"Well.. If we're going full covert. I do feel someone should track Mithann... both to know more about her and for some safety.. though at this point I feel like that is unneeded. But still. We'll divide and conquer. You two seem to be commited to your plan.. So, others will have to try watching and watching over Mithann." holding his hands together in front of his face, considering what optiosn they haves
The sounds of chatter nearby die off over time, only the constant wind, crackling campfires, and the occasional distant wolf howl fills your ears, the caravan has settled down for the night quietly, groups huddled close together around campfires dot a long line of wagons on the Ten-Trail. You are roughly past the mid part of the wagon line, a bit off the center, behind a snow bank where Mithann had sought some private chatter before, the Caravan Master and Warduke are said to be at the front wagons, while others you've already made acquaintances of can be easily found around the campfires, as can all other unfamiliar faces within the perimeters the guards have set. Ignazio's hired crew from Ship Rethnor lazily circle about the encampment, their numbers halved for turns but still seemingly able to cover the whole wagon line within sight—reasonably, of course.
What do you intend to do before (or after) your long rests?
Prior to bedding down to the night, Red will ask Vanys (and anyone else not involved in the current covert plan), "Should we try to watch over Mithann? For our and her safety? If so, how do we go about it? Shifts? Its hard to see in this storm.. might not be worth trying instead of resting for whatever happens tomorrow."
(I don't think we have the tools to sneakily watch her given teh weather.. so might not be worth it)
"When you put it this way it does look suspicious," frowned Mihris, "though I would say anything and anyone would, there can be a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this."The idea of the priestess to be not the one who she said she was did not sit well with the tiefling and she pushed the thought back, concentrating on the chosen mission. "Let us walk to the Duke's wagon. Not sure I will be good at the light show, but will try my best to distract anyone interfering with your magic, Mia."
Two women, long time members of the caravan, openly walking in the direction of Ignazio's head-wagon should not have raze any suspicion, or so she hoped. "We can always say we wanted to ask about details of tomorrow trials."
Mia busily moves her feet to much her pace with Mihris. The fog and darkness are also preventing the girls from standing out from others. "If you feel unsure about your light showI can assist you with my mouse marching show!" Before they find the wagon of warduke, the little elf explains to her friend about her plan.
First,they use the Emboldening Bond of Mihris and the Guidance spell to maximize their stealth.
Next, Mihris dims the fire to give the guards disadvantage on their perception. Mia sends her animal friend to distract the sentries and give themselves advantage on stealth.
Last, praying to their deities, rush into the wagon and befriend the warduke with their charm!
"Oh wait… Miri. Maybe you should stay outside of the wagon and keep your eyes in case someone comes to visit the warduke. You can warn me with your message spell. Also you can distract the guards when my spell fails and I need to run."
Mihris smiled - Mia's enthusiasm was contagious and certainly could brighten the mood. "You give too much credits to my magic, I am afraid "message" is not something I can do. But I can try make a loud distracting noise in case we have to leave the scene in a hurry. I will wait for you outside."
She indeed stood the guard while Mia was doing her magic inside the wagon.
Mialee and Mihris move through the fog, the campfires around barely hold their flames against the wind, let alone properly illuminate the whole caravan. Guards move about the perimeter of the encampment, seemingly only like somewhat distant figures holding torches against the blue-white fog around, they don't seem to notice you, looking mostly to the outside of the camp. You creep forward across wagons, pack beasts, and sleeping travelers near them, until you reach a man who fits the description,—tall, bald, middle-aged, angular features, and a red cloak wrapped around over the sleeping bag he's sleeping in—seems to be Warduke Emial. Nearby are the wagons of a nonbinary elf, of the priest Arsenio, and of a reserved human female you briefly saw before—among these, only the three commoners in Arsenio's service are outside now, all asleep on the other side of the wagon.
You send off your distractive rat over to the guards' directions and creep closer, then weave your spell as silently as possible, targeting the sleeping man. Nothing happens. You think your spell has taken hold, but he's still soundly asleep.
I'm assuming that was Charm Person? Go ahead and roll your Stealth checks at advantage too. Since the guards have disadvantage due to the fog I think it will be enough, but just so I have a number to work with if needed.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mia silently moves to Warduke. This is the second time, she charms someone while they're sleeping. Mia doesn't have much experience in charm spell but it seems the magic has succeeded. The little elf gently shakes the bald man and whispers to his ear."Arise. I'm here. Open your eyes and see me."
The Warduke wakes up as you nudge him, shaking his head and seemingly confused. He twists to take his arms off the sleeping bag and rub his eyes, blinking several times before managing to focus on nearby Mialee, he scowls angrily. But the scowl is gone in but a moment, replaced by a warm and friendly smile, "Oh, Hi! It's... Uh, it's... You!" he shifts and pushes himself a bit more out of his sleeping bag to get into a sitting position and yawns, "A bit too late, uh? Anything you need, friend?" he says still rubbing his eyes.
(I DID IT!) While raising a clenched fist in her heart, Mia desperately reminds what happened the last time she used a charm spell. That night…because the room is dark and Mia didn't say much (also she probably had a bad nightmare about her deceased grandmother), the little girl took the druid as her granny. (If I want to repeat the same thing how should I do?)
Mia lowers her hood to conceal her face and she says. "Yes Emial,it's me. The higher up warned me that you are in danger. The great one sent me to aid you."Mia uses ambiguous words so that warduke will use his own imagination. People are easy to doubt others' words but hard to suspect their own thoughts." Now I must know your situation. I've heard that there will be a trial and a suspect is going to be banished. Tell me who is the suspect and why such a sudden trial with no evidence must be made?"
The Warduke unexpectedly laughs off at Mialee's words, "Higher ups? What do you mean, girl? I'm to be the the higher up in these parts real soon." he shakes his head, "No, no, these fools have no idea what's going on here, I'm completely fine, it will all work out, don't worry." he waves his hand dismissively as he yawns. "Everything is set up for when the caravan reaches the next pass." he starts to settle down into his sleeping bag once again, "Just stay out of it when it happens, eh?" he lays back against the bundle of furs he's using as a pillow but remains awake, "Any other reason for waking me up in the middle of the night?"
The rest of the camp remains quiet, only the guards seem to roam about in the perimeter.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Oh this isn't good. This isn't good at all!) Mia is not a human expert. But she has an auntie who is also an adventurer and likes to share her interesting experience with her little niece. And this bald guy sounds very much like the megalomaniac mastermind from auntie Tithy's story.
Mia changes her voice into a wheedling tone. "Oh Please accept my sincere apologies. I underestimate your power and intelligence"The little elf bows her head low and makes gestures to cast Guidance on herself. "Please explain to me again, Emial. Because I'm not as wise as you. What will happen when the caravan reaches the next pass? And how the trial and suspect relate to it? And …Oh yes I come here to warn you. There are lowlifes in the caravan who start to suspect why a noble like Warduke travels alone without a bodyguard. I'm afraid that they are up to no-good. In that case, how can you protect yourself? And how can you proof your title to those peasants?"
Emboldening Bond 3
Guidance 2
Persuasion 18
I hope the Emboldening Bond is still in effect. I have added advantage on Persuasion because of the Charm person spell. If DM doesn't agree with my roll, I will edit my post.
((Yeah, Emboldening Bond is in effect. That's correct, you have advantage on all Charisma checks due to the Charmed condition.))
Warduke Emial laughs at Mialee's compliments, "You flatter me, girl." when you mention the suspicions, "Why, dim-witted as they are, of course they suspect. They suspect because the real Warduke lies dead in a pool of mud back in Luskan, of course!" he laughs again, this time with a cruel hint, but suddenly some sort of doubt crosses his "Why am I being to open with you, again? I barely met you..." he shakes off the feeling and looks over to his Lord's Alliance signet ring absently caressing it for a moment, "I can protect myself, worry not. But now let me rest, I must be prepared tomorrow."
((Your spell is definitely still in effect, Emial is just questioning himself why is he being so friendly to an acquaintance.))
((If anyone else wants to do anything around the caravan at night, feel free to.))
Red will set out for the night, to keep an eye on Mithrann best he can considering. She shouldn't be difficult to find; and does his best to try not to be obvious or problematic.
7 to attempt to find her add +2 if Perception or +5 if investigation 8 Stealth to attempt to be nonchalant and not overly obvious; I don't need to be close enough to hear. i simply want to figure out where her camp is and then camp a relative distance where I can see her via campfire of her own. Armour is not on currently as its bed time
Mihris was still on a look-out duty (probably with the mouse, tasked with distracting guards as well somewhere in the caravan). She did not exactly hide but was ready with her story about sleepless night and necessity to talk about tomorrow meeting.
Red is able to find Mithann rather easily while looking about In the front of the caravan, Ignazio's six wagons form a rough circle to break the wind and allow multiple campfires inside the ring to warm up the area a bit better, after that, a single wagon stands a dozen feet away (that's Brita's, she can't be seen but may be inside with closed flap). Mithann's campfire burns close to Brita's wagons while she leans against one of the wooden wheels near the draft horses, in an uneasy shifting between exhausted sleep and less-than-effective vigilance. Nearby a broad and rough fellow with short-cropped hair and an unfriendly face snores soundly huddled in furs against a rock. The rest of the caravan is spread at a distance from this area, no one seems to have noticed you.
Just outside of the wagon circle on the other side, Mihris is able to see both the distracted guards further out and Mialee whispering to Emial inside. Just now, the guards seem to have shooed the rat away and are heading back to their patrols around the encampment, one of the forms you see through the form is heading towards your direction.
Red settles in for the night, setting camp relatively close but not obtusely so. Alone he can't watch all night, but he can watch a considerable amount of it at least. Such shall his night be spent, guarding and watching until sleep takes him.
(Unless V or someone else ended up coming with him and wants half the night, Red won't watch the entire night due to sleep requirements and the potential to be kicked out means he's hesistant to be unprepared)
(I have no other such prepatory actions for the night; baring other player interactions occurring)
"…I was relieved to hear that. I won't bother you anymore. Have a good rest and sweet dreams." Mia bows her head lower to avoid being noticed by her astonishment. The air is freezing cold but her back is wet with sweat. (This is the best I can do today!)Mia feels the warms and confidence from Mihris's miracle start to wear away. The elf girl hurriedly leaves the warduke and returns to her friend. "…This is bad,Miri! Far more worse than we thought. Let's go back to others and discuss what we are going to do next!"Mia pulls Mihris's sleeve and urges her on leaving. She will explain to her friend what she has talked with fake warduke on their way to the wagon.
Hearing about the stealth mission, Vanys would have approved of the idea of gathering more information. As the Mia and Miri went off to question the Warduke and Red understandably went to watch over the priestess, Vanys would have stood somewhere in between them, relaying any information that they found back and forth so that everyone was up to date with what the rest of the party was finding. Assuming that Miri shared that Mia found something out, Vanys would immediately send a message to Red telling the artificer to meet them at the camp to discuss something and he himself would also start walking towards their camp to meet with Mia and Miri. (OOC: I am assuming that we set up our own camp before heading out to do this... Otherwise, Vanys would have just coordinated the party meeting any place that he deemed a safe place to talk.)
(OOC: This seems like the most logical way that Vanys would have gotten involved... If there is a greater than 240 feet distance between Red and Mia/Miri, then Vanys will pretend to pace back and forth around the caravan giving the impression that he is just having trouble falling asleep, but still using his magic to keep the party in touch.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Red would opine to Vanys his intention to remain and keep watch from a distance. Whether the group intends to join him, or fill him in the short and dirty version in the mornig is up to the others. "I'll be fine to play catch up in the mornin' should keep an eye out. I trust you all to be prudent."
