Albert's poker face and Sise's drama win the round, and as the cards fall on the table, Sera realizes she has lost the round.
Larskolstad please remove 5 Stl from Sera's inventory. _Miglasezis_ please add 5 Stl to your inventory.
As Arvos approaches the game, Amelista looks up at him, a bit relieved to see a sober adventurer, and interjects. "I've just done rather well in my most recent game, and I'd like to join your game with the coin I've earned and talk a bit, if I may." She holds up a bag of coins, mostly silver, but with a few steel coins as well.
By the bar...
Tekel and Terth drag the limp form of the beastly barbarian next to the bar. Tekel informs Glynnis of Theron's inebriated condition. She takes a look at the unconscious form and laughs. "He don' 'ave a room 'ere. I'll get Handar t'leave him out in th' alley for th' guards ta' clean up."
She calls out to Handar, who stomps over to Theron's crumpled form, spits on his hands for grip, and grabs the man by his ankles.
Glynnis smiles at Terth. "C'n I gitcha somethin' ta drink sweetie?"
Sera watched the pile of coins disappear from her side of the table and let out a deep sigh. Did I just lose a whole cow’s worth? The thought made her cringe. If her father had seen her now, he’d have lost his mind. The room spun slightly, the dizziness pressing in, and she realized that continuing the game in her condition would only lead to more losses.
"Thank you for the game, but I think I better go… maybe dunk my head in a barrel of water or something," she said with a sheepish smile, rising unsteadily to her feet.
As she stood, it hit her that finding a barrel of water in this dry, dusty outpost was about as likely as winning back her steel coins. Feeling her cheeks flush, she excused herself, mumbling about needing the toilet, and sought some privacy. Once alone, she leaned against a wall, closed her eyes, and muttered to herself, "This was stupid, Sera. You don’t even know this place."
Taking a deep breath, she hoped the lesson would stick. With a discreet gesture, she called upon her divine gift, casting Lesser Restoration. The drunken haze lifted immediately, replaced by a wave of sobriety—and a faint pang of guilt. Using her god’s blessing for something so trivial wasn’t exactly noble, but she silently hoped Paladine would have patience with a young woman simply trying to find her footing.
Composing herself, she returned to the main room and glanced at Albert. “Albert, I think I’ll step outside for a bit of air,” she said lightly, though she stopped mid-step when she spotted Handar struggling to drag the barbarian across the floor.
"Excuse me, Albert," she added quickly before heading over to help Handar, her earlier concerns about herself fading as she focused on lending a hand.
Amelista watches helplessly as Sera walks away from the game. Then shrugs and pulls up a chair. "Arvos, Albert... may I call you two that? As I mentioned before, my name is Amelista. No one ever listens to me around here, but back in the Khuri-Khan, I was a respected senator. And I'm telling you, I know corruption when I see it. This council has been infiltrated by an evil force. I just know it. And I want to route their corruption before it's too late."
Amelista gestures to the throngs of party goers. "Look around you... refugees, sell-swords, Hachakee warriors and farmers... almost everyone in the whole damn town is here. But there's someone who isn't. Someone off doing something sneaky that she would prefer no one see. This is the perfect night to catch her in the act. I know you want to rest and celebrate. But if you catch her now, you could help me unravel a conspiracy that threatens to ruin Santekh." She holds up her pouch of money. "This is all the wealth I have left. And I'd bet the whole purse that I'm right." She grips the coin purse so tightly her hand trembles. "I've seen you two... out there in the town center. You give food, water, and healing aid to those in need. You're more than just sell-swords. You care about these people, just as I do. You want to save them, not just wring them for steel on petty little quests. And you're not just here for vengeance or glory. And that makes you uniquely qualified to take on this mission. Please say you'll do it. Please say you'll investigate Dana before her co-conspirators realize we're on to her!"
At the entrance to the bar...
