The group considers Aleyd's and Moneus' words and ponders what to do next. Utar urges caution and proposes the group should try and collect more information. Litta responds to his request by shaking a pouch that clings of metal and saying: "I can reach out to Torm in augury, though I need a quiet place and a full minute to prepare."
Doozey picks up on what Utar and Litta are saying and agrees on the need to find a better place to cast such spell. The stoutling emphasizes that they need not act at this very minute. Doozey even go as far as reminding Utar that he has just recently come back to life, and could benefit from an even longer period of rest.
Utar agrees, at least partially, saying that he would also like to use some time to attempt to locate Yalek. Graxx backs up this idea, but warns the group that should Yalek be found inside noble grounds, he is likely to advance. Aleyd insists that if that is the case, they should definitely consider asking for an audience, even if it is just to mask their intent.
Neya reminds the group that should they decide to strike immediately upon finding Yalek, should that actually happen, she can then aid in making the stealthy plan more viable. Moneus likes this idea but suggests that Utar, Aleyd, their heavy armor, and maybe even Biscuit should stay behind until summoned if stealth becomes the eventual plan of approach.
Utar lets his concentration drop before swiftly checking whether his amulet is also within the estate then considers whether he should also check if Yalek is within the estate, after a moment, he decides its best to know than not.
After casting, Utar shares whatever he's learnt but isn't any clearer on next steps.
Doozey almost manages a smirk at Moneus suggestion, but can hardly hold the expression for more than a second without grimacing and rubbing a cheek. Nevertheless, he sure to inform him, and by extension the others, that when push actually came to shove, Biscuit was far more capable than appearances might suggest of him. With that, Biscuit boofs once in affirmation before sitting down and turning his head up to look more regale.
As for Aleyd's insistence about an audience, not knowing what that would entail to actually acquire it, the stoutling furrowed his brow at that, before simply shrugging and looking to Utar for guidance. Not so much in the matter regarding an audience perhaps, but certainly on the plan going forward now that so much as he put forth. Either which way, Doozey had heard and spoken enough to let things percolate as they were want to do.
Neya is fine with whatever route Utar and the rest of his old unit choose. While she is involved with aiding them, the choice is ultimately up to them as it impacts them the most.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
DM's Screen:
14
Moneus seems genuinely and pleasantly surprised to hear that stealth is one of Biscuit's fortés. Separately, Doozey's reaction to Aleyd's insistence on getting an audience goes unnoticed by the the Black Fist captain.
Graxx suggest a specific question to Litta, and the dragonborn lady nods in agreement. However, she adds: "I would still prefer to set up for the spell in a less conspicuous place. This spell is not as immediate as the ones Utar is beginning to cast right now, and I need to focus to read the results properly."
Afterwards, both Neya and Doozey defer the ultimate choice of plan to Utar and his old party. In response, the half-orc decides to gather some more data on his own. First, Torm guides Utar's attention to his lost amulet. Quite easily, Utar confirms that his previous holy symbol is just a few yards away from where LightBringer is. Second, Utarshifts focus to Yalek's potential presence. For a brief, partial second the half orc believes he is able to confirm Yalek's location within the noble's estate, but the magical ping is almost immediately gone after that.
Utar's below grows more furrowed as he realises his amulet is within the estate and cannot hide his surprise as Yalek's presence is confirmed, if only for a moment.
"That seals it. The Brokengulfs know something. To have both Lightbringer and my amulet is suspicious enough. For Yalek's presence to be confirmed then to wink away... Moneus, Neya, if you are up to it, I think a little reconnaissance is in order. See if you can't find a way in for all of us. I'd rather not give them any warning on our approach. We'll stand ready in case you run into any trouble, we just need a signal. In the meantime, we'll find somewhere less obvious to keep watch from and give Litta time to cast. Everyone good with that?"
"Yalek is foolish enough to stay in town...?" Neya says with a some surprise and confusion.
"That aside, yes, I am willing to look for alternate entries and blind spots. I am ready whenever you are, Moneus. Give me the word and the worst you, Biscuit, and I will be are just whispers in the wind."
Doozey just nodded absent-mindedly, seeming to agree at least with Utar's plan, but otherwise occupied with other thoughts. Something about Yalek's sudden disappearance had him wondering about what such magics if any could've done it. But without a direct eye on any implements that might've been involved....
"Should do this just in case," He murmurs, and after pressing his forehead to Biscuit's forehead for a moment. When they break apart both of their eyes shimmer like oil on water before returning to normal. "There. I'll need to focus, but its better than having one body too many. You be careful in there now, little brother." Doozey ruffles up the dogs face, only to recieve a long lick upside his face for his trouble.
"Oh you... oi oi oi... Anyhow. Seeing as we'll need to be in another building anyways or something equivalent as to avoid arousing suspicion, Mr. Graxx, any delay can't really be helped. We'll just have to make do."
His additional spells bore fruit but Utar's hunger for more information only grows. He quickly develops a reconnaissance plan and assigns it to a task team. The sudden jolt of leadership is met by everyone's agreement, as well as a spark of pride on Aleyd's gaze.
Neya still has Doozey's magical communication stone in her possession, so Graxx's request is met immediately. Aleyd waves the other stone as to confirm she still has hers. Moneus confirms that he is ready with a slow nod aimed at Neya, while Doozey finishes preparations for Biscuit. They will follow Neya's lead.
As the infiltration team gets ready to go, Doozey claims the group might have to settle when it comes to picking a place for Litta's spell. The dragonborn nods, showing that she understands that time is of the essence. Being the most vocal about securing the set up Litta needs, Graxx leads the elderly lady to an alley around a bend at the end of a side street. It is not too far from the East Bridge where Doozey, Utar, and Aleyd remain and serve as central command. The spot is out of the way a bit, but it is in no way private.
Litta produces a pouch with small metal parts in it. She explains to Graxx while she sets up that those are the metal phalanges of heavy gauntlets, each marked with a different divination symbol. The symbiology of using gauntlet parts to reach out to Torm is not lost on Graxx. She begins to cast the metal pieces and read the hidden messages they deliver upon landing. It takes a full minute, if not more, for Litta to arrive at a conclusion and relay it to Graxx. For now, he is the only one who receives the message:
"Weal and Woe," Litta says. "Torm delivered mixed signs concerning the situation ahead of us. If I am interpreting it correctly, they imply we would indeed find that Valero Brokengulf was unaware of the assassination attempts, but also that the noble lord may still have a role to play in this plot. I cannot be fully certain, however. As is the nature of such magical reading, the message is always a bit jumbled."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Folding his arms, Utar watches as Neya, Moneus and Biscuit head off into the Brokengulf estate. Not moving his head lest he lose sight of them, he speaks to no-one in particular.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before starting the operation, proper, Neya uses the quasi-magic of her ki to muffle any errant sounds as Moneus, Biscuit and she try and move about the manor undetected (2 ki points used).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Biscuit tries to follow Neya's course without giving her away, knowing that at any moment, Doozey could peer through his senses to try and pick up any goofing off.
“Thank you Litta. I know how the Gods can be somewhat confusing at times. Let us tell the others.” Says Graxx.
Graxx will return to Aleyd, Utar, and Doozey.
Graxx shakes his head.
”I’m not sure what to make of it. Litta did the magic. The good news is, Lord Valero seems to be unaware of the assassination attempts.... The bad news is the Lord could still be involved in some way.”
Graxx blows air out of his mouth and looks in the direction of The Nobles Quarters.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya nods back at Moneus and surrounds the tiefling, the beast, and herself in black smoke for a brief moment. Utar and Doozey have seen this trick before, but they are usually inside the smoke when it happens. Now outside its area, they have a chance to see what others would. The black smoke whirls and changes consistency, mimicking shadows and/or reflections of what would have been in that space should Neya not be there. They know she is in front of them, and still, they can't see Neya.
They can't even be sure if she had already left by the time Graxx and Litta are back. Litta remains quiet while Graxx delivers the spell's finding to Utar, Doozey, and Aleyd. Then, the halfling, half-orc, dragonborn, and two humans settle in for some waiting period while the reconnaissance team advances.
The scouting team approaches the Brokengulf Estate from the side. The waist-high brick wall is topped by four-foot long metal spears that form a fence. They don't look too hard to climb, but there is a chance intruders would get skewered, especially quadrupedal ones.
Even before climbing, the trio can see quite well through the gaps in the fence. There are three buildings within the property, and their sizes and distinct architectural styles make it quite obvious what function they serve. The first building has a large porch up front and stairs leading up to heavy decorated doors. It is, without a doubt, the noble family's manor. The second, a smaller version of the first, must be some sort of guest house. The third structure is more rectangular in shape and ends in a dome. It could be a chapel, but the number of soldiers walking in and out of it may suggest it serves as the barracks for the Brokengulf's retinue.
The grounds themselves are replete with gardens and gazebos. There are also plenty of small guardhouses that could fit no more than a couple of guards each. There are plenty of soldiers walking about.
(OOC: What is the scouting trio doing next? At a minimum, if climbing over the fence, I'll need athletics or acrobatics checks, your choice.)
Neya knows she will need to keep some effort in her spell. Something that may not hold up well if she injures herself. With this in mind, she will use the shadow of the fence (or any other available shadow) to teleport to the branches of a nearby tree (shadow step).
OOC: Graxx will be staying put for the time being in order to quickly respond if needed.
Graxx nervously paces back and forth.
"I'm a nervous wreck over here. I trust in Neya and Moneus's abilities but this whole thing just makes me nervous as a cat."
Graxx looks down at his hand and holds it at about waste level open handed.
"Tempus heal... Tempus heal..." says Graxx.
Graxx sighs and looks to Aleyd.
"Say Captain... How do you... Control the power your God gives you? Tempus gives me power but it just kinda happens when I get angry and strike things. I can't use it to heal or inflict damage when I want to. How does one become a Paladin?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Apart from remaining tight lipped at the news, Doozey finds a spot to sit in relative comfort, cracks his neck, and with legs crossed placed hands on his knees. "Alright. It should be about time enough. I'm gonna use an old trick me Mum once taught me to see and hear and me brother does. Give me a shake if you need me, and I'll give the play by play as is relevant." He explained at least to the others while Graxx finally poked Aleyd about the paladin ways.
-----> Using Action to enter Doozey's Senses.
Meanwhile with Biscuit, the Mastiff looks a might surprised when it feels the magic of Neya's magic start wane a little as the shadow monger teleported ahead to somewhere. Yet determine all the same to complete the mission and keep up, or worst be in position to play distraction force, Biscuit attempted to climb the fence quickly before finding cover in the shubbery.
If things go well enough for there, he peeks past cover now and then to watch for any guard rotations to find the best path that'll get him closer to the main manor itself.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
AT THE NOBLE GROUNDS
Neya opts for the safe approach to infiltrate the property and teleports up into the shadowy parts of a garden tree's foliage. Moneus gasps for a second, not fully understanding what just happened. Biscuit does not hesitate, using his new found intelligence to claw his way up the fence and hop into a nearby garden bush. From her vantage point, Neya notices that both the manor and the guest house have an artificial lazy river encircling them, almost like little moats.
Not to be outdone, Moneus shakes his head into focus again and parkours his way over the fence and into the same bush as Biscuit. His long open coat trails behind him as he jumps around (like Gambit from the 90's X-Men cartoon.)
The trio does not see anything that would indicate that they have been spotted. The path to any of the three buildings is fairly straight, as the overall grounds and gardens are pretty open. The only obstacles are the several guards patrolling or just loitering about. The manor is the closest building, while the chapel/barracks is the farthest.
The group considers Aleyd's and Moneus' words and ponders what to do next. Utar urges caution and proposes the group should try and collect more information. Litta responds to his request by shaking a pouch that clings of metal and saying: "I can reach out to Torm in augury, though I need a quiet place and a full minute to prepare."
Doozey picks up on what Utar and Litta are saying and agrees on the need to find a better place to cast such spell. The stoutling emphasizes that they need not act at this very minute. Doozey even go as far as reminding Utar that he has just recently come back to life, and could benefit from an even longer period of rest.
Utar agrees, at least partially, saying that he would also like to use some time to attempt to locate Yalek. Graxx backs up this idea, but warns the group that should Yalek be found inside noble grounds, he is likely to advance. Aleyd insists that if that is the case, they should definitely consider asking for an audience, even if it is just to mask their intent.
Neya reminds the group that should they decide to strike immediately upon finding Yalek, should that actually happen, she can then aid in making the stealthy plan more viable. Moneus likes this idea but suggests that Utar, Aleyd, their heavy armor, and maybe even Biscuit should stay behind until summoned if stealth becomes the eventual plan of approach.
Utar lets his concentration drop before swiftly checking whether his amulet is also within the estate then considers whether he should also check if Yalek is within the estate, after a moment, he decides its best to know than not.
After casting, Utar shares whatever he's learnt but isn't any clearer on next steps.
(OOC Casting locate object then locate creature)
Graxx scratches his chin under his mask and turns to Litta.
”Could you ask Torm if we will in fact find that Lord Valero was not aware of this assassination attempt?”
Doozey almost manages a smirk at Moneus suggestion, but can hardly hold the expression for more than a second without grimacing and rubbing a cheek. Nevertheless, he sure to inform him, and by extension the others, that when push actually came to shove, Biscuit was far more capable than appearances might suggest of him. With that, Biscuit boofs once in affirmation before sitting down and turning his head up to look more regale.
As for Aleyd's insistence about an audience, not knowing what that would entail to actually acquire it, the stoutling furrowed his brow at that, before simply shrugging and looking to Utar for guidance. Not so much in the matter regarding an audience perhaps, but certainly on the plan going forward now that so much as he put forth. Either which way, Doozey had heard and spoken enough to let things percolate as they were want to do.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya is fine with whatever route Utar and the rest of his old unit choose. While she is involved with aiding them, the choice is ultimately up to them as it impacts them the most.
Extended Signature
DM's Screen:
14
Moneus seems genuinely and pleasantly surprised to hear that stealth is one of Biscuit's fortés. Separately, Doozey's reaction to Aleyd's insistence on getting an audience goes unnoticed by the the Black Fist captain.
Graxx suggest a specific question to Litta, and the dragonborn lady nods in agreement. However, she adds: "I would still prefer to set up for the spell in a less conspicuous place. This spell is not as immediate as the ones Utar is beginning to cast right now, and I need to focus to read the results properly."
Afterwards, both Neya and Doozey defer the ultimate choice of plan to Utar and his old party. In response, the half-orc decides to gather some more data on his own. First, Torm guides Utar's attention to his lost amulet. Quite easily, Utar confirms that his previous holy symbol is just a few yards away from where LightBringer is. Second, Utar shifts focus to Yalek's potential presence. For a brief, partial second the half orc believes he is able to confirm Yalek's location within the noble's estate, but the magical ping is almost immediately gone after that.
Utar's below grows more furrowed as he realises his amulet is within the estate and cannot hide his surprise as Yalek's presence is confirmed, if only for a moment.
"That seals it. The Brokengulfs know something. To have both Lightbringer and my amulet is suspicious enough. For Yalek's presence to be confirmed then to wink away... Moneus, Neya, if you are up to it, I think a little reconnaissance is in order. See if you can't find a way in for all of us. I'd rather not give them any warning on our approach. We'll stand ready in case you run into any trouble, we just need a signal. In the meantime, we'll find somewhere less obvious to keep watch from and give Litta time to cast. Everyone good with that?"
Graxx nods.
”I trust in your decision Utar. If you want to wait before we strike then we wait.”
Graxx walks over to Neya.
”Be safe. Take a stone. If you call for help we will be coming for you.”
Graxx speaks to everyone.
”Should we conduct Litta’s spell before this mission. I would hate to be in another building if you all called for help.”
"Yalek is foolish enough to stay in town...?" Neya says with a some surprise and confusion.
"That aside, yes, I am willing to look for alternate entries and blind spots. I am ready whenever you are, Moneus. Give me the word and the worst you, Biscuit, and I will be are just whispers in the wind."
Extended Signature
Doozey just nodded absent-mindedly, seeming to agree at least with Utar's plan, but otherwise occupied with other thoughts. Something about Yalek's sudden disappearance had him wondering about what such magics if any could've done it. But without a direct eye on any implements that might've been involved....
"Should do this just in case," He murmurs, and after pressing his forehead to Biscuit's forehead for a moment. When they break apart both of their eyes shimmer like oil on water before returning to normal. "There. I'll need to focus, but its better than having one body too many. You be careful in there now, little brother." Doozey ruffles up the dogs face, only to recieve a long lick upside his face for his trouble.
"Oh you... oi oi oi... Anyhow. Seeing as we'll need to be in another building anyways or something equivalent as to avoid arousing suspicion, Mr. Graxx, any delay can't really be helped. We'll just have to make do."
---> Casting his one free Beast Sense on Biscuit.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Ooh! This is exciting!)
His additional spells bore fruit but Utar's hunger for more information only grows. He quickly develops a reconnaissance plan and assigns it to a task team. The sudden jolt of leadership is met by everyone's agreement, as well as a spark of pride on Aleyd's gaze.
Neya still has Doozey's magical communication stone in her possession, so Graxx's request is met immediately. Aleyd waves the other stone as to confirm she still has hers. Moneus confirms that he is ready with a slow nod aimed at Neya, while Doozey finishes preparations for Biscuit. They will follow Neya's lead.
As the infiltration team gets ready to go, Doozey claims the group might have to settle when it comes to picking a place for Litta's spell. The dragonborn nods, showing that she understands that time is of the essence. Being the most vocal about securing the set up Litta needs, Graxx leads the elderly lady to an alley around a bend at the end of a side street. It is not too far from the East Bridge where Doozey, Utar, and Aleyd remain and serve as central command. The spot is out of the way a bit, but it is in no way private.
Litta produces a pouch with small metal parts in it. She explains to Graxx while she sets up that those are the metal phalanges of heavy gauntlets, each marked with a different divination symbol. The symbiology of using gauntlet parts to reach out to Torm is not lost on Graxx. She begins to cast the metal pieces and read the hidden messages they deliver upon landing. It takes a full minute, if not more, for Litta to arrive at a conclusion and relay it to Graxx. For now, he is the only one who receives the message:
"Weal and Woe," Litta says. "Torm delivered mixed signs concerning the situation ahead of us. If I am interpreting it correctly, they imply we would indeed find that Valero Brokengulf was unaware of the assassination attempts, but also that the noble lord may still have a role to play in this plot. I cannot be fully certain, however. As is the nature of such magical reading, the message is always a bit jumbled."
Folding his arms, Utar watches as Neya, Moneus and Biscuit head off into the Brokengulf estate. Not moving his head lest he lose sight of them, he speaks to no-one in particular.
"I just hope they come back safe."
Perception - 23
(OOC Assuming watching our stealthiest characters stealth it up will be pretty tough.... Especially with that roll!)
Before starting the operation, proper, Neya uses the quasi-magic of her ki to muffle any errant sounds as Moneus, Biscuit and she try and move about the manor undetected (2 ki points used).
Stealth: 20
Extended Signature
Biscuit tries to follow Neya's course without giving her away, knowing that at any moment, Doozey could peer through his senses to try and pick up any goofing off.
Stealth: 33.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
“Thank you Litta. I know how the Gods can be somewhat confusing at times. Let us tell the others.” Says Graxx.
Graxx will return to Aleyd, Utar, and Doozey.
Graxx shakes his head.
”I’m not sure what to make of it. Litta did the magic. The good news is, Lord Valero seems to be unaware of the assassination attempts.... The bad news is the Lord could still be involved in some way.”
Graxx blows air out of his mouth and looks in the direction of The Nobles Quarters.
”Tempus guide them safely.”
Neya nods back at Moneus and surrounds the tiefling, the beast, and herself in black smoke for a brief moment. Utar and Doozey have seen this trick before, but they are usually inside the smoke when it happens. Now outside its area, they have a chance to see what others would. The black smoke whirls and changes consistency, mimicking shadows and/or reflections of what would have been in that space should Neya not be there. They know she is in front of them, and still, they can't see Neya.
They can't even be sure if she had already left by the time Graxx and Litta are back. Litta remains quiet while Graxx delivers the spell's finding to Utar, Doozey, and Aleyd. Then, the halfling, half-orc, dragonborn, and two humans settle in for some waiting period while the reconnaissance team advances.
(OOC: What is this team doing while it waits?)
-> Moneus' stealth check: 32
The scouting team approaches the Brokengulf Estate from the side. The waist-high brick wall is topped by four-foot long metal spears that form a fence. They don't look too hard to climb, but there is a chance intruders would get skewered, especially quadrupedal ones.
Even before climbing, the trio can see quite well through the gaps in the fence. There are three buildings within the property, and their sizes and distinct architectural styles make it quite obvious what function they serve. The first building has a large porch up front and stairs leading up to heavy decorated doors. It is, without a doubt, the noble family's manor. The second, a smaller version of the first, must be some sort of guest house. The third structure is more rectangular in shape and ends in a dome. It could be a chapel, but the number of soldiers walking in and out of it may suggest it serves as the barracks for the Brokengulf's retinue.
The grounds themselves are replete with gardens and gazebos. There are also plenty of small guardhouses that could fit no more than a couple of guards each. There are plenty of soldiers walking about.
(OOC: What is the scouting trio doing next? At a minimum, if climbing over the fence, I'll need athletics or acrobatics checks, your choice.)
Neya knows she will need to keep some effort in her spell. Something that may not hold up well if she injures herself. With this in mind, she will use the shadow of the fence (or any other available shadow) to teleport to the branches of a nearby tree (shadow step).
Extended Signature
OOC: Graxx will be staying put for the time being in order to quickly respond if needed.
Graxx nervously paces back and forth.
"I'm a nervous wreck over here. I trust in Neya and Moneus's abilities but this whole thing just makes me nervous as a cat."
Graxx looks down at his hand and holds it at about waste level open handed.
"Tempus heal... Tempus heal..." says Graxx.
Graxx sighs and looks to Aleyd.
"Say Captain... How do you... Control the power your God gives you? Tempus gives me power but it just kinda happens when I get angry and strike things. I can't use it to heal or inflict damage when I want to. How does one become a Paladin?"
Apart from remaining tight lipped at the news, Doozey finds a spot to sit in relative comfort, cracks his neck, and with legs crossed placed hands on his knees. "Alright. It should be about time enough. I'm gonna use an old trick me Mum once taught me to see and hear and me brother does. Give me a shake if you need me, and I'll give the play by play as is relevant." He explained at least to the others while Graxx finally poked Aleyd about the paladin ways.
-----> Using Action to enter Doozey's Senses.
Meanwhile with Biscuit, the Mastiff looks a might surprised when it feels the magic of Neya's magic start wane a little as the shadow monger teleported ahead to somewhere. Yet determine all the same to complete the mission and keep up, or worst be in position to play distraction force, Biscuit attempted to climb the fence quickly before finding cover in the shubbery.
Biscuit Athletics: 15.
If things go well enough for there, he peeks past cover now and then to watch for any guard rotations to find the best path that'll get him closer to the main manor itself.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
AT THE NOBLE GROUNDS
Neya opts for the safe approach to infiltrate the property and teleports up into the shadowy parts of a garden tree's foliage. Moneus gasps for a second, not fully understanding what just happened. Biscuit does not hesitate, using his new found intelligence to claw his way up the fence and hop into a nearby garden bush. From her vantage point, Neya notices that both the manor and the guest house have an artificial lazy river encircling them, almost like little moats.
-> Moneus' acrobatics check: 30
Not to be outdone, Moneus shakes his head into focus again and parkours his way over the fence and into the same bush as Biscuit. His long open coat trails behind him as he jumps around (like Gambit from the 90's X-Men cartoon.)
The trio does not see anything that would indicate that they have been spotted. The path to any of the three buildings is fairly straight, as the overall grounds and gardens are pretty open. The only obstacles are the several guards patrolling or just loitering about. The manor is the closest building, while the chapel/barracks is the farthest.