(If there is a telephone game going on and it reaches Red that one may very well be an imposter; he'll even more elect to remain here. As she's even more suspicious or in even more danger)
"Well.. If we're going full covert. I do feel someone should track Mithann... both to know more about her and for some safety.. though at this point I feel like that is unneeded. But still. We'll divide and conquer. You two seem to be commited to your plan.. So, others will have to try watching and watching over Mithann." holding his hands together in front of his face, considering what optiosn they haves
The sounds of chatter nearby die off over time, only the constant wind, crackling campfires, and the occasional distant wolf howl fills your ears, the caravan has settled down for the night quietly, groups huddled close together around campfires dot a long line of wagons on the Ten-Trail. You are roughly past the mid part of the wagon line, a bit off the center, behind a snow bank where Mithann had sought some private chatter before, the Caravan Master and Warduke are said to be at the front wagons, while others you've already made acquaintances of can be easily found around the campfires, as can all other unfamiliar faces within the perimeters the guards have set. Ignazio's hired crew from Ship Rethnor lazily circle about the encampment, their numbers halved for turns but still seemingly able to cover the whole wagon line within sight—reasonably, of course.
What do you intend to do before (or after) your long rests?
Art Portfolio
Prior to bedding down to the night, Red will ask Vanys (and anyone else not involved in the current covert plan), "Should we try to watch over Mithann? For our and her safety? If so, how do we go about it? Shifts? Its hard to see in this storm.. might not be worth trying instead of resting for whatever happens tomorrow."
(I don't think we have the tools to sneakily watch her given teh weather.. so might not be worth it)
"When you put it this way it does look suspicious," frowned Mihris, "though I would say anything and anyone would, there can be a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this." The idea of the priestess to be not the one who she said she was did not sit well with the tiefling and she pushed the thought back, concentrating on the chosen mission. "Let us walk to the Duke's wagon. Not sure I will be good at the light show, but will try my best to distract anyone interfering with your magic, Mia."
Two women, long time members of the caravan, openly walking in the direction of Ignazio's head-wagon should not have raze any suspicion, or so she hoped. "We can always say we wanted to ask about details of tomorrow trials."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Mia busily moves her feet to much her pace with Mihris. The fog and darkness are also preventing the girls from standing out from others. "If you feel unsure about your light showI can assist you with my mouse marching show!" Before they find the wagon of warduke, the little elf explains to her friend about her plan.
First,they use the Emboldening Bond of Mihris and the Guidance spell to maximize their stealth.
Next, Mihris dims the fire to give the guards disadvantage on their perception. Mia sends her animal friend to distract the sentries and give themselves advantage on stealth.
Last, praying to their deities, rush into the wagon and befriend the warduke with their charm!
"Oh wait… Miri. Maybe you should stay outside of the wagon and keep your eyes in case someone comes to visit the warduke. You can warn me with your message spell. Also you can distract the guards when my spell fails and I need to run."
Mihris smiled - Mia's enthusiasm was contagious and certainly could brighten the mood. "You give too much credits to my magic, I am afraid "message" is not something I can do. But I can try make a loud distracting noise in case we have to leave the scene in a hurry. I will wait for you outside."
She indeed stood the guard while Mia was doing her magic inside the wagon.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Mialee and Mihris move through the fog, the campfires around barely hold their flames against the wind, let alone properly illuminate the whole caravan. Guards move about the perimeter of the encampment, seemingly only like somewhat distant figures holding torches against the blue-white fog around, they don't seem to notice you, looking mostly to the outside of the camp. You creep forward across wagons, pack beasts, and sleeping travelers near them, until you reach a man who fits the description,—tall, bald, middle-aged, angular features, and a red cloak wrapped around over the sleeping bag he's sleeping in—seems to be Warduke Emial. Nearby are the wagons of a nonbinary elf, of the priest Arsenio, and of a reserved human female you briefly saw before—among these, only the three commoners in Arsenio's service are outside now, all asleep on the other side of the wagon.
You send off your distractive rat over to the guards' directions and creep closer, then weave your spell as silently as possible, targeting the sleeping man. Nothing happens. You think your spell has taken hold, but he's still soundly asleep.
I'm assuming that was Charm Person? Go ahead and roll your Stealth checks at advantage too. Since the guards have disadvantage due to the fog I think it will be enough, but just so I have a number to work with if needed.
Art Portfolio
Mia silently moves to Warduke. This is the second time, she charms someone while they're sleeping. Mia doesn't have much experience in charm spell but it seems the magic has succeeded. The little elf gently shakes the bald man and whispers to his ear."Arise. I'm here. Open your eyes and see me."
Bonus Duce 2D4: 6 (Emboldening Bond + Guidance)
Stealth :22
The Warduke wakes up as you nudge him, shaking his head and seemingly confused. He twists to take his arms off the sleeping bag and rub his eyes, blinking several times before managing to focus on nearby Mialee, he scowls angrily. But the scowl is gone in but a moment, replaced by a warm and friendly smile, "Oh, Hi! It's... Uh, it's... You!" he shifts and pushes himself a bit more out of his sleeping bag to get into a sitting position and yawns, "A bit too late, uh? Anything you need, friend?" he says still rubbing his eyes.
Art Portfolio
(I DID IT!) While raising a clenched fist in her heart, Mia desperately reminds what happened the last time she used a charm spell. That night…because the room is dark and Mia didn't say much (also she probably had a bad nightmare about her deceased grandmother), the little girl took the druid as her granny. (If I want to repeat the same thing how should I do?)
Mia lowers her hood to conceal her face and she says. "Yes Emial,it's me. The higher up warned me that you are in danger. The great one sent me to aid you." Mia uses ambiguous words so that warduke will use his own imagination. People are easy to doubt others' words but hard to suspect their own thoughts." Now I must know your situation. I've heard that there will be a trial and a suspect is going to be banished. Tell me who is the suspect and why such a sudden trial with no evidence must be made?"
The Warduke unexpectedly laughs off at Mialee's words, "Higher ups? What do you mean, girl? I'm to be the the higher up in these parts real soon." he shakes his head, "No, no, these fools have no idea what's going on here, I'm completely fine, it will all work out, don't worry." he waves his hand dismissively as he yawns. "Everything is set up for when the caravan reaches the next pass." he starts to settle down into his sleeping bag once again, "Just stay out of it when it happens, eh?" he lays back against the bundle of furs he's using as a pillow but remains awake, "Any other reason for waking me up in the middle of the night?"
The rest of the camp remains quiet, only the guards seem to roam about in the perimeter.
Art Portfolio
(Oh this isn't good. This isn't good at all!) Mia is not a human expert. But she has an auntie who is also an adventurer and likes to share her interesting experience with her little niece. And this bald guy sounds very much like the megalomaniac mastermind from auntie Tithy's story.
Mia changes her voice into a wheedling tone. "Oh Please accept my sincere apologies. I underestimate your power and intelligence" The little elf bows her head low and makes gestures to cast Guidance on herself. "Please explain to me again, Emial. Because I'm not as wise as you. What will happen when the caravan reaches the next pass? And how the trial and suspect relate to it? And …Oh yes I come here to warn you. There are lowlifes in the caravan who start to suspect why a noble like Warduke travels alone without a bodyguard. I'm afraid that they are up to no-good. In that case, how can you protect yourself? And how can you proof your title to those peasants?"
Emboldening Bond 3
Guidance 2
Persuasion 18
I hope the Emboldening Bond is still in effect. I have added advantage on Persuasion because of the Charm person spell. If DM doesn't agree with my roll, I will edit my post.
((Yeah, Emboldening Bond is in effect. That's correct, you have advantage on all Charisma checks due to the Charmed condition.))
Warduke Emial laughs at Mialee's compliments, "You flatter me, girl." when you mention the suspicions, "Why, dim-witted as they are, of course they suspect. They suspect because the real Warduke lies dead in a pool of mud back in Luskan, of course!" he laughs again, this time with a cruel hint, but suddenly some sort of doubt crosses his "Why am I being to open with you, again? I barely met you..." he shakes off the feeling and looks over to his Lord's Alliance signet ring absently caressing it for a moment, "I can protect myself, worry not. But now let me rest, I must be prepared tomorrow."
((Your spell is definitely still in effect, Emial is just questioning himself why is he being so friendly to an acquaintance.))
((If anyone else wants to do anything around the caravan at night, feel free to.))
Art Portfolio
Red will set out for the night, to keep an eye on Mithrann best he can considering. She shouldn't be difficult to find; and does his best to try not to be obvious or problematic.
7 to attempt to find her add +2 if Perception or +5 if investigation
8 Stealth to attempt to be nonchalant and not overly obvious; I don't need to be close enough to hear. i simply want to figure out where her camp is and then camp a relative distance where I can see her via campfire of her own. Armour is not on currently as its bed time
Mihris was still on a look-out duty (probably with the mouse, tasked with distracting guards as well somewhere in the caravan). She did not exactly hide but was ready with her story about sleepless night and necessity to talk about tomorrow meeting.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Red is able to find Mithann rather easily while looking about In the front of the caravan, Ignazio's six wagons form a rough circle to break the wind and allow multiple campfires inside the ring to warm up the area a bit better, after that, a single wagon stands a dozen feet away (that's Brita's, she can't be seen but may be inside with closed flap). Mithann's campfire burns close to Brita's wagons while she leans against one of the wooden wheels near the draft horses, in an uneasy shifting between exhausted sleep and less-than-effective vigilance. Nearby a broad and rough fellow with short-cropped hair and an unfriendly face snores soundly huddled in furs against a rock. The rest of the caravan is spread at a distance from this area, no one seems to have noticed you.
Just outside of the wagon circle on the other side, Mihris is able to see both the distracted guards further out and Mialee whispering to Emial inside. Just now, the guards seem to have shooed the rat away and are heading back to their patrols around the encampment, one of the forms you see through the form is heading towards your direction.
Art Portfolio
Red settles in for the night, setting camp relatively close but not obtusely so. Alone he can't watch all night, but he can watch a considerable amount of it at least. Such shall his night be spent, guarding and watching until sleep takes him.
(Unless V or someone else ended up coming with him and wants half the night, Red won't watch the entire night due to sleep requirements and the potential to be kicked out means he's hesistant to be unprepared)
(I have no other such prepatory actions for the night; baring other player interactions occurring)
"…I was relieved to hear that. I won't bother you anymore. Have a good rest and sweet dreams." Mia bows her head lower to avoid being noticed by her astonishment. The air is freezing cold but her back is wet with sweat. (This is the best I can do today!) Mia feels the warms and confidence from Mihris's miracle start to wear away. The elf girl hurriedly leaves the warduke and returns to her friend. "…This is bad,Miri! Far more worse than we thought. Let's go back to others and discuss what we are going to do next!" Mia pulls Mihris's sleeve and urges her on leaving. She will explain to her friend what she has talked with fake warduke on their way to the wagon.
Hearing about the stealth mission, Vanys would have approved of the idea of gathering more information. As the Mia and Miri went off to question the Warduke and Red understandably went to watch over the priestess, Vanys would have stood somewhere in between them, relaying any information that they found back and forth so that everyone was up to date with what the rest of the party was finding. Assuming that Miri shared that Mia found something out, Vanys would immediately send a message to Red telling the artificer to meet them at the camp to discuss something and he himself would also start walking towards their camp to meet with Mia and Miri. (OOC: I am assuming that we set up our own camp before heading out to do this... Otherwise, Vanys would have just coordinated the party meeting any place that he deemed a safe place to talk.)
(OOC: This seems like the most logical way that Vanys would have gotten involved... If there is a greater than 240 feet distance between Red and Mia/Miri, then Vanys will pretend to pace back and forth around the caravan giving the impression that he is just having trouble falling asleep, but still using his magic to keep the party in touch.)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Red would opine to Vanys his intention to remain and keep watch from a distance. Whether the group intends to join him, or fill him in the short and dirty version in the mornig is up to the others. "I'll be fine to play catch up in the mornin' should keep an eye out. I trust you all to be prudent."
(If there is a telephone game going on and it reaches Red that one may very well be an imposter; he'll even more elect to remain here. As she's even more suspicious or in even more danger)