The talkative Redbrand looks at Arvel suspiciously for a moment before saying "ok friend, you got it." "How many days are we talking; two, three? You'd better come through with your end of the deal."
Fae picks up on surface thoughts that include "he can't be serious" and "it will give us more time to talk to the Glasstaff and be ready when they don't pay up."
"A few days at most. If we're gone more than a week, we're almost certainly dead. Oh, and just in case you're thinking about some sort of double cross, or carrying on while we're away and hoping we won't notice when we return? No doubt by now, your little whisperers have told you about the madness that befell me last night. Well..."
The charlatan holds up both hands, one on either side of the Redbrand's head.
<Pilvi! Vaihda kasvoni! Loppuosa on paskaa, toivottavasti et huomaa!>
Arvel'scape billows behind him and his eyes glow with a golden malevolence.
"...I've now placed the same curse of madness upon you. If you, or your companions, threaten the Phandelvers while we are away or if you work against us in any fashion, you will suffer a madness the likes of which you've never seen."
"Be ready to meet us, all of you, in the center of town when you hear of our return."
The first word is the Command word for the cape.
The second two words are his Disguise Self spell to make his eyes glow.
Insight check: can I tell Arvel's lying about placing madness on them? (After all, I don't *really* know if he means it or not...) 10
He's a crazy one, this one. I saw him lose his mind, had to track down all sorts of strange herbs to get him to calm down. Don't want to have to try to heal any more people of that, it was bad.
Tarjasays a quick prayer for aid and lays a hand on Arvel (casting Guidance)
Well, I can't persuade anyone of much with my 8 CHA, so I'm just gonna help... some guidance (+1d4) and Help for whatever Arvel does next.
The silent Redbrands all reach for weapons when Arvel gets too close to the porch and the leader and then stand when he pretends to curse. The leader raises a hand to call them off however while listening to Arvel's threat. He looks genuinely nervous for a moment before faking a laugh in front of the other men and saying "come now, I thought we were friends?" "That wasn't necessary. No matter, we'll come see you for your contribution to our cause upon your return. I do hope the boys don't go hungry while protecting the town in the meantime though. I guess we'll just have to get by..."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zeke holds his position until all of his comrades clear the scene, waiting until the last moment before turning away to head out of town. His long legs make quick work of the other's headstart. As he passes Tarja he casts his voice so only she can hear 'I'll take point, you keep a close eye on our backtrail - don't want these jokers causing trouble for us on the trail'
With that, he accelerates again, leading the way out of town and off to find their missing Patron.
Perception 3 for the path ahead, looking for ambush and trouble in general
Ethanfollows the exchange, but looks a little confused at its conclusion.
As the group starts to head away, Ethanleans over and replies to Elra,
"I didn't following that either. I thought Arvelwas going to play a trick on them, but I don't understand it."
Ethanlooks back over his shoulder at the ruffians,
"I hope they don't hurt anyone while we are gone."
As it looks like the group is starting to head out of town, Ethancatches up with Zeke,
"Um Zeke, is it too late to quickly go back to Barthen's and pick up a couple of tools? It's ok if its too late, I could probably put together the tools from the materials I have purchased, it would just save me time I could be using on other projects."
(I'm happy for the purchase of a shovel and a pick (2gp each) to be written up as a part of the DM's description of our leaving and starting our journey)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fae would keep listening through the mans final words before they leave. As they leave, she will focus her thoughts for as long as she can in case they share any other interesting thoughts upon their departure.
Fae would chew her lips deep in thought. She really wanted to dive deeper at one point... but at what cost? It wasn’t worth the risk when they have Gundren to find.
(History roll for Glasstaff? 18)
It would be obvious Fae’s mind would be elsewhere at this moment as she followed along with the group almost absentmindedly.
Fae reads the thought of "we'll see what the Glasstaff thinks about this" and a nervous"he couldn't really have cursed me, could he have?" as they walk away.
Fae does not recall any history about 'Glasstaff' beyond just any mention of the name since arriving here in town.
Ethan can quickly grab his shovel and pick from Barthen's on the way past if there are no objections.
The party heads back through the center of town and past Barthen's back up the road they had arrived on. The weather is cool and crisp but no rain seems to be looming thus far this morning. Only about a quarter mile out of town two figures approach from the opposite direction, both of whom are familiar to Tarja. One is a middle aged halfling woman named Qelline Alderleaf who runs a local farm and cares for her ten year old son, Carp, who always wants to hear of Tarja's adventures. The second is an old but fit half-elf with silver hair named Daran Edermath. Tarja knows him to be friendly, helpful and that he is a retired adventurer who has explored far away lands. Now he is retired and cares for the local orchard.
The pair wave and halt their approach until they see Tarja, at which point they smile and move closer. Qelline comments"Tarja, is that you?" "Don't often see you out and about with so many friends all at once. Carp's been asking when we'd see you again." Daran also says "hey Tarja!" then smiles and bows slightly at everyone else "greetings".
Oh, hey, good to see you! Yes, I'm traveling with these guys for now. It feels good to have company these days, the woods and roads are becoming more dangerous lately. We're heading out to find a missing dwarf who's been abducted by some goblins.
How have things been around here? How's Carp? Daran, have you seen anything unusual?
Zeke nods a curt greeting to the elf and the halfling, spares a quick smile for the child and then moves to position himself to cover the party in case this is some kind of prelude to an ambush or attack.
After some thought, Fae would give in, accepting she doesn’t know much about Glasstaff. She’d open her mouth to discuss it with the party, but then realizes they just stumbled across some people Tarja knows. The wizard would give a polite bow of her head in greeting.
"Oh dear"says Qelline regarding the captured dwarf Tarja mentioned. "Carp's doing well, although he's growing more and more curious by the day. I have to keep telling him to stay away from the Redbrands and especially the manor. He keeps running off to spy on them. I hope you find your friend, then you should stop by and visit if you can."
Daran says "town's more dangerous than the roads here lately with those Redbrands getting worse." "We were just off to pick mushrooms and I felt safer than when in town for some supplies! Have heard of goblin troubles on the road to the west though. I assume that's where you're going. Orc trouble to the east, too. Townmaster's been worried about that since a lot of the trade has been cut off in both directions. Glad your friends made it here at all. Even heard reports of undead out near the Old Owl Well(which Tarja knows is also to the east)but have resisted the urge to investigate. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm retired for a reason! Anyhow, I'm not sure what's going on but a lot of trouble has been brewing all of a sudden recently."
Qelline adds "well perhaps we shouldn't keep you if someone is in trouble." "Good luck Tarja, and nice to meet the rest of you. Hope to see you all again very soon."
Zeke speaks up - 'What manor?' Squatting down and looking directly at the young boy, the barbarian would give him a friendly look 'Have you been spying on these Redbrands young Master?'
The talkative Redbrand looks at Arvel suspiciously for a moment before saying "ok friend, you got it." "How many days are we talking; two, three? You'd better come through with your end of the deal."
Fae picks up on surface thoughts that include "he can't be serious" and "it will give us more time to talk to the Glasstaff and be ready when they don't pay up."
"A few days at most. If we're gone more than a week, we're almost certainly dead. Oh, and just in case you're thinking about some sort of double cross, or carrying on while we're away and hoping we won't notice when we return? No doubt by now, your little whisperers have told you about the madness that befell me last night. Well..."
The charlatan holds up both hands, one on either side of the Redbrand's head.
<Pilvi! Vaihda kasvoni! Loppuosa on paskaa, toivottavasti et huomaa!>
Arvel's cape billows behind him and his eyes glow with a golden malevolence.
"...I've now placed the same curse of madness upon you. If you, or your companions, threaten the Phandelvers while we are away or if you work against us in any fashion, you will suffer a madness the likes of which you've never seen."
"Be ready to meet us, all of you, in the center of town when you hear of our return."
The first word is the Command word for the cape.
The second two words are his Disguise Self spell to make his eyes glow.
The last sentence is an easter egg.
Deception: 9
DCI: 3319125026
Insight check: can I tell Arvel's lying about placing madness on them? (After all, I don't *really* know if he means it or not...) 10
He's a crazy one, this one. I saw him lose his mind, had to track down all sorts of strange herbs to get him to calm down. Don't want to have to try to heal any more people of that, it was bad.
Tarja says a quick prayer for aid and lays a hand on Arvel (casting Guidance)
Well, I can't persuade anyone of much with my 8 CHA, so I'm just gonna help... some guidance (+1d4) and Help for whatever Arvel does next.
Does Tarja speak Sylvan?
DCI: 3319125026
Seeing Arvel's play, and the cloak billowing, Zeke will add in a minor ground tremble centered on the charlatan [spell[ thaumaturgy [/spell]
She does not. Common, druidic, dwarven, and undercommon.
The silent Redbrands all reach for weapons when Arvel gets too close to the porch and the leader and then stand when he pretends to curse. The leader raises a hand to call them off however while listening to Arvel's threat. He looks genuinely nervous for a moment before faking a laugh in front of the other men and saying "come now, I thought we were friends?" "That wasn't necessary. No matter, we'll come see you for your contribution to our cause upon your return. I do hope the boys don't go hungry while protecting the town in the meantime though. I guess we'll just have to get by..."
Glad that's settled! We'll be back soon enough. There are dark powers afoot, hopefully they stay away from Phandalin and from you and us.
Tarja turns to leave, and hopes Arvel knows what he's doing. When she's safely out of earshot, she turns to Fae -
I hope you learned something useful as well.
Elra watches the whole conversation with confusion. "Umm... alright then. I'm not sure what you learned from that but I'm sure it was useful."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Zeke holds his position until all of his comrades clear the scene, waiting until the last moment before turning away to head out of town. His long legs make quick work of the other's headstart. As he passes Tarja he casts his voice so only she can hear 'I'll take point, you keep a close eye on our backtrail - don't want these jokers causing trouble for us on the trail'
With that, he accelerates again, leading the way out of town and off to find their missing Patron.
Perception 3 for the path ahead, looking for ambush and trouble in general
Ethan follows the exchange, but looks a little confused at its conclusion.
As the group starts to head away, Ethan leans over and replies to Elra,
"I didn't following that either. I thought Arvel was going to play a trick on them, but I don't understand it."
Ethan looks back over his shoulder at the ruffians,
"I hope they don't hurt anyone while we are gone."
As it looks like the group is starting to head out of town, Ethan catches up with Zeke,
"Um Zeke, is it too late to quickly go back to Barthen's and pick up a couple of tools? It's ok if its too late, I could probably put together the tools from the materials I have purchased, it would just save me time I could be using on other projects."
(I'm happy for the purchase of a shovel and a pick (2gp each) to be written up as a part of the DM's description of our leaving and starting our journey)
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Fae would keep listening through the mans final words before they leave. As they leave, she will focus her thoughts for as long as she can in case they share any other interesting thoughts upon their departure.
Fae would chew her lips deep in thought. She really wanted to dive deeper at one point... but at what cost? It wasn’t worth the risk when they have Gundren to find.
(History roll for Glasstaff? 18)
It would be obvious Fae’s mind would be elsewhere at this moment as she followed along with the group almost absentmindedly.
just an unstable unicorn.
Fae reads the thought of "we'll see what the Glasstaff thinks about this" and a nervous"he couldn't really have cursed me, could he have?" as they walk away.
Fae does not recall any history about 'Glasstaff' beyond just any mention of the name since arriving here in town.
Ethan can quickly grab his shovel and pick from Barthen's on the way past if there are no objections.
The party heads back through the center of town and past Barthen's back up the road they had arrived on. The weather is cool and crisp but no rain seems to be looming thus far this morning. Only about a quarter mile out of town two figures approach from the opposite direction, both of whom are familiar to Tarja. One is a middle aged halfling woman named Qelline Alderleaf who runs a local farm and cares for her ten year old son, Carp, who always wants to hear of Tarja's adventures. The second is an old but fit half-elf with silver hair named Daran Edermath. Tarja knows him to be friendly, helpful and that he is a retired adventurer who has explored far away lands. Now he is retired and cares for the local orchard.
The pair wave and halt their approach until they see Tarja, at which point they smile and move closer. Qelline comments "Tarja, is that you?" "Don't often see you out and about with so many friends all at once. Carp's been asking when we'd see you again." Daran also says "hey Tarja!" then smiles and bows slightly at everyone else "greetings".
Oh, hey, good to see you! Yes, I'm traveling with these guys for now. It feels good to have company these days, the woods and roads are becoming more dangerous lately. We're heading out to find a missing dwarf who's been abducted by some goblins.
How have things been around here? How's Carp? Daran, have you seen anything unusual?
Ethan smiles at the friendly greetings,
"Hello, my names Ethan, its a pleasure to meet you both."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Zeke nods a curt greeting to the elf and the halfling, spares a quick smile for the child and then moves to position himself to cover the party in case this is some kind of prelude to an ambush or attack.
After some thought, Fae would give in, accepting she doesn’t know much about Glasstaff. She’d open her mouth to discuss it with the party, but then realizes they just stumbled across some people Tarja knows. The wizard would give a polite bow of her head in greeting.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Oh dear" says Qelline regarding the captured dwarf Tarja mentioned. "Carp's doing well, although he's growing more and more curious by the day. I have to keep telling him to stay away from the Redbrands and especially the manor. He keeps running off to spy on them. I hope you find your friend, then you should stop by and visit if you can."
Daran says "town's more dangerous than the roads here lately with those Redbrands getting worse." "We were just off to pick mushrooms and I felt safer than when in town for some supplies! Have heard of goblin troubles on the road to the west though. I assume that's where you're going. Orc trouble to the east, too. Townmaster's been worried about that since a lot of the trade has been cut off in both directions. Glad your friends made it here at all. Even heard reports of undead out near the Old Owl Well (which Tarja knows is also to the east) but have resisted the urge to investigate. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm retired for a reason! Anyhow, I'm not sure what's going on but a lot of trouble has been brewing all of a sudden recently."
Qelline adds "well perhaps we shouldn't keep you if someone is in trouble." "Good luck Tarja, and nice to meet the rest of you. Hope to see you all again very soon."
Zeke speaks up - 'What manor?' Squatting down and looking directly at the young boy, the barbarian would give him a friendly look 'Have you been spying on these Redbrands young Master?'
Elra watches the conversation with a smile.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard