This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Manfred hears Survivor's remark and smirks at the big man. "Did you ever think that whatever glyph is here is not intended to keep something evil out, but rather to keep something evil IN? But do what you like, I am clearly not to be trusted."
He pulls his bedroll out and finds a piece of cemetery land that is not too far but separate from the group and, using the bedroll as a pillow, takes a quick kip.
Dain mvoes to the wards and tries to see if there is a way around them, or to disable them wihtout setting them off.
Arcana: 22
(You can see that there is a few rocks in the glyph, just tiny pebbles, but with just small parts of the rune inscribed on them. Simply removing one of them about 10 feet away or so and the glyph is deactivated. You can open the monolith without it blowing up in your face now.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I'm in." Dain says to the others, moving to the door and opening it. He sends his familiar in through the door, to look around before the group goes inside.
Aura decides to approach Manfred. She sits to rest as well close to him. (Taking the chance to get a short rest instead of wasting on exploring. I didn't take any damage, but I'll recover all ki points, so it's definitely worth it.)
He lays down, but Aura sits down with legs crossed as if she was ready to meditate. Instead, she decides to talk first, a feeling of guilt making her decide to speak. "Hey... I'm sorry... Not only was I the one to put it into our group's head that punching someone until the charm wore off was a good idea - it isn't -, I was the one to attack you first with that dagger. I don't believe you to be fully untrustworthy, I'm just scared of what they can do by controlling your mind. You have some spells, don't you? I don't know how to counter them, I'm just good at fighting, so... I hope you understand."
There is silence for a minute before Manfred responds, and as he does so, he remains laying down, his eyes closed. "I understand, and I do not blame any of you. My spells do not do a lot of damage, but they can weaken you...or strengthen our enemies. It is a dangerous tool to be in their hands. I cannot promise they will be used wisely. Especially if we go to town and are confronted by townsfolk or others whose minds those things have poisoned. It will be very unfortunate if you or them," he jerks his thumb at the group "even the big man, or indeed any innocents suffer because of my magic."
There is another silence, long enough that it may appear that Manfred had fallen asleep, then he says "The worst part of it is, I actually feel myself liking that blonde...thing. It has been so long since I have truly cared about anyone. My father is a cruel man, and my brothers have all inherited his cruelty without his wit or charm. My true family, the people who accepted me are all either dead, imprisoned, or scattered to the winds. I have lived so long drinking and making my own name known, and playing my music in hopes that I could force the old man to deal with me, I haven't really truly cared about anyone or anything. And now I care for this creature who is inside my mind. It actually feels a bit lonely not to hear her voice."He pauses and sits up, looking at Aura.
"Do not misunderstand. It is repulsive, and discomfiting to me to know that my mind is subject to some weird, messed-up magic, and that the only reason I know is because you lot found me out. But it has been a very long time since I have cared this much about anything and it is a strange feeling. It recalls memories I had hoped to leave behind."
He pulls his flute out of his bag and plays a few scales on it. "Whatever happens next...if it is necessary, do not hesitate and put me down as quickly as you can."
Albanus is sitting with Winter while the above is happening.
“...so you see, she’s always there talking to me, like a hitchhiker but she never gets off the cart-“ Albanus stops short as he hears Aura and Manfred. As they finish, he says “Don’t worry, little one. We’ll find out, one way or another. And that’s better than not knowing at all.” Nodding toward the mausoleum, “Did your father ever say anything about that building? Anything at all?”
“...so you see, she’s always there talking to me, like a hitchhiker but she never gets off the cart-“ Albanus stops short as he hears Aura and Manfred. As they finish, he says “Don’t worry, little one. We’ll find out, one way or another. And that’s better than not knowing at all.” Nodding toward the mausoleum, “Did your father ever say anything about that building? Anything at all?”
Winter sits somewhat timidly as Dain and the others investigate the monolith, listening to Albanus intently as he speaks. I think he said it was where one of our most famous ancestors were buried. It was a long time ago but i think he said that one of the few people that could learn magic in our family was buried here, but I do know he told me not to touch it. Thats it i think though. She says curiously watching the others as they open the door.
