It was unlikely for the armoury to hold anything suitable for the arcane focus, however, the small shops around Seatower could surely provide something perfectly fitting Polly's needs.
Next morning well rested (or thoroughly tired from preparations) now just adventurers assembled again in Captain Zodge's office. Commander Portir came a bit later and mostly to talk to the Captain, but she did not forget about the group. "Your wagon is waiting for you outside the Basilisk Gate" (by now you already learned about strange customs of Baldur's gates, forbidding horses and wagons inside the city walls). Falaster is watching over it. I wish you luck and hope to hear from you" (she avoided Reya's eyes) "again." She nodded at the shield, "I would cover that thing with something. Even if it is not as evil as Falaster claims, it looks so expensive, it will sure awaken the worst in every thief you come across from here to the Candlekeep. But do as you see fit, of course."
"Safe travel." With that Commander Portir returned to the city business. Captain Zodge nodded to the group, rapped a short "Good luck" and turned to Commander with some papers they both begun to study.
Captain Zodge's personal brigade was a bit more heartwarming in there good byes (Issio did not forget to mention to Fran missed opportunities and share the hope to see her again) but eventually you returned your badges, cleared your rooms and were free to go.
As the Basilisk Gate opens, Flaming Fist soldiers hold back the tide of Elturgardian refugees. You cut a path through these wretched souls, whose wails intensified as the Basilisk Gate closed behind you. Falaster was indeed waiting, sitting in the wagon with two well groomed draft horses pulling it.He was busy last evening as well, it seems - got himself quite a backpack, and very enthusiastic.
First, he very intently looked at Choir, as if truly suspecting her to turn into something bad under the influence of an "evil Hidden Lord". Then he greeted everyone with a wide smile: "Glad to see you truly decided to make that journey! Candlekeep! The very name makes the head spin - such an opportunity, so many possibilities! Quite a trick to get in too. But fear not," he patted his backpack, "I made sure monks will allow all of us to enter." You could safely assume, that at least first part of the road you are going to learn a lot about "the greatest library of the West Coast of may be the whole world".
"Do you think they might have something about Zariel? Or may be even Hellriders?" Asked Reya. From yesterday that was the only subject she anyhow reacted to. "But of course, my girl! I mean, if anything about the subject was ever written - Candlekeep would be to place to search for it. And Sylvira will be the one who knows everything worth knowing on the matter."
The dirt road cuts through the slums of the Outer City, past the walled neighbourhood of Little Calimshan, to the great span of Wyrm’s Crossing. It was very close, of course, but you were slowly drifting through the crowd and Wyrm’s Crossing is known as a cutpurse’s paradise, and every traveller here runs the risk of being pickpocketed.
Choir hated to hide the glorious shininess of the shield, but she certainly did not want it stolen, so she found a grungy old sack to wrap it in, so that it could still be used without being seen as a target for thieves. She hoped the Huddle Lord did not mind being in a sack.
She looked curiously at Falaster's backpack, wondering what he was bringing to bribe the monks with. "Books?" she asks, pointing at the backpack. That was one thing all the monks she had met at the Temple of Akadi would do almost anything for. "Wine?" she says, as her second guess. Monks liked wine almost as much as books.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
The Hidden Lord did not argue with the sack covering him (on the contrary - he praised Choir for creativity, that proved kenku's incredible capability) and around Falaster kept silence of offended but forgiving being.
"But of course this is the book!" Exclaimed Falaster, when Choir begun her questioning. "Even if you have never been in Candlekeep you surely know, that a gift is required from those seeking admittance - a book or scroll that isn’t already in the library’s archives." "They accept grimoires as well, even if some spells their are known, but I I figured your little mage would not want to part with hers and came prepared. An old book of Calishite recipes was never there, and that will be our admission permit."
Adray will sit up front by the driver to keep his eye on things as they slowly progress down the road. He had hoped that lending his presence with the Flaming Fist insignia would deter any trouble.
Books! thought Ordrag with disgust. The greatest library in the world?He would rather visit the first layer of hell than a whole building full of books. The only books Ordrag ever opened were the ones beside the privy with half the pages torn out. For a moment he wished he had taken the offer of freedom, and longed to be back on the open sea, but then he gritted his tusks, thought again of the easy money for a simple job, and settled back into his seat on the wagon.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Fran had kept her evening simple. She went shopping to pick up a few supplies, mostly stocking up on potions before returning back to her area to pack. This way she had more wiggle room to use her 'tricks' against the baddies instead of holding back in fear of not having reserves for her friends should they need it.
