This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cuervo listened intently, and the man's explanation answered some lines of enquiry, but not all. "Is there any chance we could take a quick look at the room? Not for long, but to assure our employer that we have been as thorough as we possibly can?"
Lash/Kalhala - Theroc's eyes narrow as you speak, his mind seemingly made up. But you see his face soften as you go on, and even find him nodding at various points during your spiel. "I assumed you were here as part of Lady Elara's legal council, aiming to find fault... But if that's not the case... Then I suppose I could allow you to speak to the staff and view a copy of the report we shared with the City Watch. We at the Museum of Antiquities DO so want to see the amulet returned to lady Elara and this entire unfortunate matter put to bed... I will give you one hour to complete whatever it is you intend to do..."
Cuervo - Director Lankcroft turns to you and is silent for a moment, contemplating something. "You must have an escort." He then fishes something out of his robe pocket, it appears to be a small smooth stone. Theroc holds it up to his mouth and speaks into it and you see it glow as he does so, "Taru." The stone goes dark but then lights up again and you see Theroc nodding as if someone is responding to him, but you hear nothing until Theroc speaks again, "Come to my office please." After a few minutes the half-orc that intervened earlier sticks his head into the office, "Yes Director?" Theroc says, "Taru, please escort these people to the exhibition hall. Allow them to look, but touch nothing. Do not let them out of your sight. Fifteen minute should be plenty of time."
Lash - Theroc snorts and rolls his eyes when you mention Norril's odd disappearance, "You do not honestly believe that nonsense about the amulet containing a demon, do you?" He stares at you for a moment then scoffs, "Allow me to let you in on a little... Trade secret. Most of the stories you hear about artifacts bearing terrible curses or astounding enchantments are patently false. Fairy tales, fabricated to drum up excitement and interest in otherwise mundane bits of junk. Lady Elara knows this as well as any. Her little scary story serves no other purpose than to drive up ticket sales and apparently, convince others to do her legwork for her." Theroc rolls his eyes again and chucks patronizingly for a moment then turns serious, "No, I do not know what theatrics were at play in the lobby, but I assure you we will be investigating that little farce as well. Once the exhibition on Grung artifacts has completed of course."
All - Director Lankcroft opens a drawer in his desk and rifles through it a bit before pulling out a single sheet of paper. He slides it across the desk but keeps his hand on it as he says, "This does NOT leave the premises, understood?" He looks to each of you for acknowledgement before continuing, "If ANY of this... Charade affects the reputation of myself or the Museum of Antiquities in ANY way... There may be legal repercussions." He releases the report and waves his hand, "Your hour begins now." Then turns his attention to some other document on his desk, ignoring you all completely. Taru nods and smiles politely to you all as you leave then leads you all back out of the employees only corridor.
“Charade?” Kalhala looks at the man a bit confused. Though he picks up the report and looks it over. Then he hands it to whoever wants to look at it next.
He scratches his head, “Well, Lady Elara can be pretty convincing, I don’t think it is nonsense. And of course we are not looking to place blame, we just want to help find the amulet.” Not wanting to continue the conversation with the angry little man, Kalhala is relieved to see the half-orc return. He gets out of his seat a little enthusiastically and almost knocks over his chair.
”Taru, is it? Nice to meet you! I’m Kalhala and we’d be delighted to have you,”He gives a side-eyed glare to Theroc, “show us where the amulet was kept and if you had any insight as well, that would be great!”
Cuervo suspects her attempt to gain access to the room could have gone smoother, so she turns her attention to the report, as Kalhala puts it down. "At least I can't upset a piece of parchment," she mutters under her breath. She scans the document, looking for any clues, wondering if anything obvious jumps out at her.
"Since we are trading secrets," Lash says to Theroc with a little conspiratorial grin, "I will admit I know a thing or two about laying it on thick to get what you want. With a mug like this I need to talk a good game to get the ladies, eh? But to be honest all it would have taken to get me to investigate this is coin. The scary story and all may do well to bring in sightseers but my legwork is for sale to whoever can pay. Yet not only did the Lady tell me the story of the demon but she let us all see it for ourselves, after a fashion..."
Lash more or less describes the experience they all shared in the Lady's office before heading here. He leaves out his personal experience at the end but is truthful as his memory allows otherwise. "Could it have all been a scam? Sure, maybe. You got enough resources you can buy almost anyone to do anything... But as I said, I'm am easy hire and I didn't need all the extra to get involved. So, do I believe it? Honestly, Theroc, I don't know..." Lash says. "But either she believes it or she is putting on some kind of melodrama which I cannot believe would ever make a profit for her." Lash shrugs.
"And for our compatriot who disappeared... I can one hundred percent tell you that I have no clue what happened there. And it has me a bit spooked..."
"Still and all, whatever the case... Thank you for your generous help on the matter. We will do our best to make sure we are no trouble to you or your staff." Lash says the last bit a bit louder, being sure to include the others in the statement.
When the talking is done Lash will suggest those who want first crack at reading the report stay here (or wherever Theroc would like them to read it over) and the rest will go take a look see at the crime scene. Lash wants to do first but since time is pressing Crime Scene comes first!
Kalhala - Taru smiles and says, "I am delighted to accompany you. To be honest, I assumed the worst when I saw it was you in Theroc's office." He blushes a bit and rubs the back of his head, "But, I am glad to have had my assumptions proven wrong. As for my insight into the matter, I'm afraid I do not have much to offer. Museum security is outside the realm of my duties here at the Museum of Antiquities. But, ask and I will do my best to answer whatever questions you might have."
All - Any who would take a look at the report find the same information Theroc has already shared with no new bits of information. He indicates that you can leave it with Taru when you are done with it.
Cuervo -
You quickly read what little there is of the report and turn the page over only to find the backside blank. It is obvious to you that the bare minimum has been put into creating this report and you feel the most interesting bits are not what is actually written in the report but what is not. Both Theroc and the report mentioned the amulet being accounted for during one security round and missing during the next, but there are no copies of those rounds being logged, nor any record of who actually did them. Scanning the document again and replaying Theroc's curt summarization of it in your mind, you see that the Museum of Antiquities has claimed to have followed all security policies and procedures the night of the disappearance, but hasn't produced any evidence of such.
Lash - Theroc listens with a raised eyebrow as you recount your experience. When you're done he sighs and says, "The... Nobility do so love their parlor tricks. And their melodrama for that matter. If I've learned anything being forced to work with them as Museum Director it's that they are interested only in keeping their current wealth and attaining more. These... Charitable exhibitions might seem altruistic but I assure you there are lucrative tax breaks involved, not to mention the chance to whitewash the more sordid parts of their family's reputations. Of which Lady Elara is especially concerned. As she should be."
Cuervo puts report back on the desk and shakes her head. “That’s not worth the paper it’s written on,”she says matter-of-factly to the group. "Few details and more importantly, no evidence. Statements like security rounds completed should have names of who completed it and evidence of a log being completed. I can’t say for sure the security measures weren’t followed – but I can say for certain that there is no evidence here that they were. Without that proof, I’d be inclined to say the museum did not follow its own policies.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jowyn has followed the others, drinking in the rich decor and the report from Theroc. Before following Taru to the Exhibition Hall, she hesitates.
She is uneasy about the apparent lack of detail in the security report. "Director, may we speak with the museum's head of security? Would that be possible? I'm sure they followed protocol, but with all the magics of the world, even an odd-behaving shadow may be an important clue. We'll do our best to be brief and respectful of the museum's time."
"And what do you mean about Lady Elara's reputation? I have spent a great deal of time out in the wilderness the last few years, and the gossip around the nobility was not readily available. What do you know of the Emberstone's?"
Jowyn - Theroc doesn't look up from pondering his document as he says, "Yes. Fine." Taru quickly interjects, "Director Lankcroft, I believe Mr. Zovararax is still away on holiday." Theroc, still pondering his document, says "Hmm? Ah, yes. Well they can speak to whomever is filling in during his absence." Taru says, "That would be Mr. Keghammer. I will escort them to him."
When you mention Lady Elara's reputation, Theroc does look up. With a self-satisfied smirk on his face and a chuckle, Theroc says, "I know that their gemstone empire was built upon the backs of impoverished migrant workers. Have you ever heard the term, blood from a stone? Well, that may as well be the Emberstone family motto! Countless Aaracockra and Tabaxi either died or were maimed in their mines while the Emberstones made incredible profits. The Emberstones didn't want to pay the guild rates for experienced Svirfneblin and Dwarven workers, no, they instead imported migrant workers that were displaced by the undead scourge in Chult. Can you imagine? Promised a refuge from undead horrors only to be settled in overpopulated migrant camps, forced to work for hours underground, paid a pittance, and discarded when their productivity was at its end." Theroc leans back in his overstuffed chair, hands clasped across his stomach, obviously pleased to be airing the Emberstone's dirty laundry, "Perhaps now you see why I, having done my duty as Museum Director, am loathe to continue spending valuable time and resources searching for Lady Elara's... Bloody baubles."
All - Taru turns to you all and says, "Where would you like to go first?" Your options include the exhibition hall where the amulet was displayed, the Interim Head of Security's office, or somewhere else if you so choose.
"Parlor trick? You think so?" Lash responds, aghast that perhaps he had one put over on him like that. "Surely not... But still... huh. You certainly have the Lady better pegged than I do. I have only just met her. And only that since she wanted to hire me. Still, it did seem real... But you would know, eh?"
Lash reads over the report carefully but tries to make it look like just a casual perusal but having been in the Guard he has some idea where the important details should be. "You know, Theroc, just to actually earn the money we are being paid we really should at least touch base with everyone who was working that night. Obviously this report tells us all we really need but we're just hired help, we really do need to jump through all the hoops. I'm sure you wouldn't want your staff cutting corners just because someone had assured them they didn't need to be diligent?"
"Not Tabaxi?" Lash would feign as Theroc besmirched Lady Elara, acting as is he bought it all. "Aracockra always ruffled my feathers, so to speak, not that I would wish such on them... But Tabaxi? That is just wrong!"
Kalhala listens to all that is going on, frowning at Theroc's assessment of the Lady. He had grown to like her in the short time they spent together. It was rare that noble people were kind to him.
It is obvious he is glad to see Taru, but he leaves it to the others to decide where to go next. He just knows he doesn't trust Theroc.
Looking to move things along, Cuervo clears her throat and speaks. "OK, I've seen as much as I need from the report. I'd prefer to see where the amulet was stored. That may present questions we can then ask the security team - which wouldn't work the other way around."
All - Taru leads you around the upper level of the Museum of Antiquities and back to the exhibition hall. He unclasps the red velvet rope cordoning off the area and gestures you all through, reclasping the rope after you. Chairs surround several tables cluttered with crystal and silver tableware. Various display cases stand along the walls with an assortment of sparkling gemstones inside. Some are rough and uncut, others set into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Against the east wall, an impressive reliquary rests atop a marble pedestal and next to the pedestal stands a figure in a long black robe. You see the figure doing something to the glass case surrounding the reliquary but you can't quite tell what they're doing. Taru clears his throat and says, "Excuse me, this hall is closed. Please allow me to escort you-" The rest of his request is cut off as the figure whips around and fires a hand crossbow, the bolt burying itself in Taru's abdomen and sending him to the ground with a shout of pain!
Initiative Order:
Kalhala
Lash
Cuervo
Jowyn
Robed Figure
Taru
ROUND 1
Kalhala is up! Followed by Lash, then Cuervo. Note that each square on the map is 10ft.
"Taru!" Kalhala yells as the man falls. He turns to Jowyn as she says his name, nodding. "Theroc is going to love this. Help Taru!"and he rushes forward at the figure in the long black robe.
Seeing how far away the man stands, the minotaur dashes towards him, using his Goring Rush to attempt to impale the intruder with his horns.
Attack: 7 Damage: 5
Goring Rush
Immediately after you use the Dash action on your turn and move at least 20 feet, you can make one melee attack with your horns as a bonus action.
Hand snatching up his whip, a jerk of his arm uncoiling it, a snap of his wrist sending it slashing out... Lasciel mutters some arcane words and sends eldritch energies along the length of the whip so that it cracks and unleashed an Eldritch Blast out toward the figure who just cut down their guide.
Jowyn rushes forward and drops to a knee beside Taru. "You're going to be alright, Taru. Gonna give you something for the pain. You'll have to hold out until we've finished with this villain."
Medicine: 18
[OOC: I'm wanting to do a medicine check to keep Taru stabilized if he's dying and save spells for the fight. If Jowyn is successful on this medicine check, she will use her remaining movement to move as close as she can to the enemy]
Kalhala - Chairs and tables are knocked aside as you barrel over to the robed attacker, sending silver cutlery clattering to the floor. Your target nimbly side-steps at the last second.
Lash -
Just as you're ready to strike with your whip, the robed figure turns to face you and suddenly you feel intense pain in your chest where you noticed those strange painful bumps, throwing off your aim. Instinctively clutching your chest, it feels as though there may be a few more bumps now while those that were already there have grown in size. The patch still only covers a section roughly the size of your palm at this point.
Cuervo - Your shot flies true, striking the black robed figure and drawing a pained hiss. You see drops of something black begin to patter against the marble floor of the exhibition hall.
Jowyn - Taru lays on the floor, gasping and trying to sit up but shaking terribly and slipping on the growing pool of blood. His body shudders and his eyes flutter as you work to stabilize him. Taru loses consciousness but his breathing becomes stable and you think though he is gravely injured, he is not in danger of dying.
The robed figure turns to Kalhala as it points to Jowyn, "Attack!" It practically spits as a dark luminescence suddenly alights around Kalhala's head.
Casting Command on Kalhala, ordering him to attack Jowyn. DC 11 WIS Save.
They then make a complicated series of hand movement while making arcane utterances and another patch of dark energy suddenly coalesces near Cuervo. It takes the form of a cat o' nine tails, and lashes out at Cuervo dealing 5 points of Force damage as the nine barbed tails rip away at her.
Cuervo listened intently, and the man's explanation answered some lines of enquiry, but not all. "Is there any chance we could take a quick look at the room? Not for long, but to assure our employer that we have been as thorough as we possibly can?"
Persuasion: 3
[ooc] Oops...!
Lash/Kalhala - Theroc's eyes narrow as you speak, his mind seemingly made up. But you see his face soften as you go on, and even find him nodding at various points during your spiel. "I assumed you were here as part of Lady Elara's legal council, aiming to find fault... But if that's not the case... Then I suppose I could allow you to speak to the staff and view a copy of the report we shared with the City Watch. We at the Museum of Antiquities DO so want to see the amulet returned to lady Elara and this entire unfortunate matter put to bed... I will give you one hour to complete whatever it is you intend to do..."
Cuervo - Director Lankcroft turns to you and is silent for a moment, contemplating something. "You must have an escort." He then fishes something out of his robe pocket, it appears to be a small smooth stone. Theroc holds it up to his mouth and speaks into it and you see it glow as he does so, "Taru." The stone goes dark but then lights up again and you see Theroc nodding as if someone is responding to him, but you hear nothing until Theroc speaks again, "Come to my office please." After a few minutes the half-orc that intervened earlier sticks his head into the office, "Yes Director?" Theroc says, "Taru, please escort these people to the exhibition hall. Allow them to look, but touch nothing. Do not let them out of your sight. Fifteen minute should be plenty of time."
Lash - Theroc snorts and rolls his eyes when you mention Norril's odd disappearance, "You do not honestly believe that nonsense about the amulet containing a demon, do you?" He stares at you for a moment then scoffs, "Allow me to let you in on a little... Trade secret. Most of the stories you hear about artifacts bearing terrible curses or astounding enchantments are patently false. Fairy tales, fabricated to drum up excitement and interest in otherwise mundane bits of junk. Lady Elara knows this as well as any. Her little scary story serves no other purpose than to drive up ticket sales and apparently, convince others to do her legwork for her." Theroc rolls his eyes again and chucks patronizingly for a moment then turns serious, "No, I do not know what theatrics were at play in the lobby, but I assure you we will be investigating that little farce as well. Once the exhibition on Grung artifacts has completed of course."
All - Director Lankcroft opens a drawer in his desk and rifles through it a bit before pulling out a single sheet of paper. He slides it across the desk but keeps his hand on it as he says, "This does NOT leave the premises, understood?" He looks to each of you for acknowledgement before continuing, "If ANY of this... Charade affects the reputation of myself or the Museum of Antiquities in ANY way... There may be legal repercussions." He releases the report and waves his hand, "Your hour begins now." Then turns his attention to some other document on his desk, ignoring you all completely. Taru nods and smiles politely to you all as you leave then leads you all back out of the employees only corridor.
“Charade?” Kalhala looks at the man a bit confused. Though he picks up the report and looks it over. Then he hands it to whoever wants to look at it next.
He scratches his head, “Well, Lady Elara can be pretty convincing, I don’t think it is nonsense. And of course we are not looking to place blame, we just want to help find the amulet.” Not wanting to continue the conversation with the angry little man, Kalhala is relieved to see the half-orc return. He gets out of his seat a little enthusiastically and almost knocks over his chair.
”Taru, is it? Nice to meet you! I’m Kalhala and we’d be delighted to have you,” He gives a side-eyed glare to Theroc, “show us where the amulet was kept and if you had any insight as well, that would be great!”
Cuervo suspects her attempt to gain access to the room could have gone smoother, so she turns her attention to the report, as Kalhala puts it down. "At least I can't upset a piece of parchment," she mutters under her breath. She scans the document, looking for any clues, wondering if anything obvious jumps out at her.
Investigation: 21
"Since we are trading secrets," Lash says to Theroc with a little conspiratorial grin, "I will admit I know a thing or two about laying it on thick to get what you want. With a mug like this I need to talk a good game to get the ladies, eh? But to be honest all it would have taken to get me to investigate this is coin. The scary story and all may do well to bring in sightseers but my legwork is for sale to whoever can pay. Yet not only did the Lady tell me the story of the demon but she let us all see it for ourselves, after a fashion..."
Lash more or less describes the experience they all shared in the Lady's office before heading here. He leaves out his personal experience at the end but is truthful as his memory allows otherwise. "Could it have all been a scam? Sure, maybe. You got enough resources you can buy almost anyone to do anything... But as I said, I'm am easy hire and I didn't need all the extra to get involved. So, do I believe it? Honestly, Theroc, I don't know..." Lash says. "But either she believes it or she is putting on some kind of melodrama which I cannot believe would ever make a profit for her." Lash shrugs.
"And for our compatriot who disappeared... I can one hundred percent tell you that I have no clue what happened there. And it has me a bit spooked..."
"Still and all, whatever the case... Thank you for your generous help on the matter. We will do our best to make sure we are no trouble to you or your staff." Lash says the last bit a bit louder, being sure to include the others in the statement.
When the talking is done Lash will suggest those who want first crack at reading the report stay here (or wherever Theroc would like them to read it over) and the rest will go take a look see at the crime scene. Lash wants to do first but since time is pressing Crime Scene comes first!
Kalhala - Taru smiles and says, "I am delighted to accompany you. To be honest, I assumed the worst when I saw it was you in Theroc's office." He blushes a bit and rubs the back of his head, "But, I am glad to have had my assumptions proven wrong. As for my insight into the matter, I'm afraid I do not have much to offer. Museum security is outside the realm of my duties here at the Museum of Antiquities. But, ask and I will do my best to answer whatever questions you might have."
All - Any who would take a look at the report find the same information Theroc has already shared with no new bits of information. He indicates that you can leave it with Taru when you are done with it.
Cuervo -
You quickly read what little there is of the report and turn the page over only to find the backside blank. It is obvious to you that the bare minimum has been put into creating this report and you feel the most interesting bits are not what is actually written in the report but what is not. Both Theroc and the report mentioned the amulet being accounted for during one security round and missing during the next, but there are no copies of those rounds being logged, nor any record of who actually did them. Scanning the document again and replaying Theroc's curt summarization of it in your mind, you see that the Museum of Antiquities has claimed to have followed all security policies and procedures the night of the disappearance, but hasn't produced any evidence of such.
Lash - Theroc listens with a raised eyebrow as you recount your experience. When you're done he sighs and says, "The... Nobility do so love their parlor tricks. And their melodrama for that matter. If I've learned anything being forced to work with them as Museum Director it's that they are interested only in keeping their current wealth and attaining more. These... Charitable exhibitions might seem altruistic but I assure you there are lucrative tax breaks involved, not to mention the chance to whitewash the more sordid parts of their family's reputations. Of which Lady Elara is especially concerned. As she should be."
