(Hehe, so much for my Mirror, Mirror good Kirk vs evil Kirk fist fight...)
Dev gasps, stepping back in surprise. He looks around and listens. Are they just invisible? Or did they teleport like Ms. Mathilda and Mr. Jurgen had done in the tower...? (Perception or Survival: 9)
Normont holds a finger to his lips, not wanting to discuss what just happened until they know they are alone. He has a deeply concerned look on his face, mixed with a touch of anger.
If they are happy they are alone, he will turn to the others.
"Coming to my workshop like that, that is not acceptable. What if my grandfather had been here?", he says showing that little bit of anger in his tone. It likely becomes clear to the others why he stayed his hand during the meeting. He didn't want any violence here, he didn't want his grandfather anywhere near that sort of thing. Of course, he also didn't want to give the intruder the impression they were right about his links to the Grey Hunters either.
"That person does not get what they want. I will not be their messenger. What do you think, should we go to the Pale Guard, or take matters into our own hands?".
(OOC: I have not read the spoiler. If it turns out the intruder is still present, and someone notices, Normont will of course not say the above)
"Dimension Door, I think," Lokilia says to the others. "I think she... or he... is gone." She then gives a concerned look to Normont. "Did you still think there are others on the roof? We could check then, let your friends know about this!"
"Ah, that would make sense. A powerful item, these Nameless Ones seem well provisioned. No, if there were people on the roof, and it may have just been birds based on the intruders reaction, they are likely gone as well", Normont replies, impressed that Lokilia recognised the use of the dimension door spell.
"We should perhaps tell the Pale Guard. To tell anyone else would mean trouble, and is likely what the intruder wanted. Someone to lead them places they couldn't find alone", he says carefully.
His face is set by now, "I think we need to be a bit more active ourselves in finding out what they are up to, and see if we can't find out if they really are holding a hostage. Maybe we can do something about that".
"If we are dealing with such strong arcana, do you think we are out of our depths. We have made it through some tough times, but we have also lost a lot in the process." Quinn says with worry in his heart.
"Ah, that would make sense. A powerful item, these Nameless Ones seem well provisioned. No, if there were people on the roof, and it may have just been birds based on the intruders reaction, they are likely gone as well", Normont replies, impressed that Lokilia recognised the use of the dimension door spell.
"We should perhaps tell the Pale Guard. To tell anyone else would mean trouble, and is likely what the intruder wanted. Someone to lead them places they couldn't find alone", he says carefully.
His face is set by now, "I think we need to be a bit more active ourselves in finding out what they are up to, and see if we can't find out if they really are holding a hostage. Maybe we can do something about that".
It takes Dev a moment, and perhaps some exploratory questions to understand Normont's meaning. But it sinks in.
"To say the obvious," Dev says, "they knew exactly where we were when they wanted to deliver their message. I guess she or he -- or whatever -- is a shapeshifter? And while I was, like, casing Glinnick's place?, she was casing me. All of us. And none of us had any idea. That means, if she wanted to sneak up on us one by one, she could surprise us one by one. Like, really bad." Dev's frown deepens as it sinks in. He had just been getting used to a sense of safety and freedom here in Whitestone. But it was all an illusion. They haven't been safe since the day they arrived.
"We can't let them do that, and, like, involve your grandfather like this." Dev imagined these Nameless Ones with their strong magic confronting him at home with his parents there. He shuddered at the thought. He catches Lokilia's eyes. Is she okay? Then checks the others and returns to Normont, in whom he thought he saw fury burning behind the whirring gears of his mind.
"I think you're right. They're just a bunch of bullies. And I'm like, really done letting bullies walk over me." He looks to Lokilia. "How do we track someone through a Dimension Door? Like, how far away could they go?"
"Yea, Dev's little trick was making me think," Lokilia starts. "Could they just make themselves look like anyone else? Such as the person they claim to have captured?"She considered for a moment, "You seemed to make some comment about a beard, Normont? Our visitor was using illusions? They're not some actual shapeshifters? Although, you know, even when I was investigating using my wild form, there was a bat that always seemed to be tracking me. I guess the group could have various abilities."
Hearing Dev's question about distance, she takes a few paces towards where the woman had been standing. "I think it take a person maybe hundreds of feet? But it's more like far down the street rather than across town. I think."
"We should tell the Pale Guard. Right away," she agrees with Normont. "And if we have to stick around to look into this more, then perhaps find a place to stay so your grandfather does not get involved." She shifts her gaze to Dev, giving him a smile as she flicks her hand at him, causing a slight bit of air to ruffle his hair. "Best to regroup now rather than just charge after her. Which was my instinct too."
"When I really concentrated on the intruder, trying to see inconsistencies in their appearance, I could tell it was an illusion. I couldn't see them exactly, but I saw a little detail. They were stockier than they appeared and did seem to have a beard", Normont says to Lokilia.
He thinks back to their voice, trying to determine if it was genuinely feminine.
"That is a good way of putting it, Dev. They are trying to bully and intimidate us. We may be out of our depth, Quinn. But I won't be bullied and intimidated. You need to stand up to a bully, and that is what I think we should do. But I need to get my grandfather to safety first. I think it is he who needs to go somewhere else for a while, or they will use him like they claimed to use the owner of the cloak", he says, now obviously annoyed at himself for putting his grandfather in this position.
"And all of that doesn't even take into consideration that whatever they are doing here is obviously illegal, most likely dangerous, and will certainly get others hurt if it is not stopped".
With that, he gathers his things and readies to head to the Pale Guard, checking that his grandfather is safe on the way. He might even get him to come along to make sure he stays that way.
Dev will step outside, features and clothing still disguised. What was making that sound on the roof? If it hadn’t been for the fear of being outnumbered, he would have put the intruder to sleep or used his wiles to get into her head. Is it really only pigeons?
If there is no foe, he takes a careful look all around the workshop. They would have had to teleport someplace they knew. So they wouldn’t like reappear inside a tree or a wall, wouldn’t they? Where would I choose to reappear that was out of view of the workshop but with an easy path… to where? I don’t know. Are there people around who might have seen the ‘messenger’ reappear?
Dev takes five minutes for these explorations, while Normont speaks to his grandfather. (Lolololol. Nat 1 Perception :()
"I want to make sure that we are all in accord with this plan. Are we ready to take on these nameless ones with the help of the pale guard? This could put targets on our families, but it seems that is already the case. No matter what we decide, I am your shield." Quinn says this with a steely gaze. He is preparing for the ensuing conflict ahead.
Normont looks to Quinn with his face set and gives him a nod, "It is dangerous for sure, and I am not certain how aligned we will be with the Pale Guard in this endeavour, but I hope they will lend assistance. Even if all they do is spread word that we cannot be seen to spread. Proof is going to be an issue though. If I can persuade them to at least take care of my grandfather, that would be something. I hope the rest of your families will not be known to these Nameless Ones, but you are right to be cautious, because I can't say that for certain".
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dev takes a little time to check the area but he is certain that there was no one else present, he is also unable to ascertain where the teleporter may have reappeared and some quick scouting reveals nothing more.
Normont gathers his grandfather and moves with the others to The Pale Hall, along the way they spot no signs of being followed or observed. ( 17, 5 ).
They are venturing through the doors and towards The Pale Chamber when Trish steps out of a side office holding a file, she pauses for a moment looking at Normont curiously her lips in a tight smile.
"Wait here a moment", Normont says to his grandfather and leads Trish a little away.
"A strange woman appeared at my workshop, although she was clearly disguised by illusory magic. she appeared more like a he if you looked closely. Anyway, they made some threats in the name of the Nameless Ones, and seeing as they know where I live, I was hoping the Pale Guard could help protect my grandfather in case they get any ideas", he explains with a mixture of concern and anger.
"The wanted me to pass on a message to my new employers, but I don't want to go to them in case that is what they wanted, but they said they were holding one of them. They wanted them warned off".
Lokilia doesn't hesitate, following after Normont as he goes with Trish. "I would hate to allow these Nameless to just go on unopposed. We'd like to continue investigating them. But do not wish to bring harm to others by doing so." Taking her cue from the gnome, she doesn't really say anything specific about the threat or who they were to warn.
Dev hadn’t really drawn a bead on Normont’s grandfather yet. He thinks the old gnome probably doesn’t think highly of his singing and interest in the arts, and lack of social charms. But that doesn’t keep Dev from empathizing, for if he imagines his own elderly parents being whisked away from their home, even for their own protection, he imagines the difficulty for them, at their age, adjusting to new circumstances. That’s why, when Normont and Lokilia speak with Trish, Dev converses with Normont’s grandfather, about trivial things, but trying, without being too obvious about it, to keep his spirits up.
(Lokilia can't get a 22. Normont could get 22 but can't beat it.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
Normont just watches as the illusory woman reaches for the crystal rod at her belt.
