"I am ready," Quillary says, outfitted and holding up a length of rope. "Should we leash the fluffy wizard, lest someone think we are stealing a sheep?" she says with a twinkle in her eye.
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ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sheep CHA save vs. DC 10: 13 (fails!)
There is a frozen expression on Fala's face. The sheep keeps bleating angrily at your group, and for some reason you are all pretending that you are having a conversation with it. Fala agrees to watch over the manor (with Lif and Twigroot), on the condition that Pascal take-out food will be provided later.
The sheep suddenly starts grinning like an idiot, although Finethir is still fuming at being called a leashed pet. Looking around, you notice Drusk waving his wand of smiles like an orchestra conductor. "I thought if he smiled more, he wouldn't be so grumpy. Guess not."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Your group marches out of Waterdeep, keeping conversation to a minimum, to avoid odd stares at the people talking to their (unleashed) sheep. Once you are outside the gates, Finethir describes the area around his tower in some detail.
(These are in "spoilers" only to save space. Everyone can look them over at your convenience.)
Map image:
Description of the map:
About 10 minutes out of town, there is a side path away from the main road, well trodden but the shrubs hide it unless someone knows it is there. The path goes through sparse woodlands, another 20 minutes march.
Rather than stone or glass, the tower / house seems to have been formed from the living branches of four sturdy oak trees. These have been shaped and woven to create three thick platforms.
The lowest of these platforms (the southeast circle on the map) is roughly 40ft across and sits about 10 ft from the ground. The only obvious route up is a gentle slope formed of roots and branches that connects roughly with the main path. Branches curl around its base, creating a rough bowl shape around it. From where you stand it’s possible to see flowers and small trees growing around its edge.
By far the largest of the three platforms is the middle one, which looks to be around 60 ft. across. It is about 20 ft above the ground and is fully enclosed with a wall formed from twisting branches. You can see evenly spaced, window-sized gaps, as well as what appears to be a door at the point closest to the garden platform.
The final, tallest platform is roughly 30 ft above the ground, and is much smaller than the others. It looks to be linked to the central platform by another small slope.
Scattered beneath the platforms are two small wooden huts (southwest) and a large outhouse (south).
At this time, Finethir keeps talking, but all you hear is sheep baaing. When Shinebright realizes that the Speak with Animals (modified) spell has worn off, he shrugs slightly, and continues walking forward.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Once they were out of town and could more freely talk, Hildigrim would have asked ...
The apprentice will be the only human there. And he will be holding an arcane wand.
For the remaining guards that stayed with Noke (there are a handful more), they though it would be cool to be powerful animals, and Noke enjoyed using his new power. They still have their original mind, like druids do when they shapeshift, and can be polymorphed to a different animal when the novelty wears off.
After those two responses, the rest is just baa-ing.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim places his hands on his hips as he looks at the very strange structure. "So, are we in agreement that, despite our four-legged friend's assurances that he is completely in the right and the apprentice is completely in the wrong, we should probably enter to ask questions first rather than attacking those who might not deserve to be assaulted?"
Drusk: "Are you planning to scout around first, or have us walk up to the front door and parley?
"I'm not good at moving around stealthily, and if someone gets caught sneaking in, that will make Noke suspicious, I'd guess.
"This apprentice sent his good buddy Guz to do his bidding. The same Guz who decided to attack first, and ask questions later. Doesn't make me trust Noke that much."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim looks around at the others. "I realize the brutes attacked first without asking questions, but I would hope we more civilized creatures would take a more diplomatic approach if possible. My suggestion is we enter with the idea of conversation, keeping our weapons ready should we encounter more violence. In fact," he says, placing a finger to his chin, "half our party could try to engage the apprentice out here while the other half waits under cover." He indicates Quillary. "Covered by our friend here and prepared to jump in if necessary."
“Jorin and Drusk are the best suited to a direct confrontation,” Quillary nods, “As you and Pascal are best suited from a distance. But,” and she shrugs apologetically at the two of them, “They are least suited to negotiate?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
OoC - sorry guys, busy weekend with me and the kiddo being sick.
Jorin laughs and then nods Quillary's observation, "Aye, I am more apt to swing an axes than words. As Drusk says, if his minions are an indication of how he might we react, we'll be fighting them. They attacked is even after we tried speaking."
He pauses for a moment looking at Hildigrim, "Though, we should satisfy Hildi's conscience. I say we approach all together, weapons sheathed but showing our strength, and open with discussion. At the first hint of aggression, we'll attack."
But IC, negotiating would be a reasonable idea. If you decide on the path of peace, then Quillary will get DM Inspiration. (Basically, the entire party minus my character.)
Let me know if you decide on the entire group out in the open, or half hide / half open.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
(Hildigrim has not met Noke, so he isn't familiar enough to send a Message through the house wall. He will have to settle for Jorin or Drusk yelling really loud to call Noke outside. Or more likely, the guards will alert him for you.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
"I am ready," Quillary says, outfitted and holding up a length of rope. "Should we leash the fluffy wizard, lest someone think we are stealing a sheep?" she says with a twinkle in her eye.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
“If he follows us, he’ll look more like a pet, I’d say.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Sheep CHA save vs. DC 10: 13 (fails!)
