Welcome in! Before we kick this thing off, here are some last-minute notes and guidelines. The post that follows will be the official opening of our story! But first:
Each IC post should be written in third person (I’ll be writing in present tense, but I’m not particularly fussed about present vs past — whichever is more comfortable for you). Any rolls, or spells, or specifications/OOC notes you include in your post should be separated clearly from the rest of your post. I’ll usually do so by using a different color, and demarcating with parentheses. If you’re able to use colored (readable) text, great; if you’re on mobile or can’t do so for any other reason, then just go ahead and mark it “OOC.”
All rolls will be made on your character sheets, and will show up in the campaign log, so I can track them there. For those who have never done so before, this just requires clicking the modifier of any stat on your sheet. If you right click the modifier, you can choose things like advantage/disadvantage. And if you’re rolling to attack, roll both to hit and roll your damage one after the other, so I can see them both at once, just in case it does hit — then include both results in your post.
When you’ve rolled, note the result in your post. If you think a specific roll might be applicable to what your character’s attempting — e.g. you’re searching for clues, and suspect an Investigation roll might be required — feel free to add that to your post! No harm if it’s not needed, of course, it just helps move things along — and if I’d like a different roll, I’ll just ask. Generally, if I think your character’s attempting something that requires a check, I’ll ask for it, but please always feel free to ask about a roll in the OOC thread (or, as mentioned, just roll one yourself).
The only time post order matters will be during combat. (Otherwise, please post at will!) I may go ahead and resolve these in groups — e.g. top three initiative rolls grouped together, bottom three initiative rolls grouped together, or something similar, just so the pace is a little more even — but I’ll be sure to let you know how we’re going about it whenever the situation arises.
As mentioned in the OOC thread, the expectation will be for you to post at least once every 48 hours. I’m sure some days will be livelier than others! If you expect to be unavailable for longer than that, obviously that’s no problem at all (life! It’s important!) — just drop a quick note when possible so I know what to anticipate.
Interpersonal conflict between characters is completely fine as long as everyone’s normal about it and everything’s good OOC.
We’ll be using milestone leveling.
When someone’s making a check for information, I’ll sometimes message them privately to resolve that check; other times, I may post that information directly in the thread. Either way, it’s always up to the character what they want to do with that information, and how/whether they’d like to share it.
An example post might look something like:
The orc charges through the forest with his greatsword raised above his head, prepared equally for death as for sweet victory. With a wrenching cry, he stabs the blade forward and toward the vile, hideous tree—the tree that’s haunted his dreams for months, never moving, always, always half a step behind. “I will live in fear no longer!” he calls.
(Greatsword attack: 16 / Damage: 12)
If anything else comes up, I’ll go ahead and post it here — and if you have any questions, or if any clarification would be useful, please don’t hesitate to ask in the OOC thread or to message me!
In the upper tier of Hupperdook, the city is alive.
Taverns, inns, and shops pepper the landscape, and from within most stream the sounds of drunken, raucous celebration. Given the bright, sparkling fireworks that burst overhead, dazzling beside the majesty of the mountain into which the city has been built, one might imagine it to be a day of celebration. But anyone who’s spent more than a single day in the city will realize that, celebratory though it may be, it is exactly as celebratory as every other Hupperdook evening that has come before it, and every Hupperdook evening that will follow. Indeed, there may be no city in all of Wildemount — perhaps in all of Exandria — that better embodies work hard, play hard.
But you are not (yet, at least) partaking in the celebrations of the Upper Tier; in fact, for reasons likely wildly varied and entirely your own, you have chosen instead to wander the city’s Lower Tier, whose evenings are so quiet as to be nearly desolate. The distant sounds of the Upper Tier—of wild debauchery and drunken delight—echo even here, thrumming through the dark, highlighting the silence. These paths take you through the city’s work: more than a hundred workshops and towers, dark and slumbering, wait to be breathed back into their black-smoke existence when tomorrow dawns. Here there is no vibrant color; it is a city of blacks, and browns, and grays, and on the ground and along the buildings the faint layer of soot one of the few reminders that, mere hours ago, this place had been packed with workers, churning out machines for a rapidly expanding war.
Between enormous forges and staggering war machines, you wander nearby the fields of the Assembly Yard, together and alone. Perhaps you’re heading to the Idleworks Shelf – the current of liveliness in the Upper Tier. Perhaps you’re searching for something in the Assembly Yard, quiet as a whisper. Perhaps you’re simply turned around.
Whatever your reasons for this evening walk, perhaps destiny is watching.
Take a moment to introduce your character. If you’re entering with a group or another character, feel free to interact with said character(s), or regardless in any way with your surroundings.