The figure touches the crystal rod and vanishes from sight with a slight popping sound.
Anyone who wishes to make an Arcana check can do so. DC 12- If you succeed you are fairly sure this was
Dimension Door.
Normont has no idea what the crystal rod was or did, but he assumes it was some kind of teleportation or invisibility.
He will check the area in case the second option was in fact true.
Arcana: 2+5=7
Perception: 4+4=8
(OOC: I am on a terrible run of dice rolls across my games)
(Hehe, so much for my Mirror, Mirror good Kirk vs evil Kirk fist fight...)
Dev gasps, stepping back in surprise. He looks around and listens. Are they just invisible? Or did they teleport like Ms. Mathilda and Mr. Jurgen had done in the tower...? (Perception or Survival: 9)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Normont holds a finger to his lips, not wanting to discuss what just happened until they know they are alone. He has a deeply concerned look on his face, mixed with a touch of anger.
If they are happy they are alone, he will turn to the others.
"Coming to my workshop like that, that is not acceptable. What if my grandfather had been here?", he says showing that little bit of anger in his tone. It likely becomes clear to the others why he stayed his hand during the meeting. He didn't want any violence here, he didn't want his grandfather anywhere near that sort of thing. Of course, he also didn't want to give the intruder the impression they were right about his links to the Grey Hunters either.
"That person does not get what they want. I will not be their messenger. What do you think, should we go to the Pale Guard, or take matters into our own hands?".
(OOC: I have not read the spoiler. If it turns out the intruder is still present, and someone notices, Normont will of course not say the above)
(Lokilia Arcana: 13)
"Dimension Door, I think," Lokilia says to the others. "I think she... or he... is gone." She then gives a concerned look to Normont. "Did you still think there are others on the roof? We could check then, let your friends know about this!"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"Ah, that would make sense. A powerful item, these Nameless Ones seem well provisioned. No, if there were people on the roof, and it may have just been birds based on the intruders reaction, they are likely gone as well", Normont replies, impressed that Lokilia recognised the use of the dimension door spell.
"We should perhaps tell the Pale Guard. To tell anyone else would mean trouble, and is likely what the intruder wanted. Someone to lead them places they couldn't find alone", he says carefully.
His face is set by now, "I think we need to be a bit more active ourselves in finding out what they are up to, and see if we can't find out if they really are holding a hostage. Maybe we can do something about that".
"If we are dealing with such strong arcana, do you think we are out of our depths. We have made it through some tough times, but we have also lost a lot in the process." Quinn says with worry in his heart.
It takes Dev a moment, and perhaps some exploratory questions to understand Normont's meaning. But it sinks in.
"To say the obvious," Dev says, "they knew exactly where we were when they wanted to deliver their message. I guess she or he -- or whatever -- is a shapeshifter? And while I was, like, casing Glinnick's place?, she was casing me. All of us. And none of us had any idea. That means, if she wanted to sneak up on us one by one, she could surprise us one by one. Like, really bad." Dev's frown deepens as it sinks in. He had just been getting used to a sense of safety and freedom here in Whitestone. But it was all an illusion. They haven't been safe since the day they arrived.
"We can't let them do that, and, like, involve your grandfather like this." Dev imagined these Nameless Ones with their strong magic confronting him at home with his parents there. He shuddered at the thought. He catches Lokilia's eyes. Is she okay? Then checks the others and returns to Normont, in whom he thought he saw fury burning behind the whirring gears of his mind.
"I think you're right. They're just a bunch of bullies. And I'm like, really done letting bullies walk over me." He looks to Lokilia. "How do we track someone through a Dimension Door? Like, how far away could they go?"
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Yea, Dev's little trick was making me think," Lokilia starts. "Could they just make themselves look like anyone else? Such as the person they claim to have captured?" She considered for a moment, "You seemed to make some comment about a beard, Normont? Our visitor was using illusions? They're not some actual shapeshifters? Although, you know, even when I was investigating using my wild form, there was a bat that always seemed to be tracking me. I guess the group could have various abilities."
Hearing Dev's question about distance, she takes a few paces towards where the woman had been standing. "I think it take a person maybe hundreds of feet? But it's more like far down the street rather than across town. I think."
