"I concur with Darien's concerns if the dragon is this close. Though I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the possibility they're connected to the Butternuts. Depending on where their camp is, could be well within normal scouting area. But there are multiple groups at play."
Drako looks upon the frozen bodies. "Orcs tend to be nasty, but I don't feel right just leaving them here." He eyes the javelins, "Seems they fought. But in open air like this a flying creature has the advantage." He goes to pick up some of the javelins. "Seems they didn't do these orcs much good, but best to have them just in case."
[[ He'll take the 12 javelins, sharing with anyone else that wants some. ]]
He then looks around for perhaps any rocks or branches. "Digging feels like it would take too long and a funeral pyre would likely bring the dragon back. May as well at least cover them though." He asks for Bahamut's guidance to aid in treating the fallen, even if orcs, with dignity.
Pinja seems to enjoy the great open road and the good stories, laughing and smiling at the many stories. Upon discovering the orcs, she grows quiet and frowns, letting the others get close to examine them. She looks questioningly at the loot, as though debating whether it's worth taking given it was once frozen, now damp. Ultimately, her gaze turns a bit calculating and she picks up two hide, packing it away in her backpack.
She gives Drako an evaluative glance before nodding her head. "I suppose it wouldn't take too long. As long as we reach the mines by sundown." She starts grabbing branches and rocks to pile on top of them.
"I believe I can handle this, but it would take me until tomorrow. My studies have shown me a way to possibly escavate a large portion of ground. However it will take me a short amount of time to refine the exact machinations that would allow me to achieve that result." Nigel informs the party."They Might even thaw out by then."
The group works efficiently, moving rocks and branches to cover the orc corpses as a sign of respect. Despite the grim task, they manage to complete it within fifteen minutes. Don-Jon Raskin, with a quiet nod of approval, helps with the process, ensuring the task is done quickly yet respectfully. The adventurers, mindful of their mission, then resume their journey toward Mountain's Toe Gold Mine.
The landscape shifts subtly as they travel the remaining four miles. The air grows colder, and the imposing silhouette of the Sword Mountains looms ever larger. As twilight descends, the sky adopts hues of deep indigo and purple, casting long shadows across the path.
Finally, they reach their destination. Hidden among bushes, a tunnel burrows into the foot of a soaring, snow-capped mountain. Above the mouth of the tunnel, a wooden plank reads "Mountain’s Toe," carved neatly in Common. The entrance seems both inviting and foreboding, a gateway to the unknown depths that lie within. The group pauses momentarily, taking in the sight before preparing to enter the mine.
Don-Jon Raskin, eyes narrowed, takes a cautious step closer to the entrance of the mine. He surveys the hidden entrance and the silent tunnel beyond, then turns to the group.
"Now, ain't this a curious sight," he says, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity. "Entrance all hidden away like this. Shouldn't be the case. And it's quiet—too quiet. Can't see or hear a darn thing from inside." He scratches his head thoughtfully, then adds, "Mighty strange. We best be on our guard, folks."
Darien tightens the straps of his shield on his bandaged arm, but makes no move to draw his scimitar with the other, leaving it free to conjure a ball of crackling orange flame should they move into the darkness, out of consideration for the humans he finds himself in the company of. "It does seem that this is the mine, but I agree that it's strange. There should be people about, no?" He peers down the dark tunnel, hoping to see something that the overseer couldn't with his lack of darkvision (perception9, +1 if Drako casts guidance).
With the warm glow of his produce flame illuminating the tunnel, Darien's keen eyes and darkvision pick out a figure in the shadows ahead. The figure steps into the light, revealing a wererat, her fur glinting in the flickering light. She clutches a shortsword in one hand and a hand crossbow in the other, but makes no move to attack.
"My! We have visitors, sister!" she calls out, her voice carrying a noticeable lisp. Her tone is oddly cheerful and welcoming.
