Rhanloi's Romp Through the Sword Coast

The mystery figure was on the far side of the settler's camp when you saw him/her, and already moving away when the Sgt told you who he thought it was. But the group decides quickly to follow the figure anyway. In a few minutes, the figure ducks into one of the old buildings near the edge of Leilon. In less than a minute, you are at the door to the two-story building. You see a medium wooden door, and two shuttered windows on the first floor. Above you there are three windows - also closed up with wooden shutters. The entire building seems sound, but old and needing a deep cleaning and new paint!

You do not hear anything at the door, and there is no light coming from any of the shuttered windows or around the edge of the old wooden door. Manfred does not detect any traps, although the door appears to be locked. How do you want to proceed? 

Genren whispers to the group"Well... with all that's been going on you'd think he'd try to be less suspicious. I can pick the lock if we're going to be moving in. No rest for the vigilant afterall." 

to pick the lock (dex + Proficiency yeah? I also have expertise): 16

Perception: 22

Tired as he was Wakka also could not help but notice the skulking man Argus moving about as well.  Sighing as he placed his food and drink on the ground, he grabbed his things and followed the others, hoping this wouldn't turn into anything serious.  He really wanted a day off!

When they approached the two-story building, Wakka stepped back to give room while Genren attempted to pick the lock.  "Maybe he's just shy and likes to be alone."  Wakka joked mirthlessly.  

Tallow grabs a plate and hurriedly puts some food on it and then quickly follows the figure.  He sees Genren picking the lock.

"Hey guys.  So we're just going to break into this guy's house?  I agree with Wakka.  He seems shady but he might just be shy or something.  How about I knock and try to talk to him at least?  I'm worried we'll end up hurting him needlessly."

If there are no objections, Tallow will knock on the door.  If it is answered, he will offer the plate of food and introduce himself.  "Hi there, I'm Tallow.  We saw you near the campfire and I tried to invite you over but I guess you didn't hear us.  I brought you a plate.  No need to be shy or eat alone.  We're all friends."

Tallow casts Charm Person Wis 15 save

There is no reply to Tallow's knocking. Genren successfully opens the simple lock, and opens the door slowly. Peering in, you are not surprised to see an empty room. There appear to be two other rooms on this level - likely a kitchen and dining area - and there are old steps leading to the second floor. (Make Investigation checks, and tell me where you are - main room, kitchen, dining room, upstairs bedroom 1, upstairs bedroom 2, bath room)

Genren gives Tallow a playful bit of side eye on his second attempt to speak with Argus. "You're truly a kind person I see, a bit naive, but I can't say it's not welcome." he fiddles with the lock before it clicks open as he gestures the group to follow him inside. He whispers, "Let's do a thorough sweep. Each room might be full of surprises so be careful. I'll check upstairs." unless there are objections, he will stealthily walk upstairs, using the walls/ceiling rather than the stairs, just in case they are trapped or creaky. Genren will enter the first bedroom. 

Stealth: 23

Investigation: 10

Manfred grins at Genren, before going on to check the main room, to make sure there are no surprises....

'I'll just check in here first...' he whispers to the group

(Stealth: 13; Investigation: 24)

Wakka nodded to the others before moving to the Dining Room and taking a look around.

• Stealth: 23
• Investigation: 11

The group moves quietly through the structure - Genren even using the walls instead of potentially creaky floorboards or stairs! Only Manfred finds anything of note - a cleverly concealed door in the floor of the main room, leading somewhere below the floor...

Going down? 

Adding initiative rolls:

• Skeel: 23
• Red: 7
• Green: 5
• Purple: 4
• Turquoise: 10
• Blue: 7
• Yellow: 10

‘Pssst! Guys….’ Manfred quickly gathers everyone together to show them the hidden trapdoor…

‘I’ve done the hard work!’ he says with a grin ‘Does one of you want to open it and lead the way?’

Before proceeding he mutters a few words that ripple outward briefly, casting Aura of Vitality, having almost lost Wakka the last time they were in a “situation”…

Tallow creeps over to Manfred and wispers,  "Great job buddy!  Let's see what's down here.  Oh, I can't see in the dark but I can make a fire if you want."  Initiative 13

Genren will step up and pull out his two swords whispering, "I can take the lead, I can see pretty well in the dark and can dodge out of the way if there's an ambush..." he'll cautiously head down the stairs blades in hand (if he can stealth down then here's the roll for that: 21 )

 (I accidentally rolled 1d6+4 instead of 4d6. didn't mean to screw with any of the other rolls!)

Initiative order: Purple :: Skeel :: Red :: Turquoise :: Blue :: Tallow: Yellow :: Manfred :: Wakka :: Green :: Genren

(Sorry missed the update notification!)

"I'm right behind you Genren..." Wakka added as he drew his magical axe and whispered his secret word to activate his Animated Shield

Free Action: draw axe

Bonus Action: Activate  Animated Shield

Wakka initiative: 6

Initiative order: Purple :: Skeel :: Red :: Turquoise :: Blue :: Tallow: Yellow :: Manfred :: Wakka :: Green :: Genren

• At the bottom of the stairs, Genren sees the mysterious figure surrounded by six ghouls! Before he can even bark out a warning, the battle is on...the Purple ghoul is the first to move, stepping forward and clawing at Genren. (Attack: 13 Damage: 10)
• Argus Skeel turns out to be more than just another worker when he bares fangs and climbs the back wall and stop near the ceiling of the cellar...
• The Red ghoul moves next to Genren but claws at Wakka. (Attack: 6 Damage: 10 - On a hit, make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. You can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of your turns, ending the effect on a success.)
• The Turquoise ghoul moves in and attacks Wakka. (Attack: 14 Damage: 8 - On a hit, make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. You can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of your turns, ending the effect on a success.)  
• The Blue ghoul also follows the scent of fresh meat and attacks Genren. (Attack: 13 Damage: 4) 
• Tallow is up! Map is here.

Wakka CON Save: 22 (pass!)

"Now I'm not going to give you the dinner I brought for you!"  Tallow shouts into the darkness.

Tallow will aim his spoon at the blue Ghoul in front on him and cast Fire Bolt Attack: 26 Damage: 9 

If necessary, he will use a Sorcery Point to use Careful Spell to avoid hitting his allies.

• Tallow sends a small sphere of fire at the ghoul, singing skin and hair.
• The yellow ghoul moves swiftly forward, closing the gap into the room and surrounding Genren. It claws at the rogue. (Attack: 16 Damage: 7) 
• Manfred...
• Wakka...

Round 1(con't): Purple :: Skeel :: Red :: Turquoise :: Blue(-9) :: Tallow: Yellow :: Manfred :: Wakka(-6) :: Green :: Genren(-6)

Manfred quickly sticks his head round the corner, hurling a small sickly green sphere at one of the ghouls (Blue ghoul: 14 to hit, 15 acid damage) before ducking back. Exerting his will for a moment, he also sends a pulse of healing energy through his aura, healing Wakka for 5hp...