((Umm, no? Mulligan's desire was to exit the tavern alone, spy on Oppal a little bit, then return to the tavern and the rest... But if there's nothing to be gained then so be it, skip it?))
(If you stop just outside the door, you'll see Oppal heading away from the tavern to the left, then taking the second right turn and disappearing from view. She maintains the form of a large half-orc.)
As they step out of the tavern, Dara realizes the little white fox is missing. Knowing how easily she can slip away unnoticed, especially a busy, crowded place like the Stable Quiver, he glances around then asks the group, “Has anyone seen Celeste?”
Perception: 21 ((Does Dara know where Celeste went?))
After poking his head outside to spy on their contact a little bit, Mulligan re-enters and looks first towards Hollis and then scans the crowd for the rest of the group. Their job here was done, as far as Mulligan could tell, and while he would love to just go back and play more dice games they did need to stick together and report back...
((Perception to see if he can spot all the other team members: 9... So Mulligan likely doesn't notice anyone missing or in distress.))
Everything seeming ok on a quick scan, Mulligan makes his wake back to Hollis to hear how things went down... ((Sorry Ixi...))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Upon hearing Dara's question about Celeste, Hollis winces as if with an invisible pain. Between the thrill-seeking halfling, the flighty (pun-intended) fairy, and the elusive little fox, Hollis feels like managing this crew is as much about babysitting as actually getting work done. He turns back around with a heavy sigh, and re-enters the tavern. The irony is not lost on him that he now must scan the room once again to locate yet another shapeshifter . . .
Vesta follows Dara and Hollis back inside the tavern. If she sees Celeste in fox form sitting in the lap of the old lady, her eyes will widen, and then she lets out a small chuckle. "It looks like she's made a new friend," she says wryly.
The sorcerer approaches the old woman and bows her head slightly. "Afternoon, ma'am," she says. "That's a fine looking collar. There's only one problem though...the fox is with us."
Zyl huffed and followed the group back inside. "Now what! Oh for fey's sake! Let me at 'er! We've got business to do! If she wants to come play pet later that's her business but not while we're on a job! Honestly!" She began stomping (as much as a little fairy can do) toward the white fox in the lady's lap.
(Ahahaha!! Make a DC10 Persuasion or intimidation check to convince the old lady that Celeste is not a stray pet that she can claim =) Or if Celeste comes out of animal form...?)
It takes a moment for the little fox to register that the shiny was a collar and that she wasn't exactly free to go. She blinks a few times, staring out at her companions who were on their way out, and who she was trying to follow out. She didn't want to be forgotten or left behind! Eventually, to her luck, Dara looked back. Making eye contact, her green hues go wide as if pleading for assistance. When Hollis would come to notice as well, her eyes would dart between the two as she panic works on unhooking her claw from her entanglement. A soft whimper escapes her.
However, it's when Vesta joins them and makes the first move that opens up the opportunity for Celeste's 'freedom'. Finally she manages to unhook her nail from the confines of the old lady's attire as her companion approaches. Big green eyes look up at Vesta now, her tail wagging so much her bum wiggles, and she lurches forward for her, reaching out with her paws, spreading her toes in interchanging 'gimme' motions, in hopes of being released to Vesta, or being picked up and freed by her. Yes! I'm with them! Let me be hers! I go with them! I be hers! She coos and chuffs in gentle excitement for her companion to whisk her away.
(Action: Help Vesta/companions on cha check?)
The fairy's stomps or words did not go unnoticed. The arctic fox would flinch, her eyes sadden, then her ears would droop and start to pull back from her words. Celeste didn't mean for this to happen. She was only trying to help with the job. She did exactly what everyone else did, fan out to seek potentials for their contact. It'd have been no different than conversing with children, the bartender, or games tables. Well except that Celeste was the one who hit a snag. Literally. For all she knew it could have been the contact, but at this point, it appeared clear that it was not. And now she was a damsel in distress. If a fox could flush in embarrassment, she would. It only made her want to stay hidden as a fox and go burrow into a hole to hide. And the closest way she could do that, was tuck herself into the arms of Vesta if her saviors succeed.
Zyl will go up to the lady, cheeks slightly flushed but put on a cute smile and lean over to the white ... pet...and nod at her knowingly before turning back up to the other lady. "Ma'am this white beauty doesn't belong to you, they're with me and my companions." She'll wave generally back toward the others. "She needs to come back with us now. Besides, I don't think you have any idea what you have here." She gave a casual wink at Vesta. "So give her back...please."
Persuasion (or intimidation, same modifier): 12, rolled in log.