There is a frozen expression on Fala's face. The sheep keeps bleating angrily at your group, and for some reason you are all pretending that you are having a conversation with it. Fala agrees to watch over the manor (with Lif and Twigroot), on the condition that Pascal take-out food will be provided later.
The sheep suddenly starts grinning like an idiot, although Finethir is still fuming at being called a leashed pet. Looking around, you notice Drusk waving his wand of smiles like an orchestra conductor. "I thought if he smiled more, he wouldn't be so grumpy. Guess not."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Your group marches out of Waterdeep, keeping conversation to a minimum, to avoid odd stares at the people talking to their (unleashed) sheep. Once you are outside the gates, Finethir describes the area around his tower in some detail.
(These are in "spoilers" only to save space. Everyone can look them over at your convenience.)
Map image:
Description of the map:
About 10 minutes out of town, there is a side path away from the main road, well trodden but the shrubs hide it unless someone knows it is there. The path goes through sparse woodlands, another 20 minutes march.
Rather than stone or glass, the tower / house seems to have been formed from the living branches of four sturdy oak trees. These have been shaped and woven to create three thick platforms.
The lowest of these platforms (the southeast circle on the map) is roughly 40ft across and sits about 10 ft from the ground. The only obvious route up is a gentle slope formed of roots and branches that connects roughly with the main path. Branches curl around its base, creating a rough bowl shape around it. From where you stand it’s possible to see flowers and small trees growing around its edge.
By far the largest of the three platforms is the middle one, which looks to be around 60 ft. across. It is about 20 ft above the ground and is fully enclosed with a wall formed from twisting branches. You can see evenly spaced, window-sized gaps, as well as what appears to be a door at the point closest to the garden platform.
The final, tallest platform is roughly 30 ft above the ground, and is much smaller than the others. It looks to be linked to the central platform by another small slope.
Scattered beneath the platforms are two small wooden huts (southwest) and a large outhouse (south).
At this time, Finethir keeps talking, but all you hear is sheep baaing. When Shinebright realizes that the Speak with Animals (modified) spell has worn off, he shrugs slightly, and continues walking forward.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Once they were out of town and could more freely talk, Hildigrim would have asked ...
The apprentice will be the only human there. And he will be holding an arcane wand.
For the remaining guards that stayed with Noke (there are a handful more), they though it would be cool to be powerful animals, and Noke enjoyed using his new power. They still have their original mind, like druids do when they shapeshift, and can be polymorphed to a different animal when the novelty wears off.
After those two responses, the rest is just baa-ing.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Clever girl, er, DM.
Hildigrim places his hands on his hips as he looks at the very strange structure. "So, are we in agreement that, despite our four-legged friend's assurances that he is completely in the right and the apprentice is completely in the wrong, we should probably enter to ask questions first rather than attacking those who might not deserve to be assaulted?"
Drusk: "Are you planning to scout around first, or have us walk up to the front door and parley?
"I'm not good at moving around stealthily, and if someone gets caught sneaking in, that will make Noke suspicious, I'd guess.
"This apprentice sent his good buddy Guz to do his bidding. The same Guz who decided to attack first, and ask questions later. Doesn't make me trust Noke that much."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
"If sneaky is what is wanted, I can cover our approach as I did in the forest," Quillary offers.
(Pass Without Trace would add +10 to our Stealth rolls)
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Hildigrim looks around at the others. "I realize the brutes attacked first without asking questions, but I would hope we more civilized creatures would take a more diplomatic approach if possible. My suggestion is we enter with the idea of conversation, keeping our weapons ready should we encounter more violence. In fact," he says, placing a finger to his chin, "half our party could try to engage the apprentice out here while the other half waits under cover." He indicates Quillary. "Covered by our friend here and prepared to jump in if necessary."
“Jorin and Drusk are the best suited to a direct confrontation,” Quillary nods, “As you and Pascal are best suited from a distance. But,” and she shrugs apologetically at the two of them, “They are least suited to negotiate?”
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
OoC - sorry guys, busy weekend with me and the kiddo being sick.
Jorin laughs and then nods Quillary's observation, "Aye, I am more apt to swing an axes than words. As Drusk says, if his minions are an indication of how he might we react, we'll be fighting them. They attacked is even after we tried speaking."
He pauses for a moment looking at Hildigrim, "Though, we should satisfy Hildi's conscience. I say we approach all together, weapons sheathed but showing our strength, and open with discussion. At the first hint of aggression, we'll attack."
Quillary shrugs. She’s not opposed to a frontal assault.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
(You can guess where this is headed, OOC.
But IC, negotiating would be a reasonable idea. If you decide on the path of peace, then Quillary will get DM Inspiration. (Basically, the entire party minus my character.)
Let me know if you decide on the entire group out in the open, or half hide / half open.)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
OOC > Last time Quillary got DM Inspiration, she handed it off to Jorin, inspired as she was by his bear wrasslin’.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
I punched a bear!
Hildigrim wants peace. His player wants to fight. :) If we do decide on peace, Hildi can use message to call Noke outside.
(Hildigrim has not met Noke, so he isn't familiar enough to send a Message through the house wall. He will have to settle for Jorin or Drusk yelling really loud to call Noke outside. Or more likely, the guards will alert him for you.)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
"Well, then we do things as you all seem to prefer, loudly and with little concern for the consequences," Quillary says, striding forward.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Jorin falls in behind Quillary with his hands resting in his weapons and a big smile on his face.