Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

"Many thanks."

"Shall we" Inara says.  A familiar portal opens on the mother tree and make you way through.  Upon reaching the other side you feel a shift in the climate to a cooler setting.  The crisp evening air has an evergreen smell to it and you find yourself in a large dense forest.  The sunlight fades as you follow the druid through the woods for about an hour and as the sun disappears over the distant mountains you begin to make out the shape of a large structure ahead.  The quarter moon lights is partially blocked by clouds that drift by occasionally. As you near the edge of the forest the illuminated mansion becomes more visible.  Guards carrying torches trace the open yard and path on the southern side of the house while four guards stand at the door.  Two additional guards stand on watch by the back entrance which seems to serve as a loading area for supplies.  Servants come in and out through the back entrance carrying crates and boxes of various sizes.  Inara and her group take you around the edge of the forest so you can see the entirety of the house.  Pausing near the northern side your group moves back a few paces and Inara speaks.  "You have an hour to study the surroundings and track the guards paths.  When you are ready to return let your guide know and they will take you back to the grove. Remember tonight is about preparation not attack...  remain unseen or we jeopardize the mission. I must return to the grove and see to other matters."  As she walks away into the darkness you see her form change shape into a large black wolf nearly indistinguishable from the dark surroundings.  As the wolf turn you make out two glowing green eyes then darkness as she turns away and rushes off into the forest.

Duke's Estate: Link

Watching the large black wolf disappear into the trees, Mucor would turn and look to his companions. "I am pretty observant... and can try to take the shape of a small animal... maybe one that flies... and gather information" The minotaur would say with a snort. His eyes narrowing as he looks towards the house.

(I will wait to shape shift until other players finish any interactions with Mucor because he cannot talk while shifted. Also, Mucor has the [feat]observant[/feat] as well as a passive perception of 21 so I can read the lips of anyone I see talking)

(You can't wildshape into a flying creature until level 8.  However, since I hate that rule I've augmented it to no flying creatures that weigh more than a pound...  basically: insects, small birds and bats are now fair game. For lip reading you'd need to be within 60 feet.)

(That is fine, I was thinking a crow but I could turn into a rat. Rat might be more Mucor's style anyway)

"Excellent idea and skill Mucor! The need for information is vital. If we need, I can get some intel as well, but I would need to be rather close." Jinara says offering options. "Zinmaer? Gabriel? Any other ideas? What are everyone's thoughts on group travel for this mission?"

Zinmaer would look to Mucor, "You're abilities can serve quite useful! Especially for this type of recon mission." He would then look on to the group, "I am very light on my feet while fighting, but I am also fairly sneaky. However, I don't want to blow the mission and get caught. I definitely think we should observe from a distance unless you all had a better idea. We should monitor the the loading area and any paths leading to it assuming that this would be our way in."

For any that are attempting to get closer make a stealth check.  For any that are trying to hear conversations, track guard movement, notice anything additional make a perception check.

(Where are we on the map? Just as a point of reference?)

(Eastern side in the forest (dark green).  As long as you remain at least 20 feet from the edge of the forest your good in terms of being seen.  If you want to move a bunch you'll need to make a stealth roll or go further into the forest and then make your way around.  Since you have an hour to observe 3 sides of the house are easy to access from the forest by moving deeper in and walking around..)

Jinara looks at Gabriel, Zinmaer, and Mucor individually before saying "Mucor, fly friend. It seems you are in the best position for recon. Zinmaer, going along the southern side to recon the driveway is brilliant. As quick as you are, you should have no problem maneuvering through the woods." Jinara switches to celestial "Gabriel. Are you up for a woodland stroll?" and, as he speaks, snaps his fingers and Prestidigitation his robes to solid black and puts the hood up. 

Zinmaer would nod his head and take off deeper into the woods so he can make his way around to observe the southern side of the estate. It had been some time since he had been alone in the woods and he had forgotten just how peaceful it could be. He closes his eyes only for a moment to soak it in before taking off once again towards his destination. He would remain atleast 20ft into the woods once he could see mansion as long as he had a good visual of the mansion and the guards.

Mucor would nod before muttering a few words under his breath. With A snort the large minotaur would twist and contort into the snape of a small crow. The crow however would look rather mangy and disheveled with a green and brown mold growing around its eyes and inbetween its feathers. With a "CAAWW!" the crow would fly up into the air and circle the house making mental notes of windows and doors and other points of entry and escape before landing upon the roof. Once on the roof, the bird would skitter around looking at the guards and watching how they move. 

Perception checks from everyone

Perception 19

Perception 21

(Assuming Gabriel is ok with the plan and moves with me) Jinara would take off to the northern side following the 20 ft depth watching what he can see as he moves. Perception 19

As you monitor the guards and the paths they take you begin to notice that they seem to serve more as a deterrent rather than a threat.  Most are relaxed and hardly pay attention to their duties.  Sometimes aiming out into the darkness and pretending to shoot a bolt from their crossbows to keep from becoming too bored. As the coolness of night settles in the guards slow their pace slightly and tend to linger in certain areas near the warmth of the torches.  The guards near the back door share small talk as they sit watching servants tend to the recently delivered supplies.  

You make you way back to the eastern side of the forest and follow the druids for a few minutes as you creep deeper into the forest.  The druids open another portal back to the grove and welcome the warmth and sweet smells in the air.  Geo and two other druids greet you holding your armors. "I hope you gathered all the information you need for tomorrow's mission.  You are welcome to keep the new armor if you prefer it in exchange for your old armor.  You do not have to make the decision now.  Sleep on it if you want and let us know." Geo says before turning to Jinara. "Inara requests that you keep her cloak as a gift of good faith.  *turning back to address the whole group* You are welcome to any part of the grove.  When you decide to retire for the night simply speak with any of the nearby druids and they will guide you back to your quarters if you need assistance."

(It is about 11:00 at night now)

Updated map with paths: Link

(Sorry for the wait, everyone.)

Gabriel nodded in reply to Jinara's suggestion and followed after him, trying to avoid stomping as much as possible. 

"Rest would be welcome." He says. 

Jinara says to Geo "Please pass Inara my sincerest thanks for the kind gesture. Before you leave, is there anywhere in the grove that can provide materials, or other methods, of aiding us for tomorrow's mission? While we know what the exterior holds for us, the ability remain quiet or hidden would be great boon towards the success of the mission and rescuing your companion."