"We should tell the Pale Guard. Right away," she agrees with Normont. "And if we have to stick around to look into this more, then perhaps find a place to stay so your grandfather does not get involved." She shifts her gaze to Dev, giving him a smile as she flicks her hand at him, causing a slight bit of air to ruffle his hair. "Best to regroup now rather than just charge after her. Which was my instinct too."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"When I really concentrated on the intruder, trying to see inconsistencies in their appearance, I could tell it was an illusion. I couldn't see them exactly, but I saw a little detail. They were stockier than they appeared and did seem to have a beard", Normont says to Lokilia.
He thinks back to their voice, trying to determine if it was genuinely feminine.
"That is a good way of putting it, Dev. They are trying to bully and intimidate us. We may be out of our depth, Quinn. But I won't be bullied and intimidated. You need to stand up to a bully, and that is what I think we should do. But I need to get my grandfather to safety first. I think it is he who needs to go somewhere else for a while, or they will use him like they claimed to use the owner of the cloak", he says, now obviously annoyed at himself for putting his grandfather in this position.
"And all of that doesn't even take into consideration that whatever they are doing here is obviously illegal, most likely dangerous, and will certainly get others hurt if it is not stopped".
With that, he gathers his things and readies to head to the Pale Guard, checking that his grandfather is safe on the way. He might even get him to come along to make sure he stays that way.
Dev will step outside, features and clothing still disguised. What was making that sound on the roof? If it hadn’t been for the fear of being outnumbered, he would have put the intruder to sleep or used his wiles to get into her head. Is it really only pigeons?
If there is no foe, he takes a careful look all around the workshop. They would have had to teleport someplace they knew. So they wouldn’t like reappear inside a tree or a wall, wouldn’t they? Where would I choose to reappear that was out of view of the workshop but with an easy path… to where? I don’t know. Are there people around who might have seen the ‘messenger’ reappear?
Dev takes five minutes for these explorations, while Normont speaks to his grandfather. (Lolololol. Nat 1 Perception :()
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"I want to make sure that we are all in accord with this plan. Are we ready to take on these nameless ones with the help of the pale guard? This could put targets on our families, but it seems that is already the case. No matter what we decide, I am your shield." Quinn says this with a steely gaze. He is preparing for the ensuing conflict ahead.
Normont looks to Quinn with his face set and gives him a nod, "It is dangerous for sure, and I am not certain how aligned we will be with the Pale Guard in this endeavour, but I hope they will lend assistance. Even if all they do is spread word that we cannot be seen to spread. Proof is going to be an issue though. If I can persuade them to at least take care of my grandfather, that would be something. I hope the rest of your families will not be known to these Nameless Ones, but you are right to be cautious, because I can't say that for certain".
"I do know that I will not take this lying down".
(Can Dev confirm there was no one on the roof waiting to jump them, despite his terrible roll? :)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Dev takes a little time to check the area but he is certain that there was no one else present, he is also unable to ascertain where the teleporter may have reappeared and some quick scouting reveals nothing more.
Normont gathers his grandfather and moves with the others to The Pale Hall, along the way they spot no signs of being followed or observed. ( 17, 5 ).
They are venturing through the doors and towards The Pale Chamber when Trish steps out of a side office holding a file, she pauses for a moment looking at Normont curiously her lips in a tight smile.
" Need any help?"
"Wait here a moment", Normont says to his grandfather and leads Trish a little away.
"A strange woman appeared at my workshop, although she was clearly disguised by illusory magic. she appeared more like a he if you looked closely. Anyway, they made some threats in the name of the Nameless Ones, and seeing as they know where I live, I was hoping the Pale Guard could help protect my grandfather in case they get any ideas", he explains with a mixture of concern and anger.
"The wanted me to pass on a message to my new employers, but I don't want to go to them in case that is what they wanted, but they said they were holding one of them. They wanted them warned off".
Lokilia doesn't hesitate, following after Normont as he goes with Trish. "I would hate to allow these Nameless to just go on unopposed. We'd like to continue investigating them. But do not wish to bring harm to others by doing so." Taking her cue from the gnome, she doesn't really say anything specific about the threat or who they were to warn.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
Dev hadn’t really drawn a bead on Normont’s grandfather yet. He thinks the old gnome probably doesn’t think highly of his singing and interest in the arts, and lack of social charms. But that doesn’t keep Dev from empathizing, for if he imagines his own elderly parents being whisked away from their home, even for their own protection, he imagines the difficulty for them, at their age, adjusting to new circumstances. That’s why, when Normont and Lokilia speak with Trish, Dev converses with Normont’s grandfather, about trivial things, but trying, without being too obvious about it, to keep his spirits up.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer