Selene lingers just inside the doorway, letting the rain drip from her cloak before stepping further in. Her gaze flicks briefly to Snizgore, before settling on Tanis with the faintest curve of her lips.
"Sleep in," she echoes, her voice smooth but carrying that shadowed undertone that makes it difficult to tell if she’s agreeing or teasing. "A novel thought. I imagine you’ll fill the hours with one of your allegories, Tanis… though perhaps keep it under a chapter this time."
"Under a chapter, aye, Dark Sister. Darkness comes for us all in the end. No use dwelling on it. Yet I do anyway, tis true. Embracing the inexorable."
Tanis takes his leave and, after some desultory stretching in his room to work out the kinks, falls into his habitual unsmiling sleep.
In the morning, he joins Thamul in a round of axe-throwing. While proficient with axes, Tanis is not the thrown weapon expert that the goliath is.
"You win again, Big Man. Just thankful none of these beauties took our heads off early before the drow get their chance at it tonight."
The ranger produces his map from scouting during their reconnaissance mission the previous night and goes over it with the group, mumbling dourly as he reviews planned starting spots along with possible avenues of escape should things turn sour. Which of course he assumes they will.
(OOC: Yes, I think as RP'd, we are conserving our energy for the big night?)
Thamul, happy with the win, wasn't necessarilly happy with all his throws; but that's why he keeps practicing.
((Yes agreed, quiet day due to the evening plans))
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"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Warrick, failing to sleep in as sleep was hard for him to come by, sets out into town on a supply run. He's not sure what to get but is hoping he finds something that could make him feel useful in the job that evening, perhaps a communication tool. A quiet day but not sitting around the bar the while time.
Warrick heads out early, and is gone before you all awake from your lie-in, though that’s nothing out of the ordinary as you’re all used to members of the party going out for personal errands like supply runs and the like. Overall, the morning is fairly relaxing and wholesome, with each of you taking some much needed downtime after yesterday’s grim duties. However, towards ten o’clock, a patron arrives at The Bleeding Rose. This is especially curious as you almost never seem to get visitors, what with how far out the tavern is. In fact, being on the outskirts of the city is what enticed you to these specific lodgings in the first place, as it meant you wouldn’t have to worry about the dangerous company that the more urban taverns attract. The visitor is question seems to be nobody more than a common thug, due to his gruff appearance and the crossbow slung over his should and mace at his hip. For now, he seems no trouble though, as he simply takes a seat in a quiet corner and drinks a pint of ale.
Warrick Only:
You arrive at Doctor Gallowstein’s clinic in good time, since you left fairly early, though had to take a long and cautious walk into town to get here. The party is probably only just awaking by now. The Doctor’s laboratory is just where the sickly green crier in the street said it would be, though you second guess yourself a couple times when you find the address. It’s simply a slither of wall and a wooden door, sandwiched between two large terrace houses typical of the inner city. Hardly the abode you’d expect from one of Tempest City’s six vampires of the High Court, especially when in comparison to Count Crawlthing’s manor. Regardless, you knock, and are soon greeted by another glowingly green vampire spawn servant like the one who advertised this opportunity in the first place. Looking past them, the minuscule size of this building soon becomes more reasonable as you then see that the door in fact leads straight down a long, dark set of stairs, lit by green copper lanterns, as it turns out Doctor Gallowstein’s surgery is located entirely underground. You follow the servant down, and find yourself left in a dingy little waiting room whilst the spawn goes off to inform their master that a willing volunteer has arrived, the only sound to accompany you being the incessant buzzing of moths about the lime green light that makes the whole environment feel like it’s underwater. Eventually, the spawn returns, and extends an arm towards the door to the Vampire Lord’s study, with a slimy murmur of ‘Doctor Gallowstein will see you now…’
Warrick tries to smooth his well wore and ruined clothes to look more confident in his being there, more for his own mind set then how others would see him. He truly didn't know why he was here but he couldn't shake the thought and the draw to this place. Three separate occasions Warrick had turned around to go back to the tavern but always found himself pushing forward. It was almost a shock to see he actually arrived. The lesser state of the dwelling was surprising and yet almost comfert him a bit.
As Warrick enters the room. "Now doctor I would like to clarify that I'm here as a potential participant and would like to discuss terms and weigh options on what you can offer, and what said proceedings would entail in the short and long terms, between the recovery time, the apparatus itself, care and maintenance, quality and guarantees." Warrick never had a good noble face but he tried to put it on to seem like he was more aware of what he was doing then he was.
You find that Doctor Gallowstein’s study is in fact a large circular operating theatre. There are several tracks embedded in the floor on which the doctor can move the sets of wheeled shelves and desks around, which orbit the operating table in the centre. The shelves have several items on them, such as racks of surgical equipment, ranging from minute scalpels to enormous tongs, or large piles of tomes on all things scientific, though what catches your attention are the three huge glass ampules filled with the same frosty blue gas Count Crawlthing gave Zifni, and the assorted jars that have all kinds of monster parts floating in some kind of preserving fluid. Most eerie of all these sights is the doctor himself though.
Hunched over the table, wearing a multi-pocketed, stained and stitched black doctors coat, he looks up to meet your gaze through his optical lenses as you enter. He has none of the charm and allure that the other vampire lord you met possessed, as his face is shrivelled and gaunt, his nose is upturned and pressed against his face like that of a bats, and his eyes are shallow, beady, and red. His hair is charcoal grey and receding, and his ears are pinned back in a funnel like shape that reminds you of an elf. You’re also struck by the unnerving thinness of all his needle like teeth as he gives you a welcoming smile, though it hardly comforts you at all, only reminds you that vampires, despite being able to hold a humanoid guise, are still truly monstrous.
The doctor answers Warrick’s questions with a grin, responding in a voice that sounds like rattling chains, ‘I have several prototype implants on offer. This is an experiment ran in partnership with Lady Ingrevnet, as she thinks exploring biological enhancements could lead to interesting developments in the growing strength of Tempest City’s elites. Of course, she is simply the creative mind in this endeavour; I provide the brains to execute it correctly, and then carry out the duties.’ You don’t recognise the name of Lady Ingrevnet, but figure she must be another one of the six vampires in the High Court.
‘Once you have chosen an implant, you will be put under two drugs to help with the surgery; a pill from the powder of an Executioner’s Hood, which will put you under the effect of a feign death, and then will be given a steady stream of hexafluroarcatane to guarantee your survival.’ He gestures to the large glass vials. ‘You might be more familiar of it with the name of Last Ditch Ether. A shame it fell into the hands of the city’s unfortunates. It was one of my favourite inventions, though it likely wouldn’t have came about if the Count didn’t commission it.’ He waves a clawed hand to keep himself getting distracted further and says, ‘Anyway…I assure you all the equipment is sterile, and the recovery should be relatively light; you might have some pain and scarring around the area operated on for as it heals up, but nothing beyond that of an ordinary deep cut. Please take a look at your options:
Remorhaz Fire Gland: This organ will be placed near your liver, and will fill your bloodstream with heat. (Operates the same as a Ring of Warmth)
Ettercap Web Sac: Although found in the abdomen of the ettercap, the sac can be implanted at the base of your wrist, and can be used to produce webs if that hand is free.(Operates the same as a Wand of Web)
Thri-Kreen Tendons: These tendons are placed along the back of your thighs and calves, and will enhance your jumping capability (Operates the same as a Ring of Jumping)
Guard Drake Hand Enhancements: Taken from a multitude of Guard Drake colours, these multicoloured implants include webbing between your fingers, small claws at the end of each finger, and scaled padding on your palm(Operates the same as a Gloves of Swimming and Climbing)
Illithid Telepathy Lobe: This cranial organ was taken from a dissected mind flayer, and taps into their ability to communicate telepathically. It is implanted within your frontal lobe (Operates the same as a Helm of Telepathy)
Ogre Muscles: These muscles are implanted into your arms and forearms, and should greatly enhance your strength. (Operates the same as a Gauntlets of Ogre Power)
Flumph Heart Strings: Once placed within a beating heart to move them, these strange strings, taken from a flumph, hum at a frequency that seems to block psychic interference. (Operates the same as a Ring of Mind Shielding)
Merrow Fins and Gills: Generously donated by the Harbour Master, theseretractable fins are attached to your calves and forearms, and the gills are placed at the base of your neck, though they do take a moment to open and close (Operates the same as a Cloak of the Manta Ray)
The doctor grins wider as Warrick accepts. ‘They will grant you a strength to rival my own…’ he assures, and comments that ‘They’ll be tender for a few days, especially after they’re initially attached, but as I said, the pain will be bearable.’ On his agreement, Gallowstein begins the surgery, beginning by having Warrick lay on the table and giving him the pill. The effect is certainly curious; he can’t see, move or talk, and can’t feel much pain after the doctor opens the first of the Last Ditch Ether canisters, but can still hear perfectly fine, so has to endure 45 minutes of discomfort, blind to what’s happening but still aware of the process from the snipping, stitching and squelching noises that occur as the doctor implants the muscles. When you awake, you find both your arms are steamed with long greyish scars, but are clearly much larger now, the muscles beneath your skin clearly defined. At first it hurts to tense them, but after a couple minutes of gentle movement, you think you can manage. The doctor reminds you that this free operation wasn’t just out of the kindness of his heart, and he will be expecting you back in a week’s time for a check up and report, before sending you on your way.
Warrick will look at shops on the way back to explain his absence, doesn't have much coin to spend so probably won't find anything of note. Then will return to the rest.
Warrick heads out early, and is gone before you all awake from your lie-in, though that’s nothing out of the ordinary as you’re all used to members of the party going out for personal errands like supply runs and the like. Overall, the morning is fairly relaxing and wholesome, with each of you taking some much needed downtime after yesterday’s grim duties. However, towards ten o’clock, a patron arrives at The Bleeding Rose. This is especially curious as you almost never seem to get visitors, what with how far out the tavern is. In fact, being on the outskirts of the city is what enticed you to these specific lodgings in the first place, as it meant you wouldn’t have to worry about the dangerous company that the more urban taverns attract. The visitor is question seems to be nobody more than a common thug, due to his gruff appearance and the crossbow slung over his should and mace at his hip. For now, he seems no trouble though, as he simply takes a seat in a quiet corner and drinks a pint of ale.
Tanis regards the new visitor almost with a bit of warmth, as he reminds him of some of his erstwhile fellow watchmen he keeps telling stories about. Albeit warmth that scarcely touches Tanis' habitually dour facial expression. And he can't help doubt that the new arrival is just mere coincidence...
Ambling up to the man with his own mug of ale, the ranger sits down uninvited at the newcomer's table with all his typical lack of social grace.
"Fresh face for the first time in a while. What brings you here, friend? No doubt the gregarious charm of the proprietor, yeah? Same for us. That's what you got to love about old Snizgore there. You get a chance, ask him if you can borrow a couple of his flowers."
As he sips his ale, Tanis observes the stranger's eyes, mouth, throat and hands for any sign of unusual nervousness or watchfulness.
Tanis nears the thug, and introduces himself with some passion and humour, but it isn’t reciprocated in the slightest. The man ignores him fully, and just puts the flagon back to his lips and drinks it all in a single slow gulp, watery grey eyes twitching as he looks from the ranger and then back down again to the empty mug. Tanis notes that the man hardly seems aware of his surroundings; the slowness of his movements, quiet nature despite his rough appearance and vacant expression imply he’s almost entirely retreated into his own mind to reflect; a change of tact is likely needed if he wants to pierce the new visitor’s psyche. The man in question then scoots across and away from him in silence, going up to the bar again. He looks to order something stronger, pointing vaguely at the signs above him with a mumbling voice and shaking finger, but then finds he doesn’t have enough money to pay. Tanis sees a flash of rage pass over the visage of the man, and has a fleeting moment where he fears they might suddenly get violent, but that’s gone in a blink, and soon he’s shuffled back to his seat in silence, where he sits once more with his bald head bowed but his eyes wide, twiddling his thumbs and jittering with nerves.
Zifni is sitting in a dark corner of the bar, perusing a small, well-worn notebook filled with an elegant handwriting in dark ink. He seems to be searching for a particular section of the familiar text, flipping between the pages and scanning briefly down the lines before turning to the next page and repeating the process.
He looks up with his fierce blue eyes to see Tania trying to engage the stranger, only to be rebuffed in favour of another trip to the bar. When the man is refused service, he tries to catch Tanis's attention. If his companion looks over to him, the genasi meaningfully rolls a coin through his fingers, suggesting Tanis buy the stranger the drink he was denied.
(Speaking of coin, can we check the pouch of coin we got from the courier job to see that we got paid? 😅)
"You giving me that look like my charming personality and wit aren't up to their usual standard, Cool Breeze?"
Tanis' drawl carries mock offense as he glances at the Zifini and nods slightly as he rises to pay for another flagon of whatever the thug had been drinking. Carrying it back to the table, he slides it in front of the stranger and goes back to nursing his own drink and observing.
"Life is a slog when it's not something worse. Going through the motions down the dark and dusty path we tread. I can drink to that. Only sometimes... you ever get the feeling like someone is going through the motions for you, yeah? Tossing their own will over yours like a blanket..."
Tanis looks back at Zifini and the others, his troubled thoughts evident in his eyes.
Something's not right here. Seems like someone took this angry brute, clamped down his mind, and made him into their empty-faced eyes and ears. Wound him up and sent him in here like a toy soldier. To spy on us, could be. Or something else. Or might be I'm just too paranoid...
Warrick returns to the inn. Walking in with a small bag, he returns to his room without much of a word to the others. Upon his return back to others he says "Rockie Talkies are ridiculously expensive, wish I would have kept the ones I had as a kid. Was hoping to snag a pair or two but couldn't afford one if I had been able to find one... Whose Tanis talking too?" Not that it was unusual to see new and strange faces pass through the inn, something in Tanis's expression says to be worried. He wished he had been a little but more reserved with his words like he normally did around others. He nervously starts rubbing his hands together and up his arms a bit. "Annny one else getting ... a bite to eat?"
Thamul doesn't really mingle with what is going on, and just keeps practicing his throws untill having some food again in the afternoon.
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"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
[Yep, you can check the pouch; it’s all in order!]
The gesture of having the drink slid in front of him seems to awaken the man slightly. He mutters a word of thanks, and takes it, lean back slightly as he sips to appreciate the flavour; just as dilute and bitter as always, but the generosity of Tanis seems to cut through that just enough. He stands and gives a nod of gratitude, before mumbling ‘That was uhh…nice of you. Don’t see that round here often.’ He sniffs, a little bit of life now bleeding back into his pale face, and then groans, turning away as he says ‘…I needed that. I’ll, um, be back for more drinks in future. Maybe I can repay the favour.’ He leaves, but the presence of his fleeting visit still hangs in the air. Common folk get dragged into all sorts in this dark place. That man had likely seen and done all kinds of twisted things against his better judgement, and could have been on the brink of breakdown had that one kind action not brought him back again. Maybe that memory will keep him sane enough to carry on and repay the favour like he said, one day. Or maybe not. One things for sure, you can never quite tell what Tempest City might bring.
Street Cred raised by 1, to a total of 2. Since it looks like everyone is done with that downtime, are we happy to move ahead to the heist at the docks?
((I do have one question about downtime. Zifni has Herbalism Kit with proficiency and in its description it says he can make a Potion of Healing with 8 hours and 25gp of materials. Are we using that rule? And if so, does anyone object to Zifni using 25gp of the 50gp we got from the other job to make one ahead of the heist? Someone else can take the potion itself; it's just to spread the healing capabilities around.))
For going to the docks; pairs of two again, slightly apart and to the posititons we discussed the day before?))
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"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
((I do have one question about downtime. Zifni has Herbalism Kit with proficiency and in its description it says he can make a Potion of Healing with 8 hours and 25gp of materials. Are we using that rule? And if so, does anyone object to Zifni using 25gp of the 50gp we got from the other job to make one ahead of the heist? Someone else can take the potion itself; it's just to spread the healing capabilities around.))
[Yep that rule can be in effect, I’m fine with it so go ahead if everyone else is!]
"Under a chapter, aye, Dark Sister. Darkness comes for us all in the end. No use dwelling on it. Yet I do anyway, tis true. Embracing the inexorable."
Tanis takes his leave and, after some desultory stretching in his room to work out the kinks, falls into his habitual unsmiling sleep.
In the morning, he joins Thamul in a round of axe-throwing. While proficient with axes, Tanis is not the thrown weapon expert that the goliath is.
"You win again, Big Man. Just thankful none of these beauties took our heads off early before the drow get their chance at it tonight."
The ranger produces his map from scouting during their reconnaissance mission the previous night and goes over it with the group, mumbling dourly as he reviews planned starting spots along with possible avenues of escape should things turn sour. Which of course he assumes they will.
(OOC: Yes, I think as RP'd, we are conserving our energy for the big night?)
