As the parade of carts begins its slow procession away from the docks, Eldon and his companions move with calculated stealth, their movements shrouded in the cover of darkness. Yet, as they navigate the maze of narrow alleyways and shadowed streets, a sudden misstep disrupts their carefully laid plans.
Unbeknownst to Eldon, a loose cobblestone beneath his foot gives way with a soft but unmistakable clatter, the sound echoing faintly through the deserted thoroughfare. Though the noise is subtle, it is enough to catch the attention of one of the dockworkers marching ahead, his keen senses alert to the slightest disturbance in the night.
Pausing momentarily, the dockworker tilts his head, his ears attuned to the faint sound that seems to linger in the air like a whisper. With a furrowed brow, he casts a wary glance over his shoulder, his gaze sweeping the dimly lit surroundings in search of the source of the disturbance.
Though Eldon remains unseen in the shadows, the dockworker's heightened perception has detected the subtle intrusion, prompting a silent warning to his companions as they continue on their path, approaching the bridge.
((How do you want to proceed - as the carts start to go south across the bridge?))
Narrakas hangs back as well, waiting for the carts to cross at the very least. But all the while he remained at the ready to mimic the sound of a cat yowling in hopes of divert any further scrutiny from any over enthusiastic guards. A sillier tactic than his more preferred route. But then again, it wasn't as if the goblin was used to tailing people, but rather ambushing them anyhow...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Mads is also quietly giving the works space, hand on sword hilt ready to draw if required. Maybe even slightly holding his breath. but staying in the group area.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: Likely past my past question about how things appear about the bridge might've been overlooked in PM. So for now I'll put down the following)
"Alright. Let's get going." Narrakas whispers to the others. In spite of his own suggestion however, if any dockworkers still working/milling about the dock appeared too attentive on the most direct course to the bridge, the goblin growls lowly and just about starts to go for a weapon. But whether due to Mad's earlier urging or better sensibilities winning out, hfe shakes off the impulse and tries to make for the bridge with every intent of crossing it by hugging any shadows along any guardrails.
But if it all seemed an impossible task from the onset, then... he'd whisper up to the party and asks, "Think Fix sharp enough to leave a trail for us to follow?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
As Mardigan cautiously traverses the Sharkfin Bridge, his armored form creates a subdued but audible clanking with each step, the sound reverberating softly against the stone structure beneath his feet. Despite his best efforts to move with stealth, the weighty plates of his armor betray his presence with a rhythmic cadence that echoes through the stillness of the night.
At this late hour, the streets of Saltmarsh are enveloped in a quiet slumber, the tranquility broken only by the occasional hushed whisper of the wind and the gentle lapping of the nearby waves against the harbor's edge. Yet, even amidst the peaceful silence, Mardigan's inadvertent noise disrupts the nocturnal serenity, a stark contrast to the tranquil ambiance that envelops the seaside town.
As he crosses the bridge, the faint clanking of his armor draws the attention of a few light-sleeping citizens nestled within the nearby homes. A window may creak open here or there, as bleary-eyed residents peer out into the darkness, their curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar sound echoing through the quiet streets.
Meanwhile, a stray cat perched atop a nearby rooftop lifts its head, its ears twitching at the unexpected disturbance. With a low mewl, it casts a wary glance in Mardigan's direction before slinking away into the shadows, seeking refuge from the nocturnal commotion that disrupts its peaceful repose.
Despite the minor disruption caused by Mardigan's inadvertent noise, the streets quickly settle back into their tranquil state as the armored figure continues on his clandestine journey.
As Mardigan, Eldon, and Narrakas hasten to catch up with Fizz and the other porters, they find themselves taken aback by the surprising pace at which the group is moving. With a sense of urgency, they quicken their steps, their hearts pounding with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.
Arriving at the intersection, they are met with an unexpected sight: the train of porters is much further along the road than they had anticipated. Squinting through the darkness, they discern the figures of the porters moving with a sense of urgency, their movements swift and purposeful.
Determined to catch up, the party quickens their pace, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone streets as they strive to bridge the distance between them and the disappearing porters. Yet, despite their efforts, they arrive at the scene just in time to witness the last of the carts being pushed into a void between two planks on the side of a nondescript shack.
With a sense of disbelief, they watch as the carts and their accompanying porters vanish into the darkness with a faint sucking sound, leaving behind an eerie silence in their wake. As one of the planks swings back, covering the gap and obscuring the mysterious entrance, the porters stand there, each clutching a small sack of coin in their hands.
Fizz:
As the group of porters turned down the road after the bridge they heard some loud noises behind them. The leaders of the train drove the porters to quicken their pace. They practically ran down the road. The head guard stopped them near a group of shacks a little further on from The Empty Net. As they draw to a halt, the guard approaches the wall of one of these seemingly abandoned shacks. Fizz sees him draw something from his coat, bend down and manipulate something at the bottom of a board on the wall. He then swung the plank to the side, revealing a gap no wider than the boards themselves. He stuck his head into this gap and it seemed to disappear into the darkness. Shortly after withdrawing his head again, 5 burly sailors popped out of the gap, handed each porter a sack of coin and took possession of the carts, pushing them anxiously into the gap between the boards.
((Fizz's sack contains 2 silver worth in coin))
Putting this odd event behind them, the party spends the next few days about town, enjoying their lodgings at the expense of the Othmor's. One afternoon, as they share ale and play a lazy hand of cards together, they receive a summons from their benefactors.
As the party gathers at the Othmor estate, they are struck by the subtle changes that have taken place since their last visit. The once sparse chambers now boast a semblance of opulence, with new furnishings adorning the rooms, casting an air of newfound prosperity over the estate. The adventurers wonder who paid more dearly to reclaim these items - the Othmor's or the pirates.
Upon entering the chamber, their eyes are drawn to a collection of curiosities displayed on end tables and ornate stands. These peculiar artifacts seem to whisper tales of distant lands and forgotten lore, each one a testament to the rich tapestry of Faerun's history. Among them, they spot a polished gemstone pulsating with arcane energy, a vial of shimmering liquid which is encased in a sort of ostensorium, and a miniature statue depicting a long-forgotten deity.
Their musings are interrupted by the graceful entrance of Lady Othmor, her presence commanding the attention of all who behold her. With an air of sophistication and grace, she greets the party, her words dripping with honeyed sweetness as she welcomes them into her abode.
"Ah, my dear adventurers," she begins, her voice smooth as silk. "I trust you have enjoyed your stay in my humble estate. It pleases me greatly to see that your efforts have borne fruit, and that my family's treasures have been restored to their rightful place."
As she speaks, her gaze drifts over the newly acquired curiosities, her fingers delicately tracing the contours of each artifact as if lost in contemplation. With a subtle sigh, she turns her attention back to the party, her expression a mask of feigned innocence.
"However," she continues, her tone taking on a hint of urgency, "there remains one item of great importance that has eluded my grasp for far too long. It is a relic of immense sentimental value to my family, stolen from us by our treacherous rivals and hidden away in their crypt for decades."
She gestures towards a parchment resting on an ornate table nearby, its surface adorned with intricate runes and symbols. "This map will lead you to the crypt of the rival family," she explains, her voice laced with a sense of determination. "Retrieve the relic from within, and you shall be handsomely rewarded for your efforts."
The party of course agreed.
Now standing again at midnight before the impressive crypt's doors within Saltmarsh's graveyard, the party may be questioning their eagerness. The crypt is unmarked, or whatever markings there may have been are defaced. It is good they had the map to identify it. The doors to the crypt are bound by an ancient rusty chain.
Narrakas continued to glower at the door for at least half a minute more while mentally arguing with himself. A rare state for the goblin to be in given his more typically simple mindset. But the more he played back the last meeting with Lady Othmor, the more his blood began to boil began to boil in frustration. Finally he lets out a final sigh of defeat before grunting an agreement.
"Let's get this over with. Though I swear if I die to some undead down there, I'm coming back for Boss Lady's Butt."He grouses as he too approached the chain, initially intending to try and yank them off the door. However, in a rare moment of conscientiousness over other party members, the goblin at least held back long enough for Eldon to finish his examination before asking of the group, "Anyone think to carry a crowbar?"
(OOC: At dm's discretion, as I'm only just now realizing it, I would like to have retroactively bought a crowbar.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
((any common items you wish to have purchased are okay as several days have passed, giving ample opportunity for such purchases))
The chain, ancient and weathered, wraps across the handles of imposing doors of the crypt like a serpent of iron. Its surface is marred by the ravages of time, with patches of rust spreading like a creeping plague across its length. Each link is encrusted with layers of corrosion, their once gleaming surface now dulled and pitted with age.
As the party's gaze falls upon the chain, they can almost feel the weight of centuries pressing down upon it, as if the very essence of time itself has conspired to wear it away. The metal groans and creaks with the strain of its own decay, a mournful lament echoing through the stillness of the night.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the rust has eaten away at the chain's integrity, leaving it brittle and fragile. The once sturdy links now hang together by mere threads, their structure compromised by the relentless march of time.
With a firm grip and a determined resolve, any strong application of force would surely shatter the chain, reducing it to a mere shadow of its former self.
"Guess that's one way to handle it."Narrakas dreadpans. The goblin then gasps at some sudden epiphany, and after fishing about on his backpack, eventually manages to unhook a crowbar from it. "Ah! There it was! I knew I was forgetting something... But, bah. Sure it'll get some more use pretty soon, seeing as we might need to get a bit more, eh, thorough with our investigations. Speaking of tho'-"The goblin turns on Eldon. "Don't suppose you got any fancy magic for finding lost things would'ja? 'cause I don't know about you, but I don't fancy us being here longer than we need."
(OOC: Alrighty! Retro purchased a crowbar and back up bandolier.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
With a resolute grip on his sword's hilt, Mardigan channels his strength into a forceful pull against the rusty chain. The metal makes no protest, its weakened structure unable to withstand the onslaught. In an instant, the chain yields, snapping apart with a satisfying crack.
The fragments of the chain cascade to the ground, scattering like fallen leaves before the doors of the crypt. There is an eerie gust of ice cold wind as, freed from their ancient shackles, the doors swing slightly open. The yawning darkness of the crypt's interior is revealed beyond.
As the parade of carts begins its slow procession away from the docks, Eldon and his companions move with calculated stealth, their movements shrouded in the cover of darkness. Yet, as they navigate the maze of narrow alleyways and shadowed streets, a sudden misstep disrupts their carefully laid plans.
Unbeknownst to Eldon, a loose cobblestone beneath his foot gives way with a soft but unmistakable clatter, the sound echoing faintly through the deserted thoroughfare. Though the noise is subtle, it is enough to catch the attention of one of the dockworkers marching ahead, his keen senses alert to the slightest disturbance in the night.
Pausing momentarily, the dockworker tilts his head, his ears attuned to the faint sound that seems to linger in the air like a whisper. With a furrowed brow, he casts a wary glance over his shoulder, his gaze sweeping the dimly lit surroundings in search of the source of the disturbance.
Though Eldon remains unseen in the shadows, the dockworker's heightened perception has detected the subtle intrusion, prompting a silent warning to his companions as they continue on their path, approaching the bridge.
((How do you want to proceed - as the carts start to go south across the bridge?))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
eldon follows along with the group, quietly keeping to the shadows as best as he can
((OOC looks like we posted simultaneously - is this Eldon's action before or after he accidentally drew the guards attention?))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
that was before. eldon pauses in the shadows, studying the man, ready to cast a spell if neefed
((Eldon remains hidden in shadow, what do Narrakas and Mads do?))