As Luma walks through the quiet streets of Hupperdook's Lower Tier, she can't help but feel a twinge of excitement. The elf's small frame moves energetically, her long, wavy white hair bouncing behind her as she practically skips along with her companions. Contrasting with her pale skin, her lavender eyes sparkle, reflecting the shine of the fireworks above.
She wears her usual simple attire: a flowy-sleeved white blouse with a brown leather corset, paired with a cream-colored skirt. Her accessories include a simple silver diadem of elven design, a leather belt, and a silver necklace currently tucked into her shirt.
Luma moves quickly beside Jojo and Nemira, having already taken care of their wounds. Now, she is eager to show them her favorite spot in the city.
"I can't wait to show you this place,"Luma says, her voice filled with enthusiasm."My best friend and I go there all the time. It's the perfect place to unwind and join in on the festivities. You'll love it!"
Besides the elf, a much shorter Nemira scampers to keep up. Barely standing at 4'8", the half drow lightly jogs but stops every now and then for her aqua orbs to gaze up in wide-eye fascination at the fireworks. But as another erupts with a sound she's still unaccustomed to, Nemira flinches and runs again to rejoin the others. Under the veil of night, Nem feels empowered to wear her hood down and cloak opened, revealing well-worn leather armor over tailored clothes more suited for a court than a traveler. Each new flash of color from above reveals the pandeiro on one hip and the rapier on the other. Like Luma, she bears a necklace with its decoration hidden under her shirt.
"It's different, that's for sure," Nem yells in response, trying to be heard above the explosions. "I don't think I've been anywhere quite as loud or as festive as this place. I love it!" She gives a boisterous laugh, tipping her head back to dance around on the spot and giving a wild look to her white locks.
"Do they always make these booming sounds? What do they use to make all the colors? What kind of magic is it?" In her exuberance, Nemira wants to know all about these sky lights. They would make a perfect addition to some of her performances.
Within this small entourage, Jojo sticks out like a sore thumb, clocking in at least a foot and a half taller than the both of them. He walks just behind the two women just so he has a better eye on the surroundings; he would rather they not suffer another unwelcome run-in with any unsavory types, given the events of the previous 24 hours. Though thankfully due to Luma's capable healing, nothing feels bruised by the scuffle that ensued shortly after he met with Nemira. Well, nothing beyond his ego. As they walk, he seems a little distracted, continuing to glance up at the sounds of fireworks bursting. He wanted to be able to join in on the celebrations with the rest of his troupe, not trudging through the Lower Tier of Hupperdook long after they started. But he takes solace in the fact that he's not alone, happy that Luma knows where to go, her excitement palpable. And when Nemira suddenly leaps into a dance, it does a lot to get Jojo to stop tensing up.
"Not magic," Jojo responds to Nemira, having seen fireworks before and hoping to inform her. "Well... not always, I think." Jojo scratches his chin, as he realizes he doesn't actually know how to answer her other questions. It's his first time actually being in Hupperdook, anyways, and magic is beyond his area of expertise.
Xintris is already not used to the hustle and bustle of bigger cities, so after being caught in the middle of the loud and overwhelming celebrations with people swaying, laughing and stumbling around they escape the main streets to the quieter parts of the Lower Tier in Hupperdook. They haven't been in the city for long and its paths and walkways are still unfamiliar to them, but they find it hard to focus on the exact turns they're taking when their attention gets dragged up to the sky with each new boom that feels like it's shaking them down to their bones. And that's without even mentioning the colours that fill the air. They're tempted to try and find the person responsible for such a show, wishing to get their hands on the explosives to take them apart and understand exactly how they work.
They hoist their bag up better and keep walking, looking out for nice spots to rest or maybe settle for a while to enjoy the night as the carefully crafted scalemail they're wearing makes soft clinking noises under their cape, and the scales glint whenever the colourful sparkling lights reflect on them.
A shadow stalks the trio. Large but stealthy, Harliblith uses the booming from the sky as cover for the sound of her footsteps, shrinking behind corners when light flashes above them. She recognizes one of them---the small drow. She wants to know about the altercation they'd had, but knows that a stranger asking questions can lead to suspicion, so she chooses to hang back, for now. She's used to being treated with suspicion---though she doesn't bear the Curse of Strife, her appearance still makes some question her intentions. Sometimes, rightfully so. Her line of work isn't exactly savory. They seem relatively carefree, for a group of people that were just attacked. This could mean they're foolish---or it could mean they're more powerful than they seem.
The sooty plume of Hupperdook hangs heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the crisp mountain air Cy had been breathing for weeks. He dusts the grime from his cloak, a wide grin splitting his bearded face as the city sprawls before him. "Hupperdook at last!" he booms over the exploding fireworks in the night sky. "Xintris, we've finally made it!" Battling rust monsters in the Silberquel Ridge had left him drained, the dark circles under his eyes accentuated by the light of each explosion. Cy chuckles, clapping Xintris on the back with a force that nearly sends the elf stumbling. "Think of all the wondrous contraptions we'll see in Hupperdook!" Cy nudges his new companion with his elbow. "Now, come on, let's get some food and fuse in our bellies then find a decent inn."Then, when the festivities kick in, I can start making some discreet inquiries about these marvels I've heard of. Perhaps, amidst the clatter and chaos of Hupperdook, I just might find the answers I am seeking.
As Luma, Jojo, and Nemira gaze upward toward the fireworks — as Harliblith tracks them carefully from the shadows, watchful — as Xintris and Cy wander the quiet of the evening streets, beginning by happenstance to close in on the others —
The peace of the Lower Tier is abruptly shattered.
A thunderous nearby explosion wrenches away the quiet of the evening; for a moment, it deafens you entirely, though you can feel the way the ground shakes slightly beneath your feet, and watch as pieces of rock spray the nearby streets at the base of the mountain, shards of it coming to rest inches from where you stand.
From the fresh hole in the side of the mountain, there emerges billowing smoke; as you shake the ringing from your ears, and blink through the evening mist, you spot six cloaked figures in the middle of the street, emerging from the source of the explosion—and racing furiously in your direction.
The characters stand near the convergence of three roads: slightly to the east are Luma, Jojo, and Nemira, and hidden behind them, Harliblith; slightly to the south are Xintris and Cy; and from the west, and the site of the explosion, charge these six cloaked figures. All the characters are now close enough to see both these oncoming figures and each other, with the exception of Harliblith, who is the only one currently hiding.
The deafening explosion is disorienting, but Luma forces herself to focus, quickly scanning the scene. Her heart races as she spots the six cloaked figures emerging from the thick smoke. Who are these people? What do they want? The questions race through her mind as she tries to gauge their intentions.
She also briefly notices the two figures coming in from the opposite direction, but as they seem to also be bystanders to the situation, she pays them little mind.
Turning her attention back to the six cloaked figures, she hopes they’re not looking for trouble. However, just in case, she reaches for the necklace lying flat against her chest and murmurs a few words under her breath. Soon after she speaks, Jojo and Nemira would feel a comforting warmth followed by a soft, barely noticeable glow that fully surrounds them. "Something's not right," Luma whispers to her companions, her voice tinged with concern. "Be careful."
(OOC - Luma castsBless on Jojo and Nemira, +1d4 to attack rolls or saving throws for 1 minute)
Her world is, quite literally, shattered before her eyes. The festivities of the night come crashing down too close for Nemira, who instinctually steps back toward the safety of numbers. "I don't understand. What's going on?" Mind reeling in confusion, she watches in frozen horror at the cloaked figures running. Running right towards them. Oh no.
The sudden blanket of magic and the accompanying light is enough to snap Nem into action. She grabs her hand drum, thinks for a moment, and begins to tap out a beat. It's a simple one to everyone except for the hulking man besides her and Luma. Jojo somehow hears more than just the beat. He feels whatever song gives him courage; perhaps it's a warrior's chant or a melody from a loved one. Whatever the case is, Jojo feels empowered, inspired even, in what he chooses to do.
(Bardic Inspiration - 1d6 - to Jojo for one ability check, attack roll, or save in the next 10 minutes)
The hard clap on the shoulder from Cy sends Xintris stumbling, and it's mostly just luck that keeps them from falling on their face on the cobbled street. They're still not quite used to the loud booming voice of their newly found travel companion, but at least here it blends in with the other sounds of the city.
What it doesn't blend in with, is the near deafening explosion breaking up the side of the mountain. Xintris jumps and hastily tries to move backwards from the cloud of smoke, and ends up steadying themselves against Cy as they look at the emerging figures with alarm. "This can't be good- They're coming straight at us! Does this happen often in cities like this? We aren't supposed to fight them, are we?" They hope so at least, the previous encounter them and Cy had in the Silberquel Ridge had really taken it out of them, and they're much more prepared for a meal and bed at an inn rather than another fight.
Jojo flinches from the explosion, the unexpectedness of it. And when the dust settles and a group of ne'er-do-wells come dashing through the smoke, he sighs, exasperated and frustrated. 'Not another fight. Not today,' he thinks. But then, something clicks. Hadn't those bandits from earlier used some explosives too..?
Jojo walks in front of the girls. This group must be related, if not the same individuals that jumped his troupe earlier. If that's the case... these fiends will get their comeuppance. Jojo's hair almost seems to bristle as he takes an offensive stance, and the canines sprouting from his underbite seem to grow into full blown tusks. He feels empowered to stand fast thanks to the support from the women at his side. He then unsheathes the giant metal slab he was lugging on his back, giving it a twirl, and tries his best to look as intimidating as possible.
