After speaking with the meeting Sister Ahkt and waiting until she's out of earshot, Neya warns Utar, "Just prepare yourself when you get to your room, it was not a pretty scene."
She then ponders for a moment, "Perhaps we should all go, Graxx and I did leave in a hurry, and most of our possessions are back there. That goes double for Graxx."
Doozey shook his head lightly at Sister Ahkt in the brief few moments between her delivering the news and her rising to escort the group inside. "You don't have to worry about biscuit no anymore. I'm... not entirely sure what happened the evening before. But, I have the distinct feeling that his fate and mine are lot more tied than they used to be. So long as I leave, he live. And.. I don't plan on dying anytime soon." He explained to the Sister in a patchy voice. Beyond that, the Stoutling had largely been content to listen and observe everything else, while chewing on what bit of cheese and bread he took with him.
The only thing the halfling could stomach after vacating much of the contents of his stomach earlier... and then some. And when an opportunity present itself, he'd practically empty out his waterskin along the way in drinking from it so much. Thankfully beyond that, whatever ills suffered to promote such vomitting had concluded by the end of breakfast.
When the meeting with the Sister Ahkt concludes and things appear to move elsewhere, Doozey nods firmly in agreement. "Back to the goblin again. Together. And on the way, I can fill the rest of you in on a few others me and Ms. Neya here were discussing as well while... while you were indisposed, Mr. Utar. Which, I'm afraid to say, can only add to our list of current problems, and make seeing our Fey Lord compatriot of sorts sooner than later." He expresses, and if agreed upon, Doozey would get into the details of his dream in route to the Tavern, as well as suspicions into Caah.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@MB: Thanks perfectly fine. it is not a shield but it counts as "wearing it visibly" in my book.)
Over breakfast, Utar clarifies he blames none of CRAP for what happened, except perhaps for himself. During the meal, Utar's poor physical condition becomes clear to everyone. Doozey looks a bit sick too, but not as bad as the half-orc.
Then, at the courtyard, Utar lets Sister Ahkt know that he does not plan on going through another iteration of the ritual. Doozey does something similar regarding Biscuit, though the details of what the stoutling alluded to are lost on the Tormite.
In front of the cabinet-like shrine, Utar makes his decision and Sister Ahkt mentions she will tell Brother Tyree to be ready to accompany CRAP once the party decides to leave. She takes the inkwell with her, closes the tiny door behind which it was housed, and leads the group back to the main worship chamber. There, she says her goodbyes.
Utar mentions needing to head back to the Laughing Goblin and Neya suggests they all go together. As they walk, Doozey fills the rest of the party in on his nightmare and his suspicions regarding Caah. (If anyone needs a refresher, we can discuss in the OOC chat.) Brother Tyree catches up to the group so that, by the time they reenter the inn, he is the last one through the door.
The party is immediately approached by Fat Mar: "What in all heavens happened? Your room looks like a murder scene, Mr. Utar! We feared for your life! We had no choice but to call the Black Fist over!"He points upstairs, where the group can see two soldiers rummaging through the room Utar rented.
"Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Although I understand why you thought that from, uh, all the blood. Perhaps you can help explain that I am alive to the Black Fist? Then we could have a chat about paying for the damage and distress?"
"Mn. Take care, Mr. Graxx." Doozey waves goodbye to the barbarian, before returning his attention back on the conversation. And though he opened his mouth at first in seeming intent to countermand Utar's suggestion, the stoutling quickly abandoned the effort, and simply carried on watching things play out. Try to, at least, though he's soon splits his attention between it, and keeping an eye out for any of the guard stepping out and trying pocketing something that is not theirs...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
DM's Screen:
2
Fat Mar responds to Utar with a nervous laugh: "Sure... sure. Lead the way. Oh, and in terms of reparations, just pay for the cleaning costs... nothing was destroyed in the room besides bed sheets. How about an extra gold coin for all of that?"
The group then moves upstairs, with Graxx excusing himself to go to his own room and Doozey staying a few steps behind everyone else so he can have a better view of what is about to happen. Without entering the room, Fat Mar tries to get the guards' attention: "Black Fist gentlemen, I believe there was a misunderstanding. You see, the patron who rented this room last night, well... he is right here, alive and... mostly well."He presents Utar as one would present the next actor to enter the stage. The guards turn to look at Utar, eyeing him up and down. They are both on the younger side, seem a bit cocky, but clearly show no love for their trade. One of them speaks up: "If you are standing there, orc, then explain what happened here last night."He spits on the floor and makes sure to flash his spear's tip.
Doozey notices that the other guard, the one not speaking, is holding something in his closed fist. His other hand also holds a spear's shaft.
Pulling the neck of his robes down to show his new scars to the Black Fist guards, Utar looks a little sheepish.
"Battle wounds that I thought had been treated with stitches and salve came loose in the night and reopened. I awoke and was able to get to get help from my companions. They took me to the House of the Hand for healing but I thought it best to return here and explain the, uh, mess."
Utar looks from guard to guard trying to tell if they are buying his slight fabrication of the truth.
"You can of course collaborate the story with Sister Ahkt at the temple or with Captain Aleyd Burral on the battle. I would of course be happy to compensate you both for the wasted time you've spent here."
(OOC Insight roll to see if they're buying what Utar is saying. Also, I feel a roll is probably owed, likely Deception... Can I claim any bonus to the roll to help my +1 check? 19)
Still not quite understanding why the need for such duplicity, and though both curious and bothered by the silent one's hand, the Stoutling hadn't forgotten both Villonah's and the treatment of so many others at the hands of the Blackfist. So, despite a growing urge to rip into the cocky punks with his teeth to both satisfy curiosity, and potentially protect his compatriots assets, Doozey held his tongue for now.
Though throughout the whole exchange he keeps a closer eye on the silent one, and tried to read from both stance and general posture if the guard had something to hide, or might paranoid just be getting the best of the Hunter.
Neya head goes into her room to retrieve the rest of her stuff as well. Deciding it would be a good opportunity to experiment with her new sense a bit more, using the conversation next door as the means to do so, she tries to discern where everybody in Utar's room is. The only thing she was able to find out is where her immediate wall is.
She then thinks to herself, I wonder just how much a reach the mastermind has. First the Silent Wood, and now, ostensibly, the Zhentarim.
What other groups are involved? Could it be the Welcomers? No, one of the targets is part of that group.
The Cult of the Dragon is too occupied with trying to petition the dragon. Also, Utar wouldn't have been the only one targeted.
In his room, Graxx takes a couple of minutes to change his attire and collect all of his belongings. As far as he can tell, his room looks exactly as he had left it. There is no obvious indication than anyone was rummaging through the chamber. Neya sees an opportunity to kill two birds with a single stone. She also goes into her own room to collect her belongings, but also to test her newfound sensorial acuteness.
In the scene of the crime, Utar bends the truth a bit to try to resolve this matter quickly and calmly. Showing his fresh scars certainly got a wince from the guards, so they seem to be going along with the explanation. Utar notices that mentioning Aleyd's name doesn't really do him any favors, but the guards aren't volunteering an explanation in response. Doozey understands Utar's strategy at once and, despite his internal feelings, stays quiet.
Sure of himself and not wanting to waste a chance at shirking, the more vocal of the guards replies after a few moments of silence: "Fresh wounds have that nasty habit, don't they? Very well. If you say no one was killed or attacked here, then I'm inclined to agree. Our time is valuable, though, and this will surely be a waste of it should our hands leave the tavern empty." He raises his palm, not so subtly agreeing to Utar's proposition.
@Doozey: The more silent of the two guards is clearly trying to hide something in his hand. He shifts a bit and you notice that whatever he is holding is too big for his palm, so he is keeping his hand at his side, trying to use his thigh/waist area to obscure the other end of the item he is holding. For a moment, you think you see a piece of paper or parchment poking through his fingers.
Just before Utar can hand over anything, assuming he even had anything to hand over at the moment, Doozey taps on the bottom rim of the half-orc's armor for attention, then motions him down. If accepted, he whispers, 'Call me paranoid, but that quiet one behind appears to be hiding something in his hand. And being awfully intent on masking this too. A piece of paper, to be exact. Might be a clue from 'ol Yalek we need."The exchange made, Doozey gives Utar a last thumbs up prior to looking back at the guards with a dry expression.
If Utar however ignored or delayed on answering the summons, the stoutling plays a different card in due time.
Unable to fully contain himself, Doozey decides that something needs to be done and whispers some intel to Utar. The half-orc takes note of it and plays his hand.
Offered some free ale on top of the promised payment, the young guards seem to think they are making a great deal here. They smile for a second before noticing they are revealing their hands. They try to recompose themselves: "Right. Right. Show us to a table, waiter." As they start moving, Utar adds a comment about some piece of rubbish and the more silent of the guards gets a bit defensive. He finally speaks, while quickly shoving some parchment and ribbon into his attire: "Hmm... this? Don't worry about it. I'll toss it myself."
Fat Mar leads them downstairs and offers them seats. Soon enough, he brings each of them a generous serving of ale and some bread. They set theirs spears aside and begin to enjoy their free snack. They are waiting for now, but don't look like the patient type.
Graxx and Neya rejoin Utar and Doozey at this point.
(@MB: If your next move involves going through your belongings, I'll need an investigation roll.)
Doozey's eyes narrows ever so slightly, but he held his tongue until the guards departure from the immediate scene. Once they left, and once Utar's intentions became clear, he might've would offer to help, but refrained, if only due to not knowing where to even begin in so personal a matter. So instead, seeing Graxx and Neya approach, the stoutling quickly flagged them down for at least a moment.
"Not sure if you saw those two guards on your way here. But, one of them were a little on the shifty side. More than usual rabble. And considering everything that's happened so far, well, you too can perhaps understand my concern." He then gives a quick run down on what happened, adding the additional note of the ribbon along with the parchment.
"Now, it might be a wee bit excessive to suggest acquiring said parchment from a clear 'upstanding' guard-..." Both Doozey and Taters(somewhow) from atop his shoulder make the air quotes motion. "But, if either of you had an idea to do so, and at least first do so discretely before trouble arises, I will certainly assist however I can. Me and Taters here, that is. Just say the word."
"I may have an idea..." Neya says as she takes out the potion of invisibility, "Courtesy of the hoard the pack of shapeshifters had and my own training. Why chance making them suspicious when keeping them oblivious will do?"
After speaking with the meeting Sister Ahkt and waiting until she's out of earshot, Neya warns Utar, "Just prepare yourself when you get to your room, it was not a pretty scene."
She then ponders for a moment, "Perhaps we should all go, Graxx and I did leave in a hurry, and most of our possessions are back there. That goes double for Graxx."
Extended Signature
Doozey shook his head lightly at Sister Ahkt in the brief few moments between her delivering the news and her rising to escort the group inside. "You don't have to worry about biscuit no anymore. I'm... not entirely sure what happened the evening before. But, I have the distinct feeling that his fate and mine are lot more tied than they used to be. So long as I leave, he live. And.. I don't plan on dying anytime soon." He explained to the Sister in a patchy voice. Beyond that, the Stoutling had largely been content to listen and observe everything else, while chewing on what bit of cheese and bread he took with him.
The only thing the halfling could stomach after vacating much of the contents of his stomach earlier... and then some. And when an opportunity present itself, he'd practically empty out his waterskin along the way in drinking from it so much. Thankfully beyond that, whatever ills suffered to promote such vomitting had concluded by the end of breakfast.
When the meeting with the Sister Ahkt concludes and things appear to move elsewhere, Doozey nods firmly in agreement. "Back to the goblin again. Together. And on the way, I can fill the rest of you in on a few others me and Ms. Neya here were discussing as well while... while you were indisposed, Mr. Utar. Which, I'm afraid to say, can only add to our list of current problems, and make seeing our Fey Lord compatriot of sorts sooner than later." He expresses, and if agreed upon, Doozey would get into the details of his dream in route to the Tavern, as well as suspicions into Caah.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@MB: Thanks perfectly fine. it is not a shield but it counts as "wearing it visibly" in my book.)
Over breakfast, Utar clarifies he blames none of CRAP for what happened, except perhaps for himself. During the meal, Utar's poor physical condition becomes clear to everyone. Doozey looks a bit sick too, but not as bad as the half-orc.
Then, at the courtyard, Utar lets Sister Ahkt know that he does not plan on going through another iteration of the ritual. Doozey does something similar regarding Biscuit, though the details of what the stoutling alluded to are lost on the Tormite.
In front of the cabinet-like shrine, Utar makes his decision and Sister Ahkt mentions she will tell Brother Tyree to be ready to accompany CRAP once the party decides to leave. She takes the inkwell with her, closes the tiny door behind which it was housed, and leads the group back to the main worship chamber. There, she says her goodbyes.
Utar mentions needing to head back to the Laughing Goblin and Neya suggests they all go together. As they walk, Doozey fills the rest of the party in on his nightmare and his suspicions regarding Caah. (If anyone needs a refresher, we can discuss in the OOC chat.) Brother Tyree catches up to the group so that, by the time they reenter the inn, he is the last one through the door.
The party is immediately approached by Fat Mar: "What in all heavens happened? Your room looks like a murder scene, Mr. Utar! We feared for your life! We had no choice but to call the Black Fist over!" He points upstairs, where the group can see two soldiers rummaging through the room Utar rented.
"Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Although I understand why you thought that from, uh, all the blood. Perhaps you can help explain that I am alive to the Black Fist? Then we could have a chat about paying for the damage and distress?"
Graxx looks into the room and turns to Utar.
"Don't let them take my Pike... I'll be back in a minute. Need to get back in my clothes and out of these robes.
Graxx will go to his room and put on his normal attire, belt, weapons, and of course. His jug.
"Mn. Take care, Mr. Graxx." Doozey waves goodbye to the barbarian, before returning his attention back on the conversation. And though he opened his mouth at first in seeming intent to countermand Utar's suggestion, the stoutling quickly abandoned the effort, and simply carried on watching things play out. Try to, at least, though he's soon splits his attention between it, and keeping an eye out for any of the guard stepping out and trying pocketing something that is not theirs...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
DM's Screen:
2
Fat Mar responds to Utar with a nervous laugh: "Sure... sure. Lead the way. Oh, and in terms of reparations, just pay for the cleaning costs... nothing was destroyed in the room besides bed sheets. How about an extra gold coin for all of that?"
The group then moves upstairs, with Graxx excusing himself to go to his own room and Doozey staying a few steps behind everyone else so he can have a better view of what is about to happen. Without entering the room, Fat Mar tries to get the guards' attention: "Black Fist gentlemen, I believe there was a misunderstanding. You see, the patron who rented this room last night, well... he is right here, alive and... mostly well." He presents Utar as one would present the next actor to enter the stage. The guards turn to look at Utar, eyeing him up and down. They are both on the younger side, seem a bit cocky, but clearly show no love for their trade. One of them speaks up: "If you are standing there, orc, then explain what happened here last night." He spits on the floor and makes sure to flash his spear's tip.
Doozey notices that the other guard, the one not speaking, is holding something in his closed fist. His other hand also holds a spear's shaft.
Pulling the neck of his robes down to show his new scars to the Black Fist guards, Utar looks a little sheepish.
"Battle wounds that I thought had been treated with stitches and salve came loose in the night and reopened. I awoke and was able to get to get help from my companions. They took me to the House of the Hand for healing but I thought it best to return here and explain the, uh, mess."
Utar looks from guard to guard trying to tell if they are buying his slight fabrication of the truth.
"You can of course collaborate the story with Sister Ahkt at the temple or with Captain Aleyd Burral on the battle. I would of course be happy to compensate you both for the wasted time you've spent here."
Insight - 11
(OOC Insight roll to see if they're buying what Utar is saying. Also, I feel a roll is probably owed, likely Deception... Can I claim any bonus to the roll to help my +1 check? 19)
Edit: Crazy dice!
Still not quite understanding why the need for such duplicity, and though both curious and bothered by the silent one's hand, the Stoutling hadn't forgotten both Villonah's and the treatment of so many others at the hands of the Blackfist. So, despite a growing urge
to rip into the cocky punks with his teethto both satisfy curiosity, and potentially protect his compatriots assets, Doozey held his tongue for now.Though throughout the whole exchange he keeps a closer eye on the silent one, and tried to read from both stance and general posture if the guard had something to hide, or might paranoid just be getting the best of the Hunter.
Insight: 17.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
OOC: Based on real-time I believe during this interaction Graxx would still be in his room.
Graxx in his room takes off the Robe and packs it away into his backpack so that he may return in to the Temple.
Graxx picks up his dwarven belt and grins. He puts it around his waist and feels power come to him. He just doesn't feel the same without it.
He then looks over at his window and thinks of Yalek fleeing from Utars room in the night.
He walks over to the window and looks outside.
"Soon... You will be hunted Yalek... You and whoever sent you..." Graxx whispers to himself.
He puts on his loincloth and the rest of his weapons and then thinks of the Blackfist and snarls a little bit.
"They better have not touched my Pike.." says Graxx aloud with a shrug.
Graxx will head back to Utar's room.
Neya head goes into her room to retrieve the rest of her stuff as well. Deciding it would be a good opportunity to experiment with her new sense a bit more, using the conversation next door as the means to do so, she tries to discern where everybody in Utar's room is. The only thing she was able to find out is where her immediate wall is.
She then thinks to herself, I wonder just how much a reach the mastermind has. First the Silent Wood, and now, ostensibly, the Zhentarim.
What other groups are involved? Could it be the Welcomers? No, one of the targets is part of that group.
The Cult of the Dragon is too occupied with trying to petition the dragon. Also, Utar wouldn't have been the only one targeted.
Far too many unknowns.
Extended Signature
In his room, Graxx takes a couple of minutes to change his attire and collect all of his belongings. As far as he can tell, his room looks exactly as he had left it. There is no obvious indication than anyone was rummaging through the chamber. Neya sees an opportunity to kill two birds with a single stone. She also goes into her own room to collect her belongings, but also to test her newfound sensorial acuteness.
In the scene of the crime, Utar bends the truth a bit to try to resolve this matter quickly and calmly. Showing his fresh scars certainly got a wince from the guards, so they seem to be going along with the explanation. Utar notices that mentioning Aleyd's name doesn't really do him any favors, but the guards aren't volunteering an explanation in response. Doozey understands Utar's strategy at once and, despite his internal feelings, stays quiet.
Sure of himself and not wanting to waste a chance at shirking, the more vocal of the guards replies after a few moments of silence: "Fresh wounds have that nasty habit, don't they? Very well. If you say no one was killed or attacked here, then I'm inclined to agree. Our time is valuable, though, and this will surely be a waste of it should our hands leave the tavern empty." He raises his palm, not so subtly agreeing to Utar's proposition.
@Doozey: The more silent of the two guards is clearly trying to hide something in his hand. He shifts a bit and you notice that whatever he is holding is too big for his palm, so he is keeping his hand at his side, trying to use his thigh/waist area to obscure the other end of the item he is holding. For a moment, you think you see a piece of paper or parchment poking through his fingers.
Just before Utar can hand over anything, assuming he even had anything to hand over at the moment, Doozey taps on the bottom rim of the half-orc's armor for attention, then motions him down. If accepted, he whispers, 'Call me paranoid, but that quiet one behind appears to be hiding something in his hand. And being awfully intent on masking this too. A piece of paper, to be exact. Might be a clue from 'ol Yalek we need." The exchange made, Doozey gives Utar a last thumbs up prior to looking back at the guards with a dry expression.
If Utar however ignored or delayed on answering the summons, the stoutling plays a different card in due time.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Listening to Doozey's message, Utar motions the Black First guards towards Fat Mar.
"I'd like to get these men a drink while they wait for me downstairs. Once I collect my belongings, I'll be down to settle up."
Moving to let the guards pass him, Utar calls back the shiftier looking guard.
"Leave that rubbish you're holding here. I'll see it gets disposed of."
OOC: Please let me know once Graxx arrives at interaction or if he even makes it in time.
Graxx continues to make his way toward Utars room.
Neya exits her room and waits for Utar to finish reclaiming his possessions.
Extended Signature
DM's Screen:
8
Unable to fully contain himself, Doozey decides that something needs to be done and whispers some intel to Utar. The half-orc takes note of it and plays his hand.
Offered some free ale on top of the promised payment, the young guards seem to think they are making a great deal here. They smile for a second before noticing they are revealing their hands. They try to recompose themselves: "Right. Right. Show us to a table, waiter." As they start moving, Utar adds a comment about some piece of rubbish and the more silent of the guards gets a bit defensive. He finally speaks, while quickly shoving some parchment and ribbon into his attire: "Hmm... this? Don't worry about it. I'll toss it myself."
Fat Mar leads them downstairs and offers them seats. Soon enough, he brings each of them a generous serving of ale and some bread. They set theirs spears aside and begin to enjoy their free snack. They are waiting for now, but don't look like the patient type.
Graxx and Neya rejoin Utar and Doozey at this point.
(@MB: If your next move involves going through your belongings, I'll need an investigation roll.)
With the guards gone, Utar sets about checking his belongings. In particular checking on the scrolls that had been packed in there.
Investigation 16
Having checked, he dons his armour, wrapping his robes loosely over the top.
Doozey's eyes narrows ever so slightly, but he held his tongue until the guards departure from the immediate scene. Once they left, and once Utar's intentions became clear, he might've would offer to help, but refrained, if only due to not knowing where to even begin in so personal a matter. So instead, seeing Graxx and Neya approach, the stoutling quickly flagged them down for at least a moment.
"Not sure if you saw those two guards on your way here. But, one of them were a little on the shifty side. More than usual rabble. And considering everything that's happened so far, well, you too can perhaps understand my concern." He then gives a quick run down on what happened, adding the additional note of the ribbon along with the parchment.
"Now, it might be a wee bit excessive to suggest acquiring said parchment from a clear 'upstanding' guard-..." Both Doozey and Taters(somewhow) from atop his shoulder make the air quotes motion. "But, if either of you had an idea to do so, and at least first do so discretely before trouble arises, I will certainly assist however I can. Me and Taters here, that is. Just say the word."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I may have an idea..." Neya says as she takes out the potion of invisibility, "Courtesy of the hoard the pack of shapeshifters had and my own training. Why chance making them suspicious when keeping them oblivious will do?"
(OOC: the second thing she's referencing is her pass without trace)
Extended Signature