trim who had taken the delivery of the crate and who Lana had almost encountered inside the house earlier.
Casting Disguise Self with a pact slot (1 hour, no concentration).
The only difference in the disguise from the brown-haired woman's appearance is minor. She points it out so the group can distinguish: tiny black earrings, much smaller than Rel's real ones. She practices her voice to sound like the woman had with her terse sentences back on the ship.
"Remember if discovered by anyone other than the brown-haired woman, you can always point back to me and confuse them by suggesting that 'she' ordered you here. Act like you belong. A pity we don't know the woman's name or I could pretend to be her more effectively."
Once they begin entering the manor, Rel stays in the back, acting as rear guard and watching for anyone sneaking up or watching them from behind.
Zane taps on the shoulder of Tex to get his attention and motions for him to move to the side. He makes a motion as if to crack his neck, but no sound comes of it.
Long and sharp nails flash out of his hands and he just lays into the center of the door, chips and shavings flying everywhere. (1d4+3 slashing damage each turn)
Tex'sattempt to pick the lock fails. Perhaps the silence not allowing him to hear the strike plates, or perhaps the pressure of watchful eyes and the intense atmosphere of the situation. Either way, the door remains shut. Zane begins to claw at the door, taking full opportunity of the magical silence he has created.
Zane claws at the door twice and fails to make a dent, then kicks it a couple of times and that doesn't help either.
Then he breathes in, focuses, and delivers three proper blows to a strategic place that breaks it apart (7 rounds all together). He peeks through before clearing out the rubble.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Tex, melancholic after his conversation with Zane, finishes his drink and a small sandwich while silently listening to the new plan. “I’m ready when you are,” he states and shoulders his pack.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
The tiefling woman was watching the group's approach quite attentively, not forgetting to scan the area around as well. Young, and lean, she was wearing leather armour that fit her lithe form perfectly and had a bow and quiver of arrows strapped to her back. The armour did not hide her unusual features (if anything regarding tiefling can be counted as "usual" at all). Silvery skin with scales on the back of her arms and neck, underlined her white hair and almost human (if not for the purple colour) eyes.
"You are the group sent by Jersali," it was not a question but a statement. "I am Lana. Did she tell you what I saw inside?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Tex, a middle aged kobold (leaning towards the end of middle aged to be honest) with moss-ash coloured scales and a long white Fu Manchu mustache, rides atop a mechanical turtle wearing a breastplate, shield and spear almost as if marching to battle. "Greetings," he replies politely. "I believe so," he says unsure and glances to Rel and Bellamy.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Rel takes a moment to take in the tiefling's unexpectedly striking appearance, then recovers and looks her in the eyes.
"Lana. I am Rel Serafin. Jarsali Firahel informed me and Bellamy here that you saw the same woman who took the delivery of a crate we were hired to guard on its ship journey from Port Zoon. A crate sent by one Lord Agustin that contains a human body which isn't truly dead and has some strange delayed magic command placed on it. We secretly followed the crate here after delivery at the port and it was brought to the back of this manor."
"Jarsali asked us to join you to investigating the manor to identify any possible threat it may pose with the gala tomorrow in which members of The Clovis Concord (and Lord Agustin) may attend. A witness described Lord Agustin and strange red-eyed associates placing the body in the crate in Port Zoon. It is possible they wish to have an undead servant carry out some deed while maintaining deniability, though that is just speculation on my part."
She pauses. "As for the woman who took our delivery of the crate, she seemed competent and formidable. Very quick and strong with unarmed strikes. Do not underestimate her, especially considering the possible Briarwood link. Was she inside the manor when you saw her?"
Rel is an earnest, young silver-haired half-drow female wearing studded leather and a shield. Something in her grey eyes that suggests her non-drow parent may not have been human. She wears dark earrings to match the jet-black warhammer that hangs, seemingly to heavy for her, at her side.
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
Lana nodded slowly to Rel's words. "Well can be I saw the same woman. Brown hair, colourful clothing - violet, gold, grey, moves like a professional killer. Sounds right?" Lana's voice was a bit smoother than her look. "She is not alone in this building. At least two others - maybe more - and they are familiar with magic. I managed to enter through the main entrance," she gestured toward the doors behind her. "There is an Alarm spell on them, that reacts to opening. A room behind with an exit on the east wall. Could not see more, that woman came too fast, I had to leave. But I did check the backdoor. You said you saw your crate delivered through that door? Maybe they do not use the main entrance at all... Anyway, the back door - very squeaky, by the way, leads into the mudroom, a small one, ten by ten, no more, and then another door into the house itself. That one I could not open. Gave a good try," Lana smiled playfully, "say, on a scale of one to twenty it was a good fifteen. Broke two of my best lockpicks but could not open. If one of you knows your way around these things, we can try again."
"I think this is all." Lana looked at the mechanical turtle - not for the first time during this conversation - and finally asked. "Um... If we go in, do you plan to take this thing inside with you?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Bellamy stands at 4ft in height and is a plump tabaxi.
"I believe the back entrance is the better way to go, but I am not skilled with lock picks. If not can bypass that door than our only option is the front entrance" says Bellamy as he strokes his bushy mustache.
As soon as it was clear they were heading towards the tiefling then Zane bent down to adjust something with his boots and slipped into a side alley. He keeps an eye on the surroundings for anyone who might be interested in this meeting. (let me know if you need any rolls)
Once it's clear that the stranger is friendly and introductions are happening then he will approach as well.
What you see is a tabaxi of average heigh, wrapped in a gray cloak against the morning chill. It definitely looks like he's practiced at keeping a low profile. There's a rapier hanging on his hip, but not much otherwise distinguishing features.
He nods, "Zane. Nice to meet you."
Zane looks at others, "I have a way to make a quiet entrance, that's not a problem at all."
Rel looks relieved when Zane claims he has the means to enter secretly. To Lana, she responds:
"Violet and gold trim, brown hair, deadly. Yes that is the woman. Did she see you when you entered? Was the Alarm triggered? Did you see these two others with her use magic? I apologize for all the questions - I am just considering whether they may be lying in wait for us."
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 can try to pick a lock. I repaired locks beyond counting, and first had to open the one or other jammed one, too,” Tex replies. “But perhaps Zane can open it some easier way.”
”Lizzy can stay outside if you think that’s better. But she really doesn’t need much more space than any of you and can move quietly. More than anything, though, she’s pretty good at noticing things like ambushers before they can strike, if that’s a concern.”
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Lana nodded again, approvingly to every mention of the skill but shook her head answering Rel's question. "No need for apology, you have to know of course. Yes, the alarm was triggered when I opened the door, but she did not see me. Have a feeling we would not be talking now if she did. I hid before she entered the room - there is some furniture there. The woman assumed whoever triggered it ran away spooked by the sound. Then she called back into the house with these exact words: "Somebody get back up to set the alarm again!" Hence, my assumption is there is more than one "somebody" who can do it." She looked at each person in turn checking if her description were understandable. "If there are other questions, please ask away!"
While the group was collecting thoughts, the tiefling crouched near the turtle to see it better. "Nice contraption. If you say it can move quietly and climb the stairs should we encounter some, it sure welcome to stay. You be the judge. Just saying... We are technically not intruders, as the building counted abandoned, but not owners of the manor either. If those inside have any legitimate claim, they have the right to fight the intruders, if they are squatters and do not want witnesses, they will fight too. Either way, most likely, your turtle is in for a fight." Lana stood up again. "Let's move to the backdoor?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Zane nods and gets moving.
Once in sight of the back door (within 120 feet) he says, "Lets lay low, it will take me a few minutes."
And he ritually casts silence at the door (it's a 20-foot-radius sphere). Once it's done he says, "No sound can be made or can escape from a 20 foot radius sphere. That also means no spells with a verbal component can be cast. But also no squeaky doors or breaking of locks."
He starts moving, "It lasts for 10 minutes, lets go."
Tex follows Zane to the backdoor and tries to move silently, even though Zane said no sound can escape. At the door, he takes his thieves' tools and gets to work on the lock. First he tries to hear the clicking sounds to gauge the successful picking but realised soon that there wasn't any sound. What an odd thing! Good that he is used to be able to feel the pins fall in place, too.
(Lockpick: 8 + 2/4 for DEX/INT)
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Lana slipped into the outer door right after Tez, smiling with satisfaction when she had not heard that terrible squeak which terrified her before. She watched Tex working, sometimes silently (the spell was indeed a great one - she could not hear her own voice!) pointing at the weak spots which she could not utilize in her attempts, and generally helping. If the lock gives up, she would be the first one to enter the house.
(Help to Tex for advantage)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
You all enter through the backdoor of the Briarwood Manor, which Lana once found the hinges to scream at her upon entry, they are silent this time. Walking into the area you all find that you cannot hear anything at all. The effects of the silence do indeed make everything in the area silent. You see ahead of you in this ten by ten mudroom, a second door. As Lana would recall locked, her broken lockpick still sticking out of it.
Tex
The initial backdoor was open, it is the second door inside that is locked. If you wish to roll a lockpicking check, going forward it is a Dexterity check plus proficiency. Lana is provided the help action for advantage as she has already attempted the lock before.
Tex flushes when he noticed that the door wasn't actually locked and Lana pointed out that it is the second door that is locked. Entering after her, now Tex sees the failed attempt with the locked door. Apparently, they didn't enter or leave after she tried to open to the door, otherwise wouldn't they have noticed and probably removed her tool? That could be a good sign, perhaps, they really aren't waiting for them and they can still enter unnoticed. Anyway, he gets to work on the locked door and first carefully removes Lana's lock pick and then attempts to unlock it himself.
(tools check: 10)
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
(Prior to entering the house and the Silence): Rel touches her black earrings lightly and whispers a few words as shadows seem to dance through her form, weaving them gradually into a different appearance. Continuing to undulate and shift until she looks exactly like the brown-haired woman in the hat and violet and gold trim who had taken the delivery of the crate and who Lana had almost encountered inside the house earlier.
Casting Disguise Self with a pact slot (1 hour, no concentration).
The only difference in the disguise from the brown-haired woman's appearance is minor. She points it out so the group can distinguish: tiny black earrings, much smaller than Rel's real ones. She practices her voice to sound like the woman had with her terse sentences back on the ship.
"Remember if discovered by anyone other than the brown-haired woman, you can always point back to me and confuse them by suggesting that 'she' ordered you here. Act like you belong. A pity we don't know the woman's name or I could pretend to be her more effectively."
Once they begin entering the manor, Rel stays in the back, acting as rear guard and watching for anyone sneaking up or watching them from behind.
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
Bellamy enters and leaves Melby outside as a watcher in the event someone comes from behind. He tenses a bit ready for what may come.
Zane taps on the shoulder of Tex to get his attention and motions for him to move to the side. He makes a motion as if to crack his neck, but no sound comes of it.
Long and sharp nails flash out of his hands and he just lays into the center of the door, chips and shavings flying everywhere. (1d4+3 slashing damage each turn)
Tex's attempt to pick the lock fails. Perhaps the silence not allowing him to hear the strike plates, or perhaps the pressure of watchful eyes and the intense atmosphere of the situation. Either way, the door remains shut. Zane begins to claw at the door, taking full opportunity of the magical silence he has created.
The door has 18 hit points if you go that route
Zane claws at the door twice and fails to make a dent, then kicks it a couple of times and that doesn't help either.
Then he breathes in, focuses, and delivers three proper blows to a strategic place that breaks it apart (7 rounds all together). He peeks through before clearing out the rubble.