He bows to Dierdre. "My Lady, when you are quite ready, might I escort you into this establishment? Ladies first, naturally."
Settling her shield comfortably on her arm, Dierdre bows her head slightly "Why thank you kind sir, most chivalrous of you." She reaches up to hold his arm and gestures at the door, trying not to damage anything with the shield "Shall we?"
Rejoining the others right before they deploy Mialee inquires of Immy, "In all the excitement I didn't get the chance to ask before 'Are you alright? Do you need anything?'"
(after a brief greeting and seeing what the plan is Mialee quickly agrees)
"Yes, if Elagor and Dierdre are going in as a pair and Lucky is going to watch the back that will leave Mercy and Immy to watch the front. I'll agree to going inside invisibly but we should also have a signal to warn of danger or if anyone needs some help. It could be a bird call or we could shout "Hot Cakes!" or "Hot Cakes for sale!" so long as whatever it is can be misunderstood by anyone else who happens to hear it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Mercy took vague offense when Volo mentioned street urchings pickpocketing him, but then again she had done her fair share of pickpocketing. Not so long ago she would've had a go at the brightly attired...bard? What exactly was Volo she wondered to herself. Author, bard, explorer? The tiefling frowns, but ultimately it doesn't matter, especially when he hands over a pouch of gold coins. She quickly deposits the coins into her boot. Having been a pickpocket herself, she knows all the best ways to prevent being robbed. She notices Elagor also tucking his coins into harder-to-reach places and gives him an approving smile.
At the dockside tavern, Mercy takes up position next to the door. She crosses her arms, looking like a bouncer, as Elagor, Dierdre, and Mialee go inside. "Hot cakes it is," Mercy agrees as Mialee enters the tavern.
Lucky volunteered to watch the back door so that leaves her and Immy to watch the front. Mercy turns toward her door partner. She can't help but be curious about the Drow woman. Now is probably not the time for 20 questions though. Mercy reminds herself to stay alert and watch for any signs of danger. This is not a great part of town after all, and much worse than kidnappings happened around here.
Lucky will be sure to cast invisibility on Mialee, in a dark alley, before they enter the tavern. He will shyly place a tabaxi paw, the black skin pads on his fingers thick and calloused, on her arm and explain, “I need to touch you to make it work. It should last an hour. I need to concentrate on keeping it working, so if the spell ends before that then maybe it’s because something not good happened to me. Or you could break the spell too, if you get too active.”
When he casts the spell, he awkwardly recites a few arcane words that he has obviously practiced over and over again.
The aevendrow had been content to keep her piece while the others discussed with the flamboyant bard as to why, precisely, Volo had sent for their aid. Though, to the discerning eye, it was difficult for Ilmrae to keep her attention wholly focused on the details; there was still so much to take in of the tavern- and of the wine he'd sent for. She drank it with relish, nodding along to the various bits of detail that the group bandied about.
"Find this Floon, kidnapped or otherwise?" She repeated back, not bothering with the details. They'd surely be seen to, one way or another. "Happily done. Oh,"She waved away Mia's mild concern with a hand and reassuring grin, "Decidedly so. We've our task, and a plan worked enough to see it put into motion. On the point of communication, I'd be happy to act as relay." A knowing wink was tossed towards Lucky as they continued, "So long as they stay within a reasonable distance. If for some reason we're forced outside those bounds, I can keep the connection for a few minutes more before it's severed completely."
Conclusions made, she followed along to the docks. There was an attempt made to try and focus, to keep an eye out for any onlookers to the tabaxi casted spell.
"It seems that we are ready. Let's get this over with - I fear this undertaking is not without risk. I have heard a little of this place - none of it good." For all his teasing, Elagor opens the door and enters first, keeping Dierdre close at his side whilst appearing to assist her as one would a friend. His eyes scan the room sharply as they enter.
Dierdre scans the room as she enters, partly looking for trouble, partly for any that she knows, and also taking in the room itself. It's far from her first time in a place like this; those she administers to are frequently found in such places, and if things get too rowdy she has a trick to dampen spirits - literally.
Mialee will follow close on the heels of Dierdre and Ready her action with the trigger being the first person she asks two or more questions of, and her readied action will be to try and read the person's body language, speech habits, and changes in mannerisms.
Insight: 26
Mialee will also use her limited telepathy granted to her by the Telepathic feat to coordinate who exactly to observe and try to get a read on their intentions, whether they're lying or not, or what their next move might be.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Mialee will follow close on the heels of Dierdre and Ready her action with the trigger being the first person she asks two or more questions of, and her readied action will be to try and read the person's body language, speech habits, and changes in mannerisms.
Insight: 26
Mialee will also use her limited telepathy granted to her by the Telepathic feat to coordinate who exactly to observe and try to get a read on their intentions, whether they're lying or not, or what their next move might be.
(ooc: sorry for the double post but wanted to lock in my good roll before D&D Beyond flagged or fudged it.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Lucky is going to head to the rear of the tavern. As he walks presumably through a dark, uninhabited alleyway to do so, he will cast disguise self, changing his appearance to that of an old, dirty, scraggle-haired, rag-adorned, obviously penniless beggar man. He's going to locate the rear entrance, if one exists, and make sure that he can be aware if anyone comes or goes from there, and then he's going to poke around, ostensibly for trash and old food, but really he's going to investigate for clues. Do people pass this way much? Any signs of struggles nearby? Has anyone happened to drop something conspicuous or worthy of attention? That sort of thing.
Unified in purpose, you all head out into the warm spring night and make your way south towards Waterdeep's Dock Ward. Tall, densely packed tenements leave most of the neighborhood in shadow at ground level. Most of the streetlamps have had their glass smashed and their candles stolen, and the smells of salt air and excrement linger as you pass by rows of run-down buildings. Shady figures eye you as you pass, but otherwise make no fuss about your presence. After a little while, you find the tavern you're looking for - The Skewered Dragon. It looks like a ruin. Both of its front-facing windows are smashed, and a ship’s anchor is lodged in the roof. Through the windows, you can see a group of haggard patrons drinking from huge tankards. Many of them are dressed in the uniforms of dockworkers and sailors. They shoot curious glances towards those of you that enter the tavern, a glint of suspicion towards new strangers in their eyes.
Ilmrae and Dierdre are not able to notice anything in particular - the patrons keep to themselves and don't stand out. Mialee, Lucky, and Elagor do overhear a conversation happening in the corner of the room between three dock workers.
"Oh, great, more folks from the north side coming to slum it in the docks. As if those two clowns from last night weren't enough."
"Least these ones look a little more humble."
"One of the jokers from last night, that was that writer, Volo? I've read one of his guides before - utter tripe. Glad I left before he started quoting me for 'Volo's Guide to Getting Knocked on your Arse.'"
"He buggered off after a while, but his pretty friend stuck around, got proper sloshed. And you'll never believe who joined him after that Volo left - Renaer Neverember!"
"What, Neverember? Another gods-damn noble, spoiled rich and wanting to rub our noses in it? Chip off the ole block, that one is."
"Bastard was a dab hand at Three-Dragon Ante as well - he and his drunk buddy played a few games, then ducked out. Funny thing, though, group of five strangers were in the bar last night, and all of 'em got up and left as soon as Neverember did. And they did not look like they were making sure they'd get home safe."
"Good - whoever they are, hope they roughed 'em up and nabbed their shinies. Nothin' I hate more than an aristocrat."
History DC 12:
Renaer Neverember is the son of Dagult Neverember, the former Open Lord of Waterdeep.
Not finding anything interesting outside, and frankly getting rather bored. Lucky decides to just go in the tavern. Still disguised as the beggar, though.
He’s just in time to overhear the dock worker conversation. He decides to approach, shoulders hunched, hesitantly.
“Beggin’ yer pardon, masters, but did I hear ye speak the name o’ Renaer Neverember? It’s just that, well, I beggared a silver mark offa him last night, so’s I came back hopin’ to see him again an’ get another silver. Only he ain’t here… Did ye happen to see which way he went? Maybe I’ll try an’ find him in that direction…”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
History: 16
Mialee listens to any conversations that Elagor or Dierdre are involved in trying to determine what she can about the other person's intentions, whether they're lying or not, or what their next move might be.
(Telepathically to Elagor): Do you know who this Renaer Neverember is? Or what part he may play in all of this? Either way it sounds like a lead worth following up on if he met with Floon after Volo did.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Mialee listens to any conversations that Elagor or Dierdre are involved in trying to determine what she can about the other person's intentions, whether they're lying or not, or what their next move might be.
(Telepathically to Elagor): Do you know who this Renaer Neverember is? Or what part he may play in all of this? Either way it sounds like a lead worth following up on if he met with Floon after Volo did.
(ooc: always sorry if double posting bothers anyone but I have zero confidence in D&D Beyond not to mess with any rolls made.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Mialee listens to any conversations that Elagor or Dierdre are involved in trying to determine what she can about the other person's intentions, whether they're lying or not, or what their next move might be.
(Telepathically to Elagor): Do you know who this Renaer Neverember is? Or what part he may play in all of this? Either way it sounds like a lead worth following up on if he met with Floon after Volo did.
(ooc: always sorry if double posting bothers anyone but I have zero confidence in D&D Beyond not to mess with any rolls made.)
You could roll on your character sheet, it gets stored in the game log and you just report the value in your post
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Elagor considers his options, including the less-than-encouraging words he has overheard. Speaking quietly to Dierdre, and hoping that Mialee will also hear, he says. "If the group of five were drinking at the bar for a while, our best chance may be the barkeep. Such a group is likely to be remembered. Perhaps I might also take the opportunity to wet the room, as they say! Happy tongues are loose tongues after all."
Elagor heads across and waves to the barkeep. Giving them a friendly smile, he speaks loud enough to be overheard by some, but not by all. "Good evening. I have cause to celebrate this night - I returned to the city today and find I am the father to a healthy son. If Tymora's blessing is to fall upon the child, I know it is customary to spread some good fortune in celebration." Two gold coins are slipped across the bar. "Drinks for the company until these are spent, with my compliments." A silver coin follows "and this for the hospitality of the house, if it please you to accept it."
Persuasion roll: 21
The intent is to encourage acceptance and the good will of the barkeep and patrons, with a convincing and harmless cover story that explains his generosity without arousing the distain of those patrons who dislike "rich people" lording it over them.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mercy continues her watch outside with Ilmrae. She leans casually against the outside wall and surveys the surroundings. Her eyes never stop roving, looking for anyone that seems out of place or suspicious. At the same time, she can't help but be curious about her new companions. She glances over at Ilmrae.
"What brings you to Waterdeep?" she asks, noting Immy's ashen complexion. Drow are a somewhat rare sight in the city, most of them being native to the Underdark and all.
Settling her shield comfortably on her arm, Dierdre bows her head slightly "Why thank you kind sir, most chivalrous of you." She reaches up to hold his arm and gestures at the door, trying not to damage anything with the shield "Shall we?"
Alteria Bennutu - Orc Archfey Warlock
Scarlett Rotkäppchen - Tiefling Vengeance Paladin
Myrith Duskwyn - Aasimar Celestial Warlock
Rejoining the others right before they deploy Mialee inquires of Immy, "In all the excitement I didn't get the chance to ask before 'Are you alright? Do you need anything?'"
(after a brief greeting and seeing what the plan is Mialee quickly agrees)
"Yes, if Elagor and Dierdre are going in as a pair and Lucky is going to watch the back that will leave Mercy and Immy to watch the front. I'll agree to going inside invisibly but we should also have a signal to warn of danger or if anyone needs some help. It could be a bird call or we could shout "Hot Cakes!" or "Hot Cakes for sale!" so long as whatever it is can be misunderstood by anyone else who happens to hear it."
Mercy took vague offense when Volo mentioned street urchings pickpocketing him, but then again she had done her fair share of pickpocketing. Not so long ago she would've had a go at the brightly attired...bard? What exactly was Volo she wondered to herself. Author, bard, explorer? The tiefling frowns, but ultimately it doesn't matter, especially when he hands over a pouch of gold coins. She quickly deposits the coins into her boot. Having been a pickpocket herself, she knows all the best ways to prevent being robbed. She notices Elagor also tucking his coins into harder-to-reach places and gives him an approving smile.
At the dockside tavern, Mercy takes up position next to the door. She crosses her arms, looking like a bouncer, as Elagor, Dierdre, and Mialee go inside. "Hot cakes it is," Mercy agrees as Mialee enters the tavern.
Lucky volunteered to watch the back door so that leaves her and Immy to watch the front. Mercy turns toward her door partner. She can't help but be curious about the Drow woman. Now is probably not the time for 20 questions though. Mercy reminds herself to stay alert and watch for any signs of danger. This is not a great part of town after all, and much worse than kidnappings happened around here.
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)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus & Phandalin Adventures
Lucky will be sure to cast invisibility on Mialee, in a dark alley, before they enter the tavern. He will shyly place a tabaxi paw, the black skin pads on his fingers thick and calloused, on her arm and explain, “I need to touch you to make it work. It should last an hour. I need to concentrate on keeping it working, so if the spell ends before that then maybe it’s because something not good happened to me. Or you could break the spell too, if you get too active.”
When he casts the spell, he awkwardly recites a few arcane words that he has obviously practiced over and over again.
The aevendrow had been content to keep her piece while the others discussed with the flamboyant bard as to why, precisely, Volo had sent for their aid. Though, to the discerning eye, it was difficult for Ilmrae to keep her attention wholly focused on the details; there was still so much to take in of the tavern- and of the wine he'd sent for. She drank it with relish, nodding along to the various bits of detail that the group bandied about.
"Find this Floon, kidnapped or otherwise?" She repeated back, not bothering with the details. They'd surely be seen to, one way or another. "Happily done. Oh," She waved away Mia's mild concern with a hand and reassuring grin, "Decidedly so. We've our task, and a plan worked enough to see it put into motion. On the point of communication, I'd be happy to act as relay." A knowing wink was tossed towards Lucky as they continued, "So long as they stay within a reasonable distance. If for some reason we're forced outside those bounds, I can keep the connection for a few minutes more before it's severed completely."
Conclusions made, she followed along to the docks. There was an attempt made to try and focus, to keep an eye out for any onlookers to the tabaxi casted spell.
Perception: 8
"It seems that we are ready. Let's get this over with - I fear this undertaking is not without risk. I have heard a little of this place - none of it good." For all his teasing, Elagor opens the door and enters first, keeping Dierdre close at his side whilst appearing to assist her as one would a friend. His eyes scan the room sharply as they enter.
(Perception 19)
Compulsive homebrew creator and GM!
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
Dierdre scans the room as she enters, partly looking for trouble, partly for any that she knows, and also taking in the room itself. It's far from her first time in a place like this; those she administers to are frequently found in such places, and if things get too rowdy she has a trick to dampen spirits - literally.
Perception 7 :(
Alteria Bennutu - Orc Archfey Warlock
Scarlett Rotkäppchen - Tiefling Vengeance Paladin
Myrith Duskwyn - Aasimar Celestial Warlock
Mialee will follow close on the heels of Dierdre and Ready her action with the trigger being the first person she asks two or more questions of, and her readied action will be to try and read the person's body language, speech habits, and changes in mannerisms.
Insight: 26
Mialee will also use her limited telepathy granted to her by the Telepathic feat to coordinate who exactly to observe and try to get a read on their intentions, whether they're lying or not, or what their next move might be.
(ooc: sorry for the double post but wanted to lock in my good roll before D&D Beyond flagged or fudged it.)
Lucky is going to head to the rear of the tavern. As he walks presumably through a dark, uninhabited alleyway to do so, he will cast disguise self, changing his appearance to that of an old, dirty, scraggle-haired, rag-adorned, obviously penniless beggar man. He's going to locate the rear entrance, if one exists, and make sure that he can be aware if anyone comes or goes from there, and then he's going to poke around, ostensibly for trash and old food, but really he's going to investigate for clues. Do people pass this way much? Any signs of struggles nearby? Has anyone happened to drop something conspicuous or worthy of attention? That sort of thing.
Investigation: 20
Unified in purpose, you all head out into the warm spring night and make your way south towards Waterdeep's Dock Ward. Tall, densely packed tenements leave most of the neighborhood in shadow at ground level. Most of the streetlamps have had their glass smashed and their candles stolen, and the smells of salt air and excrement linger as you pass by rows of run-down buildings. Shady figures eye you as you pass, but otherwise make no fuss about your presence. After a little while, you find the tavern you're looking for - The Skewered Dragon. It looks like a ruin. Both of its front-facing windows are smashed, and a ship’s anchor is lodged in the roof. Through the windows, you can see a group of haggard patrons drinking from huge tankards. Many of them are dressed in the uniforms of dockworkers and sailors. They shoot curious glances towards those of you that enter the tavern, a glint of suspicion towards new strangers in their eyes.
Ilmrae and Dierdre are not able to notice anything in particular - the patrons keep to themselves and don't stand out. Mialee, Lucky, and Elagor do overhear a conversation happening in the corner of the room between three dock workers.
"Oh, great, more folks from the north side coming to slum it in the docks. As if those two clowns from last night weren't enough."
