Tengar sees a box and lifts it hear a sudden yelp as it had a kobold attached! It quickly detaches itself, "Fine! You carry!" as it stomps off in a little huff.
As Kano strides towards the tent, the four of you see at the base of the sudden slop are more tents. The people here are likely individual sellswords or much smaller bands the those that have settled around the entrance (Area 2), and the much shabbier and nosier tents that make up where the kobolds reside (Area 3)
Karibwould notice the tents tucked in the south-eastern are oddly quiet and manned by those donning cultist garments and masks. Individuals in the same garments can be seen moving around the tents in area 5. While there is a more casual air about them, they do not hold the same revelry as it was happing further up the slope.
As Kano strides up the tent. Two dressed cultist stand diligently, as Kano goes to speak, he his simply spoken over with clear tones, "No one is to disturb Lady Mondath!"
Pim-dog will move forward, sniffing the cultists. Then, like a big dog would, he starts sniffing the cultists...putting his nose in strange places that tend to make people move... It's not threatening in any way, but hard to ignore when a 160 pound mastiff puts his nose between your legs or tries to rub his face between your thighs... =)
The cultist looks down and, with exceptional discipline, watches the large mastiff get a good muzzle full, slowly making a fist and looking back at the group, "Whoever's dog this is, get it away from me. Now."
“Come Brutus, leave the guard alone, he is only doing his job,” says Kano, giving a quick, low whistle, “and it appears Lady Mondath is currently indisposed.”
Turning to the guard who spoke, Kano says, “Where do I sign up my team? We are looking to get paid and have a bit of excitement, and I heard this is the place where the action happens, eh?”
After the dog's snout is shoved away, there is a long pause from the towering, broad shouldered guard of the more extravagant tent. He unclenches his fist, and shakes his head, "Nice try, but you are not going to be get paid twice that easy. All agreed payments mercenary payments were twenty-five percent when you sign up and the rest when we reach the secret destination; we are set to leave in a few days. Oh, and don't bother asking where."
The other guard speaks up. Her tone is more casual, but no less conviction, "Look, just go back to your tents, have some food and drink yourself senseless: just don't disturb the Wearers of Purple. Now, get out of here."
“Well, of course, that’s why it’s called a secret location,” starts Kano, then stops and looks at the guard. “Ah, ye got me, didn’t ya. Right, we’ll go back to camp and not make any more trouble for her Ladyship while she is entertaining her *special guest*,” he adds, starting to back off but watching the guard’s reaction to his final words...Does he glance to a particular area or tent where the prisoner may be held?
Deception: 23
Insight: 18
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kanofinds these guards are unlike any of the cultists seen previously. The idea of fanatical has been an understood concept, but only witnessing it now in these guards here is truly experienced. A wall of resolution is gleamed from their eyes behind the masks; they do not flicker, do not glaze over or maybe even blink. These people have been given a tasks and it is plain they well follow it until the end, so tricks or deceptions getting them to move will most probably be ineffective.
That said, while they are not happy to, from way they talked to you as a group the guards will answer inconspicuous questions if only it kept from disturbing their superiors.
Backing off, Kano moves with his entourage to the edge of the camp. Talking to "Brutus", he says aloud, "Don't get into too much trouble..." More quietly, he whispers, "Let the stealth team know what we found. Too bad we didn't get a clue on which tent they are holding the dragon scholar in."
Setting up camp, Kano tries to use the bushes to screen a possible approach route for his companions.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Karib speaks quietly to Kano as they move away, "This 'secret destination' sounds ominous. Best not to ask about it, but we know we'll be here a few days at least. Brutus' nose may come in handy. Camping near an exit might be prudent..."
He will make camp as best he can under Kano's direction, checking for his approval at each stage.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Pimster-Brutus listens attentively to Kano and Karib, sniffs all of the group to make sure that he can find them later, and then walks off towards the edge of camp, sniffing around as he goes. Perception: 20
He moves off into the brush and trees beyond camp, marks a few spots on the way, eventually getting back to the stealth group hiding out of sight. Transforming back into his halfling self, Pim relays all they had seen and heard, including anything he may have discovered sniffing around! He'll eat with the group, take a short rest, and then return to the camp an hour before sunset in mastiff form.
Survival Check: Kano (I assume Tengar & Karib are Helpling!) - 11
Easy enough you lay a camp outside the usual tents, but it does not get more than a few odd looks. The bush allows plenty of cover for someone to sneak in and out.
Pimster-Brutus trots off on his little stroll after getting used to the smell of the others. He makes out the obvious scent sources; wood smoke, smelly people, sweaty animals and lots of food seasoned well.
His movements as a dog are left unchecked, and his smells do pick up Burra, the sole member of the Stealth group, but the scent trails off. The aarakocra has done fine work hiding and cannot be found right now. That said, a small bite to eat is enjoyed all the same as you head back to the others in canine form where camp was settled.
Burra, you watch with focus you comrades descend deeper into the camp... only to return a quarter of an hour later and set camp amongst the bushes. During that time, not raiders have mingled and began to enjoy themselves with food and drink, really only spend time in areas 1 & 2. A few kobolds have mingled in, but they are few and not paid much attention.
The sun is definitely beginning to sent now; its bronze light splashes across the rolling fields, some of it leaking into the entryway of the encampment. The rest has descent into shadow, lit by torchlight in hand and on stick but the atmosphere remains the same, if just a bit quieter.
Happy to be off his feet for a time, he helps with camp prep. Eventually when he finds that there are no prying eyes, he’ll go back to the crate he was carrying and opens it to see what’s inside.
Moving around a bit once camp is set up, Kano waits for the recon team to come back, spending some time talking up the other mercenaries, trying to get information about those strange cultists, maybe some speculation about where this "secret location" is. He also tries to get any scuttlebutt on Lady Mondath and/or any prisoners she may have.
Persuasion: 17
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
When the camp is made and before Kano leaves, Karib asks "Sir, with your permission, I'd like to go find the smithy and work out the kinks...if you don't still need me?"
If Kano gives permission, Karib will seek out the smithy (assuming they have one) and offer to help out fixing armour and weapons. He will not hide his amulet but leave his shield behind (( I believe Gond is neutal, and should not be a problem -- let me know if Karib would know otherwise! --but the shield might be recognizable )).
He does what he can to make himself useful, and chats amiably with the smith and their customers, listening to any complaints or gossip as he does so.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sitting inside the camp, Tengar opens up the relatively light box to find it stuffed with straw, safety for its contents of Painter's Supplies and several sheets of paper.
((Kano - I'll make that a general Charisma check which makes it a 15, which is still pretty good!))
Kano mingles with the mercenaries who are full of food and merry with drink. There's next to no suspicion of who you are, and quickly reminded of the three main bands that are under the cult's employ; The Redbrands are housed around the tents in the north-east, The Golden Wilders have set up around the south and The Cobalt Brothers have pitched camp to the north-west.
On the surface you gather the groups do have a bit of worry about the cult's actions, but a reminder of the amount of coin they seem to be getting paid sways any conscience. While the recruitment was underhand, the cult revealed themselves quickly to the mercenaries as they are; the Cult of the Dragons, those who praise Tiamat's glory. Raids have been sweeping the more southern villages and hamlets of the Sword's Coast for a while, but last night was the biggest raid, especially with the involvement of a real dragon! The vast majority of the loot is stored in the cave at the base of the slope and the deepest part of the encampment, which is guarded day and night.
If you want to know more, you're welcome to describe a specific Charisma Skill or just a roll another straight Charisma Check
Charisma Check: Karib - 12
At the enquiry of smithing tools, Karibis quickly directed to the band called The Cobalt Brothers; a collection of broad humanoids of all types. In their camp, there is an air of discipline and practise of skill Most do not drink, and the few that do are not drunk or hide it well. In their main tent, they have brought with them a forge and all sorts of smithing equipment, skilfully arranged so there is sufficient ventilation.
A half-orc notices your amulet of Gond (who is Neutral - nothing to worry about!), and she gives the symbol of blessing; two thumps on the chest, one with the thumb-side of the first and the second with the littlefinger-side of of the fist. She directs you where all the essential equipment is and looks forward to seeing you work. All sorts of mercenaries come to have things repaired and looked at...
Smithing Check (STR + Proficiency): Karib - 12
The half-orc, Zenga, compliments your solid work. In between the loud work that is smithing, Karib hears a few of the mercenary bands have converted a few numbers to the cult, the appearance of the dragon has convinced something big is about to happen and the tight running of the encampment under Lady Mondath and her right-hand champion, Langdedrosa Cyanwrath.
He puts the items away in his backpack and burns the rest in the campfire. He tries to find something to eat as well. He reflects on the day's events and tries to keep an eye out on any patrols that are occurring within the encampment itself. When it gets dark, he'd like to take a walk around to where the various encampments are walking through and listening and agreeing to any drink/toasts that are happening. Perception - 10
Pimster knows he only has an hour or two, tops, to stay in this form, so he makes sure to be near their tent before the Wild Shape dissipates! He scouts out the entire encampment, especially if he is the only dog - he's the king of this place! While Pim-Brutus will be generally friendly towards the human or half-orc mercenaries and cultists, he will take pleasure in snarling and perhaps even chasing any kobolds he finds away from the group!
Around the campfire, Kano will try to glean any intel on prisoners the Lady Mondath may have, talking up the appearance of the dragon and wondering what it might portend. If there is nothing to be heard about a prisoner, he will speculate (start a rumor) that an unknown person was taken prisoner from Greenest...
Persuasion: 26
Prisoner Rumor 1: A young boy with draconic heritage sacred to Tiamat
Prisoner Rumor 2: A learned scholar well-versed in draconic secrets
Prisoner Rumor 3: A reluctant priestess who has divined the location of the cult's secret destination.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Karib looks up at Zenga's praise, "Not my best work, but it wont fall apart -- and that's half the battle, eh?"
As he gathers his tools he looks around at the smithy, "An impressive setup you've got. I expected a makeshift furnace, and an overworked smith...but this..." he nods in approval. "How long does it take to pack it all up and set it all down again?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After relaying the information via Pimster to the rest of the group, Burra continues to silently flit around the camp in search for pertinent information to the cultists or the whereabouts of the cultists. Resembling an owl in the night, Burra continuously requests the Traveler's aid to remain unseen.
Pimster's description of the cultists's fanaticism matched the cultists inside Greenest. Burra risks approaching closer in an attempt to overhear any conversation or witness any sort of movement within the South-Eastern tents.
Stealth - 28 (Guidance + Blessing of the Trickster) Perception - 13
Tengar sees a box and lifts it hear a sudden yelp as it had a kobold attached! It quickly detaches itself, "Fine! You carry!" as it stomps off in a little huff.
As Kano strides towards the tent, the four of you see at the base of the sudden slop are more tents. The people here are likely individual sellswords or much smaller bands the those that have settled around the entrance (Area 2), and the much shabbier and nosier tents that make up where the kobolds reside (Area 3)
Karib would notice the tents tucked in the south-eastern are oddly quiet and manned by those donning cultist garments and masks. Individuals in the same garments can be seen moving around the tents in area 5. While there is a more casual air about them, they do not hold the same revelry as it was happing further up the slope.
As Kano strides up the tent. Two dressed cultist stand diligently, as Kano goes to speak, he his simply spoken over with clear tones, "No one is to disturb Lady Mondath!"
Pim-dog will move forward, sniffing the cultists. Then, like a big dog would, he starts sniffing the cultists...putting his nose in strange places that tend to make people move... It's not threatening in any way, but hard to ignore when a 160 pound mastiff puts his nose between your legs or tries to rub his face between your thighs... =)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
The cultist looks down and, with exceptional discipline, watches the large mastiff get a good muzzle full, slowly making a fist and looking back at the group, "Whoever's dog this is, get it away from me. Now."
Kano:
“Come Brutus, leave the guard alone, he is only doing his job,” says Kano, giving a quick, low whistle, “and it appears Lady Mondath is currently indisposed.”
Turning to the guard who spoke, Kano says, “Where do I sign up my team? We are looking to get paid and have a bit of excitement, and I heard this is the place where the action happens, eh?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Deception check:
Kano - 10
After the dog's snout is shoved away, there is a long pause from the towering, broad shouldered guard of the more extravagant tent. He unclenches his fist, and shakes his head, "Nice try, but you are not going to be get paid twice that easy. All agreed payments mercenary payments were twenty-five percent when you sign up and the rest when we reach the secret destination; we are set to leave in a few days. Oh, and don't bother asking where."
The other guard speaks up. Her tone is more casual, but no less conviction, "Look, just go back to your tents, have some food and drink yourself senseless: just don't disturb the Wearers of Purple. Now, get out of here."
Kano:
“Well, of course, that’s why it’s called a secret location,” starts Kano, then stops and looks at the guard. “Ah, ye got me, didn’t ya. Right, we’ll go back to camp and not make any more trouble for her Ladyship while she is entertaining her *special guest*,” he adds, starting to back off but watching the guard’s reaction to his final words...Does he glance to a particular area or tent where the prisoner may be held?
Deception: 23
Insight: 18
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kano finds these guards are unlike any of the cultists seen previously. The idea of fanatical has been an understood concept, but only witnessing it now in these guards here is truly experienced. A wall of resolution is gleamed from their eyes behind the masks; they do not flicker, do not glaze over or maybe even blink. These people have been given a tasks and it is plain they well follow it until the end, so tricks or deceptions getting them to move will most probably be ineffective.
That said, while they are not happy to, from way they talked to you as a group the guards will answer inconspicuous questions if only it kept from disturbing their superiors.
Kano:
Backing off, Kano moves with his entourage to the edge of the camp. Talking to "Brutus", he says aloud, "Don't get into too much trouble..." More quietly, he whispers, "Let the stealth team know what we found. Too bad we didn't get a clue on which tent they are holding the dragon scholar in."
Setting up camp, Kano tries to use the bushes to screen a possible approach route for his companions.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Karib speaks quietly to Kano as they move away, "This 'secret destination' sounds ominous. Best not to ask about it, but we know we'll be here a few days at least. Brutus' nose may come in handy. Camping near an exit might be prudent..."
He will make camp as best he can under Kano's direction, checking for his approval at each stage.
(( Unless some other options arise! ))
Pimster-Brutus listens attentively to Kano and Karib, sniffs all of the group to make sure that he can find them later, and then walks off towards the edge of camp, sniffing around as he goes. Perception: 20
He moves off into the brush and trees beyond camp, marks a few spots on the way, eventually getting back to the stealth group hiding out of sight. Transforming back into his halfling self, Pim relays all they had seen and heard, including anything he may have discovered sniffing around! He'll eat with the group, take a short rest, and then return to the camp an hour before sunset in mastiff form.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Survival Check:
Kano (I assume Tengar & Karib are Helpling!) - 11
Easy enough you lay a camp outside the usual tents, but it does not get more than a few odd looks. The bush allows plenty of cover for someone to sneak in and out.
Pimster-Brutus trots off on his little stroll after getting used to the smell of the others. He makes out the obvious scent sources; wood smoke, smelly people, sweaty animals and lots of food seasoned well.
His movements as a dog are left unchecked, and his smells do pick up Burra, the sole member of the Stealth group, but the scent trails off. The aarakocra has done fine work hiding and cannot be found right now. That said, a small bite to eat is enjoyed all the same as you head back to the others in canine form where camp was settled.
Burra, you watch with focus you comrades descend deeper into the camp... only to return a quarter of an hour later and set camp amongst the bushes. During that time, not raiders have mingled and began to enjoy themselves with food and drink, really only spend time in areas 1 & 2. A few kobolds have mingled in, but they are few and not paid much attention.
The sun is definitely beginning to sent now; its bronze light splashes across the rolling fields, some of it leaking into the entryway of the encampment. The rest has descent into shadow, lit by torchlight in hand and on stick but the atmosphere remains the same, if just a bit quieter.
MAP:
Tengar
Happy to be off his feet for a time, he helps with camp prep. Eventually when he finds that there are no prying eyes, he’ll go back to the crate he was carrying and opens it to see what’s inside.
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
Kano:
Moving around a bit once camp is set up, Kano waits for the recon team to come back, spending some time talking up the other mercenaries, trying to get information about those strange cultists, maybe some speculation about where this "secret location" is. He also tries to get any scuttlebutt on Lady Mondath and/or any prisoners she may have.
Persuasion: 17
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
When the camp is made and before Kano leaves, Karib asks "Sir, with your permission, I'd like to go find the smithy and work out the kinks...if you don't still need me?"
If Kano gives permission, Karib will seek out the smithy (assuming they have one) and offer to help out fixing armour and weapons. He will not hide his amulet but leave his shield behind (( I believe Gond is neutal, and should not be a problem -- let me know if Karib would know otherwise! --but the shield might be recognizable )).
He does what he can to make himself useful, and chats amiably with the smith and their customers, listening to any complaints or gossip as he does so.
Sitting inside the camp, Tengar opens up the relatively light box to find it stuffed with straw, safety for its contents of Painter's Supplies and several sheets of paper.
((Kano - I'll make that a general Charisma check which makes it a 15, which is still pretty good!))
Kano mingles with the mercenaries who are full of food and merry with drink. There's next to no suspicion of who you are, and quickly reminded of the three main bands that are under the cult's employ; The Redbrands are housed around the tents in the north-east, The Golden Wilders have set up around the south and The Cobalt Brothers have pitched camp to the north-west.
On the surface you gather the groups do have a bit of worry about the cult's actions, but a reminder of the amount of coin they seem to be getting paid sways any conscience. While the recruitment was underhand, the cult revealed themselves quickly to the mercenaries as they are; the Cult of the Dragons, those who praise Tiamat's glory. Raids have been sweeping the more southern villages and hamlets of the Sword's Coast for a while, but last night was the biggest raid, especially with the involvement of a real dragon! The vast majority of the loot is stored in the cave at the base of the slope and the deepest part of the encampment, which is guarded day and night.
Charisma Check:
Karib - 12
At the enquiry of smithing tools, Karib is quickly directed to the band called The Cobalt Brothers; a collection of broad humanoids of all types. In their camp, there is an air of discipline and practise of skill Most do not drink, and the few that do are not drunk or hide it well. In their main tent, they have brought with them a forge and all sorts of smithing equipment, skilfully arranged so there is sufficient ventilation.
A half-orc notices your amulet of Gond (who is Neutral - nothing to worry about!), and she gives the symbol of blessing; two thumps on the chest, one with the thumb-side of the first and the second with the littlefinger-side of of the fist. She directs you where all the essential equipment is and looks forward to seeing you work. All sorts of mercenaries come to have things repaired and looked at...
Smithing Check (STR + Proficiency):
Karib - 12
The half-orc, Zenga, compliments your solid work. In between the loud work that is smithing, Karib hears a few of the mercenary bands have converted a few numbers to the cult, the appearance of the dragon has convinced something big is about to happen and the tight running of the encampment under Lady Mondath and her right-hand champion, Langdedrosa Cyanwrath.
Tengar
He puts the items away in his backpack and burns the rest in the campfire. He tries to find something to eat as well. He reflects on the day's events and tries to keep an eye out on any patrols that are occurring within the encampment itself. When it gets dark, he'd like to take a walk around to where the various encampments are walking through and listening and agreeing to any drink/toasts that are happening. Perception - 10
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
Pimster knows he only has an hour or two, tops, to stay in this form, so he makes sure to be near their tent before the Wild Shape dissipates! He scouts out the entire encampment, especially if he is the only dog - he's the king of this place! While Pim-Brutus will be generally friendly towards the human or half-orc mercenaries and cultists, he will take pleasure in snarling and perhaps even chasing any kobolds he finds away from the group!
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Kano:
Around the campfire, Kano will try to glean any intel on prisoners the Lady Mondath may have, talking up the appearance of the dragon and wondering what it might portend. If there is nothing to be heard about a prisoner, he will speculate (start a rumor) that an unknown person was taken prisoner from Greenest...
Persuasion: 26
Prisoner Rumor 1: A young boy with draconic heritage sacred to Tiamat
Prisoner Rumor 2: A learned scholar well-versed in draconic secrets
Prisoner Rumor 3: A reluctant priestess who has divined the location of the cult's secret destination.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Karib looks up at Zenga's praise, "Not my best work, but it wont fall apart -- and that's half the battle, eh?"
As he gathers his tools he looks around at the smithy, "An impressive setup you've got. I expected a makeshift furnace, and an overworked smith...but this..." he nods in approval. "How long does it take to pack it all up and set it all down again?"
After relaying the information via Pimster to the rest of the group, Burra continues to silently flit around the camp in search for pertinent information to the cultists or the whereabouts of the cultists. Resembling an owl in the night, Burra continuously requests the Traveler's aid to remain unseen.
Pimster's description of the cultists's fanaticism matched the cultists inside Greenest. Burra risks approaching closer in an attempt to overhear any conversation or witness any sort of movement within the South-Eastern tents.
Stealth - 28 (Guidance + Blessing of the Trickster)
Perception - 13