Once back in front of the Commander and Captain. It seemed bittersweet. It's not like she expected a heartfelt goodbye from the Captain, but she felt strange, hoping for more. Though the 'void' was quickly filled by the brigade's goodbye. Deep down the artificer realized that she had the desire to return, but the question was, would she make it back? She'd simply leave her admirer with a playful wink before heading out the door with the others.
While at the gates, Fran would put on the hardest of faces to emotionally prepare herself for the wailing of refugees. She'd mentally block herself out from the commotion until they were well on their way.
Taking a deep breath to free herself from her own mental hold, the artificer would finally pipe up in response to Falastar. "How do them fancy bookkeepers feel about schema's? I aint got no magic, magic. But I am perdy proud of trusty Brutus 'ere" Fran would give Brutus an enthusiastic pat and would be willing to share her plans with the scholars of Candledeep.
"Oh! An' before I ferget." Fran will hoist a pouch into her arm. Some clinking could be heard from it. One by one, to each of her teammates, she'd start handing over potions. "1 fer Ordrag. 2 fer Polly, 2 fer me, 1 fer Choir an' 2 fer Adray." Fran will also hand Adray back a pouch of gold. "The kits been topped off and grabbed some stronger rope fer myself, but got extra if yeh fancied. Otherwise, I didn't see any flashy goodies this round."
(Assuming everyone will accept the potions, they should have 2 potions (normal) each with the exception of Choir who would have 3 now. Adray, technically I would have only spent like 100g on 2 potions and a top off from your stash. I can return 150 back to you. Fran would have purchased the rest of her potions/supplies with her g for the good of the group.)
“I can’t believe we’re going to Candlekeep! That is every mages dream! It is nearly impossible to get in to it. Not only do you need to gift them with insanely expensive books or as Falaster said, book that they don’t possess, but you also usually need a recommendation letter from a renowned wizard!” Polly stat to everyone with an excitedly pitched voice. “I hope I get to see their arcane section. I could learn so much there!”
(To be precise, from the moment group left the Seatower this morning, they were not Flaming Fists anymore, but a private group of adventurers hired by Flaming Fists)
The sea of refugees was getting more and more shallow as the wagon made it's way to the Wyrm's Crossing - the first obstacle to overcome if they wanted to reach the Coast Way, heading south to Candlekeep.
The huge structure was sure impressive: two great bridges meet at a tall, rocky island rising from the middle of the Chionthar River. Buildings and merchant stalls lined the sides of both bridges, making it impossible to see the river from the narrow, congested roadway cutting between those structures. Wooden drawbridges connected the two bridges to a keep situated atop the island. The flags of Baldur’s Gate and the Flaming Fist waved proudly above this fortress.
Surprisingly (or may be un-surprisingly, considering what the group has been through - everyone looked and felt quite vigilant, not to mention Brutus running around) cutpurses kept their distance. The wagon moved slowly but steady and soon all the noise and ruckus was left behind. As Wyrm’s Crossing and Baldur’s Gate disappeared from view, the group found itself heading down the Coast Way, a dirt road leading to such distant lands as Tethyr, Amn, and Calimshan. Falaster, taking the role of a tour-guide very seriously, explained that Candlekeep lies some one hundred and fifty miles south and west — a five-day journey.
The weather was nice enough, for a change there were no cultists or devils running about - the perfect time to relax and enjoy the view - mostly fields, with small villages keeping far from the main road.
The Hidden Lord was in a chatty mood and every time Falaster was giving some rest to his tong, hold the banner of entertainer proudly if silently - he still preferred personal telepathic speech around mistrustful scholar. The shield complemented Polly's desire for knowledge, admired Fran's mechanic-oriented talent, shared with Ordrag a few jokes about book-loving monks and assured Adray in his intent to keep vigilant. (Choir, of course, was not forgotten either in discussions of some interesting decorations people use for rare books in Candlekeep)
Everything went as peaceful and cozy as travel can be, idyllic even. Right until the point, when a hay-filled wagon pulled by two draft horses appeared on the road about 60 yards from you with a human farmer riding it. The farmer gave you a friendly wave as the wagon drew near. And that was the moment when the Hidden Lord loudly - Falaster jumped on his sit - declared "Danger! I sense fiend ahead!"
Choir jumps to her feet staring at the approaching cart. Was the fiend hidden under the hay? Or was the farmer or one of the horses a demon in disguise?
Choir casts Detect Magic. If the fiend is hidden by any sort of invisibility or disguise spell, it should be easy to identify once it's in range. If it's hidden under the hay...well, she's got a bunch of javelins and a spear that should root it out quickly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
At the same time as Choir cast detect magic Polly put her hand inside her coin purse and grab a copper piece and cast Detect Thoughts and direct get thoughts first at the Huddle Lord to try and locate the fiend through him and when they are in range she quickly change her thoughts to the farmer.
In infernal Polly will yell out “We know you are there, come out!”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Up front by the driver, Adray already had his eyes on the carriage and the road further up. When the cry of danger came he focused a little mire on the surroundings.
"The innocent farmer" continued to smile friendly until his wagon was close enough until he could hear Polly's yell in Infernal. Adray could see "farmer's" agitation clear as day - it did not look like a confusion at all, the "farmer" definitely understood the words. The wagon was still moving forward and when there were just last 30ft between you and the farmer - Choir's spell lightened his shape with colours of Transmutation school - a textbook "Alter self".
Detect Thoughts slid off the Shield - it was an object after all - but the thoughts of the "farmer" were as clear as the light that Choir saw on him now, he wanted the shield. The image was so bright and clear along with the desire to take it from your group at any cost, that deeper scanning was hardly necessary.
All pretenses were dropped - the hey flew in every direction and in front of your wagon now were standing three men, well armed and armoured, while on the wagon a tall red skinned black haired somewhat even handsome classical "devil" was flexing his wings. "Cambion!" gasped Reya, returning from her now constant self-contemplation.
"I will say it once," declared cambion, "surrender the shield - an no one would die today".
"He is lying," with a rough but coll and even voice answered shield. "They never leave witnesses". Cambion smirked and raised his eyes to meet Choir's (eye) "Come here, birdy. Bring me the Shield". (Choir, Wis save DC 14)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Choir's wisdom save: 14
It seems the demon wants the shield. "Okay," says Choir, hopping off the wagon to walk toward Cambion, holding the shield out. Who was she to question this powerful demon?
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Choir looked at the fiend and realized, that a charming man with such magnificent wings simply can not be bad! His request is very reasonable and he, himself, is a paragon of trust and good will. Her only desire now is to hurry up and give the man that her shiny shield, since he is the only one worthy of that beauty.
Hidden Lord's telepathic and loud cries to snap out of it were simply ignored - he obviously did not understand what's good for him.
"Someone, wound her! This is the only way," desperately called out the shield as Choir was getting down from the wagon.
Fran would crack her neck and roll her shoulders. She'd draw a her pair of daggers and leap from the cart to get to Choir, trusting the shields suggestion. "Sorry Friend..." With a sigh of discontent, the artificer will use the hilt of her daggers to whack their cleric on the back in hopes to knock her out of her daze.
Attack 1: 9 Damage: 6 Attack 2: 25 Damage: 4 Non lethal damage of course. Not that I think I'd kill her in one shot lol
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cambion's save: 18
The fiend was too concentrated on keeping Choir under his command to protect himself from Polly's probings. He noticed (of course) and it did not add any love to Polly from him, but little mage was able to see deeper in his mind. Though, it did not show much - he needed the shield, that much was clear. Not for himself - that was clear too, you have a feeling there are many people, the whole organization even, willing to risk anything for that artifact. The name "Knights of the Shield" appears in Polly's head when she asked her question (which fiend did not answer to).
Fran was the first one to realize what to do, and tried to spot Choir's with her daggers, as Hidden Lord demanded. Trembling hands - it is not easy to attack a friend - made her miss with one, abut another pierced kenku's arm, stopping her on the way to the fiend.
"Kill her!" commanded Cambion - and one of the man tried to shot Fran, still keeping distance to the wagon: Attack: 18 Damage: 11
The bolt missed by far and the man dropped his crossbow, readying the swords.
Choir blinked, questioning her sudden sympathy to the obviously devilish creature - another Wis save (DC14)
It was unlikely for the armoury to hold anything suitable for the arcane focus, however, the small shops around Seatower could surely provide something perfectly fitting Polly's needs.
Next morning well rested (or thoroughly tired from preparations) now just adventurers assembled again in Captain Zodge's office. Commander Portir came a bit later and mostly to talk to the Captain, but she did not forget about the group. "Your wagon is waiting for you outside the Basilisk Gate" (by now you already learned about strange customs of Baldur's gates, forbidding horses and wagons inside the city walls). Falaster is watching over it. I wish you luck and hope to hear from you" (she avoided Reya's eyes) "again." She nodded at the shield, "I would cover that thing with something. Even if it is not as evil as Falaster claims, it looks so expensive, it will sure awaken the worst in every thief you come across from here to the Candlekeep. But do as you see fit, of course."
"Safe travel." With that Commander Portir returned to the city business. Captain Zodge nodded to the group, rapped a short "Good luck" and turned to Commander with some papers they both begun to study.
Captain Zodge's personal brigade was a bit more heartwarming in there good byes (Issio did not forget to mention to Fran missed opportunities and share the hope to see her again) but eventually you returned your badges, cleared your rooms and were free to go.
As the Basilisk Gate opens, Flaming Fist soldiers hold back the tide of Elturgardian refugees. You cut a path through these wretched souls, whose wails intensified as the Basilisk Gate closed behind you. Falaster was indeed waiting, sitting in the wagon with two well groomed draft horses pulling it.He was busy last evening as well, it seems - got himself quite a backpack, and very enthusiastic.
First, he very intently looked at Choir, as if truly suspecting her to turn into something bad under the influence of an "evil Hidden Lord". Then he greeted everyone with a wide smile: "Glad to see you truly decided to make that journey! Candlekeep! The very name makes the head spin - such an opportunity, so many possibilities! Quite a trick to get in too. But fear not," he patted his backpack, "I made sure monks will allow all of us to enter." You could safely assume, that at least first part of the road you are going to learn a lot about "the greatest library of the West Coast of may be the whole world".
"Do you think they might have something about Zariel? Or may be even Hellriders?" Asked Reya. From yesterday that was the only subject she anyhow reacted to. "But of course, my girl! I mean, if anything about the subject was ever written - Candlekeep would be to place to search for it. And Sylvira will be the one who knows everything worth knowing on the matter."
The dirt road cuts through the slums of the Outer City, past the walled neighbourhood of Little Calimshan, to the great span of Wyrm’s Crossing. It was very close, of course, but you were slowly drifting through the crowd and Wyrm’s Crossing is known as a cutpurse’s paradise, and every traveller here runs the risk of being pickpocketed.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Choir hated to hide the glorious shininess of the shield, but she certainly did not want it stolen, so she found a grungy old sack to wrap it in, so that it could still be used without being seen as a target for thieves. She hoped the Huddle Lord did not mind being in a sack.
She looked curiously at Falaster's backpack, wondering what he was bringing to bribe the monks with. "Books?" she asks, pointing at the backpack. That was one thing all the monks she had met at the Temple of Akadi would do almost anything for. "Wine?" she says, as her second guess. Monks liked wine almost as much as books.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
The Hidden Lord did not argue with the sack covering him (on the contrary - he praised Choir for creativity, that proved kenku's incredible capability) and around Falaster kept silence of offended but forgiving being.
"But of course this is the book!" Exclaimed Falaster, when Choir begun her questioning. "Even if you have never been in Candlekeep you surely know, that a gift is required from those seeking admittance - a book or scroll that isn’t already in the library’s archives." "They accept grimoires as well, even if some spells their are known, but I I figured your little mage would not want to part with hers and came prepared. An old book of Calishite recipes was never there, and that will be our admission permit."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Adray will sit up front by the driver to keep his eye on things as they slowly progress down the road. He had hoped that lending his presence with the Flaming Fist insignia would deter any trouble.
Books! thought Ordrag with disgust. The greatest library in the world? He would rather visit the first layer of hell than a whole building full of books. The only books Ordrag ever opened were the ones beside the privy with half the pages torn out. For a moment he wished he had taken the offer of freedom, and longed to be back on the open sea, but then he gritted his tusks, thought again of the easy money for a simple job, and settled back into his seat on the wagon.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Fran had kept her evening simple. She went shopping to pick up a few supplies, mostly stocking up on potions before returning back to her area to pack. This way she had more wiggle room to use her 'tricks' against the baddies instead of holding back in fear of not having reserves for her friends should they need it.
Once back in front of the Commander and Captain. It seemed bittersweet. It's not like she expected a heartfelt goodbye from the Captain, but she felt strange, hoping for more. Though the 'void' was quickly filled by the brigade's goodbye. Deep down the artificer realized that she had the desire to return, but the question was, would she make it back? She'd simply leave her admirer with a playful wink before heading out the door with the others.
While at the gates, Fran would put on the hardest of faces to emotionally prepare herself for the wailing of refugees. She'd mentally block herself out from the commotion until they were well on their way.
Taking a deep breath to free herself from her own mental hold, the artificer would finally pipe up in response to Falastar. "How do them fancy bookkeepers feel about schema's? I aint got no magic, magic. But I am perdy proud of trusty Brutus 'ere" Fran would give Brutus an enthusiastic pat and would be willing to share her plans with the scholars of Candledeep.
"Oh! An' before I ferget." Fran will hoist a pouch into her arm. Some clinking could be heard from it. One by one, to each of her teammates, she'd start handing over potions. "1 fer Ordrag. 2 fer Polly, 2 fer me, 1 fer Choir an' 2 fer Adray." Fran will also hand Adray back a pouch of gold. "The kits been topped off and grabbed some stronger rope fer myself, but got extra if yeh fancied. Otherwise, I didn't see any flashy goodies this round."
(Assuming everyone will accept the potions, they should have 2 potions (normal) each with the exception of Choir who would have 3 now. Adray, technically I would have only spent like 100g on 2 potions and a top off from your stash. I can return 150 back to you. Fran would have purchased the rest of her potions/supplies with her g for the good of the group.)
just an unstable unicorn.
“I can’t believe we’re going to Candlekeep! That is every mages dream! It is nearly impossible to get in to it. Not only do you need to gift them with insanely expensive books or as Falaster said, book that they don’t possess, but you also usually need a recommendation letter from a renowned wizard!” Polly stat to everyone with an excitedly pitched voice. “I hope I get to see their arcane section. I could learn so much there!”
(To be precise, from the moment group left the Seatower this morning, they were not Flaming Fists anymore, but a private group of adventurers hired by Flaming Fists)
The sea of refugees was getting more and more shallow as the wagon made it's way to the Wyrm's Crossing - the first obstacle to overcome if they wanted to reach the Coast Way, heading south to Candlekeep.
The huge structure was sure impressive: two great bridges meet at a tall, rocky island rising from the middle of the Chionthar River. Buildings and merchant stalls lined the sides of both bridges, making it impossible to see the river from the narrow, congested roadway cutting between those structures. Wooden drawbridges connected the two bridges to a keep situated atop the island. The flags of Baldur’s Gate and the Flaming Fist waved proudly above this fortress.
Surprisingly (or may be un-surprisingly, considering what the group has been through - everyone looked and felt quite vigilant, not to mention Brutus running around) cutpurses kept their distance. The wagon moved slowly but steady and soon all the noise and ruckus was left behind. As Wyrm’s Crossing and Baldur’s Gate disappeared from view, the group found itself heading down the Coast Way, a dirt road leading to such distant lands as Tethyr, Amn, and Calimshan. Falaster, taking the role of a tour-guide very seriously, explained that Candlekeep lies some one hundred and fifty miles south and west — a five-day journey.
The weather was nice enough, for a change there were no cultists or devils running about - the perfect time to relax and enjoy the view - mostly fields, with small villages keeping far from the main road.
The Hidden Lord was in a chatty mood and every time Falaster was giving some rest to his tong, hold the banner of entertainer proudly if silently - he still preferred personal telepathic speech around mistrustful scholar. The shield complemented Polly's desire for knowledge, admired Fran's mechanic-oriented talent, shared with Ordrag a few jokes about book-loving monks and assured Adray in his intent to keep vigilant. (Choir, of course, was not forgotten either in discussions of some interesting decorations people use for rare books in Candlekeep)
Everything went as peaceful and cozy as travel can be, idyllic even. Right until the point, when a hay-filled wagon pulled by two draft horses appeared on the road about 60 yards from you with a human farmer riding it. The farmer gave you a friendly wave as the wagon drew near. And that was the moment when the Hidden Lord loudly - Falaster jumped on his sit - declared "Danger! I sense fiend ahead!"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Choir jumps to her feet staring at the approaching cart. Was the fiend hidden under the hay? Or was the farmer or one of the horses a demon in disguise?
Choir casts Detect Magic. If the fiend is hidden by any sort of invisibility or disguise spell, it should be easy to identify once it's in range. If it's hidden under the hay...well, she's got a bunch of javelins and a spear that should root it out quickly.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
At the same time as Choir cast detect magic Polly put her hand inside her coin purse and grab a copper piece and cast Detect Thoughts and direct get thoughts first at the Huddle Lord to try and locate the fiend through him and when they are in range she quickly change her thoughts to the farmer.
In infernal Polly will yell out “We know you are there, come out!”
Up front by the driver, Adray already had his eyes on the carriage and the road further up. When the cry of danger came he focused a little mire on the surroundings.
Perception 7 + 4
Insite 24
Fran would snap into alert as the others shifted gears. She’d keep her eyes and ears open, waiting for an update from those sensing the situation.
just an unstable unicorn.
"The innocent farmer" continued to smile friendly until his wagon was close enough until he could hear Polly's yell in Infernal. Adray could see "farmer's" agitation clear as day - it did not look like a confusion at all, the "farmer" definitely understood the words. The wagon was still moving forward and when there were just last 30ft between you and the farmer - Choir's spell lightened his shape with colours of Transmutation school - a textbook "Alter self".
Detect Thoughts slid off the Shield - it was an object after all - but the thoughts of the "farmer" were as clear as the light that Choir saw on him now, he wanted the shield. The image was so bright and clear along with the desire to take it from your group at any cost, that deeper scanning was hardly necessary.
All pretenses were dropped - the hey flew in every direction and in front of your wagon now were standing three men, well armed and armoured, while on the wagon a tall red skinned black haired somewhat even handsome classical "devil" was flexing his wings. "Cambion!" gasped Reya, returning from her now constant self-contemplation.
"I will say it once," declared cambion, "surrender the shield - an no one would die today".
"He is lying," with a rough but coll and even voice answered shield. "They never leave witnesses". Cambion smirked and raised his eyes to meet Choir's (eye) "Come here, birdy. Bring me the Shield". (Choir, Wis save DC 14)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Adray caught the subtle tells that gave away that this was no farmer and was standing on the cart by the time the three men were jumping from the hey.
Initiative 16 plus 1
Choir's wisdom save: 14
It seems the demon wants the shield. "Okay," says Choir, hopping off the wagon to walk toward Cambion, holding the shield out. Who was she to question this powerful demon?
(Initiative if needed eventually: 6 )
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
Choir looked at the fiend and realized, that a charming man with such magnificent wings simply can not be bad! His request is very reasonable and he, himself, is a paragon of trust and good will. Her only desire now is to hurry up and give the man that her shiny shield, since he is the only one worthy of that beauty.
Hidden Lord's telepathic and loud cries to snap out of it were simply ignored - he obviously did not understand what's good for him.
"Someone, wound her! This is the only way," desperately called out the shield as Choir was getting down from the wagon.
Initiatives if/when we get to it
Cambion: 24 , M1 7, M2 7, M3 M1 6
Reya M1 5 Falaster: M1 4
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Fran would crack her neck and roll her shoulders. She'd draw a her pair of daggers and leap from the cart to get to Choir, trusting the shields suggestion. "Sorry Friend..." With a sigh of discontent, the artificer will use the hilt of her daggers to whack their cleric on the back in hopes to knock her out of her daze.
Attack 1: 9 Damage: 6
Attack 2: 25 Damage: 4
Non lethal damage of course. Not that I think I'd kill her in one shot lol
Initiative: 22
just an unstable unicorn.
Ordrag Initiative: 17
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Polly probe deeper into the fiends mind trying to understand why he want the shield so bad.
In infernal she ask him “Fiend, why do you want the shield?!”
initiative: 10
Cambion's save: 18
The fiend was too concentrated on keeping Choir under his command to protect himself from Polly's probings. He noticed (of course) and it did not add any love to Polly from him, but little mage was able to see deeper in his mind. Though, it did not show much - he needed the shield, that much was clear. Not for himself - that was clear too, you have a feeling there are many people, the whole organization even, willing to risk anything for that artifact. The name "Knights of the Shield" appears in Polly's head when she asked her question (which fiend did not answer to).
Fran was the first one to realize what to do, and tried to spot Choir's with her daggers, as Hidden Lord demanded. Trembling hands - it is not easy to attack a friend - made her miss with one, abut another pierced kenku's arm, stopping her on the way to the fiend.
"Kill her!" commanded Cambion - and one of the man tried to shot Fran, still keeping distance to the wagon: Attack: 18 Damage: 11
The bolt missed by far and the man dropped his crossbow, readying the swords.
Choir blinked, questioning her sudden sympathy to the obviously devilish creature - another Wis save (DC14)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice