This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Invaih looks up from the dagger as Artin speaks up, stowing it behind his belt. "Did anyone inspect the altar yet?" He moves up to it, and inspects it closer.
Erik felt a bit out of place now that the fighting was done. Archimedes landed on his shoulder as he stood by Artin. "My friend...I am afraid I am at a loss as to our purpose. I confess I know little about the events of late beyond questionable rumors."
"Let me give you a summary, then." Invaih, still examining the altar, goes on. "I arrived in town almost a week or so ago. Already there was a gloomy aura to the town. A band of thugs seemed to enjoy vandalizing establishments around town, bossing and threatening the villagers. About three days before you arrived, I believe, our current group plus an... odd druid had met up at a bar after the same thugs picked a fight with Iradari... Or Iradari picked a fight with them. I can't remember clearly." He frowns a little, but you cannot tell if it is from the memory, or something he noticed examining the altar.
"The next day, one of the sisters tending the tailor store got kidnapped by that same band of imbeciles. Most disturbing was the ominous message they left, more akin to a cult declaration than misfits acting up. We went to investigate and rescue the kidnapping victim, only to find strange, otherworldly phenomena. First, what we called a "demon boar" was helping guard the entrance. After dealing with all the thugs, and letting one go who claimed she had nothing to do with the rest, we encountered... I have no clue what that was. It seemed unfazed by most attacks, even though it did eventually fall down. It looked undead, and yet didn't... I'm sorry I can't elaborate further. In any case we rescued the kidnapped victim as a villager was murdered. Looks like that kid over there did it, but we can't be sure, as he committed suicide just now... Or rather was murdered by something possessing him..."
"As we were investigating the murders, our druid friend told us of this group you just incinerated here, before leaving for Lolth knows where. It seemed they were related to the thugs in some way. She also overheard they would remain here for nearly a week before proceeding to a 'plan'. Hence, when we simultaneously learned of a group of Gnolls becoming more active in raiding, we opted to take care of them first. We met you while... celebrating... our victory." He looks at you in the eye for the first time since starting to explain. "I hope that clarifies what we are here for a little? I know it's still not clear what in Eilistraee's name is going on, but at least you should be as informed as we are now."
Dari lets out a small chuckle when Invah mentions the fight at the inn. "Both of us were to blame for that. Him for wanting his seat, me for not giving it to him... and messing up the floor."
Erik felt a bit out of place now that the fighting was done. Archimedes landed on his shoulder as he stood by Artin. "My friend...I am afraid I am at a loss as to our purpose. I confess I know little about the events of late beyond questionable rumors."
(OOC: Sorry I somehow missed this post! Apologies for late reply)
Artin begins to explain, when Invaih helpfully jumps with with a detailed summary of what happened. "Exactly right. We've seen a strange cult, some murders in town, and a group of raiding gnolls. We were all in this town more or less by chance, and encountered these events in just a few days. To be honest, I had hung up my adventuring days behind me years ago. I'm surprised I still have a bit of fight left in me." Artin chuckles, self consciously attempting to push in a roll of fat poking out from under his breastplate. "I think at this point, we should try to ascertain whether or not this cultish influence is done with. I have the feeling that whatever came out of the altar is not done with this town. I would feel remiss leaving with the specter of a possible attack looming over their heads. With that said, I'm not sure what more we can do tonight."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erik considered the words he had been told. From an outside perspective, the druid's actions were certainly suspect...but he didn't voice that concern. "That does certainly bring me up to speed..and I agree not much more can be done tonight...but I will have Archimedes fly over the area and see if we can discover anymore clues..." Erik said softly and looked at Archimedes, who immediately took flight and scoured the immediate surroundings. Erik closed his eyes and shared his thoughts with his avian friend.
Archimedes does notice something of interest, something that your eyes most likely would have missed. He sees a faint trail with jumbled tracks leading in and out of this little area through the treeline.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
Archimedes fluttered down upon Erik's staff once more, and Erik opened his eyes and nods, "Indeed he did Dari." Erik led the way to where he remembered the small trail being. If he hadn't have seen it through Archimedes eyes...Erik wasn't sure he would have noticed it.
You follow the trail for about an hour, with a little bit of assistance from Archimedes. The trail ends with a thick wall of bushes and a small opening, Archimedes sees two men waiting behind the wall, and they appear bored. Half a dozen tents are set up inside, you see about a dozen people inside wandering around.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
Invaih scoots closer, whispering as well: "If not, we could grab one of these guards for information, unconscious, and set the hedges on fire... except for the opening. It is small enough we should be able to fend off the ones trying to escape this way one at a time."
"If we burn this entrance too, there is no guarantee the flames will spread into camp, and they won't try fleeing in a panic. On another hand, they might think the hedges caught fire from their campfires, and rush to us unprepared in their escape... All this is assuming of course, that the layout of this vegetation is as unnaturally similar as the other we were at, a near fully enclosed circle."
Just to put in a couple things that I missed, there are 7 tents total, one substantially larger than the others. There is a large campfire in the middle of the site, burning low, and a cooking pot hanging in the center, filled with bubbling, brown liquid.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erik whispers back. "Yes, he can allow me a moment." Archimedes flapped silently away up and over the tents, landing atop The largest one and preened his feathers, acting like any normal owl.
"Wait" Dari whispers, "we need to find more information before we begin. I understand your excitement, but combat will have to wait just a few more minutes."
Invaih looks up from the dagger as Artin speaks up, stowing it behind his belt. "Did anyone inspect the altar yet?" He moves up to it, and inspects it closer.
Investigation: 20
Role | Campaign
Zegria looks around "Ey! Did I miss the fight? Such a shame that! Ooooh! Is that a portal?"
Invah, make an investigation check!
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
~ Guild Wars 2
((Edited last post with check. Nat20!+4))
Role | Campaign
Erik felt a bit out of place now that the fighting was done. Archimedes landed on his shoulder as he stood by Artin. "My friend...I am afraid I am at a loss as to our purpose. I confess I know little about the events of late beyond questionable rumors."
"Let me give you a summary, then." Invaih, still examining the altar, goes on. "I arrived in town almost a week or so ago. Already there was a gloomy aura to the town. A band of thugs seemed to enjoy vandalizing establishments around town, bossing and threatening the villagers. About three days before you arrived, I believe, our current group plus an... odd druid had met up at a bar after the same thugs picked a fight with Iradari... Or Iradari picked a fight with them. I can't remember clearly." He frowns a little, but you cannot tell if it is from the memory, or something he noticed examining the altar.
"The next day, one of the sisters tending the tailor store got kidnapped by that same band of imbeciles. Most disturbing was the ominous message they left, more akin to a cult declaration than misfits acting up. We went to investigate and rescue the kidnapping victim, only to find strange, otherworldly phenomena. First, what we called a "demon boar" was helping guard the entrance. After dealing with all the thugs, and letting one go who claimed she had nothing to do with the rest, we encountered... I have no clue what that was. It seemed unfazed by most attacks, even though it did eventually fall down. It looked undead, and yet didn't... I'm sorry I can't elaborate further. In any case we rescued the kidnapped victim as a villager was murdered. Looks like that kid over there did it, but we can't be sure, as he committed suicide just now... Or rather was murdered by something possessing him..."
"As we were investigating the murders, our druid friend told us of this group you just incinerated here, before leaving for Lolth knows where. It seemed they were related to the thugs in some way. She also overheard they would remain here for nearly a week before proceeding to a 'plan'. Hence, when we simultaneously learned of a group of Gnolls becoming more active in raiding, we opted to take care of them first. We met you while... celebrating... our victory." He looks at you in the eye for the first time since starting to explain. "I hope that clarifies what we are here for a little? I know it's still not clear what in Eilistraee's name is going on, but at least you should be as informed as we are now."
Role | Campaign
Dari lets out a small chuckle when Invah mentions the fight at the inn. "Both of us were to blame for that. Him for wanting his seat, me for not giving it to him... and messing up the floor."
(OOC: Sorry I somehow missed this post! Apologies for late reply)
Artin begins to explain, when Invaih helpfully jumps with with a detailed summary of what happened.
"Exactly right. We've seen a strange cult, some murders in town, and a group of raiding gnolls. We were all in this town more or less by chance, and encountered these events in just a few days. To be honest, I had hung up my adventuring days behind me years ago. I'm surprised I still have a bit of fight left in me." Artin chuckles, self consciously attempting to push in a roll of fat poking out from under his breastplate.
"I think at this point, we should try to ascertain whether or not this cultish influence is done with. I have the feeling that whatever came out of the altar is not done with this town. I would feel remiss leaving with the specter of a possible attack looming over their heads. With that said, I'm not sure what more we can do tonight."
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
Erik considered the words he had been told. From an outside perspective, the druid's actions were certainly suspect...but he didn't voice that concern. "That does certainly bring me up to speed..and I agree not much more can be done tonight...but I will have Archimedes fly over the area and see if we can discover anymore clues..." Erik said softly and looked at Archimedes, who immediately took flight and scoured the immediate surroundings. Erik closed his eyes and shared his thoughts with his avian friend.
Perception: 10
Archimedes does notice something of interest, something that your eyes most likely would have missed. He sees a faint trail with jumbled tracks leading in and out of this little area through the treeline.
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
~ Guild Wars 2
"Well? Did he find anything?"
Archimedes fluttered down upon Erik's staff once more, and Erik opened his eyes and nods, "Indeed he did Dari." Erik led the way to where he remembered the small trail being. If he hadn't have seen it through Archimedes eyes...Erik wasn't sure he would have noticed it.
You follow the trail for about an hour, with a little bit of assistance from Archimedes. The trail ends with a thick wall of bushes and a small opening, Archimedes sees two men waiting behind the wall, and they appear bored. Half a dozen tents are set up inside, you see about a dozen people inside wandering around.
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
~ Guild Wars 2
Artin whispers to Erik. "Can Archimedes hear inside the tent? This many people could be more than we can handle."
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
Invaih scoots closer, whispering as well: "If not, we could grab one of these guards for information, unconscious, and set the hedges on fire... except for the opening. It is small enough we should be able to fend off the ones trying to escape this way one at a time."
"If we burn this entrance too, there is no guarantee the flames will spread into camp, and they won't try fleeing in a panic. On another hand, they might think the hedges caught fire from their campfires, and rush to us unprepared in their escape... All this is assuming of course, that the layout of this vegetation is as unnaturally similar as the other we were at, a near fully enclosed circle."
Role | Campaign
Just to put in a couple things that I missed, there are 7 tents total, one substantially larger than the others. There is a large campfire in the middle of the site, burning low, and a cooking pot hanging in the center, filled with bubbling, brown liquid.
"The hero sought to save the world.
"If I keep trying, I'll be able to win," the hero thought.
But the harder the hero fought, the further the world seemed to tumble away.
Drowning in doubt, the hero could not even save themselves.
Hero, if you still believe in a brighter future, hold in your heart a thorn that can pierce all doubt."
~ Guild Wars 2
Erik whispers back. "Yes, he can allow me a moment." Archimedes flapped silently away up and over the tents, landing atop The largest one and preened his feathers, acting like any normal owl.
Erik closed his eyes and focused.
Perception 20
"So...do we kill 'em? Its been a while since I killed something and my bloodthirst grows" Zeg says.
"Wait" Dari whispers, "we need to find more information before we begin. I understand your excitement, but combat will have to wait just a few more minutes."
"Yes", agrees Artin. "We do not know what we are getting into here."
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus