The Black Rose chuckled a little before finally responding, "I believe I was forced to find my way in the dark. If you want to learn to navigate in darkness, you must first learn to navigate without the aid of your eyes." He then looked directly into Tarton's eyes with his blank gaze. "I will try to teach you on our journey, but I believe you will find it more challenging than I did." Then he added, "For now, I will give you a simple task to get you started. Try to navigate your room with your eyes closed."
——————————————————————————————
Out of character, my character will try to teach you in character, but to get it, you must obtain the Blind Fighting style from the Fighter class at level 1, the Ranger class at level 2, or the Fighting Style feat. I also believe you can get it at level 14 as a Rogue.
While The Black Rose is responding, Tarton starts to take a drink but his foot slips on the stool he is standing on, and he spills some on The Black Rose and the table and leans on him to help catch his balance before he falls off.
While he is curious and wants to know everything he asked about, Tarton feels the need to test his slight of hand against an ability he has not encountered before so he knows what to expect in the future and decided now is the best time to do it, instead of on the road when everyone will be more tense. He has decided doing this without warning will give a more accurate assessment of his skill vs the ability, even if it upsets the group if he is caught. So he is going to try to steal a coin or small item from The Black Rose while distracting the group with his questions and 'accidentally' spilling some of his drink on The Black Rose.
Erolith turns from the parchment to see what the disturbance is. “We okay, Tarton?”
Tarton replies to Erolith, "I am alright." then turns to The Black Rose and says, "I'm sorry, I had to see how well I could perform versus an ability I have not encountered yet. If I had warned you ahead of time, I feel it wouldn't be an accurate test." He hands the gold coin back to The Black Rose looking guilty and does his best to help dry the drink off of him.
The Black Rose smiled at Tarton. "I guess I did not pass your test," he chuckled. "The ability I possess might be a useful one, but it does not make me detect all. Perhaps one day, with enough training..." He stopped himself from continuing. "I think we all could use a good night's sleep," he yawned.
The Black Rose smiled at Tarton. "I guess I did not pass your test," he chuckled. "The ability I possess might be a useful one, but it does not make me detect all. Perhaps one day, with enough training..." He stopped himself from continuing. "I think we all could use a good night's sleep," he yawned.
“Agreed. I feel tomorrow will need us at our best as we begin our adventure together.”
Erolith continues to study the parchment a little longer before collecting his belongings to retire.
"Wait!" Tarton says suddenly as everyone is getting ready to retire. "I was testing my self, not you. I needed to know what I am capable of. And... I need to tell... warn you..." He has an internal struggle trying to force himself to continue but ends up looking at each person in turn, with an almost fearful look. As you watch him, you notice what was a small shiver in his hands becomes stronger and his whole body is now visibly shaking. His almost fearful look has now gone past fear and he now looks terrified.
After a minute he finally blurts out, "I'm a danger to you all!" He sits there for another minute before saying quietly and reluctantly, "We need to go somewhere no-one else will see. You can tie me up now and take me there, or tie me up when we get there. You need to know..." You feel there was more to that sentence but he does not finish it. Instead he adds, "If one of you still has some of your ale, bring it." At the word 'ale' his face winces.
A distinct look of fascination crosses Artifex's face, as they lean forward, gazing at Tarton. "Interesting. I've met all manner of creatures who have uncontrolled transformations, what manner might you be? Suffering from lycanthropy, exposure to experimental tech or chemicals, maybe even a genetic mutation! The possibilities for my research are end-"
It stops, looking at the people around them for a moment before settling back into its seat. "My apologies, I suppose now wouldn't be the proper time for such questions. I have some difficulty observing the norms of social interaction at times"
Nodding to Tarton, they say "I hope my questions were not too intrusive. Please accept the remainder of my drink as recompense." They slide what's left of its drink over to him.
"If he truly believes himself to be a danger, we should at least take him somewhere secluded. We'll worry about restraint if it becomes necessary, but I'd rather not expose what is clearly a somewhat personal situation to those who may not react as calmly as we."
When Erolith orders the ale, Tarton asks Myrine, "Is there a holding cell or room with no furnishings we can use, or do you know of one nearby that would give us privacy?" The look of terror has mostly passed, but fear and shame are present. His shaking has decreased to only his hands again.