Handar graciously accepts Sera's help. "Thanks lass!" With your aid, the large man is easily tossed out into the alley to sleep it off. He dusts off his hands and looks down at the limp form. "There's gonna' be a lot more like tha' t'night, Sera. Th' people here've had more pain than water lately, 'n they're gonna' drink until they ferget that, ya' know." He looks around. "I feel responsible tha' we went ta' this sorry place. Used ta' be much different 'round 'ere. The Hachakee 'ad crops, an' irrigation... horses, and cattle. Where th' hells did everything go? Now's just... sand. An' why did my sister decide to stay here, of all places?"
It's unclear if Handar is talking to you anymore, or just musing. But Handar's description of this region on the boat ride over here definitely differs from your experience thus far. You expected a desert, yes. But not a wasteland. There are certainly lots of opportunities for you to help people, but it seems like these people could help themselves more by continuing the journey up to Ak-Tubal.
Sera helped Handar drag the unconscious barbarian outside, his bravado completely stripped away. Handar, clearly grateful for her help, muttered something about regretting bringing her to this barren wasteland during such troubled times. Still, he admitted that his sister had chosen to live here for reasons of her own.
Sera gave him a warm smile and pulled him into a comforting hug. "It’s all right, my friend," she said softly. "I think the gods may have wanted us here. Perhaps this is where we’re needed most. It was our choice, yes, but it still matters."
As she spoke, her eyes wandered to the barbarian lying before them. His rude demeanor and loud voice were gone, replaced by vulnerable silence. In a place as dangerous as this outpost, being helpless could mean death. Despite his awful first impression, she couldn’t help but wonder what had made him the way he was. Everyone deserved a fighting chance, even those who started off as complete jerks.
Helping people, even difficult ones, had always been her calling. It was something her father had instilled in her, and she wasn’t about to change now. Taking a deep breath, she clutched the silver triangle of Paladine hanging from her neck and closed her eyes in prayer.
"Paladine, please help this big... butthead recover," she whispered with a faint smile. "Remove the poison from his body that knocked him out. And if, by chance, you could ease his... um, gas problem as a small bonus..." She hesitated for a moment, unsure if Paladine appreciated humor, but then pressed on earnestly. "Your servant would be even more grateful."
Gently, she reached out and touched the barbarian’s bearded chin, her fingers light as a feather. With her other hand gripping her holy symbol, she invoked Lesser Restoration. A faint glow surrounded him as the divine power flowed through her, clearing the toxins from his body. Sera stepped back, hoping she’d done enough, and silently prayed that her intervention might spark something better in him.
Albert stands near and holds to his quarterstaff with both hands. Looks at Sera and chuckles: "Thesse drunks usually want to be thatttt whaeeyyy... You wooon't get a thank you, thats fooor sure!"
Looks around: "Aaaaight! Let's go get some caaandles"
After casting lesser restoration on the barbarian shee stepped back into the Dancing Dwarf Hall and noticed Amelista sitting at a table, animatedly trying to share something she clearly thought was important. Unfortunately, most people around her seemed to dismiss her as a complainer, barely paying her any attention.
Curious, Sera decided to take a seat and listen. Amelista was going on about catching someone named Dana red-handed in some sort of conspiracy. Sera hadn’t caught the beginning of the tale, but it didn’t really matter. The idea of sneaking around in the cool night air to uncover a plot sounded far more appealing than staying in the noisy, smoke-filled tavern.
Sera smiled as the barbarian rose, blinking in confusion. “How do you feel?” she asked, genuinely curious.
“******* sober!” he grumbled, stumbling toward the wall to relieve himself with zero shame. “Gotta make room for more!” he yelled, before hurrying back inside to order the very same drink that had knocked him out. Not a word of thanks.
Watching him go,
Sera shook her head in exasperation, her gaze shifting to Albert. He was visibly tipsy, swaying unsteadily and barely managing to stay upright thanks to his quarterstaff. He muttered something about not wanting to wake up sober, and Sera had to admit, he might have a point.
She stepped back into the Dancing Dwarf Hall and noticed Amelista sitting at a table, animatedly trying to share something she clearly thought was important. Unfortunately, most people around her seemed to dismiss her as a complainer, barely paying her any attention.
Curious, Sera decided to take a seat and listen. Amelista was going on about catching someone named Dana red-handed in some sort of conspiracy. Sera hadn’t caught the beginning of the tale, but it didn’t really matter. The idea of sneaking around in the cool night air to uncover a plot sounded far more appealing than staying in the noisy, smoke-filled tavern.
Sera and Albert seem to have already headed toward the door, and Amelista looks to Arvos, a little concerned about how wobbly Albert looks. "I'll wait here," she says in a tone that seems almost apologetic. "I'd only be in the way if there's conflict."
Tekel sees the rest of your party heading towards the door and looks over to Terth. "Looks like your friends have had enough fun for one night. You gonna' chase the Golden Company around, or would you rather sign up with my mercenary team, where we don't coddle and kiss up to filthy kobolds?" He offers a dismissive chuckle, and lifts his cup towards you in an attempt to sell you on joining his guild over theirs.
Arovs says "Of course I am willing to investigate but may friend Albert here is quite drunk. Well maybe the fresh air will sober him up some. Let's go" says Arvos.
He will leave these celebrations and into the dusty paths of Santekh. He walks towards the candlemaker shop.
Sera watched as the remaining members of the Golden Company began to gather outside, preparing to investigate this Dana person immediately. The reserved half-elf, Avros, wasted no time, tersely remarking that he hoped the fresh air would sober Albert up before commanding the group to move out. Without waiting for a reply, he strode off toward the location, clearly expecting everyone to follow.
Albert, still swaying slightly from his earlier drinks, didn’t seem entirely steady on his feet. Meanwhile, Councilmember Amelista chose to stay behind, claiming she would wait for their return. As for the other supposed members of the Golden Company, Sera had no idea where they might be.
Feeling a pang of unease, she checked that her father’s sword was secure and ready to draw at a moment’s notice. Her shield felt solid on her arm as she fell into step behind the two original members, though the disorganization of the group weighed on her mind.
This was no disciplined military unit, despite their lofty name. The Golden Company, as it turned out, was little more than a loosely connected band of adventurers. Fancy titles aside, Sera realized she would have to watch her own back—and probably theirs too.
Albert casts light on his quarterstaff and takes a deep breath: "Aah, sssorry for my condi... condo... con.. state. I try to keep awaaay from the vices, but ummm.. they get me some times"
Looks at everyone else: "I will do the talking as there issss not much elssse I can do..."
OOC: Albert has 0 spell slots and his CHA bonus from the tasty meal.
Theron wakes up suddenly, bends at the waist and vomits violently. The sounds coming out of the Barbarian are a mixture of what a tortured demon in the Planes of Hell would scream, mixed with curses at all of the gods. He stands up and wipes the signs of his mistake from his beard with his bare arm and asks, “Where are going”?
Amelista shakes her head as she observes the motley group, and tries to have faith that this team will succeed, as they did in bringing the refugees here safely, and in bringing half the supplies back safely.
The Golden Company and the initiates make their way through the darkening streets to Dana's Dancing Lights, the candle shop run by the quiet yet caring woman who brings candles to the regugees on evenings such as this. But tonight, she is not out at the refugee camp, since there is no one to tend to. Her shop door is locked and the store seems closed for the evening. But from the store window, you can see an odd glow coming from the floor boards.
If any of you wish to attempt to pick the lock, the Slight of Hand Check is DC 15. If you wish to kick open the door, the Athletics DC is 15.
The candle shop appeared empty, its door locked and the interior shrouded in shadow. Through the dusty window, Sera noticed a faint, odd glow emanating from beneath the floorboards—a detail that made her uneasy. As the group deliberated their next move, it became clear that none of them had any skill in lockpicking. Breaking in seemed like the only option, though Sera silently hoped they wouldn’t damage anything irreparably.
She glanced at the others and offered a practical suggestion. “I could try to disable the door—it might take a little time, but I know enough carpentry to mend any damage if I have to. Or,” she added, glancing toward the barbarian with a faint smirk, “we could go for the direct approach, kick it in, and apologize later if we’ve made a mistake. What’s the plan?”
Her words were meant to invite discussion, but she half-expected the barbarian to answer her question with action rather than words. Subtlety wasn’t exactly his strength—he was more like a rhino in a shop than a careful investigator. With that in mind, she wisely stepped aside, clearing a path for whatever came next.
Albert looks at the door and then the party. Seems that the walk has sobered his head a bit: "I have a colorful past, but lock picking is not a part of that rainbow"
Goes over to Theron and slaps his shoulder: "You were drunk. You tripped. You fell through the door. These things happen don't they?". Gives a wink.
Casts guidance on Theron - +1d4 on the Athletics check if he tries to break down the door.
Splintering wood explodes into the air and the door flies free of its lock, still clinging to the frame like the foot of a collapsed bridge. The swinging door slams so hard into the wall that its upper hinge flies loose, causing the door to twist and lean precariously off the bottom hinge.
Looking inside of Dana's shop, you notice that it is built differently from most, which tend to have a dirt or stone floor. This one has wooden planks. And the glow, flickering and pulsing, seems to be emanating from the cracks in between the planks... like a heatless fire is raging underneath the floor.
Back at the Laughing Dwarf, Tekel and Terth reach an arrangement. Terth has decided to join Tekel's burgeoning mercenary guild, hunting dragonkin hides and dragon army heads. They spend the night drinking in celebration!
Albert puts his staff in the shop and lights everything up. "I think there is a space below the floor. No point in being quiet after this well executed battering opperation."
Starts looking for a trapdoors or loose planks. He squints a lot and catches himself on his staff multiple times. Visibly still drunk.
Investigation of 23
Rolled perception by mistake. Should have been investigation, but mods are the same. As Albert is still drunk, rolled with disadvantage and added self guidance.
Behind the counter of the shop, Albert peeks under a rug to discover a secret door hidden underneath. The glow is diminishing under the floor, as if someone is dimming the lights as quickly is possible.
Sera watched as the barbarian delivered a thunderous kick that sent the door flying off its hinges. The sheer brute strength of the act was undeniable, and the crash was loud enough to wake the entire neighborhood—if anyone nearby wasn’t already deaf.
“Impressive,” she muttered, her tone carefully measured. Perhaps stroking his ego a little would encourage him to be less abrasive.
Her attention shifted quickly to the eerie orange glow flickering beneath the floorboards, reminiscent of a heatless fire. The sight sent a chill down her spine. Glancing around the room, she began searching for a trapdoor or any opening that might lead to whatever was hidden below.
Albert was already poking around, his staff glowing softly and illuminating the space. Though he was still visibly tipsy, he moved with surprising agility as he investigated. Sera found herself nervously keeping an eye on him, worried he might stumble into something dangerous. He really was...handsome—no, interesting, she corrected herself sharply, giving her thoughts a mental slap.
As she continued scanning the room, she briefly considered pulling out her saw to cut through the floorboards. If there was no easier way to uncover the source of the mysterious light, she’d have to get creative
( only got 13 in investigation so Sera not searching right places)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Albert's poker face and Sise's drama win the round, and as the cards fall on the table, Sera realizes she has lost the round.
Larskolstad please remove 5 Stl from Sera's inventory.
_Miglasezis_ please add 5 Stl to your inventory.
As Arvos approaches the game, Amelista looks up at him, a bit relieved to see a sober adventurer, and interjects. "I've just done rather well in my most recent game, and I'd like to join your game with the coin I've earned and talk a bit, if I may." She holds up a bag of coins, mostly silver, but with a few steel coins as well.
By the bar...
Tekel and Terth drag the limp form of the beastly barbarian next to the bar. Tekel informs Glynnis of Theron's inebriated condition. She takes a look at the unconscious form and laughs. "He don' 'ave a room 'ere. I'll get Handar t'leave him out in th' alley for th' guards ta' clean up."
She calls out to Handar, who stomps over to Theron's crumpled form, spits on his hands for grip, and grabs the man by his ankles.
Glynnis smiles at Terth. "C'n I gitcha somethin' ta drink sweetie?"
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Arvose nods "Of course we can chat. What would you like to talk about?"