"I'm in." Dain says to the others, moving to the door and opening it. He sends his familiar in through the door, to look around before the group goes inside.
Tressym perception: 11
As the Tressym peers inside, despite it being pitch black, sees a set of stairs leading down about 10 ft or so into the earth, leading into a small room. Nothing inside the room other than a old coffin as well as a small chest, surprisingly opened. On the ground around the chest there are several pages from a book thrown about, as well as several old books, almost falling apart and in a state of dry rot.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ashtear will make a gesture to Albanus, and eye point towards the child. Leaving her in his coverage. Following the other two, but remaining in the doorway--so that she can see both sets of groups fine. Maintaining sight of both groups but also keeping an eye out for interesting clues.
Investigation + Guidance. 103 around the entry way mainly, as she isn't breaking LOS of both groups, and kind of trying to be sure the door won't auto slam shut etc
Nat 1.. seems accurate since she's more pre-occupied keeping LOS and making sure the door doesn't close.
Albanus catches Ash’s glance and gives a small nod. Turning to the girl once more, he’ll ask, “Winter, did your father or mother ever use magic? Did they ever talk to you about it? Winter...”. Albanus pauses before adding, “Have you ever been able to do special things? Like when you are very sad or angry or anything? Even something small, like this.” Albanus casts thaumaturgy and makes his eyes calming rainbow colours. “It might help us find your family.”
Survivor will light a torch and follow Dain in, trying to help him look around.
(Rolling Investigation with Dain's modifier and guidance roll added to account for advantage.)-22
(The two of you give the small tomb a thorough look, but there isnt much outside of the books and pieces of paper scattered about haphazardly. Picking one of them up, it looks to be parts to a wizards spellbook, mostly incomplete however. Also amongst these scattered pages you find one book with several pages torn out, ripped very casually from the tome. Just a quick glance at it and it appears to be a thesis statement from possibly this tombs occupants collage days at one of the wizarding schools in the capital, some 200 years ago. You can probably compile them to get more information, but it would take a bit of time. ((Given the others are taking a short rest you can easily do it in that time period))
Ashtear will make a gesture to Albanus, and eye point towards the child. Leaving her in his coverage. Following the other two, but remaining in the doorway--so that she can see both sets of groups fine. Maintaining sight of both groups but also keeping an eye out for interesting clues.
Investigation + Guidance. 84 around the entry way mainly, as she isn't breaking LOS of both groups, and kind of trying to be sure the door won't auto slam shut etc
Nat 1.. seems accurate since she's more pre-occupied keeping LOS and making sure the door doesn't close.
(Keeping an eye out for anything that might hinder a swift retreat from the tomb, you fail to notice anything. Though it does not seem to be needed as nothing more than your friends footsteps and the touch burning can be heard thankfully. The tomb does not seem to be trapped.)
Albanus catches Ash’s glance and gives a small nod. Turning to the girl once more, he’ll ask, “Winter, did your father or mother ever use magic? Did they ever talk to you about it? Winter...”. Albanus pauses before adding, “Have you ever been able to do special things? Like when you are very sad or angry or anything? Even something small, like this.” Albanus casts thaumaturgy and makes his eyes calming rainbow colours. “It might help us find your family.”
Winter seems to grow slightly impatient, as children do when they dont have much to do for a short period of time. Ive never done anything like that before. I dont think my family did either. I guess a long time ago we used to be kinda famous though. My brother told me once that our family helped drive back the dark ones from long ago. I've never seen one, but from what i heard they were really awful. I guess I'm glad my family was there to help stop them, but maybe thats why all this is happening to us now? I dont know.. Are we going soon? I just want to help but I dont know what to do except tell the magistrate what happened.
After his short rest and the conversation with Aura, Manfred will approach the mausoleum curiously, stopping about 15 feet away.
Conscious of the sideaways glances that are falling him, he clears his throat and speaks. "I understand that I am not trusted enough to assist Dain and Survivor inside that building, and perhaps not even to accompany all of you to town when you go to confront them. Indeed, should I come, I may be compelled to confess to the disappearances and implicate all of you to a Magistrate that, from all sounds of it, has been corrupted by these things. However, I still may be able to help."
He looks back at Aura, then Vulgrom, Ashtear, and Albanus in turn. "Albanus's comments about the connection that she...the succubus.. and I share has me thinking. I COULD reach out to her. I do not believe I will be able to lie successfully, given her sway over me, but I can be quite persuasive, especially with a spell that strengthens my natural charm. The blonde one may be confident enough to let slip something of their plan for us, or their purpose in attacking Riverton's populous."
He pulls the flute out of his pack and begins preparing Enhance Ability in case there is agreement "Consider this a show of good faith that I am informing you of this plan in advance of trying it. Of course, I have not heard her voice inside my head since before she and her sister vanished. Reaching out to her...it...may draw their attention back to us."
Vulgrom prays and looks over the charred remains of the succubus(?) to see if there is anything of note.
Investigation: 19 Plus Guidance: 1
(There is one thing you do notice among what can almost exclusively be called ashes and dust, a small vial containing a pinkish liquid. No label or anything like that, so hard to say if its a potion or something more henious.)
"Moradin's beard, what have we got here?" The dwarf holds the vial, holds it too his eye level, prays to the All-Father that it doesn't explode and gives it the gentlest shake...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Huh. Interesting vial, reminds me of some of my reagents from before." Pulling out her alchemy set, and herbalism set, asitting down, "Can I see that too?" getting to work trying to see what is what.
Intellegence Check 26 + Guidance pill 1
(She'll state what she finds, if anything, so feel free to post it here)
Survivor will look around the tomb and then down at Dain, "I think we've found what we can. Time to gather everything up, and return to our employer, if we're to enter a town known to be inhabited by those things, I'd rather have outside assistance, hopefully he'll be known to the local magistrate there."
"Let's gather up all of these papers, then be off." Dain agrees. He compiles the manuscript as the others takes their short rest. "Not sure why the place was warded, was it fer these papers or something else that is no longer here?" He asks, almost to himself, as he works.
"Moradin's beard, what have we got here?" The dwarf holds the vial, holds it too his eye level, prays to the All-Father that it doesn't explode and gives it the gentlest shake...
Medicine: 11 Plus Guidance: 3
(You can tell its probably not a healing potion. But its probably not poison either, most importantly, it does not seem to volatile and does not blow up.)
Huh. Interesting vial, reminds me of some of my reagents from before." Pulling out her alchemy set, and herbalism set, asitting down, "Can I see that too?" getting to work trying to see what is what.
Intellegence Check 27 + Guidance pill 1
(She'll state what she finds, if anything, so feel free to post it here)
(You on the other hand understand this liquids chemical composition, shelf life, etc.. You learn that it is extremely similar to a philter of love but is actually much more potent, as well as not being the correct composition for this type of consumption, leading you to believe that this is probably ment to be converted to its gaseous state before being properly used. You could probably synthesize an antidote for it, seeing as how you really got a good read on what it is, countering its effects could be possible.)
Manfred hears Survivor's remark and smirks at the big man. "Did you ever think that whatever glyph is here is not intended to keep something evil out, but rather to keep something evil IN? But do what you like, I am clearly not to be trusted."
He pulls his bedroll out and finds a piece of cemetery land that is not too far but separate from the group and, using the bedroll as a pillow, takes a quick kip.
HIT DICE ROLL: 9
(You can see that there is a few rocks in the glyph, just tiny pebbles, but with just small parts of the rune inscribed on them. Simply removing one of them about 10 feet away or so and the glyph is deactivated. You can open the monolith without it blowing up in your face now.)
"I'm in." Dain says to the others, moving to the door and opening it. He sends his familiar in through the door, to look around before the group goes inside.
Tressym perception: 8
Aura decides to approach Manfred. She sits to rest as well close to him. (Taking the chance to get a short rest instead of wasting on exploring. I didn't take any damage, but I'll recover all ki points, so it's definitely worth it.)
He lays down, but Aura sits down with legs crossed as if she was ready to meditate. Instead, she decides to talk first, a feeling of guilt making her decide to speak. "Hey... I'm sorry... Not only was I the one to put it into our group's head that punching someone until the charm wore off was a good idea - it isn't -, I was the one to attack you first with that dagger. I don't believe you to be fully untrustworthy, I'm just scared of what they can do by controlling your mind. You have some spells, don't you? I don't know how to counter them, I'm just good at fighting, so... I hope you understand."
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
There is silence for a minute before Manfred responds, and as he does so, he remains laying down, his eyes closed. "I understand, and I do not blame any of you. My spells do not do a lot of damage, but they can weaken you...or strengthen our enemies. It is a dangerous tool to be in their hands. I cannot promise they will be used wisely. Especially if we go to town and are confronted by townsfolk or others whose minds those things have poisoned. It will be very unfortunate if you or them," he jerks his thumb at the group "even the big man, or indeed any innocents suffer because of my magic."
There is another silence, long enough that it may appear that Manfred had fallen asleep, then he says "The worst part of it is, I actually feel myself liking that blonde...thing. It has been so long since I have truly cared about anyone. My father is a cruel man, and my brothers have all inherited his cruelty without his wit or charm. My true family, the people who accepted me are all either dead, imprisoned, or scattered to the winds. I have lived so long drinking and making my own name known, and playing my music in hopes that I could force the old man to deal with me, I haven't really truly cared about anyone or anything. And now I care for this creature who is inside my mind. It actually feels a bit lonely not to hear her voice." He pauses and sits up, looking at Aura.
"Do not misunderstand. It is repulsive, and discomfiting to me to know that my mind is subject to some weird, messed-up magic, and that the only reason I know is because you lot found me out. But it has been a very long time since I have cared this much about anything and it is a strange feeling. It recalls memories I had hoped to leave behind."
He pulls his flute out of his bag and plays a few scales on it. "Whatever happens next...if it is necessary, do not hesitate and put me down as quickly as you can."
Albanus is sitting with Winter while the above is happening.
“...so you see, she’s always there talking to me, like a hitchhiker but she never gets off the cart-“ Albanus stops short as he hears Aura and Manfred. As they finish, he says “Don’t worry, little one. We’ll find out, one way or another. And that’s better than not knowing at all.” Nodding toward the mausoleum, “Did your father ever say anything about that building? Anything at all?”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Winter sits somewhat timidly as Dain and the others investigate the monolith, listening to Albanus intently as he speaks. I think he said it was where one of our most famous ancestors were buried. It was a long time ago but i think he said that one of the few people that could learn magic in our family was buried here, but I do know he told me not to touch it. Thats it i think though. She says curiously watching the others as they open the door.
As the Tressym peers inside, despite it being pitch black, sees a set of stairs leading down about 10 ft or so into the earth, leading into a small room. Nothing inside the room other than a old coffin as well as a small chest, surprisingly opened. On the ground around the chest there are several pages from a book thrown about, as well as several old books, almost falling apart and in a state of dry rot.
Vulgrom prays and looks over the charred remains of the succubus(?) to see if there is anything of note.
Investigation: 17
Plus Guidance: 2
After casting Detect Magic again, if needed, Dain will head on into the tomb.
Investigation: 24
Survivor will light a torch and follow Dain in, trying to help him look around.
(Rolling Investigation with Dain's modifier and guidance roll added to account for advantage.)-22
Ashtear will make a gesture to Albanus, and eye point towards the child. Leaving her in his coverage. Following the other two, but remaining in the doorway--so that she can see both sets of groups fine. Maintaining sight of both groups but also keeping an eye out for interesting clues.
Investigation + Guidance. 103 around the entry way mainly, as she isn't breaking LOS of both groups, and kind of trying to be sure the door won't auto slam shut etc
Nat 1.. seems accurate since she's more pre-occupied keeping LOS and making sure the door doesn't close.
Albanus
Albanus catches Ash’s glance and gives a small nod. Turning to the girl once more, he’ll ask, “Winter, did your father or mother ever use magic? Did they ever talk to you about it? Winter...”. Albanus pauses before adding, “Have you ever been able to do special things? Like when you are very sad or angry or anything? Even something small, like this.” Albanus casts thaumaturgy and makes his eyes calming rainbow colours. “It might help us find your family.”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
(The two of you give the small tomb a thorough look, but there isnt much outside of the books and pieces of paper scattered about haphazardly. Picking one of them up, it looks to be parts to a wizards spellbook, mostly incomplete however. Also amongst these scattered pages you find one book with several pages torn out, ripped very casually from the tome. Just a quick glance at it and it appears to be a thesis statement from possibly this tombs occupants collage days at one of the wizarding schools in the capital, some 200 years ago. You can probably compile them to get more information, but it would take a bit of time. ((Given the others are taking a short rest you can easily do it in that time period))
(Keeping an eye out for anything that might hinder a swift retreat from the tomb, you fail to notice anything. Though it does not seem to be needed as nothing more than your friends footsteps and the touch burning can be heard thankfully. The tomb does not seem to be trapped.)
Winter seems to grow slightly impatient, as children do when they dont have much to do for a short period of time. Ive never done anything like that before. I dont think my family did either. I guess a long time ago we used to be kinda famous though. My brother told me once that our family helped drive back the dark ones from long ago. I've never seen one, but from what i heard they were really awful. I guess I'm glad my family was there to help stop them, but maybe thats why all this is happening to us now? I dont know.. Are we going soon? I just want to help but I dont know what to do except tell the magistrate what happened.
After his short rest and the conversation with Aura, Manfred will approach the mausoleum curiously, stopping about 15 feet away.
Conscious of the sideaways glances that are falling him, he clears his throat and speaks. "I understand that I am not trusted enough to assist Dain and Survivor inside that building, and perhaps not even to accompany all of you to town when you go to confront them. Indeed, should I come, I may be compelled to confess to the disappearances and implicate all of you to a Magistrate that, from all sounds of it, has been corrupted by these things. However, I still may be able to help."
He looks back at Aura, then Vulgrom, Ashtear, and Albanus in turn. "Albanus's comments about the connection that she...the succubus.. and I share has me thinking. I COULD reach out to her. I do not believe I will be able to lie successfully, given her sway over me, but I can be quite persuasive, especially with a spell that strengthens my natural charm. The blonde one may be confident enough to let slip something of their plan for us, or their purpose in attacking Riverton's populous."
He pulls the flute out of his pack and begins preparing Enhance Ability in case there is agreement "Consider this a show of good faith that I am informing you of this plan in advance of trying it. Of course, I have not heard her voice inside my head since before she and her sister vanished. Reaching out to her...it...may draw their attention back to us."
(There is one thing you do notice among what can almost exclusively be called ashes and dust, a small vial containing a pinkish liquid. No label or anything like that, so hard to say if its a potion or something more henious.)
"Moradin's beard, what have we got here?" The dwarf holds the vial, holds it too his eye level, prays to the All-Father that it doesn't explode and gives it the gentlest shake...
Medicine: 11
Plus Guidance: 3
Huh. Interesting vial, reminds me of some of my reagents from before." Pulling out her alchemy set, and herbalism set, asitting down, "Can I see that too?" getting to work trying to see what is what.
Intellegence Check 26 + Guidance pill 1
(She'll state what she finds, if anything, so feel free to post it here)
Survivor will look around the tomb and then down at Dain, "I think we've found what we can. Time to gather everything up, and return to our employer, if we're to enter a town known to be inhabited by those things, I'd rather have outside assistance, hopefully he'll be known to the local magistrate there."
"Let's gather up all of these papers, then be off." Dain agrees. He compiles the manuscript as the others takes their short rest. "Not sure why the place was warded, was it fer these papers or something else that is no longer here?" He asks, almost to himself, as he works.
(You can tell its probably not a healing potion. But its probably not poison either, most importantly, it does not seem to volatile and does not blow up.)
(You on the other hand understand this liquids chemical composition, shelf life, etc.. You learn that it is extremely similar to a philter of love but is actually much more potent, as well as not being the correct composition for this type of consumption, leading you to believe that this is probably ment to be converted to its gaseous state before being properly used. You could probably synthesize an antidote for it, seeing as how you really got a good read on what it is, countering its effects could be possible.)