Caelius moves slightly in his hiding place, getting a better view of Aleel and Bhuji. He watches their body language and their lips, trying to get a better sense of their character.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Juhaan
He remains behind Vivian, looking at the couple in the hope of discerning if their body language is natural for what it is expected for a refugee but mostly listening to the accent for incongruities.. Knowing that it is possible to have Thousand Eyes agents nearby the counter-intelligence training on Juhaan kicks-off
The pair swallow and look around, still clearly confused by the voices coming from the trees, but relaxing slightly at the counter word. "Can...you come out, or...or is that against Road law?" Aleel queries.
Caelius:
They seem more afraid than anything, and clearly are relying on each other to stay functional in their current situation.
Vishal, having dedragged earlier for this, decides to make himself know so we can get these refuges hidden and safe while we wait for the others to arrive. Getting out of the tree and making himself known to these two he gives his best reassuring and calming smile as he says, "You're the first to arrive. It's nice to met you. Why don't we get you guys hidden while we wait for the others arrive. We ask that you remain quiet until we're ready to head out and a little safer."
They both nod hesitantly, then start as a copy of Vishal's voice comes from the trees. They let Vishal get them hidden in the trees, although both are clearly awkward as they climb into the branches. They continue to glance around nervously at the trees, clearly uneasy with the surroundings.
You all resume your positions and wait a little while. About half an hour later, a figure swathed in a cloak with the hood pulled up to hide their features, who seems to almost be shrinking in on themselves. A low voice comes from within the hood. "...Reztai." Quieter, so that you can barely hear it, the figure whispers, "Please let this be the right place, please let this be the right place, please..."
Taran feels a growing pressure behind his eyes as Vishal... No, the Esteemed Vishal... leads the first set of refugees to cover. He couldn't be certain of their actions, he couldn't observe them, he couldn't tell if they were spies, he couldn't strike them down if they were planning on subverting the team.
This... It was wrong. Father's training had been clear. How to minimize the risk to the team. How to minimize contact with the Reidrans. Ways to distract the Shield, how to make sure every raid hurt them. All of this was wrong, nothing like what Father had described, nothing like he'd been preparing himself for.
Maybe... Maybe Father... Maybe Father was-
NO. No, that couldn't be it, Taran stilled himself as he buried the thought. Stopping the tremors that had been shaking his cover and ruining his aim. That wasn't it, that couldn't be it. Something else had gone wrong, changed the mission. He'd- he'd hidden everyone too well. He hadn't considered the farmers uncertainty, their fear of going to the wrong location. They didn't have training after all. His team was just covering his mistake. It couldn't be that Father... That was impossible, Father was never...
His turmoil was interrupted by the arrival of the next refugee. Their fear, their pain, it was like an ice pick through his skull. He'd messed up, he'd made everything harder, he'd hesitated-
Father's voice echoed in the cave. Hesitation kills. Hesitation could get his team killed, the country brought to ruin. It caused unnecessary pain, he was hurting them more than neccessary. He was being cruel.
He had to be better. Taran eased up on the trigger of his crossbow, feeling the tension in the line recede. The code word shuffled out of his throat, strained and quiet as he slumped against the ropes.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
The cloaked figure jerks back at the words echoing from the trees, crouching a little lower and glancing around. "O...Okay." There's a pause while he takes several deep breaths. "What...what should I do?"
Caelius:
The figure seems extraordinarily nervous and submissive, like he's expecting a blow to come from anywhere. Nothing seems amiss
The figure reaches up and hesitantly removes his hood, revealing a russet-furred shifter with golden eyes that fix themselves on the ground. Around his neck, half-covered with the cloak, a leather collar is visible, bearing a simple sigil (History to identify it if you want). "Du...Dulamul," he mumbles. "My name is Dulamul."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
History which I'm bad at but :shrug: : 11
Recognizing the feauters Vishal steps out again, no point in changning who they see in case one is a spy or something, and again with his most relaxing and reassuring smile possible says, "One can't be too safe. But you're in the right place now. Let's get you hidden until everyone arrive."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hidden in his burrow, Druhdaar hasn't lost anything from the remainder of their group's, then the refugees' arrival, yet something told him to remain hidden from all present, at least until he could be sure the team was ready to move with their charge.
Peering intently at each newcomer, he does his best to try and find out if anything seems askew...
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
Leaving the trees while addresing to the others "Oh common, enough is enough. They are scared enough as it is and we are here to help them" Juhaan says, before turning to Dulamul "Welcome Dulamul, we've been expecting you as well. You seem tired, come over here and get some rest while we wait for the others. There's some food if you want." he says politely, moving him out of site for future encounters.
Dulamul keeps his eyes fixed firmly on the ground. "Yes...yes, m'lord-I mean sir-I mean..." he trails off, hunching down further as he follows Juhaan hesitantly.
Bhuji makes her way cautiously out of the trees, giving Dulamul a wide berth, and hisses to the two guides present. "Guides, could I perhaps speak with one of you?" She seems somewhat more confident than previously, although she's clearly nervous.
Vishal:
That symbol on Dulamul's collar is definitely the symbol of a high-ranking Inspired, you just can't remember which one...
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Bhuji starts slightly as Caelius appears, but goes over quickly, whispering something to him.
Caelius:
Check Result: That symbol on Dulamul's collar is definitely the symbol of a high-ranking Inspired, you just can't remember which one...
Bhuji whispers quietly. "I think the shifter may be dangerous...he bears the symbol of one of the kennels of the Taskaan Legion, and everyone knows how vicious they are." You can see real fear in her eyes as she looks hesitantly back towards Dulamul, who admittedly would cut a fairly intimidating figure were he not looking like he was trying to disappear into his cloak. "He hasn't even removed his identification collar."
River looks down from the tree and watches, cocking her head sideways for a better view but saying nothing.
After Vishal announces their presence and the people give the keyword, she coos softly in Ishhareth's voice.
"Avai...*coo*"
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Caelius moves slightly in his hiding place, getting a better view of Aleel and Bhuji. He watches their body language and their lips, trying to get a better sense of their character.
Insight: 16
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Juhaan
He remains behind Vivian, looking at the couple in the hope of discerning if their body language is natural for what it is expected for a refugee but mostly listening to the accent for incongruities.. Knowing that it is possible to have Thousand Eyes agents nearby the counter-intelligence training on Juhaan kicks-off
Insight: 20
The pair swallow and look around, still clearly confused by the voices coming from the trees, but relaxing slightly at the counter word. "Can...you come out, or...or is that against Road law?" Aleel queries.
Caelius:
They seem more afraid than anything, and clearly are relying on each other to stay functional in their current situation.
Juhaan:
They seem genuine.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Vishal, having dedragged earlier for this, decides to make himself know so we can get these refuges hidden and safe while we wait for the others to arrive. Getting out of the tree and making himself known to these two he gives his best reassuring and calming smile as he says, "You're the first to arrive. It's nice to met you. Why don't we get you guys hidden while we wait for the others arrive. We ask that you remain quiet until we're ready to head out and a little safer."
"*coo* Nice to met you *coo*"
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
They both nod hesitantly, then start as a copy of Vishal's voice comes from the trees. They let Vishal get them hidden in the trees, although both are clearly awkward as they climb into the branches. They continue to glance around nervously at the trees, clearly uneasy with the surroundings.
You all resume your positions and wait a little while. About half an hour later, a figure swathed in a cloak with the hood pulled up to hide their features, who seems to almost be shrinking in on themselves. A low voice comes from within the hood. "...Reztai." Quieter, so that you can barely hear it, the figure whispers, "Please let this be the right place, please let this be the right place, please..."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Taran feels a growing pressure behind his eyes as Vishal... No, the Esteemed Vishal... leads the first set of refugees to cover. He couldn't be certain of their actions, he couldn't observe them, he couldn't tell if they were spies, he couldn't strike them down if they were planning on subverting the team.
This... It was wrong. Father's training had been clear. How to minimize the risk to the team. How to minimize contact with the Reidrans. Ways to distract the Shield, how to make sure every raid hurt them. All of this was wrong, nothing like what Father had described, nothing like he'd been preparing himself for.
Maybe... Maybe Father... Maybe Father was-
NO. No, that couldn't be it, Taran stilled himself as he buried the thought. Stopping the tremors that had been shaking his cover and ruining his aim. That wasn't it, that couldn't be it. Something else had gone wrong, changed the mission. He'd- he'd hidden everyone too well. He hadn't considered the farmers uncertainty, their fear of going to the wrong location. They didn't have training after all. His team was just covering his mistake. It couldn't be that Father... That was impossible, Father was never...
His turmoil was interrupted by the arrival of the next refugee. Their fear, their pain, it was like an ice pick through his skull. He'd messed up, he'd made everything harder, he'd hesitated-
Father's voice echoed in the cave. Hesitation kills. Hesitation could get his team killed, the country brought to ruin. It caused unnecessary pain, he was hurting them more than neccessary. He was being cruel.
He had to be better. Taran eased up on the trigger of his crossbow, feeling the tension in the line recede. The code word shuffled out of his throat, strained and quiet as he slumped against the ropes.
"Avai... This is the right place."
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Caelius watches the newcomer intently, looking for anything amiss.
Insight: 18
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"Nice to met you~" River coos from the tree again in Vishal's voice.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
The cloaked figure jerks back at the words echoing from the trees, crouching a little lower and glancing around. "O...Okay." There's a pause while he takes several deep breaths. "What...what should I do?"
Caelius:
The figure seems extraordinarily nervous and submissive, like he's expecting a blow to come from anywhere. Nothing seems amiss
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Vishal speaks out this time, "Can you lower your hood and give your name?"
The figure reaches up and hesitantly removes his hood, revealing a russet-furred shifter with golden eyes that fix themselves on the ground. Around his neck, half-covered with the cloak, a leather collar is visible, bearing a simple sigil (History to identify it if you want). "Du...Dulamul," he mumbles. "My name is Dulamul."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
History which I'm bad at but :shrug: : 11
Recognizing the feauters Vishal steps out again, no point in changning who they see in case one is a spy or something, and again with his most relaxing and reassuring smile possible says, "One can't be too safe. But you're in the right place now. Let's get you hidden until everyone arrive."
History, self imposing disadvantage 7
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Hidden in his burrow, Druhdaar hasn't lost anything from the remainder of their group's, then the refugees' arrival, yet something told him to remain hidden from all present, at least until he could be sure the team was ready to move with their charge.
Peering intently at each newcomer, he does his best to try and find out if anything seems askew...
Perception 11
Insight 15
Collar: History 13
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
Juhaan
Leaving the trees while addresing to the others "Oh common, enough is enough. They are scared enough as it is and we are here to help them" Juhaan says, before turning to Dulamul "Welcome Dulamul, we've been expecting you as well. You seem tired, come over here and get some rest while we wait for the others. There's some food if you want." he says politely, moving him out of site for future encounters.
Dulamul keeps his eyes fixed firmly on the ground. "Yes...yes, m'lord-I mean sir-I mean..." he trails off, hunching down further as he follows Juhaan hesitantly.
Bhuji makes her way cautiously out of the trees, giving Dulamul a wide berth, and hisses to the two guides present. "Guides, could I perhaps speak with one of you?" She seems somewhat more confident than previously, although she's clearly nervous.
Vishal:
That symbol on Dulamul's collar is definitely the symbol of a high-ranking Inspired, you just can't remember which one...
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Caelius silently rises from his hiding spot and motions for Bhuji to come over.
History check for the symbol on the collar: 4
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Bhuji starts slightly as Caelius appears, but goes over quickly, whispering something to him.
Caelius:
Check Result: That symbol on Dulamul's collar is definitely the symbol of a high-ranking Inspired, you just can't remember which one...
Bhuji whispers quietly. "I think the shifter may be dangerous...he bears the symbol of one of the kennels of the Taskaan Legion, and everyone knows how vicious they are." You can see real fear in her eyes as she looks hesitantly back towards Dulamul, who admittedly would cut a fairly intimidating figure were he not looking like he was trying to disappear into his cloak. "He hasn't even removed his identification collar."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!