Sera watched the pile of coins disappear from her side of the table and let out a deep sigh. Did I just lose a whole cow’s worth? The thought made her cringe. If her father had seen her now, he’d have lost his mind. The room spun slightly, the dizziness pressing in, and she realized that continuing the game in her condition would only lead to more losses.
"Thank you for the game, but I think I better go… maybe dunk my head in a barrel of water or something," she said with a sheepish smile, rising unsteadily to her feet.
As she stood, it hit her that finding a barrel of water in this dry, dusty outpost was about as likely as winning back her steel coins. Feeling her cheeks flush, she excused herself, mumbling about needing the toilet, and sought some privacy. Once alone, she leaned against a wall, closed her eyes, and muttered to herself, "This was stupid, Sera. You don’t even know this place."
Taking a deep breath, she hoped the lesson would stick. With a discreet gesture, she called upon her divine gift, casting Lesser Restoration. The drunken haze lifted immediately, replaced by a wave of sobriety—and a faint pang of guilt. Using her god’s blessing for something so trivial wasn’t exactly noble, but she silently hoped Paladine would have patience with a young woman simply trying to find her footing.
Composing herself, she returned to the main room and glanced at Albert. “Albert, I think I’ll step outside for a bit of air,” she said lightly, though she stopped mid-step when she spotted Handar struggling to drag the barbarian across the floor.
"Excuse me, Albert," she added quickly before heading over to help Handar, her earlier concerns about herself fading as she focused on lending a hand.
At the Card Table:
Amelista watches helplessly as Sera walks away from the game. Then shrugs and pulls up a chair. "Arvos, Albert... may I call you two that? As I mentioned before, my name is Amelista. No one ever listens to me around here, but back in the Khuri-Khan, I was a respected senator. And I'm telling you, I know corruption when I see it. This council has been infiltrated by an evil force. I just know it. And I want to route their corruption before it's too late."
Amelista gestures to the throngs of party goers. "Look around you... refugees, sell-swords, Hachakee warriors and farmers... almost everyone in the whole damn town is here. But there's someone who isn't. Someone off doing something sneaky that she would prefer no one see. This is the perfect night to catch her in the act. I know you want to rest and celebrate. But if you catch her now, you could help me unravel a conspiracy that threatens to ruin Santekh." She holds up her pouch of money. "This is all the wealth I have left. And I'd bet the whole purse that I'm right." She grips the coin purse so tightly her hand trembles. "I've seen you two... out there in the town center. You give food, water, and healing aid to those in need. You're more than just sell-swords. You care about these people, just as I do. You want to save them, not just wring them for steel on petty little quests. And you're not just here for vengeance or glory. And that makes you uniquely qualified to take on this mission. Please say you'll do it. Please say you'll investigate Dana before her co-conspirators realize we're on to her!"
At the entrance to the bar...
Handar graciously accepts Sera's help. "Thanks lass!" With your aid, the large man is easily tossed out into the alley to sleep it off. He dusts off his hands and looks down at the limp form. "There's gonna' be a lot more like tha' t'night, Sera. Th' people here've had more pain than water lately, 'n they're gonna' drink until they ferget that, ya' know." He looks around. "I feel responsible tha' we went ta' this sorry place. Used ta' be much different 'round 'ere. The Hachakee 'ad crops, an' irrigation... horses, and cattle. Where th' hells did everything go? Now's just... sand. An' why did my sister decide to stay here, of all places?"
It's unclear if Handar is talking to you anymore, or just musing. But Handar's description of this region on the boat ride over here definitely differs from your experience thus far. You expected a desert, yes. But not a wasteland. There are certainly lots of opportunities for you to help people, but it seems like these people could help themselves more by continuing the journey up to Ak-Tubal.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Sera helped Handar drag the unconscious barbarian outside, his bravado completely stripped away. Handar, clearly grateful for her help, muttered something about regretting bringing her to this barren wasteland during such troubled times. Still, he admitted that his sister had chosen to live here for reasons of her own.
