"I already went to the cave as the cat, remember? I was waiting for everyone to be together so we could all discuss what our next steps should be. And I have to rest before I can wild shape again."
The big half-orc champ takes more drinks, wondering what is next for him and the Redbrands. Nothing I'd like better than to cut each and every one of your throats, he thinks to himself as he looks around the tent camp of thieves and brigands. These ones kill innocent people and don't think twice about it...
The middle of the Rebrands gives Tengar a quizzacle look, "In the cave? No, no - the most southern tents (Area 4); keeping her with rest of the idiots who decided to play up and upset the Cult. As long as you do the work and don't be stupid enough to piss them off, we'll all get out coin in the end."
Burra, Kariband Pimfeel unable to establish a plan with uncertainty clouding the situation. The body disposed in the bushes. They begin to settle for the night and hope for the best in the morning...
The half-orc bellows some laughter at the Redbrand's response, "Aye, and a pretty penny at that! Wonder what's in the cave then? Locked tighter than Tymora's bosom! Ho ho!" If nothing further, Tengar bids the Redbrands a good night and steps out of the tents, oblivious to the happenings in the wee hours. He'll make his way back to his companions' rest area.
Once he makes contact, he'll tell them about Area 4 and the prisoners kept there.
Karib has largely given up on any chance of sleep, and he lurches up, half-expecting that a guard has come to attack them when Tengar returns in the middle of the night. He sighs then stifles a yawn, and fills Tengar in on the events so far, including the rushed departure of Kano.
"Someone could explore that area while they still chase Kano, but I don't think it can be me."
As Karib ponders their choices, he grimaces and speaks quietly to Tengar, "Also...there's a body over there..." he nods in the direction of the tall rushes, "...one of the others attacked a cultist who was chasing Kano and...you can guess the rest. Probably stink by morning. If we're not going to use them, we should dispose of the robes."
"I could scout the area we know the prisoners to be held,," Burra volunteers, offering a nervous nod in recognition as Tengar returns to camp. It is clear Burra found sleep impossible under the circumstances - his usual, jittery motions seem amplified by the tension resulting from the night's events. He mutters a soft prayer towards the Traveler - somehow, the shadows curl around his feathers as the mottled torchlight bends to partially obscure him from view as he bestows himself with the Blessing of the Trickster. "We could sow further chaos by dispensing the robes wherever convenient."
(OOC: Unless any objections arise, Burra would, at the very least, take a cursory glance at Area 4 (where the prisoners / scholars were being held) and determine the best, if possible, method of freeing them. He also offers to place the robes / body where it may be useful.)
Choosing to obtain a better sense of the surroundings before attempting anything with the robes and body of the cultist, Burra slips from behind the tent and waits for an opportune moment to remain unseen. He spreads his wings and takes to the sky, angling to obtain a better view of Area 4 by hugging any available cover offered by the rocky ledges. Burra prefers to take a cursory glance from the air; remarkably few guards considered an aerial approach while keeping watch. Either way, the air is where Burra felt the safest.
Stealth (Guidance'd): 27 (Feel free to make any additional rolls necessary.)
Hearing everything that has gone on and nodding in approval at the bird man’s plan, he’ll pack up the painting supplies and try to put the lid on the crate and walk over to Area 4 for a little look-see.
After confirming with those who are awake, you all see Burratake to the air with a natural grace and an impressive lack of sound. While visually quite a display, no one seems to notice the aarakocra sticks close to the rocky walls...
The tents in this area are a lot closer together; five heavier looking tents pinned in a circle, their entrances all facing together and flaps closed. There is only one visible cultist guard manning this place currently; standing vigilantly as they have always done so far.
As Burra flies off, Tengar decides to follow shortly after. Tengar approaching the area will see it is manned by one cultist guard who has not paid attention to you yet, and Tengar is roughly 70 ft. away.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tengar
Tengar sees that the guard hasn't noticed him. He watches the guard for a while to see if he can gain any insight based on his mannerisms. Is the guard tired-looking? Has to go to the toilet? Insight if necessary - 16
Based on that, Tengar will begin walking towards the guard, grumbling and huffing and snorting as if this is the last place he wants to be. He sets down the crate a bit roughly when he gets near the guard. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I'm late. I was at the Redbrands getting punched at," Tengar begins. He smiles slyly, "Aye but the trick is on them, hehe!" He holds up the pouch gleefully. "That dwarf'll think twice next time, eh? Haha!" Tengar seems a bit distracted by his winnings but shakes his head, "Aye, anyways. I be here to relieve you to, ahem, relieve yourself if you need to. Captain says there's a prowler about an' wants the sentries to be ready - ain't ya heard nothing? I also got this crate of junk for some long ear, she-elf prisoner? Said I needed to deliver it. She an artsy-fartsy type, I be guessing? Aye it don't matter, eh? She a get what comes to 'er won't she, eh? Haha!"
*Edit. Tengar notices the guard in a bit of distress or anxiety, maybe even boredom. He takes a few deep breaths and jogs forward, panting a bit in the cool air. "Eh! Eh you! Did ye see 'im?! He came right by, ran right by ye? Someone tried to run through, maybe a thief even, and by here - did ye not even see him, eh?" He waits for a half second before continuing... "Aye, lad, he's not going to like this is he? They say he's only few hunnerd yards away heading for the forest! I think ye should at least go and look - it's your duty after all! Exciting though, ain't it?! Why if I was 10 years younger!"
*edit 2 - Performance - 7
Tengar will wait to see what happens based on this action. However, if things start to go sideways, he will immediately try again to guilt the guard into leaving to find the "prowler." Next time with a spell....
***seeing the doubt in the man's face, Tengar approach changes subtly. "Listen, lad. I know what it's like standing like this over a bunch 'o caged animals, no action, no one to talk to, waiting waiting waiting... He was last seen running past the entrance....RUN" -> Tengar casts command
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the guard is engaging in conversation with Tengar, Burra uses the opportunity of the distraction to push from the rocky cliff face and silently descend closer to the huddled circle of tents. Similarly to the creature Burra resembles, Burra's flight is entirely silent; his wings quietly sweep through the air, controlling his fall as he touches the ground without a sound. (Unsure if you want me to keep making Stealth checks or not...)
As he slowly creeps forwards, prepared to take off at a moment's notice, Burra keeps his eye out for any shapes which could be made out through the light filtering over the tent walls. He additionally keeps his head turning for any sound which could indicate someone being bound - the rattle of shackles and similar sounds. Perception: 17
Burradescends into the dark quiet below only interrupted by the dusting of stars up above and the odd snore from the sleeping prisoner. Through the lights within the tents, you various shapes; only three people, sitting or couched and not in comfrtoable positions either.
As he creeps, there is a sharp clink! sound to one of the tents in the left and a moment later he sees one of the figures stand to full height and leap outside only for their eyes to lock onto the creeping araakocra; a half elf woman, in the moonlight her tanned skin looks bruises around on her face. She is quick to take a trained stance to defend herself unnarmed, but her eyes narrow at Burra as she says in a hushed voice, "you are not part of the Cult, are you?"
Burra startles as he recognizes the woman who presumably freed herself from her binds - after fending off the momentary, instinctual panic at being seen when he expected not a single soul to view him, Burra composes himself and speaks in a clipped, hushed tone. "No, and neither are you, Master Lesona. I am one of several sent to rescue you." Clearly fretful, Burra constantly watches the surroundings, his eyes and head jerking with rapid movements akin to a bird on high alert. His gaze momentarily lingers on the two remaining prisoners - he would hate to leave any being chained, though he recognizes a mission must be complete. He lays a clawed hand on Lesona's shoulder and bestows her with the Blessing of the Trickster (advantage on Stealth checks) - she would need it more than he would. "I - I frankly do not know what to do, I did not expect to find you free. I suppose I will take you to the rest of my party - hopefully we can avoid being detected."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
WIS Saving Throw: Cultist Guard - 12
The Cultist Guard nods in agreement. Their body relaxes and they run as fast they can towards the entrance as fast as he can!
The woman's eyes narrow even further as the name is said. The suspicious is held all through Burra'swords, but she relaxed and stands at ease at the talk of escaping, "Please, no need for formalities now, just Lesona is fine. And don't worry about me; I was able to get this far, wasn't I? Thanks to whoever created that big scene, anyway." She flashes the aarakocra a mischievous smile and twirls a set of Thieves' Tools before leaning in to whisper, "try to relax; that is the way you and your comrades will get out. The Cult are not staying here for much longer, maybe a day or two... And if they find a prisoner missing? A compromise will cause immediate departure and a thorough comb through of all the sellswords, band name or not; you really do not want to be here for that. My advice? Leave immediately and if you're here at the behest of the governor, meet us back in Greenest as soon as you can."
"I already went to the cave as the cat, remember? I was waiting for everyone to be together so we could all discuss what our next steps should be. And I have to rest before I can wild shape again."
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
(( Cave is area 7, I believe ))
(I was working under that impression as well. Either way, Burra's up to scout.)
Tengar
The big half-orc champ takes more drinks, wondering what is next for him and the Redbrands. Nothing I'd like better than to cut each and every one of your throats, he thinks to himself as he looks around the tent camp of thieves and brigands. These ones kill innocent people and don't think twice about it...
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
If noone else plans to explore, Karib will resume his rest.
Tengar opens the pouch to find 8gp and 14sp.
The middle of the Rebrands gives Tengar a quizzacle look, "In the cave? No, no - the most southern tents (Area 4); keeping her with rest of the idiots who decided to play up and upset the Cult. As long as you do the work and don't be stupid enough to piss them off, we'll all get out coin in the end."
Burra, Karib and Pim feel unable to establish a plan with uncertainty clouding the situation. The body disposed in the bushes. They begin to settle for the night and hope for the best in the morning...
Tengar
The half-orc bellows some laughter at the Redbrand's response, "Aye, and a pretty penny at that! Wonder what's in the cave then? Locked tighter than Tymora's bosom! Ho ho!" If nothing further, Tengar bids the Redbrands a good night and steps out of the tents, oblivious to the happenings in the wee hours. He'll make his way back to his companions' rest area.
Once he makes contact, he'll tell them about Area 4 and the prisoners kept there.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Karib has largely given up on any chance of sleep, and he lurches up, half-expecting that a guard has come to attack them when Tengar returns in the middle of the night. He sighs then stifles a yawn, and fills Tengar in on the events so far, including the rushed departure of Kano.
"Someone could explore that area while they still chase Kano, but I don't think it can be me."
As Karib ponders their choices, he grimaces and speaks quietly to Tengar, "Also...there's a body over there..." he nods in the direction of the tall rushes, "...one of the others attacked a cultist who was chasing Kano and...you can guess the rest. Probably stink by morning. If we're not going to use them, we should dispose of the robes."
(( If noone wants the robes, Karib will burn them in the fire...unless someone wants to put them behind a different tent!! Redbrands, perhaps? ))
"I could scout the area we know the prisoners to be held,," Burra volunteers, offering a nervous nod in recognition as Tengar returns to camp. It is clear Burra found sleep impossible under the circumstances - his usual, jittery motions seem amplified by the tension resulting from the night's events. He mutters a soft prayer towards the Traveler - somehow, the shadows curl around his feathers as the mottled torchlight bends to partially obscure him from view as he bestows himself with the Blessing of the Trickster. "We could sow further chaos by dispensing the robes wherever convenient."
(OOC: Unless any objections arise, Burra would, at the very least, take a cursory glance at Area 4 (where the prisoners / scholars were being held) and determine the best, if possible, method of freeing them. He also offers to place the robes / body where it may be useful.)
(( Let's decide on the robes after the exploration...they might be useful if we can free a prisoner... ))
Choosing to obtain a better sense of the surroundings before attempting anything with the robes and body of the cultist, Burra slips from behind the tent and waits for an opportune moment to remain unseen. He spreads his wings and takes to the sky, angling to obtain a better view of Area 4 by hugging any available cover offered by the rocky ledges. Burra prefers to take a cursory glance from the air; remarkably few guards considered an aerial approach while keeping watch. Either way, the air is where Burra felt the safest.
Stealth (Guidance'd): 27
(Feel free to make any additional rolls necessary.)
Tengar
Hearing everything that has gone on and nodding in approval at the bird man’s plan, he’ll pack up the painting supplies and try to put the lid on the crate and walk over to Area 4 for a little look-see.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
After confirming with those who are awake, you all see Burra take to the air with a natural grace and an impressive lack of sound. While visually quite a display, no one seems to notice the aarakocra sticks close to the rocky walls...
The tents in this area are a lot closer together; five heavier looking tents pinned in a circle, their entrances all facing together and flaps closed. There is only one visible cultist guard manning this place currently; standing vigilantly as they have always done so far.
As Burra flies off, Tengar decides to follow shortly after. Tengar approaching the area will see it is manned by one cultist guard who has not paid attention to you yet, and Tengar is roughly 70 ft. away.
Tengar
Tengar sees that the guard hasn't noticed him. He watches the guard for a while to see if he can gain any insight based on his mannerisms. Is the guard tired-looking? Has to go to the toilet? Insight if necessary - 16
Based on that, Tengar will begin walking towards the guard, grumbling and huffing and snorting as if this is the last place he wants to be. He sets down the crate a bit roughly when he gets near the guard. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I'm late. I was at the Redbrands getting punched at," Tengar begins. He smiles slyly, "Aye but the trick is on them, hehe!" He holds up the pouch gleefully. "That dwarf'll think twice next time, eh? Haha!" Tengar seems a bit distracted by his winnings but shakes his head, "Aye, anyways. I be here to relieve you to, ahem, relieve yourself if you need to. Captain says there's a prowler about an' wants the sentries to be ready - ain't ya heard nothing? I also got this crate of junk for some long ear, she-elf prisoner? Said I needed to deliver it. She an artsy-fartsy type, I be guessing? Aye it don't matter, eh? She a get what comes to 'er won't she, eh? Haha!"*Edit.
Tengar notices the guard in a bit of distress or anxiety, maybe even boredom. He takes a few deep breaths and jogs forward, panting a bit in the cool air. "Eh! Eh you! Did ye see 'im?! He came right by, ran right by ye? Someone tried to run through, maybe a thief even, and by here - did ye not even see him, eh?" He waits for a half second before continuing... "Aye, lad, he's not going to like this is he? They say he's only few hunnerd yards away heading for the forest! I think ye should at least go and look - it's your duty after all! Exciting though, ain't it?! Why if I was 10 years younger!"
*edit 2 - Performance - 7
Tengar will wait to see what happens based on this action. However, if things start to go sideways, he will immediately try again to guilt the guard into leaving to find the "prowler." Next time with a spell....
***seeing the doubt in the man's face, Tengar approach changes subtly. "Listen, lad. I know what it's like standing like this over a bunch 'o caged animals, no action, no one to talk to, waiting waiting waiting... He was last seen running past the entrance....RUN"
-> Tengar casts command
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
As the guard is engaging in conversation with Tengar, Burra uses the opportunity of the distraction to push from the rocky cliff face and silently descend closer to the huddled circle of tents. Similarly to the creature Burra resembles, Burra's flight is entirely silent; his wings quietly sweep through the air, controlling his fall as he touches the ground without a sound. (Unsure if you want me to keep making Stealth checks or not...)
As he slowly creeps forwards, prepared to take off at a moment's notice, Burra keeps his eye out for any shapes which could be made out through the light filtering over the tent walls. He additionally keeps his head turning for any sound which could indicate someone being bound - the rattle of shackles and similar sounds. Perception: 17
(No extra rolls necessary)
Burra descends into the dark quiet below only interrupted by the dusting of stars up above and the odd snore from the sleeping prisoner. Through the lights within the tents, you various shapes; only three people, sitting or couched and not in comfrtoable positions either.
As he creeps, there is a sharp clink! sound to one of the tents in the left and a moment later he sees one of the figures stand to full height and leap outside only for their eyes to lock onto the creeping araakocra; a half elf woman, in the moonlight her tanned skin looks bruises around on her face. She is quick to take a trained stance to defend herself unnarmed, but her eyes narrow at Burra as she says in a hushed voice, "you are not part of the Cult, are you?"
Burra startles as he recognizes the woman who presumably freed herself from her binds - after fending off the momentary, instinctual panic at being seen when he expected not a single soul to view him, Burra composes himself and speaks in a clipped, hushed tone. "No, and neither are you, Master Lesona. I am one of several sent to rescue you." Clearly fretful, Burra constantly watches the surroundings, his eyes and head jerking with rapid movements akin to a bird on high alert. His gaze momentarily lingers on the two remaining prisoners - he would hate to leave any being chained, though he recognizes a mission must be complete. He lays a clawed hand on Lesona's shoulder and bestows her with the Blessing of the Trickster (advantage on Stealth checks) - she would need it more than he would. "I - I frankly do not know what to do, I did not expect to find you free. I suppose I will take you to the rest of my party - hopefully we can avoid being detected."
WIS Saving Throw:
Cultist Guard - 12
The Cultist Guard nods in agreement. Their body relaxes and they run as fast they can towards the entrance as fast as he can!
The woman's eyes narrow even further as the name is said. The suspicious is held all through Burra's words, but she relaxed and stands at ease at the talk of escaping, "Please, no need for formalities now, just Lesona is fine. And don't worry about me; I was able to get this far, wasn't I? Thanks to whoever created that big scene, anyway." She flashes the aarakocra a mischievous smile and twirls a set of Thieves' Tools before leaning in to whisper, "try to relax; that is the way you and your comrades will get out. The Cult are not staying here for much longer, maybe a day or two... And if they find a prisoner missing? A compromise will cause immediate departure and a thorough comb through of all the sellswords, band name or not; you really do not want to be here for that. My advice? Leave immediately and if you're here at the behest of the governor, meet us back in Greenest as soon as you can."