Ronegan nods his head excitedly. "Yes! It is going to be quite the little enigma. The market is large enough where even if I am able to detect magic, it would require knowing where to look of course -- and somehow access it beyond whatever safeguards, enchantments, or illusions are in place. Why there could be any number of traps even! With so many eyes on us in Ospel,those that are able to hide this must be powerful indeed."
The halfling is quiet for a few moments, then adds "Thanks to both of you for coming. I...I have felt useless since arriving here. The Prince, or rather the King, and the Princess, do not really need me any more and it seems like Onyx is already more skilled than I could have imagined. I want to be able to help them, and if finding this place provides us answers, I would feel my role in this is justified." Ronegan's eyes harden. "Of course, its possible that the boy and I are both already damned by our gifts. But I cannot believe that there is not a way to fix it. There has to be.
Looking to the both of them, he adds. "One other request. Not a word to the others, yet. This place is secret for a reason, and I doubt those who utilize this little club would take too kindly to Master Kiran learning of it. For his part, I do think Kiran has good intentions, but I doubt even he would be able to ignore a mage nest."
OOC: I'm using the <> for when she's speaking Elvish.
El/Ro/Va:
Varen chuckles. "<I know the feeling, having to limit your talents because of the prejudice of others. And trust me, under no circumstance would I tell Kiran about this place. Angering both the divine and arcane in the city would certainly end poorly... and traitors don't lead good lives.>"
She looks to Elavor. "<You may find some... items of interest as well. Just be careful. This place could be a great asset to us.>" She pauses, considering something. "<Are there any entrances to the Old City that you know of in the Bazaar? I think finding such a passage might be a good starting point.>"
Moving with Onyx into the city streets heading to the ferry landings to the palace...
"The city is eerie and not nearly as magnificent as I once imagined as a boy," Onyx says darkly walking along with the group.
Kiran notices travelers, drunkards, and shoppers mingling together in the streets outside the Boar and the Union bazaar. No immediate threats he can see however and the path ahead seems well lit. The docks aren't far away, the swaying lights on ferry boats visible in the distance.
OOC: Everyone tell me your placement around Onyx. Also I need perception checks from all. Kiran has a good passive but hey Nat 20 is possible right?
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
For me only: 14 low
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Petal wordlessly hangs her head - walking directly alongside the King ready to dutifully carry out any tasks needed of her and carry any belongings he needs her to.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ran walks behind Onyx. Knowing that his height and size aren't going to let him go unnoticed he walks tall, looking directly at anyone who looks their way.
Elavor readily agrees with the new king with a curt nod, and heads out with Varen to escort Ronegan.
El/Ro/Va:
Elavor takes a long breath, relishing in the night air and listening to Ronegan and Varen as they walk.
"Ronegan, if I think I know the place we are headed, worry not. My silence is guaranteed. That goes for pretty much anything either of you tell me. Secrets are gold, and from what we've been through thus far, I'm sure there will be more. As far as finding an entrance to the Old CIty... I might have heard rumors of such a thing"He throws a quick wink at Varen, with a shrug. Elavor says, grinning again: "<And as to my "interest" in rarities, let's just see what's there first, shall we?>"
Kiran, Ran, and Petal escort the new king to the ferry uneventfully. They board and Onyx tips the boatman to leave. The boatman then pushes off from the docks directing those who are on the oars to pull and pull hard. It's nearly nine o'clock and the new moon gives little light. The men and women on tbe oars grunt with their efforts as water laps the sides of the boat. A wind rushes over the party but the night is relatively quiet. Beyond the lantern lit on the ferry that guides the boatman's gaze the party sits with Onyx in relative darkness.
"It seems this day began with so much hope but ends with little more than grief and anxiety of the things to come. As I feel unworthy tell me..." the young king pauses looking at each of you in turn. "Do any of you regret joining my house," he asks solemnly his face covered in the shadow cast by the hood of his cloak.