Cuervo puts report back on the desk and shakes her head. “That’s not worth the paper it’s written on,” she says matter-of-factly to the group. "Few details and more importantly, no evidence. Statements like security rounds completed should have names of who completed it and evidence of a log being completed. I can’t say for sure the security measures weren’t followed – but I can say for certain that there is no evidence here that they were. Without that proof, I’d be inclined to say the museum did not follow its own policies.”
Jowyn has followed the others, drinking in the rich decor and the report from Theroc. Before following Taru to the Exhibition Hall, she hesitates.
She is uneasy about the apparent lack of detail in the security report. "Director, may we speak with the museum's head of security? Would that be possible? I'm sure they followed protocol, but with all the magics of the world, even an odd-behaving shadow may be an important clue. We'll do our best to be brief and respectful of the museum's time."
"And what do you mean about Lady Elara's reputation? I have spent a great deal of time out in the wilderness the last few years, and the gossip around the nobility was not readily available. What do you know of the Emberstone's?"
[Persuasion Check? 11 ]
Jowyn - Theroc doesn't look up from pondering his document as he says, "Yes. Fine." Taru quickly interjects, "Director Lankcroft, I believe Mr. Zovararax is still away on holiday." Theroc, still pondering his document, says "Hmm? Ah, yes. Well they can speak to whomever is filling in during his absence." Taru says, "That would be Mr. Keghammer. I will escort them to him."
When you mention Lady Elara's reputation, Theroc does look up. With a self-satisfied smirk on his face and a chuckle, Theroc says, "I know that their gemstone empire was built upon the backs of impoverished migrant workers. Have you ever heard the term, blood from a stone? Well, that may as well be the Emberstone family motto! Countless Aaracockra and Tabaxi either died or were maimed in their mines while the Emberstones made incredible profits. The Emberstones didn't want to pay the guild rates for experienced Svirfneblin and Dwarven workers, no, they instead imported migrant workers that were displaced by the undead scourge in Chult. Can you imagine? Promised a refuge from undead horrors only to be settled in overpopulated migrant camps, forced to work for hours underground, paid a pittance, and discarded when their productivity was at its end." Theroc leans back in his overstuffed chair, hands clasped across his stomach, obviously pleased to be airing the Emberstone's dirty laundry, "Perhaps now you see why I, having done my duty as Museum Director, am loathe to continue spending valuable time and resources searching for Lady Elara's... Bloody baubles."
All - Taru turns to you all and says, "Where would you like to go first?" Your options include the exhibition hall where the amulet was displayed, the Interim Head of Security's office, or somewhere else if you so choose.
"Parlor trick? You think so?" Lash responds, aghast that perhaps he had one put over on him like that. "Surely not... But still... huh. You certainly have the Lady better pegged than I do. I have only just met her. And only that since she wanted to hire me. Still, it did seem real... But you would know, eh?"
Lash reads over the report carefully but tries to make it look like just a casual perusal but having been in the Guard he has some idea where the important details should be. "You know, Theroc, just to actually earn the money we are being paid we really should at least touch base with everyone who was working that night. Obviously this report tells us all we really need but we're just hired help, we really do need to jump through all the hoops. I'm sure you wouldn't want your staff cutting corners just because someone had assured them they didn't need to be diligent?"
"Not Tabaxi?" Lash would feign as Theroc besmirched Lady Elara, acting as is he bought it all. "Aracockra always ruffled my feathers, so to speak, not that I would wish such on them... But Tabaxi? That is just wrong!"
Kalhala listens to all that is going on, frowning at Theroc's assessment of the Lady. He had grown to like her in the short time they spent together. It was rare that noble people were kind to him.
It is obvious he is glad to see Taru, but he leaves it to the others to decide where to go next. He just knows he doesn't trust Theroc.
Looking to move things along, Cuervo clears her throat and speaks. "OK, I've seen as much as I need from the report. I'd prefer to see where the amulet was stored. That may present questions we can then ask the security team - which wouldn't work the other way around."