To Artifex he says, "I'm afraid I might be a disappointment to your research efforts, but if you co..." You might have seen the smallest shadow of hope in his eyes, but if it was ever there, it is gone before the thought finishes crossing your mind as he cuts his sentence mid word then shakes his head.
The Black Rose first looked concernedly at Tarton, but as Artifex began speculating about Tarton's condition, he became more and more intrigued. "I might be able to assist you if the need arises. You know, I'm somewhat of a researcher myself."
Then, he turned to Tarton. "Don't worry, Tarton. We will help you get through this. We just agree to be partners after all"
He looked at the rest of the group. "I suggest we all share a room tonight, so we can take turns watching over Tarton."
He then turned back to Tarton. "We have ale, and I have a robe. Is there anything else we need?"
Tarton drags his feet, head down, as everyone heads to the room. He can hardly make himself look at the cup of ale he'll be drinking from soon, let alone carry it, so he leaves it up to someone else to bring it with them. When the door is shut Tarton removes his cloak, takes the rope from his pack, and puts his cloak and pack in a corner. You see now how much skinnier and scrawny he is compared to other halflings in addition to being on the shorter side.
After mustering his courage a bit, he says, "While I agree with what Artifex and The Black Rose said about writing your own story and choosing the mark you leave behind, for me that is only partially true. While by body may be the pen, and my blood the ink, it is not always I that chooses what is written, nor the shape or size of the mark I leave on others."
He holds out the rope and asks, "Will one of you hog tie my hands and feet together behind my back? Once I have taken a drink..." his voice shakes while saying the word and he swallows loudly before continuing, "After I drink... well, you'll see. It won't take but a few seconds. If the rope doesn't hold, you will need to defend yourselves, so draw what ever weapon you feel you need to defend yourselves before I drink. When I am myself again I will say 'bunny fins'. Oh, and I will need someone" his voice cracks, "someone to pour the ale in my mouth. A mouthful or two will do."
I was waiting to see where the DM wanted this to take place, but felt I better just get it going in case he wanted me to explain the setting. If you want to change where this happens, or anything about the room, feel free.
Myrine looks truly startled at Tarton's question. She even tears her attention away from Artifex long enough to give a reasonably coherent response:
"Oh my! I certainly hope you don't plan to drink that much! I know some mercenaries like to celebrate the night before they set out on a new contract, but they tend to prefer waking the next morning in someone else's bed than the Watch. If you really need to let off steam, we rotate our ale through the cellars by the season, so there's always an empty cellar where the wood's been cleared away to let the corners breathe. Or your room if you must, it won't be the first time so we make all the furniture strong enough to last through a storm goliath's rage."
"The cellars will be great. I don't want to disturb other gests near by." Tarton says as if going to a funeral.
Myrine looks truly startled at Tarton's question. She even tears her attention away from Artifex long enough to give a reasonably coherent response:
"Oh my! I certainly hope you don't plan to drink that much! I know some mercenaries like to celebrate the night before they set out on a new contract, but they tend to prefer waking the next morning in someone else's bed than the Watch. If you really need to let off steam, we rotate our ale through the cellars by the season, so there's always an empty cellar where the wood's been cleared away to let the corners breathe. Or your room if you must, it won't be the first time so we make all the furniture strong enough to last through a storm goliath's rage."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Artifex takes the rope and begins tying Tarton's hands behind his back. "I must say, usually it's I who's asking to be tied up,though the context is usually much more enjoyable. Is the transformation a physical one or merely an alteration of the mind? I once met a very handsome gentleman who had a vicious alter ego, who's transformation was more one of the mind than the body. Jackle or Jekyll, something like that."
The Black Rose pulled out his quarterstaff with one hand while continuing to hold the mug of ale in the other. He knelt down beside Tarton and asked, "Are you ready?" His voice conveyed a mixture of fear and excitement.
Tarton is finally starting to notice how calm everyone is being and looks confused but also concerned. "It sounds like you have encountered a few of, of these people. Were you in the towns guard and came across this often?" The last word is drawn out and you see his face go pale and his body goes a bit stiff as you see a new thought has just occurred to him. He then says, "You're going to turn me in, aren't you. And look at me, I've already LET you tie me up." He looks at the door for a long moment but doesn't move. As he's lying on the floor, now completely tied up he lets his head fall to the ground and softly mutters to himself, "Why would she lead me here to be captured?"
