"more rats! what is this coming too? well, I'm glad I got my trusty weapon!" then he turns to the stranger is the path "hey you, in the red robe, who are you? and have you seen any musicians of late?"

Jormund wonders where Enya went... hadn't gotten a chance to ask about the cat...

Assuming this fellow plans on being an obstacle, the dwarf turns to the guy in the red outfit, "Would you rather protect your carrion mound or the high-born of Amphail from the rats? What's your name so we can tell 'em who sent the rats back? Or we can have our musician friend let 'em loose right here... next to you? Up to you?"

((ooc In other words Jormund is attempting to)) Intimidate 4

Bryn

”Yes they do appear to be on the side of good but in my wanderings over the years I have encountered enough of those that put on a show of being good to make me wary when newly meeting others..... yourself included, no offense. It’s easier to trust a fellow elf, but one still has to be wary, especially when wandering alone.”

Enya has managed to wedge herself slightly between Jormund's back and his crossbow, front paws resting on his shoulder. It doesn't look very comfortable, but she seems content to sit there for now.

The man in the red tunic takes a step back and holds up his hands "Woah woah woah, not all at once! Please, I didn't mean to come across as rude, I just was taken aback by this strange procession of yours. I am Doloran Brightbottom, and I am responsible for the management and oversight of this dumping site. Let's discuss what you hope to do here with these rats, then we can make a plan of action. 

With that, he glances over at the piper and exclaims "My my! A rat leading rats, now that is a sight! Let me take a closer look at you!"  And he will move over to look at the musician.  

Insight 10 or up:

 Insight 15 and up:

 Insight 20:

Bryn

Jared

Jared will narrow his eyes a bit at his Insight but will stay calm and let wiser people ferret this all out, for now. 

Jormund

As the man gets close to him and the musician, he clips his hammer to his chest, says "Yeah, that happened to him this morning in the market."

And he steps over as though he's going to have a closer look, too. But the moment he's in reach he will attempt an Attack to grapple.

((ooc any chance Jormund has an advantage?))

Jormund, give me a deception check. If you beat a DC 11, roll an initiative check with advantage.   

Everyone, roll for initiative. Jormund, Bryn, and Doloran will act in a surprise round, then we will proceed as normal for an encounter.

Monster Initiative 7

Jared

Initiative: 11

Jormund

Deception 15

Initiative 13

Rowan Initiative: 13

Jormund

((ooc Looks like we might get to go before him. If so, here goes... w/o advantage roll))

Grapple attack - STR (Athletics): 24

(Not sure where this falls in the timeline but....)

As soon as Bryn notices points out the additional "guests" to Vedui.

(Assuming they are close enough to get to at least the crossbow men in time Bryn will say the following with a wolfish grin)

"Time for a little fun.... I bet the Mr. Red Robe is counting on those hidden 4 to ambush the group, lets see if we can quietly take them out before the trap is sprung. Crossbows first then the other two." (If Vedui agrees they both sneak over to quietly dispatch as many of the 4 as they can, picture an old WWII commando movies where they take out a sentry/guard with a knife.)

Stealth approach Crossbow 1: 16

Dual Wield Dagger Attack 1: 15 Damage: 7

Dual Wield Dagger Attack 2: 17 Damage: 3

(If there isn't time Bryn will instead say)

"We need to warn them, get ready to fight." Once Vedui is ready to fight Bryn will loose an arrow at Mr Red Robe and yell in common, "IT'S A TRAP!!!!!" 

Bow Attack on Mr. Red Robe: 13 Damage: 6

(Rolled with advantage, can reroll if added in error)

Quote from Zalmanni >>

(Not sure where this falls in the timeline but....)

As soon as Bryn notices points out the additional "guests" to Vedui.

(Assuming they are close enough to get to at least the crossbow men in time Bryn will say the following with a wolfish grin)

"Time for a little fun.... I bet the Mr. Red Rob is counting on those hidden 4 to ambush the group, lets see if we can quietly take them out before the trap is sprung. Crossbows first then the other two." (If Vedui agrees they both sneak over to quietly dispatch as many of the 4 as they can, picture an old WWII commando movies where they take out a sentry/guard with a knife.)

Stealth approach Crossbow 1: 16

Dual Wield Dagger Attack 1: 15 Damage: 7

Dual Wield Dagger Attack 2: 17 Damage: 3

(If there isn't time Bryn will instead say)

"We need to warn them, get ready to fight." Once Vedui is ready to fight Bryn will loose an arrow at Mr Red Robe and yell in common, "IT'S A TRAP!!!!!" 

Bow Attack on Mr. Red Robe: 13 Damage: 6

(Rolled with advantage, can reroll if added in error)

I'll say Vedui can act in the surprise round as well. Can you both give initiative rolls?

Bryn Initiative: 14

Quote from Zalmanni >>

Bryn Initiative: 14

 Great! I assume you stick with the commando attack?

Quote from rustleinthewoods >>

Jormund

((ooc Looks like we might get to go before him. If so, here goes... w/o advantage roll))

Grapple attack - STR (Athletics): 24

 You are rolling hot today!

(I cannot explain in-game why Ann wasn't looking for danger while they were traveling, but it is what it is. That's what happens when I'm slower than the game's current pace.)

Ann Initiative: 6

Quote from Naveyman >>

Quote from Zalmanni >>

Bryn Initiative: 14

 Great! I assume you stick with the commando attack?

Yes, with the intent of eliminating all 4 “guests” before Jormund strikes Mr Red Robe if time and distance allows.

The 4 people were in motion to encircle the group while red robe was talking, so by the time you sneak up the action is about to begin. I'll give you a choice: you can take the bow attack and shout the warning, and get rid of the surprise round for everyone except you, or use the commando attack and keep the surprise round.