All - Taru leads you around the upper level of the Museum of Antiquities and back to the exhibition hall. He unclasps the red velvet rope cordoning off the area and gestures you all through, reclasping the rope after you. Chairs surround several tables cluttered with crystal and silver tableware. Various display cases stand along the walls with an assortment of sparkling gemstones inside. Some are rough and uncut, others set into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Against the east wall, an impressive reliquary rests atop a marble pedestal and next to the pedestal stands a figure in a long black robe. You see the figure doing something to the glass case surrounding the reliquary but you can't quite tell what they're doing. Taru clears his throat and says, "Excuse me, this hall is closed. Please allow me to escort you-" The rest of his request is cut off as the figure whips around and fires a hand crossbow, the bolt burying itself in Taru's abdomen and sending him to the ground with a shout of pain!
Initiative Order:
ROUND 1
Kalhala is up! Followed by Lash, then Cuervo. Note that each square on the map is 10ft.
Map:
Jowyn inhales sharply and reaches for her gear. "Time to break something, Kal!"
"Taru!" Kalhala yells as the man falls. He turns to Jowyn as she says his name, nodding. "Theroc is going to love this. Help Taru!" and he rushes forward at the figure in the long black robe.
Seeing how far away the man stands, the minotaur dashes towards him, using his Goring Rush to attempt to impale the intruder with his horns.
Attack: 7 Damage: 5
Immediately after you use the Dash action on your turn and move at least 20 feet, you can make one melee attack with your horns as a bonus action.
Hand snatching up his whip, a jerk of his arm uncoiling it, a snap of his wrist sending it slashing out... Lasciel mutters some arcane words and sends eldritch energies along the length of the whip so that it cracks and unleashed an Eldritch Blast out toward the figure who just cut down their guide.
Eldritch Blast attack: 8 to hit for 3 damage
:(
Cuervo whips her shortbow out and fires off a shot at the cloaked figure.
Attack: 21
Damage: 8
Jowyn rushes forward and drops to a knee beside Taru. "You're going to be alright, Taru. Gonna give you something for the pain. You'll have to hold out until we've finished with this villain."
Medicine: 18
[OOC: I'm wanting to do a medicine check to keep Taru stabilized if he's dying and save spells for the fight. If Jowyn is successful on this medicine check, she will use her remaining movement to move as close as she can to the enemy]
Kalhala - Chairs and tables are knocked aside as you barrel over to the robed attacker, sending silver cutlery clattering to the floor. Your target nimbly side-steps at the last second.
Lash -
Just as you're ready to strike with your whip, the robed figure turns to face you and suddenly you feel intense pain in your chest where you noticed those strange painful bumps, throwing off your aim. Instinctively clutching your chest, it feels as though there may be a few more bumps now while those that were already there have grown in size. The patch still only covers a section roughly the size of your palm at this point.
Cuervo - Your shot flies true, striking the black robed figure and drawing a pained hiss. You see drops of something black begin to patter against the marble floor of the exhibition hall.
Jowyn - Taru lays on the floor, gasping and trying to sit up but shaking terribly and slipping on the growing pool of blood. His body shudders and his eyes flutter as you work to stabilize him. Taru loses consciousness but his breathing becomes stable and you think though he is gravely injured, he is not in danger of dying.
The robed figure turns to Kalhala as it points to Jowyn, "Attack!" It practically spits as a dark luminescence suddenly alights around Kalhala's head.
Casting Command on Kalhala, ordering him to attack Jowyn. DC 11 WIS Save.
They then make a complicated series of hand movement while making arcane utterances and another patch of dark energy suddenly coalesces near Cuervo. It takes the form of a cat o' nine tails, and lashes out at Cuervo dealing 5 points of Force damage as the nine barbed tails rip away at her.
Casting Spiritual Weapon as a Bonus Action.
Taru is unconscious but stable.
ROUND 2
Kalhala is up, please make a DC 11 WIS saving throw to attempt to resist the Command. Followed by Lash, then Cuervo, then Jowyn.
Map:
No!! Not Jowyn... lol
WIS save 8
Turning towards his friend with a look of anger and confusion, Kalhala raises his longsword and luckily misses his attack (rolled 8)
Breathing hard he looks between Jowyn and the robed figure, unsure of what is going on.