Galdric is very reluctant to lead this procession and shifts uncomfortably as the march begins. But he had the relationship with Lord Varden and bears his seal, so it makes sense for him to go towards the front.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Haj hangs back slightly. Apart from an aversion to crowds, he's also less likely to be noticed by anybody looking to cause trouble, so can hopefully stop it.
Galdric sees Haj hanging back and says to the ranger:
“Perhaps instead of being a part of the show like the rest of us, you might be more comfortable shadowing us from a distance? If things go well, most eyes will be upon us, so you should be able to move about the camp unseen with relative ease. Do you think you could blend into the crowd? If our plan goes pear-shaped, having a secret ally in the camp could be invaluable. What say you?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
As the evening shadows grew longer and the encampment loomed ahead, the party's cautious approach was marked by an air of tense anticipation. With Riggs in tow, his earlier bravado replaced by a visible fear, they moved closer to the heart of potential conflict. The distant sounds of the camp, the crackling of fires, and the muffled roars of troops added to the oppressive atmosphere.
Riggs, overwhelmed by the situation, couldn't contain his fear. "How could they be ready so quickly? It doesn’t make any sense! You're all fools if you think this will end well," he hissed at Taya, his voice laced with terror. "Marching into an army's maw like lambs to the slaughter. They won't hesitate to kill us on sight."
Despite Riggs's panicked outbursts, Taya remained focused, her eyes scanning the horizon for signs of movement. It wasn't long before their presence attracted attention. From the dim outlines of the surrounding terrain, a patrol materialized, cutting off their path with practiced efficiency. The soldiers, clad in the emblems of Dagger Falls, bore an aura of disciplined menace.
"Who goes there?" The patrol leader's voice cut through the silence, authoritative and demanding. His hand rested on his sword, ready to draw at the first sign of trouble. His eyes, sharp and assessing, moved from one member of the party to the next, lingering on Riggs with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
At this moment, Haj, understanding the importance of caution, subtly distanced himself from the group, blending into the trees that skirted the encampment. His silhouette merged with the shadows, becoming part of the landscape, yet he remained vigilant, a hidden guardian watching over the unfolding scene.
Galdric approaches the guard proudly but with his hands up unthreateningly, holding only the parchment containing Lord Varden’s seal. Speaking a bit louder than was necessary, Galdric shouts to the guard:
“Good day soldier. My name is Galdric Vaxpurr. My companions and I were tasked by Lord Varden of Shadowdale himself to hunt down the butchers that recently attacked Shadowdale. I have here a writ with the lord’s seal verifying my claim. We come here now with the leader of the band in our custody. We seek audience with whoever leads here to share what we’ve learned perhaps to celebrate our great victory!”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Haj moves into the shadows and gloom of the trees, passing quietly from dark space to dark space, treading quietly and carefully, keeping his silhouette as small as possible.
He casts Disguise Self to help reduce his visibility.
Cal remains slightly behind Galdric, maintaining a respectful distance as Galdric addresses the guard. He keeps his hands visible and his demeanor relaxed, showing no signs of aggression. Cal's role is supportive but understated, offering a reassuring presence without drawing undue attention to himself. He observes the interaction closely, ready to step in if needed to assist Galdric in navigating the situation. (Is present and willing to Help as needed)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Taya remains close to Riggs and keeps a good hold on him. Other than that she leaves her friends to deal with the interaction.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
As Galdric stepped forward, preparing to articulate their purpose with the gravity it deserved, Riggs saw his chance. The fear that had gripped him was momentarily overshadowed by a desperate bid for self-preservation. His voice, shaky but urgent, cut across Galdric's introduction.
"Wait, you don't understand! They've taken me hostage," Riggs blurted out, turning his gaze towards the patrol leader, attempting to twist the truth to his favor. "This group, they're the raiders, part of the very threat we're all facing! Lord Varden sent me and band of my men to get them, slew all but me!"
The abrupt accusation hung in the air, a palpable tension swiftly knitting between the party and the patrol. The patrol leader's gaze flicked between Riggs and the party, a flicker of doubt momentarily crossing his face.
Galdric visibly rolls his eyes in frustration. Without missing a beat he turns back to the guard and dryly says:
”Oh yes, that’s why we approach proudly and openly. Our troupe is known to the people of Shadowdale, and we are known to the Arcane Brotherhood. Surely in a force this large, there are people that were present during the attack. If you could send word to someone in the camp who knows about the mission, I’m sure we could clear this up quickly. We can wait.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Haj moves slightly closer to the group, making ready for any trouble that starts.
On a hunch, he also makes casts Primeval Awareness to see if there's any outside influences at play.
For 1 minute per level of the spell slot you expend, you can sense whether the following types of creatures are present within 1 mile of you : aberrations, celestials, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead. This feature doesn’t reveal the creatures’ location or number.
Horros chimes in from the back, “by the grace of the great smith Moradin himself we’ve brought this heathen to your door. His lies flow like wine at the grandest of celebrations. Make haste and do as my friend says.” He tries his best to impose a priestly persona though Taya (and potentially others who know him well) would notice his voice crack slightly and his discomfort.
Before the patrol leader could digest Horros and Galdric's words, he turned his attention to Riggs, his face contorting with a mixture of disdain and fury. With a swift motion, he struck Riggs across the face with the flat of his blade, a vicious blow that sent Riggs staggering. "Lies will get you nowhere, Sembian vermin!" he spat, his voice laced with a venom that matched the intensity of his action.
"Lord Elric Thornvale will deal with you," the patrol leader declared with a grim finality, signaling the party to follow him. As they were led into the heart of the encampment, the guard couldn't contain his rage, calling out to the assembled soldiers, each word dripping with vitriol and a thirst for retribution.
"Hear this, brothers! This Sembian scum," he bellowed, gesturing contemptuously towards Riggs, "is part of the filth that dared raid Shadowdale. He’s been captured skulking in our midst!"
The soldiers' response was immediate and visceral, their shouts filled with anger and a hunger for vengeance. "Burn the him! Let his ashes scatter on the winds as a warning to his kind!”
"Ready the pyre!" the guard roared above the din, the crowd's fervor rising to match his own. "Tonight, we cleanse our land of Sembian deceit with fire! We'll avenge Shadowdale and show the Sembians the price of their treachery!”
Several soldiers began gathering hastily gathered wood and stoked a large bonfire at the center of the camp. The party was led past them to the entrance to a large tent. The patrol leader opened the door and motioned for the party to enter. Inside, a hardened, silver haired man, surrounded by ornately armored knights, pored over a map of the region. Looking up, he addressed the party, his eyes resting on Riggs. “What is the meaning of this?”
Galdric shouts above all the noise in the camp, so as many people can hear him as possible.
“My friends, I beseech you. My comrades and I bled for Shadowdale on the day of the attack, and again in capturing this piece of filth!!”
Galdric raises his greatsword, hoping to get a cheer from those around, and by doing so, hoping to get the crowd’s undivided attention.
”It is by these deeds that we demand to be heard!! This man, Riggs of the Black Serpent Brigade, led the attack on Shadowdale, tis true. But my friends, we have been deceived! On the orders from this man, his soldiers disguised themselves as Sembians to execute their attack. Even now, perhaps this very moment, more of Riggs’ men are attacking Sembia in the guise of Dalesmen. This one group is trying to turn both sides against each other to bring about war. I know the rage that drives you all. These men attacked your homes, your families. I seek not to dissuade you from your vengeance, only to ensure that your ire is aimed at the right targets. Investigate these claims. Find out for yourselves. I know how ridiculous this sounds, even as the words leave my lips I find them hard to believe. But ask yourselves, ‘what if it’s true?’ Think of all the innocent lives that would be lost on both sides if war erupts. All to the benefit of those that really attacked you! Before you condemn this land to war, I simply ask you to be sure. The lives of future generations could be altered by the decisions you make here today.”
Galdric is very reluctant to lead this procession and shifts uncomfortably as the march begins. But he had the relationship with Lord Varden and bears his seal, so it makes sense for him to go towards the front.
