"Do you know when she will be back? A lot is happening, especially with the Zhentarim. The city guard have moved on them and... well... someone I know is in danger."
"I'm sorry to hear that madam. She is expected to return this evening near to sunset."
Elon continues "look guys, not all Zhents are bad or plotting bad or trying to do bad. That's why we are split. Manshoon wants power and control. Davil and myself are trying to stop it. No one should have that much power....no one" With that, he leans back in his chair and sighs in flustration. Everyone thinks all Zhents are bad just like everyone thinks all Xanithars are creepy thieves. Silver has shown him that associations don't define a man.
After the questioning is completed, the mages gather in the corner of the room. From their body language they are speaking very animatedly but Elon can't hear anything. About 20 minutes goes by before Barnibus approaches. "Young man, we thank you for your patience in this matter. We will be releasing you and I will escort you back to your friends so that I may speak with them as well."
Barnibus leads you out of the keep and the two of you walk back to the manor arriving just before lunch. Upon arriving Barnibus asks everyone to gather so that he can speak with them.
"After examining the evidence it has been determined that your group is innocent of the claims by the Gralhund family of murder and attempted murder of nobility and their staff. However, it is clear that you did go against the wishes I expressed the last time I was here when I asked you to stay out of this investigation. After speaking with other officials we've decided to forgo any charges for this, as you are adventurers and investigating things is literally what you do. So rather than continue this cat and mouse game of me telling you not to do something and then you going behind my back to do it anyway, I'm just going to ask that you keep me informed. Your actions last time in sending Renaer to me was wise and helped your case a great deal. Please continue to act is such wisdom and please try to minimize any collateral damage as you attempt to solve this case before we do.
"Two questions, Blarneystone. Number 1. What do you mean, I thought we solved the case already? And Two: The Gralhunds said that we attempted to murder them? How's that for gratitude?"
"And three, do you have any cool magic you can do on me?"
"Two questions, Blarneystone. Number 1. What do you mean, I thought we solved the case already? And Two: The Gralhunds said that we attempted to murder them? How's that for gratitude?"
"And three, do you have any cool magic you can do on me?"
"Oh? You found the missing automaton who caused the explosion?" Baribus says with fake surprise. More seriously, "I didn't think so. Right now that nimblewright could be anywhere in the city. And, it's the last thing to have the stone artifact that evidently everyone in this town is looking for." Taking a breath, "As for the Gralhunds, they did accuse you all of attempted murder and then refused to answer any questions while in a zone of truth. Their children however were more forthcoming. And, a search of their home turned up some interesting items, two holy symbols of Asmodeus and two robes, each red and gold in color. It appears the Lord and Lady Gralhund are both secret members of a cult of Asmodeus worshipers which, while not illegal, is very troubling. Was that everything, oh, the 'cool' magic eh, I think I have a spell you may like." With that Barnibus starts to move his hands in a precise pattern while chanting and soon power shots from his hands to hit Kestrell. In a flash Kestrell vanishes and a small cat appears where Kestrell was. Before anyone can say anything Barnibus laughs, "And that's what you get for not saying my name properly! Ha!" Looking to everyone else he calmly states, "I'll change him back before I leave... or maybe just after I leave. Yeah, that sounds better. Any other questions?"
Kestrell Wis saving throw: 9
Anyone with Passive Perception of 12 or higher:
You notice a young man standing just outside the door of the tavern, fidgeting. He appears to be waiting for Barnibus to leave.
As Kestrell the Cat races down the stairs he tumbles a couple of times and rubs a wall due to not being used to cats apparent nearsightedness. But as soon as he reaches the basement he could smell and hear Elsa with amazing precision. As he ventured further into the basement he was amazed at how well he could see in the dark. Running toward where he sensed Elsa was he was surprised when she started yelling at him.
Meeeeeow!!! Meow meow, growl, more meows, etc. Which in cat meant, "You scared away the mouse I was watching you fool! Who are you and why do you smell like my human?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Having returned from her outing, Phaedra sits down in the bar and start to fret about Elon. "I don't know how we are going to get him out. We need a plan. And a good one."
On seeing Elon and Barnibus enter, "Ohh Elon. I knew you would come to your sense Baribus. Elon is in no ways evil, he's just a regular Zhent. And by that I mean, well maybe hes not a regular Zhent, he's an odd one. Like a goodish, well good one. Anyway... a beer?"
