Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

Gabriel nods to the firbolg. "I have little knowledge of the arts of the apothecary. Perhaps you could direct me to a potion which would prove useful in battle, either to the benefit of my allies or the detriment of my foes? "

An older, frizzy haired human male responds, "Well that depends on what you're doing.  I have:" Potion of Fire Breath- 200gp, Potion of Resistance-(any) 200gp, Potion of Water Breathing- 200gp, Potion of Hill Giant Strength- 250gp

Gabriel eyes the Potion of Hill Giant Strength with interest and pulls out his gold pouch. "What is the price on this one? "

"250 gold pieces" the shop keep responds.

As his companions finish up their shopping, Mucor would walk around the grove and take in the sights and sounds. The minotaurs mouth would remain open as he stared in amazement. Growing up the swamp was a place of death and darkness... He had never known that nature could be this bright. 

Jinara would meander around the grove before crossing paths with Mucor once more. [Bold]"Such a beautiful grove, isn't it?"[/bold]

"Yes... I uhh.. Well I am not used to such beauty" Mucor would say locking eyes with Jinara. "I grew up alone in a dark and hostile swamp... It was there that I discovered the power of decay and the important role it plays in the natural cycle of life... But... but this" The minotaur would say with his arms outstretched as he rotates in a small circle gesturing to his surroundings. " This is the opposite end of the cycle... this is the beauty that is born from decay. A beauty I have never seen before" Mucor would say as he scoops up a small handful of soil and causes a bouquet of small glowing mushrooms to sprout before placing the fungus in the shade of a nearby rock. 

"The cycle of life is one that should remain pure as it illustrates the truth and power of the natural world." Jinara says with a glimmer of smile as he sees the Minotaur's delight in this place. "If we look close enough, we can find the truth and beauty in everything."

(Just curious, what time of day is it after all of our shopping?)

(Depending on how long y'all want to wander... we'll say apporaching lunch time.  JJWatt roll persuasion, DC 14 if you want to try to lower the price to 200 and you can note it as we continue)

As the group explores the grove they congregate back together with the other druids as they crowd around the bonfires for lunch.  Mucor, as you've become somewhat accustomed to the traditions and the awe factor has begun to wain you notice the carcasses of the animals and parts not being used are all recycled in a number of ways.  Before the animals are put onto the spit or cut up the hides are given to the local artisans, the bones that aren't used for stews are either shaped into tools and weapons or crushed and spread out along some of the farmland to aid in growth.  Any unused flesh is given to some of the local carnivorous animals in the grove, which you have noticed help in population control with rodents and fowl.  The ashes from the bonfire are either given to the apothecary or used in conjunction with the crushed bones as a fertilizer.  Nothing goes to waste and the seemingly missing element of death and decay become subtly clearer.  In the swamp the balance of death and life was off but int he grove it is in perfect harmony.  

Following your meal you make your way to the garden temple and find Geo and Inara waiting patiently.   Inara greets you, "Blessings friends.  Are you ready to discuss your plans for tonight's mission?" and as she finishes she casts a familiar bead of light onto the floor that expands into a top down view of the mansion and surrounding area.  

Map: link

Gabriel tosses the firbolg the pouch. "My thanks. "

(Sorry if I missed it, but have we acquired any gold recently?)

Gabriel studies the image of the mansion. "Is there any time when we might catch the duke alone? "

"I am ready" The minotaur would say, sitting down ready to discuss their mission.

Zinmaer would approach and greet Geo and Inara after the morning touring the grove, "I think we are ready to discuss what needs to be done." He would then move his sights to the map with a look of focus.

Jinara nods in agreement with the group.

(20 platinum and 100 gold each from the front.)

"Alone? Never, he will always be near his sheriff or his maester.  The man is a recluse and only goes out to mingle with his guests for about an hour before retreating back into his chambers. We believe they are somewhere within the western half of the house." Inara responds.  "When night falls we will transport your group nearby and then the task will be up to you. We can provide aid only to the forest edge."  

"So I know our goal is to assassinate this man and anyone that protects him... and as far as getting into the home.... I know I can take the shape of a small creature and try to sneak in... but could the... less bestial... of us go in under the disguise as guests to try to get close? Mucor would ask with a snort. "I am sure a minotaur like myself would stand out quite a bit  but couldn't the rest of you enter the party as guests to bypass the guards?

Jinara would say "That is a decent idea Mucor. Inara, are there people attending this event that would align with our mission? Maybe we can be a "plus one" to these individuals. If not, I can try and persuade a guard for entry for myself and maybe another. Whether I succeed or fail, the guard immediately knows our face." As Jinara waits for Inara's response, he is pondering other ideas. Jinara speaks again "Who provides the orders to the guards? Do we know their name?"

Inara nods. "You could go in as guests but it would be difficult.  Most of the guests are well known nobles from the three nearest towns, whose names are on a list.  Many of them fear the duke or align with him so it is improbable that they would allow you to be their plus one on such short notice.  The guards most likely answer to the sheriff."  

[Bold]"will the nobles have guards with them inside the party?"[/bold]

"The nobles, no.  There will definitely be additional guards inside that belong to the duke or the sheriff." Inara responds.

[Bold]"do we know any of the nobles names?"[/bold]