Elements of the Apocalypse IC

[Rolhir]

OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?528840-Elements-of-the-Apocalypse-OOC&p=22149503#post22149503)

In recent times, there has been much upheaval in the Dessarin Valley. To the north, King Oluthir suddenly died without an heir resulting in a bloody scramble for power. Backed by the Red Mages of Thay, the new King Ruslan was able to silence all opposition to his reign. With all of his efforts focused on internal threats, the new king has done little to prevent the Uthgardt orcs from raiding further and further south even past Yartar and are now seen as far south as Red Larch. With a growing Uthgardt prescense and lack of government stability, many have left Mirabar coming down The Long Road towards Triboar, Yartar, and Red Larch.

To the east, the Sylvan elves have retreated into the Kryptgarden Forest in response to Uthgardt aggression. It has been nearly a year since there has been any news of Sylvan activity in the valley. (for those looking at the Dessarin Valley Player Map, I have switched the names of the Kryptgarden Forest and the High Forest so that the latter is up in the mountains).

To the west, the roads out to the coast have been plagued by bandits, and there have even been rumors of dragon sightings. Travel has become a rarity on these roads.

To the south, Waterdeep is much as it ever was, at least on the surface. While those living in Waterdeep might claim that they are untouched by the troubles from the north, fewer traders and adventurers passing through have begun to create noticeable shortages affecting peasants and nobles alike. The Lords of Waterdeep would never admit it, but the city has seen better days.

The Dessarin Valley itself has become increasingly dangerous seemingly by the day. Banditry has been on the rise. Hearing of wild creature attacks is becoming commonplace. Even the weather has turned against the valley with frequent sudden storms wrecking havoc on crops. Some residents have left the valley heading south to Waterdeep, but most have stayed simply because the valley is the only home they've ever known. If anything, in fact, that populations of the villages in Dessarin have increased due to the influx of refugees from the North.

=============================================

It's another stormy day in Waterdeep. The city is full of tiny rivers through cobblestones created by the rain flowing off the rooftops. At frequent intervals, the gloom is lit up by flashes of lightning attempting to breach the magical weather wards around the city. People from all races crowd the sides of the narrow streets, still going about their business and trying in vain to stay dry.

As you approach, you can see the spires of Lord Meren's manor tower above the nearby homes. Like most of the other Lords of Waterdeep, he had his home built right into the stone wall surrounding the city proper. Separating the manor from the hustle and bustle of the streets is a walled garden with wide shallow steps in the center going up to the front door. Around the corner to the right of the front door, you can hear the neighing of horses obviously stabled for the Lord's servants' use. The gardnerer, an young elven woman, continues to go about her work inspecting each of her flowers, not even noticing that anyone's arrived. The door guard, however, has had his eyes on you since the moment you stepped off the street. He appears to be one of Lord Meren's personal knights as his armor bears the Lord's crest of a red dragon.

"Come on in out of the rain. Don't dawdle now, the Lord be expecting ya" says the door guard as he waves you up the steps. As you step over the threshold, it takes your eyes a moment to adjust to the brightly lit entry hall. "Ah, you've arrived! I apologize that Lord Meren is not here to greet you himself." A cheery male gnome dressed in an elegant red coat walks in from one of the many hallways. "My name is Dorser, and I'm in charge of Lord Meren's manor. He is currently occupied with other matters and will be with you presently. While the main hall is currently occupied, allow me to escort you to the library where you can wait more comfortably until he is available to speak with you. Please leave your weapons at the door here with Sir Kaeric. Right this way if you please."

Dorser leads you briskly through several hallways and up a stairwell before you reach the library. Warmth radiates out from the fire in the corner behind a desk piled with papers and books. There are book shelves 15 feet high lining the curved walls of the room. At one end, there is an ornate table with a pitcher, some cups, a bowl of fruit, underneath a large window looking out over the city below. "Please help yourself to some wine if you'd like. The I'm sure the others will be arriving soon. If you require anything, just say my name. This house is enchanted to notify me whenever anyone does." Dorser bows and backs out of the room closing the doors behind him.

Each of you will arrive one by one except for Dismas who I will bring in once everyone else has posted. The order will be based on whatever order you post in. You are welcome to do more prior to arriving in the library if you wanted to talk more with the npcs or make any skill checks.

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand-Human Barbarian

This is was the big time. He'd looked at big houses. He'd walked by them, even. But Marcus had never been in a house this big before. And now he'd been summoned. Things were looking up.