When Hollis realizes the nature of Celeste's predicament, he smiles and shakes his head with subtle mirth. In all his years working cons and hoodwinks, he'd adopted many a feigned posture to manipulate his marks -- even taking on the obsequious subservience of a confidence man or profligate flatterer -- but to literally act the role of housepet lapdog was a masterstroke of genius. Or foolishness. Either way, it was funny.
Hollis stands grinning quietly behind Vesta and Zyl as they negotiate the terms of surrender. To whatever extent he can, he does his best by his mere presence to lend an air of authenticity to their claims regarding the unfortunate white fox belonging with their group.
The lady looks surprised, and disappointed, but finally nods in understanding. "Well, I should have a known such a beautiful animal couldn't just be a stray. She can keep the collar though - maybe it will help you keep her close so she doesn't wander into any more laps. Good bye, little foxie! If want a nice home - with lots of treats and belly rubs - come find me!"
(Celeste is free to go with the group, with a jeweled collar/bracelet worth 10gp.)
You head towards Protectors' Enclave to turn in the clue to the Taskmaster. Suddenly, an anguished scream erupts from a nearby alley. The sound comes from a slender human woman clad in the light leather armor of a scout or investigator. Clutched in her arms is the dead body of a human man clad in a tattered gray robe. The man and woman bear a striking resemblance to each other.
With a dull thump, a desiccated eyeball rolls out of the dead man’s palm.
DC12 Insight:
You recognize both of these individuals. The dead man is Delvin Fearnehart; the woman holding his body is Kevori Fearnehart, Delvin’s sister. They are investigators in Lord Neverember’s employ, like all of you.
Zyl smiles at the lady, "Aww thanks! We'll take good care of her don't worry! And maybe she'll be back someday, who knows!" Zyl will walk with her back out and regroup with the others.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hollis turns his head in the direction of the scream and immediately begins to scan the area for signs of what happened, and who -- or what -- may have caused it. He strides quickly toward the woman, alert to the possibility of a trap or ambush, but eager to provide aid -- and to observe any clues while they're most fresh.
His half-elven senses are sharp, and he's trained himself to seek out whatever leads may be present. Hollis looks for signs -- wounds, blood-stains, evidence of magical or elemental damage -- as to the grey-robed man's cause of death, possible escape routes of any assailants, or the presence of any witnesses or observers.
"Heya C," Mulligan says in a cheerful tone and dipping a knee a bit so he can brush his fingers through the fur on Celeste's back. "Looking fancy!" Mulligan wasn't sure exactly what went down and missed the whole bit of the white wolf being entangled with a customer so all he knows is she suddenly is sporting a pretty nice collar. "I think you made out better than I did..."
"So, everything went smooth with the contact?" he asks of Hollis as the group is exiting and gets the quick run down of there being no problems in the transaction but possibly a puzzle in the reply. Mulligan doesn't worry much about that, he assumes it is their bosses concern and not his.
((Insight: Nat 20 for 23))
At the sound of the scream Mulligan instantly has blades in his hands out of nowhere - Dark, dark green blades which are almost black but have a weird kind of dull aura around them. Not metal blades but also not quite magic... "The Fearneharts" Mulligan says in a hushed whisper and scans the scene for any attackers or foes for what he knows of this pair they wouldn't be at each other's throat. Unsure of exactly what is going on Mulligan steps into the shadows and such and attempts to hide in case there is a foe out there - always best to have the jump on one's enemies.
The lady finally relinquishes the white fox, and as Celeste follows them out of the tavern, Dara’s eyes catch the glint of a jeweled collar around her neck. “Do you like that collar, Celeste?” he asks curiously. The druids he knows all dislike being treated as pets, but with Celeste, he isn't so sure. So he wonders if she really enjoys the adornment or she’s simply going with the flow.
Insight: 19
As they walk down the streets, Dara’s eyes widen as an anguished scream pierces the air. Recognizing the woman and the dead man, he quickly approaches Kevori Fearnehart, his heart heavy with the sight of Delvin's lifeless body. Kneeling beside her, he places a hand on Delvin’s neck to check for a pulse, then shakes his head regretfully. “I’m so sorry.” He says.
“Kevori,” he continues softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “What happened? We need to get you both to safety.” His gaze shifts to the desiccated eyeball that has rolled from Delvin’s hand, a weird feeling fills his heart. “Is that…?” Using two fingers he picks up the eyeball before it rolls away, then double-checks Delvin’s body to ensure he still has both of his eyes.
Zyl jumps into the air as the gross eyeball goes rolling out. "Eww! Is that an eyeball!? Gross! I've seen some disgusting things but that's just ick! Wait...I think I know these people!" Zyl fluttered back down for a closer look. "Oh no, what happened to them!?"
Kevori looks up and also recognizes you. She grasps Dara's arm and squeezes it, grateful for a friendly face. In response to the questions, she says, "My brother and I were tasked by Lord Neverember to investigate any suspicious cult activity in the city. I came to rendezvous with Delvin after he’d infiltrated a potential cult hideout, but as I came into the alley, Delvin was already dead! The only clue I have is this desiccated eyeball that dropped from Delvin’s hand, and a scrap of paper from his pocket."
She looks at the gathering group, rapidly sizing you up and seeming to make a decision. Handing you the slip of parchment, she says, "Here. Take these and uncover who or what killed my brother. I will return to the Hall of Justice to inform Lord Neverember of these developments. Please! Avenge my brother’s death - but remember that Lord Neverember values information more than vengeance and will pay a greater fee for capturing cultists alive."
You are relieved to see that Delvin is not missing any body parts! The eyeball is old and completely dried out, like it was from a mummy. The piece of paper from the dead man's pocket has the following strange phrase written on it - "HxxY ATUI IHNN LEDG"
Dara breathes a sigh of relief after seeing that Delvin still has both of his eyeballs. The sight of him holding his own eyeball would have been too gruesome. He then glances at the desiccated eyeball, unsure what to do with it.
“We’ll find out who killed your brother and bring them to justice. Please take care of yourself.” He assures Kevori, his voice soft but determined. He leaves out the “avenging for his death” part—he knows he’s not a judge or an executioner, but he will do his best to make sure the culprits don't harm anyone else.
Examining the parchment, the words don't make sense at first. Then Dara remembers the newspaper piece from Opaal with the vertical line drawn through the crossword puzzle and Vesta’s comment about reading from top to bottom. He realizes he needs to write each word down and read it vertically. “Hail… the… undying…” he murmurs under his breath, a chill running down his spine. He asks for the newspaper slip from whoever is holding it and compares the pieces with the group to see if they really do match. Worried, he says carefully, “We should get these back to the Taskmaster first. And to see about what to do next.”
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(If you stop just outside the door, you'll see Oppal heading away from the tavern to the left, then taking the second right turn and disappearing from view. She maintains the form of a large half-orc.)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
The little fox’s claw snags on the old lady’s cardigan causing her to tangle, trip and flop forward into the collar. So shiny!
(Athletics: Nat 1 + 5 rolled in log)
just an unstable unicorn.
As they step out of the tavern, Dara realizes the little white fox is missing. Knowing how easily she can slip away unnoticed, especially a busy, crowded place like the Stable Quiver, he glances around then asks the group, “Has anyone seen Celeste?”
Perception: 21 ((Does Dara know where Celeste went?))
After poking his head outside to spy on their contact a little bit, Mulligan re-enters and looks first towards Hollis and then scans the crowd for the rest of the group. Their job here was done, as far as Mulligan could tell, and while he would love to just go back and play more dice games they did need to stick together and report back...
((Perception to see if he can spot all the other team members: 9... So Mulligan likely doesn't notice anyone missing or in distress.))
Everything seeming ok on a quick scan, Mulligan makes his wake back to Hollis to hear how things went down... ((Sorry Ixi...))
Upon hearing Dara's question about Celeste, Hollis winces as if with an invisible pain. Between the thrill-seeking halfling, the flighty (pun-intended) fairy, and the elusive little fox, Hollis feels like managing this crew is as much about babysitting as actually getting work done. He turns back around with a heavy sigh, and re-enters the tavern. The irony is not lost on him that he now must scan the room once again to locate yet another shapeshifter . . .
Perception 27
Dara and Hollis see their team-mate clutched in the lap of a kindly old lady, a jewel-encrusted collar around her neck...
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Vesta follows Dara and Hollis back inside the tavern. If she sees Celeste in fox form sitting in the lap of the old lady, her eyes will widen, and then she lets out a small chuckle. "It looks like she's made a new friend," she says wryly.
The sorcerer approaches the old woman and bows her head slightly. "Afternoon, ma'am," she says. "That's a fine looking collar. There's only one problem though...the fox is with us."
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Zyl huffed and followed the group back inside. "Now what! Oh for fey's sake! Let me at 'er! We've got business to do! If she wants to come play pet later that's her business but not while we're on a job! Honestly!" She began stomping (as much as a little fairy can do) toward the white fox in the lady's lap.
(Ahahaha!! Make a DC10 Persuasion or intimidation check to convince the old lady that Celeste is not a stray pet that she can claim =) Or if Celeste comes out of animal form...?)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
It takes a moment for the little fox to register that the shiny was a collar and that she wasn't exactly free to go. She blinks a few times, staring out at her companions who were on their way out, and who she was trying to follow out. She didn't want to be forgotten or left behind! Eventually, to her luck, Dara looked back. Making eye contact, her green hues go wide as if pleading for assistance. When Hollis would come to notice as well, her eyes would dart between the two as she panic works on unhooking her claw from her entanglement. A soft whimper escapes her.
However, it's when Vesta joins them and makes the first move that opens up the opportunity for Celeste's 'freedom'. Finally she manages to unhook her nail from the confines of the old lady's attire as her companion approaches. Big green eyes look up at Vesta now, her tail wagging so much her bum wiggles, and she lurches forward for her, reaching out with her paws, spreading her toes in interchanging 'gimme' motions, in hopes of being released to Vesta, or being picked up and freed by her. Yes! I'm with them! Let me be hers! I go with them! I be hers! She coos and chuffs in gentle excitement for her companion to whisk her away.
(Action: Help Vesta/companions on cha check?)
The fairy's stomps or words did not go unnoticed. The arctic fox would flinch, her eyes sadden, then her ears would droop and start to pull back from her words. Celeste didn't mean for this to happen. She was only trying to help with the job. She did exactly what everyone else did, fan out to seek potentials for their contact. It'd have been no different than conversing with children, the bartender, or games tables. Well except that Celeste was the one who hit a snag. Literally. For all she knew it could have been the contact, but at this point, it appeared clear that it was not. And now she was a damsel in distress. If a fox could flush in embarrassment, she would. It only made her want to stay hidden as a fox and go burrow into a hole to hide. And the closest way she could do that, was tuck herself into the arms of Vesta if her saviors succeed.
just an unstable unicorn.
Zyl will go up to the lady, cheeks slightly flushed but put on a cute smile and lean over to the white ... pet...and nod at her knowingly before turning back up to the other lady. "Ma'am this white beauty doesn't belong to you, they're with me and my companions." She'll wave generally back toward the others. "She needs to come back with us now. Besides, I don't think you have any idea what you have here." She gave a casual wink at Vesta. "So give her back...please."
Persuasion (or intimidation, same modifier): 12, rolled in log.
If help/advantage given: 4 (nevermind lol)
When Hollis realizes the nature of Celeste's predicament, he smiles and shakes his head with subtle mirth. In all his years working cons and hoodwinks, he'd adopted many a feigned posture to manipulate his marks -- even taking on the obsequious subservience of a confidence man or profligate flatterer -- but to literally act the role of housepet lapdog was a masterstroke of genius. Or foolishness. Either way, it was funny.
Hollis stands grinning quietly behind Vesta and Zyl as they negotiate the terms of surrender. To whatever extent he can, he does his best by his mere presence to lend an air of authenticity to their claims regarding the unfortunate white fox belonging with their group.
Help
The lady looks surprised, and disappointed, but finally nods in understanding. "Well, I should have a known such a beautiful animal couldn't just be a stray. She can keep the collar though - maybe it will help you keep her close so she doesn't wander into any more laps. Good bye, little foxie! If want a nice home - with lots of treats and belly rubs - come find me!"
(Celeste is free to go with the group, with a jeweled collar/bracelet worth 10gp.)
You head towards Protectors' Enclave to turn in the clue to the Taskmaster. Suddenly, an anguished scream erupts from a nearby alley. The sound comes from a slender human woman clad in the light leather armor of a scout or investigator. Clutched in her arms is the dead body of a human man clad in a tattered gray robe. The man and woman bear a striking resemblance to each other.
With a dull thump, a desiccated eyeball rolls out of the dead man’s palm.
DC12 Insight:
You recognize both of these individuals. The dead man is Delvin Fearnehart; the woman holding his body is Kevori Fearnehart, Delvin’s sister. They are investigators in Lord Neverember’s employ, like all of you.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Zyl smiles at the lady, "Aww thanks! We'll take good care of her don't worry! And maybe she'll be back someday, who knows!" Zyl will walk with her back out and regroup with the others.
Insight: 21 (rolled in log, waiting for others)
Hollis turns his head in the direction of the scream and immediately begins to scan the area for signs of what happened, and who -- or what -- may have caused it. He strides quickly toward the woman, alert to the possibility of a trap or ambush, but eager to provide aid -- and to observe any clues while they're most fresh.
Insight9
His half-elven senses are sharp, and he's trained himself to seek out whatever leads may be present. Hollis looks for signs -- wounds, blood-stains, evidence of magical or elemental damage -- as to the grey-robed man's cause of death, possible escape routes of any assailants, or the presence of any witnesses or observers.