"Least these ones look a little more humble."
"One of the jokers from last night, that was that writer, Volo? I've read one of his guides before - utter tripe. Glad I left before he started quoting me for 'Volo's Guide to Getting Knocked on your Arse.'"
"He buggered off after a while, but his pretty friend stuck around, got proper sloshed. And you'll never believe who joined him after that Volo left - Renaer Neverember!"
"What, Neverember? Another gods-damn noble, spoiled rich and wanting to rub our noses in it? Chip off the ole block, that one is."
"Bastard was a dab hand at Three-Dragon Ante as well - he and his drunk buddy played a few games, then ducked out. Funny thing, though, group of five strangers were in the bar last night, and all of 'em got up and left as soon as Neverember did. And they did not look like they were making sure they'd get home safe."
"Good - whoever they are, hope they roughed 'em up and nabbed their shinies. Nothin' I hate more than an aristocrat."
History DC 12:
Renaer Neverember is the son of Dagult Neverember, the former Open Lord of Waterdeep.
Speaking low to Diedre, Elagor says, "It would be interesting to learn if Renaer made it home safely."
Compulsive homebrew creator and GM!
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
History 16
Not finding anything interesting outside, and frankly getting rather bored. Lucky decides to just go in the tavern. Still disguised as the beggar, though.
He’s just in time to overhear the dock worker conversation. He decides to approach, shoulders hunched, hesitantly.
“Beggin’ yer pardon, masters, but did I hear ye speak the name o’ Renaer Neverember? It’s just that, well, I beggared a silver mark offa him last night, so’s I came back hopin’ to see him again an’ get another silver. Only he ain’t here… Did ye happen to see which way he went? Maybe I’ll try an’ find him in that direction…”
History: 16
Mialee listens to any conversations that Elagor or Dierdre are involved in trying to determine what she can about the other person's intentions, whether they're lying or not, or what their next move might be.
(Telepathically to Elagor): Do you know who this Renaer Neverember is? Or what part he may play in all of this? Either way it sounds like a lead worth following up on if he met with Floon after Volo did.
(ooc: always sorry if double posting bothers anyone but I have zero confidence in D&D Beyond not to mess with any rolls made.)
You could roll on your character sheet, it gets stored in the game log and you just report the value in your post
(ooc: ty, I will try that next time... the clunky look of double posting also bothers me... probably more than it bothers others, lol)
Elagor considers his options, including the less-than-encouraging words he has overheard. Speaking quietly to Dierdre, and hoping that Mialee will also hear, he says. "If the group of five were drinking at the bar for a while, our best chance may be the barkeep. Such a group is likely to be remembered. Perhaps I might also take the opportunity to wet the room, as they say! Happy tongues are loose tongues after all."
Elagor heads across and waves to the barkeep. Giving them a friendly smile, he speaks loud enough to be overheard by some, but not by all. "Good evening. I have cause to celebrate this night - I returned to the city today and find I am the father to a healthy son. If Tymora's blessing is to fall upon the child, I know it is customary to spread some good fortune in celebration." Two gold coins are slipped across the bar. "Drinks for the company until these are spent, with my compliments." A silver coin follows "and this for the hospitality of the house, if it please you to accept it."
Persuasion roll: 21
The intent is to encourage acceptance and the good will of the barkeep and patrons, with a convincing and harmless cover story that explains his generosity without arousing the distain of those patrons who dislike "rich people" lording it over them.
Compulsive homebrew creator and GM!
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
"Thank you for your escort kind sir, and luck to you and yours. Now it is time for me to ply my trade, and look for those in need of help."
Dierdre moves away, with the intent to eavesdrop around the room, whilst looking for halflings. If she finds any she will see if they know anything.
Perception 18
Alteria Bennutu - Orc Archfey Warlock
Scarlett Rotkäppchen - Tiefling Vengeance Paladin
Myrith Duskwyn - Aasimar Celestial Warlock
Mercy continues her watch outside with Ilmrae. She leans casually against the outside wall and surveys the surroundings. Her eyes never stop roving, looking for anyone that seems out of place or suspicious. At the same time, she can't help but be curious about her new companions. She glances over at Ilmrae.
"What brings you to Waterdeep?" she asks, noting Immy's ashen complexion. Drow are a somewhat rare sight in the city, most of them being native to the Underdark and all.
Perception - 13
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)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus & Phandalin Adventures