To Rowan, "In my clan we have a saying, 'The parents can only make the molten and shape the cast.'"
"Even we people of the mountains have youth who want a different shape for their lives, but they must all eventually find the part of the World-mail they want to hold to and make strong. ... And I think you must have talent to have acquired such skill on your own. Those of my land who have such talents usually apprentice to a loremaster or a war specialist. I dunne know any who teach magic who ain't dwarves, but ye might consider finding a teacher. Finding the right guide might help ye along faster. But them, too, usually come with a price... likely not marriage, but service certainly. And it's difficult to serve unless you know they'll take ye where ye seek to go."
"There was a regiment of dwarvish lordlings told only to 'guard the frontier' and eagerly they went to do so. But at the first frontier which was already mostly safe they found another even more in want of guarding, so eagerly they went to do so. And from there they saw an even more opportune place to make a sure defense. And from there they saw an even better place. And on and on... into the Underdeep they went further and further, doing their duty but never quite specific about what a frontier was or where it lay. And... they en't come back yet."
He realizes he may have drifted a bit longer than is sociable. Catches himself, turns back to Jared... "Oh, master Chef, just realized I'm new to these parts as well you know. But I really don't know where to lead a pack o' rats! Any suggestion? ... and then maybe we can get back to breakfast... and then to business?"
Jared "I'll catch up. I suggest the Rat-Prince lead those rats out of town and towards the hills to the south."
"Ah, makes sense... much obliged."
Jormund will fall in next to the rat-man and say loudly to him sideways as they walk, "We can make introductions later. I thank ye to keep piping. But while we're at it, do ye think ye can make it to them hills?"
"what's this rat king yo speak of?." then Quinry turns to the shepherdess "I'll take a quarterstaff. could I ask you. your a halfling, have you heard of anything with my tribe? its called the Vinver tribe, and its a nomadic warrior tribe of halflings"
Seeing the muscician being well led by the others Vedui will step away from the rest "I must still make a delivery to the mortuary...I will catch you on the road..."
Vedui will run back to the corpse of the elderly couple and deliver them to the Mortuary....if he sees his boss..."My apologize sir, but I must leave quickly. I believe we will find the cause of death of these two is related to the rat problem in the square...and I must make sure these are sent out so that no more innocents are killed."
He will stop to grab his spear and throwing shuriken as well...
In case he needs to track the others...survival 16
Bryn accompanies Vedui for several reasons, as escort incase any further weirdness happens, because he does not fully trust the newcomers yet, and to see if they can quickly find out anything more from the corpses.
Ann plans to stay with Rowan. She'll go back and take the horse she'd left behind with her once she has the time, but she leaves the rats alone, seeing the issue being resolved by others, even if she's not too confident about the way it was solved."Miss Rowan, if you want to go with them, we can make a slight detour before coming back. We still don't know what happens when the musician stops playing his song in the wilderness. It's possible another fight breaks out."
Jormund will fall in next to the rat-man and say loudly to him sideways as they walk, "We can make introductions later. I thank ye to keep piping. But while we're at it, do ye think ye can make it to them hills?"
He points a mailed finger to the south.
While still piping, the rat-man bows to you and nods, "Yes... It's the least... I can do!" And begins walking south out of town.
Vedui will run back to the corpse of the elderly couple and deliver them to the Mortuary....if he sees his boss..."My apologize sir, but I must leave quickly. I believe we will find the cause of death of these two is related to the rat problem in the square...and I must make sure these are sent out so that no more innocents are killed."
As you enter the mortuary, you see your boss, Mortium, a normally solemn, grave, implacable man with a dull red beard and an a limp, now crouches dishevelled in the corner and has barricaded himself behind a table and is holding a bone saw in one hand and a pan in another. "Blasted Rats! Those things were scampering everywhere in here too! I must've seen a dozen of them! One even bit me! They seem to have left for the moment though." He straightens himself up. "By all means, go help the town be rid of this pestilence! I'll prep for examining these two. We will find the answers together. "
"what's this rat king yo speak of?." then Quinry turns to the shepherdess "I'll take a quarterstaff. could I ask you. your a halfling, have you heard of anything with my tribe? its called the Vinver tribe, and its a nomadic warrior tribe of halflings"
"Vinver, Huh? Doesn't ring a bell." After a pause, she adds "It's odd though, that name does sound a lot like a legendary halfling warrior my father would tell about in stories. His name was Vinvera, so perhaps they're connected? I'll buy you a beer when you get back and tell you the tale!" With that she leaves.
So after gathering your supplies and weapons, the group proceeds south into the hills.
Despite its longevity, Rowan listens to Jormund's story with rapt attention. At one point she even grabs a quill and piece of parchment from the small bag at her side to write something down.
"I guess... But don't you want to see what happens?"She responds to Ann. Once she has a reply, she turns back to Jormund to continue their conversation. "Did you ever have somebody to teach you? Or did you figure things out on your own?"
((Passive perception is 10. Rowan is content to follow where the others go - she's mostly just curious to see how this will play out and to talk to Jormund more about his magic.))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jormund
Passive Perception: 12
As we troop our way through and out of south Amphail, Jormund will monitor the musician for fatigue or change of countenance, and make sure the rats stay entranced. He will also watch for watchers. Anybody who looks very interested he'll try to deduce their intention with Insight 21.
Alright, so how far do you guys take the rats, and what do you intend to do?
Jormund will continue to lead the musician and his entourage toward the hills that Jared mentioned and wait for at least Jared to catch up before he asks everybody, "Any bright ideas on a place to let these things stop dancing? My thought is to find the nearest wild area, not farmland, where they're less likely to cause property or person damage and then ask this gentleman to stop playing. If they go nuts, well then it may be time to smash or barbecue some rats. But I'd rather they feed the hawks and cougars, if ye have cougars down in these parts.
I'd like to ask the piper some questions, but I may need me a breakfast before that..."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jared
Once Jared checks things out with the tavern and gets his gear, he will rush back to meet up with the party.
Question #2: As Jared goes off to get his gear and check on Boris he will scan his memory to see if there are any tidbits of information in his memory about rat swarms, magical pipers or if there are any feuds going on in the Village presently.
clarification on question number 2. I was trying to open the opportunity for people to investigate what's going on using their different abilities. For example, use arcana to examine the pipe or rats, history to recall info, etc. Jormund's post is a great example
"I guess... But don't you want to see what happens?"
Ann seems surprised by the question. "Oh, you misunderstand me. If a fight breaks out there in the wilds, I want to be there to make sure they return safely. That helps our decision, though." Ann says, climbing in her borrowed horse, ready to leave with Rowan and the rest of them.
Ann's not expecting to know anything about it, but she does try to examine her memory to see if it rings any bells.
"Did you ever have somebody to teach you? Or did you figure things out on your own?"
To Rowan, "Teachers, well... sorta. My calling happened while I was serving as a soldier in the orc wars. There weren't anybody around to teach me at first. I knew what I had to do and felt that the Forge-father had given me a clear picture to start. I guess my first magic was sorta by inspiration. I willed it and my will was aligned, so it just sorta happened to happen."
"But it did take a while and some teaching to get my mind and heart in just such a spot to make it easy and to control it better... Well some of it. Some things feel easy. And some things are still harder."
"Anyway, after that tour was up I visited the temple hall near our residence and had a good long chat with a disciple of Moradin there. Somber fellow, gorsh!"He makes a grim rumpled look, then continues, "He asked a lot of questions at first but probably cause I could do a bit of magic he authentificated me into the study of the faithful. I weren't no natural fit there. They was all about guardianship and protection. Rituals upon rituals. My calling was to go forth and forge the World-mail with me hammer! The service was what I liked..."
"But they taught me a disciplined way to meditate and pray that makes the harder spells stick in me mind like clockwork. Only I don't have no book. For my magic comes from the will of the All-father. I have to know what he wants and want the same thing enough to picture my needs in my mind and desire them with my heart. And then the act of casting is just calling that to mind and following the recipe, I suppose. Not really like cooking, although I guess we cooked up some rats!" He can't help but laugh in a way that makes his beard bounce about.
