Waterdeep: Camel Heist (2020)

Hey Mister Strix! Sorry might be a bit... charred. Varinth gets out of Strixs way

Varinth pokes his head in the room and looks around.

Not really my brand of mead. I suppose we'll all gather at the stairs to the bit we haven't checked out yet. Hopefully we'll find the dwarf. See ya there Mr Strix.

Vaz will make his way to the study, tell the others about the armory and advice that he will meet everyone at the top of the unexplored steps down. He will make his way there, get comfy, and partake of some more wine while he waits for the others. (1 cup down)

Quote from Tobbence >>

...at the top of the unexplored steps down.

 Make a DEX save to avoid the caltrops. :)

Strix moves into the armoury and picks up a spear, hefts it in one hand to feel the weight and balance, comparing it to the quarterstaff in his other. Stowing the staff he begins to turn the spear haft this way and that, then abruptly helicopters it, allowing it to roll around one arm, catching it on the opposite leg, fulcruming back up into his hands, across his back and returning to his throwing arm where upon he turns and flings it at an empty red cloak by the door. He nods approvingly at the damage. He's less approving of the growing sweat stains under his arms. He also grabs a crossbow and a quiver of quarrels, checking his new robe for empty pockets to stow them in.

"Should burn what not take" he remarks to Vaz, then doubletakes realising he's already left.

Oh for the love of....

20

Varinth remembers about the caltrops just in time, and successfully avoid stepping on them.

How shall we proceed? With stealth again or are we kicking down doors and killing bugbears?

Strix calls down the stairs to the bedroom / study "Swords! Lots swords!" and then stalks south through the corridors with his new crossbow, doing imaginary "pew pew"s into shadows and swift high-ready to corner-clearing spins around doorways. Arriving at the stairs, he takes a quick look around and then tries to gather his caltrops back up - stowing the crossbow and using his staff to sweep them into a funneling position, gathering them back into their pouch.

Strix, as you stand at the top of the southern stairs clearing up your caltrops, you do seem to hear some noise from below.  It's very indistinct, but it's there.

Dekhan will jog back quickly and take a spear and a crossbow, strapping them both to his back before joining everyone at the top of the stairs again. He eyes Strix appraisingly May I say, Strix, when I saw you taking Glasstaff’s robe I had my doubts, but you pull it off. Suits you, sir, suits you. Vaz, I’ve still got that flask of oil you gave me, if you want something doused in oil, point at it, and do one of these he waggles his fingers in a flame like motion. And I’ll douse it. And I’ll  stick to taking a swig and spitting in someone’s face if I want them immolated. How’s that sound?

Strix swishes his robe a little, not quite blushing then freezes, raises a palm to stop Dekhan and brings a finger to his lips, then pointing down the stairs. He brandishes his new spear and begins to creep down the steps.

Stealth - 17

Strix, as you get closer to the bottom of the stairs, you see that there's a door to the south, and the passageway turns north and continues for about ten feet before ending at another door.  The rather indistinct noise is now somewhat clearer - it's coming from the door to the south, and it's several gruff voices.  You can't really make out individual words, though it doesn't sound like any language you know.  It's not a conversation, just a series of barked comments, interspersed with laughter.

Given Strix is expecting some Bugbears, and recently met one, would he recognise this gruffness as a Buggybeary voice or does it sound more humany, or outside of his experience?  Also is it a closed door? 

(assuming it's closed) Strix creeps onwards towards the northern door and has a listen.

11 - Perception

Dekhan takes Strix’s signal and narrows his eyes in concentration as he moves carefully down the steps and reaches out with his senses 8

woof

It has Klargish and bugbearesque aspects, yes.  Not human, that's for sure, unless it's a human speaking a very unhuman language.  Yes, the southern door is closed, hence the muffling of the sound.  You might hear better if you put your ear against it.

You creep to the northern door and listen.  Silence.

Scupper digs through all the treasure looking for papers, then walks away feeling like he's searched as well as he possibly can. 

"Still no map, no dwarf, no spider."

He gets to the door before stopping and looking back at the treasure. I don't know what's gotten inta me. He hurries back and gathers it all up to distribute.

"Me mother would never forgive me. Truth told she never has..."

I would say that the party gathers at the top of the steps, while Strix sneakily and stealthily searches the space down the stairs.

Sounds right. If it seems like they didn’t hear the commotion of their boss being murdered, could we lead them up into an ambush?

Incantis follows the others shortly behind. "What have you heard before of this 'Black Spider'?" he asks no one in particular. "Maybe I missed it in the start of your adventures." As he walks he gingerly holds the glassen staff in his walking hand, careful not to actually use it as a walking stick. He peeks his head into the armory, seeing nothing really of interest to a warlock such as himself, before following the group to the top of the stairs. Voices from the dark beyond, bandits thieves or vagabonds. Gather hence my party seven, send them on to Redbrand heaven.