Gregor nods along with Khan's wise words and then responds: "There aren't many elves in Weirding. There are the three bards at the Bucket's Bottom; always there; every night. The shows are quite repetitive by now. And then..." He pauses for a minute before thinking of all the enxtra gold the orange grung may still bestow on him: "There is also the Lord's apprentice. Mez Kara is her name. Just a young elfling really; the quiet type too. We were told not to mess with her, so we don't. She doesn't bother us miners either."
Gregor then nods his head negatively: "The only way I can arrange for you to meet Lord Weirding is to draw a six-month mining contract and have you complete it. He'll then receive you in six months, to sign off on it." After sharing even more info, Gregor makes a not-so-subtle grab for the coin purse being dangled in front of him (@Ori: Do you hand it over?)
Khan pays close attention to Gregor's words once more. @Khan:
As far as you can tell, Gregor is one greedy bully who can't wait to lay his hands on the next coin pouch he finds. He might be keeping some information from you just so he can then charge you again when you inevitably come asking, but this is a suspicion of yours, not something you can read from his mannerisms.
Not too far away from this conversation, Bleep's performance comes to an end. The gathered miners clap and cheer; a few of them even throw some coins at the green grung's feet. (@Drache: you collect 5sp and 21cp.)
Some of the miners come in closer to talk a bit. They ask if Bleep is finally going to be the one to "relieve those damned elves" from the stage at the Bucket's Bottom, saying that they are tired of the same old musicians every night. Bleep engages in a bit of small talk and, once given a chance, asks the questions he is more interested in. A handful of miners respond: "Hazards? The mine is still young. We haven't dug deep enough to bother whatever lies below the earth, if anything." / "Well, the west tunnel collapsed a while back, and we were told not to bother with it, so everyone digs in the east tunnel these days." / "Plenty to be found there too, so it is not like we are itching to work the more dangerous tunnel anyhow."
Bleep picks up on a few things. @Bleep:
The miners that approached you are enamored with your art, at least for now while it is still a novelty to them. With that in mind, you quickly realize that these simple folk have no reason to be lying to you. Sure, some of those talking to you right now are on the slower side, but they seem genuine.
From this close up, you also notice that a few of them have scars on their heads, not dissimilar to the ones Tonk and a few others in the tavern had.
You gather that the whole "whatever lies below the earth" bit was more of a generic humorous bit than a reference to any danger in specific.
The bit about the caved in west tunnel seems a bit curious. No one is able to give you a reason for the collapse, or remember exactly when it happened.
(@Lerus: Yes, and I thought I had added the note about handing it over with the amount. Huh... Stoopid past me.)
Khan sighed softly, but nodded understandingly and dropped the pouch filled with at least 15 gold coins. Though it would be almost the last of the coin to her name at the moment, she would show no signs of concern over the loss. "Khan speak to Mez personally then. If need be. Maybe comeback to for contract too. Will see... Take Care." She said, and without turning her back away from Gregor and his goons, backed away a few steps before turning to join Ghee and Darrik's side at least. From there she intended to wait until the others gathered again, but watched their actions from afar for now.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
DM's Screen:
1312
Ghee invites the henchpersons for a drink. Tooth ignores the dwarf, while Cat Keeper shakes her head from side to side. A black and gray stripped cat pokes out of her backpack while she does so.
The contents of the coin purse do not escape Gregor's notice: "A bit lighter this time," he affirms somewhat disappointed. "But gold is gold."
Khan decides to speak directly with Mez, the elven apprentice, when she gets a chance. She then concludes her conversation with Gregor and reunites with the others to make a group decision.
(OOC: It sounds like you are done looking around the outside of the mine and talking to folks. If that's the case, what comes next? Will you explore the mine? Go to the manor? Go back to Gnator to continue your tour? Something else? Free free to discuss in the OOC chat.)
Ang gathers with her group and shares her findings. "I have noticed that the most of the miners have some strange scars on their foreheads, temples, or the back of their necks. This seems rather oddly placed for their type of work. When I think of it, the Innkeeper had similar scars.... Something is off in this village, I don't like it." She then listen to the different options and says: "Well, not much left to check. Let's go to this manor to meet the wizard. If he cannot help us, we'll have to check on the outside of the village to see if we can pick up a trail."
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
"One choice. Not only choice. Perhaps elf shows again.. Perhaps not."Khan mentions as she crosses her arms. "But direct route we take first. Long shot, but worth try. If not work -- IF wizard refuses see us, then back to elf Bleep followed last." The last part she said after make sure they weren't being overheard. "If they not help, always check out mine tonight. Maybe not collapsed as they think. Maybe memory taken. Physically." After tapping the side of her noggin, she then looks around for Gnator and half-bullies him into leading the way to the manor.
The group gets together once again and moves a bit away from the miners. They deliberate and, to much of Darrik's dismay, agree that their best course of action is to head to the manor first, in search of Lord Weirding, the Wizard, or perhaps his apprentice Mez Kara, if given a chance. Failing that, they agree their back-up plan is to try and explore the mines and see if they can uncover some more information there. Khan and Ang agree that there is something fishy about all the scars that can be found on many of the locals' heads, while Bleep wonders if the wizard can use magic to locate their lost friends. Ghee collects his drinking items and the group backtracks toward the fork on the road.
Khan leads the way back to the spot where they last saw Gnator. The local gnome is nowhere to be seen. They look around a bit and Saros even resorts to his familiar's help, but it is to no avail. Gnator apparently decided on his own that the tour was over and went away. Undeterred, the party advances toward the top of the hill.
The Manor of Weirding is a large, three story stone manor located on a hill near the back of the village. A stone wall 30 feet in height surrounds the Manor. The stone walls are covered in thorny vines that have bright yellow blossoms that glow. The wall is not the only protection around the manor, however. A wide moat of mossy water surrounds the wall. The group judges that the pool of water must be about 40 feet long, separating them from the wall itself.
The path leading up the hill curves to follow along the moat for a bit, until it becomes a bridge crossing it. A large iron gate acts as the only access through the wall. It is guarded by six humanoid guards who are visually well-armed.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Waving to the guards, Ghee calls out, "Salutations to ye, stout yeomen o' the guard!"
Walking over, he waves his decanter and mugs in separate hands, "Can ah offer any o' you a dram o' this? Ma ain concoction, it'll put hairs on yer chests. Ah'm new tae Weirding and fancied a wee peek at tha manor... This side o' tha moat a course!"
Pouring out a swig, Ghee drains it before pouring out another and offering it out. Getting closer to the guards he keeps a watchful eye out for any of the unusual scars Ang pointed out on the townspeople and miners.
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
Khan could feel the urge to facepalm at her master's antics, but she just manages to resist it. But so long as -that- is going on, she refrained from following too close after Ghee as well, and would wait to see how things played out before attempting a different approach. As she did -- and without taking her eyes off Ghee for more than a moment, Khan whispered in grung to Ang(and by extension, B'leep) if she noticed anything more to the security set in place about the manor.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Just to be clear on the layout, you stand on land at the moment. In front of you there is a narrow bridge arcing over a 40-foot moat. At the end of the bridge, there is a strong looking gate, which is the only visible way past the robust 30-foot wall that stands on the other side of the moat. Far beyond that, you can see the manor rising.)
Ghee takes the initiative and leads the conversation with the guards, shouting from one end of the bridge to the other. He displays his decanter and a few mugs hoping to convince the six guards that they could use a "water" break. He begins to walk over to the guards as he speaks, while the rest of the party watches attentively. One of the guards shrugs and begins walking forward to meet Ghee, already extending his hand to grab a still-far-away mug. However, he is stopped by a second guard, who pulls him back toward the gate and yells at the albino dwarf's direction: "Please do not get any closer. We are not to allow anyone close to the manor unless they were invited. I ask you politely to turn around and enjoy the town instead."
While this happens, Khan spots something out of the corner of her eye (passive perception). @Khan:
The moat's water is turvy and mossy, but you are pretty sure something is moving down there... possibly more than just one something.
Ang steps in front of the group and speaks her best common: "I do not have an invitation at the moment, but we came here to see your lord. You seems like a loyal guard so I'll share our information". Ang continues but with a lower voice, as if to share a secret: "You see, we grung, know of a hidden cave, close to our village, where precious stones can be mined. We need your lords manpower and equipment and are here to seal a deal." Ang pauses a moment and adds: "I am sure that your lord would be disappointed if you turned away such an opportunity."
Failing a second time today to convince strangers to accept his kind offer, Ghee begins to backtrack. Saros steps forwards next, asking how to get an invitation into the grounds, but the guards remain silent. The wizard is not sure if they are ignoring him or simply do not know the answer. Ang then takes a few steps and tries a different approach. Using her acute ability to strategize on the go, the purple frog spins an instant web of lies that sounds so convincing the guards begin looking at each other and murmuring. Several seconds past as they deliberate far from the party, until one of the guards nods to the others and yells across the bridge: "Wait right there. We'll go get someone."
Several more moments pass before one of the guards is back with a young elven woman in tow. From the other side of the gate, she speaks as loudly as she can so that the party can hear her (there is a good 50 feet separating you): "Hello, strangers. That is quite an eclectic bunch you have there: froglings, dwarves, and a deep gnome. I bet you turn heads everywhere you go. My name is Mez Kara. What are yours?"
She gives a moment for those who are willing to share their names to do so, and then asks: "You say you seek a partnership in mining ores near the froglings' home? Quite an offer that one. An interesting one. I wasn't aware that froglings cared much for precious metals... or for alliances with anyone without a slimy skin."As she speaks, the gates open and all guards take a few steps forward, such that all six of them are on the same side of the gate as the party. Mez Kara remains within the grounds. "Your story is interesting enough for me to allow you into the front yard. Whether you deserve to enter the manor remains to be seen. Judges with far keener smell senses than mine will decide that. Come on in." The guards move aside, three to each side of the gate, showing that you may pass.
@Bleep: This is definitely the same elven woman from the tavern.
(OOC: Anything the group would like to do/ask before moving forward? What is the marching order?)
Ghee positions himself to the rear of the group, muttering not too quietly about it being typical of the tall folk. No interest in a cordial offer of a drink. Going all to pieces over an offer of wealth.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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DM's Screen:
38 11
(@Ori: That was a persuasion check, right?)
Gregor nods along with Khan's wise words and then responds: "There aren't many elves in Weirding. There are the three bards at the Bucket's Bottom; always there; every night. The shows are quite repetitive by now. And then..." He pauses for a minute before thinking of all the enxtra gold the orange grung may still bestow on him: "There is also the Lord's apprentice. Mez Kara is her name. Just a young elfling really; the quiet type too. We were told not to mess with her, so we don't. She doesn't bother us miners either."
Gregor then nods his head negatively: "The only way I can arrange for you to meet Lord Weirding is to draw a six-month mining contract and have you complete it. He'll then receive you in six months, to sign off on it." After sharing even more info, Gregor makes a not-so-subtle grab for the coin purse being dangled in front of him (@Ori: Do you hand it over?)
Khan pays close attention to Gregor's words once more. @Khan:
As far as you can tell, Gregor is one greedy bully who can't wait to lay his hands on the next coin pouch he finds. He might be keeping some information from you just so he can then charge you again when you inevitably come asking, but this is a suspicion of yours, not something you can read from his mannerisms.
Not too far away from this conversation, Bleep's performance comes to an end. The gathered miners clap and cheer; a few of them even throw some coins at the green grung's feet. (@Drache: you collect 5sp and 21cp.)
Some of the miners come in closer to talk a bit. They ask if Bleep is finally going to be the one to "relieve those damned elves" from the stage at the Bucket's Bottom, saying that they are tired of the same old musicians every night. Bleep engages in a bit of small talk and, once given a chance, asks the questions he is more interested in. A handful of miners respond: "Hazards? The mine is still young. We haven't dug deep enough to bother whatever lies below the earth, if anything." / "Well, the west tunnel collapsed a while back, and we were told not to bother with it, so everyone digs in the east tunnel these days." / "Plenty to be found there too, so it is not like we are itching to work the more dangerous tunnel anyhow."
Bleep picks up on a few things. @Bleep:
Ghee looks to Tooth and Cat Keeper and waggles his decanter at them.
"Either o' you cutters want a drink? Let thems givin' tha orders hae a wee chat. We can hae a time o' oor ain if'n yer partakin'?"
(@Lerus: Yes, and I thought I had added the note about handing it over with the amount. Huh... Stoopid past me.)
Khan sighed softly, but nodded understandingly and dropped the pouch filled with at least 15 gold coins. Though it would be almost the last of the coin to her name at the moment, she would show no signs of concern over the loss. "Khan speak to Mez personally then. If need be. Maybe comeback to for contract too. Will see... Take Care." She said, and without turning her back away from Gregor and his goons, backed away a few steps before turning to join Ghee and Darrik's side at least. From there she intended to wait until the others gathered again, but watched their actions from afar for now.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
DM's Screen:
13 12
Ghee invites the henchpersons for a drink. Tooth ignores the dwarf, while Cat Keeper shakes her head from side to side. A black and gray stripped cat pokes out of her backpack while she does so.
The contents of the coin purse do not escape Gregor's notice: "A bit lighter this time," he affirms somewhat disappointed. "But gold is gold."
Khan decides to speak directly with Mez, the elven apprentice, when she gets a chance. She then concludes her conversation with Gregor and reunites with the others to make a group decision.
(OOC: It sounds like you are done looking around the outside of the mine and talking to folks. If that's the case, what comes next? Will you explore the mine? Go to the manor? Go back to Gnator to continue your tour? Something else? Free free to discuss in the OOC chat.)
Ang gathers with her group and shares her findings. "I have noticed that the most of the miners have some strange scars on their foreheads, temples, or the back of their necks. This seems rather oddly placed for their type of work. When I think of it, the Innkeeper had similar scars.... Something is off in this village, I don't like it."
She then listen to the different options and says: "Well, not much left to check. Let's go to this manor to meet the wizard. If he cannot help us, we'll have to check on the outside of the village to see if we can pick up a trail."
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Darrik scowls faintly.
"Blech. Dealin' with nobles always leaves a funny taste in me mouth. Ah well, nothin' else left to do."
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Class Guides: Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer, Bard General Guides: PvP
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
"We only hear of grung and birdman coming. But not leaving... Perhaps wizard could help with magic?"
Extended Signature
"One choice. Not only choice. Perhaps elf shows again.. Perhaps not." Khan mentions as she crosses her arms. "But direct route we take first. Long shot, but worth try. If not work -- IF wizard refuses see us, then back to elf Bleep followed last." The last part she said after make sure they weren't being overheard. "If they not help, always check out mine tonight. Maybe not collapsed as they think. Maybe memory taken. Physically." After tapping the side of her noggin, she then looks around for Gnator and half-bullies him into leading the way to the manor.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The group gets together once again and moves a bit away from the miners. They deliberate and, to much of Darrik's dismay, agree that their best course of action is to head to the manor first, in search of Lord Weirding, the Wizard, or perhaps his apprentice Mez Kara, if given a chance. Failing that, they agree their back-up plan is to try and explore the mines and see if they can uncover some more information there. Khan and Ang agree that there is something fishy about all the scars that can be found on many of the locals' heads, while Bleep wonders if the wizard can use magic to locate their lost friends. Ghee collects his drinking items and the group backtracks toward the fork on the road.
Khan leads the way back to the spot where they last saw Gnator. The local gnome is nowhere to be seen. They look around a bit and Saros even resorts to his familiar's help, but it is to no avail. Gnator apparently decided on his own that the tour was over and went away. Undeterred, the party advances toward the top of the hill.
Manor of Weirding
The Manor of Weirding is a large, three story stone manor located on a hill near the back of the village. A stone wall 30 feet in height surrounds the Manor. The stone walls are covered in thorny vines that have bright yellow blossoms that glow. The wall is not the only protection around the manor, however. A wide moat of mossy water surrounds the wall. The group judges that the pool of water must be about 40 feet long, separating them from the wall itself.
The path leading up the hill curves to follow along the moat for a bit, until it becomes a bridge crossing it. A large iron gate acts as the only access through the wall. It is guarded by six humanoid guards who are visually well-armed.
Waving to the guards, Ghee calls out, "Salutations to ye, stout yeomen o' the guard!"
Walking over, he waves his decanter and mugs in separate hands, "Can ah offer any o' you a dram o' this? Ma ain concoction, it'll put hairs on yer chests. Ah'm new tae Weirding and fancied a wee peek at tha manor... This side o' tha moat a course!"
Pouring out a swig, Ghee drains it before pouring out another and offering it out. Getting closer to the guards he keeps a watchful eye out for any of the unusual scars Ang pointed out on the townspeople and miners.
Perception 16
Darrik hangs back, hiding slightly behind Saros. Somehow.
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Class Guides: Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer, Bard General Guides: PvP
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
Bleep will observe how the guards react to Ghee’s unorthodox greeting.
Extended Signature
Khan could feel the urge to facepalm at her master's antics, but she just manages to resist it. But so long as -that- is going on, she refrained from following too close after Ghee as well, and would wait to see how things played out before attempting a different approach. As she did -- and without taking her eyes off Ghee for more than a moment, Khan whispered in grung to Ang(and by extension, B'leep) if she noticed anything more to the security set in place about the manor.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Just to be clear on the layout, you stand on land at the moment. In front of you there is a narrow bridge arcing over a 40-foot moat. At the end of the bridge, there is a strong looking gate, which is the only visible way past the robust 30-foot wall that stands on the other side of the moat. Far beyond that, you can see the manor rising.)
Ghee takes the initiative and leads the conversation with the guards, shouting from one end of the bridge to the other. He displays his decanter and a few mugs hoping to convince the six guards that they could use a "water" break. He begins to walk over to the guards as he speaks, while the rest of the party watches attentively. One of the guards shrugs and begins walking forward to meet Ghee, already extending his hand to grab a still-far-away mug. However, he is stopped by a second guard, who pulls him back toward the gate and yells at the albino dwarf's direction: "Please do not get any closer. We are not to allow anyone close to the manor unless they were invited. I ask you politely to turn around and enjoy the town instead."
While this happens, Khan spots something out of the corner of her eye (passive perception). @Khan:
The moat's water is turvy and mossy, but you are pretty sure something is moving down there... possibly more than just one something.
"And just how does one get an invite...." Saros whispers to Darrik, starting to get quite annoyed with the mystery surrounding the town.
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Ang steps in front of the group and speaks her best common: "I do not have an invitation at the moment, but we came here to see your lord. You seems like a loyal guard so I'll share our information". Ang continues but with a lower voice, as if to share a secret: "You see, we grung, know of a hidden cave, close to our village, where precious stones can be mined. We need your lords manpower and equipment and are here to seal a deal."
Ang pauses a moment and adds: "I am sure that your lord would be disappointed if you turned away such an opportunity."
Deception: 27
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Ghee drains the mug, smacks his lips and moves off the bridge.
"Fair enough. Ah can see ye've mair pressin' business anyhow."
Failing a second time today to convince strangers to accept his kind offer, Ghee begins to backtrack. Saros steps forwards next, asking how to get an invitation into the grounds, but the guards remain silent. The wizard is not sure if they are ignoring him or simply do not know the answer. Ang then takes a few steps and tries a different approach. Using her acute ability to strategize on the go, the purple frog spins an instant web of lies that sounds so convincing the guards begin looking at each other and murmuring. Several seconds past as they deliberate far from the party, until one of the guards nods to the others and yells across the bridge: "Wait right there. We'll go get someone."
Several more moments pass before one of the guards is back with a young elven woman in tow. From the other side of the gate, she speaks as loudly as she can so that the party can hear her (there is a good 50 feet separating you): "Hello, strangers. That is quite an eclectic bunch you have there: froglings, dwarves, and a deep gnome. I bet you turn heads everywhere you go. My name is Mez Kara. What are yours?"
She gives a moment for those who are willing to share their names to do so, and then asks: "You say you seek a partnership in mining ores near the froglings' home? Quite an offer that one. An interesting one. I wasn't aware that froglings cared much for precious metals... or for alliances with anyone without a slimy skin." As she speaks, the gates open and all guards take a few steps forward, such that all six of them are on the same side of the gate as the party. Mez Kara remains within the grounds. "Your story is interesting enough for me to allow you into the front yard. Whether you deserve to enter the manor remains to be seen. Judges with far keener smell senses than mine will decide that. Come on in." The guards move aside, three to each side of the gate, showing that you may pass.
@Bleep: This is definitely the same elven woman from the tavern.
(OOC: Anything the group would like to do/ask before moving forward? What is the marching order?)
Ghee positions himself to the rear of the group, muttering not too quietly about it being typical of the tall folk. No interest in a cordial offer of a drink. Going all to pieces over an offer of wealth.