Montar's not practiced at deception, preferring the more direct route, but he sees its value here and plays along. "Aye, boss." He lays the body down gently--no sense in risking her waking up--and tries to look menacing and cruel to support Draylin's play without screwing anything up.
Tam's words seem to convince a couple of kobolds. To her luck (or not), one of them with a white spot on his head, seems to recognise her and his astonished screeching manages to encite a crowd of 3 kobolds to do exactly what she told them. A small chaos erupts.
The guard that Draylin speaks to doesn't need much convincing. After yelling at the monk to next time be on time for duty, or his bottom parts would get kicked, he stomps away.
The monk walked to his mentor, kicked him in the gut, and leaned down to berate him briefly. With a sneer of contempt he spat on the ground and turned to face Montar.
He motioned him over, turning his own back to block the view of the guards near the grand tent. He subtly passed the keys and then positioned himself to best block the view of the more competent guards near the grand tent. He glanced back towards Thistlewick, hoping that he can see the unique druids spell, or at least determine when he casts it so they can begin to swap the prisoners.
***Draylin moves in to *kick* Leosin by adjusting his angle and making sure his cloak flares as he spins to deliver the cruel blow. Coming in at an odd angle he let his foot work around the prisoner's torso, driving his toes into the rock while pulling back the force and allowing his shin to spread out the remaining energy. Leosin may have folded around his leg, but not enough force was delivered to cause harm.***
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Thistlewick watches from the thinning shadows of the tent as Montar and Draylin approach the prisoner.
He waits for what looks like the moment and casts his minor illusion
The illusion is one of the scene before him -- two forms standing between the prisoner and the area at large.
Since it is a cantrip, he can modify it each moment, giving the illusion the sense of life and motion even though the changes are minor shifts of 'character position', etc.
He mutters under his breath, "Make it snappy before we get noticed..."
Amadeus dips out with the others, nodding as he passes the group. He acted his own before. Would be rude of him to impose on their plans now. His intention is to get to the weapons, grab his, and remain on standby should things go awry. Hopefully, nothing does.
When Draylin saw Thistlewick lost in focus he counted to ten slowly and then backed up slightly and dipped down, behind what he really, really hoped was an illusion.
"Can you walk?" he asked Leosin simply. There would be time for a happy reunion if they managed to escape this place. "We have precious little time."' When Montar opens the lock he quickly shoves the unconscious woman into Leosin's place and puts the shackles on her. He also tears off a long strip of cloth from the bottom of his shirt, ties a big knot in the middle, and uses it as a gag on the new prisoner.
*** if the key does not work Draylin will attempt to pick the lock. Thieves tools check: 20***
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
While Thistlewick weaves his magic, Montar and Draylin manage to unlock the shackles with the keys. Leosin sways and almost falls on top of Draylin for a moment, before he regains his balance. "Brother... what are you doing here?"the monk says weakly, then takes a steadying breath. "I can walk... somewhat."
On his way to the weapons tent, Amadeus sees a dozen kobolds screeching and fighting among each other. Some of them scream something about the prize, the others argue there is no such thing. Several raiders look pissed. Nobody stops him or looks at him as he enters the weapon tent. The gnomes are still there, so are a lot of weapons and armour pieces. He spots his own leaning against one of the crude racks.
//feel free to grab your own weapon and armour or any other piece of common armour or a common weapon for up to the value of 100GP
The young half-elf manages to mutter, "My brother," in a voice choaked with emotion. He pauses for a breath to lean in, placing his forehead against Leosin's. He breathes deeply, then says in a voice steady with resolve, "Too long a story for now. We have little time. An illusion provides some cover. We need to make haste to the South and work around those tents. We have allies waiting. I'll explain more when we are clear of this miserable place. Stay low and use the rocks and brush for what cover you can get."
With a quick glance to make sure no eyes are upon them, Draylin slinks off, low to the ground, making his way South and around the back of the tents. Turning to Leosin he says, "Work your way with stealth nearer the enterance, brother. We need to reunite with friends. Watch for us to make a hasty exit when things go up in smoke. We will flee to Greenest with all speed." From there he will swing around to reunite with the team. He will follow them to the weapons tent if that's where they are going.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Montar lays a quick hand on Draylin's shoulder. "I think it'll be easier, me friend, if I just hoist yer buddy up on me shoulder like the other half-elf. No one's the wiser then. Ye okay wit' that, Leosin?"
The young monk tenses involuntary, his friend, his mentor, his brother, needed help. Shouldn't he be the one to do it?!?
Such a moment was a rare enough thing; a single moment in time that changed a life, maybe many lives. He looked at the dwarf, hands calloused from years of practice with the weapons of war, body thick with muscle, a fine comrade at arms by any standards. He felt compelled to look again, more closely, differently... He saw eyes looking back with compassion. He saw a man who looked at a situation with calm and cool practicality, but still treated the battered monk with gentle patience. Leosin may be his friend, more than just that, but this dwarf, this man he only recently met, just broke down walls that were unseen; unknown to any but Draylin himself. He looked at Montar and saw not a fellow prisoner, but a friend.
Beyond the walls of the monistary, Draylin knew little of life other than a constant battle to survive. On the streets there were no friends, only marks or thieves more dangerous than you. The brothers were the only people he trusted, the only people that have ever treated him with kindness. The dwarf could not know it, but this small, simple act of practicality or kindness (or maybe both) awoke him to the possibility of goodness beyond the monistary walls.
Regardless of Leosin's answer to being carried, the young monk's respect for Montar grew deeply in that moment. He placed a hand on Montar's shoulder, looking the man in the eyes, and offering a nod of gratitude before dropping low and slinking away to find a blind spot behind the tents to the south.
Leosin stands up a little straighter, his breath hitching as he tests his weight on his battered legs. He lifts a hand to touch his face carefully, wincing visibly when his fingers graze the tender, purpled skin.
"I... can walk," he says, a flash of stubborn pride flickering in his one good eye. He looks between his rescuers, clearly exhausted but determined. "But I am in no condition to fight. You need to lead the way. We must be quick before the guard's replacement arrives."
[OOC: Leosin is currently considered "Encumbered" due to his injuries (his movement speed is halved), but he can still walk on his own.]
Montar looks at him kindly, "Meaning no disrespect to ye; the offer ta carry was not because ye can't walk, but ta hide ye from the guards. But if ye think that's not needed, that be fine with me."
Amadeus listens to the frantic cacophony of a well-organized "distraction" outside. As he walks by the two gnomes on the floor, he glances at the lady. Surely not. He gathers his daggers, unused, and his walking stick, well-seasoned, then listens a moment longer. Quite the ruckus, he muses. I'd best hurry. In addition to his regular gear, the gnome also swipes a crossbow, a score of bolts, and a case to carry them. "That should do it!" he chirps aloud.
If he'd known beforehand what his companions used, he might've tried grabbing some of the lighter weapons as well. However, he has faith they'll be about eventually to recover what they need as well. One last step... approaching the pair polishing armor, Amadeus drops his act for a moment. His voice is a clear, learned tone, stern but not harsh. "Pardon me, miss. Would you mind lifting your head? I need only look upon your face for a moment."
Leosin offers Montar a small, pained nod. "Your concern is noted, friend, and your help... it is more than I dared hope for. But I must walk. Every step we take to the exit is another detail I can memorize... another secret this Cult hasn't hidden well enough."
He winces as he rolls his bruised shoulders, centering his weight with the practiced discipline of his order. "My curiosity put me in these chains," he says, his voice steadying, "let it at least be useful as I leave them. Although,"he adds after a short consideration, "it might be better if we find something for me to cover my face. I reckon I might not be looking very sharp."
"You said you are here with friends?" Leosin whispers as he glances towards the grand tent. "Where are they? Is that illusion you mentioned the work of one of them?"He looks at Montar and then to Draylin. "You don't look like the sorcerer's type, and our friend here is a man of the fist... so who is pulling the wool over the guards' eyes?"
As Amadeus speaks, the gnome woman flinches so hard she almost drops the piece of leather she’s been mending. Her whole body shakes as she lets out a terrified whimper. She lifts her head ever-so-slightly, her eyes darting away the moment they meet the young sorcerer's. Even in the dim light, Amadeus can see dark circles under her eyes and a nasty cluster of bruises blooming across one side of her face.
"I beg your pardon, sir,"the male gnome croaks, his voice as unsteady as the other one appears. He doesn't dare look up from the armour he's polishing. "My wife... she means no disrespect. She is just hurrying to fix this, you see?" He winces, his shoulders hunching as if expecting a blow. "I am doing my work, too. See? We're working. We promise we are!"
The heavy flap of the tent peels back as a couple of goblins enter. Seeing the gnomes cowering, they sneer. One stops to deliver a vicious kick to the male gnome's ribs."Shut it, or I'll cut ya tongue and feed it to the wifey!"The two goblins begin arming themselves with scimitars and donning padded armour. As they buckle their straps, they don't bother to hide the cruel, suspicious glares they throw in Amadeus's direction. They clearly don't recognize him, and they seem to be waiting for a reason to snap.
On her way to the weapons tent, Tam slips past the hunters' wagon just as they finish butchering the second carcass. Before they can start on the third antelope, a pair of half-orcs arrive. They don't say a word, simply hauling the last carcass between them with grunts of effort. They begin walking east, heading straight towards the grand tent and the dark maw of the cave beyond.
Otherwise, the weapons tent is exactly where Amadeus said it will be, with one guard sitting in front of it and raiders getting in and out of it, arming themselves for the day.
Tam is supposed to go to the weapons tent, but her curiosity gnaws at her. Those half-orcs are taking that carcass to whatever is in the caves, she thinks. Perhaps those are a way out. Perhaps the beasts would be used to hunt down the escaping prisoners.
Putting that thought aside for the moment, Tam heads to the weapons tent, walking through the entrance like she was meant to be there.
Montar shrugs. "Fair enough. Can't pass along much more info fer ye, though: I met ye only a few minutes after meeting them." He turns toward the weapons tent. "If ye'll excuse me, I won't be helpin' much with the sneakin', 'n I want what I made back."
Upon entering the weapons tent, Montar looks for his hand-crafted weapons first, then armor. He keeps a watchful eye on anyone else in the tent he doesn't already know, but doesn't engage until he's armed and armored again.
"Five of us were captured and bound to posts. Working together we freed ourselves from the bonds and set about learning a little of our captors and freeing some other prisoners, those are the friends I spoke of. Several of them can use magic. We need to reclaim our weapons and we can go. Hug the south side, and stay out of sight. When the place goes up in smoke we make a break for it and head to Greenest. I'll try and find you something to cover your face, but for now stay out of sight," he says to Leosin. With a final nod to his mentor he turns and follows Montar to the weapons tent.
He grabs his weapons, a staff, a pack of darts, and a light weight helmet of some sort.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Thistlewick follows the trio into the weapons tent. Before diving for any of his own kit, he approaches the freed prisoner.
"If we can escape this camp and gain a long rest, I can conjure a healing that should ease the worst of your injuries. I am sorry I can not do more for now."
He turns away and digs about looking for his equipment. Leather armor, wood shield, sickle, quarterstaff. He ties it into a bundle he can carry on his back so he looks more like some wayward merchant hunched over with his wares on his back. For now, he feels the improvised club he grabbed earlier will suffice as a main weapon.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Montar's not practiced at deception, preferring the more direct route, but he sees its value here and plays along. "Aye, boss." He lays the body down gently--no sense in risking her waking up--and tries to look menacing and cruel to support Draylin's play without screwing anything up.
Tam's words seem to convince a couple of kobolds. To her luck (or not), one of them with a white spot on his head, seems to recognise her and his astonished screeching manages to encite a crowd of 3 kobolds to do exactly what she told them. A small chaos erupts.
The guard that Draylin speaks to doesn't need much convincing. After yelling at the monk to next time be on time for duty, or his bottom parts would get kicked, he stomps away.
DM: Hoard of the Dragon Queen Adventure
Draylin
The monk walked to his mentor, kicked him in the gut, and leaned down to berate him briefly. With a sneer of contempt he spat on the ground and turned to face Montar.
He motioned him over, turning his own back to block the view of the guards near the grand tent. He subtly passed the keys and then positioned himself to best block the view of the more competent guards near the grand tent. He glanced back towards Thistlewick, hoping that he can see the unique druids spell, or at least determine when he casts it so they can begin to swap the prisoners.
***Draylin moves in to *kick* Leosin by adjusting his angle and making sure his cloak flares as he spins to deliver the cruel blow. Coming in at an odd angle he let his foot work around the prisoner's torso, driving his toes into the rock while pulling back the force and allowing his shin to spread out the remaining energy. Leosin may have folded around his leg, but not enough force was delivered to cause harm.***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Thistlewick watches from the thinning shadows of the tent as Montar and Draylin approach the prisoner.
He waits for what looks like the moment and casts his minor illusion
The illusion is one of the scene before him -- two forms standing between the prisoner and the area at large.
Since it is a cantrip, he can modify it each moment, giving the illusion the sense of life and motion even though the changes are minor shifts of 'character position', etc.
He mutters under his breath, "Make it snappy before we get noticed..."
Amadeus dips out with the others, nodding as he passes the group. He acted his own before. Would be rude of him to impose on their plans now. His intention is to get to the weapons, grab his, and remain on standby should things go awry. Hopefully, nothing does.
Draylin
When Draylin saw Thistlewick lost in focus he counted to ten slowly and then backed up slightly and dipped down, behind what he really, really hoped was an illusion.
"Can you walk?" he asked Leosin simply. There would be time for a happy reunion if they managed to escape this place. "We have precious little time."' When Montar opens the lock he quickly shoves the unconscious woman into Leosin's place and puts the shackles on her. He also tears off a long strip of cloth from the bottom of his shirt, ties a big knot in the middle, and uses it as a gag on the new prisoner.
*** if the key does not work Draylin will attempt to pick the lock. Thieves tools check: 20***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
While Thistlewick weaves his magic, Montar and Draylin manage to unlock the shackles with the keys. Leosin sways and almost falls on top of Draylin for a moment, before he regains his balance.
"Brother... what are you doing here?" the monk says weakly, then takes a steadying breath. "I can walk... somewhat."
On his way to the weapons tent, Amadeus sees a dozen kobolds screeching and fighting among each other. Some of them scream something about the prize, the others argue there is no such thing. Several raiders look pissed. Nobody stops him or looks at him as he enters the weapon tent. The gnomes are still there, so are a lot of weapons and armour pieces. He spots his own leaning against one of the crude racks.
//feel free to grab your own weapon and armour or any other piece of common armour or a common weapon for up to the value of 100GP
DM: Hoard of the Dragon Queen Adventure
While Draylin and Leosin reunite, Montar quickly puts the unconscious half-elf in his place and locks the shackles, before the illusion runs out.
Draylin
The young half-elf manages to mutter, "My brother," in a voice choaked with emotion. He pauses for a breath to lean in, placing his forehead against Leosin's. He breathes deeply, then says in a voice steady with resolve, "Too long a story for now. We have little time. An illusion provides some cover. We need to make haste to the South and work around those tents. We have allies waiting. I'll explain more when we are clear of this miserable place. Stay low and use the rocks and brush for what cover you can get."