Part. 2
Approaching the Union bazaar at it's center Ronegan, Varen, and Elavor find themselves it a sea of shops and kiosks. Some are open but for the most part it looks shuttered for the day. How do you all proceed?
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Kiran stares out over the water as he shakes his head and answers quietly, “I am where I have chosen to be. Though I mourn the loss of your father just as I mourn those guards who fell defending you, I choose to look to the future. I trust your majesty to guide us and your kingdom, even if you still don’t trust me.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Party 2
As Ronegan looks around the Union Bazaar, his countenance lightens -- THIS is what he saw in his vision the previous night. He had been here, and he felt in some part of him, that he knew where to look to find some evidence of the building. He rushes ahead of Elavor and Varen. "Come come, friends. We are so close to finding something useful, I can just feel it!"
Investigation 18 (Portent Roll of 12 +6 investigation) + 3 from inspiration for 21 total
Petal reaches her hand out to Onyx “I have had a few regrets lately, but watching you grow into a kind, talented young man has not been one of them! Now, I don’t know much about what it means to be a king, but you have everything it takes to be a leader. You are worthy, and you should never tell yourself otherwise!”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Ronegan begins to lead them, Varen adds, "<This place is associated with a specific Order... and is a refuge and meeting place for those who need its particularities. Wherever the entrance is, it leads underground into the Old City below. If it's a refuge, there will be markings of some sort, though I imagine they are subtle indeed.>"
Varen thinks back to the heavy ironbound tome in the chapel below Deephallow Keep. She recalls all the time she spent pouring over it when she made her decision to join her family's legacy, learning the tenets and runes inscribed within. All to prepare for what followed...
"<Elavor, help me keep an eye out for these runes, and if you see or know anything familiar from your time exploring the city, keep us steered in the right direction.>"
She then spends a few moments describing the shape and type of markings she might expect to see on a building that belongs to the Order, so that Elavor knows what to look for. She looks carefully at the buildings nearby as they walk, trying to key into anything familiar.
Ran keeps scanning the crowd while he listens to Onyx talk and listens to the answers the others provide. He's not the one that is going to be able to help the king with his confidence. Even if he wanted to he would not have the words.
"Your majesty, your family gave me an opportunity to try and raise myself beyond being just a soldier. And for that I have no regrets," Ran begins. "But, if you will let me be blunt, do not take this line of questioning further than this group. Being a leader isn't about being worthy and ordained from above. What does worth have to do with it? A good leader tries to make more good decisions than bad decisions. Get good advice, be strong enough to ignore bad advice, think about it, and make a decision. Above all else, make a decision. Your kingdom is going to need a lot of those soon. And people will follow them, unless you look unsure of yourself. If you're unsure, they're unsure and then they get scared. And scared people are unpredictable."
Ran goes quiet, and returns to scanning the faces of those around them, wondering if he overstepped his position with the new king.
"Yes...well said all of you," Onyx replies. "We need to focus on what I can do not on the past and things I can not change," he adds with a resolve in his tone.
The ferry reaches the palace landing within minutes and the party with Onyx disembark. The docks are quiet and guards mill around looking board. Approaching tbe palace gates that will lead into the central courtyard where the individual royal house apartments said the guards on duty do not hesitate to let Onyx and the others inside once Onyx makes his presence known.
Retiring to his rooms from the party Ran, Petal, and Kiran find the apartments quiet with only a few servants about as well as several high king's guard with a recognizable female aasimar on duty too with a slightly less recognizable bronze scaled dragonborn. Opal and the queen are absent while the party is left to their own devices in the apartments.
Party 2 Ronegan, Varen, and Elavor
Together Ronegan and Varen manage to riddle out an entrance to a shop fairly far into the bazaar. It's one or four a long this particular alcove and seems to be open while the other three are shuttered for the evening. It boasts spices from far away lands as well as those not so far afield. It's a dull unassuming stone building with a dark green front with peeling paint on its wooden trim work. A sign hangs over the door that looks like a mortar and pestle. It could use a bit of paint on the lettering that's faded but it seems well kept. Does it say Malcom's Aromatics, you're not entirely sure... All signs literally and figuratively point to this shop. Varen and Ronegan having noticed subtle runic markings spread throughout the paved bazaar leading this way as well as a symbol faintly painted on the stone step outside.
Do you enter?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Ronegan reaches out and touches the sign. "You know, if we go in here -- all three of us could be declared heretics and tried, and executed in a manner that is both horrifying and creative. You could, of course, return to the apartments if you wish." He looks at Varen first and Elavor.
"If you are intent on staying, however, please keep an eye out for me for a second. I am not going in there without some preparation."
He will try to subtly cast Detect Magic before entering the shop.
Sleight of Hand: 10or
9 if advantage given from Elavor and Varen keeping watch.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Varen gives Ronegan a reassuring smile. "If you hadn't wanted to come tonight, I would have tried to find my way here eventually..." You see her clench her left hand tightly as she looks at the symbol.
She scans the nearby surroundings, moving to give the small halfling some cover from any potential prying eyes, prepared to enter the shop with him after.
Elavor follows Varen and Ronegan through the familiar bazaar... the scents of the city, the merchants, the evening air and cooking foods... it all fills hims and he senses the mischief of old.
Throughout the bazaar, and the evening, Elavor would be constantly on the lookout for any markings or other signs of thieves and their associates... just in case the others wander into any ..unsavory.. areas.
As they reach the door, Elavor is stumped. He hadn't recalled this place, though he was certain he had been by this part of the bazaar plenty of times.
"Of course, Ronegan. I'll watch for you. Do...whatever you need to prepare, then let me know when you're ready to enter the store. I'm intrigued, to say the least...."
Elavor watches up and down the alcove they're in...
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Varen/Ellie/Ronnie
Ronegan nods his head excitedly. "Yes! It is going to be quite the little enigma. The market is large enough where even if I am able to detect magic, it would require knowing where to look of course -- and somehow access it beyond whatever safeguards, enchantments, or illusions are in place. Why there could be any number of traps even! With so many eyes on us in Ospel,those that are able to hide this must be powerful indeed."
The halfling is quiet for a few moments, then adds "Thanks to both of you for coming. I...I have felt useless since arriving here. The Prince, or rather the King, and the Princess, do not really need me any more and it seems like Onyx is already more skilled than I could have imagined. I want to be able to help them, and if finding this place provides us answers, I would feel my role in this is justified." Ronegan's eyes harden. "Of course, its possible that the boy and I are both already damned by our gifts. But I cannot believe that there is not a way to fix it. There has to be.
Looking to the both of them, he adds. "One other request. Not a word to the others, yet. This place is secret for a reason, and I doubt those who utilize this little club would take too kindly to Master Kiran learning of it. For his part, I do think Kiran has good intentions, but I doubt even he would be able to ignore a mage nest."
OOC: I'm using the <> for when she's speaking Elvish.
El/Ro/Va:
Varen chuckles. "<I know the feeling, having to limit your talents because of the prejudice of others. And trust me, under no circumstance would I tell Kiran about this place. Angering both the divine and arcane in the city would certainly end poorly... and traitors don't lead good lives.>"
She looks to Elavor. "<You may find some... items of interest as well. Just be careful. This place could be a great asset to us.>" She pauses, considering something. "<Are there any entrances to the Old City that you know of in the Bazaar? I think finding such a passage might be a good starting point.>"
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Moving with Onyx into the city streets heading to the ferry landings to the palace...
"The city is eerie and not nearly as magnificent as I once imagined as a boy," Onyx says darkly walking along with the group.
Kiran notices travelers, drunkards, and shoppers mingling together in the streets outside the Boar and the Union bazaar. No immediate threats he can see however and the path ahead seems well lit. The docks aren't far away, the swaying lights on ferry boats visible in the distance.
OOC: Everyone tell me your placement around Onyx. Also I need perception checks from all. Kiran has a good passive but hey Nat 20 is possible right?
