OOC: OK, cool, just wanted to make sure everything’s good then. The shift to basically disregard combat as a priority and embrace a skill focus just seems to be a logical step for a one on one game v a party based game, where there is the expected combat contribution. As for a mental stat, maybe Charisma as that might make the Actor feat more appealing. Also considering Observant and Keen Mind.
Midian raises an eyebrow. [Does the rat seem like a large sewer rat, or indicative of something paranormal, in its size?]
He will try to find a spot nearby where someone would emerge from the back of the shop where he heard the noise and attempt to look as inconspicuous as possible, as if he were waiting impatiently to meet up with a friend.
OOC: OK, cool, just wanted to make sure everything’s good then. The shift to basically disregard combat as a priority and embrace a skill focus just seems to be a logical step for a one on one game v a party based game, where there is the expected combat contribution. As for a mental stat, maybe Charisma as that might make the Actor feat more appealing. Also considering Observant and Keen Mind.
[OOC: Combat is certainly possible in the campaign, but this is major city and so the general rules of civilisation ensue most of the time.]
Midian raises an eyebrow. [Does the rat seem like a large sewer rat, or indicative of something paranormal, in its size?]
[OOC: Make an Arcana check vs a DC of 5.]
He will try to find a spot nearby where someone would emerge from the back of the shop where he heard the noise and attempt to look as inconspicuous as possible, as if he were waiting impatiently to meet up with a friend.
[I'm not sure exactly sure what you mean here. Just to be clear, is he leaving the building and trying to find a back entrance? If so, then this shop is part of a row of tenements and finding the back entrance might be a bit tricky... More alleyways would likely be involved as was the case when he chased the Killrellian Warlock.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arcana 17
OOC: I likely misunderstood the scene, I was picturing a business with a readily accessible back end and he heard someone leaving from the back, where he could go and observe who it was. If access to the rear is through labyrinthine mazes of alleys he will probably just wait until the shop staff leave and then see about entering.
[Midian knows from his studies of the Arcane, that most supernatural creatures—there are some notable exceptions like the undead—either attract the particles of mana/magic to their body or in some cases even radiate it. This means the See the Arcane cantrip is very useful for quickly checking if something is magical (i.e., supernatural). However, as with the undead I mentioned previously, there are supernatural powers in Magudonya that aren't so easily seen by Arcane spell casters. (Mechanically, it is the difference between Arcane magic and Divine magic.)
With regard to Midian, I was probably unclear when I described the scene. There is no light in the shop, but there was noise coming from a private area at the back of the shop. This private area may lead to a back entrance, but the noises didn't indicate that someone was leaving.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Midian will scan the area for any potential onlookers, as well as for the entrance with the least likelihood of being seen from a public area - it could be the front is the only option, but there could be a side door that seems more appealing.
OOC: This is assuming the business appears closed for business, if open he will just enter the front door.
If large rat is still within view he will use the See the Arcane cantrip to do just that and see what he can learn.
Although the shop is dark, the front door is indeed open, so it would seem it is open.
Midian steps in through the door and looks around in the gloom; all the while the rat continues to look at him.
Closing his eyes and concentrating briefly to bring on his mage sight, Midian opens them and stares back at the rat. It is glowing faintly with accumulated magic.
Although followers of Mithra are not allowed to ally themselves with such things, Midian is fairly sure that this creature is the familiar spirit of a magus, most likely the owner of this store.
There are sounds from the back of the shop and then Midian hears a voice. "Hello? Is there someone there?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Midian calls out, "Yes, indeed, I had a matter of some arcane curiosity, and I heard this shop provided some degree of expertise in such matters. Might you be able to assist me, or should I come back tomorrow?" He looks about the public area of the shop in the meantime at the items on display, while pondering whether the rat might be a familiar that could have alerted the master to his presence, or if the man just heard him entering.
[OOC: As to whether the man heard Midian or was perhaps made aware of Midian's presence by the rat is unknown. Either is possible.]
A man emerges from a backroom and begins walking towards Midian.
"Please, please come in," the man says in Stemian, enticing Midian to enter with gestures. "My apologies, young master, let me get us some light. I had not realised it had gone out."
The man then stops at one of the bookshelves near the centre of the shop and reaches into a small pot after which he transfers something up to a large spherical ornament on top of the bookshelf and mutters something.
Light begins to shine out from the ornament making the shop look far more inviting; there is now no sign of the rat.
"Welcome to the Compleat Sage," the man says in a more formal tone, and speaking in Sorendenese now. "How might I help you?"
The man is a fellow Sorian of middle age and he has a dramatically receding hairline. The hair of his beard though is a glossy black and there has been an attempt to curl it into a more patrician style which has not been very successful because of the beards shortness. His approach has brought a strong smell of glue to Midian's nose.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“I have heard master Willard Hellas is quite knowledgeable in the arcane arts, and I was hoping for some consultation regarding an investigative project of mine, of sorts,” Midian says.
“It’s a bit more complex than my own personal knowledge of the art allows me to decipher, and this shop and its patron came highly recommended for such matters. It has to do with -“ Midian speaks in an over dramatic stage whisper “-a conspiracy, and a murder. There are some things I’ve overheard that just aren’t adding up, though. The people aren’t being told the truth and I intend to get to the bottom of it. All my readers will know the truth. I can leave your name out of it, if course - confidential sources and all.”
[OOC: Should have mentioned this earlier, but I will assume that Midian's See the Arcane cantrip was working long enough to see the aura of magic surrounding the head of this man. It is not strong, but Midian would recognise it as being stronger than his own.]
"I am Willard Helas," says the man, looking at Midian closely. "And you are what... a writer of books?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[OOC: This is basically an improvement on your previous Deception check because of the approach you are taking with this conversation. The original will still likely apply to people who haven't heard this story and are solely basing their impression on Midian's appearance.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“Not books, exactly. There could be a novel in it, I suppose, but that’s getting ahead of myself,” Midian says. “More of a news periodical at present, or that’s the goal in any case. As you know this city has underwent a massive change as of late with the recent law against the practice of faiths outside the regional norm. You may or may not be aware, but a recent incident served as a catalyst for this, the murder of a seeker. My sources have revealed a number of inconsistencies regarding the murder, however. I believe there is much more to this then what the public is being made aware of. I have some specifics I would like to question you about, Master Helas. It’s possible that this supposed ‘murder’ wasn’t what the church has been framing it as at all. It doesn’t add up.”
“Oh, my,” Midian says. “I make a habit of delivering news, but it’s still unfortunate to be the bearer of bad news. Yes, the word went out today, all practices of worship other than the mainstream state approved faiths of the centralized church have now been officially forbidden in Constantine. The murder of a Seeker was cited by some as a trigger for this legal decision. I’ve came across some information about the circumstances of that murder that casts the entire thing into suspicion, however. That’s where I was hoping to consult an expert arcanist. You might be able to shed some light on these inconsistencies.”
Still looking flustered, Helas says, "Me? An expert arcanist? You flatter me, young sir, I am but a dabbler. You should seek out those at the School of Occult Studies. The masters there are the best equipped to help you."
He then gestures toward the door and says, "I'm afraid I have let time get away on me, and I am now late for an appointment. So, I'm afraid I'm going to have to let you go now as I have to shut up the shop."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“I doubt the professors would give me the time of day, given the nature of my investigation and my theories,” Midian says. “Questioning the motives of the church and the government isn’t likely something any of them would risk their tenure over. If you’re uncomfortable aiding me in this, even off the record, I can’t force you. But I had been told you might be able to aid me in this. You, or a man named Moonson, but you seemed much more reputable.”
Midian just has time to see Helas react to the mention of the name Moonson when both of their attentions are drawn to the front door of the shop by the arrival of a woman.
"Willard?" begins the woman and then she stops when she notices Midian. "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were with a customer. I will come back shortly."
"No, no," says Helas. "This young gentleman was just leaving. Come in, come in... I'll be ready to go shortly."
"Go?" asks the woman, one eyebrow raised.
"Yes, yes," says Helas hurriedly. "Don't tell me you forgot as well. We need to be quick or we will be late."
He then turns back to Midian and says, "I am really sorry, but I am afraid I won't be able to help you with your enquiries. Good... No, no, Blessed day to you."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Midian attempts to get a read on the authenticity of the man’s claimed surprise at the recent law as well as his attempts to downplay his expertise in the arcane.
Insight: 23
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OOC: OK, cool, just wanted to make sure everything’s good then. The shift to basically disregard combat as a priority and embrace a skill focus just seems to be a logical step for a one on one game v a party based game, where there is the expected combat contribution. As for a mental stat, maybe Charisma as that might make the Actor feat more appealing. Also considering Observant and Keen Mind.
Midian raises an eyebrow. [Does the rat seem like a large sewer rat, or indicative of something paranormal, in its size?]
He will try to find a spot nearby where someone would emerge from the back of the shop where he heard the noise and attempt to look as inconspicuous as possible, as if he were waiting impatiently to meet up with a friend.
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Arcana 17
OOC: I likely misunderstood the scene, I was picturing a business with a readily accessible back end and he heard someone leaving from the back, where he could go and observe who it was. If access to the rear is through labyrinthine mazes of alleys he will probably just wait until the shop staff leave and then see about entering.
[Midian knows from his studies of the Arcane, that most supernatural creatures—there are some notable exceptions like the undead—either attract the particles of mana/magic to their body or in some cases even radiate it. This means the See the Arcane cantrip is very useful for quickly checking if something is magical (i.e., supernatural). However, as with the undead I mentioned previously, there are supernatural powers in Magudonya that aren't so easily seen by Arcane spell casters. (Mechanically, it is the difference between Arcane magic and Divine magic.)
With regard to Midian, I was probably unclear when I described the scene. There is no light in the shop, but there was noise coming from a private area at the back of the shop. This private area may lead to a back entrance, but the noises didn't indicate that someone was leaving.]
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Midian will scan the area for any potential onlookers, as well as for the entrance with the least likelihood of being seen from a public area - it could be the front is the only option, but there could be a side door that seems more appealing.
OOC: This is assuming the business appears closed for business, if open he will just enter the front door.
If large rat is still within view he will use the See the Arcane cantrip to do just that and see what he can learn.
Although the shop is dark, the front door is indeed open, so it would seem it is open.
Midian steps in through the door and looks around in the gloom; all the while the rat continues to look at him.
Closing his eyes and concentrating briefly to bring on his mage sight, Midian opens them and stares back at the rat. It is glowing faintly with accumulated magic.
Although followers of Mithra are not allowed to ally themselves with such things, Midian is fairly sure that this creature is the familiar spirit of a magus, most likely the owner of this store.
There are sounds from the back of the shop and then Midian hears a voice. "Hello? Is there someone there?"
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Midian calls out, "Yes, indeed, I had a matter of some arcane curiosity, and I heard this shop provided some degree of expertise in such matters. Might you be able to assist me, or should I come back tomorrow?" He looks about the public area of the shop in the meantime at the items on display, while pondering whether the rat might be a familiar that could have alerted the master to his presence, or if the man just heard him entering.
[OOC: As to whether the man heard Midian or was perhaps made aware of Midian's presence by the rat is unknown. Either is possible.]
A man emerges from a backroom and begins walking towards Midian.
"Please, please come in," the man says in Stemian, enticing Midian to enter with gestures. "My apologies, young master, let me get us some light. I had not realised it had gone out."
The man then stops at one of the bookshelves near the centre of the shop and reaches into a small pot after which he transfers something up to a large spherical ornament on top of the bookshelf and mutters something.
Light begins to shine out from the ornament making the shop look far more inviting; there is now no sign of the rat.
"Welcome to the Compleat Sage," the man says in a more formal tone, and speaking in Sorendenese now. "How might I help you?"
The man is a fellow Sorian of middle age and he has a dramatically receding hairline. The hair of his beard though is a glossy black and there has been an attempt to curl it into a more patrician style which has not been very successful because of the beards shortness. His approach has brought a strong smell of glue to Midian's nose.
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“I have heard master Willard Hellas is quite knowledgeable in the arcane arts, and I was hoping for some consultation regarding an investigative project of mine, of sorts,” Midian says.
“It’s a bit more complex than my own personal knowledge of the art allows me to decipher, and this shop and its patron came highly recommended for such matters. It has to do with -“ Midian speaks in an over dramatic stage whisper “-a conspiracy, and a murder. There are some things I’ve overheard that just aren’t adding up, though. The people aren’t being told the truth and I intend to get to the bottom of it. All my readers will know the truth. I can leave your name out of it, if course - confidential sources and all.”
[Cute. Make another Deception check.]
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Deception roll: 21
[OOC: Should have mentioned this earlier, but I will assume that Midian's See the Arcane cantrip was working long enough to see the aura of magic surrounding the head of this man. It is not strong, but Midian would recognise it as being stronger than his own.]
"I am Willard Helas," says the man, looking at Midian closely. "And you are what... a writer of books?"
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“Not books, exactly. There could be a novel in it, I suppose, but that’s getting ahead of myself,” Midian says. “More of a news periodical at present, or that’s the goal in any case. As you know this city has underwent a massive change as of late with the recent law against the practice of faiths outside the regional norm. You may or may not be aware, but a recent incident served as a catalyst for this, the murder of a seeker. My sources have revealed a number of inconsistencies regarding the murder, however. I believe there is much more to this then what the public is being made aware of. I have some specifics I would like to question you about, Master Helas. It’s possible that this supposed ‘murder’ wasn’t what the church has been framing it as at all. It doesn’t add up.”
"Law? What law? I haven't heard anything about any law against other faiths. What are you talking about?"
Midian notes that Helas actually looks quite flustered about this.
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“Oh, my,” Midian says. “I make a habit of delivering news, but it’s still unfortunate to be the bearer of bad news. Yes, the word went out today, all practices of worship other than the mainstream state approved faiths of the centralized church have now been officially forbidden in Constantine. The murder of a Seeker was cited by some as a trigger for this legal decision. I’ve came across some information about the circumstances of that murder that casts the entire thing into suspicion, however. That’s where I was hoping to consult an expert arcanist. You might be able to shed some light on these inconsistencies.”
Still looking flustered, Helas says, "Me? An expert arcanist? You flatter me, young sir, I am but a dabbler. You should seek out those at the School of Occult Studies. The masters there are the best equipped to help you."
He then gestures toward the door and says, "I'm afraid I have let time get away on me, and I am now late for an appointment. So, I'm afraid I'm going to have to let you go now as I have to shut up the shop."
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“I doubt the professors would give me the time of day, given the nature of my investigation and my theories,” Midian says. “Questioning the motives of the church and the government isn’t likely something any of them would risk their tenure over. If you’re uncomfortable aiding me in this, even off the record, I can’t force you. But I had been told you might be able to aid me in this. You, or a man named Moonson, but you seemed much more reputable.”
Midian just has time to see Helas react to the mention of the name Moonson when both of their attentions are drawn to the front door of the shop by the arrival of a woman.
"Willard?" begins the woman and then she stops when she notices Midian. "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were with a customer. I will come back shortly."
"No, no," says Helas. "This young gentleman was just leaving. Come in, come in... I'll be ready to go shortly."
"Go?" asks the woman, one eyebrow raised.
"Yes, yes," says Helas hurriedly. "Don't tell me you forgot as well. We need to be quick or we will be late."
He then turns back to Midian and says, "I am really sorry, but I am afraid I won't be able to help you with your enquiries. Good... No, no, Blessed day to you."
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Midian attempts to get a read on the authenticity of the man’s claimed surprise at the recent law as well as his attempts to downplay his expertise in the arcane.
Insight: 23