"I should go and speak to the Pale Guard, I think I recognise the older ones beyond the gate", he says, not wanting to delay as his ability to detect magic is on a timer. "I am hopeful the divination is only close to the door, but even so, they might have regular lookouts as well, so be vigilant".
Unless the others disagree, he moves towards the guards, Maggie at his side.
If he has to go through the gate past the younger, unknown Pale Guard, he will try and catch the attention of the ones he knows with a wave.
(OOC: Not sure where Amber is at this point, likely still scouting from above)
“Wait,” Dev says as Normont turns to go. Holding his pan pipes in his white-gloved hand, he blows a few tones, which are answered by the illusory sound of a distant, heavenly, gospel choir. It accompanies him as he softly sings, "Heal the World! Make it a better place!”
( Amber is indeed circling above but doesn't seem to have spotted anything untoward. The older guards are within the gates on the city side of the wall so Normont is able to easily approach them.)
As Normont moves towards them Knurl and Challet smile and wave, Challet slightly unsurely as if trying to remember where she knows Normont from.
Knurl is a robust orc with more than a little goblin ancestry thrown in, he is a dark olive green in colour with a mane of once mossy hair that has more than a little gray in it now, he looks down at Maggie, " Fine hound you've got......wait......well I'll be damned is that some kind of automaton? There's been a few of the more human looking ones about recently."
Challet is a slightly ditzy human woman with slate grey hair and a confused expression it is obvious she has seen Normont before but cant place him for the life of her.
"Hey Knurl", Normont, says looking way up at the Orc. "Hey Challet", he adds nodding to the human woman.
"Thanks, she is new but I get the feeling she will be a life saver", he says with a little bit of of pride at the compliment for Maggie.
"Human looking automatons? I would like to hear more about that", he replies to Knurl.
"Well", he starts to reply to Challet. "It is a bit hush hush, but I could use both your help. Keep it casual and don't be too obvious in looking, but the warehouse over there is a subject of interest. Potential criminal activity, that sort of thing. But the owners seem well connected and well equipped", he says, watching their faces.
"Now, my companions and I are looking to get inside and have a look-see, you see. And that is where you come in. Firstly, for a bit of information, and secondly to keep things quiet".
If they don't stop in his tracks, he will carry on, all the while watching them carefully to see any hint that they are hiding anything or reluctant to assist.
"So, have you noticed anything suspicious about the warehouse? Or the people who go in? Have you noticed any special manner in which they gain entry?".
The two begin talking but Normont quickly gains the impression that Challet would not have noticed anything suspicious even if it was carrying a large sign with the words " I am suspicious" clearly emblazoned on it.
Knurl on the other hand seems to go deep into thought for a few moments, " Suspicious.........not any obvious.....theres been a few over the last few days.....tall blond guy......some old dwarf geezer in a hooded cloak.....bit sus but it is winter and it looked warm......oh, and there was some little elven lass....maybe human...on the first day....they all went up to that door on the other side near as I could tell......we're supposed to be watching folks coming in so I didn't pay too much notice."
"Interesting", Normont replies. "That is helpful. These people are known for disguising themselves in fact. They are not always what they seem".
"Ok, I few companions with me, as I mentioned. We know there is some magic in play on the door, so we are going to use some of our own to get a better look unseen. If you could leave us to it, and possibly make sure the noobs at the gate don't interfere as well, that would be appreciated. Speaking of whom, you trust them to be honest?", he asks of Knurl and Challet.
If they reply that they can be trusted, he will add, "There will be a few drinks in it for all of you come the end of the day as well, of course".
If they agree, he will head back to the others and fill them in on what Knurl said, and that he trusts they are not compromised by The Nameless Ones.
Lokilia watches from the distance, waiting until Normont comes back over. "Well, if you sure about them, then so am I." She glances briefly back over at the door. "How close do we have to get Dev for your illusion to work?"
“Like, about 20 steps?,” Dev answers. And… maybe a big crate is better than a big black cube. If someone’s watching they might not automatically assume it’s an illusion.”
With pan pipes in lace white-gloved hand, the tiefling blows a breathy series of notes, a motif that pulls arcane power to it, just enough to cause a crate, each face a 5’ square, to appear 30’ in front of him. The words “Handle With Care” seem to be painted in red on all of its faces.
He motions for everyone to follow him, single file, and for Quinn to crouch so he fits behind the crate, as he walks down the alley. When Dev reaches the crate he walks into it then he recasts the illusion. An identical cube appears 30’ ahead of him and the party advances again. And so on until they reach the door.
(Because the party knows the crates to be illusions, they should have an unobstructed view of the door as they advance, or at least, roll with advantage to disbelieve the illusion and see through it.)
"Interesting", Normont replies. "That is helpful. These people are known for disguising themselves in fact. They are not always what they seem".
"Ok, I few companions with me, as I mentioned. We know there is some magic in play on the door, so we are going to use some of our own to get a better look unseen. If you could leave us to it, and possibly make sure the noobs at the gate don't interfere as well, that would be appreciated. Speaking of whom, you trust them to be honest?", he asks of Knurl and Challet.
If they reply that they can be trusted, he will add, "There will be a few drinks in it for all of you come the end of the day as well, of course".
If they agree, he will head back to the others and fill them in on what Knurl said, and that he trusts they are not compromised by The Nameless Ones.
Knurl rubbed his chin, " Disguises.....hmmm....ok."
" The kids are busy checking carts.....trust em? I mean...they're Pale Guard....bit wet behind the ears still but.....your saying theres compromised Pale Guard?", he said with a troubled expression.
" If so I'm gonna say no, I don't know them really.....but where they are they won't be able to see you lot anyway."
Lokilia watches from the distance, waiting until Normont comes back over. "Well, if you sure about them, then so am I." She glances briefly back over at the door. "How close do we have to get Dev for your illusion to work?"
“Like, about 20 steps?,” Dev answers. And… maybe a big crate is better than a big black cube. If someone’s watching they might not automatically assume it’s an illusion.”
With pan pipes in lace white-gloved hand, the tiefling blows a breathy series of notes, a motif that pulls arcane power to it, just enough to cause a crate, each face a 5’ square, to appear 30’ in front of him. The words “Handle With Care” seem to be painted in red on all of its faces.
He motions for everyone to follow him, single file, and for Quinn to crouch so he fits behind the crate, as he walks down the alley. When Dev reaches the crate he walks into it then he recasts the illusion. An identical cube appears 30’ ahead of him and the party advances again. And so on until they reach the door.
(Because the party knows the crates to be illusions, they should have an unobstructed view of the door as they advance, or at least, roll with advantage to disbelieve the illusion and see through it.)
Devs plan is laid out and the party are able to advance to the vicinity of the side door with no issues.
"I am not saying I know of compromised Pale Guard, but I cannot rule out the possibility that bribes are offered. Those we are dealing with have also been known to impersonate people as well", Normont explains.
Normont is happy to third in line, with Maggie by his side, although when they reach the door he would perhaps want to be closer to the front to investigate for traps and potentially try and pick whatever locking mechanism there is. Or at the least assist Dev.
When they reach the door, Dev will step aside to allow Normont to invistigate the lock. Dev recasts his illusion as needed to maintain a consistent shield against prying eyes, as much as possible.
Lokilia follows Dev and keeps an eye out for anyone possibly watching them. (Perception: 14) She keeps quiet, also stepping aside a bit once they reach the door to let Normont do his work.
After checking quickly Normont is fairly certain their are no traps, Devs nimble fingers set to work on the lock as Normont braces a narrow screwdriver against the latch interior as Dev picks the lock.......it takes quite a bit longer than they both would prefer but after a couple of tense minutes the door is ajar.
"I got it!," Dev whispers excitedly. But his guileless smile at picking the lock fades back to seriousness in the face of the potential dangers beyond it and he steps aside to allow Maggie to enter.
Normont gives Maggie some whispered commands, instructing her to stealthily enter the warehouse and look for signs of anyone lurking beyond the door, or of any traps. He also enhances her focus before she moves.
Maggie dutifully complies, slinking through the door to take a look around the immediate area. She does not delve too far into the warehouse.
Maggie pads into the warehouse, claws ticking against the hardwood floor as she goes she stops a short way within but doesn't seem to have detected any presence....
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"We can try that, Dev", Normont replies.
"I should go and speak to the Pale Guard, I think I recognise the older ones beyond the gate", he says, not wanting to delay as his ability to detect magic is on a timer. "I am hopeful the divination is only close to the door, but even so, they might have regular lookouts as well, so be vigilant".
Unless the others disagree, he moves towards the guards, Maggie at his side.
If he has to go through the gate past the younger, unknown Pale Guard, he will try and catch the attention of the ones he knows with a wave.
(OOC: Not sure where Amber is at this point, likely still scouting from above)
“Wait,” Dev says as Normont turns to go. Holding his pan pipes in his white-gloved hand, he blows a few tones, which are answered by the illusory sound of a distant, heavenly, gospel choir. It accompanies him as he softly sings, "Heal the World! Make it a better place!”
(OOC: Mantle of Inspiration: Everyone [except Dev] gains 5 Temporary HP.)
“Okay.”
Silence ensues and the tiefling flips up his hood and tries to stay out of sight while spying on Normont in case of problems with the guard.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia keeps with Dev, trying to seem inconspicuous as Normont goes over to speak with the Pale Guard.
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 || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
( Amber is indeed circling above but doesn't seem to have spotted anything untoward. The older guards are within the gates on the city side of the wall so Normont is able to easily approach them.)
As Normont moves towards them Knurl and Challet smile and wave, Challet slightly unsurely as if trying to remember where she knows Normont from.
Knurl is a robust orc with more than a little goblin ancestry thrown in, he is a dark olive green in colour with a mane of once mossy hair that has more than a little gray in it now, he looks down at Maggie, " Fine hound you've got......wait......well I'll be damned is that some kind of automaton? There's been a few of the more human looking ones about recently."
Challet is a slightly ditzy human woman with slate grey hair and a confused expression it is obvious she has seen Normont before but cant place him for the life of her.
" What brings you down here on such a brisk day?"
"Hey Knurl", Normont, says looking way up at the Orc. "Hey Challet", he adds nodding to the human woman.
"Thanks, she is new but I get the feeling she will be a life saver", he says with a little bit of of pride at the compliment for Maggie.
"Human looking automatons? I would like to hear more about that", he replies to Knurl.
"Well", he starts to reply to Challet. "It is a bit hush hush, but I could use both your help. Keep it casual and don't be too obvious in looking, but the warehouse over there is a subject of interest. Potential criminal activity, that sort of thing. But the owners seem well connected and well equipped", he says, watching their faces.
"Now, my companions and I are looking to get inside and have a look-see, you see. And that is where you come in. Firstly, for a bit of information, and secondly to keep things quiet".
If they don't stop in his tracks, he will carry on, all the while watching them carefully to see any hint that they are hiding anything or reluctant to assist.
"So, have you noticed anything suspicious about the warehouse? Or the people who go in? Have you noticed any special manner in which they gain entry?".
Insight: 20+2=22
The two begin talking but Normont quickly gains the impression that Challet would not have noticed anything suspicious even if it was carrying a large sign with the words " I am suspicious" clearly emblazoned on it.
Knurl on the other hand seems to go deep into thought for a few moments, " Suspicious.........not any obvious.....theres been a few over the last few days.....tall blond guy......some old dwarf geezer in a hooded cloak.....bit sus but it is winter and it looked warm......oh, and there was some little elven lass....maybe human...on the first day....they all went up to that door on the other side near as I could tell......we're supposed to be watching folks coming in so I didn't pay too much notice."
"Interesting", Normont replies. "That is helpful. These people are known for disguising themselves in fact. They are not always what they seem".
"Ok, I few companions with me, as I mentioned. We know there is some magic in play on the door, so we are going to use some of our own to get a better look unseen. If you could leave us to it, and possibly make sure the noobs at the gate don't interfere as well, that would be appreciated. Speaking of whom, you trust them to be honest?", he asks of Knurl and Challet.
If they reply that they can be trusted, he will add, "There will be a few drinks in it for all of you come the end of the day as well, of course".
If they agree, he will head back to the others and fill them in on what Knurl said, and that he trusts they are not compromised by The Nameless Ones.
Lokilia watches from the distance, waiting until Normont comes back over. "Well, if you sure about them, then so am I." She glances briefly back over at the door. "How close do we have to get Dev for your illusion to work?"
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 || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
“Like, about 20 steps?,” Dev answers. And… maybe a big crate is better than a big black cube. If someone’s watching they might not automatically assume it’s an illusion.”
With pan pipes in lace white-gloved hand, the tiefling blows a breathy series of notes, a motif that pulls arcane power to it, just enough to cause a crate, each face a 5’ square, to appear 30’ in front of him. The words “Handle With Care” seem to be painted in red on all of its faces.
He motions for everyone to follow him, single file, and for Quinn to crouch so he fits behind the crate, as he walks down the alley. When Dev reaches the crate he walks into it then he recasts the illusion. An identical cube appears 30’ ahead of him and the party advances again. And so on until they reach the door.
(Because the party knows the crates to be illusions, they should have an unobstructed view of the door as they advance, or at least, roll with advantage to disbelieve the illusion and see through it.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Knurl rubbed his chin, " Disguises.....hmmm....ok."
" The kids are busy checking carts.....trust em? I mean...they're Pale Guard....bit wet behind the ears still but.....your saying theres compromised Pale Guard?", he said with a troubled expression.
" If so I'm gonna say no, I don't know them really.....but where they are they won't be able to see you lot anyway."
Devs plan is laid out and the party are able to advance to the vicinity of the side door with no issues.
( Marching order is Dev, Lok, Normont, Quinn?)
"I am not saying I know of compromised Pale Guard, but I cannot rule out the possibility that bribes are offered. Those we are dealing with have also been known to impersonate people as well", Normont explains.
Normont is happy to third in line, with Maggie by his side, although when they reach the door he would perhaps want to be closer to the front to investigate for traps and potentially try and pick whatever locking mechanism there is. Or at the least assist Dev.
When they reach the door, Dev will step aside to allow Normont to invistigate the lock. Dev recasts his illusion as needed to maintain a consistent shield against prying eyes, as much as possible.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia follows Dev and keeps an eye out for anyone possibly watching them. (Perception: 14) She keeps quiet, also stepping aside a bit once they reach the door to let Normont do his work.
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 || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Quinn is keen to take the end, to make sure no one comes up the rear.
P8
S13
After checking quickly Normont is fairly certain their are no traps, Devs nimble fingers set to work on the lock as Normont braces a narrow screwdriver against the latch interior as Dev picks the lock.......it takes quite a bit longer than they both would prefer but after a couple of tense minutes the door is ajar.
Normont looks to the others, and then points at Maggie, before pointing through the door. It should be clear he is suggesting she goes first.
"I got it!," Dev whispers excitedly. But his guileless smile at picking the lock fades back to seriousness in the face of the potential dangers beyond it and he steps aside to allow Maggie to enter.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Normont gives Maggie some whispered commands, instructing her to stealthily enter the warehouse and look for signs of anyone lurking beyond the door, or of any traps. He also enhances her focus before she moves.
Maggie dutifully complies, slinking through the door to take a look around the immediate area. She does not delve too far into the warehouse.
Maggie Stealth (with guidance): 2+2+3=7
Maggie Perception: 11+4=15
Maggie pads into the warehouse, claws ticking against the hardwood floor as she goes she stops a short way within but doesn't seem to have detected any presence....