"Take care of that for me, will ya." grunts Marcus as he tosses his greataxe to the unsuspecting servant without missing a step. The servant stumbles back as the hefty weapon hits him in the chest. Marcus follows Dorser through the halls to the library. When told the wine is free, Marcus immediately pours a glass that is fuller than etiquette would allow and bolts it. Dorser makes a face. "Uh...sir? You may want to leave some for our other guests."

"You should get another bottle." Marcus pointedly pours another glass and downs it slowly, eyeing Dorser the whole time. Once Dorser leaves, Marcus plops down in a chair by the fire to dry out his wet clothes. Marcus didn't really care for all the fancy things like servants and books. Post the job on a notice board and meet me in a tavern with good ale, I say. But this is what you had to do if you wanted to get hired by folks with coin. He also didn't care much for needing help, but this was probably going to be the biggest job he'd been hired for. So he waited for the others. And who knows, the pay out might be worth it.

[Rolhir]

Before long, Dorser returns with another servant in tow bearing a tray with three more bottles. "I took the liberty of bringing some stronger drink for you, sir, in addition to the wine," Dorser says with a smirk while . "I'm not quite certain how to pronounce it's original dwarven name, but it translates aptly to Throatburn. Please enjoy." He and the servant leave Marcus alone once again.

If you drink any of it, please make a Fort save DC 10 :)

[Carissacat]

Petra steps in out of the rain, water dripping down her travel clothes and onto the elegant wooden floor of Lord Maren's manor. Sir Kaeric stands in the entranceway having just put away Marcus' weapon.

"Ah my lady. Dorser will be along in just a moment. If you can please relinquish your weapons to me so that I might put them in safe storage for the time being"

Petra looks at him for a long moment. A very long moment. It gets to the point where Kaeric is awkwardly shuffling on his feet and considering asking the question again to see if she has not heard him before she makes her move. Without a word Petra reaches behind her and unclips two handaxes from her belt. She carefully places them in Kaeric's hands before also removing her longbow and placing it on top of the axes. As she does so she leans into Kaeric's face.

"These are very important to me."

Just then Dorser appears.

"Our next guest has arrived it seems. My name is Dorser and if you will please follow me to the library my Lord will meet you there shortly"

As she begins to follow Dorser further into the building she turns round to look intently at Kaeric until he is out of her field of view. Dorser attempts to make small talk on the way but Petra does not respond to any prompts at all and the conversation quickly ends. Dorser pauses briefly to clear his throat before opening the door

"Mister Backhand, may I present Lady Petra of the Dusk Circle. She will be one of your companions on this journey. Lady Petra this is Mister Marcus Backhand."

Petra completely ignores Marcus and makes her way to a chair near to the fire to get dry. Taking off her heavy travel clock she sets it down in front of the fire to dry before grabbing the entire bowl of fruit and sitting down. In the firelight her skin has points that sparkle at certain angles and she watches this out of the corner of her eye before turning away from the fire completely and starts to make her way through the fruit.

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus swipes the Dwarven Throatburn from the table and takes a long pull straight from the bottle. I'll wipe that smirk off your face, Dorser.
[roll0]

Marcus can feel why the locals call it Throatburn. He feels the fire slide down to his belly, where it does more to warm him than the fire. He turns to Dorser with a smug but appreciative look.

"This stuff is good! Hits the spot.

When Petra enters, Marcus gives her an appraising look. Heh. This should be fun. We'll see how she does when the fight is on. He slides the Throatburn along the table toward Petra. "To wash down that rabbit food. It's got a slight kick."

[Carissacat]

Petra looks at the bottle and then back to Marcus. She shakes her head slowly and returns to eating her fruit.

[Minescratcher]

Duri Stormhammer stumbled into the library, slipping on the water dripping from his clothes and beard. With a hearty laugh, he went straight for the neglected bottle and chugged it, wiping his beard afterward with a satisfied sigh.

"Ah, good old Ironbarrel brew. Not his best, but not bad."

After a quick glance at the other two adventurers, Duri sat down heavily in the chair closest to the window, looking out into the storm.

[roll0] vs DC 10
...Way to start the game, huh? :smallwink:

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

"Now there's a dwarf what knows how to start a job!" Marcus extends his forearm in a traditional greeting of brothers in arms. He thumbs a hand at Petra. "Marcus Backhand. She ain't much for talkin' or drinkin', but the silent, sober types usually kill stuff as good as the rest of us."

[Minescratcher]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

"Now there's a dwarf what knows how to start a job!" Marcus extends his forearm in a traditional greeting of brothers in arms. He thumbs a hand at Petra. "Marcus Backhand. She ain't much for talkin' or drinkin', but the silent, sober types usually kill stuff as good as the rest of us."

"Good ta meet you, Marcus. Duri Stormhammer." Duri reciprocated the greeting, then turned back to the window.

[Rolhir]

After nearly 2 more hours of waiting, the door finally opens again. A short disheveled looking human walks in with his hands bound. Right behind him a man nearly twice his size wearing the red dragon livery of Lord Meren forcibly directs him to a chair at the table. The large man barely even acknowledges any of you. "That's no way to treat our guest." Coming in from the hall is an air genasi who appears to be in his early 40's. His faintly blue skin stands out in sharp contrast with his long red robes. While he was not a physically imposing figure, he certainly exuded confidence. "If you would be so good as to untie this gentleman's hands? I find free hands to make conversation much easier. That will be all, Cyrran, thank you."

The genasi gracefully walks over to take a seat at the head of the table motioning for the rest of you to do likewise as Cyrran bows to him and leaves. "Good afternoon everyone. My name is Lord Tydus Meren as I'm sure you're all aware. I apologize for my tardiness, but I was unavoidably detained by---oh! I nearly forgot. Dorcer, please escort her ladyship to the guest wing and see that she is comfortable." after just a brief pause "Yes, that's right. Top room in the tower please. Thank you, Dorcer."
"Ah, that communication enchantment really was worth every copper. Now then, I'm sure you're all wanting to know why I've summoned you here." he leans back in his chair running his fingers along the sides of his neatly trimmed beard Recently I have been having some trouble with my shipments of marble from my quarry near Red Larch. The last news I received was that some of the workers had gone missing and the rest refused to return to work. I want you to go to Red Larch, find out what's going on, and get that quarry running again."[/COLOR]
That was Dismas who was brought in just in case anyone wasn't sure.

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian
Marcus turns at the opening door and folds his arms when he sees the bound man. Man? Or boy? Marcus can't tell through the all the grime and dirt. "And...are we escortin' a convict to Red Larch along with fixin' your quarry problem?" Marcus says lifting his chin toward the apparent prisoner. "Can't say as I've had an escort job before, but I s'pose a job's a job. Whatcha do to get locked up, Shorty?

[Rolhir]

"And...are we escortin' a convict to Red Larch along with fixin' your quarry problem?

"He's not a prisoner, yours or mine. He's going to accompanying the rest of you as I thought his talents may be useful." with a swift glance towards Dismas "Cross me or fail to report back to me though, and you will regret it." For a split second, tiny flashes of lightning can be seen in Lord Meren's hair.

"You see, if this was simply a matter of workers refusing to work, I could just send my own men. In fact, I did send my own men already. Three times. I cannot be certain whether they arrived at the town, but...I'm concerned that something more is going on around Red Larch. I'm sending you because I expect you'll blend in better than one of my knights."

[UberN3wb]

At Marcus' question, Dismas turned from peering at the bookcase across the room to roll his eyes at Marcus. Dismas opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Meren.

"He's not a prisoner, yours or mine. He's going to accompanying the rest of you as I thought his talents may be useful...."


Got ninja'd by Rolhir :smallfrown:

Dismas seems a little unsettled by Lord Meren's threat, but recovers his composure quickly. He faces back toward Marcus replying with a small, wry smirk, "to answer your question, I was hired to uhh... retrieve some things from Meren. It didn't go nice and smooth like planned."

[Carissacat]

Petra looks with open curiosity at Lord Meren, having never seen another genasi so close before.

She spares little attention for the recently arrived human, instead speaking directly to Meren. She speaks slowly and carefully as if shes thinking of each word before she says them.

"I do not trust criminals. But I suppose I have little choice in this. If we do this then you promise to give me the information I want, yes?"

[Minescratcher]

"He's not a prisoner, yours or mine. He's going to accompanying the rest of you as I thought his talents may be useful." with a swift glance towards Dismas "Cross me or fail to report back to me though, and you will regret it." For a split second, tiny flashes of lightning can be seen in Lord Meren's hair.

"You see, if this was simply a matter of workers refusing to work, I could just send my own men. In fact, I did send my own men already. Three times. I cannot be certain whether they arrived at the town, but...I'm concerned that something more is going on around Red Larch. I'm sending you because I expect you'll blend in better than one of my knights."

Duri's attention seemed to be caught by the Genasi's hair as it flickered with lightning. "A sign..."

"You mean bandits or tha' like? Sounds like sumthin' that just needs force, but if it's gotten bad enuf to warrant an infiltration..."


Dismas seems a little unsettled by Lord Meren's threat, but recovers his composure quickly. He faces back toward Marcus replying with a small, wry smirk, "to answer your question, I was hired to uhh... retrieve some things from Meren. It didn't go nice and smooth like planned."

"Understatement o' tha' year," Duri muttered under his breath.

Insight to tell Meren's intent when he says "...oh! I nearly forgot. Dorcer, please escort her ladyship to the guest wing and see that she is comfortable." after just a brief pause "Yes, that's right. Top room in the tower please. Thank you, Dorcer."
Good, bad, indifferent?
Insight: [roll0]

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus's eyes widen slightly at the sight of Lord Meren's electrical display before he gets himself under control. He affects an air of nonchalance and turns back to "Not a Prisoner". "Prisoner, criminal, marked man, free man. Doesn't matter to me as long as you pull your weight." Marcus looks at the seated man appraisingly. "Well...pull my weight, at least...uh...hmmm." He stops and scratches his head for a bit thinking and looking around at Petra and Duri. It looks like he's trying to do some mental calculations, which seems to be a fairly difficult task. He then continues very deliberately, "Pull the. Average? Weight. Of. All of us. Put together?...Whatever!" Marcus throws his hands up in exasperation. "Do your job, don't stab me in the back, and we'll get along fine. So do you have a name, or am I gonna call you Shorty?"

[UberN3wb]

"Do your job, don't stab me in the back, and we'll get along fine. So do you have a name, or am I gonna call you Shorty?"

"I suppose I don't really have a proper name, being a gutter rat and all, but I usually go by Dismas Windwalker. You?"

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

"Windwalker, eh? Sounds interesting. I'm Marcus Backhand. I'm good at killing things with my greataxe,
which...isn't on me at the moment. It's big. Sharp. Kills things. Y'know. The usual." He extends his arm to Dismas in greeting.

[Minescratcher]

"I suppose I don't really have a proper name, being a gutter rat and all, but I usually go by Dismas Windwalker. You?"

"Duri Stormhammer. Don' sell yerself short, mate, someone thought ye were good enough ta steal from a Lord."

[UberN3wb]

Dismas returns Marcus' greeting, but becomes pensive at Duri's remark. "Indeed." Dismas murmurs quietly.

After a few moments of contemplation, he shakes his head as if to clear away some troubling thoughts and turns to Petra. "And you are...?"

[Rolhir]

"I do not trust criminals. But I suppose I have little choice in this. If we do this then you promise to give me the information I want, yes?"

"I...yes, I would be happy to. You see...I have my suspicions as to who may have attacked your village. Unfortunately your story is not unique. Bandits using magic is not unheard of at all, but right at this very moment, I'd wager there is at least one person in every tavern in Waterdeep telling how they saw some bandit using elemental magic," Lord Meren glances over at Duri, "or summoning elementals."

"I, and some others, believe there is something happening behind the scenes. For example, springtime here on The Sword Coast typically is full of warm sunny days and some light rain. When is the last time you recall a day with pleasant weather?" he pauses looking at each of you waiting for that to sink in. "We have had to use the weather wards around the city every single day for the last two months. I believe there is more going on than we can see."


"You mean bandits or tha' like? Sounds like sumthin' that just needs force, but if it's gotten bad enuf to warrant an infiltration..."

Insight to tell Meren's intent when he says "...oh! I nearly forgot. Dorcer, please escort her ladyship to the guest wing and see that she is comfortable." after just a brief pause "Yes, that's right. Top room in the tower please. Thank you, Dorcer."
Good, bad, indifferent?
Insight: [roll0]


"If I believed it simply required force, my men should have been able to handle it. That's why I'm sending you."

Indifferent.

[Carissacat]

Dismas returns Marcus' greeting, but becomes pensive at Duri's remark. "Indeed." Dismas murmurs quietly.

After a few moments of contemplation, he shakes his head as if to clear away some troubling thoughts and turns to Petra. "And you are...?"

Petra turns to look directly at Dismas, and you see that her eyes have a strange opalescent quality which is somewhat unnerving. She looks at you for a very long moment, staring directly into your eyes until eventually she says
"Petra. Just Petra"

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus turns back to the air genasi Lord. "Meren, I've got two questions for you. What are we getting paid for this job? When do we leave? And can we get some of that Throatburn Ale for the road?" He ticks off fingers as he asks the questions. When he gets to the third finger, he looks down at his hand in bewilderment. "Uh. Yeah."

[Minescratcher]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus turns back to the air genasi Lord. "Meren, I've got two questions for you. What are we getting paid for this job? When do we leave? And can we get some of that Throatburn Ale for the road?" He ticks off fingers as he asks the questions. When he gets to the third finger, he looks down at his hand in bewilderment. "Uh. Yeah."

"I second all three o' his questions, and tha second answer oughta' be 'soon'," Duri said. His face was grimmer, and he began to fidget with his beard.

"It sounds like sum ole friends o' mine, an' Ah can't wait ter meet'em." The sarcasm in Duri's voice is thick enough to cut with a knife.

[Rolhir]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus turns back to the air genasi Lord. "Meren, I've got two questions for you. What are we getting paid for this job? When do we leave? And can we get some of that Throatburn Ale for the road?" He ticks off fingers as he asks the questions. When he gets to the third finger, he looks down at his hand in bewilderment. "Uh. Yeah."

"For getting the mine up and running again, you will each be paid 200 gold pieces. If you are able to find out anything about these new bandits using elemental magic, I will be attending a meeting where I'm sure you will find many willing to pay handsomely." Lord Meren walks over to a book case and pulls out a well worn scroll "If you do find out anything, come meet us east of the river at Summit Hall." Meren sits back down and places the map on the table indicating Summit Hall "I expect to potentially be there for some time. If for some reason, we are not there, I will leave word with a paladin there, Osric Arkonis."

"As for when you leave, I would prefer you to leave as soon as you are able. Dorcer should have a wagon ready for you stocked with enough food and water to last you to Red Larch." with just a moment of hesitation "That was the last bottle of Throatburn I had, actually. With luck, you won't have to go all the way north to Mirabar to find more. If you do happen upon some, I'd be happy to buy it off you at a 25% mark up. Dismas, you may even be able to get ol' Cyrran here to get over his dislike of thieves if you brought him a bottle or two," Merren says with a wry smile.

[UberN3wb]

"Dismas, you may even be able to get ol' Cyrran here to get over his dislike of thieves if you brought him a bottle or two,"

Dismas chuckles. "If every guard could be befriended with a pint of good ale, my job would be a lot less risky."

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian
Marcus arms himself off the wall. "Restart the mine. Stop the magic bandits. Find more Dwarven ale. That's all I need to know. Let's go. Where's my axe? Dorcer!
Get me my axe!

[Minescratcher]

"It's a deal, then. Ah think we'll have tha mine runnin' again afore you know it." Duri picked up the map, quickly scanned it, and rolled it up. "With tha' aid o' Valkur, maybe even sooner."

[Carissacat]

"So long as you fulfill your end of the deal I have no objections, although I am unsure as to the quality of the others you have asked to do this. I also wish to leave as soon as can be managed. I do not want to remain in this... city for a minute longer than I have to"
Petra is clearly not happy in this environment and you get the feeling she doesn't like cities in general.

[UberN3wb]

"Well, there's no time like the present. I trust you have my equipment stored nearby?"

Before Lord Meren can reply he mischievously adds, "Don't worry, Meren, you can trust me on this one." Dismas places his hand over his heart in mock seriousness. "Thief's honor."

[Rolhir]

"Let's go. Where's my axe? Dorcer!
Get me my axe!

Marcus alone hears Dorcer's voice as if it was a faint echo "I took the liberty of having Sir Kaeric take your weapon down to the stable and load it on the wagon along with the rest of the provisions."


"Well, there's no time like the present. I trust you have my equipment stored nearby?"

Before Lord Meren can reply he mischievously adds, "Don't worry, Meren, you can trust me on this one." Dismas places his hand over his heart in mock seriousness. "Thief's honor."

Lord Meren genuinely smiles and chuckles. "Thief's honor isn't usually much to go on, but having a ring of scrying makes me a much more trusting man." Meren makes a point of adjusting a silver ring on his left index finger. "Well, if that will be all, Dorcer will see you all out." Right on cue, Dorcer opens the door and bows. Lord Meren gestures to the door as a king would dismiss his subjects. "Whenever you are ready, I'll lead you down the to stables."

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus snorts at Petra's reply and walks into the hallway. "Alright, Storm, Wind and Stones. Guess that makes me Fire! Let's get this show on the road!"

[Carissacat]

Petra immediately stands up, placing the now empty bowl back on the table. She walks straight to the doorway before pausing in the frame just before she steps foot outside the room. She turns to look back at Lord Meren.

"When I return I would like to speak to you. Of... others like you and I. As for the rest of you," she turns away at this point to look out the door,
"I would suggest we hurry lest the roads get washed away before we can travel."
and then she walks straight out the door to stand right in front of Dorcer.

[UberN3wb]

Dismas follows Marcus and Petra out the door, pausing briefly to glance idly through a couple book titles along the way.

[Minescratcher]

Duri was the last out, stroking his beard pensively. He seemed lost in thought all the way to the stables.

[Rolhir]

Dorcer leads you all swiftly through the manor. You pass many servants in the halls that hardly acknowledge you as they hurry to complete their own tasks. As you begin to descend the last flight of stone steps, you can hear inhuman screeching coming from the other side of the door at the bottom. Dorcer's face begins to turn rather red as he clenches his fists in anger. "Not again..." he mutters, "I apologize. It would seem that the new help is not quite up to par." Dorcer takes a deep breath and walks calmly down the stairs, opens the door just wide enough to slip through, and shuts it behind him.

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus raises his eyebrow as Dorcer walks off. Once through, Marcus follows Dorcer to the threshold and puts his ear to the door.
[roll0]

[Minescratcher]

"Tha's certinly an encouragin' sound." Duri snapped out of his reverie and followed Marcus down the stairs, listening intently.

[UberN3wb]

Dismas follows Duri and Marcus to the door to listen, but can't quite find enough space between the bulky human and dwarf. After a few moments of repositioning, Dismas gives up and heads back up the stairs a short way, trying to keep an eye and ear out to prevent a guard or servant from seeing some obvious eavesdropping.

[Carissacat]

Clearly bored with the whole proceedings Petra just rolls her eyes and shoves the humans and dwarf out of the way before throwing open the doors.

"What is causing this delay" she starts to say as she looks at the scene in front of her

[Rolhir]

Clearly bored with the whole proceedings Petra just rolls her eyes and shoves the humans and dwarf out of the way before throwing open the doors.

"What is causing this delay" she starts to say as she looks at the scene in front of her

With barely enough room for 2 standing abreast, Petra shoves Marcus and Dori to the side, throwing them off balance. The door then easily is thrown open giving a clear view of a hippogriff in full barding snapping and screeching at a pair of young human stable boys, one of whom is brandishing a pitchfork at the creature. Dust and hay swirls through the air likely caused from the hippogriff trying to buffet the pair into the ground. Unaffected by the winds, Dorcer appears to be trying to shove the stable boy back with one hand and his other, faintly glowing red, is held out towards the hippogriff.
Dorcer: "Nyx, it's alright. They aren't trying to hurt you." with a death glare aimed at boys "Back off!"
Stable boy: "It nearly took poor Hal's hand off! Not my fault their griff isn't trained. Look o-" the boy is cut off as the hippogriff's claw catches on the pitchfork and flings the boy across the stable.

Marcus and Duri need to make a DC 10 acrobatics check to not be knocked prone.

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

As Marcus puts his ear to the door, he feels Duri sidle up to the door next to him, just before Petra bulls the door open. Marcus barely manages to catch himself as the support of the door is taken away. He maintains his hunched position for a second while he comes to terms with the door now being open. When he see the creature in the stable he ***** his head in surprise. "Interesting horse-bird you got there, Dorcer." While the hippogriff thrashes about and clips the stableboy Marcus says tentatively, "Need a hand?"

[Minescratcher]

Duri crashed into the wall, just managing to avoid slamming into the ground. He pulled himself up with a dark murmur in Petra's direction. "Watch where yer hands go, mate, it'll end better fer ya."

He looked past Marcus into the stable, taking in the situation.

[Carissacat]

Petra ignores the disgruntled comments from her companions to step directly into the room. Keeping her head down respectfully and her hands out in a placating manner she slowly approaches the hippogriff.


[roll0]

[UberN3wb]

Upon hearing the door slamming open, Dismas turns and rushes back to the group just in time to see the stable boy flung across the room. He swiftly slips between Duri and Marcus, quickly maneuvering towards the stable boy. "You alright?" Dismas inquires, but without waiting for a response hurriedly checks the boy over for any critical injuries before turning his attention back towards the hippogriff.

[Rolhir]

"Interesting horse-bird you got there, Dorcer." While the hippogriff thrashes about and clips the stableboy Marcus says tentatively, "Need a hand?"
"Please just stay back and don't draw your weapons! If you don't threaten her, Nyx won't hurt you. Which is what I tried to tell him..." nodding towards the boy now sprawled on the ground. Dorcer slowly moves closer to the hippogriff keeping his glowing hand out in front.

Keeping her head down respectfully and her hands out in a placating manner she slowly approaches the hippogriff.

[roll0]
While still screeching and visibly agitated, the hippogriff makes no aggressive movements towards Petra as she calmly takes a few steps closer. It appears to still be focused on the other boy standing behind Dorcer.
Yes it is appropriate, but sadly the roll wasn't enough to calm it down

He swiftly slips between Duri and Marcus, quickly maneuvering towards the stable boy. "You alright?" Dismas inquires, but without waiting for a response hurriedly checks the boy over for any critical injuries before turning his attention back towards the hippogriff.
The boy only groans in response to Dismas, but appears to be alright.

I forgot to mention before, please roll twice as you never know when you'll have disadvantage or advantage. If neither apply, the first roll will be used.

[UberN3wb]

Dismas carefully maneuvers towards the other stable boy to slowly pull him away from the hippogriff. Seeing how agitated it still is, Dismas glances over towards Dorcer. "Are you sure you've got this griff under control?"

[Rolhir]

Keeping her head down respectfully and her hands out in a placating manner she slowly approaches the hippogriff.


Dismas carefully maneuvers towards the other stable boy to slowly pull him away from the hippogriff. "Are you sure you've got this griff under control?"

"Please just stay back and try not to provoke her. I'm not sure what set her off; Nyx normally isn't any trouble."
Dorcer steps forward to put his hand on Nyx's beak; however, the hippogriff leaps past him, nearly knocking him over, biting Petra in the shoulder.

Petra takes 7 damage

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus watches with his arms crossed as Dismas and Petra rush in the room to help. To Duri he says, "The man says stay back, I stay back. Unless I'm gettin' paid to rip that thing's wings off, I'm gonna let him take care of it. Looks like those stable boys got what they deserved, anyway. My old man always said to read the directions first. Too bad girls don't come with a hand book." Marcus elbows Duri and gives him a wink. "If you know what I mean." He turns back to the stable and calls out, "Hey, Stones! Weren't you wantin' to get out of here five minutes ago? I think Dorcer can handle this. Let's get on the road before the mine collapses!"

[Minescratcher]

"Aye. Seems like Dorcer knows what 'e's doin'. Not as if Ah know enuf 'bout 'em ta help much anyway."

Duri helps Dismas move the injured stable boy, being careful not to get any closer to the hippogriff.

[UberN3wb]

Dismas shoots a questioning look at Marcus but doesn't remark, instead turning back to study the hippogriff's frenzy to try to determine what exactly set her off.

Would this be insight?
Roll 1: [roll0]
Roll 2: [roll1]

[Rolhir]

Dismas shoots a questioning look at Marcus but doesn't remark, instead turning back to study the hippogriff's frenzy to try to determine what exactly set her off.

Would this be insight?
Roll 1: [roll0]
Roll 2: [roll1]

After quickly taking in the scene, Dismas notices that to the right of the door behind the still upright stable boy there is a shackle that appears to have been smashed against the wall instead of on the storage hook. It appears large enough to fit around the hippogriff. Prior attacking Petra, all of the hippogriff's attention does seem to be focused in that direction.

[UberN3wb]

Dismas, though obviously torn, capitulates to Marcus and Duri. He makes his way over to Marcus, to lean in and murmur, "If you're sure about this...."

[Rolhir]

Petra stumbles back from the hippogriff as it screeches and swipes at her again, missing by a hair. "Enough of this" Dorcer mutters as he gestures towards the hippogriff that immediately falls to the ground and stays still. Dorcer brushes the dust off of his coat and walks over to examine Petra. "I do apologize about all this. I'll call for a healer at once to get you patched up. If you please, I'm sure it will be more comfortable inside." Petra nods and makes her way inside. Dorcer then turns towards the boy cowering up against the wall, "Hal, please help your brother inside and then run and personally inform Kalin what happened with his hippogriff." Visibly shaken, Hal just sits there for a moment staring at his brother before getting up and half carrying him up the stairs.

"Gentlemen, I'm terribly sorry for all the fuss. As I'm sure Lord Meren would not want any delays, allow me to help you get on your way at once."

[Carissacat]

Petra starts to head inside before turning round.
"Actually, if we are to leave now I would rather leave too. I can patch myself up on the journey"

[UberN3wb]

"Quite the beginning to our journey," Dismas remarks to Marcus before turning to follow Dorcer.

[Minescratcher]

"Aye", Duri replies. He follows Dismas and Dorcer slowly, being careful not to step too near the hippogriff.