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
For me only: 14 low
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Petal wordlessly hangs her head - walking directly alongside the King ready to dutifully carry out any tasks needed of her and carry any belongings he needs her to.
perception 7
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Ran walks behind Onyx. Knowing that his height and size aren't going to let him go unnoticed he walks tall, looking directly at anyone who looks their way.
(Perception: 10 )
Elavor readily agrees with the new king with a curt nod, and heads out with Varen to escort Ronegan.
El/Ro/Va:
Elavor takes a long breath, relishing in the night air and listening to Ronegan and Varen as they walk.
"Ronegan, if I think I know the place we are headed, worry not. My silence is guaranteed. That goes for pretty much anything either of you tell me. Secrets are gold, and from what we've been through thus far, I'm sure there will be more. As far as finding an entrance to the Old CIty... I might have heard rumors of such a thing" He throws a quick wink at Varen, with a shrug. Elavor says, grinning again: "<And as to my "interest" in rarities, let's just see what's there first, shall we?>"
Kiran will move a few paces ahead of the group, rubbernecking like a tourist, but watching the people more than the sights.
Perception: 12
Party 1
Kiran, Ran, and Petal escort the new king to the ferry uneventfully. They board and Onyx tips the boatman to leave. The boatman then pushes off from the docks directing those who are on the oars to pull and pull hard. It's nearly nine o'clock and the new moon gives little light. The men and women on tbe oars grunt with their efforts as water laps the sides of the boat. A wind rushes over the party but the night is relatively quiet. Beyond the lantern lit on the ferry that guides the boatman's gaze the party sits with Onyx in relative darkness.
"It seems this day began with so much hope but ends with little more than grief and anxiety of the things to come. As I feel unworthy tell me..." the young king pauses looking at each of you in turn. "Do any of you regret joining my house," he asks solemnly his face covered in the shadow cast by the hood of his cloak.
Part. 2
Approaching the Union bazaar at it's center Ronegan, Varen, and Elavor find themselves it a sea of shops and kiosks. Some are open but for the most part it looks shuttered for the day. How do you all proceed?
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Kiran stares out over the water as he shakes his head and answers quietly, “I am where I have chosen to be. Though I mourn the loss of your father just as I mourn those guards who fell defending you, I choose to look to the future. I trust your majesty to guide us and your kingdom, even if you still don’t trust me.”
Party 2
As Ronegan looks around the Union Bazaar, his countenance lightens -- THIS is what he saw in his vision the previous night. He had been here, and he felt in some part of him, that he knew where to look to find some evidence of the building. He rushes ahead of Elavor and Varen. "Come come, friends. We are so close to finding something useful, I can just feel it!"
Investigation 18 (Portent Roll of 12 +6 investigation) + 3 from inspiration for 21 total
Party 1
Petal reaches her hand out to Onyx “I have had a few regrets lately, but watching you grow into a kind, talented young man has not been one of them! Now, I don’t know much about what it means to be a king, but you have everything it takes to be a leader. You are worthy, and you should never tell yourself otherwise!”
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
As Ronegan begins to lead them, Varen adds, "<This place is associated with a specific Order... and is a refuge and meeting place for those who need its particularities. Wherever the entrance is, it leads underground into the Old City below. If it's a refuge, there will be markings of some sort, though I imagine they are subtle indeed.>"
Varen thinks back to the heavy ironbound tome in the chapel below Deephallow Keep. She recalls all the time she spent pouring over it when she made her decision to join her family's legacy, learning the tenets and runes inscribed within. All to prepare for what followed...
"<Elavor, help me keep an eye out for these runes, and if you see or know anything familiar from your time exploring the city, keep us steered in the right direction.>"
She then spends a few moments describing the shape and type of markings she might expect to see on a building that belongs to the Order, so that Elavor knows what to look for. She looks carefully at the buildings nearby as they walk, trying to key into anything familiar.
Investigation 20
Inspiration 2
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Party 1
Ran keeps scanning the crowd while he listens to Onyx talk and listens to the answers the others provide. He's not the one that is going to be able to help the king with his confidence. Even if he wanted to he would not have the words.
"Your majesty, your family gave me an opportunity to try and raise myself beyond being just a soldier. And for that I have no regrets," Ran begins. "But, if you will let me be blunt, do not take this line of questioning further than this group. Being a leader isn't about being worthy and ordained from above. What does worth have to do with it? A good leader tries to make more good decisions than bad decisions. Get good advice, be strong enough to ignore bad advice, think about it, and make a decision. Above all else, make a decision. Your kingdom is going to need a lot of those soon. And people will follow them, unless you look unsure of yourself. If you're unsure, they're unsure and then they get scared. And scared people are unpredictable."
Ran goes quiet, and returns to scanning the faces of those around them, wondering if he overstepped his position with the new king.
Party 1 Ran/Petal/Kiran
"Yes...well said all of you," Onyx replies. "We need to focus on what I can do not on the past and things I can not change," he adds with a resolve in his tone.
The ferry reaches the palace landing within minutes and the party with Onyx disembark. The docks are quiet and guards mill around looking board. Approaching tbe palace gates that will lead into the central courtyard where the individual royal house apartments said the guards on duty do not hesitate to let Onyx and the others inside once Onyx makes his presence known.
Retiring to his rooms from the party Ran, Petal, and Kiran find the apartments quiet with only a few servants about as well as several high king's guard with a recognizable female aasimar on duty too with a slightly less recognizable bronze scaled dragonborn. Opal and the queen are absent while the party is left to their own devices in the apartments.
Party 2 Ronegan, Varen, and Elavor
Together Ronegan and Varen manage to riddle out an entrance to a shop fairly far into the bazaar. It's one or four a long this particular alcove and seems to be open while the other three are shuttered for the evening. It boasts spices from far away lands as well as those not so far afield. It's a dull unassuming stone building with a dark green front with peeling paint on its wooden trim work. A sign hangs over the door that looks like a mortar and pestle. It could use a bit of paint on the lettering that's faded but it seems well kept. Does it say Malcom's Aromatics, you're not entirely sure... All signs literally and figuratively point to this shop. Varen and Ronegan having noticed subtle runic markings spread throughout the paved bazaar leading this way as well as a symbol faintly painted on the stone step outside.
Do you enter?
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Ronegan reaches out and touches the sign. "You know, if we go in here -- all three of us could be declared heretics and tried, and executed in a manner that is both horrifying and creative. You could, of course, return to the apartments if you wish." He looks at Varen first and Elavor.
"If you are intent on staying, however, please keep an eye out for me for a second. I am not going in there without some preparation."
He will try to subtly cast Detect Magic before entering the shop.
Sleight of Hand: 10 or
9 if advantage given from Elavor and Varen keeping watch.
Varen gives Ronegan a reassuring smile. "If you hadn't wanted to come tonight, I would have tried to find my way here eventually..." You see her clench her left hand tightly as she looks at the symbol.
She scans the nearby surroundings, moving to give the small halfling some cover from any potential prying eyes, prepared to enter the shop with him after.
Perception 5
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Elavor follows Varen and Ronegan through the familiar bazaar... the scents of the city, the merchants, the evening air and cooking foods... it all fills hims and he senses the mischief of old.
Throughout the bazaar, and the evening, Elavor would be constantly on the lookout for any markings or other signs of thieves and their associates... just in case the others wander into any ..unsavory.. areas.
As they reach the door, Elavor is stumped. He hadn't recalled this place, though he was certain he had been by this part of the bazaar plenty of times.
"Of course, Ronegan. I'll watch for you. Do...whatever you need to prepare, then let me know when you're ready to enter the store. I'm intrigued, to say the least...."
Elavor watches up and down the alcove they're in...
Elavor give me a perception check.
Ronegan you cast your spell but you can not sense anything magical about the shop.
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Assuming his casting of Detect Magic goes off without interference, Ronegan will enter the shop.