It's not hard to spot the other drains - a place this size must attract quite a volume of groundwater - and the lines of guttering converge toward a line down the middle of the market. There are occasional stone slabs that have bronze handles set in them, almost buried beneath the surface muck - but they look heavy, and lifting one would attract a lot of curious eyes.
Tuu'Saayn moves a bit closer to the hustle and bustle of the market. His eyes scan the place for a ground zero for his distraction. He can't suppress a wicked grin when he sees the ale vendor, still slinging mugs to the already inebriated farmers. He does a quick about face to rejoin the group.
"Get ready to muscle up," he says. "I'm going to create a distraction. I suspect you will hear it and know what to do."
Whether the party wants to crowbar the lock or try and open the drain grate he will cast thaumaturgy, targeting the ale vendor area. Slipping quietly into the shadows, he waits for his opportunity. When nobody is close he begins to chant softly. Calling on his innate magical ability his voice (trying to match the ale guy) booms out, "Free ale for the next five minutes!"
He then casually walks back to the group.
Deception. Stealth. Dirty 20
***OoC: this is all assuming the group agrees. If anyone objects or has a different idea he will wait for the groups decision. DM ADV on deception because they are already drunk??***
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
It doesn't take much to whip the already nervous crowd up into a frenzy: Would-be patrons rush the bar and start trying to help themselves, breaking the taps on the two barrels and thrusting mugs under the free-flowing streams of ale.
The barman breaks out a wooden club and sets about them, while the servers mill about in confusion and more people crowd toward the bar.
One over eager customer falls with a nasty wound on their head, another draws a knife and lunges at the barman. Some of the servers move in to try and break up the scuffle, while other former customers overturn tables, throw chairs and rush to join the fight against the barman.
Tuu'Saayn hears the sound of deep, deep laughter - but it isn't coming from anywhere he can pinpoint, and seems somehow separate from all the other noises.
[Well, there's a huge distraction going on - there's a good chance that nothing the party does in the next few minutes will attract any attention, and, with the watch out of the picture, a chance that people are going to die because of it.]
[see, sometimes it lets me post just the diceroll, and add the text once I see what it is, and sometimes it complains - no idea why, but that was a 9 on the roll for things to go according to plan, not a 16...]
“Oh-ho yes,” Gus exclaims, voice cracking with joy. “This is it. This is the moment I’ll tell my grandchildren about. ‘Sit down, kids. Let me tell you how Tuu’Saayn weaponized a bar tab.’”
He glanced sideways at the others, eyes wide. “Do you see this? This is what subtlety looks like when it’s holding a megaphone and lighting the fuse.”
Then, under his breath: “Gods, I hope someone tips over a table.”
***OoC. Oh shit. Well, good news bad news everybody. I had hoped for party input before lighting the fuse, but... it worked?!? And how does the saying go," you gotta break a few eggs to mKe an omelet. " Breakfast is served.***
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Gryn runs over to the stone slab, standing squarely in the middle of it he grabs the handle and tries to lift it up.
Not sure if this is even possible as he is standing atop the same stone slab he is trying to lift.
STR: 11
"Ugghhh! Almost got it! Give me a minute! I can feel it about to let go!"
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.”
[The Halfling is straining to tear a bronze handle from a slab that weighs more than he does: The only good news is that the added weight of an armoured Halflling wouldn't make opening the long-sealed slab significantly more difficult!]
***OoC. Oh shit. Well, good news bad news everybody. I had hoped for party input before lighting the fuse, but... it worked?!? And how does the saying go," you gotta break a few eggs to mKe an omelet. " Breakfast is served.***
[It's a PBP, so we keep the story moving and sort out the details as we go. The rules around declaring actions in advance are much looser than tabletop, you have leeway to fill in minor details that fit with the scene (like Tuu'Saayn's ale vendor) and I'll only retcon things where they really don't fit the as-yet unrevealed secret plot...
Of course, if no-one takes advantage of the distraction, that's fine too - there's plenty of time left on the ticking clock!]
Tuu'Saayn looks anxiously around for Torm and the crowbar. When they get that in action he uses his spear to assist, adding more leverage to the effort. He does not fancy the spear, so he pokes and pries with abandon at the edges of the drain.
Beginning to sweat from the effort (if they are not ssuccessfu) he says, "We might get to break that ($*×:?!÷#;#÷ **draconic swearing**) lock. We could rig it to look intact once we are through the gate..." Somehow, despite sparking a small scale war, he was still trying to be subtle.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Gus watches Tuu’Saayn go at the drain with spear and purpose. His fists clenched. His eyes sparkled. His entire soul vibrated with glee.
“That’s it! That’s it, use your legs—use your legs! Get in there like you’re prying open the vault of a dragon that owes you rent!”
He slapped the side of a nearby barrel for emphasis. “Look at him go! By the gods, I’ve never been so proud of one individual breaking so many city ordinances in such quick succession.”
As the spear scraps and groans against the rusted edge of the drain, Gus punches the air like it personally insulted him.
“Rip it up like a tax notice! You’re beautiful, Tuu—absolutely beautiful! We’re making history here! Or at least misdemeanors!”
He leans toward the others, whispering with reverence, “This is the stuff of legends. Someone write this down. No, seriously—someone who can write, write this down.”
Torm follows the merchants directions and soon finds Urin’s stall. Just as Torm inquires about a crowbar, a massive ruckus breaks out back at the tavern, clearly getting Urin’s attention.
The Paladin picks up the crowbar leaves 2 gold for the merchant, who is more interested in trying to see what is going at he tavern.
Tucking the crowbar close to his side, Torm quickly makes his way back toward Tuu’Sayn. “Well, monk. Seems you have a way with people. Come, let’s see what lies beyond that lock.
The two of them make their way back to the locked gate. With Tuu’Sayn’s help, they attempt to pry the lock open using the crowbar and spear for extra leverage.
Quote from _Slayter_>>The two of them make their way back to the locked gate. With Tuu’Sayn’s help, they attempt to pry the lock open using the crowbar and spear for extra leverage.
Athletics: 17
[What's your Oath, Paladin? Can't see it on your character sheet!
Your actions in this scene will shape and define all your characters, and in your case could greatly restrict which oaths you have access to.
Gus' whole thing is Fey Chaos - he's in his element
There are plenty of Gods of Chaos and Mischief that will still listen to Gryn, even if the 'nice' ones won't touch him
Tuu'Saayn can be a Chaos Monk if he likes - not a problem.
But there's only so many types of Paladin that can follow the path of Chaos you're headed down, so you might want to pick one to avoid future disappointment...]
[What's your Oath, Paladin? Can't see it on your character sheet!
[The plan was Oath of Vengeance at level 3]
[ Oh, I can work with that - and you can go right ahead and let those people die without another thought.
Everyone who meets you will probably feel at least fear - anyone less than righteous will probably hate you on sight - so you're going to be limited in your interactions with NPCs
Given any thought to your 'sworn foes' yet? You don't have to decide 'till Level 3, but it might be good to know before then.]
Tuu'Saayn looks anxiously around for Torm and the crowbar. When they get that in action he uses his spear to assist, adding more leverage to the effort. He does not fancy the spear, so he pokes and pries with abandon at the edges of the drain.
Beginning to sweat from the effort (if they are not ssuccessfu) he says, "We might get to break that ($*×:?!÷#;#÷ **draconic swearing**) lock. We could rig it to look intact once we are through the gate..." Somehow, despite sparking a small scale war, he was still trying to be subtle.
There's no sign of Torm - Tuu'Saayn last saw him at the hardware store, then lost him in the crowd.
Gryn is standing _on_ the slab he's trying to lift, Gus is shouting encouragement but doing nothing to help (and he's the only one of the group who might have the deep understanding of basic mechanical forces like leverage) and the spear is not doing any more than jiggle the slab from side to side a little: There's not enough of an opening to get it underneath and pry, though it has loosened the thing.
[Party has their wires crossed: All we get are pretty sparks!]
The two of them make their way back to the locked gate. With Tuu’Sayn’s help, they attempt to pry the lock open using the crowbar and spear for extra leverage.
Athletics: 17
Mistaking the plan, Torm finds himself back at the gate alone - there's no sign of the rest of the group. [They went to lift the slab instead]
He manages to get the tip of the bar between the padlock and the gate, and by throwing all his weight on it repeatedly, bends the bolt far enough for it to just come loose from its anchoring hole. That just leaves a single bolt (and an identical padlock) lower down.
**OoC: based on the information we have, people are missing and the clues are beginning to point to involvement to some extent of the watch - the party believes (please correct me if I'm off base ya'all) that innocents have been taken by force and are most likely beyond beyond the gate we can't get by, and the watch has for some reason left the market entirely. From my perspective any good aligned character would want to help them, any lawful character (like Tuu'Saayn) could be highly upset by the failure of the higher upside to enforce those laws and protect the people. There is also intent: the "incident" AKA "weaponization of a bar tab" (ty for that Gus, I quite literally lol at Gusses excitable demeanor and his creators magnificent use of the English language) was intended to create a diversion that would allow the group to ultimately help people and work against the corruption they found.
In Tuu'Saayn's case, the guilt he will feel from injuries or gods forbid death sparked from his actions woiuld ultimately lead him to the path of a healer (hand of mercy: the hand that harms should also heal), had he picked the lock none of the rest would have happened (possible rogue dip as he is having a hard time letting go of his failure; he could try and turn a weakness into a strength): I had a few ideas based on the flow of the adventure so far , but really wanted the twists, turns, and dice rolls to help make those choises.
Based on those things, I saw a group of "enthusiastic" do gooders who took 2 steps and fell face first into a situation way bigger than they anticipated, but still guided by a desire to help. Of course, the DMs calls will be respected and your input will shape the course of our parties growth, but I respectfully submit that intentions and how the characters feel or believe about the situation should also be considered in future development and advancement.
Also, thinking of Drizzt, perhaps a diety of chaos has taken an interest in the group (creepy laughter after market shenanigans got me thinking of this). A well intentioned group who always seem to end up over their heads and making messes to fix messes could create some cool role playing scenes and moral conundrums.
Just the random thoughts of an old RPG guy playing in a new format (lots of Fantasy Grounds and IRL, first try back in pbp after many, many)**
Gryn Shadowquick is a halfling but serves the elven god, Erevan Ilesere, god of trickery, mischief, and rogues.
My plan is go to Trickery Domain at level 3 (wait... is this 2014 or 2024 rules?)
Either way, still Trickery Domain.
Gryn stops for a moment and adjusts his hat where it had shifted and slipped down over his eyes. When he can see again he notices Torm is no longer with them.
"Oh no! It's got Torm now! We have to hurry and get this open!"
He then goes right back to pulling futilely on the bronze handle, redoubling his efforts, huffing and puffing with the strain.
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.”
[OOC; You're spot on with your read of Gus—he's quite frankly having the time of his life (though I do hope he isn’t too much for the team). I’ve never had a DM use "moments" as a tool to define character growth before, and I really appreciate the approach. While I had a few ideas for Gus’s progression, I’m more than happy to collaborate and let his development unfold organically through actions and your observations.]
Now... Back to the action.....
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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It's not hard to spot the other drains - a place this size must attract quite a volume of groundwater - and the lines of guttering converge toward a line down the middle of the market. There are occasional stone slabs that have bronze handles set in them, almost buried beneath the surface muck - but they look heavy, and lifting one would attract a lot of curious eyes.
Tuu'Saayn moves a bit closer to the hustle and bustle of the market. His eyes scan the place for a ground zero for his distraction. He can't suppress a wicked grin when he sees the ale vendor, still slinging mugs to the already inebriated farmers. He does a quick about face to rejoin the group.
"Get ready to muscle up," he says. "I'm going to create a distraction. I suspect you will hear it and know what to do."
Whether the party wants to crowbar the lock or try and open the drain grate he will cast thaumaturgy, targeting the ale vendor area. Slipping quietly into the shadows, he waits for his opportunity. When nobody is close he begins to chant softly. Calling on his innate magical ability his voice (trying to match the ale guy) booms out, "Free ale for the next five minutes!"
He then casually walks back to the group.
Deception. Stealth. Dirty 20
***OoC: this is all assuming the group agrees. If anyone objects or has a different idea he will wait for the groups decision. DM ADV on deception because they are already drunk??***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
15
It doesn't take much to whip the already nervous crowd up into a frenzy: Would-be patrons rush the bar and start trying to help themselves, breaking the taps on the two barrels and thrusting mugs under the free-flowing streams of ale.
The barman breaks out a wooden club and sets about them, while the servers mill about in confusion and more people crowd toward the bar.
One over eager customer falls with a nasty wound on their head, another draws a knife and lunges at the barman. Some of the servers move in to try and break up the scuffle, while other former customers overturn tables, throw chairs and rush to join the fight against the barman.
Tuu'Saayn hears the sound of deep, deep laughter - but it isn't coming from anywhere he can pinpoint, and seems somehow separate from all the other noises.
[Well, there's a huge distraction going on - there's a good chance that nothing the party does in the next few minutes will attract any attention, and, with the watch out of the picture, a chance that people are going to die because of it.]
[see, sometimes it lets me post just the diceroll, and add the text once I see what it is, and sometimes it complains - no idea why, but that was a 9 on the roll for things to go according to plan, not a 16...]
“Oh-ho yes,” Gus exclaims, voice cracking with joy. “This is it. This is the moment I’ll tell my grandchildren about. ‘Sit down, kids. Let me tell you how Tuu’Saayn weaponized a bar tab.’”
He glanced sideways at the others, eyes wide. “Do you see this? This is what subtlety looks like when it’s holding a megaphone and lighting the fuse.”
Then, under his breath: “Gods, I hope someone tips over a table.”
***OoC. Oh shit. Well, good news bad news everybody. I had hoped for party input before lighting the fuse, but... it worked?!? And how does the saying go," you gotta break a few eggs to mKe an omelet. " Breakfast is served.***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Gryn runs over to the stone slab, standing squarely in the middle of it he grabs the handle and tries to lift it up.
Not sure if this is even possible as he is standing atop the same stone slab he is trying to lift.
STR: 11
"Ugghhh! Almost got it! Give me a minute! I can feel it about to let go!"
[The Halfling is straining to tear a bronze handle from a slab that weighs more than he does: The only good news is that the added weight of an armoured Halflling wouldn't make opening the long-sealed slab significantly more difficult!]
[It's a PBP, so we keep the story moving and sort out the details as we go. The rules around declaring actions in advance are much looser than tabletop, you have leeway to fill in minor details that fit with the scene (like Tuu'Saayn's ale vendor) and I'll only retcon things where they really don't fit the as-yet unrevealed secret plot...
Of course, if no-one takes advantage of the distraction, that's fine too - there's plenty of time left on the ticking clock!]
Tuu'Saayn looks anxiously around for Torm and the crowbar. When they get that in action he uses his spear to assist, adding more leverage to the effort. He does not fancy the spear, so he pokes and pries with abandon at the edges of the drain.
Beginning to sweat from the effort (if they are not ssuccessfu) he says, "We might get to break that ($*×:?!÷#;#÷ **draconic swearing**) lock. We could rig it to look intact once we are through the gate..." Somehow, despite sparking a small scale war, he was still trying to be subtle.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Gus watches Tuu’Saayn go at the drain with spear and purpose. His fists clenched. His eyes sparkled. His entire soul vibrated with glee.
“That’s it! That’s it, use your legs—use your legs! Get in there like you’re prying open the vault of a dragon that owes you rent!”
He slapped the side of a nearby barrel for emphasis. “Look at him go! By the gods, I’ve never been so proud of one individual breaking so many city ordinances in such quick succession.”
As the spear scraps and groans against the rusted edge of the drain, Gus punches the air like it personally insulted him.
“Rip it up like a tax notice! You’re beautiful, Tuu—absolutely beautiful! We’re making history here! Or at least misdemeanors!”
He leans toward the others, whispering with reverence, “This is the stuff of legends. Someone write this down. No, seriously—someone who can write, write this down.”
Torm follows the merchants directions and soon finds Urin’s stall. Just as Torm inquires about a crowbar, a massive ruckus breaks out back at the tavern, clearly getting Urin’s attention.
The Paladin picks up the crowbar leaves 2 gold for the merchant, who is more interested in trying to see what is going at he tavern.
Tucking the crowbar close to his side, Torm quickly makes his way back toward Tuu’Sayn. “Well, monk. Seems you have a way with people. Come, let’s see what lies beyond that lock.
The two of them make their way back to the locked gate. With Tuu’Sayn’s help, they attempt to pry the lock open using the crowbar and spear for extra leverage.
Athletics: 17
[What's your Oath, Paladin? Can't see it on your character sheet!
https://dnd5e.*******.com/paladin
Your actions in this scene will shape and define all your characters, and in your case could greatly restrict which oaths you have access to.
But there's only so many types of Paladin that can follow the path of Chaos you're headed down, so you might want to pick one to avoid future disappointment...]
[The plan was Oath of Vengeance at level 3]
[ Oh, I can work with that - and you can go right ahead and let those people die without another thought.
Everyone who meets you will probably feel at least fear - anyone less than righteous will probably hate you on sight - so you're going to be limited in your interactions with NPCs
Given any thought to your 'sworn foes' yet? You don't have to decide 'till Level 3, but it might be good to know before then.]
There's no sign of Torm - Tuu'Saayn last saw him at the hardware store, then lost him in the crowd.
Gryn is standing _on_ the slab he's trying to lift, Gus is shouting encouragement but doing nothing to help (and he's the only one of the group who might have the deep understanding of basic mechanical forces like leverage) and the spear is not doing any more than jiggle the slab from side to side a little: There's not enough of an opening to get it underneath and pry, though it has loosened the thing.
[Party has their wires crossed: All we get are pretty sparks!]
Mistaking the plan, Torm finds himself back at the gate alone - there's no sign of the rest of the group. [They went to lift the slab instead]
He manages to get the tip of the bar between the padlock and the gate, and by throwing all his weight on it repeatedly, bends the bolt far enough for it to just come loose from its anchoring hole. That just leaves a single bolt (and an identical padlock) lower down.
**OoC: based on the information we have, people are missing and the clues are beginning to point to involvement to some extent of the watch - the party believes (please correct me if I'm off base ya'all) that innocents have been taken by force and are most likely beyond beyond the gate we can't get by, and the watch has for some reason left the market entirely. From my perspective any good aligned character would want to help them, any lawful character (like Tuu'Saayn) could be highly upset by the failure of the higher upside to enforce those laws and protect the people. There is also intent: the "incident" AKA "weaponization of a bar tab" (ty for that Gus, I quite literally lol at Gusses excitable demeanor and his creators magnificent use of the English language) was intended to create a diversion that would allow the group to ultimately help people and work against the corruption they found.
In Tuu'Saayn's case, the guilt he will feel from injuries or gods forbid death sparked from his actions woiuld ultimately lead him to the path of a healer (hand of mercy: the hand that harms should also heal), had he picked the lock none of the rest would have happened (possible rogue dip as he is having a hard time letting go of his failure; he could try and turn a weakness into a strength): I had a few ideas based on the flow of the adventure so far , but really wanted the twists, turns, and dice rolls to help make those choises.
Based on those things, I saw a group of "enthusiastic" do gooders who took 2 steps and fell face first into a situation way bigger than they anticipated, but still guided by a desire to help. Of course, the DMs calls will be respected and your input will shape the course of our parties growth, but I respectfully submit that intentions and how the characters feel or believe about the situation should also be considered in future development and advancement.
Also, thinking of Drizzt, perhaps a diety of chaos has taken an interest in the group (creepy laughter after market shenanigans got me thinking of this). A well intentioned group who always seem to end up over their heads and making messes to fix messes could create some cool role playing scenes and moral conundrums.
Just the random thoughts of an old RPG guy playing in a new format (lots of Fantasy Grounds and IRL, first try back in pbp after many, many)**
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Gryn Shadowquick is a halfling but serves the elven god, Erevan Ilesere, god of trickery, mischief, and rogues.
My plan is go to Trickery Domain at level 3 (wait... is this 2014 or 2024 rules?)
Either way, still Trickery Domain.
Gryn stops for a moment and adjusts his hat where it had shifted and slipped down over his eyes. When he can see again he notices Torm is no longer with them.
"Oh no! It's got Torm now! We have to hurry and get this open!"
He then goes right back to pulling futilely on the bronze handle, redoubling his efforts, huffing and puffing with the strain.
[OOC; You're spot on with your read of Gus—he's quite frankly having the time of his life (though I do hope he isn’t too much for the team). I’ve never had a DM use "moments" as a tool to define character growth before, and I really appreciate the approach. While I had a few ideas for Gus’s progression, I’m more than happy to collaborate and let his development unfold organically through actions and your observations.]
Now...
Back to the action.....