As Ron delves deeper into the lore behind this strange concept of “Heroics” Anahn can feel his heart beat quicker at the explanation that Heroics are not only just born. Maybe he himself can bond his soul with this strange force and become a true hero... Anahn will then nod, putting his hands on his blade but not very tense as he knows the frozen guards to be potential future allies (but you never know). He then gives a small smile and says, “Well let’s hope they don’t wake up and kill us. Let’s do it!”
Khorie steps forward slowly. When he comes just within 15' of them, they animate almost simultaneously. The guard holding a hand up in a yawn continues his draw of breath, but then hops back in surprise, stumbling and releasing his pike. He catches it and himself from falling. The other blinks and shakes his head slightly, peering and turning slowly to Khorie. The two take their weapon in both hands, but neither point them toward you. Khorie speaks first.
"Good morning, Captain Varus. Take a moment. Get your bearings. Something strange happened."
The one on the left responds with a deep, mildly hoarse voice. "Khorie, is that you? ... Alright. What's going on?"
Khorie explains the situation as he understands it. Time froze them and the war ended in that time, there might be strange creatures about, two of the constables are dead and he saw it kill them himself, you guys are adventurers who defeated the monster who killed them, that you're also very new here, and lastly, your presence broke the spell. Varus nods a few times, at first eyeing your lot with suspicion. By the end, he seems to trust the explanation and stands at ease. Khorie nods to Van, then turns halfway toward the constabulary, pointing toward the horizon to the west-southwest. He speaks to Varus before leaving.
"I need to rouse the others. When you speak with Sir Razgerah, please tell him that we will need him in town before midday. See the smoke stacks? Some of them are moving." "Thank you, for helping. When things settle down,"he looks down, uncertain of himself, "you deserve a reward."
The other guard tightens his hands over the halberd, looking where Khorie points. Khorie jogs south, and Varus walks toward the group. When he comes within 15' of you, the haze rapidly implodes again, the pull of the world shifting with it as before. You still brace under it, but the moment seems faster and easier to swallow. Your vision in the haze reaches 40'. Varus makes a throaty chuckle with a little smile, slowing to stop at a few feet. "Everyone gets used that soon enough." He sobers up giving Ron a weary look. "Mr. Pallando..."
Ron cuts him off quickly. "I owe them a debt, and they are here of their own accord. I will not bother Sir Razgerah."
Varus nods and turns his attention back to the rest of you, speaking slowly while he thinks. "Adventurers... we certainly have work for you. Please, introduce yourselves first. If you have business with Sir Razgerah, please state the nature of it."
Van extends a hand to Varus "Greetings I'm Van." He indicates his friends. "This is Amandil and Ahnan. As mentioned we are new here and would like to speak with SIr Ragerah about what's happening here and offer our services"
Amandil nodded greetings when introduced. "We're adventurers, here from a far place." He hooked a thumb in the direction they came from. "We just helped some of your fellows put down a strange monster. They can tell you all about it. Whatever's happening, it might be affecting magic items in unexpected ways, so it's worth checking on any in your possession - or your leader's."
Accepting Van's hand firmly, he nods. "Of course. Van, Amandil, Ahnan, Pallando, come in. Make yourselves comfortable, and I will rouse him. Expect an hour."
He looks to the other guard with a motion in an unknown sign, whom nods in silent response. They go to the double door, and push it open, welcoming your group in. Inside, a grand hall awaits- a low, large chandelier with crystals hanging from it immediately catches your eye with dozens of candles lit in a frozen moment. The walls are draped with heavy navy blue curtains, matching carpets tastefully set upon the white floor. Numerous paintings and statues line the room, depicting various humanoid races, including dragonkin and insectoids. At the center, beneath the chandiler in a wide array, several circular dining tables sit empty and unattended. A spiraling staircase rises near the center to split up toward two separated balconies on both sides of the grand hall. There are two closed doors on opposite sides at the first floor and the balconies. It is designed to impress while lending a comforting feel, with the ambience from the small windows at the second floor lending a green hue to mingle with the candlelight.
Varus leaves the other guard at the entrance, and heads to the stairs, taking the right (west) door on the balcony. When he passes under the chandelier, the candles flicker to life. Once the front doors close, the grand hall becomes very quiet, even the armored guard's clatter being muffled by the draping.
While they are waiting Van will turn to his friends speaking softly "So what ARE we doing here? I know we've been sent to salvage what we can but it's obvious the Wizards didn't have the whole picture when they sent us. Plus, salvaging what we can is open to interpretation. Aside from any artifacts or magic should we be trying to salvage knowledge as well? It seems learning what we can about the Heroics would be valuable knowledge, but what about the people of this world? Surely many of them would have knowledge that should be saved. How are we to decide?"
“I may not be the most studious but even I know that knowledge is true power. I’m sure the magical artifacts on this world are extraordinary but you both were there when Ron spoke of Heroics! Can you even imagine the power Van? Amandil? I’ve never even heard of anything like it before!” Anahn says excitedly, his blues eyes twinkling with excitement as he gestures wildly to his companions with his hands as he speaks.
ooc: since I guess we have an hour to kill, I would suggest we take advantage and take a short rest. At the end, I'll use Inspiring Leader to replenish everyone's temp HP.
Amandil thought about it for a moment. "I want to say that we should try to bring people back with us. If this world ceases to exist, all on it perish. It's true that knowledge is power, but if we can save some of them, we should. Plus, what better way to save the knowledge than to save the people who have it?"
(Took a short rest, what's the temp HP amount again?)
Van nods in agreement with his friends "I'm of the same mind, Good, so we agree. Search for artifacts while learning more about Heroics and keeping a keen eye out for people of interest. Sounds simple enough, though I fear it may not be..."
(DM, did Ron come in with us? Sounded like maybe he wasn't going to?)
A thought occurred to Amandil. "I don't know enough about magic to say whether this is possible, though. Bringing objects through planar boundaries is, I imagine, quite different from doing the same with people. Unless some local archmage were to intervene, I suppose." He looked at Ron and raised an eyebrow, inviting him to opine.
Sitting at one of the dining chairs, Ron responds first to Van. "There are my assistants at the lab, but other than them, none other in the area really research Heroics. The Harlequin training grounds has a library. It's about five miles out, opposite my lab. I'd presume there's some books, here, too. Sir Razgerah and the lady are also knowledgeable, as well as Master Tenebrum, though I'm not sure where to find him, if he's not at the training grounds."
He turns to Amandil. "It is true that some arcane forces do react poorly to crossing planes, and some that simply fail in the process, but I don't think it's a common issue. While I know a fair few things more about it than most, there happens to be a true expert on the subject here in the manor. I doubt you'll find anyone as knowledgeable. With Sir Razgerah's permission, you may be allowed to speak to him."
Shortly after, he rests his eyes while you tend to yourselves.
Varus returns on the balcony, informing you that Sir Razgerah will see you when he is ready. He goes about the manor, first to the 2nd floor left wing, then to each wing on the first floor a few minutes later. He then returns outside. A few minutes later, a servant crosses the first floor, giving you a wide, respectful and silent space as he begins his duties for the day, looking a bit tired. Ten minutes after that, another pair of guards come change shift with Varus and the other, and they go to the right wing at the first floor. A few more servants move about the first floor, a couple going up the stairs.
Just seconds after one goes in the right (west) wing at the second floor, you hear a scream come from the same hall. ((If you act, your rest is interrupted.))
Anahn will look to his companions with urgency before taking off towards where’d he’d heard the scream. If the other party members choose to follow Anahn will attempt to keep pace with them, but if they do not he is fully sprinting. As he gets closer to where he’d heard the voice, he will attempt to be more cautious and try to look for any threats that’d be the cause of the scream.
Van is torn. He's s a stranger in a strange land and doesn't want to overstep in an unknown lords keep. He tells Wes quickly "Follow our friend" and then calmly stands and looks to Ron "Should we be concerned or is this normal in your neck of the woods?"
As Anahn gets close to the door at the balcony at the head of the group, it opens, and the servant staggers out, half his body scorched as if burned alive. The body's stench has an acidic burn to it, and he radiates heat as though aflame. Rasping a final breath, he lets out a final, fading scream. The servant staggers another two steps, and collapses on the the floor. The door leads to a straight hall 15' wide, extending beyond the 40' of haze. There is a stairway up to your right inside the hall, and 4 doors spaced out in the hall aside from the one you see through, all others closed. It's decor matches the grand hall, but lacks in windows and is lit by candles on the walls.
As you peer through the door, a black rolling form the size of a short dwarf comes into view at the edge of the haze. Black-skinned, it is round, fatter at the bottom, with black and green flames rising from it, appearing to be an ooze with non-viscous skin. It moves at a walking pace, the skin rising in small rapid bumps as if bubbling on the inside. You hear a single bellowing bark come from up the stairs. The door remains open.
Initiative- Amandil: 21, Van: 21, Anahn: 12, Black Ooze: -1 ((You do not have to engage it now, but...))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Anahn will draw both of his blades and impatiently wait for his companions to give him any hint on how they may take down the monster that’d murdered the servant.
(Since we are not in combat as of yet I’d also like to roll a general Arcana check to see what we may be fighting)
Arcana: 11
Anahn is at a complete loss at the threat in front of them, seeing only a sickly looking dwarf. Looking to his companions he will whisper in a panic, “We must make a move quickly, there is only one of him and three of us!”
As Ron delves deeper into the lore behind this strange concept of “Heroics” Anahn can feel his heart beat quicker at the explanation that Heroics are not only just born. Maybe he himself can bond his soul with this strange force and become a true hero...
Anahn will then nod, putting his hands on his blade but not very tense as he knows the frozen guards to be potential future allies (but you never know). He then gives a small smile and says, “Well let’s hope they don’t wake up and kill us. Let’s do it!”
Khorie steps forward slowly. When he comes just within 15' of them, they animate almost simultaneously. The guard holding a hand up in a yawn continues his draw of breath, but then hops back in surprise, stumbling and releasing his pike. He catches it and himself from falling. The other blinks and shakes his head slightly, peering and turning slowly to Khorie. The two take their weapon in both hands, but neither point them toward you. Khorie speaks first.
"Good morning, Captain Varus. Take a moment. Get your bearings. Something strange happened."
The one on the left responds with a deep, mildly hoarse voice. "Khorie, is that you? ... Alright. What's going on?"
Khorie explains the situation as he understands it. Time froze them and the war ended in that time, there might be strange creatures about, two of the constables are dead and he saw it kill them himself, you guys are adventurers who defeated the monster who killed them, that you're also very new here, and lastly, your presence broke the spell. Varus nods a few times, at first eyeing your lot with suspicion. By the end, he seems to trust the explanation and stands at ease. Khorie nods to Van, then turns halfway toward the constabulary, pointing toward the horizon to the west-southwest. He speaks to Varus before leaving.
"I need to rouse the others. When you speak with Sir Razgerah, please tell him that we will need him in town before midday. See the smoke stacks? Some of them are moving." "Thank you, for helping. When things settle down," he looks down, uncertain of himself, "you deserve a reward."
The other guard tightens his hands over the halberd, looking where Khorie points. Khorie jogs south, and Varus walks toward the group. When he comes within 15' of you, the haze rapidly implodes again, the pull of the world shifting with it as before. You still brace under it, but the moment seems faster and easier to swallow. Your vision in the haze reaches 40'. Varus makes a throaty chuckle with a little smile, slowing to stop at a few feet. "Everyone gets used that soon enough." He sobers up giving Ron a weary look. "Mr. Pallando..."
Ron cuts him off quickly. "I owe them a debt, and they are here of their own accord. I will not bother Sir Razgerah."
Varus nods and turns his attention back to the rest of you, speaking slowly while he thinks. "Adventurers... we certainly have work for you. Please, introduce yourselves first. If you have business with Sir Razgerah, please state the nature of it."
Van extends a hand to Varus "Greetings I'm Van." He indicates his friends. "This is Amandil and Ahnan. As mentioned we are new here and would like to speak with SIr Ragerah about what's happening here and offer our services"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Amandil nodded greetings when introduced. "We're adventurers, here from a far place." He hooked a thumb in the direction they came from. "We just helped some of your fellows put down a strange monster. They can tell you all about it. Whatever's happening, it might be affecting magic items in unexpected ways, so it's worth checking on any in your possession - or your leader's."
Accepting Van's hand firmly, he nods. "Of course. Van, Amandil, Ahnan, Pallando, come in. Make yourselves comfortable, and I will rouse him. Expect an hour."
He looks to the other guard with a motion in an unknown sign, whom nods in silent response. They go to the double door, and push it open, welcoming your group in. Inside, a grand hall awaits- a low, large chandelier with crystals hanging from it immediately catches your eye with dozens of candles lit in a frozen moment. The walls are draped with heavy navy blue curtains, matching carpets tastefully set upon the white floor. Numerous paintings and statues line the room, depicting various humanoid races, including dragonkin and insectoids. At the center, beneath the chandiler in a wide array, several circular dining tables sit empty and unattended. A spiraling staircase rises near the center to split up toward two separated balconies on both sides of the grand hall. There are two closed doors on opposite sides at the first floor and the balconies. It is designed to impress while lending a comforting feel, with the ambience from the small windows at the second floor lending a green hue to mingle with the candlelight.
Varus leaves the other guard at the entrance, and heads to the stairs, taking the right (west) door on the balcony. When he passes under the chandelier, the candles flicker to life. Once the front doors close, the grand hall becomes very quiet, even the armored guard's clatter being muffled by the draping.
While they are waiting Van will turn to his friends speaking softly "So what ARE we doing here? I know we've been sent to salvage what we can but it's obvious the Wizards didn't have the whole picture when they sent us. Plus, salvaging what we can is open to interpretation. Aside from any artifacts or magic should we be trying to salvage knowledge as well? It seems learning what we can about the Heroics would be valuable knowledge, but what about the people of this world? Surely many of them would have knowledge that should be saved. How are we to decide?"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
“I may not be the most studious but even I know that knowledge is true power. I’m sure the magical artifacts on this world are extraordinary but you both were there when Ron spoke of Heroics! Can you even imagine the power Van? Amandil? I’ve never even heard of anything like it before!” Anahn says excitedly, his blues eyes twinkling with excitement as he gestures wildly to his companions with his hands as he speaks.
ooc: since I guess we have an hour to kill, I would suggest we take advantage and take a short rest. At the end, I'll use Inspiring Leader to replenish everyone's temp HP.
Amandil thought about it for a moment. "I want to say that we should try to bring people back with us. If this world ceases to exist, all on it perish. It's true that knowledge is power, but if we can save some of them, we should. Plus, what better way to save the knowledge than to save the people who have it?"
(Took a short rest, what's the temp HP amount again?)
Van nods in agreement with his friends "I'm of the same mind, Good, so we agree. Search for artifacts while learning more about Heroics and keeping a keen eye out for people of interest. Sounds simple enough, though I fear it may not be..."
(DM, did Ron come in with us? Sounded like maybe he wasn't going to?)
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
As an aside Van turns to Ron "Are there others who study the Heroics or perhaps a library somewhere that would have other knowledge about them?"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
A thought occurred to Amandil. "I don't know enough about magic to say whether this is possible, though. Bringing objects through planar boundaries is, I imagine, quite different from doing the same with people. Unless some local archmage were to intervene, I suppose." He looked at Ron and raised an eyebrow, inviting him to opine.
Sitting at one of the dining chairs, Ron responds first to Van. "There are my assistants at the lab, but other than them, none other in the area really research Heroics. The Harlequin training grounds has a library. It's about five miles out, opposite my lab. I'd presume there's some books, here, too. Sir Razgerah and the lady are also knowledgeable, as well as Master Tenebrum, though I'm not sure where to find him, if he's not at the training grounds."
He turns to Amandil. "It is true that some arcane forces do react poorly to crossing planes, and some that simply fail in the process, but I don't think it's a common issue. While I know a fair few things more about it than most, there happens to be a true expert on the subject here in the manor. I doubt you'll find anyone as knowledgeable. With Sir Razgerah's permission, you may be allowed to speak to him."
Shortly after, he rests his eyes while you tend to yourselves.
Varus returns on the balcony, informing you that Sir Razgerah will see you when he is ready. He goes about the manor, first to the 2nd floor left wing, then to each wing on the first floor a few minutes later. He then returns outside. A few minutes later, a servant crosses the first floor, giving you a wide, respectful and silent space as he begins his duties for the day, looking a bit tired. Ten minutes after that, another pair of guards come change shift with Varus and the other, and they go to the right wing at the first floor. A few more servants move about the first floor, a couple going up the stairs.
Just seconds after one goes in the right (west) wing at the second floor, you hear a scream come from the same hall. ((If you act, your rest is interrupted.))
Anahn will look to his companions with urgency before taking off towards where’d he’d heard the scream. If the other party members choose to follow Anahn will attempt to keep pace with them, but if they do not he is fully sprinting. As he gets closer to where he’d heard the voice, he will attempt to be more cautious and try to look for any threats that’d be the cause of the scream.
Perception: 11
or
Investigation:20
(Up to DM as Anahn tries to follow the scream)
Van is torn. He's s a stranger in a strange land and doesn't want to overstep in an unknown lords keep. He tells Wes quickly "Follow our friend" and then calmly stands and looks to Ron "Should we be concerned or is this normal in your neck of the woods?"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Ron looks to the balcony at the sound of the scream of pain, as Anahn and Van stand, shaking his head at Van's question. "Not normal, I'm afraid."
The scream resounds, this time continuing.
Van nods to Ron "Very well" and takes off to follow Ahnan casting invisibility on himself as he does so.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Just when we were starting to catch our breath and rest... Amandil follows, drawing his crossbow.
As Anahn gets close to the door at the balcony at the head of the group, it opens, and the servant staggers out, half his body scorched as if burned alive. The body's stench has an acidic burn to it, and he radiates heat as though aflame. Rasping a final breath, he lets out a final, fading scream. The servant staggers another two steps, and collapses on the the floor. The door leads to a straight hall 15' wide, extending beyond the 40' of haze. There is a stairway up to your right inside the hall, and 4 doors spaced out in the hall aside from the one you see through, all others closed. It's decor matches the grand hall, but lacks in windows and is lit by candles on the walls.
As you peer through the door, a black rolling form the size of a short dwarf comes into view at the edge of the haze. Black-skinned, it is round, fatter at the bottom, with black and green flames rising from it, appearing to be an ooze with non-viscous skin. It moves at a walking pace, the skin rising in small rapid bumps as if bubbling on the inside. You hear a single bellowing bark come from up the stairs. The door remains open.
Initiative- Amandil: 21, Van: 21, Anahn: 12, Black Ooze: -1 ((You do not have to engage it now, but...))
ooc: Using Help action to give Van advantage on the Arcana or whichever skill check. How far is it from us?
Oozes and puddings were not to be trifled with. Amandil kept his crossbow at the ready as he asked Van "What is that thing, and how do we kill it?"
Anahn will draw both of his blades and impatiently wait for his companions to give him any hint on how they may take down the monster that’d murdered the servant.
(Since we are not in combat as of yet I’d also like to roll a general Arcana check to see what we may be fighting)
Arcana: 11
Anahn is at a complete loss at the threat in front of them, seeing only a sickly looking dwarf. Looking to his companions he will whisper in a panic, “We must make a move quickly, there is only one of him and three of us!”