Despite Khan's knowing looks and indicative nods, the grungs stay silent at first, as do the dwarves. Some of them are waiting for the appropriate time to speak, others are simply not in the mood to talk, and Darrik is focused on the food.
Saros picks up the slack and fills the silence. At he mention of Candlekeep, the host nods as to signal that he is familiar with the city and the tower. At the mention of his own library, he says: "You are more than welcome to browse the first floor library, my fellow arcane academic, but I doubt it compares to those of Candlekeep. I keep a few tomes and books in my private study, but I'll try to remember to bring them back to the library so you can have a look at them too." Lord Weirding looks at Darrik, expecting the other scholar from Candlekeep to show a similar interest, but soon desists.
As Saros mentions the groups search for lost companions, Lord Weirding shows interest. Once the word "kenku" is used, he turns to his apprentice and says: "Hmm... A rare species. You don't see many avian humanoids around. One in our settlement would surely be noticed so I am happy to hear some of our residents were able to confirm a sighting. Have you seen the kenku, Mez?" She replies: "Can't say I have, though I'd be curious to see them if they are still in town somewhere. I have seen a frogling, though." She looks to the floor as to indicate the cellar. Her master clarifies: "Ah yes, the ruffian." He turns to the grungs at the table and continues: "I can only assume he is in your company. Some grungs visit our settlement sporadically to trade, but not enough for this to be a coincidence. So, allow me to explain. Your companion caused some trouble in town, I heard, and then trespassed into the manor grounds without an invitation. He was told to leave at once, but refused and attempted to attack those who tried to bar his way. My guards had no choice but to put him in a cell. I assure you we have been treating him as well as we treat other ruffians in town, with meals and appropriate amenities. However, I am afraid he might have gotten pricked while trying to climb our walls and is still suffering from the effects of our protective flowers: a mild and temporary episode of delirium. You are welcome to visit him after our meal, though he might not be able to speak coherently for another few days."
@Saros:
Lord Weirding's explanation was delivered sincerely, as best as you can tell. The fact that he is upfront about it reassures that finding. As for the extended invitation to explore the library, you gather that while you are indeed welcome to do so, the lord probably mentioned his personal study as a veiled affirmation that you are not welcome to look into his private matters and chambers. You recognize the way he delivered such message as the polite and masked manner nobles and learned individuals use when trying to be respectful but still wanting to make a blunt point clear.
@Khan:
What a time for natty!
First, you reckon Lord Weirding was not aware that you knew about the grung prisoner. Mez Kara's mention of a frogling and the look toward the floor was enough for the wizard to understand what had transpired. He pivoted well and was upfront about his prisoner. The lord must be quite intelligent.
Second, you have no doubt one of your lost and surely weary subordinates would be stubborn enough in an unfamiliar setting to be considered a "ruffian" in a non-grung town. That said, you fail to see a reason why any of your lost companions would make a priority to enter the manor even after being threatened with imprisonment.
Third, all grungs are familiar with the local Chult flora and fauna. There surely are plants out there with potent enough venom to cause short-term delirium, but the yellow flowers you saw on the manor's walls are surely not one of them.
Finally, everyone here, from guards, to servants, to lord, are all wearing some sort of gloves. You gather they are familiar with grungs' mucus, or at least were ordered to wear gloves at their master's command.
Confining himself to the warm breads and selections of cheeses on offer, Ghee displays no such parsimony with the whites and reds on offer.
"Ah have tae say, sir, it must be a fine cellar ye have here. Ah'd say the white is, uh, dee-lightful. Pleasing minerality tae it. The red. Well, fruit forward...spicy finish. A beauty. Ah'd love tae take a wee keek soon there of ye'd let me?"
Saros looks to Khan for a reaction, adding "It seems the lady of fortune is smiling on at least some of us......and our thanks for your leniency.....it will be good to get him reunited with Khan and the others, and to find out what happened to him over the past few days.....did he by chance give any reason for entering your grounds?"
Whilst nothing appears off so far as he can tell, during his conversation, Saros is not yet eating any of the food nor drinking the wine, figuring that Darrik is playing the food tasters role, and Saros will wait to see if there are any ill effects, just in case.....
On the presumption that it is a definitive response that Khan will no doubt mull over for a while, Saros then pivots the conversation around to the beasts that set upon the party as the test "Where did you come by those beasts that Mez set against us earlier......I am not sure I have seen any of their kind before...?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"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;
The more Khan uncovers and pieces together, the harder it is to keep a straight face. However, by some miracle she manages it, but had to busy her eyes and hands with picking at the food using whatever utensil was available. After a moment, she says a few words casually in Grung and without looking at anyone in particular. But Ang, Ghee, and B'leep would know the truth of them.
"It's funny. Despite how sporadically our kin are to visit this place, this one is quite prepared for a visit from us."She pauses for a moment to rub her hands. "Too bad my common is so poor, for I have so much to the ask. Perhaps if Ang or B'leep would do the honor of asking if he has the 'antidote' to this flora he has so boldly allowed grow on his property despite knowing its qualities."
As she spoke however, even in a seeming calm and carefree state, she keeps a close eye on the Lord and Apprentice, gauging how much they knew of the tongue and their reactions to her words if they knew anything. In the event they did, she just smiles politely, and then look to Ang again, urging her once more to speak in regards to the deal... and anything else the clever purple might cook up on the spot.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Two more grung we're looking for..." Bleep says as he listens to the wizard's tale of how this grung ended up in the manor. "Have you heard of them, too...?"
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)
"Like I said," Lord Weirding responds to Saros' comment "He is in no condition to speak clearly. I am afraid your lost grung friend won't be able to detail what has happened to him over the last few days, nor explain his reasoning for trespassing."
Regarding the pets, as well as Darrik's question on what may cause someone to run away, he says: "There are many intriguing plants and monstrosities in the jungles of Chult. Many poisons and mind-altering venoms. The Kamadan, my pets, are a good example of both the strange fauna in the jungle and of a naturally produced and unique type of sleep-inducing substance."
Concerning Bleep's question and Darrik's comment on the Kenku, he suggests: "I am afraid not. Have you looked in the mines. Many who wander inside get lost, I'm afraid."
"My cellar is yours," He tells Ghee after politely accepting the compliments and enjoying some of the wine himself. Food-wise, he eats only small portions of various dishes, but Mez Kara is not holding back.
@Khan: They don't react to comments in your native language. They either do not understand the Grung language or are masterfully pretending they don't.
The dinner goes on as you enjoy the offerings and/or converse. Dessert time is approaching.
Khan never takes so much as a bite; and if asked, she was prepared to use every excuse possible to avoid it. Feigning illness would even come easily to her, for the burden of insight weighed heavily on her shoulders. As dinner rolled on into lunch, and seeing Ang more contemplative or quiet than preferred, the already on edge leader frowned, realizing things would fall on to her.
So, after croaking lightly to garner attention not unlike someone clearing their throat, she asked the Lord, "If have permission, we check mines. Before then, question... You not have antidote? For-..." She pauses for a moment, taking a breath through her nose as lips are lightly pressed against one another as if steeling herself. "Prisoner below. Grung Kin. If not, have healer, we do. Fix quick, they would once taken home." She said, nodding along with her own point. "Still in trouble. Still reprimand. But, we fix. He talk clearly then.. After paying back trouble caused, of course."
The whole while Khan is talking she effects such a confident air that the "cure" would be a simple matter. The same for paying whatever 'fine' the lord might've cooked up, regardless of how extraordinary.
Ghee finds his attention taken with a particularly tasty piece of runny soft cheese.
"Now ye have an idea of oor story, I wonder if'n ye might share some of your pasts wi us? How'd ye both end up in town fer instance? What is it yer lessons focus oan?"
Resting his cutlery to signify he has had enough savory food for one evening, Lord Weirding pauses for a moment to allow Khan's first words directed at him to carry their own weight. He also clears his throat, though the sound he makes comes out a little funny. He apologizes and responds: "My quartermaster at the mines deals with such requests. His name is Gregor Forskog. It is his permission you need to explore the mine, not mine."
The next pause seems even more measured. The wizard does not seem uncomfortable, just regretful about the message he is about to deliver: "Please do not misunderstand me. I have all the intention to allow you to visit your imprisoned compatriot. He will, however, remain imprisoned for the duration of his sentence. There is no fine associated with it as it is not money that I need, but order. I cannot allow someone who has been lawfully detained to be freed before the completion of their sentence. Should word of this reach the townsfolk, my rule would begin to falter. I trust that you will understand. You are welcome to stay here and wait for him to complete his sentence, of course. Another fortnight should do it."
Putting on a more pleasant expression to deliver the next bit, he says: "If you have a healer among you, you are welcome to try treating him. Unfortunately, I have not yet devised an antidote for my protective plants, but I do have one for the gas emitted by my pets should any of you need it."
Ghee then briefly changes the subject, perhaps noticing a potential point of disagreement in an otherwise pleasant meal. The lord smiles at the dwarf and replies while also briefly alluding to Saros' earlier question on his specialties: "I was a travelling scholar of all things arcane until I met my darling wife. She was a widow at the time, and struggling to manage a settlement on her own as the townsfolk refused to give her the respect she deserved. It pains me to say that I am the widower now. Her passing pained not only me but also my adoptive daughter, Celeste, who has felt unwell ever since. I had vowed to make my late wife's settlement as prosperous as I could back when we got married, and her passing has not changed that. This is my story."
Mez Kara jumps in: "My dad came into town to become a miner but picked up a lute instead. Thankfully, I did not have to learn the instrument as my Lord here recognized some magical talent in me upon our chance meeting. He paid my father for taking me in as his apprentice and the lout has never spoken to me again, not even when I go to watch him at the tavern. As for my lessons, I'm learning to create darkness next, but I haven't mastered it yet. I have a good grasp of the basics, though."
The lord speaks again before the apprentice reveals more of her spell repertoire: "Dessert will be served momentarily, but if you pardon me for a second, I need to refresh myself." He excuses himself from the table and makes his way to the first floor washroom that Bleep saw earlier. Mez Kara tries to entertain the guests by creating a Mage Hand on the table after her master has left the room.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ghee gives a brief round of applause as Mez showcases her magical talents.
"Ah, now can yer hand dae anything else lass? Throwin', or catchin'? Slight o' hand?"
As if to illustrate his point, Ghee snatches up a small bread roll and tosses it underarm at Mez's mage hand. Taking up a few more before the plates are cleared, he starts to juggle them.
"Might be ye and ma friend Saros can discuss a few pointers. Might be ye might like tae learn a trick tae make circus folk jealous?"
(OOC Is juggling impressive in DnD? Let's find out! Not sure which skill it is, so I've guessed with both. If it's needed, interpret the other as putting a fancy spin on it.)
(OOC OOF! It's feast then famine with the dice right now. Nat 20 then crit fail. Interpret that how you want @Lerus!)
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)
Ang stayed silent most of the meal, analysing the different characters. The story of the Lord seemed legit, but something in the town and in this manor seemed strange. Ang waits for the return of the Lord and finally decides to speak up. With a small noise she indicate she would like to speak and continues:
"My lord, I am indeed a decent healer. I learned a lot from my former master, bush medicine is very potent. I will take on the offer to see our fellow grung after the meal. I could also see your daughter if you like. as I said, I know remedies for quite a few affliction. I would be honoured to help as you have received us so well."
"I see." Khan's one and only response to the wizard after he laid out the rules regarding her own. Then, nothing but silence fro her for the remainder of the Lord's time with them. Though she would continue to listen to the rest, the Lord's words from then are all but tuned out in favor of contemplating his demise. With such thoughts in mind she cannot help but watch as he took his leave later to refresh.
Buuut, any chance of that happening went away with Ghee's performance absolutely flooring her...
(@Lerus: Would you considered meal time sufficiently long enough for a short rest?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Lord Weirding shows appreciation for Khan's understanding before leaving. Then, with Lord Weirding excusing himself, Ghee takes upon himself to play the role of the host/center of attention.
The young elf girl giggles at the dwarf's compliment, and commands her Mage Hand to do a flip in the air while catching the thrown baked good. She is clearly enjoying the attention. Ghee feeds on her reception of his compliment by leveraging it into a juggling act. He moves like someone who has never tried this trick before, but the results are impeccable. He starts with three bread rolls and they move rhythmically in a perfect loop despite all of the juggler's clumsy contortions. Mez is laughing loudly now, and partakes in the act by throwing the bread her Mage Hand caught back at Ghee. He seamlessly adds it to his rotation as a practiced circus performer would, and takes the addition as a challenge. Understanding it to be his own turn to up the ante, Ghee springs onto the table, knocking still-to-be-cleared plates and glasses off it with crashes and thuds. He laughs loudly, Mez claps excitedly.
It's Mez's turn. She grabs a lit candle from a holder and lifts it up toward Ghee. He kicks it up, lets it bounce onto his forehead, and... juggles all five items perfectly. For his next trick, Ghee decides to throw in the well-know dwarven tradition of table-dancing. BANG, BANG, his feet stomp on the table noisily and Mez joins in with some table banging of her own, Mage Hand and all. Ghee lifts a foot and begins to hop, letting his drink-fueled hubris take over. It is then that he steps onto some spilled wine (his own doing) and slips. He lands flat on the table, which creaks almost to the point of breaking. Many other items atop it do not "survive." Plates break, glasses shatter, utensils bend, and the cloth ignites as the juggled candle hits it.
Mez screams, the party members instinctively stand up and take a step or two back, and the servants run away. The flame begins to spread until a sudden icy blast puts it out. Lord Weirding stands in the corner of the room, his fingertips pointing toward the source of the flame. His facial expression betrays a mixture of surprise, disgust, and confusion. Silence takes over the room for several seconds.
-> Ghee's CON saving throw {DC ??}: 20 Damage: 2
Some of the icy blast also catches Ghee. (Ghee takes 4 cold damage.)
(@All: Yes, dinner was long enough for a short rest. Please roll your Hit Dice if you'd like and hit that "Short Rest" button in your character sheets.)
The silence is broken by someone who has remained mostly quiet throughout the meal and the performance. Partly trying to lead the conversation away from the embarrassing outcome and partly attempting to regain some goodwill from their host, Ang offers some treatment to Celeste, the lord's adoptive daughter. She brags a bit about her healing knowledge, which the lord seems to completely believe as he nods blankly at her for a couple of seconds, still dumbfounded by the scene in his dining hall.
He recomposes himself a moment after that: "I think we have all had enough entertainment for one evening. Mez will lead you to the cellar so you can visit and treat your imprisoned companion. However, I shall not trust any medicines I do not understand myself to be used on my daughter, even if they are administered by an accomplished healer such as my purple guest here. Please respect my request."
He turns to leave: "I'll retire now. I suggest you all do the same after your visitation and leave any exploring or use of the amenities for tomorrow." His tone is more of a request than a suggestion. You all get the feeling he is asking for you to be quiet for the evening while he convinces himself not to throw you out after Ghee's display. "Mez can show you the guest rooms..." He sighs and adds once just outside the room: "Tomorrow's another day."
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)
Despite herself, Khan nodded along in agreement to a few of Lord Wierding's points. But after which, the grung cringed inwardly, and silently reminded herself of the yet undimmed anger and indignation she had for the man. Still, a nod of acknowledgement is spared the Lord, prior to the remainder earning her attention.
Some (*cough* *Cough!* Dwarves *cough cough*) garnering more ire than most. After saying a short few words in grung, she says to Me. "Not have all night. You lead now. Quick quick. Before other incident chances. Before other incident happen."
"Hardly that strange when Mr. Ghee is involved. But, that is that one for you."
Despite Khan's knowing looks and indicative nods, the grungs stay silent at first, as do the dwarves. Some of them are waiting for the appropriate time to speak, others are simply not in the mood to talk, and Darrik is focused on the food.
Saros picks up the slack and fills the silence. At he mention of Candlekeep, the host nods as to signal that he is familiar with the city and the tower. At the mention of his own library, he says: "You are more than welcome to browse the first floor library, my fellow arcane academic, but I doubt it compares to those of Candlekeep. I keep a few tomes and books in my private study, but I'll try to remember to bring them back to the library so you can have a look at them too." Lord Weirding looks at Darrik, expecting the other scholar from Candlekeep to show a similar interest, but soon desists.
As Saros mentions the groups search for lost companions, Lord Weirding shows interest. Once the word "kenku" is used, he turns to his apprentice and says: "Hmm... A rare species. You don't see many avian humanoids around. One in our settlement would surely be noticed so I am happy to hear some of our residents were able to confirm a sighting. Have you seen the kenku, Mez?" She replies: "Can't say I have, though I'd be curious to see them if they are still in town somewhere. I have seen a frogling, though." She looks to the floor as to indicate the cellar. Her master clarifies: "Ah yes, the ruffian." He turns to the grungs at the table and continues: "I can only assume he is in your company. Some grungs visit our settlement sporadically to trade, but not enough for this to be a coincidence. So, allow me to explain. Your companion caused some trouble in town, I heard, and then trespassed into the manor grounds without an invitation. He was told to leave at once, but refused and attempted to attack those who tried to bar his way. My guards had no choice but to put him in a cell. I assure you we have been treating him as well as we treat other ruffians in town, with meals and appropriate amenities. However, I am afraid he might have gotten pricked while trying to climb our walls and is still suffering from the effects of our protective flowers: a mild and temporary episode of delirium. You are welcome to visit him after our meal, though he might not be able to speak coherently for another few days."
@Saros:
Lord Weirding's explanation was delivered sincerely, as best as you can tell. The fact that he is upfront about it reassures that finding. As for the extended invitation to explore the library, you gather that while you are indeed welcome to do so, the lord probably mentioned his personal study as a veiled affirmation that you are not welcome to look into his private matters and chambers. You recognize the way he delivered such message as the polite and masked manner nobles and learned individuals use when trying to be respectful but still wanting to make a blunt point clear.
@Khan:
What a time for natty!
First, you reckon Lord Weirding was not aware that you knew about the grung prisoner. Mez Kara's mention of a frogling and the look toward the floor was enough for the wizard to understand what had transpired. He pivoted well and was upfront about his prisoner. The lord must be quite intelligent.
Second, you have no doubt one of your lost and surely weary subordinates would be stubborn enough in an unfamiliar setting to be considered a "ruffian" in a non-grung town. That said, you fail to see a reason why any of your lost companions would make a priority to enter the manor even after being threatened with imprisonment.
Third, all grungs are familiar with the local Chult flora and fauna. There surely are plants out there with potent enough venom to cause short-term delirium, but the yellow flowers you saw on the manor's walls are surely not one of them.
Finally, everyone here, from guards, to servants, to lord, are all wearing some sort of gloves. You gather they are familiar with grungs' mucus, or at least were ordered to wear gloves at their master's command.
Confining himself to the warm breads and selections of cheeses on offer, Ghee displays no such parsimony with the whites and reds on offer.
"Ah have tae say, sir, it must be a fine cellar ye have here. Ah'd say the white is, uh, dee-lightful. Pleasing minerality tae it. The red. Well, fruit forward...spicy finish. A beauty. Ah'd love tae take a wee keek soon there of ye'd let me?"
Saros looks to Khan for a reaction, adding "It seems the lady of fortune is smiling on at least some of us......and our thanks for your leniency.....it will be good to get him reunited with Khan and the others, and to find out what happened to him over the past few days.....did he by chance give any reason for entering your grounds?"
Whilst nothing appears off so far as he can tell, during his conversation, Saros is not yet eating any of the food nor drinking the wine, figuring that Darrik is playing the food tasters role, and Saros will wait to see if there are any ill effects, just in case.....
On the presumption that it is a definitive response that Khan will no doubt mull over for a while, Saros then pivots the conversation around to the beasts that set upon the party as the test "Where did you come by those beasts that Mez set against us earlier......I am not sure I have seen any of their kind before...?"
"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;
The more Khan uncovers and pieces together, the harder it is to keep a straight face. However, by some miracle she manages it, but had to busy her eyes and hands with picking at the food using whatever utensil was available. After a moment, she says a few words casually in Grung and without looking at anyone in particular. But Ang, Ghee, and B'leep would know the truth of them.
"It's funny. Despite how sporadically our kin are to visit this place, this one is quite prepared for a visit from us." She pauses for a moment to rub her hands. "Too bad my common is so poor, for I have so much to the ask. Perhaps if Ang or B'leep would do the honor of asking if he has the 'antidote' to this flora he has so boldly allowed grow on his property despite knowing its qualities."
As she spoke however, even in a seeming calm and carefree state, she keeps a close eye on the Lord and Apprentice, gauging how much they knew of the tongue and their reactions to her words if they knew anything. In the event they did, she just smiles politely, and then look to Ang again, urging her once more to speak in regards to the deal... and anything else the clever purple might cook up on the spot.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Two more grung we're looking for..." Bleep says as he listens to the wizard's tale of how this grung ended up in the manor. "Have you heard of them, too...?"
Extended Signature
Darrik frowns.
"So you haven't seen our birdman yerself? Damn. Woulda made things easier. Ye know of anything that make cause 'im to run off like he did?"
Check out my Extended signature here
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)
"Like I said," Lord Weirding responds to Saros' comment "He is in no condition to speak clearly. I am afraid your lost grung friend won't be able to detail what has happened to him over the last few days, nor explain his reasoning for trespassing."
Regarding the pets, as well as Darrik's question on what may cause someone to run away, he says: "There are many intriguing plants and monstrosities in the jungles of Chult. Many poisons and mind-altering venoms. The Kamadan, my pets, are a good example of both the strange fauna in the jungle and of a naturally produced and unique type of sleep-inducing substance."
Concerning Bleep's question and Darrik's comment on the Kenku, he suggests: "I am afraid not. Have you looked in the mines. Many who wander inside get lost, I'm afraid."
"My cellar is yours," He tells Ghee after politely accepting the compliments and enjoying some of the wine himself. Food-wise, he eats only small portions of various dishes, but Mez Kara is not holding back.
@Khan: They don't react to comments in your native language. They either do not understand the Grung language or are masterfully pretending they don't.
The dinner goes on as you enjoy the offerings and/or converse. Dessert time is approaching.
Khan never takes so much as a bite; and if asked, she was prepared to use every excuse possible to avoid it. Feigning illness would even come easily to her, for the burden of insight weighed heavily on her shoulders. As dinner rolled on into lunch, and seeing Ang more contemplative or quiet than preferred, the already on edge leader frowned, realizing things would fall on to her.
So, after croaking lightly to garner attention not unlike someone clearing their throat, she asked the Lord, "If have permission, we check mines. Before then, question... You not have antidote? For-..." She pauses for a moment, taking a breath through her nose as lips are lightly pressed against one another as if steeling herself. "Prisoner below. Grung Kin. If not, have healer, we do. Fix quick, they would once taken home." She said, nodding along with her own point. "Still in trouble. Still reprimand. But, we fix. He talk clearly then.. After paying back trouble caused, of course."
The whole while Khan is talking she effects such a confident air that the "cure" would be a simple matter. The same for paying whatever 'fine' the lord might've cooked up, regardless of how extraordinary.
Deception: 22. (if needed)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Ghee finds his attention taken with a particularly tasty piece of runny soft cheese.
"Now ye have an idea of oor story, I wonder if'n ye might share some of your pasts wi us? How'd ye both end up in town fer instance? What is it yer lessons focus oan?"
Resting his cutlery to signify he has had enough savory food for one evening, Lord Weirding pauses for a moment to allow Khan's first words directed at him to carry their own weight. He also clears his throat, though the sound he makes comes out a little funny. He apologizes and responds: "My quartermaster at the mines deals with such requests. His name is Gregor Forskog. It is his permission you need to explore the mine, not mine."
The next pause seems even more measured. The wizard does not seem uncomfortable, just regretful about the message he is about to deliver: "Please do not misunderstand me. I have all the intention to allow you to visit your imprisoned compatriot. He will, however, remain imprisoned for the duration of his sentence. There is no fine associated with it as it is not money that I need, but order. I cannot allow someone who has been lawfully detained to be freed before the completion of their sentence. Should word of this reach the townsfolk, my rule would begin to falter. I trust that you will understand. You are welcome to stay here and wait for him to complete his sentence, of course. Another fortnight should do it."
Putting on a more pleasant expression to deliver the next bit, he says: "If you have a healer among you, you are welcome to try treating him. Unfortunately, I have not yet devised an antidote for my protective plants, but I do have one for the gas emitted by my pets should any of you need it."
Ghee then briefly changes the subject, perhaps noticing a potential point of disagreement in an otherwise pleasant meal. The lord smiles at the dwarf and replies while also briefly alluding to Saros' earlier question on his specialties: "I was a travelling scholar of all things arcane until I met my darling wife. She was a widow at the time, and struggling to manage a settlement on her own as the townsfolk refused to give her the respect she deserved. It pains me to say that I am the widower now. Her passing pained not only me but also my adoptive daughter, Celeste, who has felt unwell ever since. I had vowed to make my late wife's settlement as prosperous as I could back when we got married, and her passing has not changed that. This is my story."
Mez Kara jumps in: "My dad came into town to become a miner but picked up a lute instead. Thankfully, I did not have to learn the instrument as my Lord here recognized some magical talent in me upon our chance meeting. He paid my father for taking me in as his apprentice and the lout has never spoken to me again, not even when I go to watch him at the tavern. As for my lessons, I'm learning to create darkness next, but I haven't mastered it yet. I have a good grasp of the basics, though."
The lord speaks again before the apprentice reveals more of her spell repertoire: "Dessert will be served momentarily, but if you pardon me for a second, I need to refresh myself." He excuses himself from the table and makes his way to the first floor washroom that Bleep saw earlier. Mez Kara tries to entertain the guests by creating a Mage Hand on the table after her master has left the room.
Ghee gives a brief round of applause as Mez showcases her magical talents.
"Ah, now can yer hand dae anything else lass? Throwin', or catchin'? Slight o' hand?"
As if to illustrate his point, Ghee snatches up a small bread roll and tosses it underarm at Mez's mage hand. Taking up a few more before the plates are cleared, he starts to juggle them.
"Might be ye and ma friend Saros can discuss a few pointers. Might be ye might like tae learn a trick tae make circus folk jealous?"
Acrobatics - 13
Performance - 8
(OOC Is juggling impressive in DnD? Let's find out! Not sure which skill it is, so I've guessed with both. If it's needed, interpret the other as putting a fancy spin on it.)
(OOC OOF! It's feast then famine with the dice right now. Nat 20 then crit fail. Interpret that how you want @Lerus!)
(Oh. Oh boy.)
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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)
Ang stayed silent most of the meal, analysing the different characters. The story of the Lord seemed legit, but something in the town and in this manor seemed strange. Ang waits for the return of the Lord and finally decides to speak up. With a small noise she indicate she would like to speak and continues:
"My lord, I am indeed a decent healer. I learned a lot from my former master, bush medicine is very potent. I will take on the offer to see our fellow grung after the meal. I could also see your daughter if you like. as I said, I know remedies for quite a few affliction. I would be honoured to help as you have received us so well."
Deception (about the knowledge of remedies): 26
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
"I see." Khan's one and only response to the wizard after he laid out the rules regarding her own. Then, nothing but silence fro her for the remainder of the Lord's time with them. Though she would continue to listen to the rest, the Lord's words from then are all but tuned out in favor of contemplating his demise. With such thoughts in mind she cannot help but watch as he took his leave later to refresh.
Buuut, any chance of that happening went away with Ghee's performance absolutely flooring her...
(@Lerus: Would you considered meal time sufficiently long enough for a short rest?)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Lord Weirding shows appreciation for Khan's understanding before leaving. Then, with Lord Weirding excusing himself, Ghee takes upon himself to play the role of the host/center of attention.
The young elf girl giggles at the dwarf's compliment, and commands her Mage Hand to do a flip in the air while catching the thrown baked good. She is clearly enjoying the attention. Ghee feeds on her reception of his compliment by leveraging it into a juggling act. He moves like someone who has never tried this trick before, but the results are impeccable. He starts with three bread rolls and they move rhythmically in a perfect loop despite all of the juggler's clumsy contortions. Mez is laughing loudly now, and partakes in the act by throwing the bread her Mage Hand caught back at Ghee. He seamlessly adds it to his rotation as a practiced circus performer would, and takes the addition as a challenge. Understanding it to be his own turn to up the ante, Ghee springs onto the table, knocking still-to-be-cleared plates and glasses off it with crashes and thuds. He laughs loudly, Mez claps excitedly.
It's Mez's turn. She grabs a lit candle from a holder and lifts it up toward Ghee. He kicks it up, lets it bounce onto his forehead, and... juggles all five items perfectly. For his next trick, Ghee decides to throw in the well-know dwarven tradition of table-dancing. BANG, BANG, his feet stomp on the table noisily and Mez joins in with some table banging of her own, Mage Hand and all. Ghee lifts a foot and begins to hop, letting his drink-fueled hubris take over. It is then that he steps onto some spilled wine (his own doing) and slips. He lands flat on the table, which creaks almost to the point of breaking. Many other items atop it do not "survive." Plates break, glasses shatter, utensils bend, and the cloth ignites as the juggled candle hits it.
Mez screams, the party members instinctively stand up and take a step or two back, and the servants run away. The flame begins to spread until a sudden icy blast puts it out. Lord Weirding stands in the corner of the room, his fingertips pointing toward the source of the flame. His facial expression betrays a mixture of surprise, disgust, and confusion. Silence takes over the room for several seconds.
-> Ghee's CON saving throw {DC ??}: 20 Damage: 2
Some of the icy blast also catches Ghee. (Ghee takes 4 cold damage.)
(@All: Yes, dinner was long enough for a short rest. Please roll your Hit Dice if you'd like and hit that "Short Rest" button in your character sheets.)
The silence is broken by someone who has remained mostly quiet throughout the meal and the performance. Partly trying to lead the conversation away from the embarrassing outcome and partly attempting to regain some goodwill from their host, Ang offers some treatment to Celeste, the lord's adoptive daughter. She brags a bit about her healing knowledge, which the lord seems to completely believe as he nods blankly at her for a couple of seconds, still dumbfounded by the scene in his dining hall.
He recomposes himself a moment after that: "I think we have all had enough entertainment for one evening. Mez will lead you to the cellar so you can visit and treat your imprisoned companion. However, I shall not trust any medicines I do not understand myself to be used on my daughter, even if they are administered by an accomplished healer such as my purple guest here. Please respect my request."
He turns to leave: "I'll retire now. I suggest you all do the same after your visitation and leave any exploring or use of the amenities for tomorrow." His tone is more of a request than a suggestion. You all get the feeling he is asking for you to be quiet for the evening while he convinces himself not to throw you out after Ghee's display. "Mez can show you the guest rooms..." He sighs and adds once just outside the room: "Tomorrow's another day."
Lying prostate on the table, Ghee calls after Lord Weirding, "Thank you kindly fer yer hospitality! Sleep well m'lord!"
Bleep nods in acquiescence, not wanting to stir-up the already-thick tension.
He then says in his native tongue with a shrug.
In grung:
"Feels strange that grung aren't the source the source of friction."
Extended Signature
Darrik blinks at Ghee, and feels faintly glad he didn’t try to join in. He then promptly falls asleep in his chair.
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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)
Despite herself, Khan nodded along in agreement to a few of Lord Wierding's points. But after which, the grung cringed inwardly, and silently reminded herself of the yet undimmed anger and indignation she had for the man. Still, a nod of acknowledgement is spared the Lord, prior to the remainder earning her attention.
Some (*cough* *Cough!* Dwarves *cough cough*) garnering more ire than most. After saying a short few words in grung, she says to Me. "Not have all night. You lead now. Quick quick. Before other incident chances. Before other incident happen."
"Hardly that strange when Mr. Ghee is involved. But, that is that one for you."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.