Then, he shouts, "You picked the wrong day to screw with us! Stop where you are before you make a mistake!"
‐--------------------------
OOC: Using Jojo's shifting feature, and readying an action to attack with a greatsword if any of these strangers approach. Shifting grants him 4 temp HP, advantage on wisdom checks, and immunity to advantage on attacks made on him within a range of 30 ft.
Luma furrows her brow, trying to process the situation a bit further. Despite the urgency of the approaching figures, they don't seem to be paying close attention to her or her companions specifically. However, she notices with concern that they aren't slowing down either.
Turning to Jojo and Nemira, Luma speaks urgently, relaying her observations."I don’t think they're after us," she says, urgency lacing her voice."Perhaps if we just step aside, they'll move along without trouble...?"
Her concern for her companions' well-being is evident in her tense posture and the worried look in her eyes, especially since she has just treated them for their previous injuries.
Cy's grin vanishes in a flash, replaced by a grimace as the building ahead shudders and a deafening roar tears through the night sky. The ground trembles beneath his boots, and a wave of hot air blasts him backwards, leaving his ears ringing and his vision momentarily blurred. "Xintris!" he roars over the cacophony, his voice laced with alarm. "Did you see that? This ain't no part of their nightly celebration!" His eyes dart towards the source of the explosion – a gaping hole in the side of a building, smoke and debris billowing outwards. From the wound in the structure, six figures emerge, cloaked and moving with a hurried urgency. Their forms are obscured by the shadows, but their haste speaks volumes.
Across the street, bathed in the warm glow of a hastily cast spell, Cy spots three figures – bystanders, it seems, but their postures are tense, hands reaching for weapons or arcane implements. They are readying themselves for a fight.
Cy's initial shock gives way to a surge of adrenaline. "See that, Xintris?" he yells, his voice tight with a mixture of excitement and concern. "Those figures… they wouldn't be running out of a building like that unless they were up to no good!" He points towards the fleeing figures. His eyes narrow. "They're probably fleeing a crime scene," he continues, his voice low and urgent. "Maybe they stole something…" I wonder what they have, perhaps something related to those rumored powerful machines I'm here to investigate. A flicker of hope sparks in his eyes, the thrill of the unexpected twisting with his initial curiosity about Hupperdook's advanced technology.
Harliblith continues to hide and watch. Is it bad luck that led to this group being attacked twice in such quick succession? Or is there something they have that other people want?
The figures show no signs of stopping — as they come into focus, the hint of long, rust-colored reptilian faces peeking out from beneath the hoods of their cloaks, paired with their stature, seems to suggest the figures may be kobolds … all but one, at least, whose nature is more difficult to determine, but who towers above the others. It’s only Jojo’s shout that seems to have any impact on the figures — though they don’t pause, their position shifts just slightly, and as they rush forward, they head toward the southern path, rapidly closing on Cy and Xintris.
The figures have reached the intersection and are rapidly closing on Xintris and Cy; the other group stands only a short distance east of the intersection — and Harliblith southeast of them. What would you like to do in this last moment you have before they reach Xintris and Cy’s current position, if anything?
Nem peers around Jojo to take a closer look. What she sees prompts her to point at the smaller figures. "Wait, you don't think those are the same kobolds that attacked us earlier? What are they doing here?" Luckily the pack is diverted away from their group, but that leads them into innocent people who were also there at the wrong time.
"Watch out! They might attack if provoked," she calls out in an attempt to warm the duo south of them.
Xintris isn't sure if they believe Cy's theories about what the kobolts had been up to, but they do believe he's right in saying they're up to no good. They immediately take a few more steps backwards, not so subtly trying to get slighly behind Cy as they move their hands to rest on the handles of the two sickles hanging by their hips.
They spare a glance towards the half-drow telling them to be careful. In another situation they might make a comment about stating the obvious, but currently they can't help but be glad that the others on the street aren't running towards them and Cy with weapons as well.
"You think they stole something? That means they'll probably leave us alone if we just move aside, right?" Their tone makes it clear they would rather do just that, and not get involved if it's a possibility.
Luma's mind races as she watches the figures change direction. She knows she is not a fighter; her strengths lie elsewhere. But as she hears Nemira's comment, her focus sharpens.
Nemira's words click into place, and Luma realizes these figures must be the ones who caused Jojo and Nemira's injuries earlier. Luma's heart sinks at the thought of more violence, but she knows she can't let these creatures hurt anyone else.
Luma takes a deep breath and readies herself for whatever comes next. Her hand rests on her chest once again, and she mutters a quick prayer for guidance and protection. "If they try to harm anyone else, we need to be prepared to stop them," she says, her voice timid but determined.
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Welcome in! Before we kick this thing off, here are some last-minute notes and guidelines. The post that follows will be the official opening of our story! But first:
Each IC post should be written in third person (I’ll be writing in present tense, but I’m not particularly fussed about present vs past — whichever is more comfortable for you). Any rolls, or spells, or specifications/OOC notes you include in your post should be separated clearly from the rest of your post. I’ll usually do so by using a different color, and demarcating with parentheses. If you’re able to use colored (readable) text, great; if you’re on mobile or can’t do so for any other reason, then just go ahead and mark it “OOC.”
All rolls will be made on your character sheets, and will show up in the campaign log, so I can track them there. For those who have never done so before, this just requires clicking the modifier of any stat on your sheet. If you right click the modifier, you can choose things like advantage/disadvantage. And if you’re rolling to attack, roll both to hit and roll your damage one after the other, so I can see them both at once, just in case it does hit — then include both results in your post.
When you’ve rolled, note the result in your post. If you think a specific roll might be applicable to what your character’s attempting — e.g. you’re searching for clues, and suspect an Investigation roll might be required — feel free to add that to your post! No harm if it’s not needed, of course, it just helps move things along — and if I’d like a different roll, I’ll just ask. Generally, if I think your character’s attempting something that requires a check, I’ll ask for it, but please always feel free to ask about a roll in the OOC thread (or, as mentioned, just roll one yourself).
The only time post order matters will be during combat. (Otherwise, please post at will!) I may go ahead and resolve these in groups — e.g. top three initiative rolls grouped together, bottom three initiative rolls grouped together, or something similar, just so the pace is a little more even — but I’ll be sure to let you know how we’re going about it whenever the situation arises.
As mentioned in the OOC thread, the expectation will be for you to post at least once every 48 hours. I’m sure some days will be livelier than others! If you expect to be unavailable for longer than that, obviously that’s no problem at all (life! It’s important!) — just drop a quick note when possible so I know what to anticipate.
Interpersonal conflict between characters is completely fine as long as everyone’s normal about it and everything’s good OOC.
We’ll be using milestone leveling.
When someone’s making a check for information, I’ll sometimes message them privately to resolve that check; other times, I may post that information directly in the thread. Either way, it’s always up to the character what they want to do with that information, and how/whether they’d like to share it.
An example post might look something like:
The orc charges through the forest with his greatsword raised above his head, prepared equally for death as for sweet victory. With a wrenching cry, he stabs the blade forward and toward the vile, hideous tree—the tree that’s haunted his dreams for months, never moving, always, always half a step behind. “I will live in fear no longer!” he calls.
(Greatsword attack: 16 / Damage: 12)
If anything else comes up, I’ll go ahead and post it here — and if you have any questions, or if any clarification would be useful, please don’t hesitate to ask in the OOC thread or to message me!
In the upper tier of Hupperdook, the city is alive.
Taverns, inns, and shops pepper the landscape, and from within most stream the sounds of drunken, raucous celebration. Given the bright, sparkling fireworks that burst overhead, dazzling beside the majesty of the mountain into which the city has been built, one might imagine it to be a day of celebration. But anyone who’s spent more than a single day in the city will realize that, celebratory though it may be, it is exactly as celebratory as every other Hupperdook evening that has come before it, and every Hupperdook evening that will follow. Indeed, there may be no city in all of Wildemount — perhaps in all of Exandria — that better embodies work hard, play hard.
But you are not (yet, at least) partaking in the celebrations of the Upper Tier; in fact, for reasons likely wildly varied and entirely your own, you have chosen instead to wander the city’s Lower Tier, whose evenings are so quiet as to be nearly desolate. The distant sounds of the Upper Tier—of wild debauchery and drunken delight—echo even here, thrumming through the dark, highlighting the silence. These paths take you through the city’s work: more than a hundred workshops and towers, dark and slumbering, wait to be breathed back into their black-smoke existence when tomorrow dawns. Here there is no vibrant color; it is a city of blacks, and browns, and grays, and on the ground and along the buildings the faint layer of soot one of the few reminders that, mere hours ago, this place had been packed with workers, churning out machines for a rapidly expanding war.
Between enormous forges and staggering war machines, you wander nearby the fields of the Assembly Yard, together and alone. Perhaps you’re heading to the Idleworks Shelf – the current of liveliness in the Upper Tier. Perhaps you’re searching for something in the Assembly Yard, quiet as a whisper. Perhaps you’re simply turned around.
Whatever your reasons for this evening walk, perhaps destiny is watching.
Take a moment to introduce your character. If you’re entering with a group or another character, feel free to interact with said character(s), or regardless in any way with your surroundings.
As Luma walks through the quiet streets of Hupperdook's Lower Tier, she can't help but feel a twinge of excitement. The elf's small frame moves energetically, her long, wavy white hair bouncing behind her as she practically skips along with her companions. Contrasting with her pale skin, her lavender eyes sparkle, reflecting the shine of the fireworks above.
She wears her usual simple attire: a flowy-sleeved white blouse with a brown leather corset, paired with a cream-colored skirt. Her accessories include a simple silver diadem of elven design, a leather belt, and a silver necklace currently tucked into her shirt.
Luma moves quickly beside Jojo and Nemira, having already taken care of their wounds. Now, she is eager to show them her favorite spot in the city.
"I can't wait to show you this place," Luma says, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "My best friend and I go there all the time. It's the perfect place to unwind and join in on the festivities. You'll love it!"
Besides the elf, a much shorter Nemira scampers to keep up. Barely standing at 4'8", the half drow lightly jogs but stops every now and then for her aqua orbs to gaze up in wide-eye fascination at the fireworks. But as another erupts with a sound she's still unaccustomed to, Nemira flinches and runs again to rejoin the others. Under the veil of night, Nem feels empowered to wear her hood down and cloak opened, revealing well-worn leather armor over tailored clothes more suited for a court than a traveler. Each new flash of color from above reveals the pandeiro on one hip and the rapier on the other. Like Luma, she bears a necklace with its decoration hidden under her shirt.
"It's different, that's for sure," Nem yells in response, trying to be heard above the explosions. "I don't think I've been anywhere quite as loud or as festive as this place. I love it!" She gives a boisterous laugh, tipping her head back to dance around on the spot and giving a wild look to her white locks.
"Do they always make these booming sounds? What do they use to make all the colors? What kind of magic is it?" In her exuberance, Nemira wants to know all about these sky lights. They would make a perfect addition to some of her performances.
Within this small entourage, Jojo sticks out like a sore thumb, clocking in at least a foot and a half taller than the both of them. He walks just behind the two women just so he has a better eye on the surroundings; he would rather they not suffer another unwelcome run-in with any unsavory types, given the events of the previous 24 hours. Though thankfully due to Luma's capable healing, nothing feels bruised by the scuffle that ensued shortly after he met with Nemira. Well, nothing beyond his ego. As they walk, he seems a little distracted, continuing to glance up at the sounds of fireworks bursting. He wanted to be able to join in on the celebrations with the rest of his troupe, not trudging through the Lower Tier of Hupperdook long after they started. But he takes solace in the fact that he's not alone, happy that Luma knows where to go, her excitement palpable. And when Nemira suddenly leaps into a dance, it does a lot to get Jojo to stop tensing up.
"Not magic," Jojo responds to Nemira, having seen fireworks before and hoping to inform her. "Well... not always, I think." Jojo scratches his chin, as he realizes he doesn't actually know how to answer her other questions. It's his first time actually being in Hupperdook, anyways, and magic is beyond his area of expertise.
Xintris is already not used to the hustle and bustle of bigger cities, so after being caught in the middle of the loud and overwhelming celebrations with people swaying, laughing and stumbling around they escape the main streets to the quieter parts of the Lower Tier in Hupperdook. They haven't been in the city for long and its paths and walkways are still unfamiliar to them, but they find it hard to focus on the exact turns they're taking when their attention gets dragged up to the sky with each new boom that feels like it's shaking them down to their bones. And that's without even mentioning the colours that fill the air. They're tempted to try and find the person responsible for such a show, wishing to get their hands on the explosives to take them apart and understand exactly how they work.
They hoist their bag up better and keep walking, looking out for nice spots to rest or maybe settle for a while to enjoy the night as the carefully crafted scalemail they're wearing makes soft clinking noises under their cape, and the scales glint whenever the colourful sparkling lights reflect on them.
A shadow stalks the trio. Large but stealthy, Harliblith uses the booming from the sky as cover for the sound of her footsteps, shrinking behind corners when light flashes above them. She recognizes one of them---the small drow. She wants to know about the altercation they'd had, but knows that a stranger asking questions can lead to suspicion, so she chooses to hang back, for now. She's used to being treated with suspicion---though she doesn't bear the Curse of Strife, her appearance still makes some question her intentions. Sometimes, rightfully so. Her line of work isn't exactly savory. They seem relatively carefree, for a group of people that were just attacked. This could mean they're foolish---or it could mean they're more powerful than they seem.
The sooty plume of Hupperdook hangs heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the crisp mountain air Cy had been breathing for weeks. He dusts the grime from his cloak, a wide grin splitting his bearded face as the city sprawls before him. "Hupperdook at last!" he booms over the exploding fireworks in the night sky. "Xintris, we've finally made it!" Battling rust monsters in the Silberquel Ridge had left him drained, the dark circles under his eyes accentuated by the light of each explosion. Cy chuckles, clapping Xintris on the back with a force that nearly sends the elf stumbling. "Think of all the wondrous contraptions we'll see in Hupperdook!" Cy nudges his new companion with his elbow. "Now, come on, let's get some food and fuse in our bellies then find a decent inn." Then, when the festivities kick in, I can start making some discreet inquiries about these marvels I've heard of. Perhaps, amidst the clatter and chaos of Hupperdook, I just might find the answers I am seeking.
As Luma, Jojo, and Nemira gaze upward toward the fireworks — as Harliblith tracks them carefully from the shadows, watchful — as Xintris and Cy wander the quiet of the evening streets, beginning by happenstance to close in on the others —
The peace of the Lower Tier is abruptly shattered.
A thunderous nearby explosion wrenches away the quiet of the evening; for a moment, it deafens you entirely, though you can feel the way the ground shakes slightly beneath your feet, and watch as pieces of rock spray the nearby streets at the base of the mountain, shards of it coming to rest inches from where you stand.
From the fresh hole in the side of the mountain, there emerges billowing smoke; as you shake the ringing from your ears, and blink through the evening mist, you spot six cloaked figures in the middle of the street, emerging from the source of the explosion—and racing furiously in your direction.
The characters stand near the convergence of three roads: slightly to the east are Luma, Jojo, and Nemira, and hidden behind them, Harliblith; slightly to the south are Xintris and Cy; and from the west, and the site of the explosion, charge these six cloaked figures. All the characters are now close enough to see both these oncoming figures and each other, with the exception of Harliblith, who is the only one currently hiding.
The deafening explosion is disorienting, but Luma forces herself to focus, quickly scanning the scene. Her heart races as she spots the six cloaked figures emerging from the thick smoke. Who are these people? What do they want? The questions race through her mind as she tries to gauge their intentions.
She also briefly notices the two figures coming in from the opposite direction, but as they seem to also be bystanders to the situation, she pays them little mind.
Turning her attention back to the six cloaked figures, she hopes they’re not looking for trouble. However, just in case, she reaches for the necklace lying flat against her chest and murmurs a few words under her breath. Soon after she speaks, Jojo and Nemira would feel a comforting warmth followed by a soft, barely noticeable glow that fully surrounds them. "Something's not right," Luma whispers to her companions, her voice tinged with concern. "Be careful."
(OOC - Luma casts Bless on Jojo and Nemira, +1d4 to attack rolls or saving throws for 1 minute)
Her world is, quite literally, shattered before her eyes. The festivities of the night come crashing down too close for Nemira, who instinctually steps back toward the safety of numbers. "I don't understand. What's going on?" Mind reeling in confusion, she watches in frozen horror at the cloaked figures running. Running right towards them. Oh no.
The sudden blanket of magic and the accompanying light is enough to snap Nem into action. She grabs her hand drum, thinks for a moment, and begins to tap out a beat. It's a simple one to everyone except for the hulking man besides her and Luma. Jojo somehow hears more than just the beat. He feels whatever song gives him courage; perhaps it's a warrior's chant or a melody from a loved one. Whatever the case is, Jojo feels empowered, inspired even, in what he chooses to do.
(Bardic Inspiration - 1d6 - to Jojo for one ability check, attack roll, or save in the next 10 minutes)
The hard clap on the shoulder from Cy sends Xintris stumbling, and it's mostly just luck that keeps them from falling on their face on the cobbled street. They're still not quite used to the loud booming voice of their newly found travel companion, but at least here it blends in with the other sounds of the city.
What it doesn't blend in with, is the near deafening explosion breaking up the side of the mountain. Xintris jumps and hastily tries to move backwards from the cloud of smoke, and ends up steadying themselves against Cy as they look at the emerging figures with alarm. "This can't be good- They're coming straight at us! Does this happen often in cities like this? We aren't supposed to fight them, are we?" They hope so at least, the previous encounter them and Cy had in the Silberquel Ridge had really taken it out of them, and they're much more prepared for a meal and bed at an inn rather than another fight.
Jojo flinches from the explosion, the unexpectedness of it. And when the dust settles and a group of ne'er-do-wells come dashing through the smoke, he sighs, exasperated and frustrated. 'Not another fight. Not today,' he thinks. But then, something clicks. Hadn't those bandits from earlier used some explosives too..?
Jojo walks in front of the girls. This group must be related, if not the same individuals that jumped his troupe earlier. If that's the case... these fiends will get their comeuppance. Jojo's hair almost seems to bristle as he takes an offensive stance, and the canines sprouting from his underbite seem to grow into full blown tusks. He feels empowered to stand fast thanks to the support from the women at his side. He then unsheathes the giant metal slab he was lugging on his back, giving it a twirl, and tries his best to look as intimidating as possible.