Wisdomsaving throw in log: 6
Suddenly Tarton says loudly, "Looks like I'll not-" His voice is suddenly cut off as his whole body begins to shake violently. If he was standing, he would have certainly fell heavily to the floor. While his body keeps shaking, you first notice that his ears have elongated, then, while his hands have remained unchanged, there are now claws instead of fingernails. Finally, after almost 10 seconds of violent shaking, his eyes open and a dim red light shines from them. You get the sense that the halfling you spent the evening with is no longer there.
The Black Rose chuckled a little before finally responding, "I believe I was forced to find my way in the dark. If you want to learn to navigate in darkness, you must first learn to navigate without the aid of your eyes." He then looked directly into Tarton's eyes with his blank gaze. "I will try to teach you on our journey, but I believe you will find it more challenging than I did." Then he added, "For now, I will give you a simple task to get you started. Try to navigate your room with your eyes closed."
——————————————————————————————
Out of character, my character will try to teach you in character, but to get it, you must obtain the Blind Fighting style from the Fighter class at level 1, the Ranger class at level 2, or the Fighting Style feat. I also believe you can get it at level 14 as a Rogue.
While The Black Rose is responding, Tarton starts to take a drink but his foot slips on the stool he is standing on, and he spills some on The Black Rose and the table and leans on him to help catch his balance before he falls off.
While he is curious and wants to know everything he asked about, Tarton feels the need to test his slight of hand against an ability he has not encountered before so he knows what to expect in the future and decided now is the best time to do it, instead of on the road when everyone will be more tense. He has decided doing this without warning will give a more accurate assessment of his skill vs the ability, even if it upsets the group if he is caught. So he is going to try to steal a coin or small item from The Black Rose while distracting the group with his questions and 'accidentally' spilling some of his drink on The Black Rose.
Erolith turns from the parchment to see what the disturbance is. “We okay, Tarton?”
Tarton replies to Erolith, "I am alright." then turns to The Black Rose and says, "I'm sorry, I had to see how well I could perform versus an ability I have not encountered yet. If I had warned you ahead of time, I feel it wouldn't be an accurate test." He hands the gold coin back to The Black Rose looking guilty and does his best to help dry the drink off of him.
The Black Rose smiled at Tarton. "I guess I did not pass your test," he chuckled. "The ability I possess might be a useful one, but it does not make me detect all. Perhaps one day, with enough training..." He stopped himself from continuing. "I think we all could use a good night's sleep," he yawned.
“Agreed. I feel tomorrow will need us at our best as we begin our adventure together.”
Erolith continues to study the parchment a little longer before collecting his belongings to retire.
Artifex nods, finishing off their drink. "Agreed. Tomorrow our story begins in earnest. May pleasant dreams find you all."
"Wait!" Tarton says suddenly as everyone is getting ready to retire. "I was testing my self, not you. I needed to know what I am capable of. And... I need to tell... warn you..." He has an internal struggle trying to force himself to continue but ends up looking at each person in turn, with an almost fearful look. As you watch him, you notice what was a small shiver in his hands becomes stronger and his whole body is now visibly shaking. His almost fearful look has now gone past fear and he now looks terrified.
After a minute he finally blurts out, "I'm a danger to you all!" He sits there for another minute before saying quietly and reluctantly, "We need to go somewhere no-one else will see. You can tie me up now and take me there, or tie me up when we get there. You need to know..." You feel there was more to that sentence but he does not finish it. Instead he adds, "If one of you still has some of your ale, bring it." At the word 'ale' his face winces.
A distinct look of fascination crosses Artifex's face, as they lean forward, gazing at Tarton. "Interesting. I've met all manner of creatures who have uncontrolled transformations, what manner might you be? Suffering from lycanthropy, exposure to experimental tech or chemicals, maybe even a genetic mutation! The possibilities for my research are end-"
It stops, looking at the people around them for a moment before settling back into its seat. "My apologies, I suppose now wouldn't be the proper time for such questions. I have some difficulty observing the norms of social interaction at times"
Nodding to Tarton, they say "I hope my questions were not too intrusive. Please accept the remainder of my drink as recompense." They slide what's left of its drink over to him.
“It appears we will face dangers both internally and externally on this adventure. Best we learn as much about the known dangers as possible.”
Erolith orders a stout ale for Tarton.
"If he truly believes himself to be a danger, we should at least take him somewhere secluded. We'll worry about restraint if it becomes necessary, but I'd rather not expose what is clearly a somewhat personal situation to those who may not react as calmly as we."