With a quick glance to make sure no eyes are upon them, Draylin slinks off, low to the ground, making his way South and around the back of the tents. Turning to Leosin he says, "Work your way with stealth nearer the enterance, brother. We need to reunite with friends. Watch for us to make a hasty exit when things go up in smoke. We will flee to Greenest with all speed." From there he will swing around to reunite with the team. He will follow them to the weapons tent if that's where they are going.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Montar lays a quick hand on Draylin's shoulder. "I think it'll be easier, me friend, if I just hoist yer buddy up on me shoulder like the other half-elf. No one's the wiser then. Ye okay wit' that, Leosin?"
Draylin
The young monk tenses involuntary, his friend, his mentor, his brother, needed help. Shouldn't he be the one to do it?!?
Such a moment was a rare enough thing; a single moment in time that changed a life, maybe many lives. He looked at the dwarf, hands calloused from years of practice with the weapons of war, body thick with muscle, a fine comrade at arms by any standards. He felt compelled to look again, more closely, differently... He saw eyes looking back with compassion. He saw a man who looked at a situation with calm and cool practicality, but still treated the battered monk with gentle patience. Leosin may be his friend, more than just that, but this dwarf, this man he only recently met, just broke down walls that were unseen; unknown to any but Draylin himself. He looked at Montar and saw not a fellow prisoner, but a friend.
Beyond the walls of the monistary, Draylin knew little of life other than a constant battle to survive. On the streets there were no friends, only marks or thieves more dangerous than you. The brothers were the only people he trusted, the only people that have ever treated him with kindness. The dwarf could not know it, but this small, simple act of practicality or kindness (or maybe both) awoke him to the possibility of goodness beyond the monistary walls.
Regardless of Leosin's answer to being carried, the young monk's respect for Montar grew deeply in that moment. He placed a hand on Montar's shoulder, looking the man in the eyes, and offering a nod of gratitude before dropping low and slinking away to find a blind spot behind the tents to the south.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Leosin stands up a little straighter, his breath hitching as he tests his weight on his battered legs. He lifts a hand to touch his face carefully, wincing visibly when his fingers graze the tender, purpled skin.
"I... can walk," he says, a flash of stubborn pride flickering in his one good eye. He looks between his rescuers, clearly exhausted but determined. "But I am in no condition to fight. You need to lead the way. We must be quick before the guard's replacement arrives."
[OOC: Leosin is currently considered "Encumbered" due to his injuries (his movement speed is halved), but he can still walk on his own.]
DM: Hoard of the Dragon Queen Adventure
Montar looks at him kindly, "Meaning no disrespect to ye; the offer ta carry was not because ye can't walk, but ta hide ye from the guards. But if ye think that's not needed, that be fine with me."
Amadeus listens to the frantic cacophony of a well-organized "distraction" outside. As he walks by the two gnomes on the floor, he glances at the lady. Surely not. He gathers his daggers, unused, and his walking stick, well-seasoned, then listens a moment longer. Quite the ruckus, he muses. I'd best hurry. In addition to his regular gear, the gnome also swipes a crossbow, a score of bolts, and a case to carry them. "That should do it!" he chirps aloud.
If he'd known beforehand what his companions used, he might've tried grabbing some of the lighter weapons as well. However, he has faith they'll be about eventually to recover what they need as well. One last step... approaching the pair polishing armor, Amadeus drops his act for a moment. His voice is a clear, learned tone, stern but not harsh. "Pardon me, miss. Would you mind lifting your head? I need only look upon your face for a moment."
[did we all get the location of the weapons tent? If so, Tam would head there after launching her kobold distraction to collect weapons]
Author of Kid Comet and the Sixth Grade Shadow and other Middle Grade Novels
Leosin offers Montar a small, pained nod. "Your concern is noted, friend, and your help... it is more than I dared hope for. But I must walk. Every step we take to the exit is another detail I can memorize... another secret this Cult hasn't hidden well enough."
He winces as he rolls his bruised shoulders, centering his weight with the practiced discipline of his order. "My curiosity put me in these chains," he says, his voice steadying, "let it at least be useful as I leave them. Although," he adds after a short consideration, "it might be better if we find something for me to cover my face. I reckon I might not be looking very sharp."
"You said you are here with friends?" Leosin whispers as he glances towards the grand tent. "Where are they? Is that illusion you mentioned the work of one of them?" He looks at Montar and then to Draylin. "You don't look like the sorcerer's type, and our friend here is a man of the fist... so who is pulling the wool over the guards' eyes?"
As Amadeus speaks, the gnome woman flinches so hard she almost drops the piece of leather she’s been mending. Her whole body shakes as she lets out a terrified whimper. She lifts her head ever-so-slightly, her eyes darting away the moment they meet the young sorcerer's. Even in the dim light, Amadeus can see dark circles under her eyes and a nasty cluster of bruises blooming across one side of her face.
"I beg your pardon, sir," the male gnome croaks, his voice as unsteady as the other one appears. He doesn't dare look up from the armour he's polishing. "My wife... she means no disrespect. She is just hurrying to fix this, you see?" He winces, his shoulders hunching as if expecting a blow. "I am doing my work, too. See? We're working. We promise we are!"
The heavy flap of the tent peels back as a couple of goblins enter. Seeing the gnomes cowering, they sneer. One stops to deliver a vicious kick to the male gnome's ribs. "Shut it, or I'll cut ya tongue and feed it to the wifey!" The two goblins begin arming themselves with scimitars and donning padded armour. As they buckle their straps, they don't bother to hide the cruel, suspicious glares they throw in Amadeus's direction. They clearly don't recognize him, and they seem to be waiting for a reason to snap.
On her way to the weapons tent, Tam slips past the hunters' wagon just as they finish butchering the second carcass. Before they can start on the third antelope, a pair of half-orcs arrive. They don't say a word, simply hauling the last carcass between them with grunts of effort. They begin walking east, heading straight towards the grand tent and the dark maw of the cave beyond.
Otherwise, the weapons tent is exactly where Amadeus said it will be, with one guard sitting in front of it and raiders getting in and out of it, arming themselves for the day.
DM: Hoard of the Dragon Queen Adventure
Tam is supposed to go to the weapons tent, but her curiosity gnaws at her. Those half-orcs are taking that carcass to whatever is in the caves, she thinks. Perhaps those are a way out. Perhaps the beasts would be used to hunt down the escaping prisoners.
Putting that thought aside for the moment, Tam heads to the weapons tent, walking through the entrance like she was meant to be there.
Author of Kid Comet and the Sixth Grade Shadow and other Middle Grade Novels
Montar shrugs. "Fair enough. Can't pass along much more info fer ye, though: I met ye only a few minutes after meeting them." He turns toward the weapons tent. "If ye'll excuse me, I won't be helpin' much with the sneakin', 'n I want what I made back."
Upon entering the weapons tent, Montar looks for his hand-crafted weapons first, then armor. He keeps a watchful eye on anyone else in the tent he doesn't already know, but doesn't engage until he's armed and armored again.
Draylin
"Five of us were captured and bound to posts. Working together we freed ourselves from the bonds and set about learning a little of our captors and freeing some other prisoners, those are the friends I spoke of. Several of them can use magic. We need to reclaim our weapons and we can go. Hug the south side, and stay out of sight. When the place goes up in smoke we make a break for it and head to Greenest. I'll try and find you something to cover your face, but for now stay out of sight," he says to Leosin. With a final nod to his mentor he turns and follows Montar to the weapons tent.
He grabs his weapons, a staff, a pack of darts, and a light weight helmet of some sort.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Thistlewick follows the trio into the weapons tent. Before diving for any of his own kit, he approaches the freed prisoner.
"If we can escape this camp and gain a long rest, I can conjure a healing that should ease the worst of your injuries. I am sorry I can not do more for now."
He turns away and digs about looking for his equipment. Leather armor, wood shield, sickle, quarterstaff. He ties it into a bundle he can carry on his back so he looks more like some wayward merchant hunched over with his wares on his back. For now, he feels the improvised club he grabbed earlier will suffice as a main weapon.