Then, he shouts, "You picked the wrong day to screw with us! Stop where you are before you make a mistake!"
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OOC: Using Jojo's shifting feature, and readying an action to attack with a greatsword if any of these strangers approach. Shifting grants him 4 temp HP, advantage on wisdom checks, and immunity to advantage on attacks made on him within a range of 30 ft.
Luma furrows her brow, trying to process the situation a bit further. Despite the urgency of the approaching figures, they don't seem to be paying close attention to her or her companions specifically. However, she notices with concern that they aren't slowing down either.
Turning to Jojo and Nemira, Luma speaks urgently, relaying her observations. "I don’t think they're after us," she says, urgency lacing her voice. "Perhaps if we just step aside, they'll move along without trouble...?"
Her concern for her companions' well-being is evident in her tense posture and the worried look in her eyes, especially since she has just treated them for their previous injuries.
Cy's grin vanishes in a flash, replaced by a grimace as the building ahead shudders and a deafening roar tears through the night sky. The ground trembles beneath his boots, and a wave of hot air blasts him backwards, leaving his ears ringing and his vision momentarily blurred. "Xintris!" he roars over the cacophony, his voice laced with alarm. "Did you see that? This ain't no part of their nightly celebration!" His eyes dart towards the source of the explosion – a gaping hole in the side of a building, smoke and debris billowing outwards. From the wound in the structure, six figures emerge, cloaked and moving with a hurried urgency. Their forms are obscured by the shadows, but their haste speaks volumes.
Across the street, bathed in the warm glow of a hastily cast spell, Cy spots three figures – bystanders, it seems, but their postures are tense, hands reaching for weapons or arcane implements. They are readying themselves for a fight.
Cy's initial shock gives way to a surge of adrenaline. "See that, Xintris?" he yells, his voice tight with a mixture of excitement and concern. "Those figures… they wouldn't be running out of a building like that unless they were up to no good!" He points towards the fleeing figures. His eyes narrow. "They're probably fleeing a crime scene," he continues, his voice low and urgent. "Maybe they stole something…" I wonder what they have, perhaps something related to those rumored powerful machines I'm here to investigate. A flicker of hope sparks in his eyes, the thrill of the unexpected twisting with his initial curiosity about Hupperdook's advanced technology.
Harliblith continues to hide and watch. Is it bad luck that led to this group being attacked twice in such quick succession? Or is there something they have that other people want?
The figures show no signs of stopping — as they come into focus, the hint of long, rust-colored reptilian faces peeking out from beneath the hoods of their cloaks, paired with their stature, seems to suggest the figures may be kobolds … all but one, at least, whose nature is more difficult to determine, but who towers above the others. It’s only Jojo’s shout that seems to have any impact on the figures — though they don’t pause, their position shifts just slightly, and as they rush forward, they head toward the southern path, rapidly closing on Cy and Xintris.
The figures have reached the intersection and are rapidly closing on Xintris and Cy; the other group stands only a short distance east of the intersection — and Harliblith southeast of them. What would you like to do in this last moment you have before they reach Xintris and Cy’s current position, if anything?
Nem peers around Jojo to take a closer look. What she sees prompts her to point at the smaller figures. "Wait, you don't think those are the same kobolds that attacked us earlier? What are they doing here?" Luckily the pack is diverted away from their group, but that leads them into innocent people who were also there at the wrong time.
"Watch out! They might attack if provoked," she calls out in an attempt to warm the duo south of them.
Xintris isn't sure if they believe Cy's theories about what the kobolts had been up to, but they do believe he's right in saying they're up to no good. They immediately take a few more steps backwards, not so subtly trying to get slighly behind Cy as they move their hands to rest on the handles of the two sickles hanging by their hips.
They spare a glance towards the half-drow telling them to be careful. In another situation they might make a comment about stating the obvious, but currently they can't help but be glad that the others on the street aren't running towards them and Cy with weapons as well.
"You think they stole something? That means they'll probably leave us alone if we just move aside, right?" Their tone makes it clear they would rather do just that, and not get involved if it's a possibility.
Luma's mind races as she watches the figures change direction. She knows she is not a fighter; her strengths lie elsewhere. But as she hears Nemira's comment, her focus sharpens.
Nemira's words click into place, and Luma realizes these figures must be the ones who caused Jojo and Nemira's injuries earlier. Luma's heart sinks at the thought of more violence, but she knows she can't let these creatures hurt anyone else.
Luma takes a deep breath and readies herself for whatever comes next. Her hand rests on her chest once again, and she mutters a quick prayer for guidance and protection. "If they try to harm anyone else, we need to be prepared to stop them," she says, her voice timid but determined.