Nyx nods thoughtfully, settling a little more comfortably atop Corvus.
“Sounds like a plan. I’m always willing to try something new — peanut butter, bacon, and banana, you say? That’s a combination I can’t say I’ve sampled before.”
He glances around at the group, curious.
“Since we’ve got some time while the bloom does its thing, why not pass it with stories? I’m eager to know what brought each of you to this dusty patch of desert.”
Nyx shifts slightly atop Corvus, a playful glint in his eye as he addresses the group.
“Mind if I be the one to pluck the petal? Us fey have a knack for being around weird plants back in the Feywild — consider it a bit of old habit.”
“Sorry to say that I don't have much of a story to tell you. I was raised in a small burrow called Everlight. Most of my life was spent hunting or training with master Swiftfront. Last year Lathander came to me with a vision but sadly I was not able to understand his words. My master told me that in order to gain the power to understand a god I needed to go on a journey to gain knowledge of the world. So here I am, in search of answers.”
Erdrin will take an opportunity to cast speak with animals to talk to Janice about the area or the druid that gave them the quest after everyone is done talking about themselves.
Janice tells Erdrin that she has made this trip through the desert many times, and that usually she makes this trip with Maisy the druid's apprentice, but the apprentice left a few weeks ago. Hence why you lot are needed. If asked where the apprentice went, Janice claims not to know, but is confident that she is safe and will return in due time.
Lucky pulls out his lute and starts noodling a tune as he gazes off towards the horizon.
“Well, let's see now... When I was a child, I was a dreamer. And, in my dreams I was the hero. But when I woke each mornin' I'd see I was just another poor goblin boy, scroungin' what I could just to survive...
And even though we didn't have much, my Mama treated me right... Cut the feet off some magic man's corpse to get me these shoes. Dropped a rock on a traveling minstrel to get me my first five-string. That's the kinda Goblin she was, Gods rest her soul. And when she gave me this here lute she said to me, she said... 'Lucky... Without a song, the day would never end... Without a song, a goblin ain’t got a friend... without a song, the road would never bend."
I'll tell ya, she was right. As soon as I plucked that lute I felt a stirrin' inside me... Like I was channelin' some kinda... spirit from another world... And that spirit wanted me to move. Now, I don't know how to explain it. Some people tap their feet. Some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth... As soon as I stared playin' my tunes I found just sorta stared doin' ‘em all together... And that's when the magic came... Makin' it so I could bedazzle folks with my melodies, make 'em do things they didn't think to do....Breathe a bit of life to someone who's feelin' hurt..." He sets his lute down for a moment, looking up to the sky. "But I don't play for the magic... I play for my Mama... and hope that she's out there somewhere listening, feelin' proud of what her boy's become."
He holds that moment in silence before picking his lute up and resuming his ambling melody, ceding the floor to whoever wants to speak next.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Ruvien is a high elf, dressed in the dark shades of a night hunter. He looks equally natural in a forest or dark city streets but stands out in the endless flows of sand and rock like a smudge on the landscape. "I was raised in the tree-city of Milana Esari, taught to love the forest and the magic found in all living things. As a youngling, I excelled in following the way of the wind - able to move quietly through the trees and use the dappled light to hide from sight. As many of my brethren, I felt the urge to wander the world and expand my horizons as a tweenty-something. It was then, in the cities and towns of humans and dwarves, that I discovered the other side of my talent - the ability to get into places and retrieve things that were lost or stolen. So here I am, finding and retrieving!"
“Guess it’s my turn to go. So, I grew up in the Feywild—son of a courtier. Not royalty, but close enough to hear all the juicy gossip and royal drama. My dad, always full of grand plans, used to tell me, ‘Nyx, you’ll be standing shoulder to shoulder with the great and powerful one day—just wait and see.’
“But the Fey court? It’s less moonlight and magic, more chains and awkward politics. Felt like a bird stuck in a golden cage, honestly. When I accepted the ‘deal with the devil’—well, technically a Fiend, but hey, big difference, right?—the Archfey had me run out of the Feywild faster than you can say ‘exile.’
“Now here I am, balancing the light and the dark, trying to earn my soul back. But hey—don’t think I’m all saintly. A little mischief and shadowy fun help keep things interesting, right?”
Nyx shifts slightly atop Corvus, eyes bright as he regards each member of the group.
“Well, that’s quite the mix of tales—dreamers, wanderers, and seekers all rolled into one. I appreciate you all sharing. Seems like we’re all chasing something out here in the desert, whether it’s answers, redemption, or just a song that won’t quit. Makes me think this journey’s got a little more weight than just a flower and some gold.”
He glances at the glowing cactus bloom nearby and then back at the group.
“Let’s keep our eyes sharp and our wits sharper. The night’s still young, and I have a feeling this Blue Moon Bloom isn’t the only thing watching us out here.”
Hound is the first to smell the presence of others, turning to face the way you entered the oasis. Soon, there is a sound of splashing, as boots walk through water.
A halfling is leading a troupe of three other well-armed companions. "This must be the place," he says, as he turns the corner and stops, seeing the lot of you. "Looks like we're not the first ones here... You boys camping? Don't mind us, we're just here to get something and we'll be on our way."
(OOC: Would Erdrin have the time to cast Blade Ward as soon as Hound gave the sign that someone was coming?)
In a whisper Erdrin will tell Janice and Hound to move back. In the same moment Erdrin will step in front of hound. Erdrin waits a second before speaking in hopes that one of his allies will take the lead in the conversation. Erdrin will focus on the new arrivals in order to assess how willing they are to switch to violence.
It's a few more hours til sunrise; Erdrin can have Blade Ward up. The newcomers are heavily armed; it's pretty clear they're willing to resort to violence to get what they want, should that be needed.
Rook looks over to Lucky and says in a low voice, "Well, bard - this is your shot to talk them down and convince them to go away..." The rogue then stands ready for whatever comes next, arrow nocked and string taut on his shortbow.
Nyx grips Corvus’s feathers tightly as he lets out a triumphant laugh, eyes sparkling with mischief. Fingers weaving swiftly, he casts a Minor Illusion that cloaks the Blue Moon Bloom in a shimmering veil—making it appear the entire flower has been plucked clean.
“Sorry to disappoint, but I just took every last petal! No one else is getting a taste tonight!”
With a wild chuckle, Nyx cues Corvus. The vulture launches into a powerful dash, climbing straight up—100 feet soaring, then another 50 feet—to vanish high into the night sky, leaving the rival group staring at the empty-looking cactus below.
--------------------
Deception Check: 18 | Nyx Action - Minor Illusion | Corvus Action - Dash - 100ft | Corvus move - 50ft I think all of that works since we're not in init order yet, right?
The halfling shrugs, and addresses the three of you still on the ground. "We're not being paid for the flower. Our employer wants the whole plant." He gestures a shovel strapped to his back; the others have similar digging gear strapped to theirs. "Now if you'll all kindly step away from the cactus, we'll get done with this quickly." He and his companions haven't drawn their weapons yet, but their blades and crossbows aren't packed away either.
Lucky swaggers forward, squaring his stance, lute in hand, while regarding the newcomers with a welcoming curled-lip smile.
"Now, there fellas. Don't be cruel... Seems like we got off on the wrong foot here."He noodles a bit, subtly casting Charm Personon the halfling leader. "See, this here desert flower's a delicate thing... She belongs right here in this sand and we made a promise that she'd stay that way... The way I hear it, pluckin' her out when the time ain't right's just gonna cause her to whither like a bluebell on a Memphis summer day... Now, I'm sure this big bossman of yours wouldn't want that now, would he. Probably wouldn't pay you for the trouble. So, maybe we can work somethin' else out.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(The halfling's Wisdom Save against Charm Person: 14)
Erdrin, the halfling has a mace and heavy crossbow; the others have curved blades and light crossbows. All are wearing leather armor; no sign of magical foci.
The halfling's charmed, but even seeing Lucky as a friend, can't be persuaded to give up the mission. "Listen, I like you so I'll explain some more and you'll see it our way; the wizard's paying us big for the cactus's flesh and roots. Why does he want cactus bits? No idea, probably some big magic he's preparing. No need for us to fight over this, yeah? I can cut you in on the payout. Right guys?" The other bandits grumble at this, but they don't outright say no.
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Nyx nods thoughtfully, settling a little more comfortably atop Corvus.
“Sounds like a plan. I’m always willing to try something new — peanut butter, bacon, and banana, you say? That’s a combination I can’t say I’ve sampled before.”
He glances around at the group, curious.
“Since we’ve got some time while the bloom does its thing, why not pass it with stories? I’m eager to know what brought each of you to this dusty patch of desert.”
Nyx shifts slightly atop Corvus, a playful glint in his eye as he addresses the group.
“Mind if I be the one to pluck the petal? Us fey have a knack for being around weird plants back in the Feywild — consider it a bit of old habit.”
((or did someone already pluck it))
The bloom looks untouched. With a gentle pluck, a single petal is removed by Nyx.
(Razzec has a good idea; I'll give ya'll some time to exchange backstories or whatever as you watch over the cactus, before continuing.)
Erdrin shrugs at the idea of telling his story.
“Sorry to say that I don't have much of a story to tell you. I was raised in a small burrow called Everlight. Most of my life was spent hunting or training with master Swiftfront. Last year Lathander came to me with a vision but sadly I was not able to understand his words. My master told me that in order to gain the power to understand a god I needed to go on a journey to gain knowledge of the world. So here I am, in search of answers.”
Erdrin will take an opportunity to cast speak with animals to talk to Janice about the area or the druid that gave them the quest after everyone is done talking about themselves.
Janice tells Erdrin that she has made this trip through the desert many times, and that usually she makes this trip with Maisy the druid's apprentice, but the apprentice left a few weeks ago. Hence why you lot are needed. If asked where the apprentice went, Janice claims not to know, but is confident that she is safe and will return in due time.
Lucky pulls out his lute and starts noodling a tune as he gazes off towards the horizon.
“Well, let's see now... When I was a child, I was a dreamer. And, in my dreams I was the hero. But when I woke each mornin' I'd see I was just another poor goblin boy, scroungin' what I could just to survive...
And even though we didn't have much, my Mama treated me right... Cut the feet off some magic man's corpse to get me these shoes. Dropped a rock on a traveling minstrel to get me my first five-string. That's the kinda Goblin she was, Gods rest her soul. And when she gave me this here lute she said to me, she said... 'Lucky... Without a song, the day would never end... Without a song, a goblin ain’t got a friend... without a song, the road would never bend."
I'll tell ya, she was right. As soon as I plucked that lute I felt a stirrin' inside me... Like I was channelin' some kinda... spirit from another world... And that spirit wanted me to move. Now, I don't know how to explain it. Some people tap their feet. Some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth... As soon as I stared playin' my tunes I found just sorta stared doin' ‘em all together... And that's when the magic came... Makin' it so I could bedazzle folks with my melodies, make 'em do things they didn't think to do....Breathe a bit of life to someone who's feelin' hurt..." He sets his lute down for a moment, looking up to the sky. "But I don't play for the magic... I play for my Mama... and hope that she's out there somewhere listening, feelin' proud of what her boy's become."
He holds that moment in silence before picking his lute up and resuming his ambling melody, ceding the floor to whoever wants to speak next.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Ruvien is a high elf, dressed in the dark shades of a night hunter. He looks equally natural in a forest or dark city streets but stands out in the endless flows of sand and rock like a smudge on the landscape. "I was raised in the tree-city of Milana Esari, taught to love the forest and the magic found in all living things. As a youngling, I excelled in following the way of the wind - able to move quietly through the trees and use the dappled light to hide from sight. As many of my brethren, I felt the urge to wander the world and expand my horizons as a tweenty-something. It was then, in the cities and towns of humans and dwarves, that I discovered the other side of my talent - the ability to get into places and retrieve things that were lost or stolen. So here I am, finding and retrieving!"
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
“Guess it’s my turn to go. So, I grew up in the Feywild—son of a courtier. Not royalty, but close enough to hear all the juicy gossip and royal drama. My dad, always full of grand plans, used to tell me, ‘Nyx, you’ll be standing shoulder to shoulder with the great and powerful one day—just wait and see.’
“But the Fey court? It’s less moonlight and magic, more chains and awkward politics. Felt like a bird stuck in a golden cage, honestly. When I accepted the ‘deal with the devil’—well, technically a Fiend, but hey, big difference, right?—the Archfey had me run out of the Feywild faster than you can say ‘exile.’
“Now here I am, balancing the light and the dark, trying to earn my soul back. But hey—don’t think I’m all saintly. A little mischief and shadowy fun help keep things interesting, right?”
Nyx shifts slightly atop Corvus, eyes bright as he regards each member of the group.
“Well, that’s quite the mix of tales—dreamers, wanderers, and seekers all rolled into one. I appreciate you all sharing. Seems like we’re all chasing something out here in the desert, whether it’s answers, redemption, or just a song that won’t quit. Makes me think this journey’s got a little more weight than just a flower and some gold.”
He glances at the glowing cactus bloom nearby and then back at the group.
“Let’s keep our eyes sharp and our wits sharper. The night’s still young, and I have a feeling this Blue Moon Bloom isn’t the only thing watching us out here.”
Hound is the first to smell the presence of others, turning to face the way you entered the oasis. Soon, there is a sound of splashing, as boots walk through water.
A halfling is leading a troupe of three other well-armed companions. "This must be the place," he says, as he turns the corner and stops, seeing the lot of you. "Looks like we're not the first ones here... You boys camping? Don't mind us, we're just here to get something and we'll be on our way."
(OOC: Would Erdrin have the time to cast Blade Ward as soon as Hound gave the sign that someone was coming?)
In a whisper Erdrin will tell Janice and Hound to move back. In the same moment Erdrin will step in front of hound. Erdrin waits a second before speaking in hopes that one of his allies will take the lead in the conversation. Erdrin will focus on the new arrivals in order to assess how willing they are to switch to violence.
Insight Roll: 24
((can we tell how long until the full moon is gone or the bloom is done?))
((hold on, need to log out of dndb and back in, none of my rolls are showing for me currently))
It's a few more hours til sunrise; Erdrin can have Blade Ward up. The newcomers are heavily armed; it's pretty clear they're willing to resort to violence to get what they want, should that be needed.
Rook looks over to Lucky and says in a low voice, "Well, bard - this is your shot to talk them down and convince them to go away..." The rogue then stands ready for whatever comes next, arrow nocked and string taut on his shortbow.
(Init if/when needed =) 7 =/
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Nyx grips Corvus’s feathers tightly as he lets out a triumphant laugh, eyes sparkling with mischief. Fingers weaving swiftly, he casts a Minor Illusion that cloaks the Blue Moon Bloom in a shimmering veil—making it appear the entire flower has been plucked clean.
“Sorry to disappoint, but I just took every last petal! No one else is getting a taste tonight!”
With a wild chuckle, Nyx cues Corvus. The vulture launches into a powerful dash, climbing straight up—100 feet soaring, then another 50 feet—to vanish high into the night sky, leaving the rival group staring at the empty-looking cactus below.
--------------------
Deception Check: 18 | Nyx Action - Minor Illusion | Corvus Action - Dash - 100ft | Corvus move - 50ft I think all of that works since we're not in init order yet, right?
The halfling shrugs, and addresses the three of you still on the ground. "We're not being paid for the flower. Our employer wants the whole plant." He gestures a shovel strapped to his back; the others have similar digging gear strapped to theirs. "Now if you'll all kindly step away from the cactus, we'll get done with this quickly." He and his companions haven't drawn their weapons yet, but their blades and crossbows aren't packed away either.
(OOC: I want to let Lucky have a chance to respond before giving up on diplomacy and starting a fight.)
Erdrin would look over the group of Bandits to get an idea of their weapons/armor/magic focuses?
Perception Roll: 14
Lucky swaggers forward, squaring his stance, lute in hand, while regarding the newcomers with a welcoming curled-lip smile.
"Now, there fellas. Don't be cruel... Seems like we got off on the wrong foot here." He noodles a bit, subtly casting Charm Person on the halfling leader. "See, this here desert flower's a delicate thing... She belongs right here in this sand and we made a promise that she'd stay that way... The way I hear it, pluckin' her out when the time ain't right's just gonna cause her to whither like a bluebell on a Memphis summer day... Now, I'm sure this big bossman of yours wouldn't want that now, would he. Probably wouldn't pay you for the trouble. So, maybe we can work somethin' else out.
Persuasion Check: 1... Oh well. Lol
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
(The halfling's Wisdom Save against Charm Person: 14)
Erdrin, the halfling has a mace and heavy crossbow; the others have curved blades and light crossbows. All are wearing leather armor; no sign of magical foci.
The halfling's charmed, but even seeing Lucky as a friend, can't be persuaded to give up the mission. "Listen, I like you so I'll explain some more and you'll see it our way; the wizard's paying us big for the cactus's flesh and roots. Why does he want cactus bits? No idea, probably some big magic he's preparing. No need for us to fight over this, yeah? I can cut you in on the payout. Right guys?" The other bandits grumble at this, but they don't outright say no.