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
Haj hangs back slightly. Apart from an aversion to crowds, he's also less likely to be noticed by anybody looking to cause trouble, so can hopefully stop it.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Galdric sees Haj hanging back and says to the ranger:
“Perhaps instead of being a part of the show like the rest of us, you might be more comfortable shadowing us from a distance? If things go well, most eyes will be upon us, so you should be able to move about the camp unseen with relative ease. Do you think you could blend into the crowd? If our plan goes pear-shaped, having a secret ally in the camp could be invaluable. What say you?”
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
"Agreed. Hopefully nobody will remember that you had a ranger with you."
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
“It’s such a shame that you met a tragic end during the castle assault…” Galdric says with a wink
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
"Yes, and our 2 bards as well. Very tragic. All that loss to bring one man to justice."
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
As the evening shadows grew longer and the encampment loomed ahead, the party's cautious approach was marked by an air of tense anticipation. With Riggs in tow, his earlier bravado replaced by a visible fear, they moved closer to the heart of potential conflict. The distant sounds of the camp, the crackling of fires, and the muffled roars of troops added to the oppressive atmosphere.
Riggs, overwhelmed by the situation, couldn't contain his fear. "How could they be ready so quickly? It doesn’t make any sense! You're all fools if you think this will end well," he hissed at Taya, his voice laced with terror. "Marching into an army's maw like lambs to the slaughter. They won't hesitate to kill us on sight."
Despite Riggs's panicked outbursts, Taya remained focused, her eyes scanning the horizon for signs of movement. It wasn't long before their presence attracted attention. From the dim outlines of the surrounding terrain, a patrol materialized, cutting off their path with practiced efficiency. The soldiers, clad in the emblems of Dagger Falls, bore an aura of disciplined menace.
"Who goes there?" The patrol leader's voice cut through the silence, authoritative and demanding. His hand rested on his sword, ready to draw at the first sign of trouble. His eyes, sharp and assessing, moved from one member of the party to the next, lingering on Riggs with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
At this moment, Haj, understanding the importance of caution, subtly distanced himself from the group, blending into the trees that skirted the encampment. His silhouette merged with the shadows, becoming part of the landscape, yet he remained vigilant, a hidden guardian watching over the unfolding scene.
Galdric approaches the guard proudly but with his hands up unthreateningly, holding only the parchment containing Lord Varden’s seal. Speaking a bit louder than was necessary, Galdric shouts to the guard:
“Good day soldier. My name is Galdric Vaxpurr. My companions and I were tasked by Lord Varden of Shadowdale himself to hunt down the butchers that recently attacked Shadowdale. I have here a writ with the lord’s seal verifying my claim. We come here now with the leader of the band in our custody. We seek audience with whoever leads here to share what we’ve learned perhaps to celebrate our great victory!”
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
Haj moves into the shadows and gloom of the trees, passing quietly from dark space to dark space, treading quietly and carefully, keeping his silhouette as small as possible.
He casts Disguise Self to help reduce his visibility.
Stealth: 22
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Cal remains slightly behind Galdric, maintaining a respectful distance as Galdric addresses the guard. He keeps his hands visible and his demeanor relaxed, showing no signs of aggression. Cal's role is supportive but understated, offering a reassuring presence without drawing undue attention to himself. He observes the interaction closely, ready to step in if needed to assist Galdric in navigating the situation. (Is present and willing to Help as needed)
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Taya remains close to Riggs and keeps a good hold on him. Other than that she leaves her friends to deal with the interaction.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Horros follows Tayas lead. Scanning for potential threats. (I can roll insight and/or perception if needed)
As Galdric stepped forward, preparing to articulate their purpose with the gravity it deserved, Riggs saw his chance. The fear that had gripped him was momentarily overshadowed by a desperate bid for self-preservation. His voice, shaky but urgent, cut across Galdric's introduction.
"Wait, you don't understand! They've taken me hostage," Riggs blurted out, turning his gaze towards the patrol leader, attempting to twist the truth to his favor. "This group, they're the raiders, part of the very threat we're all facing! Lord Varden sent me and band of my men to get them, slew all but me!"
The abrupt accusation hung in the air, a palpable tension swiftly knitting between the party and the patrol. The patrol leader's gaze flicked between Riggs and the party, a flicker of doubt momentarily crossing his face.
Galdric visibly rolls his eyes in frustration. Without missing a beat he turns back to the guard and dryly says:
”Oh yes, that’s why we approach proudly and openly. Our troupe is known to the people of Shadowdale, and we are known to the Arcane Brotherhood. Surely in a force this large, there are people that were present during the attack. If you could send word to someone in the camp who knows about the mission, I’m sure we could clear this up quickly. We can wait.”
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
Haj moves slightly closer to the group, making ready for any trouble that starts.
On a hunch, he also makes casts Primeval Awareness to see if there's any outside influences at play.
For 1 minute per level of the spell slot you expend, you can sense whether the following types of creatures are present within 1 mile of you : aberrations, celestials, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead. This feature doesn’t reveal the creatures’ location or number.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Horros chimes in from the back, “by the grace of the great smith Moradin himself we’ve brought this heathen to your door. His lies flow like wine at the grandest of celebrations. Make haste and do as my friend says.” He tries his best to impose a priestly persona though Taya (and potentially others who know him well) would notice his voice crack slightly and his discomfort.
Persuasion: 23
Guidance: 3
Total: 26
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
Before the patrol leader could digest Horros and Galdric's words, he turned his attention to Riggs, his face contorting with a mixture of disdain and fury. With a swift motion, he struck Riggs across the face with the flat of his blade, a vicious blow that sent Riggs staggering. "Lies will get you nowhere, Sembian vermin!" he spat, his voice laced with a venom that matched the intensity of his action.
"Lord Elric Thornvale will deal with you," the patrol leader declared with a grim finality, signaling the party to follow him. As they were led into the heart of the encampment, the guard couldn't contain his rage, calling out to the assembled soldiers, each word dripping with vitriol and a thirst for retribution.
"Hear this, brothers! This Sembian scum," he bellowed, gesturing contemptuously towards Riggs, "is part of the filth that dared raid Shadowdale. He’s been captured skulking in our midst!"
The soldiers' response was immediate and visceral, their shouts filled with anger and a hunger for vengeance. "Burn the him! Let his ashes scatter on the winds as a warning to his kind!”
"Ready the pyre!" the guard roared above the din, the crowd's fervor rising to match his own. "Tonight, we cleanse our land of Sembian deceit with fire! We'll avenge Shadowdale and show the Sembians the price of their treachery!”
Several soldiers began gathering hastily gathered wood and stoked a large bonfire at the center of the camp. The party was led past them to the entrance to a large tent. The patrol leader opened the door and motioned for the party to enter. Inside, a hardened, silver haired man, surrounded by ornately armored knights, pored over a map of the region. Looking up, he addressed the party, his eyes resting on Riggs. “What is the meaning of this?”
Haj, standing back from the group in the trees, does not sense any magical entities. The display of rage and wrath is unfortunately all too mortal.
Galdric shouts above all the noise in the camp, so as many people can hear him as possible.
“My friends, I beseech you. My comrades and I bled for Shadowdale on the day of the attack, and again in capturing this piece of filth!!”
Galdric raises his greatsword, hoping to get a cheer from those around, and by doing so, hoping to get the crowd’s undivided attention.
”It is by these deeds that we demand to be heard!! This man, Riggs of the Black Serpent Brigade, led the attack on Shadowdale, tis true. But my friends, we have been deceived! On the orders from this man, his soldiers disguised themselves as Sembians to execute their attack. Even now, perhaps this very moment, more of Riggs’ men are attacking Sembia in the guise of Dalesmen. This one group is trying to turn both sides against each other to bring about war. I know the rage that drives you all. These men attacked your homes, your families. I seek not to dissuade you from your vengeance, only to ensure that your ire is aimed at the right targets. Investigate these claims. Find out for yourselves. I know how ridiculous this sounds, even as the words leave my lips I find them hard to believe. But ask yourselves, ‘what if it’s true?’ Think of all the innocent lives that would be lost on both sides if war erupts. All to the benefit of those that really attacked you! Before you condemn this land to war, I simply ask you to be sure. The lives of future generations could be altered by the decisions you make here today.”
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey