Seren admits: "The books mentioned that other ways were possible, but nothing was mentioned other than the primary way they are created."

She pauses for a moment, with Hildigrim's words (and what they suggest) sinking in. Then she looks fierce. "It must be an invasion. That's the simplest explanation. We will find that out, once we discover where my son and the other survivors are defending themselves." She starts walking towards the inn, not wanting to discuss this further.

Hildigrim looks surprised at the word "invasion" and follows behind as Seren goes marching off toward the inn, constantly looking this way and that in the mirror.

Quillary-spider will hitch a ride on Jorin, keeping a blind eye out for skulks. 

Jorin looks a little unsettled at first, but then pats Quillary-spider on the head and happily carries her to and fro like a miner's lantern helmet for Skulks.

The tavern stands an impressive structure despite the fog and rainfall that shrouds it. As you approach, a lantern lights in greeting on one of the lower windows, though you do not see the host behind it. A sign creaks in the wind displaying a name, The Crow’s Nest. Alongside the tavern is a flag declaring loyalty to the Lords of Waterdeep. It flounders as the rain beats it, despite standing at full mast.

An uncomfortable atmosphere has permeated the inn. The entrance archway opens into a large room, filled with bare tables, a secluded sitting area, and a scarce bar. Along the windows, one lantern is lit, and sconces along the wall have been allowed to burn out of oil.

The inn is quiet save for an offensive tune of harp strings plucking. It’s as if someone is attempting to fathom a song with little skill. The sound reaches downwards from the upper floor, tumbling clumsily down the steps and echoing eerily around you.

(OOC: You can decide where to look around the entrance common room. There are also 2 other doors at the back of this room. Or you can go up the stairs.)

Quillary-spider will reach up and dismount Jorin in favor of the ceiling. She will scuttle over to the stairs (move 40’) and wait to see if the others follow, peering up the stairs.

Perception (10’ blindsight, 60’ darkvision): 24

Quillary-spider notices glints of objects near the bar, and a note posted by the stairs, but no skulks that she can detect.

Jorin shifts his posture to give Quillary-spider an easier route to the ceiling and will stay close to her as she scuttles about the room, axes up in readiness.

"What happened here?" He says to no one in particular. 

Jorin follows his arachnoid companion's gaze over the bar and to the note on stairs.  He takes a few steps towards the note to read it.

OOC > So, a Giant Wolf Spider is a Medium sized creature, 4-8 ft, takes up a 5 ft space. I've been playing her as a Small sized creature. She could be at the bottom end of that range (4 ft diameter with legs), but game-wise, she can't be in the same space as anyone else, so no riding about on anyone's shoulders, alas.

Quillary-spider will move to the wall next to the stairs so she can read the note, too.

Awww, Jorin liked having her ride around on him. 

Hildigrim first glances around not in the mirror's reflection, but as spider Quillary and Jorin move toward the stairs, and Jorin takes out his axes, Hildigrim draws his rapier in his free hand and follows while his other hand begins moving the mirror around so he can look about in its reflection.

Quote from Mingofaust >>

OOC > So, a Giant Wolf Spider is a Medium sized creature, 4-8 ft, takes up a 5 ft space. I've been playing her as a Small sized creature. She could be at the bottom end of that range (4 ft diameter with legs), but game-wise, she can't be in the same space as anyone else, so no riding about on anyone's shoulders, alas.

OOC: Between encounters, I'm ruling that it still happens... Jorin tries to act big and tough, but he is obviously laboring with something that size on his head and shoulders. Not to mention, having trouble seeing past the legs.

Drusk will head to the bar. He picks up a highly polished tray (acts like a hand mirror) that had a note next to it. He will also pick up a bottle of oil, and put it on the counter. "If we need to relight the wall sconces, we have the fuel over here."

The note by the mirror reads:  "Rolen, if you live, meet me where all words linger. May this serve you to witness all horrors that should remain unseen."

The notice posted by the stairs states that Andras, Cadwaladr, Fioled, Rolen, and Vanorin have begun their rotation for the evening watch.

OoC - Jorin has an extra 135lbs of carrying capacity to spare...

Pascal squints at the note, “All words linger? So what’s that, like a library or somethin’?”

Hildigrim diverts to look past Pascal at the note. "Seren, is this handwriting familiar?"

OOC > It’s not the weight, she’s gangly. ;)

Quote from DirtyDogP >>

Hildigrim diverts to look past Pascal at the note. "Seren, is this handwriting familiar?"

"It might be Andras, but the handwriting is shaky enough that I can't be certain. And Andras doesn't talk like that in his letters to me."

"I guess we should check upstairs first?" Hildigrim says, speaking to the others, but looking at spider Quillary. If she starts moving up, he'll follow.

Quillary-spider bobs like a nod, and climbs back on to the ceiling, going upstairs. She will try to be stealthy about it.

Stealth: 27
Perception: 6

The harpist continues its ghastly song while you ascend the stairs. Once in the corridor, you can see a door ajar. Advancing further, the sound of a snapping of a string strikes, and then another. The remainder collapse all at once, making a terrible crying sound that echoes around you.

The upper floor has a corridor with a half-score of doors. The one closest to the stairs is the only one not closed. Quillary does not detect any skulks in the hallway.