Waterdeep: Camel Heist (2020)

Nena gives it a blow, but produces no sound that could be described as music, scrunches up her face and hands it back.  I tried to learn the lyre last year, but it wasn't fun.  I prefer singing.  You play beautifully, though, she adds hastily, worried that she might have offended.

You do, Incantis, agrees her mother.  A little melancholy perhaps, but many of the best musicians are.

After dinner, you head to the temple; Sister Garaele is just leaving as the sun has now set, but she stops to speak to you.  Incantis, how are you?  It's so strange to see you all back, you know.  Just wandering around town getting on with your own business.  When you left, the town just felt so quiet and empty.  I've heard that's the way it is with adventurers.  She smiles.  What can I do for you?

Incantis smiles, thankful to have been able to catch up with Nena and her mother while he's in town, thanks them for the meal, and departs.

Incantis smiles again, now somewhat of a commonplace for him, as he enters the temple. "Sister. I can honestly say it's good to be back." The half-elf does his best to keep the mild surprise out of his voice. "I am well. I want to thank you for you're open-mindedness earlier, and speak at more length about the quest we so hastily took upon ourselves. I have the feeling I'm not the first of my number to do so."

About the quest?  To Agatha?  She looks a little wary, but shrugs it off.  Of course.  Sit.  I'm afraid I was just heading home, but we can take a few minutes to talk, of course.  She sits down and encourages you to do the same.  What questions do you have?

Vaz will try and make it a semi early night with only half a keg of ale in his belly.

Dekhan greets Nilsa, Mirna, and Nars warmly and beams at their initiative in learning some Orc. I do speak Orc, Nils! And that’s wonderful but try this instead Greetings, I am Nars, blood runs true. That’s a simple and standard greeting among friendly Orcs It has a double meaning that honor is in the blood and blood should not flow without honor. I am so proud of all of you! You are setting a wonderful example for the rest of the town! 

After a short visit Dek says I have a few more errands to run tonight and we leave in the morning to search for Sildar’s friends. But when I return maybe there will be some gifts for well behaved children, what do you think, Nilsa?

Dekhan heads back and sees Strix on the green a’tooting Strix, care to accompany me to see how the lads in green are settling in?

And with that Dek will head over with Strix and anyone else who cares to join to see the Orcs.

Dekhan, the family is happy to see you and the children say they hope you come back soon.  Both feign offence at being referred to as children, but clearly meant as a joke.  You meet up with Strix (and any others?) and head out to see the orcs.  Four, including Oggor, are at the former Redbrand base under the manor, the other two being out on patrol.  Two of the orcs are cleaning and otherwise arranging the place to their satisfaction, while the other two engage in light sparring in the chilly crevasse area. 

Varinth, you get a good night's sleep at the inn.  Please make a Wisdom saving throw.

Strix jumps at the chance for more social interaction - what could possibly go wrong?

On the way, he asks Dekhan "Think peel-face orc find way here? Shudda kilt. Might sour Oggor"

In the hideout, he watches the orcs sparring, remarking "Watch bridge. Fall easy!" in case it hasn't been repaired yet. He also offers encouragement and guidance, where appropriate tapping limbs with his staff to indicate correct posture and positioning as his teacher did for him.

Strix, after Fekar makes a failed lunge with his blade because he aimed too high, you tap his forearm lightly with your staff.

Roll initiative please.

Fekar's initiative:  21

Dekhan’s face darkens as he remembers the tortured orc. I don’t think I could forget. 

Sensing the tension in the sparring match Dekhan readies an action to intercede verbally if someone is in physical danger. Initiative 3

Dekhan, make an Insight check with advantage.

Scupper tries to keep Vaz up but will call it a night after writing a poorly worded note of endearment to a particular halfling lass "what didn't mind the cold but offered him some warmth" and leaving it with Tolben to maybe see she gets it if he should come upon her and if not it's nothing important or serious so not to make a big deal of it please and g'night.

oops!

init 13

OOC : If that means I'm going first in a fight I don't know is about to happen, I guess I'm taking the Dodge action while tutting and saying something kung-fu-ish.

"Too high! Is not sausage - is sword fight! First skewer with brain, then with metal - like chess. But is more messy. AGAIN!"

Insight 13

"Well I just wondered what you knew about the necromancer Tsernoth is all," the half-elf shrugs. "And I'll admit curiosity at why Agatha refused to speak with you at all, not meaning to pry of course."

Round One: 

Strix
Fekar

Strix takes the dodge (I was going to say that Strix was surprised, but then he did just hit an orc with a stick, so maybe not.

Fekar roars and lunges to grapple Strix:  Athletics 6.  Strix, roll Athletics or Acrobatics to avoid.

Dekhan, you're not completely sure - it was a very convincing roar from Fekar - but you strongly suspect this is just play from the orc.

Incantis, Sister Garaele gives you a hard look for a moment.  No, she finally says.  I haven't heard the name before.  She shrugs and her normal calm, friendly expression returns.  This kind of thing is always just a trail of provenance, one old dead wizard after another old dead wizard until finally you get to the end and find what you're looking for.  Or not.  As for Agatha, well, perhaps I wasn't as polite as I should have been.  Sometimes when I'm nervous I get a little... brusque, shall we say.  And the banshee doesn't give second chances.  She looks embarrassed.

Quote from SteveThaiBinh >>

 

As best as I can tell, grapple doesn't suffer disadvantage against dodge because grapple is an attack without an attack role - happy to be contradicted if anyone can find a clear source. 

 Think that's right - contested skill roll, not an attack. 

20 acrobatics

Strix grasps the lunging Orc's pinky finger and gently squeezes the knuckle as he ducks and easily slides beneath Fekar's hands, popping up behind him to rap him on the shoulder again. 

"Is dance, not yard work! Maintain balance!"

Wisdom: 8

CANADA!