Waterdeep: Camel Heist (2020)

Incantis hears Zhudala's voice in his head, waking in time to hear the woman and Dekhan begin conversing. He sits up slowly and stands remaining silent but making his presence physically known while Zhudala flies to his shoulder. He eyes the woman closely, looking for any tells.

Insight: 14

He telepaths to the party, If she's telling the truth I am interested.

Varinth, having long ago come to conclusion that he is not the wisest of fellows, looks to Soodi's reaction to the pretty lady.

Well, love, I can't see why you'd make a shop near here but that's a bit of a red flag if ye ask me. What say we meet this friend of yours to keep tings level and (looking around for Strix) we'll be sure te keep tings friendly-like.

My friend is a cautious soul, not to mention shy around strangers.  People don't usually react well to him, so he'll stay where he is.  I'm sure you can understand why I might be careful around so many strangers?

Incantis, you get the sense that she is very interested in magical items; you notice her eyes flicker to Varinth's staff, to Dekhan's sword.

Varinth, make an Insight check.

And you may well understand why a group o' strangers would be wary of a young lass wandering about next to the swamp o' death at half passed witches in the morning.

Strix, having already failed at diverting or averting the potential danger, keeps his gob shut to avoid worsening the situation. And his eyes wide open.

Wariness is no bad thing, she responds.  She casts an eye towards the horizon where the sun will rise, though there is no light yet.  So, she asks a little coyly, have you anything to impress me?

Strix, with your high perception roll, you do see some movement in the bushes next to the road, some sixty feet distant, but no sign of any creature.  It's a huge patch of plants and trees - enough to hide a large or small creature easily.

You have my word, by the Light without and within, that we harbor no evil intent and that no harm will come to you or your friend that you do not bring upon yourself. He draws Talon and holds it out admiringly and non threateningly I see by your lingering gaze that you have noticed Talon, it is indeed a magical weapon, one that has served us well and we hold it quite dear. What is it that you offer to trade? Do you accept non-magical payment as well? We've recently come into a good deal of wealth.

Insight: 19

Dekhan will also go ahead and burn a divine sense focusing on the lady and scanning for her friend.

I see ye looking at the coming sunrise. Close te yer bedtime? Take no offense. Mind... we've traded with gobos and made friends with orcs...even helped an owlbear find his way back te the forest. Overlooked a drow's ill humor, had a decent convo wit a red wizard o' thay til he marched his zombies on us. Ting is lass, yer cagey. Cagey makes me more nervous than orcs or zombies.

Dekhan, you sense no celestial, fiend or undead creature nearby.  The woman smiles at you and looks eagerly at the sword.  I suppose I have a few things I can offer.  I cannot take gold though - my only interest is magical items.  How about this?  She takes an object wrapped in green cloth from her pocket, unwraps it carefully and holds it up.  This key is magical, and can unlock any non-magical lock, and some magical ones.  There are few locks in the mere, so I have little need for it.  But you are headed for the city, yes?  A useful item indeed.

Varinth, you get a sense of danger from the woman; when she looks to the horizon she is not fearful, but careful, and she does not think you pose any risk to her.  When she describes the key, she is definitely overstating its capabilities.

Scupper, she shrugs at your statement.  I am here to do business, nothing more, young man, so you have no reason to fear me.  Certainly nothing like zombies or orcs.  She turns back to Dekhan, as she is getting a better response from him.  Varinth, you get the sense that neither zombies nor orcs would pose a threat to her, at least in her opinion.

Varinth stands and leans casually on his staff. He takes a few puffs on his empty pipe.

Witch has it's own connotations, but mostly it takes meaning from it's listener. Hag on the other hand is a most unsightly word, one for which there is no mistaking it's substance.

He takes another small puff, making a short trilling noise.

You'll not be taking anything from us today, Madam. Leave now and perhaps you shall live to swindle the next hapless band of travellers.

He stares the woman down as he slowly brings his pipe back to his lips.

Varinth, make an Intimidation check.

17

Intimidation: 14

Variety, the woman looks at you, at your staff, at your hair, and gives a sweet smile before turning back to Dekhan.  I have another suggestion.  Why don’t you give me all the magical items you have, and I’ll let you live.  She gives a sharp whistle, and you hear something move in the mere.

I hate it when I'm right mumbles Varinth

Initiative: 3

Hold! I gave you my word you’d come to no harm you did not bring on yourself! I pray you, do not make us hurt you or your friend. We take no joy in it, but we will kill to protect ourselves! During his speech Dekhan dons his shield and takes a defensive stance. 

persuasion 12

or, failing that, initiative 18

Aye, you and me both. 

Scupper grabs for his bow.

Initiative 11