When Barnibus uses his magic on Klestrell, Phaeddra giving a little jump, "Ohh Baribus, no need to show off in front of us, I know you are an accomplished mage. I have prayed for you and ask Mystra to protect you in these troubled time."
Phaedra looks down at Kestrell, "He does make for a rather cute cat..."
"So the Nimblewright is still loose. I wonder if it will return to it's creator?"
"And the Gralhund are indeed the evil people that I had imagined. No wonder they are connected to so many Tieflings. They must indeed think that we have information on them and that they could easily use the guard to do the dirty work they need done."
Phaerda pauses for a second. "Seeing that we are helping the law and in the spirit of cooperation, maybe we should all return to the Gralhund Villa to investigate what else is hidden?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
On seeing Elon and Barnibus enter, "Ohh Elon. I knew you would come to your sense Baribus. Elon is in no ways evil, he's just a regular Zhent. And by that I mean, well maybe hes not a regular Zhent, he's an odd one. Like a goodish, well good one. Anyway... a beer?"
"It was never a question as to Elon being good or bad dear, it was a question of legality. Good people break the law all the time. Yourself, for instance, when you chose to continue to investigate a crime after I ordered you all not to. And thank you for the offer, but I don't drink while I'm working."
When Barnibus uses his magic on Klestrell, Phaeddra giving a little jump, "Ohh Baribus, no need to show off in front of us, I know you are an accomplished mage. I have prayed for you and ask Mystra to protect you in these troubled time."
Barnibus's satisfaction slides away as he looks back to Phaedra with a confused look, "Surely I'm not the only one who's annoyed by the man...right?" Barnibus gives himself a little shake. "I do appreciate the prayers dear but you may want to focus on your little group. It seems you all are the ones getting into the dangerous situations."
Phaerda pauses for a second. "Seeing that we are helping the law and in the spirit of cooperation, maybe we should all return to the Gralhund Villa to investigate what else is hidden?"
"Unfortunately the Watch has already completed their search and released the property back to the family. Some minor members are seeing to cleaning the place up and preparing it for the Lord and Lady's eventual return... or for their own taking over. You know how nobility is. Anyway, if you return now you'd be trespassing so I'm required to recommend against it."
Selinae made eye contact with Barnibus, " No, he is certainly an acquired taste, though a pleasant one once you have acclimated. Like truffles...with a slightly salty aftertaste."
" I admit to being a little curious myself as to what he is experiencing now."
Meeeeeow!!! Meow meow, growl, more meows, etc. Which in cat meant, "You scared away the mouse I was watching you fool! Who are you and why do you smell like my human?"
As Kestrell gets his feet under him and gets used to the 4 leg thing, he jumps the last few stairs and lands in a wide 4-legged stance.
Then he starts talking to Elsa in Meow's: "Hey! It's me! I got turned into a cat! Temporarily, I think. Anyway, how are you doing down here? Are you getting enough to eat? We are trying to catch gazers, so if you see one, howl like a banshee and come find me!"
Then he races back up the stairs so he doesn't miss much. When he gets back to the group he jumps up on the counter, runs down it as fast as he can and leaps for the nearest table.
Elon sits quietly. Even with Barnibus' cat trick, he didn't flinch. Seeing the person outside, Elon just watches him from the corner of his eyes so as to not spook him or draw Barnibus' attention. Feeling exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed from the past 2 days,
"What about Davil? He has done nothing wrong. Do you make it your duty to just go round people up just for the thrill of it or do you have a vendetta against certain people. The law is the law which means we have rights!" He's yelling now and approaching the mage as sparks begin to crackle audibly.
Selinae made eye contact with Barnibus, " No, he is certainly an acquired taste, though a pleasant one once you have acclimated. Like truffles...with a slightly salty aftertaste."
" I admit to being a little curious myself as to what he is experiencing now."
" Barnibus, the children? Are they safe?"
"The children are safe. They're staying with friends of mine until everything is cleared up. We were going to let them stay with some of the extended Gralhund family but Lady Gralhund was vehemently against it."
Elon sits quietly. Even with Barnibus' cat trick, he didn't flinch. Seeing the person outside, Elon just watches him from the corner of his eyes so as to not spook him or draw Barnibus' attention. Feeling exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed from the past 2 days,
"What about Davil? He has done nothing wrong. Do you make it your duty to just go round people up just for the thrill of it or do you have a vendetta against certain people. The law is the law which means we have rights!" He's yelling now and approaching the mage as sparks begin to crackle audibly.
Surprised at Elon's outburst, Barnibus raised an eyebrow at the man. As Elon continues to approach Barnibus notices the sparks on his hands and grows angry himself. Imbuing his words with the power of Suggestion Barnibus snaps, "Stop and be silent!". In that instant, Kestrell turns back into himself while still sitting on a table and Elon finds that he can no longer take a step nor speak.
"You want to lecture me about rights and laws? You who are part of an organization built on lawlessness. An organization with only 3 tenants and one of them is about bribing people? An organization who's mercenaries regularly take contracts that put them in direct opposition of the law? Do you have any idea how many times I've arrested your "brothers in arms" for violating the laws and they try to tell me it wasn't personal. That it's just a job! It's personal to me. When I have to tell the next of kin that the people who murdered their husband or wife, son or daughter isn't going to be arrested because everyone who witnessed it is too scared to testify, I take that personal.
And now there's rumors of a split in the organization. That Manshoon, the original founder has come back from the dead to reclaim the organization. And all the evil that's happening is because of him. The war with Xanathar and his crew is all because of a dead guy. But the source of those rumors always leads back to Davil! And you want me to believe it? You expect me to just swallow that story without investigating it? No sir! No! Sir! We will investigate it. We will find out what the truth is."
Breathing heavily from his outburst, Barnibus looks around the room. His face is flushed and he slowly wipes the sweat from his face. In a somewhat shaky voice he continues, "I apologize to you all for my lack of decorum. I will be leaving now. If you do find the nimblewright, please let me know. Good day." And with that he turns and walks away. As he walks out the door Elon feels the spell on him dissipate.
After Barnibus leaves the man who'd been waiting outside steps in and says, "I have a message for someone named Elon? Is he here?"
Elon's Wis Save for the suggestion spell (DC was 14): 15
" Thankyou, Barnibus.", Selinae said quietly as he left, then leaned in. " Please don't let her have them back....demon worship, murder...assorting with criminal organisations..."
She coloured a bit, " Well...I guess technically I do the last one....but not on purpose."
She let Phaedra deal with Elon, after the murdered staff at the manor she didn't really want to hear about 'good Zhentirim' right now....though she was glad he was safe...
The man approaches and hands you a slip of paper that reads
I would like to know more about what happened at Gralhund Villa. If you can spare the time, meet me at Ahghairon’s Statue in the City of the Dead at highsun tomorrow. You’ll be paid generously for your time and trouble.
The messenger stood quietly while Elon read the note, waiting to see if there would be a reply. When Elon thanked him and walked away the messenger looked confused for a moment and then made his way back outside.
"I'm sorry to hear that madam. She is expected to return this evening near to sunset."
After the questioning is completed, the mages gather in the corner of the room. From their body language they are speaking very animatedly but Elon can't hear anything. About 20 minutes goes by before Barnibus approaches. "Young man, we thank you for your patience in this matter. We will be releasing you and I will escort you back to your friends so that I may speak with them as well."
Barnibus leads you out of the keep and the two of you walk back to the manor arriving just before lunch. Upon arriving Barnibus asks everyone to gather so that he can speak with them.
"After examining the evidence it has been determined that your group is innocent of the claims by the Gralhund family of murder and attempted murder of nobility and their staff. However, it is clear that you did go against the wishes I expressed the last time I was here when I asked you to stay out of this investigation. After speaking with other officials we've decided to forgo any charges for this, as you are adventurers and investigating things is literally what you do. So rather than continue this cat and mouse game of me telling you not to do something and then you going behind my back to do it anyway, I'm just going to ask that you keep me informed. Your actions last time in sending Renaer to me was wise and helped your case a great deal. Please continue to act is such wisdom and please try to minimize any collateral damage as you attempt to solve this case before we do.
Do you have any questions, before I go?"
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
"Two questions, Blarneystone. Number 1. What do you mean, I thought we solved the case already? And Two: The Gralhunds said that we attempted to murder them? How's that for gratitude?"
"And three, do you have any cool magic you can do on me?"
"Oh? You found the missing automaton who caused the explosion?" Baribus says with fake surprise. More seriously, "I didn't think so. Right now that nimblewright could be anywhere in the city. And, it's the last thing to have the stone artifact that evidently everyone in this town is looking for." Taking a breath, "As for the Gralhunds, they did accuse you all of attempted murder and then refused to answer any questions while in a zone of truth. Their children however were more forthcoming. And, a search of their home turned up some interesting items, two holy symbols of Asmodeus and two robes, each red and gold in color. It appears the Lord and Lady Gralhund are both secret members of a cult of Asmodeus worshipers which, while not illegal, is very troubling. Was that everything, oh, the 'cool' magic eh, I think I have a spell you may like." With that Barnibus starts to move his hands in a precise pattern while chanting and soon power shots from his hands to hit Kestrell. In a flash Kestrell vanishes and a small cat appears where Kestrell was. Before anyone can say anything Barnibus laughs, "And that's what you get for not saying my name properly! Ha!" Looking to everyone else he calmly states, "I'll change him back before I leave... or maybe just after I leave. Yeah, that sounds better. Any other questions?"
Kestrell Wis saving throw: 9
Anyone with Passive Perception of 12 or higher:
You notice a young man standing just outside the door of the tavern, fidgeting. He appears to be waiting for Barnibus to leave.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
"Meow!" Kestrell turns in a circle until he figures out what happened to him, then races down the stairs to find Elsa.
As Kestrell the Cat races down the stairs he tumbles a couple of times and rubs a wall due to not being used to cats apparent nearsightedness. But as soon as he reaches the basement he could smell and hear Elsa with amazing precision. As he ventured further into the basement he was amazed at how well he could see in the dark. Running toward where he sensed Elsa was he was surprised when she started yelling at him.
Meeeeeow!!! Meow meow, growl, more meows, etc. Which in cat meant, "You scared away the mouse I was watching you fool! Who are you and why do you smell like my human?"
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Having returned from her outing, Phaedra sits down in the bar and start to fret about Elon. "I don't know how we are going to get him out. We need a plan. And a good one."
On seeing Elon and Barnibus enter, "Ohh Elon. I knew you would come to your sense Baribus. Elon is in no ways evil, he's just a regular Zhent. And by that I mean, well maybe hes not a regular Zhent, he's an odd one. Like a goodish, well good one. Anyway... a beer?"
When Barnibus uses his magic on Klestrell, Phaeddra giving a little jump, "Ohh Baribus, no need to show off in front of us, I know you are an accomplished mage. I have prayed for you and ask Mystra to protect you in these troubled time."
Phaedra looks down at Kestrell, "He does make for a rather cute cat..."
"So the Nimblewright is still loose. I wonder if it will return to it's creator?"
"And the Gralhund are indeed the evil people that I had imagined. No wonder they are connected to so many Tieflings. They must indeed think that we have information on them and that they could easily use the guard to do the dirty work they need done."
OCC:
Perception 20
Also what does Phaedra know about Asmodeus? Religion 10
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
Phaerda pauses for a second. "Seeing that we are helping the law and in the spirit of cooperation, maybe we should all return to the Gralhund Villa to investigate what else is hidden?"
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
"It was never a question as to Elon being good or bad dear, it was a question of legality. Good people break the law all the time. Yourself, for instance, when you chose to continue to investigate a crime after I ordered you all not to. And thank you for the offer, but I don't drink while I'm working."
Barnibus's satisfaction slides away as he looks back to Phaedra with a confused look, "Surely I'm not the only one who's annoyed by the man...right?" Barnibus gives himself a little shake. "I do appreciate the prayers dear but you may want to focus on your little group. It seems you all are the ones getting into the dangerous situations."
"Unfortunately the Watch has already completed their search and released the property back to the family. Some minor members are seeing to cleaning the place up and preparing it for the Lord and Lady's eventual return... or for their own taking over. You know how nobility is. Anyway, if you return now you'd be trespassing so I'm required to recommend against it."
You know what's given in this section: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/scag/welcome-to-the-realms#Asmodeus
You've heard rumors of human sacrifice but don't know if that's true or just scared people talking.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Selinae made eye contact with Barnibus, " No, he is certainly an acquired taste, though a pleasant one once you have acclimated. Like truffles...with a slightly salty aftertaste."
" I admit to being a little curious myself as to what he is experiencing now."
" Barnibus, the children? Are they safe?"
As Kestrell gets his feet under him and gets used to the 4 leg thing, he jumps the last few stairs and lands in a wide 4-legged stance.
Then he starts talking to Elsa in Meow's: "Hey! It's me! I got turned into a cat! Temporarily, I think. Anyway, how are you doing down here? Are you getting enough to eat? We are trying to catch gazers, so if you see one, howl like a banshee and come find me!"
Then he races back up the stairs so he doesn't miss much. When he gets back to the group he jumps up on the counter, runs down it as fast as he can and leaps for the nearest table.
Cat Athletics: 17.
Perception 11
Elon sits quietly. Even with Barnibus' cat trick, he didn't flinch. Seeing the person outside, Elon just watches him from the corner of his eyes so as to not spook him or draw Barnibus' attention. Feeling exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed from the past 2 days,
"What about Davil? He has done nothing wrong. Do you make it your duty to just go round people up just for the thrill of it or do you have a vendetta against certain people. The law is the law which means we have rights!" He's yelling now and approaching the mage as sparks begin to crackle audibly.
Elon Andrael- High Elf sorcerer- Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Tomac- goliath barbarian- Yet Another Storm Kings Thunder
"The children are safe. They're staying with friends of mine until everything is cleared up. We were going to let them stay with some of the extended Gralhund family but Lady Gralhund was vehemently against it."
Surprised at Elon's outburst, Barnibus raised an eyebrow at the man. As Elon continues to approach Barnibus notices the sparks on his hands and grows angry himself. Imbuing his words with the power of Suggestion Barnibus snaps, "Stop and be silent!". In that instant, Kestrell turns back into himself while still sitting on a table and Elon finds that he can no longer take a step nor speak.
"You want to lecture me about rights and laws? You who are part of an organization built on lawlessness. An organization with only 3 tenants and one of them is about bribing people? An organization who's mercenaries regularly take contracts that put them in direct opposition of the law? Do you have any idea how many times I've arrested your "brothers in arms" for violating the laws and they try to tell me it wasn't personal. That it's just a job! It's personal to me. When I have to tell the next of kin that the people who murdered their husband or wife, son or daughter isn't going to be arrested because everyone who witnessed it is too scared to testify, I take that personal.
And now there's rumors of a split in the organization. That Manshoon, the original founder has come back from the dead to reclaim the organization. And all the evil that's happening is because of him. The war with Xanathar and his crew is all because of a dead guy. But the source of those rumors always leads back to Davil! And you want me to believe it? You expect me to just swallow that story without investigating it? No sir! No! Sir! We will investigate it. We will find out what the truth is."
Breathing heavily from his outburst, Barnibus looks around the room. His face is flushed and he slowly wipes the sweat from his face. In a somewhat shaky voice he continues, "I apologize to you all for my lack of decorum. I will be leaving now. If you do find the nimblewright, please let me know. Good day." And with that he turns and walks away. As he walks out the door Elon feels the spell on him dissipate.
After Barnibus leaves the man who'd been waiting outside steps in and says, "I have a message for someone named Elon? Is he here?"
Elon's Wis Save for the suggestion spell (DC was 14): 15
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Phaedra's eyes widen, and she waves her hands at Elon.
"Elon, Elon... this is not really the time to be threatening. I am sure we can talk with Barnibus reasonably. Yes Barnibus?"
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
" Thankyou, Barnibus.", Selinae said quietly as he left, then leaned in. " Please don't let her have them back....demon worship, murder...assorting with criminal organisations..."
She coloured a bit, " Well...I guess technically I do the last one....but not on purpose."
She let Phaedra deal with Elon, after the murdered staff at the manor she didn't really want to hear about 'good Zhentirim' right now....though she was glad he was safe...
Kestrell shouts from the table top: "Who wants to rub my belly?!?"
Then realizes that he spoke actual words and not "Meows", he clears his throat and sits up.
Elon shakes loose from the spell as it dissipates. "I am Elon" he tells him impatiently waiting for the message.
Elon Andrael- High Elf sorcerer- Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Tomac- goliath barbarian- Yet Another Storm Kings Thunder
The man approaches and hands you a slip of paper that reads
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Elon reads the note and takes a deep breath to calm his anger. "Thank you"
He stuffs the note into his pocket and heads to his room.
Elon Andrael- High Elf sorcerer- Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Tomac- goliath barbarian- Yet Another Storm Kings Thunder
The messenger stood quietly while Elon read the note, waiting to see if there would be a reply. When Elon thanked him and walked away the messenger looked confused for a moment and then made his way back outside.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
" Sure.", said Selinae looking for a distraction and not really listening.