The carts are pulled onto the bridge, starting to cross it.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Narrakas hangs back as well, waiting for the carts to cross at the very least. But all the while he remained at the ready to mimic the sound of a cat yowling in hopes of divert any further scrutiny from any over enthusiastic guards. A sillier tactic than his more preferred route. But then again, it wasn't as if the goblin was used to tailing people, but rather ambushing them anyhow...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Mads is also quietly giving the works space, hand on sword hilt ready to draw if required. Maybe even slightly holding his breath. but staying in the group area.
The carts cross the bridge and begin to disappear into the dark distance...
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
(OOC: Likely past my past question about how things appear about the bridge might've been overlooked in PM. So for now I'll put down the following)
"Alright. Let's get going." Narrakas whispers to the others. In spite of his own suggestion however, if any dockworkers still working/milling about the dock appeared too attentive on the most direct course to the bridge, the goblin growls lowly and just about starts to go for a weapon. But whether due to Mad's earlier urging or better sensibilities winning out, hfe shakes off the impulse and tries to make for the bridge with every intent of crossing it by hugging any shadows along any guardrails.
-Stealth: 7.
But if it all seemed an impossible task from the onset, then... he'd whisper up to the party and asks, "Think Fix sharp enough to leave a trail for us to follow?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Narrakas, the goblin shadow slides into the dark areas of the bridge, almost disappearing as he slips across the bridge.
Narrakas crosses just in time to see the carts pull off to the right - the same path the group took to the Empty Net earlier that day.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Mardigan moving as quietly as his armor will allow
Stealth 11
muttering under his breath each time a sound can be heard.
As Mardigan cautiously traverses the Sharkfin Bridge, his armored form creates a subdued but audible clanking with each step, the sound reverberating softly against the stone structure beneath his feet. Despite his best efforts to move with stealth, the weighty plates of his armor betray his presence with a rhythmic cadence that echoes through the stillness of the night.
At this late hour, the streets of Saltmarsh are enveloped in a quiet slumber, the tranquility broken only by the occasional hushed whisper of the wind and the gentle lapping of the nearby waves against the harbor's edge. Yet, even amidst the peaceful silence, Mardigan's inadvertent noise disrupts the nocturnal serenity, a stark contrast to the tranquil ambiance that envelops the seaside town.
As he crosses the bridge, the faint clanking of his armor draws the attention of a few light-sleeping citizens nestled within the nearby homes. A window may creak open here or there, as bleary-eyed residents peer out into the darkness, their curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar sound echoing through the quiet streets.
Meanwhile, a stray cat perched atop a nearby rooftop lifts its head, its ears twitching at the unexpected disturbance. With a low mewl, it casts a wary glance in Mardigan's direction before slinking away into the shadows, seeking refuge from the nocturnal commotion that disrupts its peaceful repose.
Despite the minor disruption caused by Mardigan's inadvertent noise, the streets quickly settle back into their tranquil state as the armored figure continues on his clandestine journey.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
As Mardigan, Eldon, and Narrakas hasten to catch up with Fizz and the other porters, they find themselves taken aback by the surprising pace at which the group is moving. With a sense of urgency, they quicken their steps, their hearts pounding with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.
Arriving at the intersection, they are met with an unexpected sight: the train of porters is much further along the road than they had anticipated. Squinting through the darkness, they discern the figures of the porters moving with a sense of urgency, their movements swift and purposeful.
Determined to catch up, the party quickens their pace, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone streets as they strive to bridge the distance between them and the disappearing porters. Yet, despite their efforts, they arrive at the scene just in time to witness the last of the carts being pushed into a void between two planks on the side of a nondescript shack.
With a sense of disbelief, they watch as the carts and their accompanying porters vanish into the darkness with a faint sucking sound, leaving behind an eerie silence in their wake. As one of the planks swings back, covering the gap and obscuring the mysterious entrance, the porters stand there, each clutching a small sack of coin in their hands.
Fizz:
As the group of porters turned down the road after the bridge they heard some loud noises behind them. The leaders of the train drove the porters to quicken their pace. They practically ran down the road. The head guard stopped them near a group of shacks a little further on from The Empty Net. As they draw to a halt, the guard approaches the wall of one of these seemingly abandoned shacks. Fizz sees him draw something from his coat, bend down and manipulate something at the bottom of a board on the wall. He then swung the plank to the side, revealing a gap no wider than the boards themselves. He stuck his head into this gap and it seemed to disappear into the darkness. Shortly after withdrawing his head again, 5 burly sailors popped out of the gap, handed each porter a sack of coin and took possession of the carts, pushing them anxiously into the gap between the boards.
((Fizz's sack contains 2 silver worth in coin))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
“Well, let’s do this, I suppose. Be prepared”. Eldon says. He casts his prepartory spells, and examines the chain
Narrakas continued to glower at the door for at least half a minute more while mentally arguing with himself. A rare state for the goblin to be in given his more typically simple mindset. But the more he played back the last meeting with Lady Othmor, the more his blood began to boil began to boil in frustration. Finally he lets out a final sigh of defeat before grunting an agreement.
"Let's get this over with. Though I swear if I die to some undead down there, I'm coming back for Boss Lady's Butt." He grouses as he too approached the chain, initially intending to try and yank them off the door. However, in a rare moment of conscientiousness over other party members, the goblin at least held back long enough for Eldon to finish his examination before asking of the group, "Anyone think to carry a crowbar?"
(OOC: At dm's discretion, as I'm only just now realizing it, I would like to have retroactively bought a crowbar.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
((any common items you wish to have purchased are okay as several days have passed, giving ample opportunity for such purchases))
The chain, ancient and weathered, wraps across the handles of imposing doors of the crypt like a serpent of iron. Its surface is marred by the ravages of time, with patches of rust spreading like a creeping plague across its length. Each link is encrusted with layers of corrosion, their once gleaming surface now dulled and pitted with age.
As the party's gaze falls upon the chain, they can almost feel the weight of centuries pressing down upon it, as if the very essence of time itself has conspired to wear it away. The metal groans and creaks with the strain of its own decay, a mournful lament echoing through the stillness of the night.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the rust has eaten away at the chain's integrity, leaving it brittle and fragile. The once sturdy links now hang together by mere threads, their structure compromised by the relentless march of time.
With a firm grip and a determined resolve, any strong application of force would surely shatter the chain, reducing it to a mere shadow of its former self.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Athletics 18
mardigan applies some force using his swords hilt, hopefully enough to snap the chain.
"Guess that's one way to handle it." Narrakas dreadpans. The goblin then gasps at some sudden epiphany, and after fishing about on his backpack, eventually manages to unhook a crowbar from it. "Ah! There it was! I knew I was forgetting something... But, bah. Sure it'll get some more use pretty soon, seeing as we might need to get a bit more, eh, thorough with our investigations. Speaking of tho'-" The goblin turns on Eldon. "Don't suppose you got any fancy magic for finding lost things would'ja? 'cause I don't know about you, but I don't fancy us being here longer than we need."
(OOC: Alrighty! Retro purchased a crowbar and back up bandolier.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
With a resolute grip on his sword's hilt, Mardigan channels his strength into a forceful pull against the rusty chain. The metal makes no protest, its weakened structure unable to withstand the onslaught. In an instant, the chain yields, snapping apart with a satisfying crack.
The fragments of the chain cascade to the ground, scattering like fallen leaves before the doors of the crypt. There is an eerie gust of ice cold wind as, freed from their ancient shackles, the doors swing slightly open. The yawning darkness of the crypt's interior is revealed beyond.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
remind me again, what are we disturbing these resting folks for again? Mardigan asks, as he swings the door fully open to peer inside.