Turning her attention fully to Darien, the wererat's eyes gleam with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Are you here to speak with Overseer Zeleen Varnaster?" she asks brightly. "We'd be delighted to escort you to her!" Her enthusiasm and chipper tone are disarming, making her seem more like a gracious host than a potential threat.
MINE FEATURES
All tunnels and caverns in the mine are hewn from rock that has thin veins of gold ore running through it. Other common features are described below.
Ceilings. Ceilings throughout are 8 feet high and braced at regular intervals by wooden pilasters and beams.
Doors. All doors are made of wood with iron hinges and handles. The doors are fitted with locks, but none of them are locked. The keys needed to unlock and lock them are gone.
Light. Oil lanterns hang from ceiling hooks in every room and tunnel.
"Curiouser and Curiouser..." Pinja mumbles, eying the emerging wererat. Her body seems to relax into a gentle sway, almost seemingly unsteady on her feet. "Hmmm, Overseer Zeleen Varnaster? My, my. I seem to have heard tell of an overseer named Don-Jon...But perhaps there's some sort of miscommunication. Please do tell of this Zeleen Varnaster. Has she..." she pauses, and corrects herself, "have you all been here long?"
She moves next to Don-Jon, her movements jerky yet graceful. She peers into the tunnel, sweeping through all the darkened corners with her keen cat eyes. darkvision
Drako looks at the situation with suspicion. He stows his flail, not that it would do any good any such things, and listens for the wererat's reply to Pinja's query, praying for Bahamut's guidance in such an unusual situation.
Insight: 7+4+5 = 16 //looking for any signs of deceit behind that (possible) cheery façade
[[ Not sure if anyone wants to help, not sure how you'd physically do that, but maybe at least get a second roll? ]]
[[ Added the 12 javelins from the orcs to inventory. Probably would've tied them in a bit of a bundle to make them carryable. ]]
[[ Darien is not the most insightful, but perhaps the light from his flame could help? DM ruling but he’s definitely also curious about intent here and would help if able. Based on Yale’s message I think you could go ahead and add the second roll now knowing that Darien will help if able, and then they can decide whether that will be allowed when they reply later on? ]]
Darien shifts his weight from one side to the other uneasily, the sway of the tiefling beside him and the uncertainty of the situation throwing him off just a bit. He draws in a sharp and quiet breath at the mention of Don-Jon, worried that the woman may react negatively to the presence of a second, unexpected overseer, but holds his tongue as Pinja speaks. He holds the crackling flame a bit higher, attempting to illuminate stranger’s face and uncover her true intentions for the party to see.
[ Looking at the Help, I believe that Insight isn't a skill that could be applicable to complete a 'task'. It's based on intuition and observing the target to study them and determine their demeanor or detect deception. But anyone else can roll Insight as well if they'd like. ]
Pinja:
The first wererat begins to respond, her tone still cheerful. "Oh, well we took—"
She's interrupted by a second wererat stepping into the light. This one looks much less pleased, her expression annoyed as she cuts off the first. "Look, strangers. If you wanna talk, you'll have to talk with our boss lady. Now come along, we'll take you straight to her and then go back to our post." Her voice is no-nonsense and straight to the point, leaving no room for argument.
Drako:
Drako observes the first wererat with a keen eye. Her demeanor is almost too sincere and cheery, an unlikely characteristic for a creature known for its cunning and deceit. This overly enthusiastic attitude seems to be her biggest flaw, making her stand out in a way that doesn't quite fit with the usual behavior of a wererat.
In stark contrast, the second wererat exudes a much more cunning and reserved air. Her no-nonsense attitude and quick reflexes suggest a sharp mind always on alert. It's clear to Drako that she was posted alongside the first wererat to keep her in check. Whatever the first wererat was about to reveal, the second one made sure to shut her up quickly, indicating there are things they don’t want visitors to know just yet.
MINE FEATURES
All tunnels and caverns in the mine are hewn from rock that has thin veins of gold ore running through it. Other common features are described below.
Ceilings. Ceilings throughout are 8 feet high and braced at regular intervals by wooden pilasters and beams.