"So I think a teacher's good, even if grim. And I have studied a bit the ways of writing spells... but I bet your book there's not in Dethek... What do you want to learn? What are you working on? If you don't mind MY asking?"
"Not at all!"Rowan grins, obviously excited to have somebody to talk with. "The magic I use comes from something my books called the Weave. It's hard to explain, but it's all around us, and once you connect to it, you can always feel it just beyond your fingertips."She reaches out as if to touch something that isn't quite there, then realizes she probably looks stupid and awkwardly pulls her hand back in.
"Then comes the hard part - getting it to do what you want. Some people can pull at and shape its strands on their own, but the mages I read about controlled it with written runes and tools like a wand or staff. The runes are... complicated, to say the least. Each symbol or word doesn't have just one meaning, they're more like vague jumbles of ideas and intentions. If you combine them in the right ways, nearly anything is possible, but messing it up can be disastrous."
She pauses again, realizing she might be getting off-track. "All that to say, I've been working on a lot of things. They take varying amounts of energy to cast, and some require minutes or even hours of reading from my journal and carefully pulling the Weave into place. There's one I finished recently that I'm pretty proud of. It lets me summon a creature from a different plane into ours."At this point her smile has only grown wider, and she looks like she's itching to show someone.
As they walk, she also tries to get a better look at the musician's pipes and see if there's anything obviously magical about them - any carvings or symbols - and how they might work if there is.
As Bryn and Vedui hurry to catch up with the group Bryn asks, “If the rats were involved with the cabin, why didn’t they consume the couple’s flesh? Nature doesn’t waste resources and to rats the couple’s bodies would have been a food resource. Also, not to pry, but how does an elf end up working at a mortuary? It is one of the last things I would picture one of our people doing. I assume there is an interesting story behind it.”
Do the bite marks on the victims in the market match the marks on the bodies from the cabin? Investigation: 8
Bryn also thinks about what knows he causes rats to swarm like that. Nature: 12
Jormund, you attempt to keep an eye on the people that stop and stare at your strange procession. Everyone appears to be a combination of startled and fascinated by the spectacle.
However,
you notice as you pass down the road several men in street clothes react not with fear and revulsion, but surprise and frustration. After darting glances too each other, you notice them immediately duck behind buildings and they are lost from view.
Jared, Now that the chaos of the battle has subsided, you search for any clue as to what could be going on in this situation.
You are aware of the existence of an item known as the [Tooltip Not Found] from stories your mother told you as a child about the pied piper. While the item played by the rat-man appears to be similar in nature, the stories never said anything about the rats going mad or becoming violent when control was lost.
You are also aware that there are constant feuds between the noble houses in Amphail. The major noble houses are the Amcathra, Ilzimmer, and Roaringhorn houses, but no rumors have reached your hears about any more than the usual squabbles between arrogant flop-mop nobles. Among the less noble houses, there are two major ranching dynasties and several hundred other minor families in town. The largest is the old Oglyntyr family, but lately, the Hemzar family has come into its own in the area, joining together several large holdings into a substantial ranch. They have kept to themselves personally so far, so not much else is known about them.
Ann, you know that it was a lovely ride through the foothills to reach Amphail from Waterdeep, but not much else about this region.
Rowan, after observing the pipes closely, you can clearly tell that they are under some sort of enchantment magic, but most of the items' true properties elude you.
Perhaps with more time and study, you could discover more about their magic. However, you do notice once curious carving: A small fish has been carved into the largest of the pipes recently, and it does not appear to be part of the original runes enchanting the pipe.
Bryn, your passing glances at the wounded does not tell you enough about the bites to make a positive ID.
In nature, you know rats are communal creatures, but rarely swarm aggressively unless extreme hunger makes them fight each other for scarce resources, or disease maddens them.
Also, you notice one event in passing. A snake, startled by the passing throng of people and rats, lashed out at one of the rodents. After it was struck, it immediately started attacking the snake, and they rolled off into the grass and were lost from sight.
It sounds like you are looking for a deserted area to dispose of the rat swarms. Anybody proficient in survival or nature or is native to the area can give me a check to identify a location suitable for this.
"... There's one I finished recently that I'm pretty proud of. It lets me summon a creature from a different plane into ours."At this point her smile has only grown wider, and she looks like she's itching to show someone.
Jormund gives Rowan a look of thoughtful consideration, "Ye've got my curiosity up! But I've gotta ask... this creature ye summon, what sorta nature does it have? ... Perhaps more importantly, what's it going to do with a bunch o' rats running to and fro? ... And if we get into any more scrap, are you gonna still be able to weave some of that handy fire you made earlier? I'm not sure whether we're outta the woods or walking straight into 'em. You catch my spark's fire o' meaning?"
"And where'd that shorter, hin friend of yours get off to? He looked handy with a rat thumper?"
Jormund looks around to see who's with the procession as he starts to mutter tactics of rat suppression under his breath, between exchanges with the lady on the horse... "The music stops... I'm over that way... We get that bow about there... Maybe the lady with the skewer around the other side... Caster in line o' sight to the piper... hmm, no... maybe..."
When Jared returns Jormund greets and asks, "Hallo! Well met again. I know we've got some fish to catch. But given the potential loss of life here... Anyway, fishing later, yeah?"
"Did you notice? There were some interested parties scuttling in the shadows and backdrops back there in town. Any idea who they could be or how we could find out? Once this business be done, I mean."
Jormund
To Rowan, "In my clan we have a saying, 'The parents can only make the molten and shape the cast.'"
"Even we people of the mountains have youth who want a different shape for their lives, but they must all eventually find the part of the World-mail they want to hold to and make strong. ... And I think you must have talent to have acquired such skill on your own. Those of my land who have such talents usually apprentice to a loremaster or a war specialist. I dunne know any who teach magic who ain't dwarves, but ye might consider finding a teacher. Finding the right guide might help ye along faster. But them, too, usually come with a price... likely not marriage, but service certainly. And it's difficult to serve unless you know they'll take ye where ye seek to go."
"There was a regiment of dwarvish lordlings told only to 'guard the frontier' and eagerly they went to do so. But at the first frontier which was already mostly safe they found another even more in want of guarding, so eagerly they went to do so. And from there they saw an even more opportune place to make a sure defense. And from there they saw an even better place. And on and on... into the Underdeep they went further and further, doing their duty but never quite specific about what a frontier was or where it lay. And... they en't come back yet."
He realizes he may have drifted a bit longer than is sociable. Catches himself, turns back to Jared... "Oh, master Chef, just realized I'm new to these parts as well you know. But I really don't know where to lead a pack o' rats! Any suggestion? ... and then maybe we can get back to breakfast... and then to business?"
Jormund Edgebeveller in Amphail Adventures
Jormund
"Ah, makes sense... much obliged."
Jormund will fall in next to the rat-man and say loudly to him sideways as they walk, "We can make introductions later. I thank ye to keep piping. But while we're at it, do ye think ye can make it to them hills?"
He points a mailed finger to the south.
Jormund Edgebeveller in Amphail Adventures
"what's this rat king yo speak of?." then Quinry turns to the shepherdess "I'll take a quarterstaff. could I ask you. your a halfling, have you heard of anything with my tribe? its called the Vinver tribe, and its a nomadic warrior tribe of halflings"
as he gets an answer, he'll run back to get his double-bladed scimitar
I am an average mathematics enjoyer.
>Extended Signature<
Vedui
Seeing the muscician being well led by the others Vedui will step away from the rest "I must still make a delivery to the mortuary...I will catch you on the road..."
Vedui will run back to the corpse of the elderly couple and deliver them to the Mortuary....if he sees his boss..."My apologize sir, but I must leave quickly. I believe we will find the cause of death of these two is related to the rat problem in the square...and I must make sure these are sent out so that no more innocents are killed."
He will stop to grab his spear and throwing shuriken as well...
In case he needs to track the others...survival 16
Bryn accompanies Vedui for several reasons, as escort incase any further weirdness happens, because he does not fully trust the newcomers yet, and to see if they can quickly find out anything more from the corpses.
Oriovar - Wood Elf Cleric (1) - Sword Coast Campaign
Roy Quigley - Human Artificer (1) - Karrion's Spelljammer Academy Starboard
Ann plans to stay with Rowan. She'll go back and take the horse she'd left behind with her once she has the time, but she leaves the rats alone, seeing the issue being resolved by others, even if she's not too confident about the way it was solved. "Miss Rowan, if you want to go with them, we can make a slight detour before coming back. We still don't know what happens when the musician stops playing his song in the wilderness. It's possible another fight breaks out."
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
While still piping, the rat-man bows to you and nods, "Yes... It's the least... I can do!" And begins walking south out of town.
As you enter the mortuary, you see your boss, Mortium, a normally solemn, grave, implacable man with a dull red beard and an a limp, now crouches dishevelled in the corner and has barricaded himself behind a table and is holding a bone saw in one hand and a pan in another. "Blasted Rats! Those things were scampering everywhere in here too! I must've seen a dozen of them! One even bit me! They seem to have left for the moment though." He straightens himself up. "By all means, go help the town be rid of this pestilence! I'll prep for examining these two. We will find the answers together. "
"Vinver, Huh? Doesn't ring a bell." After a pause, she adds "It's odd though, that name does sound a lot like a legendary halfling warrior my father would tell about in stories. His name was Vinvera, so perhaps they're connected? I'll buy you a beer when you get back and tell you the tale!" With that she leaves.
So after gathering your supplies and weapons, the group proceeds south into the hills.
Lenalia BrightSong Bard Sorcerer in Coliseum of Conquest
DM For Amphail Adventures
Alright, so how far do you guys take the rats, and what do you intend to do?
Also, as you travel, everyone do 2 things.
1. Let me know what your passive perception is.
2. Ask a question, either in character or OOC, about the situation, and justify a skill check to learn the answer.
Lenalia BrightSong Bard Sorcerer in Coliseum of Conquest
DM For Amphail Adventures
1. 12
2. what?
I am an average mathematics enjoyer.
>Extended Signature<
Despite its longevity, Rowan listens to Jormund's story with rapt attention. At one point she even grabs a quill and piece of parchment from the small bag at her side to write something down.
"I guess... But don't you want to see what happens?" She responds to Ann. Once she has a reply, she turns back to Jormund to continue their conversation. "Did you ever have somebody to teach you? Or did you figure things out on your own?"
((Passive perception is 10. Rowan is content to follow where the others go - she's mostly just curious to see how this will play out and to talk to Jormund more about his magic.))
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
Jormund
Passive Perception: 12
As we troop our way through and out of south Amphail, Jormund will monitor the musician for fatigue or change of countenance, and make sure the rats stay entranced. He will also watch for watchers. Anybody who looks very interested he'll try to deduce their intention with Insight 21.
Jormund will continue to lead the musician and his entourage toward the hills that Jared mentioned and wait for at least Jared to catch up before he asks everybody, "Any bright ideas on a place to let these things stop dancing? My thought is to find the nearest wild area, not farmland, where they're less likely to cause property or person damage and then ask this gentleman to stop playing. If they go nuts, well then it may be time to smash or barbecue some rats. But I'd rather they feed the hawks and cougars, if ye have cougars down in these parts.
I'd like to ask the piper some questions, but I may need me a breakfast before that..."
Jormund Edgebeveller in Amphail Adventures
Jared
Once Jared checks things out with the tavern and gets his gear, he will rush back to meet up with the party.
Question #2: As Jared goes off to get his gear and check on Boris he will scan his memory to see if there are any tidbits of information in his memory about rat swarms, magical pipers or if there are any feuds going on in the Village presently.
Arcane: 22
History: 18
clarification on question number 2. I was trying to open the opportunity for people to investigate what's going on using their different abilities. For example, use arcana to examine the pipe or rats, history to recall info, etc. Jormund's post is a great example
Lenalia BrightSong Bard Sorcerer in Coliseum of Conquest
DM For Amphail Adventures
Ann's Passive Perception: 13
Ann seems surprised by the question. "Oh, you misunderstand me. If a fight breaks out there in the wilds, I want to be there to make sure they return safely. That helps our decision, though." Ann says, climbing in her borrowed horse, ready to leave with Rowan and the rest of them.
Ann's not expecting to know anything about it, but she does try to examine her memory to see if it rings any bells.
History Check: 5
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
Jormund
To Rowan, "Teachers, well... sorta. My calling happened while I was serving as a soldier in the orc wars. There weren't anybody around to teach me at first. I knew what I had to do and felt that the Forge-father had given me a clear picture to start. I guess my first magic was sorta by inspiration. I willed it and my will was aligned, so it just sorta happened to happen."
"But it did take a while and some teaching to get my mind and heart in just such a spot to make it easy and to control it better... Well some of it. Some things feel easy. And some things are still harder."
"Anyway, after that tour was up I visited the temple hall near our residence and had a good long chat with a disciple of Moradin there. Somber fellow, gorsh!" He makes a grim rumpled look, then continues, "He asked a lot of questions at first but probably cause I could do a bit of magic he authentificated me into the study of the faithful. I weren't no natural fit there. They was all about guardianship and protection. Rituals upon rituals. My calling was to go forth and forge the World-mail with me hammer! The service was what I liked..."
"But they taught me a disciplined way to meditate and pray that makes the harder spells stick in me mind like clockwork. Only I don't have no book. For my magic comes from the will of the All-father. I have to know what he wants and want the same thing enough to picture my needs in my mind and desire them with my heart. And then the act of casting is just calling that to mind and following the recipe, I suppose. Not really like cooking, although I guess we cooked up some rats!" He can't help but laugh in a way that makes his beard bounce about.
"So I think a teacher's good, even if grim. And I have studied a bit the ways of writing spells... but I bet your book there's not in Dethek... What do you want to learn? What are you working on? If you don't mind MY asking?"
Jormund Edgebeveller in Amphail Adventures
"Not at all!" Rowan grins, obviously excited to have somebody to talk with. "The magic I use comes from something my books called the Weave. It's hard to explain, but it's all around us, and once you connect to it, you can always feel it just beyond your fingertips." She reaches out as if to touch something that isn't quite there, then realizes she probably looks stupid and awkwardly pulls her hand back in.
"Then comes the hard part - getting it to do what you want. Some people can pull at and shape its strands on their own, but the mages I read about controlled it with written runes and tools like a wand or staff. The runes are... complicated, to say the least. Each symbol or word doesn't have just one meaning, they're more like vague jumbles of ideas and intentions. If you combine them in the right ways, nearly anything is possible, but messing it up can be disastrous."
She pauses again, realizing she might be getting off-track. "All that to say, I've been working on a lot of things. They take varying amounts of energy to cast, and some require minutes or even hours of reading from my journal and carefully pulling the Weave into place. There's one I finished recently that I'm pretty proud of. It lets me summon a creature from a different plane into ours." At this point her smile has only grown wider, and she looks like she's itching to show someone.
As they walk, she also tries to get a better look at the musician's pipes and see if there's anything obviously magical about them - any carvings or symbols - and how they might work if there is.
Arcana: 14
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
Bryn: Passive Perception 14
As Bryn and Vedui hurry to catch up with the group Bryn asks, “If the rats were involved with the cabin, why didn’t they consume the couple’s flesh? Nature doesn’t waste resources and to rats the couple’s bodies would have been a food resource. Also, not to pry, but how does an elf end up working at a mortuary? It is one of the last things I would picture one of our people doing. I assume there is an interesting story behind it.”
Do the bite marks on the victims in the market match the marks on the bodies from the cabin? Investigation: 8
Bryn also thinks about what knows he causes rats to swarm like that. Nature: 12
Oriovar - Wood Elf Cleric (1) - Sword Coast Campaign
Roy Quigley - Human Artificer (1) - Karrion's Spelljammer Academy Starboard
Okay, let's start from the top.
Jormund, you attempt to keep an eye on the people that stop and stare at your strange procession. Everyone appears to be a combination of startled and fascinated by the spectacle.
However,
you notice as you pass down the road several men in street clothes react not with fear and revulsion, but surprise and frustration. After darting glances too each other, you notice them immediately duck behind buildings and they are lost from view.
Jared, Now that the chaos of the battle has subsided, you search for any clue as to what could be going on in this situation.
You are aware of the existence of an item known as the [Tooltip Not Found] from stories your mother told you as a child about the pied piper. While the item played by the rat-man appears to be similar in nature, the stories never said anything about the rats going mad or becoming violent when control was lost.
You are also aware that there are constant feuds between the noble houses in Amphail. The major noble houses are the Amcathra, Ilzimmer, and Roaringhorn houses, but no rumors have reached your hears about any more than the usual squabbles between arrogant flop-mop nobles. Among the less noble houses, there are two major ranching dynasties and several hundred other minor families in town. The largest is the old Oglyntyr family, but lately, the Hemzar family has come into its own in the area, joining together several large holdings into a substantial ranch. They have kept to themselves personally so far, so not much else is known about them.
Ann, you know that it was a lovely ride through the foothills to reach Amphail from Waterdeep, but not much else about this region.
Rowan, after observing the pipes closely, you can clearly tell that they are under some sort of enchantment magic, but most of the items' true properties elude you.
Perhaps with more time and study, you could discover more about their magic. However, you do notice once curious carving: A small fish has been carved into the largest of the pipes recently, and it does not appear to be part of the original runes enchanting the pipe.
Bryn, your passing glances at the wounded does not tell you enough about the bites to make a positive ID.
In nature, you know rats are communal creatures, but rarely swarm aggressively unless extreme hunger makes them fight each other for scarce resources, or disease maddens them.
Also, you notice one event in passing. A snake, startled by the passing throng of people and rats, lashed out at one of the rodents. After it was struck, it immediately started attacking the snake, and they rolled off into the grass and were lost from sight.
It sounds like you are looking for a deserted area to dispose of the rat swarms. Anybody proficient in survival or nature or is native to the area can give me a check to identify a location suitable for this.
Lenalia BrightSong Bard Sorcerer in Coliseum of Conquest
DM For Amphail Adventures
Jared
Once Jared makes it back to the group he will help them find a spot that might be good to release the rats if they can.
Survival: 12
Nature: 16
(OCC: Dang! hitting the Nat 20s of late.)
Jormund
Jormund gives Rowan a look of thoughtful consideration, "Ye've got my curiosity up! But I've gotta ask... this creature ye summon, what sorta nature does it have? ... Perhaps more importantly, what's it going to do with a bunch o' rats running to and fro? ... And if we get into any more scrap, are you gonna still be able to weave some of that handy fire you made earlier? I'm not sure whether we're outta the woods or walking straight into 'em. You catch my spark's fire o' meaning?"
"And where'd that shorter, hin friend of yours get off to? He looked handy with a rat thumper?"
Jormund looks around to see who's with the procession as he starts to mutter tactics of rat suppression under his breath, between exchanges with the lady on the horse... "The music stops... I'm over that way... We get that bow about there... Maybe the lady with the skewer around the other side... Caster in line o' sight to the piper... hmm, no... maybe..."
When Jared returns Jormund greets and asks, "Hallo! Well met again. I know we've got some fish to catch. But given the potential loss of life here... Anyway, fishing later, yeah?"
"Did you notice? There were some interested parties scuttling in the shadows and backdrops back there in town. Any idea who they could be or how we could find out? Once this business be done, I mean."
"Oh and where're we goin'?"
Jormund Edgebeveller in Amphail Adventures