Perception18 Investigation15
"Heya C," Mulligan says in a cheerful tone and dipping a knee a bit so he can brush his fingers through the fur on Celeste's back. "Looking fancy!" Mulligan wasn't sure exactly what went down and missed the whole bit of the white wolf being entangled with a customer so all he knows is she suddenly is sporting a pretty nice collar. "I think you made out better than I did..."
"So, everything went smooth with the contact?" he asks of Hollis as the group is exiting and gets the quick run down of there being no problems in the transaction but possibly a puzzle in the reply. Mulligan doesn't worry much about that, he assumes it is their bosses concern and not his.
((Insight: Nat 20 for 23))
At the sound of the scream Mulligan instantly has blades in his hands out of nowhere - Dark, dark green blades which are almost black but have a weird kind of dull aura around them. Not metal blades but also not quite magic... "The Fearneharts" Mulligan says in a hushed whisper and scans the scene for any attackers or foes for what he knows of this pair they wouldn't be at each other's throat. Unsure of exactly what is going on Mulligan steps into the shadows and such and attempts to hide in case there is a foe out there - always best to have the jump on one's enemies.
((Stealth: 19))
The lady finally relinquishes the white fox, and as Celeste follows them out of the tavern, Dara’s eyes catch the glint of a jeweled collar around her neck. “Do you like that collar, Celeste?” he asks curiously. The druids he knows all dislike being treated as pets, but with Celeste, he isn't so sure. So he wonders if she really enjoys the adornment or she’s simply going with the flow.
Insight: 19
As they walk down the streets, Dara’s eyes widen as an anguished scream pierces the air. Recognizing the woman and the dead man, he quickly approaches Kevori Fearnehart, his heart heavy with the sight of Delvin's lifeless body. Kneeling beside her, he places a hand on Delvin’s neck to check for a pulse, then shakes his head regretfully. “I’m so sorry.” He says.
“Kevori,” he continues softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “What happened? We need to get you both to safety.” His gaze shifts to the desiccated eyeball that has rolled from Delvin’s hand, a weird feeling fills his heart. “Is that…?” Using two fingers he picks up the eyeball before it rolls away, then double-checks Delvin’s body to ensure he still has both of his eyes.
Medicine (?) to examine the eyeball: 22
Zyl jumps into the air as the gross eyeball goes rolling out. "Eww! Is that an eyeball!? Gross! I've seen some disgusting things but that's just ick! Wait...I think I know these people!" Zyl fluttered back down for a closer look. "Oh no, what happened to them!?"
Kevori looks up and also recognizes you. She grasps Dara's arm and squeezes it, grateful for a friendly face. In response to the questions, she says, "My brother and I were tasked by Lord Neverember to investigate any suspicious cult activity in the city. I came to rendezvous with Delvin after he’d infiltrated a potential cult hideout, but as I came into the alley, Delvin was already dead! The only clue I have is this desiccated eyeball that dropped from Delvin’s hand, and a scrap of paper from his pocket."
She looks at the gathering group, rapidly sizing you up and seeming to make a decision. Handing you the slip of parchment, she says, "Here. Take these and uncover who or what killed my brother. I will return to the Hall of Justice to inform Lord Neverember of these developments. Please! Avenge my brother’s death - but remember that Lord Neverember values information more than vengeance and will pay a greater fee for capturing cultists alive."
You are relieved to see that Delvin is not missing any body parts! The eyeball is old and completely dried out, like it was from a mummy. The piece of paper from the dead man's pocket has the following strange phrase written on it - "HxxY ATUI IHNN LEDG"
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Dara breathes a sigh of relief after seeing that Delvin still has both of his eyeballs. The sight of him holding his own eyeball would have been too gruesome. He then glances at the desiccated eyeball, unsure what to do with it.
“We’ll find out who killed your brother and bring them to justice. Please take care of yourself.” He assures Kevori, his voice soft but determined. He leaves out the “avenging for his death” part—he knows he’s not a judge or an executioner, but he will do his best to make sure the culprits don't harm anyone else.
Examining the parchment, the words don't make sense at first. Then Dara remembers the newspaper piece from Opaal with the vertical line drawn through the crossword puzzle and Vesta’s comment about reading from top to bottom. He realizes he needs to write each word down and read it vertically. “Hail… the… undying…” he murmurs under his breath, a chill running down his spine. He asks for the newspaper slip from whoever is holding it and compares the pieces with the group to see if they really do match. Worried, he says carefully, “We should get these back to the Taskmaster first. And to see about what to do next.”