Neya gets herself a bowl of the scallop stew and pairs it with a glass of the Gewürztraminer.
After hearing Lord Valero's congratulatory speech, she raises her glass and nods.
Not wanting to spoil any accomplishments (which were no mean feat in and of themselves) with reminders of a still-very-much-alive dragon to take down, she spends most of the evening listening to the other guests talking.
The party eats, drinks, mingles, and cheers. The food has that special halfling touch and although the ale is not quite dwarven and the wine not elven, all options are perfect pairings for a dish or another. The next hour or so is quite pleasant, the companionship feels truthful, and you notice no untoward behaviors. No one even seems to be bothered by Taters.
By the time each invitee is tasting the last bit of their chosen dessert (either poached pears or strawberries and cream, both accompanied by a serving of the establishment's signature chamomile tea), Lady Dala has one of the guards calls everybody's attention. Once all eyes are on her, she speaks: "The pleasure of rewarding you for our collective victory falls to me."She gracefully waves to her guards who move the the back of the room, collect small wooden chests each the size of a child's shoe box, and begin to place them in front of each dining guest. "You do not have to contain your curiosity. Please, open your chests."
Upon doing so, each of you are faced with a hefty amount of platinum coins (500pp) and an accompanying potion. The vials in each personal chest are different but thankfully come with a handwritten card explaining their effects.
After this little thank you ceremony, the dinner winds down and people begin to say their polite goodbyes. There are still some opportunities for a brief conversation, but it looks like most are ready to call it a night.
(OOC: Each of you should go ahead and roll a d100 to figure out which potion you are gifted.)
Mostly silent throughout the meal and only picking at the fine food set before him and sipping a little watered down wine, Utar ruminates on the information received from Seranolla. It seems that what little is known of King Witchthorn paints a picture of a being just as capricious as a dragon and as likely to pursue their own interests as much as aid CRAP.
Feeling a little brighter after desert and particularly having had some restorative tea, he is completely blown away by the generosity of their noble patrons. Holding his own potion up to the light within the Kettle, he remarks at the way the light plays through the liquid before returning it to is chest.
Thanking those around him for their conversation at dinner and particularly Seranolla for the information.
Graxx stares down at the money received. He looks around the room at his companions and knows they are about to acquire some magic items and he is ready to help them.
Graxx will nod and give his polite goodbyes as well as he is ready to call it a night as well.
And just like that, Doozey is tense once more. Though it shamed him to acknowledge it, the pleasant atmosphere had gotten the better of him so much so, there was at least ONE moment he cracked a genuine grin at some or other. However, he still possessed the wherewithal to not let a hand drift to closely for a blade as the guards approached their boxes. And after both he and Taters sniffed and studied it, did he warily open the lid while leaning away from it. As if at any moment whatever inside might lunge out to bite an unsuspected face.
"...." Doozey just stares bug-eyed and mouth agape at the share wealth before him. Even Taters, who even with the recent awakening hardly understood the full value of coin(except where it applied to food and lodging), looked just as flabbergasted if only because there were so many shiny metal plates inside. If someone didn't say anything soon, the shock is slow to where off. But when it does, he look to the others just to confirm he hadn't lost it, before setting sights again on the chest.
Unable to find words or needing time to process it all, he just reads over the handwritten card, slides it back in the box, closest it, and very gingerly puts it all away in his backpack. The rest of that dinner is largely a silent one for hunter and beast, as the pair just stare off in the distance, contemplating... everything. Finally, as the time comes to wrap things up, Doozey had recovered enough to seek out Villonah, if for no other reason than bid her personally goodnight after finding out how her 'boss' took the success of the devil hunting mission.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya opens her chest and closes it out of shock. She then opens it again, as if to confirm what she saw was right. In deed she did see correctly.
She graciously takes her reward. When the festivities end, the entire day - and the previous night - begins to catch up with her and she is ready to turn in.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OPENING THE CHESTS
DM's Screen:
2
(OOC: Some of you rolled in the OOC Chat. This is just to note it in the in-game thread.)
@Doozey: Your vial is quite small, and it has an asymmetric bulbous shape. The potion's crimson liquid regularly pulses with dull light, calling to mind a heartbeat. The handwritten card reads: Potion of Vitality - For a full day and night, no disease, poison, or exhaustion shall take you, and your body's natural healing abilities shall be enhanced to their fullest.
@Utar: Your vial is a very familiar long and cylindrical shape, like the test tubes used in wizards' and alchemists' laboratories. You know what this potion is even before reading the card but, just to confirm, you give it a glance. It reads: Potion of Healing - This red liquid will heal burns, close cuts, and sooth bludgeon marks. Its versatility is well know among adventurers. (Common variety.)
@Graxx: Your vial has a long neck growing out of a perfect glass sphere that houses a sky-blue liquid. Keeping it upright seems impossible. Your note reads: Potion of Mind Control - You will be able to force your thoughts on another person's will, dominating it for about a minute. Although you can only do this to one person, the possibility will remain open to you for a full hour after intake. This effect only works on other individuals. (Humanoid variety.)
@Neya: This potion's clear liquid floats at the top of its rectangular container and has cloudy white impurities drifting in it. The handwritten note is quite brief, simply stating: Potion of Flying - Soar through the skies for a full hour.
Dinner and merriment die down as folk begin to say their goodbyes and head out. Most people make sure to stop by each of the CRAPers to wish them good luck and express their gratitude. Doozey does not wait for Villonah to find him, instead seeking her out when he notices an opening. After the stoutling checks on her, she says: "Yes, Zern was happy with the success, though he mentioned he would have preferred to have confirmation much earlier..." She swallows silently, thinking how to best deliver her next few words. She hesitates for a second longer and then speaks once more: "Listen, I need to go with Zern now. Order of the Gauntlet business. I am not sure when I'll be back, but I will see you again. Hopefully soon." She looks saddened for a moment, but then puts on a brave face while pointing to the scroll/map case she gave to the ranger earlier this evening: "And enjoy your payment!" She gives Doozey a kiss on the cheek and moves away before he has a chance to say a word. Doozey gathers that was on purpose.
AFTER LEAVING THE TEA KETTLE
It is quite late once CRAP realizes that they are on their own again. Almost automatically, the group heads back the the Laughing Goblin's tavern floor, grabs a table, and sits down for a late night conversation.
(OOC: This last tidbit is just to set up a scene where the four of you can speak mostly privately in case you want to. Let me know if you want to do anything else before calling it a night. If/when going to sleep, let me know how/where you are doing it, and whether you are taking watches.)
Taking a quick tour around those gathered at the Kettle, Utar makes his goodbyes. Passing Dornal he offers some further condolences. Passing by Aleyd, he offers her the use of the other sending stone to help organise their meeting later. Passing Madame Freona he thanks her and her daughters.
At the Laughing Goblin, Utar is quick to buy a round of drinks, reassuring Fat Mar that he has no intention of soiling any more of his sheets tonight. Nursing his own drink, he quickly catches the rest of CRAP up on the information he got on King Witchthorn and his intention to meet with his former comrades.
[SpellSending[\spell] a message to Moneus, Utar asks for a time and place to meet.
Just need the time and place to meet. Can pass on any details to Aleyd, she should be there too. Stay safe.
”Thank you my friend. To be honest I am very wary of this king. I have seen first hand what happens when accepting help from those of more evil side of things.”
Graxx looks to Doozey.
”With our recent favor let’s see about getting you that you’ve been after. You helped me get my belt and now it’s your turn.”
After hearing Utar’s message to Moneus.
”Well you are certainly in no shape to go meeting anyone alone. I’ll be going with you. And don’t forget our new sleeping arrangements. I’m still feeling pretty wound up so I’ll be taking first watch in your room while you sleep. I am sure with their spy’s by now these enemies have heard their job was not finished.”
"Yea, well, maybe next time he can be his own errand boy." Doozey commented half-jokingly. All semblance of amusement thought quickly fades seeing the hesitation in Villonah. Fearing the worse, he started to raise a hand meaning to grasp her shoulder in a comforting gesture, only to quickly pretend needing to massage his own by her incidental interruption. Despite the unfortunate news to follow Doozey just nodded sagely and even mustered an understanding smile.
After a brief moment however, he had a thought. Emphasis on the 'had', as things turned out, for the kiss all but completely wiped out any ability to think. What he gathered after nevertheless left him no less wide-eyed and bereft of answers to the multitude of questions she left him with. So it was that Taters had to land atop his head, and like a certain rat and chef pair, pilot the body through the motions leading up to their return to the Laughing Goblin.
"..... Uh huh... sure." Doozey replied to Graxx, though continued to stare at whatever thing or person that Taters happened to have left him facing at the time. Eventually, Doozey comes back around to get into security measures to set in place until the whole assassin business. Namely starting with Utar staying inside a warded area of his making, and the group definitively taking watches until the whole assassin business got sorted out.He
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
While group discusses plans, Neya agrees with the idea of a watch as well, "If the mastermind behind these attacks have the influence to contract assassins and put out rumors to spur attacks as well, it is very possible they have a network of informants. We have not exactly been making it a secret as to where we were throughout the day. News of Yalek's failure may have already reached the culprit's ears. They will try again. If not tonight, sometime in the near future."
"How will we know when it is time for each of our shifts? Merely knocking on the door, maybe?"
After the discussion concludes, Neya goes to her room and puts on her new cloak to get used to its feel, when she grips the edges, she feels the cloak get rigid. Before long, she feels a connection with it, as if its boons, wings and abilities were truly hers (attunement).
While Doozey awkwardly says his goodbyes to Villonah, Utar insists that Aleyd take his half of the party's set of Sending Stones.
AT THE LAUGHING GOBLIN
(@MB: Please pay up 4gp for a round of drinks.)
At the Laughing Goblin, Utar catches Fat Mar's attention and orders a round of drinks for the party. While the party enjoys a last round before hitting the hay, they discuss next steps:
They agree that they are still unsure about the merits of reaching out to King Witchthorn.
Graxx separately offer to help Doozey finally purchase the enchanted piece of jewelry that he has been slowly making payments toward.
Utarwhispers a message to Moneus and, a few seconds later, shares the tiefling's response with the rest of CRAP: "We should not delay much longer. Are your friends still sheltering at the Laughing Goblin? We meet there for breakfast tomorrow. Tell the captain."
Utar asks to borrow Doozey's half of the party's set of Sending Stones and shares the meeting information with the Black Fist Captain at once. She replies with a curt: "See you then and there."
CALLING IT A NIGHT
The group agrees to use Doozey's and Neya's prepaid rooms as a way to cram in and make sure watches are taken through the night. Imizael is not very happy about this at first, insisting they have a strict policy of only one person per room unless they want to rent a couple's chamber. But, with some help from Fat Mar, she extends CRAP an exception this one time, agreeing that she wouldn't want another open wound incident to go unnoticed until the morning.
Utar goes to sleep in Neya's room, while she takes the first watch. Doozey makes sure the bed in that room is encircled with a magical Alarm and then goes back to his own room where Graxx is also preparing to sleep. While keeping watch, Neya makes sure to study her new magical trinkets more closely.
Throughout the night, the party takes their watches, including Utar, who claims the last one just before the rooster's crowing. Whether they saw nothing or the watch itself spooked any attempt on Utar's life, they all let out a sigh of relief once they realize the night went by safely.
(OOC: I'll pause here today and give you a chance to add any details you'd like to these three scenes. You can all hit that "Long Rest" button on your character sheets. Since this is a long rest, I'll say you can also change you attunement as you see fit. In other words, you are not limited to attuning to just one item as per the rules on "Short Rests". Who's attuning to their masks? Is anyone trading potions? Have you added them to your inventories?)
(@Ori: Let me know if Doozey is changing anything in his inventory since his chamber is also a storage room. Also, did he open Villonah's map case?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Other Long Rest Things For Doozey: ---> Attune to his piece of the Dragon Mask, but aftwards keep it in its box for the time being (if it won't interfere with atunement). --->Switch from Taters(Beast of the Sky) to Biscuit(Beast of the Land). ---> If possible during watch, gonna attempt to make more Phoenix Bullets (Alchemist Tools Rolls: 22.) --->If able to make an attempt to create a prototype Smoke Bullet and still get benefits of LR(Alchemist Tools Rolls: 5.)
It was the strangest of dreams to beset Doozey to day. What started as Doozey and Taters flying through the air to fight some elemental beast of storm turned into him running through a forest, chasing a familiar and feminine voice. Leery of the voice after his last nightmare, he managed to stop himself at first. But then he felt something nudge him forward an added step, before then stepping up beside him.
He turned to it, growling and transforming (or perhaps he had already been turned) into his hybrid state. But the demand catches his throat as he sees the familiar mug of Biscuit. Except, when he looked more closely, there could be no mistaking the more greenish tint to the fur, pupiless lime green eyes, or the horn nubs on his head that would eventually grow into full on antlers. He knew instinctively as well that this wasn't Biscuits only form, and if genuinely roused to anger, the wrath of the earth would show itself.
But as he looked up at the beast, he couldn't help but smile knowing instinctively that this was still Brother; if albeit, with some hints of otherworldly-ness and other personalities lying dormant within him somehow. This time when he heard the voice again, he took off knowing his brother would be at his side every step of the way...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya will attune to her piece of the mask. She feels the vitality, but will keep it in her bag of holding unless they are out adventuring.
She will then go downstairs and wait/meet for the others. She is curious about how the nature of Utar's attack will change the nature of the investigation.
(OOC: This is mostly going to be an OOC post, while we wait for confirmation on what Utar is doing over the long rest.)
@Ori: Attuned to the mask but not wearing it; please see my post in the OOC chat about the little mechanical inconvenience this causes. Also, I'll rule that tinkering and/or doing alchemy is a bit too much of a focused activity for it to fall within the boundaries of what is allowed during a long rest. That's especially the case since you are also trying to keep watch while awake. You are welcome to skip breakfast and tinker if you so wish, and can keep those rolls. Otherwise, I'll disregard them for now.
@Grx: Attuned to the mask and wearing it.
@Drache: Attuned to the mask but not wearing it; please see my post in the OOC chat about the little mechanical inconvenience this causes. Note that even the CON boost is only gained while wearing the mask, even if attuned.
Doozey, Graxx, and Neya wake up to meet Utar, who is just finishing his watch. Graxx is wearing his green dragon mask fragment, which makes his voice sound a little muffled but still easily understandable. The group also notices that Biscuit is back among them, though the mastiff looks a lot more fey-ish than before.
Settling in for the night, Utar is more than a little nervous to be upstairs in The Laughing Goblin again. Taking his armour off to sleep a little more comfortably, he keeps his emblem strapped to his shoulder, the worn wooden haft of his warhammer close and the cool, smooth glass of his driftglobe wrapped in his hand.