When Erolith orders the ale, Tarton asks Myrine, "Is there a holding cell or room with no furnishings we can use, or do you know of one nearby that would give us privacy?" The look of terror has mostly passed, but fear and shame are present. His shaking has decreased to only his hands again.
To Artifex he says, "I'm afraid I might be a disappointment to your research efforts, but if you co..." You might have seen the smallest shadow of hope in his eyes, but if it was ever there, it is gone before the thought finishes crossing your mind as he cuts his sentence mid word then shakes his head.
The Black Rose first looked concernedly at Tarton, but as Artifex began speculating about Tarton's condition, he became more and more intrigued. "I might be able to assist you if the need arises. You know, I'm somewhat of a researcher myself."
Then, he turned to Tarton. "Don't worry, Tarton. We will help you get through this. We just agree to be partners after all"
He looked at the rest of the group. "I suggest we all share a room tonight, so we can take turns watching over Tarton."
He then turned back to Tarton. "We have ale, and I have a robe. Is there anything else we need?"
Tarton drags his feet, head down, as everyone heads to the room. He can hardly make himself look at the cup of ale he'll be drinking from soon, let alone carry it, so he leaves it up to someone else to bring it with them. When the door is shut Tarton removes his cloak, takes the rope from his pack, and puts his cloak and pack in a corner. You see now how much skinnier and scrawny he is compared to other halflings in addition to being on the shorter side.
After mustering his courage a bit, he says, "While I agree with what Artifex and The Black Rose said about writing your own story and choosing the mark you leave behind, for me that is only partially true. While by body may be the pen, and my blood the ink, it is not always I that chooses what is written, nor the shape or size of the mark I leave on others."
He holds out the rope and asks, "Will one of you hog tie my hands and feet together behind my back? Once I have taken a drink..." his voice shakes while saying the word and he swallows loudly before continuing, "After I drink... well, you'll see. It won't take but a few seconds. If the rope doesn't hold, you will need to defend yourselves, so draw what ever weapon you feel you need to defend yourselves before I drink. When I am myself again I will say 'bunny fins'. Oh, and I will need someone" his voice cracks, "someone to pour the ale in my mouth. A mouthful or two will do."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was waiting to see where the DM wanted this to take place, but felt I better just get it going in case he wanted me to explain the setting. If you want to change where this happens, or anything about the room, feel free.
"The cellars will be great. I don't want to disturb other gests near by." Tarton says as if going to a funeral.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waiting for a volunteer or two to tie him up and give him the ale, I don't want to volunteer for you by just writing it in.
Myrine looks truly startled at Tarton's question. She even tears her attention away from Artifex long enough to give a reasonably coherent response:
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Artifex takes the rope and begins tying Tarton's hands behind his back. "I must say, usually it's I who's asking to be tied up,though the context is usually much more enjoyable. Is the transformation a physical one or merely an alteration of the mind? I once met a very handsome gentleman who had a vicious alter ego, who's transformation was more one of the mind than the body. Jackle or Jekyll, something like that."
The Black Rose pulled out his quarterstaff with one hand while continuing to hold the mug of ale in the other. He knelt down beside Tarton and asked, "Are you ready?" His voice conveyed a mixture of fear and excitement.
Tarton is finally starting to notice how calm everyone is being and looks confused but also concerned. "It sounds like you have encountered a few of, of these people. Were you in the towns guard and came across this often?" The last word is drawn out and you see his face go pale and his body goes a bit stiff as you see a new thought has just occurred to him. He then says, "You're going to turn me in, aren't you. And look at me, I've already LET you tie me up." He looks at the door for a long moment but doesn't move. As he's lying on the floor, now completely tied up he lets his head fall to the ground and softly mutters to himself, "Why would she lead me here to be captured?"
Wisdom saving throw in log: 6
Suddenly Tarton says loudly, "Looks like I'll not-" His voice is suddenly cut off as his whole body begins to shake violently. If he was standing, he would have certainly fell heavily to the floor. While his body keeps shaking, you first notice that his ears have elongated, then, while his hands have remained unchanged, there are now claws instead of fingernails. Finally, after almost 10 seconds of violent shaking, his eyes open and a dim red light shines from them. You get the sense that the halfling you spent the evening with is no longer there.
The Black Rose took a step back, quarterstaff now shaking in his hand. "What a fascinating metamorphosis..." he murmured.