[Rolhir]

Dorcer leads you all to the far side of the stable where a small loaded wagon with barely enough room for two has been hitched to a horse. "You'll find all of your personal effects have been loaded onto the cart along with enough food and water to get you all to Red Larch. If you could be so kind as to take the wagon to Ilmeth Waelvur in the town, it needs to be returned to him. You'll have to forgive my manners for sending you off in such a fashion, but I really must go see to Nyx as I'm sure she'll be in a foul mood when she wakes up. Safe journeys to you!" Seeming a bit flustered by the situation, Dorcer still gracefully bows before returning to the sleeping hippogriff.

As you leave Lord Meren's stables, you are once again back out in the storm. While the supplies on the wagon are protected by a covering, the rest of you are quickly drenched as you make your way through the streets of Waterdeep. No one seems to pay any of you any mind as they hurry about with their affairs.

Having left through the city gate, you can barely seen the plains below you through the storm. At each flash of lightning, you can see the shapes of scattered houses and farms alongside the road north, but after each hour they are fewer and farther between. As dusk approaches, the storm continues to rage with only a tree here and there for shelter in the grassy fields beside the road.

[Minescratcher]

Duri yawned and looked at the sky, shielding his eyes against the downpour.

"Ah think it's about time ta find some shelter fer tha' night. Any o' y'all see anythin' a bit more promisin' than these trees?"

The Dwarf turned his gaze to the roadside also, searching for somewhere that might keep them slightly dryer until morning, or even a cave that might allow for a fire.

[UberN3wb]

Dismas peers around at his surroundings, struggling vainly to keep rain out of his eyes. "What an abundance of shelter," he remarks sarcastically.

Dismas quickly gives up the search and instead walks over to the horse. He leans in to murmur a few phrases quietly into its ear while gently rubbing its head, trying to keep it calm despite the furious storm.

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

Marcus sits in the back of the cart as the rain soaks him through again. The sour look on his face deepens as he watches the dry places to sleep disappear. "There'd better be a dry bed a the end of this...But I'm thinking that's too good to be true." He huddles in his cloak to try and keep the the rain out. He had been on bad hunts before, where Nature seemed to have it out for him. This...was something else.

After a few hours of the unending rain, Marcus lifts his gaze to the sky. Something wasn't right about this weather. At Duri's words he looks around for a "suitable" place to make camp. There wasn't much but...

[Carissacat]

Petra is well versed is sleeping in the wild and hops off the cart to asses the area. The rain is still falling steadily with no sign of abating and racks her brain to think of the best solution. With the ground as sodden as it is, it might be best to be above it, lest the bed rolls become waterlogged. Wet bed rolls are an issue, especially if theres no place to dry them.

Petra looks around to see if there are any clusters of trees that hammocks could be attached to, or rocky terrain that might take them out of the mud.

[Rolhir]

While everyone begins to search the nearby area for anything resembling shelter, Dismas leads the horse over to an old withered tree beside the road hoping to block at least some of the rain and wind. As dejected as it might be, the horse does seem alright knowing it's not alone out here. Off to the eastern side of the road, Petra and Marcus were somewhat successful, finding a few trees that would be a little drier than out in the open. On the western side of the road, well beyond the current visibility with the storm, Duri spies out what looks like a couple small buildings about a half a mile from the road.

[Minescratcher]

Duri jumped off the cart and took a few steps westward, trying to get a better idea of what he saw. He was more comfortable in the rain than the others, but something about this downpour seemed off. Certainly not one of Valkur's storms.

"Looks ta me like there might be a house or two, half a mile west perhaps. No lights tha' Ah can see, though. Y'all had any luck?"

[UberN3wb]

"A nice, dry house sounds much better than the piss of the gods we've got right now." To accentuate his point, Dismas removes his worn and sodden cloak to wring it out, releasing a torrent of water before putting it back on. He scowls shortly after after his cloak inevitably becomes soaked with water once again.

"Marcus? Petra? You see anything else dry out there?"

[Rolhir]

"Marcus? Petra? You see anything else dry out there?"

The rain intensifies as if to answer for them.

[Orsik Vondal]

Marcus Backhand - Human Barbarian

"Well, if there's houses not too far away, I say we get there as soon as possible. No sense sleeping outside when there's a dry place just up the road." And with that Marcus hops back into the cart.

[UberN3wb]

"Let's go then, before the storm worsens. If that's even possible," he adds under his breath.

Without further ado, Dismas urges the horse to start moving towards the houses.

[Carissacat]

"I do not know if people would trust strangers to lie in their homes but if it keeps us dry I suppose I will go with it" Petra says.