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Thamul, happy with the win, wasn't necessarilly happy with all his throws; but that's why he keeps practicing.
((Yes agreed, quiet day due to the evening plans))
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Warrick, failing to sleep in as sleep was hard for him to come by, sets out into town on a supply run. He's not sure what to get but is hoping he finds something that could make him feel useful in the job that evening, perhaps a communication tool. A quiet day but not sitting around the bar the while time.
Warrick heads out early, and is gone before you all awake from your lie-in, though that’s nothing out of the ordinary as you’re all used to members of the party going out for personal errands like supply runs and the like. Overall, the morning is fairly relaxing and wholesome, with each of you taking some much needed downtime after yesterday’s grim duties. However, towards ten o’clock, a patron arrives at The Bleeding Rose. This is especially curious as you almost never seem to get visitors, what with how far out the tavern is. In fact, being on the outskirts of the city is what enticed you to these specific lodgings in the first place, as it meant you wouldn’t have to worry about the dangerous company that the more urban taverns attract. The visitor is question seems to be nobody more than a common thug, due to his gruff appearance and the crossbow slung over his should and mace at his hip. For now, he seems no trouble though, as he simply takes a seat in a quiet corner and drinks a pint of ale.
Warrick Only:
You arrive at Doctor Gallowstein’s clinic in good time, since you left fairly early, though had to take a long and cautious walk into town to get here. The party is probably only just awaking by now. The Doctor’s laboratory is just where the sickly green crier in the street said it would be, though you second guess yourself a couple times when you find the address. It’s simply a slither of wall and a wooden door, sandwiched between two large terrace houses typical of the inner city. Hardly the abode you’d expect from one of Tempest City’s six vampires of the High Court, especially when in comparison to Count Crawlthing’s manor. Regardless, you knock, and are soon greeted by another glowingly green vampire spawn servant like the one who advertised this opportunity in the first place. Looking past them, the minuscule size of this building soon becomes more reasonable as you then see that the door in fact leads straight down a long, dark set of stairs, lit by green copper lanterns, as it turns out Doctor Gallowstein’s surgery is located entirely underground. You follow the servant down, and find yourself left in a dingy little waiting room whilst the spawn goes off to inform their master that a willing volunteer has arrived, the only sound to accompany you being the incessant buzzing of moths about the lime green light that makes the whole environment feel like it’s underwater. Eventually, the spawn returns, and extends an arm towards the door to the Vampire Lord’s study, with a slimy murmur of ‘Doctor Gallowstein will see you now…’
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Warrick tries to smooth his well wore and ruined clothes to look more confident in his being there, more for his own mind set then how others would see him. He truly didn't know why he was here but he couldn't shake the thought and the draw to this place. Three separate occasions Warrick had turned around to go back to the tavern but always found himself pushing forward. It was almost a shock to see he actually arrived. The lesser state of the dwelling was surprising and yet almost comfert him a bit.
As Warrick enters the room. "Now doctor I would like to clarify that I'm here as a potential participant and would like to discuss terms and weigh options on what you can offer, and what said proceedings would entail in the short and long terms, between the recovery time, the apparatus itself, care and maintenance, quality and guarantees." Warrick never had a good noble face but he tried to put it on to seem like he was more aware of what he was doing then he was.
Warrick:
You find that Doctor Gallowstein’s study is in fact a large circular operating theatre. There are several tracks embedded in the floor on which the doctor can move the sets of wheeled shelves and desks around, which orbit the operating table in the centre. The shelves have several items on them, such as racks of surgical equipment, ranging from minute scalpels to enormous tongs, or large piles of tomes on all things scientific, though what catches your attention are the three huge glass ampules filled with the same frosty blue gas Count Crawlthing gave Zifni, and the assorted jars that have all kinds of monster parts floating in some kind of preserving fluid. Most eerie of all these sights is the doctor himself though.
Hunched over the table, wearing a multi-pocketed, stained and stitched black doctors coat, he looks up to meet your gaze through his optical lenses as you enter. He has none of the charm and allure that the other vampire lord you met possessed, as his face is shrivelled and gaunt, his nose is upturned and pressed against his face like that of a bats, and his eyes are shallow, beady, and red. His hair is charcoal grey and receding, and his ears are pinned back in a funnel like shape that reminds you of an elf. You’re also struck by the unnerving thinness of all his needle like teeth as he gives you a welcoming smile, though it hardly comforts you at all, only reminds you that vampires, despite being able to hold a humanoid guise, are still truly monstrous.
The doctor answers Warrick’s questions with a grin, responding in a voice that sounds like rattling chains, ‘I have several prototype implants on offer. This is an experiment ran in partnership with Lady Ingrevnet, as she thinks exploring biological enhancements could lead to interesting developments in the growing strength of Tempest City’s elites. Of course, she is simply the creative mind in this endeavour; I provide the brains to execute it correctly, and then carry out the duties.’ You don’t recognise the name of Lady Ingrevnet, but figure she must be another one of the six vampires in the High Court.
‘Once you have chosen an implant, you will be put under two drugs to help with the surgery; a pill from the powder of an Executioner’s Hood, which will put you under the effect of a feign death, and then will be given a steady stream of hexafluroarcatane to guarantee your survival.’ He gestures to the large glass vials. ‘You might be more familiar of it with the name of Last Ditch Ether. A shame it fell into the hands of the city’s unfortunates. It was one of my favourite inventions, though it likely wouldn’t have came about if the Count didn’t commission it.’ He waves a clawed hand to keep himself getting distracted further and says, ‘Anyway…I assure you all the equipment is sterile, and the recovery should be relatively light; you might have some pain and scarring around the area operated on for as it heals up, but nothing beyond that of an ordinary deep cut. Please take a look at your options:
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Warrick had always envied people with strength to do whatever they wanted. He had a hard time carrying his books let alone perform great feats...
"How strong exactly would these make a person?"
Warrick will agree to Ogre Muscles if the doctor thinks he can use them tonight.
Warrick:
The doctor grins wider as Warrick accepts. ‘They will grant you a strength to rival my own…’ he assures, and comments that ‘They’ll be tender for a few days, especially after they’re initially attached, but as I said, the pain will be bearable.’ On his agreement, Gallowstein begins the surgery, beginning by having Warrick lay on the table and giving him the pill. The effect is certainly curious; he can’t see, move or talk, and can’t feel much pain after the doctor opens the first of the Last Ditch Ether canisters, but can still hear perfectly fine, so has to endure 45 minutes of discomfort, blind to what’s happening but still aware of the process from the snipping, stitching and squelching noises that occur as the doctor implants the muscles. When you awake, you find both your arms are steamed with long greyish scars, but are clearly much larger now, the muscles beneath your skin clearly defined. At first it hurts to tense them, but after a couple minutes of gentle movement, you think you can manage. The doctor reminds you that this free operation wasn’t just out of the kindness of his heart, and he will be expecting you back in a week’s time for a check up and report, before sending you on your way.
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Warrick will look at shops on the way back to explain his absence, doesn't have much coin to spend so probably won't find anything of note. Then will return to the rest.
Tanis regards the new visitor almost with a bit of warmth, as he reminds him of some of his erstwhile fellow watchmen he keeps telling stories about. Albeit warmth that scarcely touches Tanis' habitually dour facial expression. And he can't help doubt that the new arrival is just mere coincidence...
Ambling up to the man with his own mug of ale, the ranger sits down uninvited at the newcomer's table with all his typical lack of social grace.
"Fresh face for the first time in a while. What brings you here, friend? No doubt the gregarious charm of the proprietor, yeah? Same for us. That's what you got to love about old Snizgore there. You get a chance, ask him if you can borrow a couple of his flowers."
As he sips his ale, Tanis observes the stranger's eyes, mouth, throat and hands for any sign of unusual nervousness or watchfulness.
"Name's Tanis. Yours?"
Tanis' Insight: 25 (Nat. 20)
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Tanis nears the thug, and introduces himself with some passion and humour, but it isn’t reciprocated in the slightest. The man ignores him fully, and just puts the flagon back to his lips and drinks it all in a single slow gulp, watery grey eyes twitching as he looks from the ranger and then back down again to the empty mug. Tanis notes that the man hardly seems aware of his surroundings; the slowness of his movements, quiet nature despite his rough appearance and vacant expression imply he’s almost entirely retreated into his own mind to reflect; a change of tact is likely needed if he wants to pierce the new visitor’s psyche. The man in question then scoots across and away from him in silence, going up to the bar again. He looks to order something stronger, pointing vaguely at the signs above him with a mumbling voice and shaking finger, but then finds he doesn’t have enough money to pay. Tanis sees a flash of rage pass over the visage of the man, and has a fleeting moment where he fears they might suddenly get violent, but that’s gone in a blink, and soon he’s shuffled back to his seat in silence, where he sits once more with his bald head bowed but his eyes wide, twiddling his thumbs and jittering with nerves.
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Zifni is sitting in a dark corner of the bar, perusing a small, well-worn notebook filled with an elegant handwriting in dark ink. He seems to be searching for a particular section of the familiar text, flipping between the pages and scanning briefly down the lines before turning to the next page and repeating the process.
He looks up with his fierce blue eyes to see Tania trying to engage the stranger, only to be rebuffed in favour of another trip to the bar. When the man is refused service, he tries to catch Tanis's attention. If his companion looks over to him, the genasi meaningfully rolls a coin through his fingers, suggesting Tanis buy the stranger the drink he was denied.
(Speaking of coin, can we check the pouch of coin we got from the courier job to see that we got paid? 😅)
"You giving me that look like my charming personality and wit aren't up to their usual standard, Cool Breeze?"
Tanis' drawl carries mock offense as he glances at the Zifini and nods slightly as he rises to pay for another flagon of whatever the thug had been drinking. Carrying it back to the table, he slides it in front of the stranger and goes back to nursing his own drink and observing.
"Life is a slog when it's not something worse. Going through the motions down the dark and dusty path we tread. I can drink to that. Only sometimes... you ever get the feeling like someone is going through the motions for you, yeah? Tossing their own will over yours like a blanket..."
Tanis looks back at Zifini and the others, his troubled thoughts evident in his eyes.
Something's not right here. Seems like someone took this angry brute, clamped down his mind, and made him into their empty-faced eyes and ears. Wound him up and sent him in here like a toy soldier. To spy on us, could be. Or something else. Or might be I'm just too paranoid...
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Warrick returns to the inn. Walking in with a small bag, he returns to his room without much of a word to the others. Upon his return back to others he says "Rockie Talkies are ridiculously expensive, wish I would have kept the ones I had as a kid. Was hoping to snag a pair or two but couldn't afford one if I had been able to find one... Whose Tanis talking too?" Not that it was unusual to see new and strange faces pass through the inn, something in Tanis's expression says to be worried. He wished he had been a little but more reserved with his words like he normally did around others. He nervously starts rubbing his hands together and up his arms a bit. "Annny one else getting ... a bite to eat?"
Thamul doesn't really mingle with what is going on, and just keeps practicing his throws untill having some food again in the afternoon.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
[Yep, you can check the pouch; it’s all in order!]
The gesture of having the drink slid in front of him seems to awaken the man slightly. He mutters a word of thanks, and takes it, lean back slightly as he sips to appreciate the flavour; just as dilute and bitter as always, but the generosity of Tanis seems to cut through that just enough. He stands and gives a nod of gratitude, before mumbling ‘That was uhh…nice of you. Don’t see that round here often.’ He sniffs, a little bit of life now bleeding back into his pale face, and then groans, turning away as he says ‘…I needed that. I’ll, um, be back for more drinks in future. Maybe I can repay the favour.’ He leaves, but the presence of his fleeting visit still hangs in the air. Common folk get dragged into all sorts in this dark place. That man had likely seen and done all kinds of twisted things against his better judgement, and could have been on the brink of breakdown had that one kind action not brought him back again. Maybe that memory will keep him sane enough to carry on and repay the favour like he said, one day. Or maybe not. One things for sure, you can never quite tell what Tempest City might bring.
Street Cred raised by 1, to a total of 2. Since it looks like everyone is done with that downtime, are we happy to move ahead to the heist at the docks?
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
((I do have one question about downtime. Zifni has Herbalism Kit with proficiency and in its description it says he can make a Potion of Healing with 8 hours and 25gp of materials. Are we using that rule? And if so, does anyone object to Zifni using 25gp of the 50gp we got from the other job to make one ahead of the heist? Someone else can take the potion itself; it's just to spread the healing capabilities around.))
((Fine by me; and yes happy to move ahead.
For going to the docks; pairs of two again, slightly apart and to the posititons we discussed the day before?))
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
(Also good on all noted ideas)
[Yep that rule can be in effect, I’m fine with it so go ahead if everyone else is!]
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!