Sera gave him a warm smile and pulled him into a comforting hug. "It’s all right, my friend," she said softly. "I think the gods may have wanted us here. Perhaps this is where we’re needed most. It was our choice, yes, but it still matters."
As she spoke, her eyes wandered to the barbarian lying before them. His rude demeanor and loud voice were gone, replaced by vulnerable silence. In a place as dangerous as this outpost, being helpless could mean death. Despite his awful first impression, she couldn’t help but wonder what had made him the way he was. Everyone deserved a fighting chance, even those who started off as complete jerks.
Helping people, even difficult ones, had always been her calling. It was something her father had instilled in her, and she wasn’t about to change now. Taking a deep breath, she clutched the silver triangle of Paladine hanging from her neck and closed her eyes in prayer.
"Paladine, please help this big... butthead recover," she whispered with a faint smile. "Remove the poison from his body that knocked him out. And if, by chance, you could ease his... um, gas problem as a small bonus..." She hesitated for a moment, unsure if Paladine appreciated humor, but then pressed on earnestly. "Your servant would be even more grateful."
Gently, she reached out and touched the barbarian’s bearded chin, her fingers light as a feather. With her other hand gripping her holy symbol, she invoked Lesser Restoration. A faint glow surrounded him as the divine power flowed through her, clearing the toxins from his body. Sera stepped back, hoping she’d done enough, and silently prayed that her intervention might spark something better in him.
Albert stands near and holds to his quarterstaff with both hands. Looks at Sera and chuckles: "Thesse drunks usually want to be thatttt whaeeyyy... You wooon't get a thank you, thats fooor sure!"
Looks around: "Aaaaight! Let's go get some caaandles"
After casting lesser restoration on the barbarian shee stepped back into the Dancing Dwarf Hall and noticed Amelista sitting at a table, animatedly trying to share something she clearly thought was important. Unfortunately, most people around her seemed to dismiss her as a complainer, barely paying her any attention.
Curious, Sera decided to take a seat and listen. Amelista was going on about catching someone named Dana red-handed in some sort of conspiracy. Sera hadn’t caught the beginning of the tale, but it didn’t really matter. The idea of sneaking around in the cool night air to uncover a plot sounded far more appealing than staying in the noisy, smoke-filled tavern.
Larskolstad, _Miglasezis_, Weathervision
Sera and Albert seem to have already headed toward the door, and Amelista looks to Arvos, a little concerned about how wobbly Albert looks. "I'll wait here," she says in a tone that seems almost apologetic. "I'd only be in the way if there's conflict."
Blunderdebust
Tekel sees the rest of your party heading towards the door and looks over to Terth. "Looks like your friends have had enough fun for one night. You gonna' chase the Golden Company around, or would you rather sign up with my mercenary team, where we don't coddle and kiss up to filthy kobolds?" He offers a dismissive chuckle, and lifts his cup towards you in an attempt to sell you on joining his guild over theirs.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Arovs says "Of course I am willing to investigate but may friend Albert here is quite drunk. Well maybe the fresh air will sober him up some. Let's go" says Arvos.
He will leave these celebrations and into the dusty paths of Santekh. He walks towards the candlemaker shop.
Sera watched as the remaining members of the Golden Company began to gather outside, preparing to investigate this Dana person immediately. The reserved half-elf, Avros, wasted no time, tersely remarking that he hoped the fresh air would sober Albert up before commanding the group to move out. Without waiting for a reply, he strode off toward the location, clearly expecting everyone to follow.
Albert, still swaying slightly from his earlier drinks, didn’t seem entirely steady on his feet. Meanwhile, Councilmember Amelista chose to stay behind, claiming she would wait for their return. As for the other supposed members of the Golden Company, Sera had no idea where they might be.
Feeling a pang of unease, she checked that her father’s sword was secure and ready to draw at a moment’s notice. Her shield felt solid on her arm as she fell into step behind the two original members, though the disorganization of the group weighed on her mind.
This was no disciplined military unit, despite their lofty name. The Golden Company, as it turned out, was little more than a loosely connected band of adventurers. Fancy titles aside, Sera realized she would have to watch her own back—and probably theirs too.
Albert casts light on his quarterstaff and takes a deep breath: "Aah, sssorry for my condi... condo... con.. state. I try to keep awaaay from the vices, but ummm.. they get me some times"
Looks at everyone else: "I will do the talking as there issss not much elssse I can do..."
OOC: Albert has 0 spell slots and his CHA bonus from the tasty meal.
Theron wakes up suddenly, bends at the waist and vomits violently. The sounds coming out of the Barbarian are a mixture of what a tortured demon in the Planes of Hell would scream, mixed with curses at all of the gods. He stands up and wipes the signs of his mistake from his beard with his bare arm and asks, “Where are going”?
Amelista shakes her head as she observes the motley group, and tries to have faith that this team will succeed, as they did in bringing the refugees here safely, and in bringing half the supplies back safely.
The Golden Company and the initiates make their way through the darkening streets to Dana's Dancing Lights, the candle shop run by the quiet yet caring woman who brings candles to the regugees on evenings such as this. But tonight, she is not out at the refugee camp, since there is no one to tend to. Her shop door is locked and the store seems closed for the evening. But from the store window, you can see an odd glow coming from the floor boards.
If any of you wish to attempt to pick the lock, the Slight of Hand Check is DC 15. If you wish to kick open the door, the Athletics DC is 15.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
The candle shop appeared empty, its door locked and the interior shrouded in shadow. Through the dusty window, Sera noticed a faint, odd glow emanating from beneath the floorboards—a detail that made her uneasy. As the group deliberated their next move, it became clear that none of them had any skill in lockpicking. Breaking in seemed like the only option, though Sera silently hoped they wouldn’t damage anything irreparably.
She glanced at the others and offered a practical suggestion. “I could try to disable the door—it might take a little time, but I know enough carpentry to mend any damage if I have to. Or,” she added, glancing toward the barbarian with a faint smirk, “we could go for the direct approach, kick it in, and apologize later if we’ve made a mistake. What’s the plan?”
Her words were meant to invite discussion, but she half-expected the barbarian to answer her question with action rather than words. Subtlety wasn’t exactly his strength—he was more like a rhino in a shop than a careful investigator. With that in mind, she wisely stepped aside, clearing a path for whatever came next.
Albert looks at the door and then the party. Seems that the walk has sobered his head a bit: "I have a colorful past, but lock picking is not a part of that rainbow"
Goes over to Theron and slaps his shoulder: "You were drunk. You tripped. You fell through the door. These things happen don't they?". Gives a wink.
Casts guidance on Theron - +1d4 on the Athletics check if he tries to break down the door.
Theron rolls a 19 for his ATHLETICS roll +5 bonus = 24 , plus the Guidance bonus of 3 for a total of 27.
I think that Theron opened the door.
*ka-BOOOOM!*
Splintering wood explodes into the air and the door flies free of its lock, still clinging to the frame like the foot of a collapsed bridge. The swinging door slams so hard into the wall that its upper hinge flies loose, causing the door to twist and lean precariously off the bottom hinge.
Looking inside of Dana's shop, you notice that it is built differently from most, which tend to have a dirt or stone floor. This one has wooden planks. And the glow, flickering and pulsing, seems to be emanating from the cracks in between the planks... like a heatless fire is raging underneath the floor.
Back at the Laughing Dwarf, Tekel and Terth reach an arrangement. Terth has decided to join Tekel's burgeoning mercenary guild, hunting dragonkin hides and dragon army heads. They spend the night drinking in celebration!
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Albert puts his staff in the shop and lights everything up. "I think there is a space below the floor. No point in being quiet after this well executed battering opperation."
Starts looking for a trapdoors or loose planks. He squints a lot and catches himself on his staff multiple times. Visibly still drunk.
Investigation of 23
Rolled perception by mistake. Should have been investigation, but mods are the same. As Albert is still drunk, rolled with disadvantage and added self guidance.
Behind the counter of the shop, Albert peeks under a rug to discover a secret door hidden underneath. The glow is diminishing under the floor, as if someone is dimming the lights as quickly is possible.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin