"Mole whiskers and mouse dander." Valerian mentally repeated a few times so that he wouldn't forget when he needed, trying to ignore how much this sounded like a bad plan.
There was something terribly uncomfortable about the idea of being smaller, likely offbalance and more vulnerable. Valerian looked back at his companions, being able to glean that they didn't all seem confident in this plan. Finn was the first to ask questions and Valerian found that he had several of his own.
Trying to put on a relaxed demeanor, Valerian says, "We're happy to help but I have some questions before we go on." Once he had the old man's attention, he asks, "Have any of these creatures caused you harm while you were shrunk down? Keeping in mind the infestation. Any weaknesses we should be aware of?"
Valerian tries to observe how confident/convincing Rezlin seems in his tested plan and in answering the group's various questions. (Insight check: 17)
“Ah yes, I nearly forgot. There is a bit of an infestation, well, let’s call it more of a nuisance. The ants tend to get aggressive, you see. When you’re 3 inches tall, the ants are still small to you, like large rodents, easily fended off, you just need to keep your guard up is all. I’m working on a potion that will soothe them but its not ready yet, I need to make sure its safe before I release it into the environment.”
Rezlin seems confident in what he’s saying. You get a sense that he’s not really worried about the ants as a true danger.
"Hmmm this is different and quite unexpected!" Says Aralin. He continues, "I wonder what its like to experience the world around us so small? The idea appeals to Aralin's fey perspective on the world.
"I am happy to do so if everyone else is, what could go wrong? Rezlin's passion and obvious intellect seems like he knows what he doing". And with that Aralin stands to the side to hear what everyone else thinks.
“Yes, quite right, there’s the adventuring spirit! You’re going to do quite well on this little mission, I can tell!” Rezlin gives a smarmy smile and his eyes rove over Aralin as he says this, eagerly, almost hungrily.
Seraphine listens intently as Rezlin explains his plan, her eyes narrowing slightly with each new detail. The idea of being shrunk down to the size of an insect fills her with unease. As Rezlin finishes, she speaks up, her expression serious. "I appreciate your ingenuity, Rezlin," she begins, her tone cautious but respectful. "However, there are several concerns. First, your cat. It already seems aggressive, and at our reduced size, we'd be easy prey. Can you ensure it won't be stalking the garden while we're out there?" She glances at the peculiar bees. "Then there are your bees to contend with. Their purple eyes are unusual, and I can't help but feel they might be more aggressive. Can you guarantee they won't pose a threat to us while we're gathering the reagents?"
Her eyes scan the garden, imagining the myriad dangers they might face. "And what about other predators—spiders, birds, even ants could be a threat at that size. Have you accounted for these dangers? It’s one thing to shrink down, but another entirely to navigate a garden filled with potential threats." She looks to Valerian and Finn, acknowledging their concerns. "Valerian has a point about the potential harm these creatures could cause, and Finn's concern about the potion's reliability is valid. Have you thoroughly tested this shrinking potion? Is there a way to end its effect more rapidly, if not with immediate effect? You know, just in case we are in mortal danger and need to abandon the ingredient hunt?"
Seraphine's expression remains stern. "We need assurances that your plan is safe and that we've considered all the possible risks. It's one thing to face danger at our normal size, but quite another when we're defenseless and small. Your passion is clear, but our safety is paramount." She waits for Rezlin's response, hoping he can address their worries convincingly (Insight: 22).
Rezlin’s eyes glitter as he grins at you, Seraphine. “And here she is, the leader of the bunch. Every party has one. You wear it well.”
“You’re right about my cat. Her name is Tapdance, and she would happily stalk you. Hell, she would stalk me if I shrank again. That’s why I’ll have her in this cage until you’re safe and sound, back to your normal size and collecting your sizable fee.” He sweeps aside a few dishes and books that had been sitting on a crate in a corner and you see that it is, in fact, an apparently well-constructed cage.
“As for the bees, they won’t bother you. Their behavior has been modified, true, but they won’t care about you. They’re focused on foraging, pollinating, bee-things. You know, they only sting in self-defense.”
Her eyes scan the garden, imagining the myriad dangers they might face. "And what about other predators—spiders, birds, even ants could be a threat at that size. Have you accounted for these dangers? It’s one thing to shrink down, but another entirely to navigate a garden filled with potential threats." She looks to Valerian and Finn, acknowledging their concerns. "Valerian has a point about the potential harm these creatures could cause, and Finn's concern about the potion's reliability is valid. Have you thoroughly tested this shrinking potion? Is there a way to end its effect more rapidly, if not with immediate effect? You know, just in case we are in mortal danger and need to abandon the ingredient hunt?"
Seraphine's expression remains stern. "We need assurances that your plan is safe and that we've considered all the possible risks. It's one thing to face danger at our normal size, but quite another when we're defenseless and small. Your passion is clear, but our safety is paramount." She waits for Rezlin's response, hoping he can address their worries convincingly (Insight: 22).
“I admit that the task is not without danger. That’s why I posted on an adventurer board. Are you not an adventurer? And I’ll pay you handsomely. 50 gold each! My potions are sometimes lucrative, and it has provided me with the means to reimburse you for the danger.”
“As for an antidote, no, I’ve never thought to make one before. The effects wear off soon enough. If you find yourself in trouble, you can hunker down and wait it out.”
“I’ll remind you that I’ve done this myself. I have utmost confidence that you will succeed. Your earnestness, your strength of will, becomes you. I have no doubt that you will do the most admirable job. You will keep your party safe and whole. You are a quintessential adventurer!”
Rezlin seems to get more excited as he finishes his little speech. His eyes rove over you, not in a lecherous way, but as though you were exactly the sort of adventurer he was hoping would arrive. Far from annoyed at your questions, he seems quite pleased at your display of backbone.
Seraphine listens intently as Rezlin explains his plan, her eyes narrowing slightly with each new detail. The idea of being shrunk down to the size of an insect fills her with unease. As Rezlin finishes, she speaks up, her expression serious. "I appreciate your ingenuity, Rezlin," she begins, her tone cautious but respectful. "However, there are several concerns. First, your cat. It already seems aggressive, and at our reduced size, we'd be easy prey. Can you ensure it won't be stalking the garden while we're out there?" She glances at the peculiar bees. "Then there are your bees to contend with. Their purple eyes are unusual, and I can't help but feel they might be more aggressive. Can you guarantee they won't pose a threat to us while we're gathering the reagents?"
Her eyes scan the garden, imagining the myriad dangers they might face. "And what about other predators—spiders, birds, even ants could be a threat at that size. Have you accounted for these dangers? It’s one thing to shrink down, but another entirely to navigate a garden filled with potential threats." She looks to Valerian and Finn, acknowledging their concerns. "Valerian has a point about the potential harm these creatures could cause, and Finn's concern about the potion's reliability is valid. Have you thoroughly tested this shrinking potion? Is there a way to end its effect more rapidly, if not with immediate effect? You know, just in case we are in mortal danger and need to abandon the ingredient hunt?"
Seraphine's expression remains stern. "We need assurances that your plan is safe and that we've considered all the possible risks. It's one thing to face danger at our normal size, but quite another when we're defenseless and small. Your passion is clear, but our safety is paramount." She waits for Rezlin's response, hoping he can address their worries convincingly (Insight: 22).
Rezlin’s eyes glitter as he grins at you, Seraphine. “And here she is, the leader of the bunch. Every party has one. You wear it well.”
“You’re right about my cat. Her name is Tapdance, and she would happily stalk you. Hell, she would stalk me if I shrank again. That’s why I’ll have her in this cage until you’re safe and sound, back to your normal size and collecting your sizable fee.” He sweeps aside a few dishes and books that had been sitting on a crate in a corner and you see that it is, in fact, an apparently well-constructed cage.
Aralin, hearing the mention of the cat 'Tapdance' he begins to get nervous and a bit more so at Rezlin's over eagerness towards him, now with Seraphine's analysis regarding the possibilty of them been cat-food or fodder for other things, no withstanding there being no antidote he is now starting to question whats going on here! [Aralin rolls a perception check: 11]
Seraphine listens carefully to Rezlin's responses, weighing his confidence and the assurances he provides. She remains vigilant but sees the logic in his explanations. "Very well, Rezlin," she says firmly, "I can't speak for the others but I'll take on this task. Just make sure Tapdance is securely caged."
She glances at her companions, then back to Rezlin. "We'll need containers for the reagents. How much of each do we need to gather? And what do the creatures normally ask from you in return for the... ahem... substances? I guess dander won't be very valuable to a mouse, perhaps you could part with some cheese? But then you ask for whiskers. If I were a mole, I wouldn't want to part with my whiskers for naught... I guess."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Weighing the answers, Finn feels very satisfied that he is not being thrown into an unwinnable arena again. Rezlin does not wish to see them suffer, he simply requires a task done. With Tapdance caged, the worst of the problems seem to be ants. He feels confident that ants will prove no issue compared to the well traveled and well equipped bunch he has found himself amongst. His tail begins to flick and swish again casually, returning to a more relaxed state.
In the back of the group, Finn quietly checks the folded parchment he keeps tucked inside his tunic. Running down the list, he finds "take potion other than healing." He realizes this will check an item off the list, he smiles slyly: refolding and placing the parchment back in his shirt next to his heart. "I am content with your answers, sir. I'm here for adventure, and it seems an adventure is what I'm going to get!"
Once they get clarification on how to retrieve the dander and whiskers, he eagerly holds his pawed hand out ready to take the shrinking potion.
Rezlin turns to Finn and says, “You seem the obvious choice for this. Same instincts and all that. I’ll ask you to collect Tapdance for me and get her in the cage, while I get the potions and such ready.”
He scuttles out of the room. Tapdance is glaring at you from under a small table. I’m going to need an animal handling check from Finn. (Mostly for fun)
Once that business is done, assuming Finn is successful…
Rezlin returns with a wooden rack holding four glass jars, each full of a swirling green liquid. It smells of cinnamon, half-decayed autumn leaves, and sour bile. He also distributes several cloths to each of you and suggests that you simply cut off the mole whiskers with whatever sharp objects you’ve got with you, knives and so on, then fold the whiskers into the cloth, nothing fancy. He can spot each of you a small knife if you don’t have one.
“The best part is, when you grow larger, if you’ve got these in your pockets or in your pack, the whiskers will grow larger too!”
For the dander, he suggests rubbing down the mice with more of the cloths. “Enough of the stuff for my purposes will be deposited onto the cloth.”
To butter up the critters (his words), Rezlin will also give you each a small packet of dead beetles for the moles, and a bit of bread for the mice. “I know everyone thinks mice love cheese, but they love this wheat bread even more.”
Once you’re ready to proceed, he’ll lead you out to the garden and up the path so that you’re next to the flower patch. He’ll distribute the jars of green liquid and explain the procedure.
”Drink it down quickly, then place your jar back in the rack, or it’ll shrink down with you. You’ll be here on this flagstone, then just pop on over to the flower garden and you’ll be on your way!”
Not offended by the request, Finn crouches down in a squat, but doesn't get on all fours being conscious of how he's perceived by his new friends. At a foot or two's distance away, he'll extend his hand, palm up, to show a friendly body language. "Tapdance, I know this is your home, I just wanted to properly say hello." Animal Handling: 4
Not offended by the request, Finn crouches down in a squat, but doesn't get on all fours being conscious of how he's perceived by his new friends. At a foot or two's distance away, he'll extend his hand, palm up, to show a friendly body language. "Tapdance, I know this is your home, I just wanted to properly say hello." Animal Handling: 4
(OOC: Sheesh lmaooooo almost could not have gone worse)
If I can, I'd like to make an acrobatics check to leap after Tapdance and try to catch him. Finn's determined now.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Stop acting like my sister! You little..." Finn, from his crouched position, attempts an agile leap over the table to surprise Tapdance on the other side when he takes off. He'll swipe out with his rather large pawed hands for his size and try to collect the cat into his arms 18
He will rise from the undignified display, brushing dirt and lint from his pants. "Sorry you all had to see that."
The cat evades his initial grab as she leaps backwards, the low table providing adequate coverage, and now that all of Finn’s cards are on the table, Tapdance lets him know how she feels as well, with the arched back, bristled tail, hiss and spit. With another lunge around the table, Finn gets the black cat in his hands. She writhes and twists and gets a good bite on his paw before he secures her in the cage.
The good news is that the cage is sturdy and well-constructed.
Tapdance gives you all the most withering stare of hatred you can imagine.
Seraphine takes the jar of green liquid from Rezlin, examining it briefly before turning to her companions. "Let's get this over with," she says, her voice steady. "Remember, we stick together." Seraphine thinks to herself that having companions by her side brings a sense of unity and strength. The feeling of community, even in the face of the unknown, bolsters her resolve.
She waits until everyone has their jar, then raises hers slightly. "For the task ahead," she says, her tone carrying a sense of camaraderie and determination. With a swift motion, she brings the jar to her lips and drinks it down in one gulp. The liquid is bitter, but she swallows it without hesitation, feeling a strange tingling sensation as it takes effect. Quickly but carefully, she places her empty jar back in the rack before the world around her begins to grow...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
(And here I sit feeling guilty that I'm stretching her leadership abilities too much with a Charisma of 8. But, well, I guess there must be a few less charismatic leaders out there. Thanks for the inspiration!)
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Watching Seraphine reach for the potion, Valerian takes one of his own, trying to ignore the unpleasant smell that wafted out of it. He was equally wary about this job and confident in the people accompanying him. In mere minutes, Seraphine had stepped up as their leader and Valerian was glad for it. It was reassuring knowing they had a sturdy team. "All luck to us," He adds, raising his glass with a smile before swallowing the potion down in one gulp. Valerian tries not to make a face as the strange taste rushes through his throat and wonders at the last second whether this weapons would shrink with him. He doesnt like the idea of poking threats with needles.
Aralin, to takes a potion and complies with its instructions, 'Sa'lute' he says to the rest of the team. Let's see where this leads he thinks to himself.
Once he finishes tying a wrap around his bit paw, Finn will take his glass. "Here's to five seconds of bravery!" He'll toss it down and set the glass back like Rezlin instructed. "Woah, we're really shriiiinnkiiiiing," he'll say as they all leave their original heights.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Rori // Phandelver
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“Ah yes, I nearly forgot. There is a bit of an infestation, well, let’s call it more of a nuisance. The ants tend to get aggressive, you see. When you’re 3 inches tall, the ants are still small to you, like large rodents, easily fended off, you just need to keep your guard up is all. I’m working on a potion that will soothe them but its not ready yet, I need to make sure its safe before I release it into the environment.”
Rezlin seems confident in what he’s saying. You get a sense that he’s not really worried about the ants as a true danger.
“Yes, quite right, there’s the adventuring spirit! You’re going to do quite well on this little mission, I can tell!” Rezlin gives a smarmy smile and his eyes rove over Aralin as he says this, eagerly, almost hungrily.
Rezlin’s eyes glitter as he grins at you, Seraphine. “And here she is, the leader of the bunch. Every party has one. You wear it well.”
“You’re right about my cat. Her name is Tapdance, and she would happily stalk you. Hell, she would stalk me if I shrank again. That’s why I’ll have her in this cage until you’re safe and sound, back to your normal size and collecting your sizable fee.” He sweeps aside a few dishes and books that had been sitting on a crate in a corner and you see that it is, in fact, an apparently well-constructed cage.
“As for the bees, they won’t bother you. Their behavior has been modified, true, but they won’t care about you. They’re focused on foraging, pollinating, bee-things. You know, they only sting in self-defense.”
(Post will continue)
“I admit that the task is not without danger. That’s why I posted on an adventurer board. Are you not an adventurer? And I’ll pay you handsomely. 50 gold each! My potions are sometimes lucrative, and it has provided me with the means to reimburse you for the danger.”
“As for an antidote, no, I’ve never thought to make one before. The effects wear off soon enough. If you find yourself in trouble, you can hunker down and wait it out.”
“I’ll remind you that I’ve done this myself. I have utmost confidence that you will succeed. Your earnestness, your strength of will, becomes you. I have no doubt that you will do the most admirable job. You will keep your party safe and whole. You are a quintessential adventurer!”
Rezlin seems to get more excited as he finishes his little speech. His eyes rove over you, not in a lecherous way, but as though you were exactly the sort of adventurer he was hoping would arrive. Far from annoyed at your questions, he seems quite pleased at your display of backbone.
Aralin, hearing the mention of the cat 'Tapdance' he begins to get nervous and a bit more so at Rezlin's over eagerness towards him, now with Seraphine's analysis regarding the possibilty of them been cat-food or fodder for other things, no withstanding there being no antidote he is now starting to question whats going on here! [Aralin rolls a perception check: 11]
Seraphine listens carefully to Rezlin's responses, weighing his confidence and the assurances he provides. She remains vigilant but sees the logic in his explanations. "Very well, Rezlin," she says firmly, "I can't speak for the others but I'll take on this task. Just make sure Tapdance is securely caged."
She glances at her companions, then back to Rezlin. "We'll need containers for the reagents. How much of each do we need to gather? And what do the creatures normally ask from you in return for the... ahem... substances? I guess dander won't be very valuable to a mouse, perhaps you could part with some cheese? But then you ask for whiskers. If I were a mole, I wouldn't want to part with my whiskers for naught... I guess."
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Weighing the answers, Finn feels very satisfied that he is not being thrown into an unwinnable arena again. Rezlin does not wish to see them suffer, he simply requires a task done. With Tapdance caged, the worst of the problems seem to be ants. He feels confident that ants will prove no issue compared to the well traveled and well equipped bunch he has found himself amongst. His tail begins to flick and swish again casually, returning to a more relaxed state.
In the back of the group, Finn quietly checks the folded parchment he keeps tucked inside his tunic. Running down the list, he finds "take potion other than healing." He realizes this will check an item off the list, he smiles slyly: refolding and placing the parchment back in his shirt next to his heart. "I am content with your answers, sir. I'm here for adventure, and it seems an adventure is what I'm going to get!"
Once they get clarification on how to retrieve the dander and whiskers, he eagerly holds his pawed hand out ready to take the shrinking potion.
Rori // Phandelver
Rezlin turns to Finn and says, “You seem the obvious choice for this. Same instincts and all that. I’ll ask you to collect Tapdance for me and get her in the cage, while I get the potions and such ready.”
He scuttles out of the room. Tapdance is glaring at you from under a small table. I’m going to need an animal handling check from Finn. (Mostly for fun)
Once that business is done, assuming Finn is successful…
Rezlin returns with a wooden rack holding four glass jars, each full of a swirling green liquid. It smells of cinnamon, half-decayed autumn leaves, and sour bile. He also distributes several cloths to each of you and suggests that you simply cut off the mole whiskers with whatever sharp objects you’ve got with you, knives and so on, then fold the whiskers into the cloth, nothing fancy. He can spot each of you a small knife if you don’t have one.
“The best part is, when you grow larger, if you’ve got these in your pockets or in your pack, the whiskers will grow larger too!”
For the dander, he suggests rubbing down the mice with more of the cloths. “Enough of the stuff for my purposes will be deposited onto the cloth.”
To butter up the critters (his words), Rezlin will also give you each a small packet of dead beetles for the moles, and a bit of bread for the mice. “I know everyone thinks mice love cheese, but they love this wheat bread even more.”
Once you’re ready to proceed, he’ll lead you out to the garden and up the path so that you’re next to the flower patch. He’ll distribute the jars of green liquid and explain the procedure.
”Drink it down quickly, then place your jar back in the rack, or it’ll shrink down with you. You’ll be here on this flagstone, then just pop on over to the flower garden and you’ll be on your way!”
Not offended by the request, Finn crouches down in a squat, but doesn't get on all fours being conscious of how he's perceived by his new friends. At a foot or two's distance away, he'll extend his hand, palm up, to show a friendly body language. "Tapdance, I know this is your home, I just wanted to properly say hello." Animal Handling: 4
Rori // Phandelver
(OOC: Sheesh lmaooooo almost could not have gone worse)
If I can, I'd like to make an acrobatics check to leap after Tapdance and try to catch him. Finn's determined now.
Rori // Phandelver
Please do so. Tapdance clearly hates your guts and is not going to go quietly.
"Stop acting like my sister! You little..." Finn, from his crouched position, attempts an agile leap over the table to surprise Tapdance on the other side when he takes off. He'll swipe out with his rather large pawed hands for his size and try to collect the cat into his arms 18
He will rise from the undignified display, brushing dirt and lint from his pants. "Sorry you all had to see that."
Rori // Phandelver
The cat evades his initial grab as she leaps backwards, the low table providing adequate coverage, and now that all of Finn’s cards are on the table, Tapdance lets him know how she feels as well, with the arched back, bristled tail, hiss and spit. With another lunge around the table, Finn gets the black cat in his hands. She writhes and twists and gets a good bite on his paw before he secures her in the cage.
The good news is that the cage is sturdy and well-constructed.
Tapdance gives you all the most withering stare of hatred you can imagine.
Ok now fast forward to the garden, Rezlin is offering you the green potions.
Seraphine takes the jar of green liquid from Rezlin, examining it briefly before turning to her companions. "Let's get this over with," she says, her voice steady. "Remember, we stick together." Seraphine thinks to herself that having companions by her side brings a sense of unity and strength. The feeling of community, even in the face of the unknown, bolsters her resolve.
She waits until everyone has their jar, then raises hers slightly. "For the task ahead," she says, her tone carrying a sense of camaraderie and determination. With a swift motion, she brings the jar to her lips and drinks it down in one gulp. The liquid is bitter, but she swallows it without hesitation, feeling a strange tingling sensation as it takes effect. Quickly but carefully, she places her empty jar back in the rack before the world around her begins to grow...
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Seraphine, take inspiration for showing bold fearless leadership!
(I’m really bad at remembering to give out inspiration but I want to work on that)
(And here I sit feeling guilty that I'm stretching her leadership abilities too much with a Charisma of 8. But, well, I guess there must be a few less charismatic leaders out there. Thanks for the inspiration!)
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Watching Seraphine reach for the potion, Valerian takes one of his own, trying to ignore the unpleasant smell that wafted out of it.
He was equally wary about this job and confident in the people accompanying him. In mere minutes, Seraphine had stepped up as their leader and Valerian was glad for it. It was reassuring knowing they had a sturdy team.
"All luck to us," He adds, raising his glass with a smile before swallowing the potion down in one gulp. Valerian tries not to make a face as the strange taste rushes through his throat and wonders at the last second whether this weapons would shrink with him. He doesnt like the idea of poking threats with needles.
Aralin, to takes a potion and complies with its instructions, 'Sa'lute' he says to the rest of the team. Let's see where this leads he thinks to himself.
Once he finishes tying a wrap around his bit paw, Finn will take his glass. "Here's to five seconds of bravery!" He'll toss it down and set the glass back like Rezlin instructed. "Woah, we're really shriiiinnkiiiiing," he'll say as they all leave their original heights.
Rori // Phandelver