Waking for his watch, Utar slowly, quietly, straps his armour back into place and watches as the sun comes up over the docks. As the others wake, he gets a glancing view of Graxx's new jaw line, "Can't wait until Chaub gets a look at that, see you all downstairs.
Choosing a table that gives the best vantage point of the doors to inn, he settles to wait for Moneus, Litta and Aleyd.
(OOC Apologies for not posting yesterday. Should have been clearer in the other thread. Utar isn't attuning to his mask fragment just yet. He can do that in downtime.)
Once they are all ready, CRAP descends the steps and, without thinking about it too much, sits on the same chairs and table they had picked for their late-night round of drinks. The tavern is not particularly busy this morning, and you gather that at least some of the patrons are here since last night. Imizael is not behind the bar counter, but Fat Mar is walking the floor as usual. This time, he doesn't ask you what you'd like to eat, explaining that this morning's barley porridge will be ready soon. "Drinks are still up to you, though." He adds.
Graxx earns a few looks from the other patrons, who are clearly a bit afraid of the partially masked barbarian. Others, look at Neya's new cloak and assume the worst. Others still, gasp at the huge mastiff who apparently slept upstairs. It is probably a good thing that Imizael is not here to see that. For all the looks they get, however, none of them compare to the utter silent stares that Captain AHB receives once she storms into the tavern in full, shining black plate armor. Even the hubbub settles down for a minute or two, until the tavern in general is convinced that the Black Fist is here to enjoy some porridge instead of breaking some skulls. She joins CRAP, greeting all in turn. She comments:"That's a particularly fearsome look you are going with today, Graxx. What is that trinket you are wearing on your face?" She has a knowing, suspicious look on her own face (OOC: Recall that CRAP had informed her of the search for the dragon mask.)
Litta and Moneus make a much quieter entrance. They are both cloaked but Utar recognizes the older dragonborn's slow walk right away. She must be getting up there in age, the cleric surmises. They also join the table and, after some brief pleasantries, waste no time in getting to business. Moneus starts: "I spent some time surveying my fellow Welcomers. Information was hard to come by and some favors had to be exchanged but, it turns out, some folks representing a few noble houses have indeed been asking about Tormites in Phlan. Given what we heard from you and Aleyd earlier, I think we can narrow it down to two Houses: The Brokengulfs and the Silmerhelves."
Before the group can respond, Litta places a book on the table. She flips to a marked page, points at some words, and reads so those at the table can hear her: "In 1306 DR (almost 200 years ago), a dragon invasion known as the Dragon Run swept out of the Moonsea North and fell upon Phlan. Due in part to the Moonsea war, none of the other Moonsea cities came to Phlan’s aid. As a result, Phlan was laid to waste. As always, Phlan rebuilt. Decades prior to this, an entity known as Tyranthraxus corrupted and possessed a bronze dragon named Srossar after convincing it to bathe in a Pool of Radiance buried somewhere in Phlan. Tyranthraxus would later be discovered and subsequently defeated. Tyranthraxus, in his flight, turned the Pool of Radiance into a pool of non-magical water. After the defeat of Tyranthraxus, work began on rebuilding Phlan. Progress was slow, but steady.
Phlan would know over ten years of peace before the Flight of Dragons in 1356 DR. In the ensuing attacks, Phlan was destroyed yet again and its ruins occupied by a great wyrm. The wyrm was later slain and the city reclaimed by Zhentil Keep in 1375 DR, and within half a decade, the city’s previous system of rule was replaced by the tyranny of Zhentarim Hatemaster Cvaal Daoran. Daoran’s ascension as the Lord Protector of Phlan may have saved the city, however. During the Shadowbane War of 1383 DR, Daoran’s alliance with fey from the Quivering Forest spared it from the fate of Zhentil Keep; which, along with the nearby Citadel of the Raven, would be ultimately destroyed by the Netherese.
In 1480 DR (just short of 10 years ago), barbarian attacks in the north led to an influx of refugees into Phlan. By then, Lord Protector Daoran’s grandson, Anivar Daoran, had inherited the Cinnabar Throne. Lord Protector Anivar Daoran was a cowardly and pampered noble, and a paranoid and ineffective ruler; his concern for the responsibilities of his rule was only slightly less than that for his subjects."
She clarifies: "This historical summary has many interesting threads, but the one I believe is relevant to our immediate mission is the one that touches on the Zhentarim. You asked for us to look into their involvement. This is proof that the entire city was once under Zhentarim rule, and that despite their evil rule, they had gained some sort of reputation for being the city's saviors at some point. Their power has dwindled quickly since then, but it is not out of the realm of possibilty to imagine that they urge to reclaim power over the entire city. Gaining power through involvement with the noble families of Phlan would be an effective way to achieve such goal, and certainly a link to our assassination problem."
Moneus add: "As we speak, the Zhentarim are making progress into bringing the Welcomers into their sphere of influence. Or, at least, this is one of the prongs in their strategy. We should be careful."
Neya gets herself a bowl of the scallop stew and pairs it with a glass of the Gewürztraminer.
After hearing Lord Valero's congratulatory speech, she raises her glass and nods.
Not wanting to spoil any accomplishments (which were no mean feat in and of themselves) with reminders of a still-very-much-alive dragon to take down, she spends most of the evening listening to the other guests talking.
Extended Signature
The party eats, drinks, mingles, and cheers. The food has that special halfling touch and although the ale is not quite dwarven and the wine not elven, all options are perfect pairings for a dish or another. The next hour or so is quite pleasant, the companionship feels truthful, and you notice no untoward behaviors. No one even seems to be bothered by Taters.
By the time each invitee is tasting the last bit of their chosen dessert (either poached pears or strawberries and cream, both accompanied by a serving of the establishment's signature chamomile tea), Lady Dala has one of the guards calls everybody's attention. Once all eyes are on her, she speaks: "The pleasure of rewarding you for our collective victory falls to me." She gracefully waves to her guards who move the the back of the room, collect small wooden chests each the size of a child's shoe box, and begin to place them in front of each dining guest. "You do not have to contain your curiosity. Please, open your chests."
Upon doing so, each of you are faced with a hefty amount of platinum coins (500pp) and an accompanying potion. The vials in each personal chest are different but thankfully come with a handwritten card explaining their effects.
After this little thank you ceremony, the dinner winds down and people begin to say their polite goodbyes. There are still some opportunities for a brief conversation, but it looks like most are ready to call it a night.
(OOC: Each of you should go ahead and roll a d100 to figure out which potion you are gifted.)
Mostly silent throughout the meal and only picking at the fine food set before him and sipping a little watered down wine, Utar ruminates on the information received from Seranolla. It seems that what little is known of King Witchthorn paints a picture of a being just as capricious as a dragon and as likely to pursue their own interests as much as aid CRAP.
Feeling a little brighter after desert and particularly having had some restorative tea, he is completely blown away by the generosity of their noble patrons. Holding his own potion up to the light within the Kettle, he remarks at the way the light plays through the liquid before returning it to is chest.
Thanking those around him for their conversation at dinner and particularly Seranolla for the information.
Graxx stares down at the money received. He looks around the room at his companions and knows they are about to acquire some magic items and he is ready to help them.
Graxx will nod and give his polite goodbyes as well as he is ready to call it a night as well.
And just like that, Doozey is tense once more. Though it shamed him to acknowledge it, the pleasant atmosphere had gotten the better of him so much so, there was at least ONE moment he cracked a genuine grin at some or other. However, he still possessed the wherewithal to not let a hand drift to closely for a blade as the guards approached their boxes. And after both he and Taters sniffed and studied it, did he warily open the lid while leaning away from it. As if at any moment whatever inside might lunge out to bite an unsuspected face.
"...." Doozey just stares bug-eyed and mouth agape at the share wealth before him. Even Taters, who even with the recent awakening hardly understood the full value of coin(except where it applied to food and lodging), looked just as flabbergasted if only because there were so many shiny metal plates inside. If someone didn't say anything soon, the shock is slow to where off. But when it does, he look to the others just to confirm he hadn't lost it, before setting sights again on the chest.
Unable to find words or needing time to process it all, he just reads over the handwritten card, slides it back in the box, closest it, and very gingerly puts it all away in his backpack. The rest of that dinner is largely a silent one for hunter and beast, as the pair just stare off in the distance, contemplating... everything. Finally, as the time comes to wrap things up, Doozey had recovered enough to seek out Villonah, if for no other reason than bid her personally goodnight after finding out how her 'boss' took the success of the devil hunting mission.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya opens her chest and closes it out of shock. She then opens it again, as if to confirm what she saw was right. In deed she did see correctly.
She graciously takes her reward. When the festivities end, the entire day - and the previous night - begins to catch up with her and she is ready to turn in.
d100 roll: 26
Extended Signature
OPENING THE CHESTS
DM's Screen:
2
(OOC: Some of you rolled in the OOC Chat. This is just to note it in the in-game thread.)
@Doozey: Your vial is quite small, and it has an asymmetric bulbous shape. The potion's crimson liquid regularly pulses with dull light, calling to mind a heartbeat. The handwritten card reads: Potion of Vitality - For a full day and night, no disease, poison, or exhaustion shall take you, and your body's natural healing abilities shall be enhanced to their fullest.
@Utar: Your vial is a very familiar long and cylindrical shape, like the test tubes used in wizards' and alchemists' laboratories. You know what this potion is even before reading the card but, just to confirm, you give it a glance. It reads: Potion of Healing - This red liquid will heal burns, close cuts, and sooth bludgeon marks. Its versatility is well know among adventurers. (Common variety.)
@Graxx: Your vial has a long neck growing out of a perfect glass sphere that houses a sky-blue liquid. Keeping it upright seems impossible. Your note reads: Potion of Mind Control - You will be able to force your thoughts on another person's will, dominating it for about a minute. Although you can only do this to one person, the possibility will remain open to you for a full hour after intake. This effect only works on other individuals. (Humanoid variety.)
@Neya: This potion's clear liquid floats at the top of its rectangular container and has cloudy white impurities drifting in it. The handwritten note is quite brief, simply stating: Potion of Flying - Soar through the skies for a full hour.
SAYING GOODBYES
Dinner and merriment die down as folk begin to say their goodbyes and head out. Most people make sure to stop by each of the CRAPers to wish them good luck and express their gratitude. Doozey does not wait for Villonah to find him, instead seeking her out when he notices an opening. After the stoutling checks on her, she says: "Yes, Zern was happy with the success, though he mentioned he would have preferred to have confirmation much earlier..." She swallows silently, thinking how to best deliver her next few words. She hesitates for a second longer and then speaks once more: "Listen, I need to go with Zern now. Order of the Gauntlet business. I am not sure when I'll be back, but I will see you again. Hopefully soon." She looks saddened for a moment, but then puts on a brave face while pointing to the scroll/map case she gave to the ranger earlier this evening: "And enjoy your payment!" She gives Doozey a kiss on the cheek and moves away before he has a chance to say a word. Doozey gathers that was on purpose.
AFTER LEAVING THE TEA KETTLE
It is quite late once CRAP realizes that they are on their own again. Almost automatically, the group heads back the the Laughing Goblin's tavern floor, grabs a table, and sits down for a late night conversation.
(OOC: This last tidbit is just to set up a scene where the four of you can speak mostly privately in case you want to. Let me know if you want to do anything else before calling it a night. If/when going to sleep, let me know how/where you are doing it, and whether you are taking watches.)
Taking a quick tour around those gathered at the Kettle, Utar makes his goodbyes. Passing Dornal he offers some further condolences. Passing by Aleyd, he offers her the use of the other sending stone to help organise their meeting later. Passing Madame Freona he thanks her and her daughters.
At the Laughing Goblin, Utar is quick to buy a round of drinks, reassuring Fat Mar that he has no intention of soiling any more of his sheets tonight. Nursing his own drink, he quickly catches the rest of CRAP up on the information he got on King Witchthorn and his intention to meet with his former comrades.
[SpellSending[\spell] a message to Moneus, Utar asks for a time and place to meet.
Just need the time and place to meet. Can pass on any details to Aleyd, she should be there too. Stay safe.
Graxx accepts the round of drinks from Utar.
”Thank you my friend. To be honest I am very wary of this king. I have seen first hand what happens when accepting help from those of more evil side of things.”
Graxx looks to Doozey.
”With our recent favor let’s see about getting you that you’ve been after. You helped me get my belt and now it’s your turn.”
After hearing Utar’s message to Moneus.
”Well you are certainly in no shape to go meeting anyone alone. I’ll be going with you. And don’t forget our new sleeping arrangements. I’m still feeling pretty wound up so I’ll be taking first watch in your room while you sleep. I am sure with their spy’s by now these enemies have heard their job was not finished.”
"Yea, well, maybe next time he can be his own errand boy." Doozey commented half-jokingly. All semblance of amusement thought quickly fades seeing the hesitation in Villonah. Fearing the worse, he started to raise a hand meaning to grasp her shoulder in a comforting gesture, only to quickly pretend needing to massage his own by her incidental interruption. Despite the unfortunate news to follow Doozey just nodded sagely and even mustered an understanding smile.
After a brief moment however, he had a thought. Emphasis on the 'had', as things turned out, for the kiss all but completely wiped out any ability to think. What he gathered after nevertheless left him no less wide-eyed and bereft of answers to the multitude of questions she left him with. So it was that Taters had to land atop his head, and like a certain rat and chef pair, pilot the body through the motions leading up to their return to the Laughing Goblin.
"..... Uh huh... sure." Doozey replied to Graxx, though continued to stare at whatever thing or person that Taters happened to have left him facing at the time. Eventually, Doozey comes back around to get into security measures to set in place until the whole assassin business. Namely starting with Utar staying inside a warded area of his making, and the group definitively taking watches until the whole assassin business got sorted out.He
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
While group discusses plans, Neya agrees with the idea of a watch as well, "If the mastermind behind these attacks have the influence to contract assassins and put out rumors to spur attacks as well, it is very possible they have a network of informants. We have not exactly been making it a secret as to where we were throughout the day. News of Yalek's failure may have already reached the culprit's ears. They will try again. If not tonight, sometime in the near future."
"How will we know when it is time for each of our shifts? Merely knocking on the door, maybe?"
After the discussion concludes, Neya goes to her room and puts on her new cloak to get used to its feel, when she grips the edges, she feels the cloak get rigid. Before long, she feels a connection with it, as if its boons, wings and abilities were truly hers (attunement).
Extended Signature
AT THE TEA KETTLE
While Doozey awkwardly says his goodbyes to Villonah, Utar insists that Aleyd take his half of the party's set of Sending Stones.
AT THE LAUGHING GOBLIN
(@MB: Please pay up 4gp for a round of drinks.)
At the Laughing Goblin, Utar catches Fat Mar's attention and orders a round of drinks for the party. While the party enjoys a last round before hitting the hay, they discuss next steps:
Utar asks to borrow Doozey's half of the party's set of Sending Stones and shares the meeting information with the Black Fist Captain at once. She replies with a curt: "See you then and there."
CALLING IT A NIGHT
The group agrees to use Doozey's and Neya's prepaid rooms as a way to cram in and make sure watches are taken through the night. Imizael is not very happy about this at first, insisting they have a strict policy of only one person per room unless they want to rent a couple's chamber. But, with some help from Fat Mar, she extends CRAP an exception this one time, agreeing that she wouldn't want another open wound incident to go unnoticed until the morning.
Utar goes to sleep in Neya's room, while she takes the first watch. Doozey makes sure the bed in that room is encircled with a magical Alarm and then goes back to his own room where Graxx is also preparing to sleep. While keeping watch, Neya makes sure to study her new magical trinkets more closely.
Throughout the night, the party takes their watches, including Utar, who claims the last one just before the rooster's crowing. Whether they saw nothing or the watch itself spooked any attempt on Utar's life, they all let out a sigh of relief once they realize the night went by safely.
(OOC: I'll pause here today and give you a chance to add any details you'd like to these three scenes. You can all hit that "Long Rest" button on your character sheets. Since this is a long rest, I'll say you can also change you attunement as you see fit. In other words, you are not limited to attuning to just one item as per the rules on "Short Rests". Who's attuning to their masks? Is anyone trading potions? Have you added them to your inventories?)
(@Ori: Let me know if Doozey is changing anything in his inventory since his chamber is also a storage room. Also, did he open Villonah's map case?)
(@MB: You Raise Dead penalty is now down to -2.)
Other Long Rest Things For Doozey:
---> Attune to his piece of the Dragon Mask, but aftwards keep it in its box for the time being (if it won't interfere with atunement).
--->Switch from Taters(Beast of the Sky) to Biscuit(Beast of the Land).
---> If possible during watch, gonna attempt to make more Phoenix Bullets (Alchemist Tools Rolls: 22.)
--->If able to make an attempt to create a prototype Smoke Bullet and still get benefits of LR(Alchemist Tools Rolls: 5.)
It was the strangest of dreams to beset Doozey to day. What started as Doozey and Taters flying through the air to fight some elemental beast of storm turned into him running through a forest, chasing a familiar and feminine voice. Leery of the voice after his last nightmare, he managed to stop himself at first. But then he felt something nudge him forward an added step, before then stepping up beside him.
He turned to it, growling and transforming (or perhaps he had already been turned) into his hybrid state. But the demand catches his throat as he sees the familiar mug of Biscuit. Except, when he looked more closely, there could be no mistaking the more greenish tint to the fur, pupiless lime green eyes, or the horn nubs on his head that would eventually grow into full on antlers. He knew instinctively as well that this wasn't Biscuits only form, and if genuinely roused to anger, the wrath of the earth would show itself.
But as he looked up at the beast, he couldn't help but smile knowing instinctively that this was still Brother; if albeit, with some hints of otherworldly-ness and other personalities lying dormant within him somehow. This time when he heard the voice again, he took off knowing his brother would be at his side every step of the way...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx awakes to the early daylight and is relieved that there we no attacks. He breathes in through his new Dragon Mask and feels it’s power.
During the downtime Graxx would have:
Attuned the Dragon Mask
Stored Potion of Mind Control in his backpack.
Neya will attune to her piece of the mask. She feels the vitality, but will keep it in her bag of holding unless they are out adventuring.
She will then go downstairs and wait/meet for the others. She is curious about how the nature of Utar's attack will change the nature of the investigation.
Extended Signature
(OOC: This is mostly going to be an OOC post, while we wait for confirmation on what Utar is doing over the long rest.)
@Ori: Attuned to the mask but not wearing it; please see my post in the OOC chat about the little mechanical inconvenience this causes. Also, I'll rule that tinkering and/or doing alchemy is a bit too much of a focused activity for it to fall within the boundaries of what is allowed during a long rest. That's especially the case since you are also trying to keep watch while awake. You are welcome to skip breakfast and tinker if you so wish, and can keep those rolls. Otherwise, I'll disregard them for now.
@Grx: Attuned to the mask and wearing it.
@Drache: Attuned to the mask but not wearing it; please see my post in the OOC chat about the little mechanical inconvenience this causes. Note that even the CON boost is only gained while wearing the mask, even if attuned.
Doozey, Graxx, and Neya wake up to meet Utar, who is just finishing his watch. Graxx is wearing his green dragon mask fragment, which makes his voice sound a little muffled but still easily understandable. The group also notices that Biscuit is back among them, though the mastiff looks a lot more fey-ish than before.
OOC Utar spent the rest resting. No attunement for him.
Settling in for the night, Utar is more than a little nervous to be upstairs in The Laughing Goblin again. Taking his armour off to sleep a little more comfortably, he keeps his emblem strapped to his shoulder, the worn wooden haft of his warhammer close and the cool, smooth glass of his driftglobe wrapped in his hand.
Waking for his watch, Utar slowly, quietly, straps his armour back into place and watches as the sun comes up over the docks. As the others wake, he gets a glancing view of Graxx's new jaw line, "Can't wait until Chaub gets a look at that, see you all downstairs.
Choosing a table that gives the best vantage point of the doors to inn, he settles to wait for Moneus, Litta and Aleyd.
(OOC Apologies for not posting yesterday. Should have been clearer in the other thread. Utar isn't attuning to his mask fragment just yet. He can do that in downtime.)
(@MB: No worries.)
Once they are all ready, CRAP descends the steps and, without thinking about it too much, sits on the same chairs and table they had picked for their late-night round of drinks. The tavern is not particularly busy this morning, and you gather that at least some of the patrons are here since last night. Imizael is not behind the bar counter, but Fat Mar is walking the floor as usual. This time, he doesn't ask you what you'd like to eat, explaining that this morning's barley porridge will be ready soon. "Drinks are still up to you, though." He adds.
Graxx earns a few looks from the other patrons, who are clearly a bit afraid of the partially masked barbarian. Others, look at Neya's new cloak and assume the worst. Others still, gasp at the huge mastiff who apparently slept upstairs. It is probably a good thing that Imizael is not here to see that. For all the looks they get, however, none of them compare to the utter silent stares that Captain AHB receives once she storms into the tavern in full, shining black plate armor. Even the hubbub settles down for a minute or two, until the tavern in general is convinced that the Black Fist is here to enjoy some porridge instead of breaking some skulls. She joins CRAP, greeting all in turn. She comments: "That's a particularly fearsome look you are going with today, Graxx. What is that trinket you are wearing on your face?" She has a knowing, suspicious look on her own face (OOC: Recall that CRAP had informed her of the search for the dragon mask.)
Litta and Moneus make a much quieter entrance. They are both cloaked but Utar recognizes the older dragonborn's slow walk right away. She must be getting up there in age, the cleric surmises. They also join the table and, after some brief pleasantries, waste no time in getting to business. Moneus starts: "I spent some time surveying my fellow Welcomers. Information was hard to come by and some favors had to be exchanged but, it turns out, some folks representing a few noble houses have indeed been asking about Tormites in Phlan. Given what we heard from you and Aleyd earlier, I think we can narrow it down to two Houses: The Brokengulfs and the Silmerhelves."
Before the group can respond, Litta places a book on the table. She flips to a marked page, points at some words, and reads so those at the table can hear her: "In 1306 DR (almost 200 years ago), a dragon invasion known as the Dragon Run swept out of the Moonsea North and fell upon Phlan. Due in part to the Moonsea war, none of the other Moonsea cities came to Phlan’s aid. As a result, Phlan was laid to waste. As always, Phlan rebuilt. Decades prior to this, an entity known as Tyranthraxus corrupted and possessed a bronze dragon named Srossar after convincing it to bathe in a Pool of Radiance buried somewhere in Phlan. Tyranthraxus would later be discovered and subsequently defeated. Tyranthraxus, in his flight, turned the Pool of Radiance into a pool of non-magical water. After the defeat of Tyranthraxus, work began on rebuilding Phlan. Progress was slow, but steady.
Phlan would know over ten years of peace before the Flight of Dragons in 1356 DR. In the ensuing attacks, Phlan was destroyed yet again and its ruins occupied by a great wyrm. The wyrm was later slain and the city reclaimed by Zhentil Keep in 1375 DR, and within half a decade, the city’s previous system of rule was replaced by the tyranny of Zhentarim Hatemaster Cvaal Daoran. Daoran’s ascension as the Lord Protector of Phlan may have saved the city, however. During the Shadowbane War of 1383 DR, Daoran’s alliance with fey from the Quivering Forest spared it from the fate of Zhentil Keep; which, along with the nearby Citadel of the Raven, would be ultimately destroyed by the Netherese.
In 1480 DR (just short of 10 years ago), barbarian attacks in the north led to an influx of refugees into Phlan. By then, Lord Protector Daoran’s grandson, Anivar Daoran, had inherited the Cinnabar Throne. Lord Protector Anivar Daoran was a cowardly and pampered noble, and a paranoid and ineffective ruler; his concern for the responsibilities of his rule was only slightly less than that for his subjects."
She clarifies: "This historical summary has many interesting threads, but the one I believe is relevant to our immediate mission is the one that touches on the Zhentarim. You asked for us to look into their involvement. This is proof that the entire city was once under Zhentarim rule, and that despite their evil rule, they had gained some sort of reputation for being the city's saviors at some point. Their power has dwindled quickly since then, but it is not out of the realm of possibilty to imagine that they urge to reclaim power over the entire city. Gaining power through involvement with the noble families of Phlan would be an effective way to achieve such goal, and certainly a link to our assassination problem."
Moneus add: "As we speak, the Zhentarim are making progress into bringing the Welcomers into their sphere of influence. Or, at least, this is one of the prongs in their strategy. We should be careful."