Zaroc states “the night my parent disappeared, this shield appeared.” And he points toward the turtle shell shield.
“My father would always tell the tale of the day he found me when I was young. He claims that he found me in the open waters being carried by a sea turtle. I never believed it at the time, but after the night they dissappeard I’m not so sure anymore.”
”That’s why I am here. I do not know if the tale he used to tell me is true or not, but it seems to me that no power within this island is capable of causing people to disappear”
Based on what I read in the note, I assume they have already used it and that is why the noble betrayer stole it from them. Based on my exchange with the man mistaking me for this Balis character, I fear they have made some kind of deal with an evil being or organization that seeks access to our world. I have no clue how numerous the Yuan-Ti are, I have never ventured deep enough into their swampy lair. Not exactly one of the more appealing places to visit. As for the boat, I suppose I could meet you on the Southern coast... Or we could traverse the farm lands, staying outside of the city, and follow the section of the river that borders the Northern city limits by the fishing village. I must point out, if a member of the Yuan-Ti has been arrested, we are likely to meet other, more formidable Yuan-Ti around the city seeking to free their brother. I fear there is no path free of resistance.
"Fine, the boat it is." Now that a decision has been made Terrance stretches and gets ready to move, looking round the make shift camp for anything that needs packing.
"No time like the present. Head Absoli-wards I suppose and then Hanzo here can guide us to a good section of the docks."
Briar from her perch sits and listens carefully to everyone speak in turn... until she decides to put voice her thoughts. Looking at Hanzo first, "thank you for your continued willingness to stick by my side and help me in my search for my sister. If you could secure a boat some sort no doubts such would be extremely useful in traveling to and in such a dangerous region."
Next Briar turns back to Salazar the old man and quickly relays to him of their two encounters with the mysterious stranger who she believes to be a Yuan-Ti and his apparent interest in Briar's sister Bramble... or perhaps in both sisters given the second time he had come back for her knowing she was not Bramble. "What of him, this mysterious stranger, last seen taken away by the guards to the arena? Should we travel there to seek him and question him further, that is if he still being held or made it there in first place. If still there would the authorities even permit us to see him, let alone question him?"These questions and statements are directed at everyone... not to just the old man alone but all of her traveling companions to determine their opinions and thoughts.
Not finished with Salazar just yet she asks, "and what of that stone, do you just think that it is magical or have you taken to the time to verify this yourself? Being a Wizard, have you sought to use Detect Magic and/or Identify on it or if such spells are beyond your scope, why did you not consult a colleague? If you did verify the stone is magical, from what school of magic does it emanations appear to belong to or be from? I did not get a good look at from where I was sitting so did note any runes or marking but even if appears smooth does not mean that there aren't hidden or magical impressions upon its surface that the naked eye cannot see unassisted."
Briar seems very intent and specific in her questions and interest regarding the stone, as turns to Terrance and Zarock, "you are both Dwarves so I imagine you know far than I ever will about stones, mining and such. Even if the stone appears to be unlike that of stones you are familiar with did you inspect it closely for runes and such, of the like Dwarves have been known to hide secrets or messages or inscribe on stones or examine it to determine if it is, in fact, just a mere stone or rather could it be a small container or the like. For example, one of my old instructors used to hide the key to his cottage inside a stone lying in plain sight of his door that on casual inspection was impossible to tell that it opened up like a puzzle box with the key inside. Is either of you able to cast a Detect Magic spell upon it to verify and confirm the old man's idea that it is truly magical at all? I would but fear my knowledge of spells is somewhat limited so I lack that capability myself. As for the note, I am sad that it has gone missing as I would have liked to examine it myself directly if for nothing else than to determine if my sister's hand had penned it. I agree though that going searching for it would be fruitless and our time is limited, so I agree we should focus and concentrate on more important things/tasks."
No idea of the rough size of the stone but still could hide hidden markings or made to look like a common stone, with a gemstone inside it or (depending on its size) a small item like a small key inside, does not hurt to make a closer inspection of such an important clue. Likewise some of that about the stone, Briar would have asked Terrance telepathically on the sly as not give the old man an impression Briar is so nosey or perhaps even a little suspicious of him but Briar has promised Terrance she would stay out of his head and she keeps her promise to him. As for spells, Detect Magic is not one Briar can choose on her Warlock list, it a choice on her Druid list but being more a healer her spell selections were more focused in that area.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"You make a good point lass." He turns to Salazar "Pass me the stone wizard and I'll do some dwarfing on it. Give me ten minutes and I'll know everything there is to know about a stone. The only way you could know more is if you created it."
When Salazar has given him the stone Terrance will take it and look it over. History 10
Then he will sit cross legged in a quieter corner of the camp raising the stone up in front of himself and then starts to mutter with closed eyes.
He casts detect magic as a ritual. (This takes 10 minutes)
”I don’t think going after the stranger is necessary anymore, he was just someone that was sent to find your sister. Now we know where these people stay, if nothing else they’ll know more about your sister. I vote we get a boat and head straight to the swamp. I don’t know much about magic, or stones, but if Salazar isn’t familiar with it then that’s just one more thing we could learn from these Yuan-Ti.”