Doors. All doors are made of wood with iron hinges and handles. The doors are fitted with locks, but none of them are locked. The keys needed to unlock and lock them are gone.
Light. Oil lanterns hang from ceiling hooks in every room and tunnel.
Archie settles on a branch high above in the nearest tree
Nigel adjusts his satchel that holds his spellbook so the strap drapes down from his right shoulder to his left hip. He straightens his jacket and lifts his chin. He snaps his fingers and a quill appears in his right hand. He pushes forward past those gathered at the entrance. " Uh... heh hemm... uh excuse me? Excuse me!? Hello? Uh yes Hello there! we would most like to speak to your leader. I have paper work here that indicates you may incorrectly be occuping this location." He flits the feathered writing utinsel back and forth causing it to light up. As he steps around Drako he holds out one of the sending stones. [[I don't know the command for items]] Nigel addresses the rats directly.
"I think it would be more prudent if you brought her to us. If you refuse, I'll have my associates here take you into custody and proceed to send a message in some other way."
"Well you all heard the man," Grikiltha walks up the side of the entrance and leans casually. "It appears we would like to talk to this Overseerer of yours, just to clean up some deed paperwork, you understand I'm sure. Be a good bunch of lads and go fetch them for us, that would be great."
Drako opens his eyes for a moment in surprise of Nigel's forthright threat to the wererats but goes along with it. Frankly he'd been considering a similar statment. As Nigel and Grikiltha handle the talking he stands talls and menacingly to reinforce their words.
Pinja cocks her head at Nigel and Grikiltha, amused. Her eyes flash with mirth before draining of all emotion, her face settling into a flat dead expression. She turns her cold cat eyes towards the wererats - specifically the second, more cunning one.
The second wererat listens to the party's threats with an unflinching stare, clearly unimpressed. She responds with a sneer, "Look, punks. We're trying to do our job here, okay? We guard the entrance, keep it hidden, and if nosy adventurers like you come along, we escort them to our boss. If you wanna kill us, go ahead and try. But I warn ya, you mess with one of the Whiskered Gang, and you mess with all of us! So what's it gonna be?"
Behind her, the first wererat looks apologetic, but stands firm, crossbow ready, following the lead of her more assertive companion.
The second wererat stands assertively, her posture rigid and her gaze unwavering. She shows no signs of hiding her indifference toward the party, her eyes flicking over them with a mixture of boredom and annoyance. Her grip on the crossbow is steady, and there's a cold, calculating look in her eyes. It’s clear that whatever the boss decides to do with the group after their audience is none of her concern.
"Hold on there Pinja." Nigel says calmly. Holding out the other sending stone to the sentries he offers an alternate plan.
"Well by your own admission you are a gang not miners. So now I'm definitely not going to follow you into an a situation where an unknown amount of assailants may lie in wait. However I have a compromise. One of you will take this stone to your leader and we will speak to them through that. The other will wait here. This is your last chance to resolve this without conflict. We offer no harm as long as we receive cooperation. Now do the smart thing and take this stone.
Darien watches the exchange silently from behind Nigel and Pinja. He's not used to such subterfuge and persuasive tactics as what Nigel is attempting, but sees the wizard's point about the dangers of continuing into the mine with the two guards. "Either way," he thinks to himself, "we're probably not getting out of this without a fight of some kind." The tattoo on his arm begins to grow warm as he considers what might have happened to the miners originally working here, assuming this Whiskered Gang came along and invaded the mine at some point.
[[ Following Nigel's lead, but ready for combat should it break out. Also, I think has probably moved back from the very front of the group now that Nigel has pushed his way forward for the persuasion attempt. ]]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"I concur with Darien's concerns if the dragon is this close. Though I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the possibility they're connected to the Butternuts. Depending on where their camp is, could be well within normal scouting area. But there are multiple groups at play."
Drako looks upon the frozen bodies. "Orcs tend to be nasty, but I don't feel right just leaving them here." He eyes the javelins, "Seems they fought. But in open air like this a flying creature has the advantage." He goes to pick up some of the javelins. "Seems they didn't do these orcs much good, but best to have them just in case."
[[ He'll take the 12 javelins, sharing with anyone else that wants some. ]]
He then looks around for perhaps any rocks or branches. "Digging feels like it would take too long and a funeral pyre would likely bring the dragon back. May as well at least cover them though." He asks for Bahamut's guidance to aid in treating the fallen, even if orcs, with dignity.
Perception: 19+3+5 = 27
Survival: 10+2+3 = 15
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Pinja seems to enjoy the great open road and the good stories, laughing and smiling at the many stories. Upon discovering the orcs, she grows quiet and frowns, letting the others get close to examine them. She looks questioningly at the loot, as though debating whether it's worth taking given it was once frozen, now damp. Ultimately, her gaze turns a bit calculating and she picks up two hide, packing it away in her backpack.
She gives Drako an evaluative glance before nodding her head. "I suppose it wouldn't take too long. As long as we reach the mines by sundown." She starts grabbing branches and rocks to pile on top of them.
"I believe I can handle this, but it would take me until tomorrow. My studies have shown me a way to possibly escavate a large portion of ground. However it will take me a short amount of time to refine the exact machinations that would allow me to achieve that result." Nigel informs the party."They Might even thaw out by then."
**This Space for Rent**
The group works efficiently, moving rocks and branches to cover the orc corpses as a sign of respect. Despite the grim task, they manage to complete it within fifteen minutes. Don-Jon Raskin, with a quiet nod of approval, helps with the process, ensuring the task is done quickly yet respectfully. The adventurers, mindful of their mission, then resume their journey toward Mountain's Toe Gold Mine.
The landscape shifts subtly as they travel the remaining four miles. The air grows colder, and the imposing silhouette of the Sword Mountains looms ever larger. As twilight descends, the sky adopts hues of deep indigo and purple, casting long shadows across the path.
Finally, they reach their destination. Hidden among bushes, a tunnel burrows into the foot of a soaring, snow-capped mountain. Above the mouth of the tunnel, a wooden plank reads "Mountain’s Toe," carved neatly in Common. The entrance seems both inviting and foreboding, a gateway to the unknown depths that lie within. The group pauses momentarily, taking in the sight before preparing to enter the mine.
Don-Jon Raskin, eyes narrowed, takes a cautious step closer to the entrance of the mine. He surveys the hidden entrance and the silent tunnel beyond, then turns to the group.
"Now, ain't this a curious sight," he says, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity. "Entrance all hidden away like this. Shouldn't be the case. And it's quiet—too quiet. Can't see or hear a darn thing from inside." He scratches his head thoughtfully, then adds, "Mighty strange. We best be on our guard, folks."
[ What would you all like to do now? ]
Map:
Currently DMing:
Darien tightens the straps of his shield on his bandaged arm, but makes no move to draw his scimitar with the other, leaving it free to conjure a ball of crackling orange flame should they move into the darkness, out of consideration for the humans he finds himself in the company of. "It does seem that this is the mine, but I agree that it's strange. There should be people about, no?" He peers down the dark tunnel, hoping to see something that the overseer couldn't with his lack of darkvision (perception 9, +1 if Drako casts guidance).
With the warm glow of his produce flame illuminating the tunnel, Darien's keen eyes and darkvision pick out a figure in the shadows ahead. The figure steps into the light, revealing a wererat, her fur glinting in the flickering light. She clutches a shortsword in one hand and a hand crossbow in the other, but makes no move to attack.
"My! We have visitors, sister!" she calls out, her voice carrying a noticeable lisp. Her tone is oddly cheerful and welcoming.
Turning her attention fully to Darien, the wererat's eyes gleam with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Are you here to speak with Overseer Zeleen Varnaster?" she asks brightly. "We'd be delighted to escort you to her!" Her enthusiasm and chipper tone are disarming, making her seem more like a gracious host than a potential threat.
MINE FEATURES
All tunnels and caverns in the mine are hewn from rock that has thin veins of gold ore running through it. Other common features are described below.
Ceilings. Ceilings throughout are 8 feet high and braced at regular intervals by wooden pilasters and beams.
Doors. All doors are made of wood with iron hinges and handles. The doors are fitted with locks, but none of them are locked. The keys needed to unlock and lock them are gone.
Light. Oil lanterns hang from ceiling hooks in every room and tunnel.
Map:
Currently DMing:
"Curiouser and Curiouser..." Pinja mumbles, eying the emerging wererat. Her body seems to relax into a gentle sway, almost seemingly unsteady on her feet. "Hmmm, Overseer Zeleen Varnaster? My, my. I seem to have heard tell of an overseer named Don-Jon...But perhaps there's some sort of miscommunication. Please do tell of this Zeleen Varnaster. Has she..." she pauses, and corrects herself, "have you all been here long?"
She moves next to Don-Jon, her movements jerky yet graceful. She peers into the tunnel, sweeping through all the darkened corners with her keen cat eyes. darkvision
Drako looks at the situation with suspicion. He stows his flail, not that it would do any good any such things, and listens for the wererat's reply to Pinja's query, praying for Bahamut's guidance in such an unusual situation.
Insight: 7+4+5 = 16
//looking for any signs of deceit behind that (possible) cheery façade
[[ Not sure if anyone wants to help, not sure how you'd physically do that, but maybe at least get a second roll? ]]
[[ Added the 12 javelins from the orcs to inventory. Probably would've tied them in a bit of a bundle to make them carryable. ]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
[[ Darien is not the most insightful, but perhaps the light from his flame could help? DM ruling but he’s definitely also curious about intent here and would help if able. Based on Yale’s message I think you could go ahead and add the second roll now knowing that Darien will help if able, and then they can decide whether that will be allowed when they reply later on? ]]
Darien shifts his weight from one side to the other uneasily, the sway of the tiefling beside him and the uncertainty of the situation throwing him off just a bit. He draws in a sharp and quiet breath at the mention of Don-Jon, worried that the woman may react negatively to the presence of a second, unexpected overseer, but holds his tongue as Pinja speaks. He holds the crackling flame a bit higher, attempting to illuminate stranger’s face and uncover her true intentions for the party to see.
[ Looking at the Help, I believe that Insight isn't a skill that could be applicable to complete a 'task'. It's based on intuition and observing the target to study them and determine their demeanor or detect deception. But anyone else can roll Insight as well if they'd like. ]
Pinja:
The first wererat begins to respond, her tone still cheerful. "Oh, well we took—"
She's interrupted by a second wererat stepping into the light. This one looks much less pleased, her expression annoyed as she cuts off the first. "Look, strangers. If you wanna talk, you'll have to talk with our boss lady. Now come along, we'll take you straight to her and then go back to our post." Her voice is no-nonsense and straight to the point, leaving no room for argument.
Drako:
Drako observes the first wererat with a keen eye. Her demeanor is almost too sincere and cheery, an unlikely characteristic for a creature known for its cunning and deceit. This overly enthusiastic attitude seems to be her biggest flaw, making her stand out in a way that doesn't quite fit with the usual behavior of a wererat.
In stark contrast, the second wererat exudes a much more cunning and reserved air. Her no-nonsense attitude and quick reflexes suggest a sharp mind always on alert. It's clear to Drako that she was posted alongside the first wererat to keep her in check. Whatever the first wererat was about to reveal, the second one made sure to shut her up quickly, indicating there are things they don’t want visitors to know just yet.
MINE FEATURES
All tunnels and caverns in the mine are hewn from rock that has thin veins of gold ore running through it. Other common features are described below.
Ceilings. Ceilings throughout are 8 feet high and braced at regular intervals by wooden pilasters and beams.
Doors. All doors are made of wood with iron hinges and handles. The doors are fitted with locks, but none of them are locked. The keys needed to unlock and lock them are gone.
Light. Oil lanterns hang from ceiling hooks in every room and tunnel.
Map:
Currently DMing:
Archie settles on a branch high above in the nearest tree
Nigel adjusts his satchel that holds his spellbook so the strap drapes down from his right shoulder to his left hip. He straightens his jacket and lifts his chin. He snaps his fingers and a quill appears in his right hand. He pushes forward past those gathered at the entrance. " Uh... heh hemm... uh excuse me? Excuse me!? Hello? Uh yes Hello there! we would most like to speak to your leader. I have paper work here that indicates you may incorrectly be occuping this location." He flits the feathered writing utinsel back and forth causing it to light up. As he steps around Drako he holds out one of the sending stones. [[I don't know the command for items]] Nigel addresses the rats directly.
"I think it would be more prudent if you brought her to us. If you refuse, I'll have my associates here take you into custody and proceed to send a message in some other way."
Nigels tone is direct and authoritative.
**This Space for Rent**
"Well you all heard the man," Grikiltha walks up the side of the entrance and leans casually. "It appears we would like to talk to this Overseerer of yours, just to clean up some deed paperwork, you understand I'm sure. Be a good bunch of lads and go fetch them for us, that would be great."
Drako opens his eyes for a moment in surprise of Nigel's forthright threat to the wererats but goes along with it. Frankly he'd been considering a similar statment. As Nigel and Grikiltha handle the talking he stands talls and menacingly to reinforce their words.
[[ help on any Intimidation checks. ]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Pinja cocks her head at Nigel and Grikiltha, amused. Her eyes flash with mirth before draining of all emotion, her face settling into a flat dead expression. She turns her cold cat eyes towards the wererats - specifically the second, more cunning one.
[[Deception check - ugh a 6]]
17
Currently DMing:
6
Currently DMing:
The second wererat listens to the party's threats with an unflinching stare, clearly unimpressed. She responds with a sneer, "Look, punks. We're trying to do our job here, okay? We guard the entrance, keep it hidden, and if nosy adventurers like you come along, we escort them to our boss. If you wanna kill us, go ahead and try. But I warn ya, you mess with one of the Whiskered Gang, and you mess with all of us! So what's it gonna be?"
Behind her, the first wererat looks apologetic, but stands firm, crossbow ready, following the lead of her more assertive companion.
Anyone with Passive Insight of 10 and above:
The second wererat stands assertively, her posture rigid and her gaze unwavering. She shows no signs of hiding her indifference toward the party, her eyes flicking over them with a mixture of boredom and annoyance. Her grip on the crossbow is steady, and there's a cold, calculating look in her eyes. It’s clear that whatever the boss decides to do with the group after their audience is none of her concern.
Map:
Currently DMing:
Pinja shrugs and raises an eyebrow to the others, ending on Don-Jon. “Shall we?” She asks with curious smile.
"Hold on there Pinja." Nigel says calmly. Holding out the other sending stone to the sentries he offers an alternate plan.
"Well by your own admission you are a gang not miners. So now I'm definitely not going to follow you into an a situation where an unknown amount of assailants may lie in wait. However I have a compromise. One of you will take this stone to your leader and we will speak to them through that. The other will wait here. This is your last chance to resolve this without conflict. We offer no harm as long as we receive cooperation. Now do the smart thing and take this stone.
**This Space for Rent**
Darien watches the exchange silently from behind Nigel and Pinja. He's not used to such subterfuge and persuasive tactics as what Nigel is attempting, but sees the wizard's point about the dangers of continuing into the mine with the two guards. "Either way," he thinks to himself, "we're probably not getting out of this without a fight of some kind." The tattoo on his arm begins to grow warm as he considers what might have happened to the miners originally working here, assuming this Whiskered Gang came along and invaded the mine at some point.
[[ Following Nigel's lead, but ready for combat should it break out. Also, I think has probably moved back from the very front of the group now that Nigel has pushed his way forward for the persuasion attempt. ]]