Briar nods, "yes perhaps you are right, I have my doubts that he even made to the arena at all so I am content that we forget about him for the time being. I am sure later when he does show up again my suspicions about him will be confirmed. So after we take a closer look at the stone here and now, then we can head off as you suggest to find a boat and then begin to make our way for the swamp."
Terrance's eyes narrow at that. "You don't want me to check out the super ultra mysterious stone." He puts his hands up. "Okay your call. I'll be over there when you're ready for my help again."
He walks behind Salazar and sits on a log facing away. He starts to mutter under his breath one handed touching his warhammer and casts detect magic as a ritual. He will check the stone and also check out Salazar as he's acting shifty.
You see a magnificent aura resonating from the stone, pulsing and swirling blue and purple with flashes of red. Clearly there is something special about this stone.
Terrance processes the sensation from the stone. He doesn't gain much from this other than a minor distrust for the wizard for trying to stop him investigating.
Briar just shrugs feeling like the old man is not being totally honest or forthcoming but lets it slide and doesn't question things further figuring it will all come out in the wash later. For now, she is most worried about her sister Bramble and sees no need to waste any more time and ready to head for the swamp hoping for word or clues of her sister or should worse come to worse they have her and Briar and her new friends get there in time to save her!
The Hedge Witch looks to Terrance and Hanzo, "are you two ready to break camp and head out, no sense wasting more time... so let's get moving shall we?" Briar gathers her things back into her pack and is good to go...
”Yes I’m ready whenever everyone else is. Again I can’t guarentee I can acquire a boat but I think I have the best chance. I can ask the captain of the fishing boat I borrow for my fishing expeditions.”
The party sets out to the fishing village, by way of the dirt roads travelling throughout the miles and miles of fields and farms. The day grows long, and the Light Giver begins to ease it glow. A slight breeze makes the blades of grass, and fields of grain shimmer as they sway. The smell of vegetation and open air fills your collective noses.
Zaroc states “the night my parent disappeared, this shield appeared.” And he points toward the turtle shell shield.
“My father would always tell the tale of the day he found me when I was young. He claims that he found me in the open waters being carried by a sea turtle. I never believed it at the time, but after the night they dissappeard I’m not so sure anymore.”
”That’s why I am here. I do not know if the tale he used to tell me is true or not, but it seems to me that no power within this island is capable of causing people to disappear”
Based on what I read in the note, I assume they have already used it and that is why the noble betrayer stole it from them. Based on my exchange with the man mistaking me for this Balis character, I fear they have made some kind of deal with an evil being or organization that seeks access to our world. I have no clue how numerous the Yuan-Ti are, I have never ventured deep enough into their swampy lair. Not exactly one of the more appealing places to visit. As for the boat, I suppose I could meet you on the Southern coast... Or we could traverse the farm lands, staying outside of the city, and follow the section of the river that borders the Northern city limits by the fishing village. I must point out, if a member of the Yuan-Ti has been arrested, we are likely to meet other, more formidable Yuan-Ti around the city seeking to free their brother. I fear there is no path free of resistance.
Ah... it seems there are three with ties to the sea. Perhaps we should take this as a sign?
"Fine, the boat it is." Now that a decision has been made Terrance stretches and gets ready to move, looking round the make shift camp for anything that needs packing.
"No time like the present. Head Absoli-wards I suppose and then Hanzo here can guide us to a good section of the docks."
Briar from her perch sits and listens carefully to everyone speak in turn... until she decides to put voice her thoughts. Looking at Hanzo first, "thank you for your continued willingness to stick by my side and help me in my search for my sister. If you could secure a boat some sort no doubts such would be extremely useful in traveling to and in such a dangerous region."
Next Briar turns back to Salazar the old man and quickly relays to him of their two encounters with the mysterious stranger who she believes to be a Yuan-Ti and his apparent interest in Briar's sister Bramble... or perhaps in both sisters given the second time he had come back for her knowing she was not Bramble. "What of him, this mysterious stranger, last seen taken away by the guards to the arena? Should we travel there to seek him and question him further, that is if he still being held or made it there in first place. If still there would the authorities even permit us to see him, let alone question him?" These questions and statements are directed at everyone... not to just the old man alone but all of her traveling companions to determine their opinions and thoughts.
Not finished with Salazar just yet she asks, "and what of that stone, do you just think that it is magical or have you taken to the time to verify this yourself? Being a Wizard, have you sought to use Detect Magic and/or Identify on it or if such spells are beyond your scope, why did you not consult a colleague? If you did verify the stone is magical, from what school of magic does it emanations appear to belong to or be from? I did not get a good look at from where I was sitting so did note any runes or marking but even if appears smooth does not mean that there aren't hidden or magical impressions upon its surface that the naked eye cannot see unassisted."
Briar seems very intent and specific in her questions and interest regarding the stone, as turns to Terrance and Zarock, "you are both Dwarves so I imagine you know far than I ever will about stones, mining and such. Even if the stone appears to be unlike that of stones you are familiar with did you inspect it closely for runes and such, of the like Dwarves have been known to hide secrets or messages or inscribe on stones or examine it to determine if it is, in fact, just a mere stone or rather could it be a small container or the like. For example, one of my old instructors used to hide the key to his cottage inside a stone lying in plain sight of his door that on casual inspection was impossible to tell that it opened up like a puzzle box with the key inside. Is either of you able to cast a Detect Magic spell upon it to verify and confirm the old man's idea that it is truly magical at all? I would but fear my knowledge of spells is somewhat limited so I lack that capability myself. As for the note, I am sad that it has gone missing as I would have liked to examine it myself directly if for nothing else than to determine if my sister's hand had penned it. I agree though that going searching for it would be fruitless and our time is limited, so I agree we should focus and concentrate on more important things/tasks."
No idea of the rough size of the stone but still could hide hidden markings or made to look like a common stone, with a gemstone inside it or (depending on its size) a small item like a small key inside, does not hurt to make a closer inspection of such an important clue. Likewise some of that about the stone, Briar would have asked Terrance telepathically on the sly as not give the old man an impression Briar is so nosey or perhaps even a little suspicious of him but Briar has promised Terrance she would stay out of his head and she keeps her promise to him. As for spells, Detect Magic is not one Briar can choose on her Warlock list, it a choice on her Druid list but being more a healer her spell selections were more focused in that area.
"You make a good point lass." He turns to Salazar "Pass me the stone wizard and I'll do some dwarfing on it. Give me ten minutes and I'll know everything there is to know about a stone. The only way you could know more is if you created it."
When Salazar has given him the stone Terrance will take it and look it over. History 10
Then he will sit cross legged in a quieter corner of the camp raising the stone up in front of himself and then starts to mutter with closed eyes.
He casts detect magic as a ritual. (This takes 10 minutes)
@Briar
”I don’t think going after the stranger is necessary anymore, he was just someone that was sent to find your sister. Now we know where these people stay, if nothing else they’ll know more about your sister. I vote we get a boat and head straight to the swamp. I don’t know much about magic, or stones, but if Salazar isn’t familiar with it then that’s just one more thing we could learn from these Yuan-Ti.”
@Ser Hanzo
Briar nods, "yes perhaps you are right, I have my doubts that he even made to the arena at all so I am content that we forget about him for the time being. I am sure later when he does show up again my suspicions about him will be confirmed. So after we take a closer look at the stone here and now, then we can head off as you suggest to find a boat and then begin to make our way for the swamp."
Salazar clutches the stone through his beard and jerks away at Terrance's offer to check the stone.
"Y-yes I already checked it, n-no worries it is just a rare gemstone. Now, let's go get that robe shall we?"
Terrance's eyes narrow at that. "You don't want me to check out the super ultra mysterious stone." He puts his hands up. "Okay your call. I'll be over there when you're ready for my help again."
He walks behind Salazar and sits on a log facing away. He starts to mutter under his breath one handed touching his warhammer and casts detect magic as a ritual. He will check the stone and also check out Salazar as he's acting shifty.
@Terrance
You see a magnificent aura resonating from the stone, pulsing and swirling blue and purple with flashes of red. Clearly there is something special about this stone.
Terrance processes the sensation from the stone. He doesn't gain much from this other than a minor distrust for the wizard for trying to stop him investigating.
He is ready to move on when everyone else is.
Briar just shrugs feeling like the old man is not being totally honest or forthcoming but lets it slide and doesn't question things further figuring it will all come out in the wash later. For now, she is most worried about her sister Bramble and sees no need to waste any more time and ready to head for the swamp hoping for word or clues of her sister or should worse come to worse they have her and Briar and her new friends get there in time to save her!
The Hedge Witch looks to Terrance and Hanzo, "are you two ready to break camp and head out, no sense wasting more time... so let's get moving shall we?" Briar gathers her things back into her pack and is good to go...
Map of the Southwestern coast area...
Here is a terrible map view of the Southwestern coast area...
https://pin.it/cdeh5rkmz7sotx
@Briar
”Yes I’m ready whenever everyone else is. Again I can’t guarentee I can acquire a boat but I think I have the best chance. I can ask the captain of the fishing boat I borrow for my fishing expeditions.”
Seeing everyone seems to be ready Terrance will point for Hanzo to lead the way and then start heading towards the fishing village.
Although mildly suspicious of the old man, Zaroc finds no reason not to continue to the next phase of the adventure and prepares his few belongings
The party sets out to the fishing village, by way of the dirt roads travelling throughout the miles and miles of fields and farms. The day grows long, and the Light Giver begins to ease it glow. A slight breeze makes the blades of grass, and fields of grain shimmer as they sway. The smell of vegetation and open air fills your collective noses.
Everyone make perception checks
Perception 21
Briar Perception 4