Hell's rebels - In Hell's bright shadow [ dnd 5e IC ]

[Smilex]

OOC thread
https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?626673-Hell-s-rebels-In-Hell-s-bright-shadow-dnd-5e-OOC&p=24918935#post24918935

https://i.ibb.co/tJjLK4v/Intro.png

Part 1.1 Silverseeds

Introduction


Ten days ago the former caudillo, Jilia Bainilus disappeared. The word on the streets was she'd left on ship to destination unknown.

Seven nights ago a number of fires started two hours after dark. In those fires disappeared numerous people and groups who were involved in various secret organizations or overt activity against the Torkrests. While many normal people didn't see the connection between the fires, in Kintargo's underground this moment is now callend the Night of Ashes.

A lot of people started out in denial. Since then, anger has been rising. Every day a new proclamation has appeared to create new outrage. There have already been smaller protests in every city district. Dottari or Knights of the Line have dispersed them quickly so far.

Now a larger meeting is supposed to happen in Aria Park, right in front of the Opera house where Barzillai Torkrest lives. There's suspense in the air. In a city that often grumbles, actual protests have been rare. The former caudillo's laissez-faire attitude used to be dispiriting rather than rage-inducing. This is something new, different.

Even with the cobblestones of Argent Avenue and the foliage of Aria Park still wet from the morning's light rain, dozens of Kintargans have gathered along the facade of the opera house to protest the city's new caudillo, Barzillai Torkrest. The city's new leader was appointed by he Infernal Orc-Mauler, Head of clan, All-Father Korin, son of Orin Torkrest, in the wake of the previous caudillo's sudden flight from the city - an event that still has local rumormongers whispering furiously.
In a scant seven days, Barzillai has instituted martial law, a curfew, and a series of polarizing proclamations. These actions and more have called many of Kintargo's dissatisfied citizens here on this overcast morn. There's been no sign yet of Barzillai Torkrest himself, and the opera house's doors remain tightly closed - as they have since the man chose the landmark as his new home - but judging by the growing sound of the protesters, he surely won't be ignoring the scene on the streets for the whole day. More people are slowly but constantly arriving to join the scene.

How have you prepared for the day and what do you seek to achieve when you enter the area?
The first scene has several suggested 'riot actions' that you can pick
1. Listen for rumors in the crowd
2. Cut purses
3. Rabble rouse, try to make YOUR message hear.
4. Look for the mysterious contact person
5. Analyze the crowd.
6. Anything else you want really...
The riot proceeds in turns, the first turn of activity is roughly the first hour.

[Zhentarim]

Copper moved through the crowd, her copper metal plating reflecting the overcast sky above. The cold and wet doesn't bother her much, rather, she is looking for a man with a black glove who can help her with anti-government activities. While Copper is an agent of the Church of Howlingstorm, Copper knows Barzillai is bad news and wants to hinder him before he can hurt the people of this town.

Copper misses being mortal as she looks around the crowd--for she was killed while on church business a few years ago while trying to wipe out an evil cult in Kintargo's sewers associated with the evil god called "The Plot". Back in those days, Copper was a normal tabaxi that many people thought was "cute". Luckily, she was carrying a soulstone made of Jasper, and was resurrected into the body of a wraithguard. Her new body has cosmetic features that resemble her old form, including a feminine frame, a coppery mechanical tail, and coppery cat-like ears, but she can't feel pleasure like her old form was able to, and she feels damaged.

Regardless, Copper searches very far and wide for the man with the glove, and tries to push her feelings of alienation out of her mind.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

"The theater, / the theater, / What happened to / the theater?"

Strumming a few chords on his lute, Hep keeps his head low and his hood up, back against a tree at the outskirts of the park, watching a trickle of persons slowly forming a mass of people.

"You'd think someone would've brought food or something. No mint, though!... Honestly, what kind of dog-brained fool bans mint, of all things?" Directing his attention to K'tak, he continues musing, "Remind me to find a place that can cook us a nice lamb tonight. We'll worry about the mint later."

As the young man scans the crowd, he catches sight of the copper-plated tabaxi - somewhat of a contrast from the other catfolk and the larger number of ratfolk congregating in the area. "Check that out," Hep says, nudging K'tak again. "I'll bet her scales tarnish green versus your red."

Past his observation, Hep keeps a lookout for major players within the protest, anyone drumming up sentiment or aggression, with an eye always on the opera house in case "the dog himself", Barzillai Torkrest, shows his face.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

K'tak shuddered uncomfortably in the damp morning while pulling her cloak tighter, as she too watched the crowd with predatory eyes. Though she was a bit distracted trying to find a sunny enough spot in the overcast morning. "A hot meal would be good," K'tak replied with a nod smiling at the thought of one of the inn's fresh, hot meat pies, or a few to help with the chill. She ended up missing the part about mint due to this distraction, but when Hep picked back up, she snapped back to the scene at hand. "Yes, I will... hold you against that." she replied more certain than she actually felt at the use of the phrase. She was still trying to get used to idioms along with metaphors.

"What is- that's Copper isn't it? Did you know she would be coming here too?" K'tak asked before starting to wave their metal companion over, but then thinks better about it and lowers her arm. "I will see if she wants to join us, draw less attention" K'tak replies before striding forward, her own long tail lightly dragging across the ground.

"Hey Copper, we didn't know you would be here as well," K'tak said quietly when she was next to the metallic being, adding a point back over her shoulder towards Hep to explain why she said "we". "Want to join us, or are we hunting and best to spread out?" K'tak asked as she once more looked about the crowd hungrily.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

The ashen haired young man, clad in a leather jerkin adorned with belts, straps, and numerous buckles, moved through the crowd like a wolf through an unattended flock. He was conscious of the crowd around him, allowing it's ebbs and flows to guide him, sohis own movements didn't stand out against the press and the sway of the gathered protesters. However, he was here with a purpose, he was squatting in a small tenament about a warehouse along the wharfs, paying for the rights to the River Talons. He'd heard rumors from the gang's contact, his landlord, as it were, that a man would be present at the rally, a leather clad right hand, not much information to go on, but given the adbuctions as of late it wasn't unreasonable to keep one's identity concealed, especially from the Order of the Rack. An order devoted, entirely, to quelling uprisings, it wasn't surprising that Caudillo Torkrest granted them admittance to Kintargo after deposing his more moderate predecessor, Caudillo Bainilus.

The Order of the Torrent had been relatively quiet, after the arrival of their brethren within the city, and that troubled Caelin. The Torrent was known to oppose abductions, kidnappings, and certain, darker, aspects of the slave trade, the fact that they had been diminished in power in light of the Night of Ashes was concerning, and, given the size of the crowd, Caelin wasn't alone in those thoughts.

Still, he moved through the crowd, looking for the sigil of House Torkrest, informers, or plants among the crowd. He steered clear of any armored Hellknights, who patrolled the area, concerned that they, too, would be scanning the crowd for insurgents, or sympathizers. It would be too easy for Barzillai to label any voice of discontent as a call to arms and sedition, causing the Hellknights to fall upon that voice, and quell it with enthusiastic violence and religious fervor.

He noted the unusual figure of Copper in the crowd, having never before seen such a creature, the feline styled golem-like wraithguard walked through the crowd, much like the others present. And it seemed to be searching for someone, or something, perhaps? Caelin decided to give the strange construct a wide berth, unaware of it's allegiance. However, while observing the figure, he noted a slender framed form, scales and spines pronouncing it's yaun-ti blood, the repitilian form was adorned with primative totems and charms, curious, he watched as it nodded towards a tree, upon which reclined a minstrel that Caelin had met before, even briefly, Rigley perhaps? His brow furrowed as he tried to remember the name, satisfied that the minstel and his companions posed little threats to his activities here, Caelin continued through the crowd. He nodded to the minstrel as he continued scanning the crowded square to see if he could identify the contact that was rumored to be in attendence.

OOC: Ever the paranoid type, his hand is under his cloak, close to his hand crossbow. Perception to scan the crowd, looking for either the single gloved contact, or anything else suspicious. Perception check, [roll0], also, I am not above snagging a purse if it is unattended, or it's owner unaware, and it looks to be full.

[CaoimhinTheCape]

In his workshop this morning, Andvari did not have any idea that the day would be this eventful. His morning tinkering usually took his mind off of any worries, but the silence of the empty house did nothing to calm him. The recent edicts... surely someone in the government would repeal them, convince the new caudillo that this was too far. If the previous ruler had worried him... Andvari pushed the thought out of his mind. Someone else would take care of it.

Settling on his morning's project, he imbued a couple simple rings with light, shining out for 5 feet or so. He had toyed with the idea of recording a message... but he couldn't put together a solid thought, much less speak them as words.

But as Andvari walked his normal route through town, he found himself at the site of a protest, bringing back Andvari's uneasy feelings. Of course others disagreed with some of the new edicts too, but taking matters into their own hands and voicing their own opinions? That was likely to end in trouble.

Andvari stopped walking and paused for a deep breath. He... he would have to arrive late to work, though the guard was likely to come here anyway. Andvari hoped that being nearby meant he could calm any tensions if necessary. He hoped nothing would get out of hand.

Standing at the edge of the crowd, Andvari looekd for any familiar faces - he suspected Orion and Caelin maybe interested in this activity, even if he didn't think it very wise. Andvari scanned the crowd, hoping to get a sense of who was here.


Using my Magical Tinkering ability to make two objects, each shines light in a 5 foot radius. They're both in my bag, so not doing much of anything right now.

Perception check: [roll0]

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion packs up his meager belongings from his makeshift camp site, and takes them with him to the protest. Or what Orion hopes is a protest. He arrives at the square, excited to see so many people here. He keeps his hood up, and stays to the edge of the crowd. Staying aware of the nearest alley in case he needs a quick escape, Orion is looking to see if anyone is in charge here and what the crowd is doing. Are they angry enough to start a riot?

Orion toys with the idea of using his telepathy to start the crowd shouting - once a person "hears" a shout, they are more likely to join in. All it takes is one...but not yet, he thinks to himself. If the crowd isn't large or angry enough, and Torkrest's goons come in force, then it will just end poorly for everyone. So Orion bides his time, and tries to weigh the situation cautiously before making any moves.

What roll would it be to analyze the crowd? Insight or Perception? I guess either way it is the same roll for him. [roll0]

[Smilex]

As you spend a while, you observe the layout of the park and all the major features in the area.

https://i.ibb.co/mDVK4FY/Aria.png

Copper and Caelin look through the crowd looking for the mysterious one-gloved man. They both come to the same conclusion... the guy isn't in the crowd, at least not yet. They see some people observing the demonstration from windows and a couple from rooftops even but no one looks promising. While moving through the crowd and poking around they get the feel that while the crowd is discontented, it's not aggressive. Most people in the crowd are Pa'aash and most pa'aash are relatively peaceful by their nature.

Hep doesn't really know the locals well so he's trying to find individuals who look out of place. He notices that it's kind of difficult to tell one ratfolk from another. They seem to purposefully make this worse by dressing in a very similar way. The dwarves probably have similar problems when looking at ratfolk. Makes it easier for the ratfolk to escape scrutiny. Hep does not how some of the ratfolk are simply a lot taller than others. He's heard of various subraces and this must be due to it.

The single most striking individual Hep finds in the area at this hour is actually this person

https://i.ibb.co/NF70N23/Guardboss.png
She's standing behind some guards near the opera house's door. While most guards seem uneasy and are kind of ... loitering, she seems alert and watchful.

K'tak watches the crowd... She notices roughly five types of dishes
There's those with a sweet disposition... They seem to be happily chatting with each other about how small the crowd is and they feel that Barzillai is doing a good job. They're just kind of laughing and having fun.
There's the bitter ones, who seem to focus on Barzillai not being properly elected in an election. The locals didn't get a chance to vote or even bribe anyone to affect the choice of the new caudillo. There were no political gifts to the populace to gain initial support before enacting crazy edicts.
Then there's the sour crowd. Many in the crowd see Barzillai's tightening grip on the city as being 'bad for business'. More taxes, less chances to make a gold piece, either lawfully or unlawfully.
There's a salty crowd, who seem to think that Pa'aash should not be ruled by dwarves at all. They're quite vocal and seem to desire caudillo's replacement with some kind of ruling group of district representatives.
Finally there's the umami ones who seem to be carrying more weapons than the others. They're talking about 'getting the guards' and 'having a good bash'.

Andvari makes roughly the same observations. There's some obvious Rocksolid citizen group members, a few prominent merchants with their retinues, some thugs, a few people who used to work with caudillo Bainilus and some minor cultural figures who are anti-dwarven in general.

Orion watches the situation from slightly further away. He sees the dottari guards line up at a good distance from the crowd. He sees some members of the crowd interact peacefully with the guards. There's no knights of the line around, probably a good thing. Finally he sees a lone pa'aash do the art... of pickpocketing. The ratling moves at the periphery of the crowd and picks a couple of clasps off people's cloaks...

The morning continues to pass into the second hour of the demonstration...
If Orion wants to do something about the pickpocket, that doesn't take a full hour so he has time enough to have another experience in the second 'turn'.

More people keep arriving, the crowd is now larger.

Again:
The first scene has several suggested 'riot actions' that you can pick
1. Listen for rumors in the crowd
2. Cut purses
3. Rabble rouse, try to make YOUR message hear.
4. Look for the mysterious contact person
5. Analyze the crowd.
6. Anything else you want really...
The second turn of activity is roughly the second hour.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

A chill runs up Hep's spine as he catches sight of the woman standing behind the guards of the opera house. Yikes, he thought to himself, adjusting the jerkin underneath his cloak. You'd think one axe would be enough, but no, clearly four is the needful number... Jests always eased his mind, but the look of this figure, in addition to her attentiveness and wild look, suggests that she is not meant to be taken lightly.

As far as everyone else at this "protest", Hep likens the event to more of a picnic in the park thus far. The only people who stand out are... well, taller than a ratperson. K'tak, Copper, a few catpeople, someone else with the same fashion sense I have - dark cloaks are always in season, I don't care who in Sacrament says otherwise - ...where was I? Right. Focus.

Into the second hour of the gathering, the man continues strumming his lute, doing his best to maintain a good background volume such that others can talk in a way that he could hear. Keeping a close eye on K'tak and Copper, Hep does his best to listen in on any mention of Barzillai... then completely ignores those mentions, as everyone seems to be talking about him. No, his focus is elsewhere. Barzillai is background, no better than my lute, and I'm sure he'd love to hear someone say so. Who else are the people taking about? What other names are being mentioned, and who's brave or dumb enough to say the quiet part out loud?: Who's leading this thing, anyway? Hep quickly gestures to Copper or K'tak if he can get their attention, hoping for better direction as he settles in for another watch of eavesdropping.

The plectrum finds the notes of a familiar song as the bard strums away...

"We're following the leader / the leader, the leader / We're following the leader / wherever he may go..."

Knowing little to nothing about the one-gloved man, Hep won't be looking for him.
If K'tak or Copper want to have me focus on specific topics based on the last turn, please let me know and consider my focus amended accordingly.
Regardless, with respect to eavesdropping on rumors, I'd like to apply an Investigation roll (watch, it'll be lower than my Passive...): [roll0]

[Zhentarim]

Copper turns to Caelin and shrugs, "I don't see our man. We should probably just lay low. Maybe we could go sit at those benches by the river and listen the people who walk by. We may hear some rumors while we sit by the water, and getting a better idea of the talk of the town could be useful."

1d20+5

[Zhentarim]

[roll0]

I used my warforged "specialized design" on perception so I'm proficient in perception. There is a good chance my 4th level feat will also be perception related, so I can double my perception bonus and be really good at noticing my surroundings, which is always good.

[Smilex]

Writing conversations takes time so I'm putting the eavesdropping results as a separate update already.

Hep's ears catch the following conversation...

A wiry ratfolk urchin says
Can I get a patty for six silver?

A short person who could be a dwarf but is constantly dripping water answers
I don't have a thing for you.

The urchin asks
What? You pulling my leg? I got the money.

The water genasi continues
No, I'm telling you they rolled over my contact in the Night of Ashes. It's the Torkrests, they've brought these new devild and half-devils into the city. They be a different kind of dottari I tell you.

The urchin is surprised
What? Half-devils? Like somebody put their member into a devil and got some ugly-butt infernal kid? And now they're playing with the dottari?

The genasi points at the lady near the opera house that Hep noticed earlier
Try saying that to Nox over there. She's one of em cambions.


... meanwhile ....

Copper sits at one of the benches listening and hears a conversation...

A ratling merchant throws a stone into the water while talking to a dwarf carrying the insignia of a bank.
All those rocksolid citizens are gonna be so surprised when they find themselves out of a job. That Barzillai is going to make trade so difficult. I'm telling you this is the worst thing ever.

The dwarf responsds
You've got short lives and short memories, you ratlings. When I was just starting in the business eighty years ago we had the first horde crisis. All the landroutes were devastated. They still haven't recovered from that one.

The ratling answers
Tell me about it. I live next to the old livery stable. I don't know why they haven't torn that barn down. Place is an eyesore and seems to gather unbelievable numbers of rats.

The dwarf chuckles

The ratling continues
Har de har har. I'm talking vermin, pests.

The dwarf answers
So was I...

The ratling sneers
And just for that you'll pay for lunch.
...

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari frowns at seeing so many different groups who would, at best, have a few choice words for the other. He walks through the crowd, trying to make pleasant conversation while also calming down members of any group that would talk to him.

After awkwardly exiting a conversation, Andvari catches sight of Caelin, silently watching the crowd.

"I hope I'm nah interrupting anything," the Dwarven man says quietly, approaching his friend. Well, truth be told he wasn't sure Caelin would consider him a friend. "Seems like the new caudillo has everyone's attention, for good or ill. I hope you've been doing well? Keeping out of trouble?" Andvari didn't intend such an accusatory question, but he was curious how the boy fared.






Andvari is trying to keep the crowd calm, make sure nothing violent happens.
Persuasion: [roll0]

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Frustrated with his inability to discover the contact he'd heard rumored to be present, the young man set himself to watching the crowd. His keen eyes, honed by a youth of fearful paranoia, noted several pockets of people beginning to gather, one of which drew his attention for the casual maner in which their sported their weapons. Sheathed knives, naked daggers thrust through belts, even open truncheons, it was towards this crowd that Caelin strode, until he stood behind one of the larger umami. Leaning forward he whispered, "Keep it in yer fookin' pants, you take up arms 'gainst the guards there, and you become the poster boy for an uprising, and this new prick of a Caudillo can claim it was us who started it." He paused, flashing a vicious smile, "You let 'em start it, and we finish it, eh brother?" As he spoke, he patted a blade he had concealed beneath his cloak.

He walked away quickly, not wanting to draw the umami into a vigorous discussion on the merits of armed insurrection, it was then he heard two voices, one sonorous, with an odd resonance, the other was deep and low, like forge bellows. Both called him by name and his first reaction was to run, especially given his whispered words with the group of umami, he turned, first to the lower voice. It was the mechanical, feline styled, automaton, he raised an eyebrow, "I saw a minstrel by a tree, ya? Might be that's secluded 'nuff fer the likes o' us, ya?" He turned, moving towards the crowd towards where he had last seen Hep, before he spotted the owner of the second voice.

"Andvari you old bastard," Caelin chuckled to himself, "thought you were with the Jills, those bitches are still pissed at me for ...," he voice trailed off, and he gave the dwarf a knowing smile, "ahhhh, ya almost got me ta spill tha' goods. Doin' well, doin' well, you know, much as one can durin' times like these. Still food on the table, and scraps for me ol' pooch." He nodded towards Copper, "Me and Copper here were 'bout to go take some shade 'neath Hep's tree there, watch the crowd, and avoid what's brewing. Join us?"

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

With her own words seemingly unheeded or unheard, K'tak was about to start prowling about the crowd for other bits of information but then she caught Hep's gesture. K'tak takes her time getting back to the music maker though, listening about for anything curious from within the middle of the crowd, particularly any mentions of the dwarf Durnan. Only the mention of that name would cause her to linger as she worked her way back over, and even then it would only be for a moment. Afterall, her size and stature made listening discretely difficult, especially if she were to suddenly stop next to an otherwise casual conversation.

"Must have not been her," K'tak replied as she came to a stop near Hep again and turned about to face the crowd. "There's a lot of different flavors here. Sweet ones came for the show, sours came to complain, and the tasty ones came for a fight." K'tak adds with a point towards corresponding groups in the crowd. "And what have you found?"

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

"Oh, nothing important, really," Hep says coyly in response to K'tak before switching his voice to that of the ratfolk he'd just overheard, "just samplin' the local fare, same as you, eh?"

Before he could gauge a reaction from the lizardfolk, he smiles and continues. "No, I'm just listening in on a few fun leads, especially about that one," surreptitiously signaling K'tak's attention to the woman called Nox while keeping his voice low, standing on tiptoe to whisper to his taller friend. "She's half-devil, apparently. A bit of spicy news, I'd say..."

"So, my sandy friend, do you avoid the heat... or do you prefer things spicy?" This time Hep makes sure to see her face as he takes on her voice, savoring the reaction as always. In so doing, he can see more acquaintances heading towards their tree, the makeshift meeting point. "Oh, good! More friends!"

"So no one told you life was gonna be this way..."

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper (presumably)
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies:
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin
I'm absolutely tickled that the rabble-rouser faction at this protest are referred to as The Umami. :smallbiggrin:

[Zhentarim]

Writing conversations takes time so I'm putting the eavesdropping results as a separate update already.

Hep's ears catch the following conversation...

A wiry ratfolk urchin says
Can I get a patty for six silver?

A short person who could be a dwarf but is constantly dripping water answers
I don't have a thing for you.

The urchin asks
What? You pulling my leg? I got the money.

The water genasi continues
No, I'm telling you they rolled over my contact in the Night of Ashes. It's the Torkrests, they've brought these new devild and half-devils into the city. They be a different kind of dottari I tell you.

The urchin is surprised
What? Half-devils? Like somebody put their member into a devil and got some ugly-butt infernal kid? And now they're playing with the dottari?

The genasi points at the lady near the opera house that Hep noticed earlier
Try saying that to Nox over there. She's one of em cambions.


... meanwhile ....

Copper sits at one of the benches listening and hears a conversation...

A ratling merchant throws a stone into the water while talking to a dwarf carrying the insignia of a bank.
All those rocksolid citizens are gonna be so surprised when they find themselves out of a job. That Barzillai is going to make trade so difficult. I'm telling you this is the worst thing ever.

The dwarf responsds
You've got short lives and short memories, you ratlings. When I was just starting in the business eighty years ago we had the first horde crisis. All the landroutes were devastated. They still haven't recovered from that one.

The ratling answers
Tell me about it. I live next to the old livery stable. I don't know why they haven't torn that barn down. Place is an eyesore and seems to gather unbelievable numbers of rats.

The dwarf chuckles

The ratling continues
Har de har har. I'm talking vermin, pests.

The dwarf answers
So was I...

The ratling sneers
And just for that you'll pay for lunch.
...



https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Frustrated with his inability to discover the contact he'd heard rumored to be present, the young man set himself to watching the crowd. His keen eyes, honed by a youth of fearful paranoia, noted several pockets of people beginning to gather, one of which drew his attention for the casual maner in which their sported their weapons. Sheathed knives, naked daggers thrust through belts, even open truncheons, it was towards this crowd that Caelin strode, until he stood behind one of the larger umami. Leaning forward he whispered, "Keep it in yer fookin' pants, you take up arms 'gainst the guards there, and you become the poster boy for an uprising, and this new prick of a Caudillo can claim it was us who started it." He paused, flashing a vicious smile, "You let 'em start it, and we finish it, eh brother?" As he spoke, he patted a blade he had concealed beneath his cloak.

He walked away quickly, not wanting to draw the umami into a vigorous discussion on the merits of armed insurrection, it was then he heard two voices, one sonorous, with an odd resonance, the other was deep and low, like forge bellows. Both called him by name and his first reaction was to run, especially given his whispered words with the group of umami, he turned, first to the lower voice. It was the mechanical, feline styled, automaton, he raised an eyebrow, "I saw a minstrel by a tree, ya? Might be that's secluded 'nuff fer the likes o' us, ya?" He turned, moving towards the crowd towards where he had last seen Hep, before he spotted the owner of the second voice.

"Andvari you old bastard," Caelin chuckled to himself, "thought you were with the Jills, those bitches are still pissed at me for ...," he voice trailed off, and he gave the dwarf a knowing smile, "ahhhh, ya almost got me ta spill tha' goods. Doin' well, doin' well, you know, much as one can durin' times like these. Still food on the table, and scraps for me ol' pooch." He nodded towards Copper, "Me and Copper here were 'bout to go take some shade 'neath Hep's tree there, watch the crowd, and avoid what's brewing. Join us?"



Copper sits with her friend(s) on the bench and continues listening in. She wishes she brought duck food.

"Sound's like Barzillai wants to restrict trade. That's no good."

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

"I didn't realize you liked food like that," K'tak replied initially, completely missing the intent of the phrase while giving him a curious look. The expression didn't have a chance to clear as she was directed to the supposed half-devil. She was about to reply to spicy comments and ask if the music man would like a finger as well when he continued, in her voice.

The reaction was an immediate look of shocked curiosity as her wide reptilian eyes focused on him, only to soften when she sees it as another one of his tricks. She lets out a passive growl, knowing that the halfway threatening sound would only serve to goad him on to more hijinks of that nature, but it was becoming something of a routine anymore. Not like at first when she didn't know what he could or couldn't do and she'd nearly tried biting out his throat to get her stolen voice back.

"More friends? How is it that all of these people are your friends again?" K'tak asks while looking towards the approaching strangers, though her eyes do occasionally swing back to the half-demon. Between traveler's getting lost in the desert and those who'd decided to attack the tribe, she'd tried at least some of nearly everything in the area but demon was definitely something new.

OOC actions: K'tak's going to try and keep an eye on the half-demon for as long as she can, and maybe start looking for features that would distinguish them from others.
@StoneSeraph: Yup, that is what they are going forward to K'tak, kinda hoping for the chance for her to address one with the title and they, without realizing what it means, starts using it for themselves.

[Smilex]

During the second hour of the protest more and more people arrive. Orion, who's hanging at the outside of the area notices that while many of the first to arrive were dwarves, it's now mostly ratfolk who keep arriving. At the same time the voices in the crowd are getting rowdy.

I rolled a roll for Andvari based on the help Caelin is giving. Roll came out low.
Andvari and Caelin contact many of the anarchists and ratfolk supremacists in the crowd and try to cool their tempers. The success they have is at best limited. It seems the ratfolk anarchists aren't prone to listening to a message of peace from a dwarf.

Meanwhile K'tak walks around until he catches the following conversation...

Two dwarves are talking, they're with the rocksolid citizens crowd.
I bet that Bainilus is spending that sweet bribery gold on some rum and dancing boys right now. Going wild at it on some undine island.

The other one says
I don't think so. If her retinue had been at the docks I think I would've seen it. The harbormaster probably would've been blabbing about it if the caudillo was leaving.

The first one says
Huh? But isn't that like the message that we're supposed to hold up... that she left because she was corrupt?

The second one continues
Don't worry, nobody cares. Bainilus is gone, Torkest has won.

A third dwarf joins in.
I hear the real story is that she just drank herself to death finally. Fell down stairs and wrung her neck. A pageboy was hitting the cups strong at the tavern a few nights ago. Claimed to have seen her pale corpse before it was carried away.

At the end of the second hour a group of yelling artists appears and joins the crowd.
Thematic link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcvxSxpicLo

THey start a screaming performance about a number of cooking recipes that contain mint and are now banned.

Going into the third hour the groups in the crowd have started to separate more obviously. There's people yelling about the economy, others with a racial message, others with a religious one. Many are protesting against harsh punishments.


The morning continues to pass into the third hour of the protest...
The increasing tension suggests that something will start happening soonish.

Again:
The first scene has several suggested 'riot actions' that you can pick
1. Listen for rumors in the crowd
2. Cut purses
3. Rabble rouse, or quiet parts of the crowd, try to make YOUR message hear.
4. Look for the mysterious contact person
5. Analyze the crowd.
6. Anything else you want really...
The third turn of activity is roughly the third hour, and quite possibly the last one before things start happening...

[Smilex]

When K'tak watches Nox, she can't really see anything in particular that really defines the person except for the attitude. She seems to be quite bossy and aggressive even towards other guards. No visible horns or tail or wings.
Maybe the rumor was untrue?

[Zhentarim]

Deciding she had listened to enough rumors, Copper decides to start forming a crowd of her own, by loudly extolling the virtues and tenets of Howlingstorm.

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion was curious if the cutpurse was with a gang, but then decided to let the thief go when it looked like he was working alone. Orion is here for bigger things today. After waiting through the second hour, he is excited that things are finally heating up. Orion shakes his head at the choir; they sound impressive, but is the ban on mint really what they care about? Oh well, to each their own. Against his better judgment, Orion is drawn into the crowd. He gets closer (within 30') to the group shouting about the harsh punishments, grips his crystal focus in one hand and surreptitiously makes the proper gestures with the other to cast Minor Illusion. For the next minute he concentrates on making different (ratfolk) voices shout about prisoners: "Where are the disappeared ones?" ""Free the prisoners!" "Our people are missing!" "Free the prisoners!" "WHERE ARE THE DISAPPEARED ONES?"

Orion tries this again, and even adds his own voice if it appears to be working.

I'm not even sure you can cast a spell covertly, but I guess an angry crowd is the place, if anywhere is. He is not burning a metamagic point on subtle spell for this. If a stealth roll is needed, here it is: [roll0]

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Responding to K'tak's inquiry, Hep smiles and replies, "Well, perhaps they're not friends yet - just friends we haven't fully realized yet! We share common interest, like disliking the dog Barzillai. Or enjoying mint! Like those fine folks!" He gestures to the yelling choir who had begun shouting mint-based recipes as part of a performance.

"Remember earlier when I talked of mint, complaining that it was banned? They're doing the same, but loudly! We share an interest! We could be friends! Also, what was that about 'liking... food... like that...'" Hep's blue eyes grew wide, a grin widening on his face to match the countenance of his compatriot. "You inspire me, Lady. Excuse me a moment - I'll be right back here..."

Genius!! Let us not be upstaged!! The young man makes his way to the yelling choir, but distances himself a bit, waiting for them to finish their next chant. As it concludes, Hep adopts his new ratfolk voice and taking up his lute, striking a loud chord to gain attention before speaking:

"The caudillo withholds mint from our possession." A chord follows.
"And collecting the city's dogs is his obsession." Another chord.
"He must think they taste great," --louder
"When they're served on his plate," --louder
"As he hides inside his house to keep discretion!" A loud gallop of notes followed by a short fanfare concludes the poem and the performance.

Regardless of the response to his outburst at calling Barzillai Torkrest a dog-eating coward, Hep mingles with the crowd a bit before making his way back to the tree, keeping an eye on Nox in case that quick little show garnered her attention.

I would like to apply a Performance check in my attempt to help make the caudillo a figure of fun, though I do not know if Actor applies for Advantage as "passing myself off as another person", as I'm using a different voice but not wearing a disguise.
As such, the top roll would be for a straight roll, and the bottom one would apply if DM allows Advantage from the Actor feat.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper (presumably)
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies:
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin

[Smilex]

The 'salty' and the 'bitter' groups seem quite sympathetic to Copper's message. The screaming choir even makes a small number on the merits of the divinity of arts and crafts.

Orion is noticed by the crowd around him. They make a small wall to surround him so that people further away wouldn't notice Orion's magic. He gets several thumbs up signs, pats on the back and a free sandwich from an older lady in the crowd.

Hep's rabble rousing still has the largest effect. The crowd is completely entertained. From this moment on, most of the people in the crowd just make way for Hep wherever he goes.
Hep gets advantage to all charisma-related skill rolls until the next long rest from the hype. There are two separate reactions of note.
Nox smiles and waves at Hep. She then points at herself. Then she mimes the gesture of breaking something in two and then points at Hep. Finally she gives another grin and a wave.

Another reaction is that a the ratfolk who Copper earlier observed tossing rocks into the river... he approaches Hep...
Hey, you're Hep the bard, right? I've seen you perform up north. Amazing to have you come here. The crowd loves your music. I could really help your career you know. I'm thinking a new bar where you perform regularly. You really make the rabble wild so I'm thinking a bar for the rougher crowd. You, dancing girls, laced strong drinks. I'm thinking of calling it Hepatits, what do you say? Guaranteed winner!

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Seeing his companions move into the crowd and begin to provoke the situation, Caelin turned his back and moved away, concerned that their actions would set off the crowd, shift it's mood, push it towards violence. Their foolish, rash actions, having unintended consequences which would threaten the safety and security of hundreds, even thousands of innocent people. The people in this crowd were not prepared for open conflict against the Knights of the Line, and assuredly the Caudillo would summon them if provoked.

This could end in bloodshed, and his companions seemed oblivious to it, invited it even. He shook his head, losing himself in the press of the crowd, he was well aware of Torkrest's temperment, and how he dealt with those he felt were disloyal, or, even worse, traitors. So he moved through the crowd, keeping an eye out for the rumored contact he had come, expecting to meet, while studying the movements of the crowd, looking for those who appeared to be loyal to Torkrest, houseguards, mercenaries, or sell swords, dressed as commoners, but loyal to the Caudillo. Caelin suspected they were in the crowd, Barzillai's eyes and ears, and, if needed, the point of his blade. He'd done the same among the servants in his own house, so his slaves quickly learned to keep their thoughts to themselves, for fear of whispering thoughts of escape into the ear of their master's spies. That fear, that paranoia, isolated his slaves and made it difficult for any single one to organize with others, for fear of alerting their cruel overseers.

He suspected the same here, for as much as he hated the man, Barzillai Torkrest was not a fool, and he knew, full well, what this crowd would bring. An opportunity to tighten his grip on the throat of Kintargo.

OOC: Slipping into the crowd, Stealth check, [roll0], and looking for two things, the 1st is my single gloved contact, the 2nd is anyone whom I suspect could be 'plants' in the crowd, guards, mercenaries, ready to respond to violence. Perception check, [roll1], if I spot the 1st, I will make contact, if I spot the 2nd, I will attempt to relieve them of any written orders them carry, ignore this if they aren't, visibly, carrying orders, scrolls, or proclamations, Sleight of Hand [roll2].

[Zhentarim]

Copper continues extolling the virtues of her church until/unless somebody stops her.

[Smilex]

Orion, Hep and Copper are near the middle of the crowd, attracting more and more attention near where they are. The crowd is turning increasingly bellicose.

K'tak and Andvari find themselves slightly peckish and visit a nearby food cart. They have a pleasant enough chat. When they're returning to the park from the west, things start happening.

The third hour passes with the crowd getting somewhat sizeable, maybe three hundred overall. Suddenly you hear the belltower of Sidonay's temple clang three times.

A moment later, windows and curtains open in an upper floor. Barzillai Torkrest himself is standing at the window, looking down upon the protesters. He is large for a dwarf, quite imposing in his ornate breastplate and orange-red cloak. He seems middle-aged for a dwarf. He's shaved both his head and beard. He's got a spiky sceptre that looks like it might as well be a mace and on the other hand he's got a goblet.

The crowd quiet's down.

Barzillai sneers
Ah, my adoring hairballs! I am sorry to say I have not yet adapted to your quirky, country ways, being accustomed as I am to the sophistication and learning of Hardward. Nonetheless, know I have heard your concerns, and that I appreciate, even value your feedback. I know we shall eventually find a mutual understanding in the fullness of time. I take pride in updating Kintargo's quaint, outdated laws to the modern standards the city deserves, and strengthening its ties with the Torkrest clan in these cruel times, but obviously I have approached my duties too much straigthforwardly.
There's a moments pause and a confused, varied reaction from the crowd. The 'sweet' crowd even clap their hands a little.
You say you chafe at the presence of nonnatives in positions of power? That authorities not of this city have no place as its leaders? That you will not be yoked by intruders? Your caudillo hears you. And so it is with a heavy heart that I issue this proclamation, in response to your demands:
All ships' captains are hereafter barred from leaving their vessels and setting foot on Kintargo docks or streets, under pain of... let's say... squassation!

It is at this precise moment that Caelin, who's been patrolling around the area notices a dwarf in fancy clothes, wearing the single black glove arrive to the scene from the east side of the park.

Around the crowd, voices rise in anger...

What do you do?

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

The smile on Hep's face could not have been more broad, nor his eyes more wild with excitement as he studies his fresh role, waiting a minute to soak in the sight and voice. More than I need.

The actor dares to wink and blow a kiss towards Nox as he backs away from the center of the crowd. Hearing the heated talk rising, Hep hopes a jape will divert that rage to The Dog Himself. The dark hood of a cloak sweeps well over his head before the man dares to maximize his nuisance, taking on the voice of Barzillai Torkrest himself:

"Yes! 'Squassation'! I shall take away their SQUASHES!!... And their MINT!!"

Maybe not the best play on words, but today's been all about food, so... let's see how it goes over...

"I'm goin' hungry... / (I'm goin' hungry...)"

Anyone should be able to tell it's not actually Barzillai talking in that instance, but I would like to apply a Persuasion check to try and turn the crowd's anger into mockery with the rough play on words. Advantage applies owing to:


Hep gets advantage to all charisma-related skill rolls until the next long rest from the hype.
[roll0]
[roll1]

If I'm allowed an Action beyond that, and if Barzillai is less than 60 feet from my position, I'll Ready vicious mockery (WIS DC 13 else [roll2] psychic damage +Disadvantage on next attack roll) to be used as a Reaction in the event he starts leaving his window. I realized I backed away from my spot, which is counter-intuitive, but things are about to hit the fan fast by the look of it. If I can see any of my compatriots, I make sure I can still see them as I move.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper (presumably)
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies:
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant, Barzillai Torkrest

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

"Bloody hell," the rogue whispered to himself as he moved towards their contact, Barzillai, true to Torkrest form, threatened the merchant captains of Kintargo, not with fines, but death by torture? He could only shake his head, frustrated with the situation, Caelin had previously thought that his companions were the ones provoking the Caudillo, instead it was the reverse. Barzillai had organized the event to provoke the citizenry, first with ludicrous decrees and now with outright torture and executions, he'd seen it in taphouses and barrooms, provoking one's opponent so when they went for a belt knife, you could thrust into their stomach and claim self defense when the guard came. Barzillai *wanted* the crowd to protest, for some reason, some display of power ...

While keeping his eye on his contact, he moved towards the pro-Torkrest crowds, the sweets, and began to mutter, "Free captains are just bringing food and supplies for the bloody Pa'aash. Serves them right, if those vermin have food then they'll begin to breed like the rats they are, and we'll be up to our teats in filth and vermin. Truly, it's strength, law, and order that'll save us from that tide of gutterrats." He let his fist pump the air in support of the man whom he had more reason to hate than half the folks in the crowd, the bile rising in his throat, "PRAISE HOUSE TORKREST!" A wicked smile to the group he surrounded himself with, as he glared at the Umami, "I hope they get what's comin' to 'em."

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion finished the sandwich and licked his fingers just as Barzillai showed himself and made his bizarre announcement. "What in the nine hells is going on?" Orion unconsciously utters out loud. When it comes to politics, Orion is less than a neophyte, but he isn't stupid. And he doubts Barzillai is, either. He turns to the ratfolk around him, "This makes no sense, right?" Orion's fight or flight instinct (honed from a life of living beyond the law and on the edge of starvation) kicks in, and he looks around for any guards or other obvious danger closing in.

Perception check: [roll0]

[CaoimhinTheCape]

"Andvari you old bastard," Caelin chuckled to himself, "thought you were with the Jills, those bitches are still pissed at me for ...," he voice trailed off, and he gave the dwarf a knowing smile, "ahhhh, ya almost got me ta spill tha' goods. Doin' well, doin' well, you know, much as one can durin' times like these. Still food on the table, and scraps for me ol' pooch." He nodded towards Copper, "Me and Copper here were 'bout to go take some shade 'neath Hep's tree there, watch the crowd, and avoid what's brewing. Join us?"[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]

Andvari smiles at Caelin, though he quickly becomes embarrassed at the joke. "Oh, no, nuthin' like that. The Jills, umm, surely..." He stumbles through the words and is relieved at the mention of someone else. "Yes, of course. Pleasure to meet you Copper."

But the meeting was cut short by the proclamation. "Oh Hell. That's... that's not... I can't say his other proclamations were good, but this is something else." Andvari turned to gauge Caelin's reaction, but the man was already walking away, with a purpose in his mind. The old dwarf considered going after him, but he probably wouldn't want the extra attention. Andvari sighed. He could handle himself at least.

Looking around the crown, Andvari saw another familiar face. "Orion? What brings you here?"


If possible, I'd like to use the Help action go give Orion advantage on that check. I figure my City Watch background would help him spot at least the guards better.
If that's allowed, here's the extra roll for Orion: [roll0]
If I can't, then I guess I would make my own Perception check. My modifier is -1, so the result would be the number above -4.

[StoneSeraph]

"PRAISE HOUSE TORKREST!"

Briefly, a silence overtakes the crowd as the group nearest the meeting tree listen to the shout. A look of disgust creeps across Hep's face as he turns his head slowly to the sound of the outburst. Immediately spotting the man who'd made it, disgust morphs into confusion.

I know that man. Caelin. Runs with a group of cutthroats. The words "humorless clod" spring to mind, as do " absolutely loathes Barzillai"... so... what in the Nine Hells did he do that for?!

Hep keeps his head low, hoping another jibe will keep the crowd loose and not totally aggressive. If it comes to a fight, let them start it... but let's have fun doing it!

In response to Caelin's shout, taking on the voice of the ratfolk merchant:

"OI! BARZILLAI! I FOUND YOU ANOTHER DOG!!" Pausing for a reaction, Hep continues. "NOW WHERE'S MY TWO SILVER?!?"

I relinquish my previously stated Reaction: vicious mockery.
Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper (presumably)
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies:
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant, Barzillai Torkrest

[Smilex]

A dried up turd flies in the air and smacks against the wall just above Barzillai. The caudillo flinches and spills his wine.
Now he shrieks
Enough of this! Nox, run them off, arrest them or kill them. I don't care which!
and he retreats from the window.

Down below, Nox shouts a few words and the dottari guards draw their weapons. At the same time, a number of the men and women in the 'sweet' group pull back their cloaks and put on orange-red armbands. Then they ready their truncheons and yell
Solid!


I rolled some initiatives for you. The scene gives initiative bonuses for certain actions. Orion, K'tak and Andvari got some of that, unfortunately the rolls kind of didn't really go with that.

The Rocksolid citizens are showing aggression toward Orion and Hep in particular, less against K'tak and Copper. Initially they're not moving against Caelin or Andvari.

The person with the black glove is at the eastern edge of the park, hanging back. Caelin is at the eastern edge of the crowd. K'tak is at the western edge. All the rest are near the middle. Because of their actions so far the crowd gives way to Hep, Orion and Copper. For others the crowd counts as difficult terrain.

Round 1
18 Caelin
17 Copper
16 K'tak
14 Dottari Guards
12 The crowd, including the Sweets
11 Orion
8 Andvari
7 Hep

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

K'tak had been enjoying her snack as much as she could, though there was always some dislike for how the smooth skins always overcooked the meat. She'd also been enjoying her companion's song and dance as the crowd got riled up with him. Even Nox's reaction had the Lizardfolk almost chuckling as it likely wasn't the first time she'd seen a woman make similar gestures to the bard before. Barzillia's entrance however sapped the grin off her face as her eyes narrowed on the figure. K'tak listened to the seemingly mocking tone and proclamation and the unrest it seemed to be causing among the villagers.

She didn't understand the point of the proclamation or the frustration at it though, but she didn't have time to ponder over it for now and the music man could explain it more later. Then she heard Hep's voice ring out among others as the tension almost visibly rose. K'tak didn't even see the turd as she was already starting to try and make her way towards Hep, but she did notice when the crowd got much harder to navigate and more weapons started to be brought out. K'tak briefly considers pulling out her own axe, but she still wasn't sure if this was the right time, so instead she pushed her way forward with a redoubled effort to get by Hep's side. "This is getting bad music man. Either the fight needs to start or we need to start going, before the guard cut off all exits but the waters," K'tak hisses at him, her eyes are still narrowed while the frills and spines jut out threateningly. She'd seen such a tactic before, it was common enough when hunting to trap prey between one's weapons and a hazard.

K'tak's taking a dash action to try and work her way over to Hep or at least close enough that she won't have to yell.
If anyone outright tries to bar her path, she'll attempt an intimidation, but not otherwise: [roll0]

[Smilex]

K'tak reaches Hep. She can avoid the more aggressive elements of the crowd so far.

[Zhentarim]

Copper was about to decide to try and use her authority in the church to ask some in the crowd to try to distract the dottari, but she didn't want anybody else getting hurt. Instead, she casts the cantrip Toll the Dead at one of the leaders of the "Rock Solid Citizens" group, given they are too far gone at this point if they still think Barzillai is good.

[Zhentarim]

[roll0]
You point at one creature you can see within range, and the sound of a dolorous bell fills the air around it for a moment. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d8 necrotic damage. If the target is missing any of its hit points, it instead takes 1d12 necrotic damage.

At Higher Levels. The spell’s damage increases by one die when you reach 5th level (2d8 or 2d12), 11th level (3d8 or 3d12), and 17th level (4d8 or 4d12).

[Zhentarim]

I have 16 AC from chain mail, +1 AC from being a warforged/wraithguard, +2 AC from my shield (which has my holy symbol on it), and I used my channel divinity this morning to make my Armor magical, so it grants 17 AC instead of 16 AC.

By my calculations, that's 20 AC

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

A dark, red anger clouds Hep's judgment as he assesses the situation. Ghoulish bastard!! Callous wretch! Him and his dogs, conscripted and citizen alike!! We can overrun them-- we have numbers-- we can--

K'tak, with her reason, shreds through the blinding zeal as if it were paper. Eyes open, the situation is made clear. There is no leader, only a mob. Those against that mob are organized twice over and better armed for a fight. The turd-thrower sparked a fire, but that doesn't make burning the fields with a kill order right, by any means... The Dog wants to quench that fire with blood... and as of now, those few of us who... little to be done... bad decisions all around... A right hand, white-knuckled about the hilt of a sword, slackens its grip as dejection floods the man's thoughts.

"You're right, of course..." the actor admits, looking K'tak in the eyes, the rage in his own all but gone. Finding power in his voice again, he speaks to embolden his companion. "Lady of the Sands, your judgment rings true. We must find Copper. We shall guard and guide each other home..." The man turns his head to face the guards, narrows his gaze on the one called Nox, then briefly steps away from the lizardfolk, his anger rejuvenated at the sight of the tyrants. "Forgive me. One moment..."

At the top of his voice, Hep shouts over the din of the crowd, looking Nox square in the eyes, magic woven through his words, "SHOULDN'T A BITCH IN HEAT SERVE HER MASTER A DIFFERENT WAY?!"

Straightening his hood and clearing his throat with a wry smile, he returns to K'tak. "Now we can go."

"I'll follow you into the dark."


Action: vicious mockery (Nox; if in range): WIS DC 13; else [roll0] psychic damage and Disadvantage on the next attack roll on her turn.

Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration (K'tak): K'tak is granted 1d6; Rules: "Once within the next 10 minutes, the creature can roll the die and add the number rolled to one ability check, Attack roll, or saving throw it makes. The creature can wait until after it rolls The D20 before deciding to use the Bardic Inspiration die, but must decide before the DM says whether the roll succeeds or fails. Once the Bardic Inspiration die is rolled, it is lost. A creature can have only one Bardic Inspiration die at a time." The expended die will be listed in my stat block at the beginning of my next turn.

Move: If movement is allowed to be readied in this instance, I'll follow K'tak on her next turn out of the crowd; else I'll move on the next turn.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Seeing the entire scene devolve into chaos, Caelin acted, the pro-Torkrest group of civilians he had allied with intersecting a column of dottari guards. He moved into position behind the rearmost dottari, he reached his left hand up, around the guards soldier and drew his broad bladed knife, casually, across the man's throat. He then spun to his left in a single fluid motion, raising his hand cross bow from where it was secured beneath his cloak, to send a bolt firing into the midsection of the next dottari guard.

In a slow turn, he moved toward the crowd, attempting to lose himself in the crowd, before the column noted the attack on their rearmost guards.

OOC: Attack Action to attack a dottari guard at the rear of the column, with advantage if the guard isn't expecting the attack from a pro-Torkrest crowd member, if not we'll take the first roll. [roll0]+5= ; for [roll1] if successful. If the guard isn't dead, I will bonus action attack with my Handcrossbow (Crossbow expert), with advantage if applicable, [roll2]+5= ; for [roll3] damage. The 1st successful attack will deal an additional [roll4] sneak attack damage. If the initial attack does kill the first guard, the crossbow shot will be into the next guard.

Move action to slip into the crowd, which may draw an Attack of Opportunity from the 1st guard if he isn't dead.

Results:
1st Attack (Dottari #1): 6, 20 if advantage applies.
Damage: 8, or 12, if sneak attack applies.
2nd Attack (Dottari #1 (if still alive) or Dottari #2): 24
Damage: 8, or 12 if sneak attack not applied with 1st attack.

[Smilex]

Caelin cuts the throat of one of the guards who falls down dead. A crossbow bolt into another guard doesn't quite kill them.
Now I feel I need to remind you of something. This crowd is almost completely made of people dwarvensize or smaller. A human literally sticks out. So I interpret your choice to lose yourself in the crowd in the way that I see possible. Because diving straight into the protest crowd would land you straight in the middle of the rocksolid citizens group and surrounded by enemies.
Caelin slips back away from the line of guards and toward the crowd of people who were never part of the protest, but watched it from the side. Here Caelin notices that the blackgloved person is actually frantically waving at him to come closer.

Copper casts toll the dead on one of the Rocksolid dwarves. The dwarf becomes pale and a bit frightened.

Someone in the crowd throws a dagger into Nox's throat. The throw hits with amazing force and accuracy. Andvari notices a hooded ratfolk slip deeper into the crowd.

Nox snarls and draws the knife out. Hep sees her throat immediately start regenerating from the strike. She opens the opera door and slips inside.

Two dottari guards, the wounded one and another turn toward Caelin. They dash to Caelin's side surrounding him on both sides, threatening him with their warhammers.

The other guards behave more passively at start.

Two individuals of the Rocksolid citizens approach Orion. They try to attack him with their truncheons but both fail miserably.

Two individuals of the Rocksolid citizens approach Hep. One of them manages to swat at him with their truncheon but it's a glancing blow causing a mere 3 damage.

One individual of the Rocksolid citizens approaches Copper. Despite the extremely well armoured inquisitor having few soft spots they get a lucky hit that causes 7 damage.

In all parts of the protest area the anarchists are fighting against the rocksolid citizens while many in the crowd are doing their best to disperse.


Given that there's enemies in close contact with Hep, if you want to change your action plan that's fine. You can disengage and lead K'tak away if you prefer that to a spell attack.

Caelin is just to the east of the map edge. All the others are more or less near the middle of the map. Andvari isn't attacked or surrounded by anyone hostile. K'tak and Hep have two hostiles next to them, Copper 1 and Orion 2. And Caelin of course 2.

11 Orion
8 Andvari
7 Hep

Round 2
18 Caelin
17 Copper
16 K'tak
14 Dottari Guards
12 The crowd, including the Sweets

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -



Given that there's enemies in close contact with Hep, if you want to change your action plan that's fine. You can disengage and lead K'tak away if you prefer that to a spell attack.


Much appreciated, DM. In that case, and since Nox left the fight before my spot in the order, I'll use my Action to Disengage and draw a dagger instead of casting vicious mockery.... though Hep will still throw the same insult at the cretin who tagged him.

Hep pushes through the crowd to help guide K'tak through, looking for Copper above the sea of ratfolk. As the crowd allows him passage, he tries to usher those who cannot fight away from the fray while encouraging those who came prepared - the "tasty ones" - to keep others safe instead of engaging directly. Though it's only a few words of shouting at a time, he hopes it's enough.

"For those about to rock / we salute you."


Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion quickly makes eye contact with one of the dwarves attacking him, establishing a telepathic link. He then warily backs away from the two dwarves, and says over his link the one "That was a mistake, dwarf! Now I am inside your mind." Smirking, Orion disengages for now and tries to weave through the press, putting as much of the crowd as possible between himself and any more of these deluded, armband-wearing rocksolid citizens.

In case it wasn't clear, Orion is disengaging and moving away from any pockets of combat as much as he is able. Hopefully the crowd is still letting him through. First, though, he used a bonus action to establish his telpathic speech ability.

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)



Everything happens quickly, and Andvari cannot tell just who started this mess. But there was little he could do in this commotion, no words would stop what was going on.

As the woman, Nox, was hit, Andvari was barely able to notice the ratfolk blending in, but he did what he could to remember the person's features.

A quick scan of the crowd told him that both of his friends (Orion and Caelin) were in trouble. Even if Caelin may have initiated on his side. For now, Andvari would simply run to keep up, following Orion to the east.




Using my Action to make a Perception check on the ratfolk to pick up any details. If that doesn't count as my action, I'll Dash instead.
Perception: [roll0]
Move 12.5 feet (half speed) to the east toward Orion and/or Caelin. If the Perception check does not count as my action, that will double to 25 feet.

[Zhentarim]

All Spells Available. (2/2 lvl1 spell slots)
Cantrips: Spare the Dying, Light, Toll the Dead
Always prepared spells: Identify, Searing Strike
Immunities: Disease, hunger, sleep, thirst, suffocation
Proficient Saves: Charisma and Wisdom
Special: Advantage on saves vs poison
Damage resistance: Poison Damage
Prepared Spells (15 wis=2+lvl spells): Shield of Faith, Bless, Cure Light Wounds
HP: 4/11

Copper doesn't feel pain in the way she did when she was mortal, but she immediately senses the attack and instinctively jerks away. She uses one of the quickest spells she knows to defend herself against her attacker: Searing Smite.


Cast Searing Smite as Bonus Action: [roll0]
Attack with Heavy Mace (one handed, as I have a shield in the other hand): [roll1]

Attack Roll (16 str, +2 proficiency) : [roll2]

Move Action to move away from attacker.

The next time you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack during the spell's duration, your weapon flares with white-hot intensity, and the attack deals an extra 1d6 fire damage to the target and causes the target to ignite in flames. At the start of each of its turns until the spell ends, the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, it takes 1d6 fire damage. On a successful save, the spell ends. If the target or a creature within 5 feet of it uses an action to put out the flames, or if some other effect douses the flames (such as the target being submerged in water), the spell ends.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the initial extra damage dealt by the attack increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.

https://5e.tools/spells/searing-smite-phb.html

"Stand down," Copper commands.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

As Caelin juked around the citizens, two dottari pursued, to his credit, one of them kept pace despite the injury that Caelin had inflicted. The respect, however, was fleeting. He spun, using his pursuers momentum against them, ramming his broad bladed knife towards the uninjured guardsmen's chest, he then spun, his hand moving quickly to load and fire the hand crossbow at the injured one who was sliding to a stop.

Then spinning, he retrieved the short sword from where it had stabbed the dottari guard and fled towards where his companions, and the armed Umami had gathered.

OOC: Doesn't look like any Advantage or Sneak attack this round, so with my Attack action I will attack the uninjured dottari guard with my short sword, [roll0], for [roll1] damage. The attack will trigger Crossbow Expert, allowing me to shoot the injured one with my hand crossbow, as a Bonus Action, [roll2], for [roll3].

I will then move towards my companions, likely drawing an AoO from the dottari (though I am assuming the injured one is dead, but I could be wrong.)

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

K'tak hissed harshly at the offender who'd struck Hep with the truncheon, and moved in quickly for a fast bite on the offender.
Using hungry jaws for a bonus action bite attack on the Rocksolid that hit Hep.
[roll0] and maybe taking a piece with her to munch on if the hit's good enough.
Her threat made, K'tak would then back off and follow along after Hep, trying to stick close to him so the crowd couldn't separate them. As she went, her own large axe was slid off her back and came to rest in her claws. "The fight looks ready to start, are we still leaving? Or are we making sure others get to leave?" K'tak asked as she eyed one of the exits that unarmed protestors had already started to flee towards the could easily be blocked off by a couple guards.
Whether the bite works or not, K'tak is disengaging and following along with Hep while drawing her greataxe.

[Smilex]

Orion establishes mental contact with the dwarf and disengages toward southeast. The crowd lets him go past and closes behind him. A couple of larger ratfolk are about to grapple the dwarves. You've heard that wrestling is quite popular with the ratfolk and these guys look like the type to be quite good at it.

The dwarf Orion contacted winces and looks around for a possible alternative source of the voice, but he doesn't responds to the voice. Then he's sort of lost in the crowd as Orion distances himself. The link still remains though. Orion is now at the southeastern edge of the crowd.

Andvari tries to get a look at the pa'aash with the good aim but the thrower is gone before Andvari gets a good look. Hopefully that means the guards missed him or her too. The crowd is kind of in the way and Andvari's progress is slow. The dwarves avoid hitting him and while some of the ratfolk are seemingly angry at the mere sight of him, nobody threatens him. Andvari's movement is slow but he gets to a point on the map that's about two thirds from the western edge of the crowd and one third of the eastern edge.

Hep tries to dodge away from the attackers and toward Copper. Copper and K'tak strike at the rocksolid brawlers, though only Copper hits. The strike leaves the dwarf bloodied. When Copper moves away, the dwarf tries to strike him as a reaction but this time the well-armored body does its job. Copper notices a ratfolk member of the crowd conk the dwarf on the head afterwards, making the dwarf drop, stunned, unconscious.
The dwarf K'tak tries to bite takes revenge and whacks K'tak as a reaction when he's moving away. 5 bludgeoning damage.
You're moving as a group and the crowd gives way to you but fighting slows you down so there's no dash movement. You also were moving simply away from the attackers, which would mean somewhat to the south. You end up very much in the same area where Andvari is. You four are now basically next to each other.

Caelin stabs another guard and shoots the already injured one to death. The stabbed guard tries to strike Caelin as a reaction, but misses. Caelin closes in with Orion and the two are now at the southeastern edge of the crowd, about 20 feet from the rest of the group.

Most of the guards aren't doing anything except waiting things out. The guard that Caelin stabbed though is yelling for help and four of the dottari go to see their wounded and dead comrades.

Meanwhile the crowd is now full of fighting between the umami and the sweet. Burly ratfolk, many of whom you recognize as being of the stormrat subrace melee with the rocksolid dwarves. It's not a fair fight. The dwarves' superior fighting spirit, experience and better equipment is obvious. The ratfolk are putting up good resistance though.

Many ratfolk are doing their best to leave the park.

The blackgloved dwarf is being approached by five rocksolid dwarves. They are pointing at Caelin and the dead guard. Blackglove casts color spray on the brawlers and starts to run away. Caelin recognizes the alley he's chosen as a dead-end.


There's no assailants in melee range with any of you. Orion and Caelin are at the southeastern edge of the crowd, just 5 feet from the edge of the gathered protester crowd.

The rest are about 25 to 30 feet further west. If you move in unison, both groups have a member which the crowd respects and gives way to.

At the north edge, particularly the northeastern edge of the crowd there's a substantial number of combatants if you wish to engage. If you wish to make your way toward mr Blackglove, there's five rocksolid dwarves between you and the path he went to, at a distance of about 30 feet from Orion and Caelin.

11 Orion
8 Andvari
7 Hep

Round 3
18 Caelin
17 Copper
16 K'tak
14 Dottari Guards
12 The crowd, including the Sweets

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Looking around, Orion is surprised to see Caelin near him. "Caelin! What are you doing here? Nevermind - we need to help these people before the dwarves slaughter them all!" Orion follows Caelin's gaze to the five rocksolid dwarves near the alley. "Yes, that is perfect." Since they are clumped together away from the crowd, Orion sees an opportunity to lower the odds. He focuses his mind on the crystal in his hand, makes the proper arcane gestures, and extends the enchanting force of his magic towards the five dwarves. "Sleeeeeeeep. Now." Orion then prepares to move with Caelin. "Where do you think we can best help, Caelin? I'll follow your lead."

If the dwarves are 30' away from Cealin and Orion, they should be 25' away from the crowd, so Orion aims the center of his Sleep spell to (hopefully) not catch anyone else. No save, and it effects [roll0] HP, lowest dwarves first. Orion is also prepared to spend a sorcery point to Empower the spell if he needs to, if that is even allowed. The book says Empower works on "damage dice." Sleep does not cause damage, but the roll for HP seems to work the same way, so up to you.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Seeing Copper and one of the ratfolk dispatch a Rocksolid member, K'tak's words fill Hep with hope. "Well struck, Copper! With help, we can take them down, at least a few of them - the ratfolk are fighting hard!!"

Raising his voice to its maximum, Hep shouts above the fighting. "Kintargo!! If you cannot fight, flee, so you can fight another day! For those who can fight..." Hep pricks the tip of his finger with his dagger, drawing a drop of blood that evaporates into magical aether as he screams to the three nearest Rocksolid, "CURSE THEM! CRUSH THEM! BREAK THEIR BONES AND BLAST THEM INTO DUST!"

Lowering his volume, Hep stows his blade before patting his lizardfolk friend on the back, hoping his earlier words inspired her. "I'll help the crowd escape, but I have your back! Lady, If you are hungry... then, please, EAT..."

"Test your might. / Test your might."

Move(1/2): towards the Rocksolid until I am within 30 feet of 3 of them (should not be far)

Action: Spell: bane: targeting the nearest three Rocksolid members within 30 feet (specifically, those tangling with K'tak and myself): CHA DC 13 else -1d4 on all attack rolls or saving throws before the spell ends (Concentration: 1 minute (10/10 rounds remaining))
Spell slot burned on Character Sheet; will apply Concentration to IG stat block at next post.

Move(2/2): until I am 20 feet away from the nearest Rocksolid

Bonus: None. K'tak still has 1d6 Inspiration Die (99/100 rounds remaining).

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 1/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)




Andvari finds himself near an odd group - a Lizardfolk and human who seem to be having a conversation and the Warforged that Caelin introduced him to earlier. Copper was her name? He looks at the still flaming sword and can only assume that a guard was on the other end of it. Andvari hesitates, but if a guard was going to support Tarkest after all of this.

"Here, give me a moment and this will feel better..." Andvari pulls out his smith's tools and begins to repair her armor (or more accurately, body), assuming she lets him.

"We should keep an eye out for Caelin, he seemed to be focused on something earlier. I can't assume the boy would have the sense to leave for safety."


Casting Cure Wounds on Copper [roll0]

No move.

[Smilex]

Orion casts sleep and three of the five rocksolid dwarves fall asleep.

Andvari cures wounds on Copper.

Hep moves 5 feet north and casts Bane, two dwarves are affected.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

He shot Orion a smile, almost feral in the chaos, then the ashen haired youth, bent over wiping the blood from his broad bladed knife. "This is going to devolve into a riot, and I don't mean to bleed out on these cobble stones," he nodded to the dottari who were looking in his direction, "I pissed them off by killin' their mates 'fore they could bash in the heads of good Kintargo stock such as ourselves, eh?"

He pointed out his contact, "Before we scurry away from the caudillo's little party, we need to get him out of here," seeing that the dwarf retreated towards a dead end alley, Caelin swore. "FOOK! That's a dead end ya blighter," he dropped a fist into his thigh before moving through the crowd towards his contact, "Move! Now."

While moving through the crowds, he hissed over his shoulder towards Orion, "If those dottari come for us, I'll lead them off, and you get the gloved dwarf out of here, ya?"

OOC: Moving towards our contact, however, at this point I am keeping low, like I am sprinting, trying to lose myself, or at least confuse the dottari as to where I am in the crowd. If the dottari start moving to intercept me and Orion, I'll seperate and distract the guards, leaving Orion to make contact.

[Smilex]

Caelin looks at the crowd. He's at the eastern edge of the protesters. To the north, at range of roughly 30 feet there's four assembled guards. 20 to 25 feet to the east are the five rocksolids of whom three just fell asleep.
South is the water, more of a pond actually than the river, though the two bodies of water are connected under the streets. North are the guards. The cul-de-sac that Blackglove ran into turns north from the main street that continues east. Caelin could run around the block, and get to the cul-de-sac's other side over a fence if he was fast enough.


Caelin runs out of the protester crowd toward the onlookers gathered in the east. He moves just a east and just a little south to avoid direct contact with the rocksolids... but not too far that he'd lose much when going back north after the next city block.



17 Copper
16 K'tak
14 Dottari Guards
12 The crowd, including the Sweets
11 Orion
8 Andvari
7 Hep

Round 4
18 Caelin

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin recalled the layout of this quarter, a plan began to formulate in his head, he whispered to Orion, "I'll meet you wharfside, make sure the rest don't get too caught up in the riot. Meet me wharfside later tonight," then spinning he fired over the crowd of ratfolk and dwarves, straight at the dottari. "C'mon you blighters! That tha' best you got?!?" He snapped off a second shot as he took off down the east-west road, circling around towards the rear of the cul-de-sac, drawing off the guards, leading them away from the riot and the main square.

OOC: As discussed in the OOC Thread, I will lead the dottari on a chase through the alleys using my head start, stealth, and the fact they are likely to be cautious due to me having gutted two of them already. Once I get close to the alley opposite the cul-de-sac I will lose them, then scale the wall towards our contact (if he hasn't left with Orion at that point) Then I will make my way to a meeting point on wharfside taking my time and making sure I am not followed.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 9 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s): Rage

K'tak grinned maliciously as she was given free reign to start attacking, and there was a certain dwarf who'd so recently earned her ire thanks to the bruise forming on her hip. Turning predatory eyes towards the Rocksolid that'd hit her, K'tak let out a feral sounding hiss before she taking out and throwing a javelin at them. Then taking her battle axe back in her hands, she starts to advance towards them, but she's mindful to not get too far from Hep and the others. There were still many to their few and she did not want to get separated and surrounded.

- Entering Barbarian rage
Attack against dwarf that hit her: [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]
Using Inspiration die in OOC chat to boost total attack roll to 15

[Zhentarim]

Copper protects herself with a Shield of Faith spell, puts her mace back on her side, and tries to find an already-injured guard to cast Toll the Dead on. Meanwhile, she moves alongside the person who healed her to protect them.

Shield of Faith stacks with my other armor bonuses so my AC is now 22. Wizards-of-the-Coast say that AC bonuses from spells stack with all other AC bonuses, so long as its not two of the same spell.
I once again have 11/11 HP
I'm out of lvl 1 spell slots, but my searing strike from earlier is still active if anybody dares engage me in melee.

[Smilex]

Copper moves near Orion and casts 'toll the dead' on the guard Caelin stabbed earlier. The guard seems to be effected but doesn't quite die of the spell.

K'tak tosses a javelin into the crowd before the thought of where a missed javelin has time to bother her. Luckily the javelin does barely hit the dwarf that's partially behind the rest of the crowd. How lucky that dwarves are taller than most ratfolk.

Four dottari guards that were looking in Caelin's direction point at Orion and Copper and draw crossbows. The advance about 15 feet and take a shot each. They all miss. They might have all been shooting at Copper or maybe Orion is very lucky.

The rocksolid group to the east starts to wake up the ones that fell asleep. Noboy is chasing after Caelin or running into the cul-de-sac.

Three rocksolid dwarves converge on K'tak, all of them swinging their clubs. But they all miss.

Around the park dwarves and ratfolk keep fighting. Not every dwarf stands with the sweets and not every ratfolk tastes like umami. Anger rules the moment and insults fly as well as bricks.

Meanwhile the majority of the people that started the protest are slowly looking for a way out of the crowd, but people are standing in each other's way. Some are jumping into the pond to swim to the other side.

Most ratfolk who are fighting are on the larger side. They've got a physique about as bulky as the dwarves themselves. You know their subrace as stormrats. They're brave in groups and like to fight.

The rest of the taller crowd are moonclay rats, but they are very few. Usually moonclay rats are a bit withdrawn. Their physiques are more on the lithe side and they stand out easily in comparison to the stormrats.

Most ratfolk are small as halflings. There are some of the small ones fighting as well. Many of them are throwing objects. They seem to have a very good aim in general.



Caelin is separate from the rest of the crew, about 60 feet from Orion and Copper, 35 feet from the rocksolid dwarves and at a distance where he can run north and disappear behind the corner on his round.

Copper and Orion are together about 15 feet from a group of four guards with crossbows and warhammers. The rocksolid group of five is about 10 feet further away. One of them is still sleeping. There are many other rocksolids nearby, but they're engaged in the general melee.

Hep and Andvari are together about 20 feet from Copper and Orion, not engaged, surrounded by the general crowd.

K'tak is alone, surrounded by three rocksolids and a large crowd ing general. He's about 15 feet from Andvari and Hep.

11 Orion
8 Andvari
7 Hep

Round 4
18 Caelin
17 Copper
16 K'tak
14 Dottari Guards
12 The crowd, including the Sweets

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: Bane (9/10 rounds remaining)

The Great Lady stands tall above the fray, the Rocksolid nearly surrounding her, Stormrats clamoring about and putting up a great fight... This will make an amazing production, IF we survive!

Seeing each of the Rocksolid fail to strike his friend, Hep jeers loudly over the fighting, locking eyes with one of them. Magic courses through his words as they boom through the air, "PATHETIC!! If you weren't so soft!!" His eyes turn to the barbarian; with the blood magic bright and alive in his mind, his words aim to fuel her outrage. "LADY OF THE DESERT, CRUSH THESE ROCKS INTO SAND AND DUST."

His missives continue: "Stormrats! Fight beside the Lady, as Sand and Storm! Bring the Rocksolid low!! Citizens of Kintargo, if you cannot fight, flee! Do not endanger yourselves here!!"

Hep leans down to his new friend, Andvari, pleased that he healed Copper in short order. The actor issues a quick whisper, "Thanks for taking care of Copper, by the way! Heppen Rigley, at your service!", before rising up again to keep an eye on the battle.

"Sandstorm"... it would be odd to play in the middle of a battle. That and the lute might get damaged!... Shame, too, that tune is classic...

Move: -
Action: vicious mockery: targeting one Rocksolid near K'tak: WIS DC 13 else [roll0] psychic damage and Disadvantage on the next attack roll on its turn.
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration: K'tak: 1d6 to be used on one attack roll, saving throw, or skill check within the next 100 rounds.
BI will be expended in IG stat block at next post.

Bane is still active (-1d4 to attack rolls and saving throws for 2 of the Rocksolid); if any of the Rocksolid that K'tak are fighting are affected by it, good.


I'm A-OK making sure K'tak has resources to kick ass in the fray, but I'm tempted to reserve to an Inspiration and my remaining 1st-level spell slot in case we get into another scrap before a long rest. If we need to fall back, we fall back.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion is surprised by the guards' bolts, and turns to see the guards advancing on him. "Damn." He turns back to the rocksolid group he tried to put to sleep, and sees them waking up each other. "Double damn." Orion quickly stows his crystal as he pulls out his crossbow, and fires at one of the rocksolid dwaves just getting up. Then he glances at the gleaming suit of armor next to him. "I am grateful you seem to be drawing their fire, but I think we should all get out of here."

Orion moves directly away from the guards, starting to run away. He hopes Caelin's contact had time to get away...

Orion draws and fires his crossbow. To hit: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]. If the guards are coming from the north, Orion is moving south.

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 1/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)



Andvari nods at Hep's introduction, but it barely registers as he is trying to focus on the fray. As crossbow bolts fly from the guards Andvari thinks of joining the fight against them. Almost.

When his resolve vanishes, he quickly looks around and tries to see how else he can help. Looking at the environment he sees something flammable and as subtle as he can throws a Fire Bolt at it. Hopefully it would distract those attacking his friends. Or, his friends of friends.

Seeing K'tak surrounded, Andvari moves toward her.



Casting Fire Bolt at some sort of object (hay bale, pile of wood, etc.) that currently doesn't have anyone in it. If he can distract the Rocksolids that's ideal but he's fine distracting anyone.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

If he can, he does this stealthily (at disadvantage).
Stealth: [roll2]
Disadvantage: [roll3]

Move toward K'tak.

[Smilex]

Orion fires a crossbow bolt into the pond in the south and runs toward the lost bolt. The crowd lets him pass and this leaves Copper kind of aloneish facing the four guards.

Andvari fires a firebolt to light up the tree that's closest to the eastern edge of the crowd. One of the larger branches lights up.
Then he moves so he's close to K'tak.

The burning tree forms a nice backdrop to the green catbot facing the four guards.

Hep casts vicious mockery at one of the rocksolid dwarves but they manage to resist the spell despite being under the effect of bane.

If I understood correctly, and please correct if there's a misunderstanding.
Caelin runs northeast and disappears behind the corner to circle to the end of the dead-end alley.

[Zhentarim]

Copper, feeling somewhat confident with both her armor and shield and her magical protection from Shield of Faith, takes out her still glowing-hot mace and batters one of the guards.

Damage from heavy mace: [roll0]
Extra Fire Damage: [roll1]
To hit: [roll2]

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 9 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s): Rage

Fueled by the red haze of rage, K'tak goes to bring her battle axe about in a vicious slash at the most wounded of the rock solids.
Rolling to hit one of the Rock Solid dwarves
Attack:[roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]
Whether her attack hits or not, she lets out another predatory raptor like hiss and bears her pointed teeth at the lot of them.

[Smilex]

The guards at the back of the crowd react to the on-going events by yelling for Nox to get back. They seem a bit surprised by the tenaciousness of the protesters

K'tak slashes at one of the rocksolid dwarves and they succumb to their wounds while...

Copper's attack misses

The group of guards that Copper advanced on have a few words as a reaction to his attack.
What is that thing?

It's some kind of golem.

Can it be killed?

Let's take it down.

Two of the guards grapple Copper and two of them try to shove him down.
I rolled some dice for Copper's contested athletics checks
They grab Copper but heroically she manages to resist being pushed down.

Meanwhile the two rocksolid dwarves in front of K'tak try to attack her. One of them swats her under the knee with their truncheon. The rage damps the effects to 3 points of bludgeoning damage.

Around the park, the crowd continues to roil. Blows are exchanged and the number of people wailing or falling from their wounds starts to rise.


Orion is behind the crowd, at the shore of the pond.
Caelin is way to the east and continuing north.
Copper is grappled by four guards on the east side of the crowd
The rest of the group are quite at the middle of the whole protester crowd, surrounded mostly by pa'aash but facing a couple of rocksolid dwarves.

11 Orion
8 Andvari
7 Hep

Round 5
18 Caelin
17 Copper
16 K'tak
14 Dottari Guards
12 The crowd, including the Sweets

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 1/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: Bane (8/10 rounds remaining)

Seeing Copper in the grip of the Rocksolid, Hep's eyes grow wide. They're changing tactics now, and those tactics are nothing but bad news. Outnumbered is one thing, but split up and outnumbered is worse. Worst of all, though... The nagging suspicion vanishes like a matchflame in the wind. One thought remains, bold and plain: We now need to get out of here.

"COPPER! RISE STRONG! BREAK FREE AND RALLY TO ME!" Leaning down, the actor curtly addresses Andvari, "Dwarf, I do not know your name, but I would implore you to help our friend once more!" Moving through the crowd toward K'tak, Hep draws his rapier to challenge one of the Rocksolid squaring off against his friend. The blade aims towards the craven heart and lunges forward.

"Rise over shadow mountains / blazing with power"

Move: towards K'tak until engaged with the Rocksolid not affected by bane, else the nearest Rocksolid.
Action: Attack: Rapier: [roll0] to hit; [roll1] piercing damage
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration: Copper: 1d6 to be used on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw (100 rounds remaining)
BI will be expended in the IG stat block at next post.

K'tak still has Bardic Inspiration (99/100 rounds remaining)
Bane is still active (-1d4 to attack rolls and saving throws for 2 of the Rocksolid); if any of the Rocksolid that K'tak and I are fighting are affected by it, good.


It seems that those chasing after Caelin's contact are well-distracted, but I'm worried about Copper squaring off against those four enemies at once. It's worth burning the Inspiration die if she can escape the grapple and get out of that predicament. If these two Rocksolid next to K'tak and I fall, then we can swing over to help Copper better; if Copper gets free, then we ought to book it.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 1/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)



Seeing that his distraction did not amount to much, Andvari takes a breath. He didn't like that it had come to this, but he could not support Torkrest or those who believe in him.

Fire once again glows in his hand, but this time the target is the Rocksolids.



Fire Bolt:
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Subtle, if possible
Stealth: [roll2]
Disadvantage: [roll3]

Move toward K'tak if I'm not already there.

[Smilex]

Caelin continues runnin north and almost reaches the next corner.

Andvari takes another step so he's right behind K'tak and fires a firebolt straight into one of the rocksolids fighting the lizardwoman.

Hep moves in to support K'tak as well and pierces the same wounded dwarf though they still live.

Only one dwarf affected by bane left. I think K'tak also used her inspiration.

[Zhentarim]

Copper ceases concentration on Searing Strike to cast Shield of Faith, raising her defenses as she retreats. She struggles to get out of her grappled condition so she can move towards her ally who called to her and says "We need to get out of here."

For the next 10 minutes Copper Concentrates, her AC is 22

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion turns back to see if anyone is chasing him. Breathing a sigh of relief, he glances at the group of rocksolid dwarves, but they do not appear to be chasing Caelin's contact anymore. He then sees the armored figure who helped him apparently immobilized by the guards. He tries to see one of the guards clearly enough to put a sliver in is mind, shouting "Pain!"

If Orion can see one of the guards holding Copper well enough to cast Mind Sliver, he does so. It is an Intelligence save, DC 13, or he takes [roll0] psychic damage and gets a -1d4 to his next save, if it is before the end of Orion's next turn.
If Orion can't see the guards through or above the crowd, he fires a crossbow bolt at the closest rocksolid dwarf in the group he put to sleep. To hit: [roll1], damage: [roll2].


Orion then moves West, away from the rocksolid dwarves but still staying close enough to the crowd to help out the armored one fighting the guards.

[Zhentarim]

Copper ceases concentration on Searing Strike to cast Shield of Faith, raising her defenses as she retreats. She struggles to get out of her grappled condition so she can move towards her ally who called to her and says "We need to get out of here."

For the next 10 minutes Copper Concentrates, her AC is 22

[roll0]

When I first made my character, I put my warforged bonus skill proficiency into perception. I moved it over to athletics since I hadn't benefitted from using the bonus on perception yet. I figure that adding proficiency to athletics probably is going to fit my character better in the long run.

Here is a question for you:

Is the "Brawny" feat going to be available at level 4? I may take it to get double my proficiency on athletics and double my carrying capacity: http://private-5e.wikidot.com/advancement:feats#toc48

[Smilex]

Orion went to the side of the pond so he's about 40 feet from where Copper is wrestling with the guards and about 70 from the separate group of rocksolids. There's a large crowd of people between but he manages to catch a glimps of the wrestling going on. That's enough to cast a mind sliver on one of them. The spell sticks and one of the guards is now in pain.
He moves a little more to the west while remaining within 60 feet of Copper.

Copper tries to wrest herself free but fails. She's still grappled.
Brawny is fine. Completely ok.

K'tak who's spent a while closest to the dwarves notices some of them carry chains and manacles.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 6 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s): Rage

With one of the rock solids felled and now another injured, K'tak had her next target ready. K'tak ripped the axe back out of the corpse before shifting her stance, pivoting on her heals, and bringing the heavy headed weapon in a cruel uppercut swing aimed at the rock solid that Hep had impaled.
Rolling for an attack against the injured rock solid
[roll0]
Roll for dmg came up 7, done in the ooc chat
After the attack, K'tak lets out another roaring hiss at the last one, trying to frighten him away after seeing his companions attacked in such a manner, and if so, would proceed to move towards Copper. Otherwise, she readies herself to attack the last one.
K'tak will attempt to intimidate the last Rock Solid if she can to frighten him away, and if she does get him to run, she'll move towards Copper.
If not, she'll simply stay where she is to finish off the last one.

[Zhentarim]

Athletics: [roll0]
Inspiration: [roll1]

Copper continues concentrating on Shield of Faith for protection, even as she tries once more to get free, remembering the inspiration her friend gave her. As soon as she frees herself, she wants to gather up her friends to try to escape the crowd. There are just too many enemies to fight.

[Smilex]

K'tak hits and cuts down the wounded rocksolid.
Minimum damage was enough to finish him.
She behaves aggressively at the final dwarf in the central fight.

The guards that are wrestling copper try to push her down. The first two she manages to fight off, but the second duo manages to push her down.
With four dwarves on top of her she's taking disadvantage to grappling checks at this point and can't rise up before breaking the grapple.
Zhentarim last turn you couldn't both try to free yourself and cast the spell.

The golem is really strong!
Hey, guys, could we get some help here. This one is really putting up a fight.
What is this thing even?
Those blasted tabaxi and their haywire machines. Why does it have armor on? No dwarf would've made something this silly.
Dwarven machines don't work here, that's the trouble. Think of if we had thunderpipes... Wouldn't be none of this mess.

The five rocksolids that were previously going after the 'contact' are now walking back to assist the guards. They're carrying manacles.
Hold it a moment longer! We're coming

In the middle of the crowd the dwarf notices he's all alone in the middle of the protester crowd. There's so many people around that he couldn't really get away if he tried. One of the stormrats that's nearby conks him over the head with a mace. The dwarf goes down in front of K'tak.
The stormrat smiles at K'tak. He's head looks weird since he's shaved it, one of the newer styles in the lower classes. It's supposed to show sympathy towards humans and the rat-cities in the north that have joined the Kingdom of Sacrament.
Gnarly.
the rat says before turning the other way to look for a new opponent.

At the center of the rioting masses a chant is developing
Push through! Push through!
Indeed the umami are pushing towards the opera house's door. Hep, Andvari and K'tak are at the very center where the number of friendly faces is largest.

Some of the guards are banging the door of the opera house as the crowd approaches.

On either side of the center the rocksolids are having more success and pushing the sides of the crowd in.
You are noticing that while the fight is quite violent, there's places at the park where dwarves are giving first aid to ratfolk and vice versa. For all the breaking of heads this is still more of a streetfight than war. Not that people haven't died. There's certainly a number of dead on the ground.

Near the pond, Orion is retreating while keeping watch at what's happening with his friends. He's starting to be near the other end of the scuffle. He hears a coarse cry
Bite that!
Before a brick flies through the air and hits him in the head for 5 bludgeoning damage.
There's dwarves and ratfolk fighting about 25 feet to the northwest from his current position. One of the dwarves behind the main line of battle is leering at Orion. while picking up another brick.

Caelin is starting to be in an area that's far enough that all the fighting isn't directly affecting anyone. A number of other people are trying to get away from the park at a fast pace but plenty of others are just doing their daily business.



Orion is near the pond, somewhat to the west of the center of the center of the map. There's a relatively sparse crowd around him and it's easy to move.

Copper is at the eastern edge of the crowd, now surrounded by four guards and five rocksolids, about to get cuffed.

Caelin is running toward the second corner, about to turn back west at the next corner to get behind the alley.

The other 3 are very near the middle of the map and the middle of the crowd that's pushing toward the doors of the opera house.

11 Orion
8 Andvari
7 Hep

Round 6
18 Caelin
17 Copper
16 K'tak
14 Dottari Guards
12 The crowd, including the Sweets

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 3/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion snarls at the brick-chucking dwarf, "You shouldn't have done that, dwarf. Be cursed with the music of the eldritch spheres!" Orion then whistles a discordant melody he heard in one of his nightmares. He puts all of his remaining force into the spell.

Orion casts Dissonant Whispers at the dwarf, and is ready to spend a sorcery point to empower it. The spell does [roll0] damage, Wis save DC 13 for half. If he fails his save, he must run away from Orion with his next action. Re-rolling the 2 and the 3: 2d6

Thoroughly injured and with his magical power depleted, Orion exercises the better part of valor and continues around the pond to the southwest, trying to get away from the fighting.

[Smilex]

The stone-throwing dwarf simply collapses due to Orion's spell.

As Orion moves around the pond keeping away from the fight best as he can he runs into a lizardfolk in a black dress. She's maybe four feet tall and shes' standing over a dwarf with severe burn injuries.

When Orion runs into her, she looks up at Orion with piercing pink eyes and says
One day people around me will stop dying... Come with me.
She starts to walk directly west.

Does Orion move along with her or continue along the shore.

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion is intrigued.

I'm not sure how much interaction Orion has had with lizardfolk before, but given that she appears to be the enemy of his enemy...
Though wary, he follows the black-dressed woman.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: Bane (7/10 rounds remaining)

The sight of the Stormrat and his hairstyle reminds Hep of home, forcing a grin that cracks his steely glare. Yeah, "gnarly"... I like this guy. "See, K'tak! New friends!!", Hep says aloud. Speaking of friends...

A pang of fear surges in the man's heart as a group of guards move towards Copper. "OI! FRIEND STORMRAT!!" Hep reaches out to the ratfolk and drops his own hood, revealing his short red hair, cut in true Sacrament fashion. "LOOK WHAT THEY'RE DOING TO THAT POOR LASS! IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, NO LESS! THE DOGS!," pointing towards Copper and the surrounding Rocksolid with his sword, the fresh blood on the tip of it adding an unintended gravitas to the actor's implication of four men holding down a woman. Turning to look the ratfolk in the eyes, Hep summons all his aggression to convince the brawler, "Get your boys, and we can give those degenerates a proper fight!"

"Crossing valleys, endless tears / In unity we stand"

Move: towards the Stormrat that helped K'tak
I would like to roll a Persuasion check to convince the Stormrat to summon friends to help us free Copper. Moreover:

Hep gets advantage to all charisma-related skill rolls until the next long rest from the hype.

As such:
[roll0]
[roll1]
Action: Ready: Dash, as a Reaction if the Stormrat is convinced and rallies friends to help save Copper, towards the Rocksolid

K'tak still has Bardic Inspiration (98/100 rounds remaining)
Bane is still active (-1d4 to attack rolls and saving throws for 2 of the Rocksolid); if any of the Rocksolid that K'tak and I have fought are dying and rolling death saving throws at a penalty, so be it.


Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zhentarim]

[roll0]
[roll1]

Copper hears her friend Hep, and that gives her hope as she struggles to get free.

[Smilex]

Hep talks to the bald stormrat who seems interested by the idea but has no idea what Hep is talking about. Humans and lizardfolk are tall enough to look above the crowd but the ratfolk can't see Copper. He's willing to start following you to beat some heads but he can't talk anyone else to join.
This takes the round. You can't add a dash into a round where you're using a persuasion action. The group can move a little ways toward the east but you don't reach the eastern edge of the riot as Hep can't move far enough and he's the only one the crowd would pass in front of. Andvari and K'tak can still add actions to this round but you can't reach the edge of the fight to change what's happening in the east. Andvari doesn't even see what's happening to Copper as he's too short and Copper's on the ground.

Copper strives to free herself but the sheer weight of four dwarves is still enough to keep her down.

Caelin reaches the next streetcorner and sees a small alley that leads west, towards a smaller park-like area.

Orion is led by a small lizardfolk away from the fight.
The lizardfolk leads him to a couple of other, larger lizardfolk in neat but rather meriocre clothing.
Who's this, one asks.

Two of the guards put manacles on Copper who is now restrained. They start dragging her behind the guard lines.

At the opera house's door, the doors open.
Behind the doors, Nox is back.
On her sides are two massive dogs, the size of ponies. Their eyes are like embers and there' smoke rising from their breath. Behind her are about twenty more guards. Hep recognizes hellhounds. Things are about to get hot in this park.

At the front of the riot nearest to the opera house the crowd is shocked to see the hellhounds. The guards yell to the rocksolids to give way and they disengage to allow the hellhounds a clear line of fire.

The five rocksolids that were with them join the fight on the eastern front... just for a large flaming branch from the tree Andvari set on fire to fall on two of them.



Orion is at the west side of the park with the small group of lizardfolk.

Copper is near the operahouse, now in chains in a group of guards.

Caelin, if he continues to run this turn around the block will come near the other side of the cul-de sac and see the richly dressed dwarf with the black glove climb above the fence and drop 20 feet in front of him (at the end of his movement).

Hep, K'tak and Andvari are somewhere inside the riot, likely near the eastern edge. Between them and Copper is now the main line of battle between rocksolids and the rioters. If they go round, they can dash around this line with Hep leading them to clear way to reach Copper's position but this is in the middle of the main contingent of guards.

11 Orion
8 Andvari
7 Hep

Round 7
18 Caelin
17 Copper
16 K'tak
14 Dottari Guards
12 The crowd, including the Sweets

[Smilex]

things are happening now on slightly separate timelines...
https://i.ibb.co/2vkkYv7/rexus.png

The blackgloved dwarf looks at Caelin and seems delighted. As he's approaching, Caelin notes that there's a small gap at one spot between his beard and his cheek. It's a fake beard.

You're the assassin at the park. I hope you've come as a friend. I followed your actions there and I was thhoroughly impressed. I'm in need of impressive people and I'd like to talk to you.


... meanwhile at Orion's spot...

The two larger lizardfolk look at the smaller one and one of them says
Ann, who's this? You can't just keep bringing people with you from the streets.

The other goes
Where were you anyway, there's a riot going on, this is no time to wander alone.

The first one goes
I'm sorry sir, if our little Ann has caused you any trouble. She's a bit special.

Ann stares at her parents in a vaguely menacing way.


... meanwhile...

the guards drag Copper aside while the park is starting to rapidly empty. THe hellhounds blow flame into the first lines of the protesters and a swathe of burning bodies promotes the idea of escaping.

Copper is confronted by a particularly fat dwarf. The other guards say to him...
Sergeant, we found this golem. It's very dangerous and we think it's magical.

The sergeant answers
No manure? It's a walking machine in Kintargo. Of course it's magic. It also looks like a Tukuut golem, being tabaxi-shaped and all. I think this is way above your paygrade.

One of the guards has removed Copper's weaponry and is giving them separately to the sergeant
Mashy, these were on the golem.

Sergeant answers
That's sergeant, or sergeant Keenwurst to you.


....

Does the other threesome simply escape and wander to Longshoreman's tavern?

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 3/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion smiles and shakes his head at the lizardfolk. "No trouble at all. My name is Orion. Your daughter and I were having the same trouble with some of the dwarves who run this city. The riot seems to have overflowed into the park."

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

His chest still heaving from the exertion, he stopped, flashing the black gloved dwarf a wicked smile, "Assassin is it? That'd imply I'm bein' paid. You payin'?" He stood up, looked around, to make sure no guards or citizen groups had followed them. "Nah, I just saw some soddin' blighter's that needed ta'be stopped from doin' the same's ta other's that's be done ta me, yeah?" Another pause as he retreated back towards the way he came, checking the mouth of the alley for pursuers, "Follow me ta the Longshoreman's, others will be meetin' us there," a pause, "though ya may want ta straighten the fake whiskers, ya?"

[Smilex]

Orion smiles and shakes his head at the lizardfolk. "No trouble at all. My name is Orion. Your daughter and I were having the same trouble with some of the dwarves who run this city. The riot seems to have overflowed into the park."

Ann keeps scowling and grabs Orion's sleeve
Finders keepers.

The lizardfolk parents are obviously quite scared.
Ann has no trouble with dwarves, none whatsoever.

A dwarf and a ratfolk who heretofore have been just hanging back walk near Orion and the lizardfolk. The dwarf is dressed very well. The ratfolk looks like an experienced mercenary. The mercenary has a red feather in her jacket suggesting affiliation with the Red Jills gang.

The mercenary says
Found the girl? So we can continue...

The well-dressed man nods at Orion and says
Who this?

The lizardfolk comment
He's, he brought little Ann back.

The well-dressed dwarf goes
Uh-huh. I saw you at the riot, casting spells.

The ratfolk shudders and reacts by pointing a handcrossbow at Orion.
Mr Seconds, just say the word.

Ann says angrily
He's mine.

[Smilex]

His chest still heaving from the exertion, he stopped, flashing the black gloved dwarf a wicked smile, "Assassin is it? That'd imply I'm bein' paid. You payin'?" He stood up, looked around, to make sure no guards or citizen groups had followed them. "Nah, I just saw some soddin' blighter's that needed ta'be stopped from doin' the same's ta other's that's be done ta me, yeah?" Another pause as he retreated back towards the way he came, checking the mouth of the alley for pursuers, "Follow me ta the Longshoreman's, others will be meetin' us there," a pause, "though ya may want ta straighten the fake whiskers, ya?"[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]


Blackglove answers
There could be money, but it's more important than that, uh.
The dwarf raises his eyebrow and taps the beard back agains his cheeks.

A meeting? You've got friends of your caliber? That's wonderful. I'd be happy to join you at this... Longshore-thing. There's another meeting that I need to have here first. Meeting you here is fortuitous. I'm exhilarated.

Blackglove points toward the smaller park on the opera's east side.
Nevertheless I need to be here for a moment.

Through the park is actually a more direct way to Longshoreman's anyway. It's at old harbor on the southwest shore of the town.

Blackglove wipes sweat from his brow and offers Caelin 10 gp.
For your trouble, mr killer. Just bear with me. Someone else needs to come along and I'm meeting them here, at the park.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

"HELLHOUNDS!! RUN!!" Whatever fear Hep feels for his friend Copper is instantly erased by the terror of the fiendish creatures unleashed on the crowd. "Stormrat friend! Get your boys and get out of here!! K'tak, Gooddwarf, follow me!!"

The man wastes little time, stowing his rapier and drawing up his hood before bolting. Screams of the now-burning protestors fade from hearing as the man surges through the crowd, checking back every few paces to ensure his friends, old and new, are close behind. As the crowd thins, Hep slows his pace but keeps moving, not towards the Big Wicket. Voicing his thoughts aloud, Hep cannot help but ramble, not looking back towards his companions.

"We need to lie low for the evening... We should be able to get our belongings from the inn in the morning, provided the guards don't roll on it... If you two have never been to Longshoreman's, then prepare yourselves - I've only been once, but the place is... well, we're not getting that lamb tonight, I can say that much..."

Hep stops moving, finally pulling himself together and recognizing his impoliteness. He hasn't realized that his hands have begun to tremble, but the shakiness carries into his voice. "K'tak, are you okay? Gooddwarf, how about you? What is your name?"

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zhentarim]

While her arresters speak, Copper remains silent. They won't get information out of her this easy.

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 1/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)






"My name is Andvari... Nice to meet you, I suppose." Andvari seems on edge, not tired from physical exertion but from the excitement of the riot and the worry of taking action against Torkrest. "I don't mean any offense, I just didn't expect the day to go anything like this. If we assume everything has calmed down... do either of the two of you need healing?"


After spending some time talking to K'tak and Hep, the Dwarf remembers something from earlier. "There was some ratfolk earlier who attacked the woman, Nox. Threw a dagger right into her neck. Do either of you know someone like that?" Andvari describes the ratfolk as best as he could remember. "I do know others who would help you... err, us rescue Copper. They're named Caelin and Orion. Hopefully they made it out of the square safely."

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 3/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None


The well-dressed man nods at Orion and says
Who this?

The lizardfolk comment
He's, he brought little Ann back.

The well-dressed dwarf goes
Uh-huh. I saw you at the riot, casting spells.

The ratfolk shudders and reacts by pointing a handcrossbow at Orion.
Mr Seconds, just say the word.

Ann says angrily
He's mine.

Orion narrows his eyes at the ratfolk, but responds to the dwarf. "Yes, I was at the riot. And I have no problem with the Jills." He looks at the dwarf. "Or whoever you are. But what do you want with Ann here?"

[Smilex]

While her arresters speak, Copper remains silent. They won't get information out of her this easy.

Sergeant Mashy bends down and looks carefully at Copper's face.
Silent, eh. That's good. That's good.

He then rises back up and says to the others
Keep dealing with the crowd. This is just one. You've got work, get to it!

Then he puts a bag over Copper's head
Sorry about that, there.

Copper is lifter off the ground and carried somewhere. Feels like it's not into the opera house.

The bag is removed once again and Copper finds himself in a closed carriage, staring once again at the sergeant.

The two are alone.

I heard you preach about Howlingstorm. You one of theirs?
The sergeant says while calmly looking at Copper straight in the eye.

[Smilex]

Orion narrows his eyes at the ratfolk, but responds to the dwarf. [COLOR="#800080"]"Yes, I was at the riot. And I have no problem with the Jills." He looks at the dwarf. "Or whoever you are. But what do you want with Ann here?"

Mr seconds says stone-faced
No problem. That's nice. I don't know why a riot-leader like you would have a problem with a couple of normal upstanding people like us. Thing is, you just magicked one of the rocksolid citizens in that riot. A number of them are walking this way right now.
He picks a wand out of his pocket and points it at you.

The ratfolk snarls at Orion
The girl and the family serve mr Seconds... by contract. It's legal, see.

Ann's parents drag her away from Orion. Orion can see Ann pick a knife from his father's? belt but the parents stop her from doing anything with it.

Orion can hear the dwarves approaching.

Mr Seconds yells at them
Good men of Kintargo, we have apprehended this rebel. We claim no reward, please take care of him.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 6 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

In the red haze of her rage, K'tak had almost snapped at the ratfolk who'd helped her, but at the last moment, diverted to simply biting the dwarf he'd felled instead. She held the bite for a moment, letting the warm blood coat her mouth before letting go and looking back up at the ratfolk. "Gnarly?" K'tak replied with visible confusion between pants from her exertion as her rage started to fade. Looking about the chaotic crowd of fighting figures, K'tak took a step to find the next one to fight, but then she heard Hep's words and looks at the new arrivals to the fight. She didn't recognize them, but could still see the power they commanded, as well as the score of fresh new guards who bore no injuries, unlike herself who's legs now ached from the beating they'd received.

So with Hep and Andvari, K'tak flees the battle as the red haze slowly lifts to be replaced with the aches and pains of the fight. "I will live music man," K'tak replies on their way through the streets, but when Andvari mentions healing, she nudges him lightly with her snout before looking at the spots on her legs where her scales had been broken and torn. "I do not know this Longshoreman's, or who threw the dagger, but they could be helpful if they were able to inflict such a wound on a half devil that she had to retreat. Music man, what were those beasts you called hell hounds?" K'tak asked. Her own weapon had remained out for now, flight or fight instincts still present in how she carried herself.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

The adrenaline of the fight begins to wear off, no longer holding back the pain of a bruise forming on Hep's shoulder. He winces and raises his hand underneath his shirt to the spot. No bleeding, but it'll really hurt tomorrow. I've slept off worse.

"I wouldn't say 'no' to healing magic, but please tend to my friend first. Pleased to meet you, Andvari. It might please you to know that I've met Caelin once before. Not the most savory fellow in the world, but if he and others you know are willing to help Copper, we would greatly appreciate it." Then again, what was Caelin's goal in shouting 'Praise House Torkrest' earlier?... And now we're traveling with a dwarven friend of his?... At least he's offering to help.

The man snaps out of his own thoughts and paranoia as the dwarf looks over the lizardfolk's wounds. Nodding at K'tak's mention of the ratfolk who wounded Nox - he didn't know who it could be, either - Hep's eyes widen at the mention of the hellhounds. "They're... actually fiends, if I recall correctly. An old mark I used to--" He hesitates, not wanting to say too much of his background in front of the dwarf, lest he mistrust him. "Someone my acting troupe did business with tried to purchase one to get out of our business arrangement. Given the state of his home when we found him, it was plain that he was better off dealing with us." Catching himself smiling at his own poor joke, Hep sobers himself. "They're vicious beasts from the Nine Hells themselves. Worse than regular dogs. Worse than regular bears, really, if you've ever seen one... It would be a spicy meal, Lady, that much is true. Andvari, you seem well-educated," Hep said as he turns to the dwarf, "would you happen to know what degree of magical aptitude one would need to summon such a monster?"

The air grows heavy with the scent of salt and sea as the group travels to Longshoreman's.

There's a place off Ocean Avenue...

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Smilex]

It wasn't a moment where the villain kicked a dog. It was a moment when Andvari wished there was somebody to kick the dogs.
It was a moment when Hep wished life was but a stage and the lifes being snuffed out were just extras.
K'tak on the other hand... he remembered the smell of burning meat and he felt peckish.

The three turned around and ran. The hellhounds breathed gusts of flame and ignited the front rows of the crowd. Some of the rocksolids were cheering at first but even that quieted down in moments as the events got too gruesome. Even those that moments ago where fighting, bloodied, were turned off by the sight.

The trio ran out of Aria park and into the narrow streets of old town. Longshoreman's is near. If anyone would hate the most recent proclamation, it would be the smugglers that frequent Longshoreman's...

[Zhentarim]

Sergeant Mashy bends down and looks carefully at Copper's face.
Silent, eh. That's good. That's good.

He then rises back up and says to the others
Keep dealing with the crowd. This is just one. You've got work, get to it!

Then he puts a bag over Copper's head
Sorry about that, there.

Copper is lifter off the ground and carried somewhere. Feels like it's not into the opera house.

The bag is removed once again and Copper finds himself in a closed carriage, staring once again at the sergeant.

The two are alone.

I heard you preach about Howlingstorm. You one of theirs?
The sergeant says while calmly looking at Copper straight in the eye.

Copper laconically says "Yes."

[Smilex]

Copper laconically says "Yes."

The sergeant nods
It's a fine faith, cooperation, working for the common good. It's almost what one would hope a guard's work was all about.

The sergeant corrects his sitting position.
I don't know if you're a golem or if there's a soul somewhere in there but I saw you cast a spell. I'm pretty sure you can think.

He sighs
I get why you would be at the riot. The Night of Ashes was not something that the guard was involved in. It would never have happened under caudillo Bainilus. When the Thrashing Badger burned down, I'm sure there were a lot of people you knew.

The temple of Howlingstorm was a place where people could come to eat, spend time together, spend a night. It was registered in the city as an inn as well as a temple. The inn part was called the Thrashing Badger. It was the name of the place before the temple bought it. Copper did not know it was involved in the Night of Ashes. He was busy dealing with a necromancer in the sewers and lived on the opposite side of town at the Big Wicket inn.

[Zhentarim]

The sergeant nods
It's a fine faith, cooperation, working for the common good. It's almost what one would hope a guard's work was all about.

The sergeant corrects his sitting position.
I don't know if you're a golem or if there's a soul somewhere in there but I saw you cast a spell. I'm pretty sure you can think.

He sighs
I get why you would be at the riot. The Night of Ashes was not something that the guard was involved in. It would never have happened under caudillo Bainilus. When the Thrashing Badger burned down, I'm sure there were a lot of people you knew.

The temple of Howlingstorm was a place where people could come to eat, spend time together, spend a night. It was registered in the city as an inn as well as a temple. The inn part was called the Thrashing Badger. It was the name of the place before the temple bought it. Copper did not know it was involved in the Night of Ashes. He was busy dealing with a necromancer in the sewers and lived on the opposite side of town at the Big Wicket inn.

I almost feel sympathy for the sergeant. He seems to show allegiance to Bainilus rather than Barzillai.

"These are trying times for our city. I seek only what is good for the people."

Copper resists the urge to say anything rude or to show too much of a reaction to the burning of the Thrashing Badger. She may have known people there who died, but for all Copper knows, the guard was just doing their job.

Wraithguards don't show much emotion by virtue of being constructed, but Copper is crying inside.

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 3/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 0/2 | Sorcery Points: 1/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion slowly drops his hands and dejectedly places his left on his belt pouch. Focusing on the crystal within, he then uses his last sorcery point to subtly cast Minor Illusion. He looks up at the dwarf and says to him "Why turn someone in who could be an ally? I could make it worth your while to let me go. This is a short-sighted pl-" He stops in horror, staring behind and between the dwarf and the ratfolk, as he causes the sound of a giant crab's menacing clicking and scraping along the cobblestones to emanate directly behind the pair of them.

If they turn around, or otherwise lower the weapons they have trained on him, Orion runs away from them and the group of rocksolids coming his way (to the south?). As he runs, Orion frantically searches for an alley or side-street to turn down and lose them.

I wanted to pick a creature that Orion could feasibly know what it actually sounds like. So I thought a giant crab would make some sense, given we are on the coastline and Orion make have actually encountered one in or near the city. Here is Orion's deception check for acting beaten and then terrified: [roll0]

[Smilex]

When Andvari, Hep and K'tak reach Longshoreman's it's a busy place. Somewhere along the way Hep's new ratfriend got separated from the group on the streets.

Here though a number of stormrats that clearly were at the riot are already hanging out in front of the bar. There's an undine who's selling 'something calming' to them. Stormrats are strong and fast, but they're courage tends to only last for as long as they're winning.

The bar itself has a normal lunch crowd but everybody's talking about the riot and the new proclamation. The owner seems very upset and you can see some foreigners with clothing that suggests they're captains. Having their last drinks before heading to their vessels, likely.

On the interior yard there's a brawl going on.

[Smilex]

Orion slowly drops his hands and dejectedly places his left on his belt pouch. Focusing on the crystal within, he then uses his last sorcery point to subtly cast Minor Illusion. He looks up at the dwarf and says to him "Why turn someone in who could be an ally? I could make it worth your while to let me go. This is a short-sighted pl-" He stops in horror, staring behind and between the dwarf and the ratfolk, as he causes the sound of a giant crab's menacing clicking and scraping along the cobblestones to emanate directly behind the pair of them.

If they turn around, or otherwise lower the weapons they have trained on him, Orion runs away from them and the group of rocksolids coming his way (to the south?). As he runs, Orion frantically searches for an alley or side-street to turn down and lose them.


The two do turn around at the strange noise. Orion starts moving to the other direction but the dwarves behind Orion aren't similarly distracted and they dash, where Orion gets a normal move with the illusion taking his action. When Orion is already surrounded by dwarves he feels a crossbow bolt in his shoulder and goes unconscious...

...
At another time, in another place...

The carriage's door opens and an unconscious Orion is pushed to the floor of the carriage by two dwarves. Orion's got manacles on.

Sergeant Keenwurst looks at the dwarves and says.
Out cold. That's pretty. That's real pretty.

They answer.
It's the irregulars. That's the way they brought him in.

Sergeant points at a handcrossbow's bolt on Orion's shoulder. It's got red feathers.
They fire the same bolts that Red Jills do now?
He shakes his head
Get out and drive.

Sergeant Keenwurst has some trouble rising up from his seat but when he's up he has no trouble at all lifting Orion's unconscious body up from the floor. He gives Orion a series of slaps on his cheeks.
You don't look too bad. You're just a bit tired, aren't you.

Copper can see through the attempted deception. While he's seemingly slapping Orion, he's using lay on hands to restore two hit points to Orion. Orion is in manacles and restrained.

Orion wakes up in a dimly lit carriage while he's being slapped around by a fat and smelly dwarf guard.
The doors of the carriage close and moments later the cart starts driving away.

As Orion wakes, the sergeant gives a big smile.
There now, I knew it was just a flesh wound. Watch the bolt.
He says while laying Orion on a seat next to Copper.

That's nice. Just three people sitting in a carriage. We live in interesting times.
He looks at Copper.
Good of the city you say. That's good. The city would need some good. While caudillo Bainilus wasn't a warcrazy tyrant she wasn't so clean herself. It was under her we got the drug epidemic and it was under her that our funds were shunted to whoknowswhere. Difficult to keep the dottari's morale high when you don't have gear or much pay either. Tabaxi don't seem to have that trouble. That body of yours must have cost a pretty penny.

The carriage moves across the city's streets...

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -


When Andvari, Hep and K'tak reach Longshoreman's it's a busy place. Somewhere along the way Hep's new ratfriend got separated from the group on the streets.

Here though a number of stormrats that clearly were at the riot are already hanging out in front of the bar. There's an undine who's selling 'something calming' to them. Stormrats are strong and fast, but they're courage tends to only last for as long as they're winning.

The bar itself has a normal lunch crowd but everybody's talking about the riot and the new proclamation. The owner seems very upset and you can see some foreigners with clothing that suggests they're captains. Having their last drinks before heading to their vessels, likely.

On the interior yard there's a brawl going on.

Conceal, don't feel, / don't let them know...

Despondency is neither familiar nor comfortable to Hep. Realizing he'd been staring at the cobblestones like a man approaching the gallows, the actor puts on his usual mercurial facade before greeting the Stormrats outside Longshoreman's. I don't see our new friend... I certainly hope he and his made it out alright... Hep leads his friends inside, the smells of stale beer and rank, rotting wood assaulting the senses as his boots stick to the floor with each step. The actor transforms his grimace of disgust into a polite smirk. Lovely as ever...

"Lady, Andvari, if you could please find us an open table, I'll get us the first round." Hep points to a table near the back of the place as he bellies up to the bar, doffing his hood and waiting patiently for the dwarf behind the bar to square away the tab of a patron sitting closer to the exit. The sound of the brawl in the yard draws the man's attention, but he turns away from the unpleasant reminder of what just transpired in the park. The actor smiles broadly as Maxar approaches to take the order. "Good afternoon, Gooddwarf. Three mugs of your strongest ale, please... and a bit of something stronger for myself as well, if you don't mind," letting his mask fall a bit. Hep takes the appropriate amount of coin from his pouch and places it on the bar, keeping his hand over it until the barkeep can take it for himself.

I'm assuming mugs of ale are PHB prices, but I don't know what "something stronger" would cost. I'll subtract a price from my character sheet once its given.
I'm also assuming that, for the amount of gold we started with, we have appropriate denominations of coin to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.


Blackglove answers, There could be money, but it's more important than that, uh. The dwarf raises his eyebrow and taps the beard back agains his cheeks. A meeting? You've got friends of your caliber? That's wonderful. I'd be happy to join you at this... Longshore-thing. There's another meeting that I need to have here first. Meeting you here is fortuitous. I'm exhilarated. Blackglove points toward the smaller park on the opera's east side. Nevertheless I need to be here for a moment. Blackglove wipes sweat from his brow and offers Caelin 10 gp. For your trouble, mr killer. Just bear with me. Someone else needs to come along and I'm meeting them here, at the park.

Caelin accepted the payment, a cocked smile on his face, he hadn't actually expected payment, but he wasn't going to turn down a handful of coin. "First off, you've hired yourself a blade for the night, so if we need to meet your friend, lay on." With a wave of his hand, the rogue indicated the direction of the park, "As for my friends, I have a man, knows how to survive the streets and the gutters, came up through them, he's got a modicrum of arcane talent, as good with that as I am with a knife. A few more, some o' them were there at the riot, they should meet us wharfside."

He did look around nervously, "We should get the hell out of here, dottari will be rounding up stragglers, and Torkrest sympathizers will be reporting on any suspicious behaviour. Let's go get your friend," and with that said he moved to the mouth of the alley, checking the corners, before plotting a route to the park for Blackglove's companion.

OOC: I'll check to make sure we're not being tailed, and avoiding any Dottari patrols, [roll0]. Then move us towards the park to meet Blackglove's contact.

[Smilex]

Caelin accepted the payment, a cocked smile on his face, he hadn't actually expected payment, but he wasn't going to turn down a handful of coin. "First off, you've hired yourself a blade for the night, so if we need to meet your friend, lay on." With a wave of his hand, the rogue indicated the direction of the park, "As for my friends, I have a man, knows how to survive the streets and the gutters, came up through them, he's got a modicrum of arcane talent, as good with that as I am with a knife. A few more, some o' them were there at the riot, they should meet us wharfside."

He did look around nervously, "We should get the hell out of here, dottari will be rounding up stragglers, and Torkrest sympathizers will be reporting on any suspicious behaviour. Let's go get your friend," and with that said he moved to the mouth of the alley, checking the corners, before plotting a route to the park for Blackglove's companion.[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]



Caelin doesn't see anyone following them. The twosome hide in a bush in the middle of the park and wait. A while later an unmarked carriage drives toward the park and actually into it. The dwarf stands up and moves forward to greet it while whispering.
You stay here a moment. Better they don't see you.

When the carriage gets closer Caelin notices that the driver and guy on top of it have dottari uniforms poorly hidden by loose robes over the uniform.
Betrayal!

There's no easy escape route, surely they've blocked the alleys... But before a plan is formulated the carriage halts and it's door opens to a familiar sight...

...

Inside the cart sergeant Keenwurst says to Orion and Copper
My orders today were to keep the peace and keeping you out of trouble seems likely to increase that peace. As for actually taking you into a jail, I don't know about that. Seems like one of you was just taken in because of physical resemblance to a person who was shouting in the middle of a protest while the other... not even a living thing, an item really. ... Someone wants you free and who am I to argue with such flimsy reasons to keep you...

He detaches leg cuffs from both Orion and Copper.
These are pretty expensive. I'll just take them back. Now try to keep out of trouble and out of sight. There's a guy that killed some dottari in the riot and I need to go after them. So... let's just stay out of each others' way, eh?

He removes the handcuffs while the carriage grinds to a halt.

The door is opened and you're in the middle of trees, a park of all things.
There's a dwarf with fancy clothing and one black glove.

Somebody tosses Copper and Orion's weapons down to the ground from on top of the carriage.

Sergeant Keenwurst says to Blackglove
You have got to smarten up if you keep doing these things. Next to the boning Opera house? This is the stupidest meeting place ever. I've got you a couple of protest leaders, you better have something for me.

Blackglove tosses a jingling pouch to the sergeant. He vaguely approximates the amount of money.
Ok. I know a guy who can get me shields for two squads with this. You on the other hand might want to invest on some better clothing. You're visible for miles.

Once Copper and Orion are out of the carriage, the cart drives away.

The dwarf with the single black glove beams with excitement and his hands tremble while addressing Orion and Copper.
I'm Rexus Victocora and I need your help with a conspiracy.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin nodded, "The Longshoreman's, we should probably meet there," he eyed the Wraithguard up and down, "Thing is those blighters," he nodded in the direction the coach had retreated, "are lookin' for the guy who gave the dottari the red smile." By way of explanation, he drew a finger across his throat, "thing is, they didn't get a good look at me, but you," he turned to Copper, "stand out m'dear." He withdrew his thick cloak, with hood and provided it to his new, mechanical companion, "As for a sewer hideout?" He paused, "Let's see what our friend has to say before we decide."

OOC: I am good to transition to the bar, but if **** is going to go down, I am ready for that too.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 6 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

K'tak listens closely as Hep explains what the beast of fire were and the power it would take to summon them to this world, her features stoic in contemplation. Then however the smells of the sea unleash their assault on her senses, and K'tak perks up a fair bit, raising her head and twisting about one way and then another. Having been born of the desert, K'tak had only seen the sea a few sparse times since coming to the city but those few times were more than enough to have her wanting to always see it. The offensive odors of sea salt and fish didn't seem to faze K'tak as she continued alongside Andvari and Hep, actually it almost seemed to invigorate her as she craned her head to look down streets in hopes of catching a glimpse of it.

As they arrive to Longshoreman's, K'tak finally stows her axe and follows Hep's suggestion. She siits herself at one of the tables towards the back, mindful of her long tail while sitting. Her reptilian eyes look over the crowd, taking in their whispers and murmurs about what had transpired, and she briefly tried to find familiar faces among the crowd. This was quickly given up though as she realized there were very few she committed to memory, and instead her focus fell on the brawl. "Andvari," K'tak spoke up without looking at the dwarf. "This fight looked to be between dwarves and others, why did you fight with us?"

[Smilex]

Caelin stepped from the bushes, his hand resting loosely on the handle of his crossbow, "Victocora, you want to tell me what the soddin' hell, that was?" While he was relieved to see his friends, he still couldn't help but feel betrayed by the well groomed dwarf.

Victocora is a minor noble family. There was some scandal several years ago that had people of the hoity-toity kind talking. It wasn't something that anyone really cared about but they were a laughingstock for a while. Caelin doesn't know sergeant Keenwurst. He's not famous as such and he's not of the Torkrest circle, his career is with the city.

Rexus talks, switching between talking to Caelin and talking to Copper and Orion
Calm down mr Killer. These are friends, I hope. Uh. Welcome new people. I just rescued you. I bribed the dottari to release you. Uh. This is an assassin I hired. Umm... I'm looking for help myself. The new caudillo, Barzillai Torkrest killed my parents in the Night of Ashes and I can't accept it. Should we go somewhere better though? I don't know much about conspiracies work really, it used to be my parents' thing. I have something I'd like to show you.

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 0/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)



Andvari pulls out some medicine and applies it to K'tak. "Unfortunately, I cannot do more, at least for today."

Cure Wounds: [roll0]


Andvari, you seem well-educated," Hep said as he turns to the dwarf, "would you happen to know what degree of magical aptitude one would need to summon such a monster?"

"I know some about the arcane arts, even if I'm a bit more mechanically bent."

Arcana: [roll1]





I'll have more time to post tonight, but wanted to get these rolls done. I saw K'tak's question but don't have time for a long response now.

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 2/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 0/2 | Sorcery Points: 0/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion listens to the wealthy nobleman, quite shaken after getting wounded, blacking out, coming to in the sergeant's carriage, and finally getting released. He looks at Caelin. "So this is your contact, Caelin?" He turns to Rexus. "Well, I am grateful for the rescue from the guard. Caelin and I know a place near the wharf that should be good to discuss your proposition. It would be good to get off the street before anything else weird happens today...Although we may want to do something about your outfit before going in there, lest it draw too much attention. I could help with that, if you want."

[Smilex]

Regarding the source of hellhounds, Andvari knows they might not be even summoned. There's permanent Hellgates in some dwarven holds. Hellhounds might have simply ...walked over. Most likely they were contracted, not summoned. If they were summoned the powers required would be very high indeed...

Andvari has shared a drink with Orion and Caelin here a couple of times. That's not enough to really know the people here but he's seen Scrag, a human sitting at the backroom, scanning the public room. He's seen the azer be feted by the crowd for winning a fight. He's seen Enilka Lei, the undine - she's always outside dealing. Finally he's seen plenty of ratfolk but Barr and Arvin have been here every time, just normal clients apparently...

https://i.ibb.co/W5QWZPh/clientele.png

As Hep is getting drinks... Barr the ratfolk intrudes
I saw you at the riot today. You did good. My mother used to say... a good turn deserves another. I will pay for those ales.

Maxar looks at Barr, says
Your money.
He pours three ales into tin cups and gives them to Hep, refusing Hep's money in turn.

If you're looking for the really strong stuff you can ask Enilka outside. She's got everything including arashni. Strongest I have is Coleopterum, it's 15 gp per bottle or 3 a shot. If you just want a drink of something basic, Hive Whiskey is 2 silver a shot.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -


As Hep is getting drinks... Barr the ratfolk intrudes
I saw you at the riot today. You did good. My mother used to say... a good turn deserves another. I will pay for those ales.

Maxar looks at Barr, says
Your money.
He pours three ales into tin cups and gives them to Hep, refusing Hep's money in turn.

If you're looking for the really strong stuff you can ask Enilka outside. She's got everything including arashni. Strongest I have is Coleopterum, it's 15 gp per bottle or 3 a shot. If you just want a drink of something basic, Hive Whiskey is 2 silver a shot.

So shines a kind deed in a weary world...

The gesture lifts Hep's spirits more than the spirits he had in mind ever could. "Thank you, Friend," is all he can manage as he shakes Barr's hand before collecting the ales and pocketing the money he had intended to use. He turns to thank the barkeep in kind, "The really strong stuff isn't quite my cup of tea, but I'll come back for some Hive Whiskey before I leave here. And please, hold me to that promise - I have a distinct feeling I'll need a drink for the road..."

The sodden, sticky floors make walking tricky; gauging his steps carefully, Hep delivers the drinks to the table, handing a cup to both K'tak and Andvari before sitting down next to the dwarf, mindful of the lizardfolk's tail opposite him. Hep sets his lute beside him and raises his cup at the center of the group with a toast, "To old times and new friends".

Without wasting a second after his friends' drinks touch his own, the man draws the cup towards him and begins to chug, quaffing its contents in short order. The bottom of the now-empty vessel smacks against the table as Hep brings it down with a tight grip, his eyes closed just as tightly as he exhales, the warmth of the dwarven ale coursing through him before he leans backwards in a long stretch. He shakes his head slowly as he straightens up in his seat, taking another deep breath before speaking. "Forgive me," he began, "I'm not quite myself after... 'that', let's say. I think I'll just sit and rest a while before I decide to go outside and stand watch in case the dottari show up." Staring sidelong at nothing particular, Hep lets his thoughts wander as the buzz sets in.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zhentarim]

I feel so lucky to be out of that. I guess Sargeant Keenwurst is a double agent then? Also, I agree that we need to decide where we should meet up next--I cleared out a place in the sewers that used to belong to a pretty nasty necromancer. Its pretty secret and secluded, with living quarters big enough for all of us and a dungeon that can hold up to 5 prisoners. I left the Necromancer's books down there, too. It took me a long time to figure out how to open the secret passageway from the sewer into the hideout. As a wraithguard, I no longer need to smell if I don't want to, but you all may not like the smell down there, so maybe we can save that hideout as a secondary option. The temple I serve has accomedations as well and has the benefit of being closer to the markets and not needing to be kept a secret. Where do you guys want to go after we drop Rexus off at the Wharf? I also heard something about a tavern you guys wanted to meet at?"

Copper slowly moves her metal cat-like tail from side to side, and twitches her mechanical ears. Though she is no longer a tabaxi in flesh, she hasn't gotten rid of her old habits.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin nodded, "The Longshoreman's, we should probably meet there," he eyed the Wraithguard up and down, "Thing is those blighters," he nodded in the direction the coach had retreated, "are lookin' for the guy who gave the dottari the red smile." By way of explanation, he drew a finger across his throat, "thing is, they didn't get a good look at me, but you," he turned to Copper, "stand out m'dear." He withdrew his thick cloak, with hood and provided it to his new, mechanical companion, "As for a sewer hideout?" He paused, "Let's see what our friend has to say before we decide."

OOC: I am good to transition to the bar, but if **** is going to go down, I am ready for that too.

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 0/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)



Even if the Longshoreman was not quite Andvari's favorite place to get food, being somewhere familiar was a welcome end to the day. The crowded bar that normally Andvari didn't care for was now a chorus of sympathetic voices, all looking to come together over the shocking news of the day. The dwarf kept quiet, feeling as if all eyes were on him after the Dwarven leader's actions today.

Only when he healed K'tak did the Dwarf seem truly comfortable, after that he kept mostly quiet eating his modest meal and conveniently busy drinking whenever there was a lull in the conversation.


"Andvari," K'tak spoke up without looking at the dwarf. "This fight looked to be between dwarves and others, why did you fight with us?"

"I... see, this is..." He paused, putting together his words. "I don't think this is a fight between Dwarves and the others. Or, if it is, it shouldn't be.

I've been working with the guard for some time now, and especially lately have seen that. Well, some of their actions go against the morals that we're supposed to believe in. Compassionate to others. There to serve the people and tend to their needs. What the guards are supposed to be doing, serving the community. But. Well, you've seen what the new leader has decided. Not all Dwarves are going to be supportive of that.

In truth, I owe some of this realization to Caelin. He made some claims about what some of the guards were doing, but I guess I never really recognized it until a friendly voice showed just how some Dwarves interacted with other people."

He took a sip of his drink. "I didn't plan on attacking anyone today. Just wanted to keep the people there safe." He indicates the healing he gave to K'tak. "Not exactly sure what my life looks like now. I did make a move against a Rocksolid today, to say nothing of healing you and Copper.

Oh. Thinking back, I may know who to talk to about our friend. There's a man who was with the guard today, he'll likely be able to help us..."

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 15 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

K'tak eyes the drink suspiciously for a few moments after the cheer and gives it a few tentative sniffs at first. She hadn't forgotten the first time the music man had gotten her a drink and how it'd been bitter with no flavor and burned her mouth and throat. Another time she'd nearly had the teeth around his throat. But the smell was familiar enough that she had a guess what she was in for, and prepared appropriately before taking a sip. The grimace to follow though couldn't be fought, nor the shudder that followed.

Then K'tak listened attentively to Andvari even if she wasn't looking at him, though that wasn't for long as she came to fully address him as he went on. The cold reptilian eyes stared as he explained and gave his reasons and only after he stopped did she interject. "In my tribe, the Sandscale, there is only the leader. They are the strongest of us, getting to claim so by defeating the last leader in combat and eating them to take upon them the strength of those before. There are no factions within the tribe, just the tribe, and any who go against it are seen as weakness and banished or eaten," K'tak paused for a moment then to take in a deep breath and slowly exhale before continuing in the same calm voice as before. "When the current leader rose, T'xar, he changed us from wanderers to warriors, forcing all new hatchlings to pick up a weapons and fight as a test to earn life's rite." K'tak's claw shifts the sleeve on her tunic down to where the shoulder was visible, the long faded outline of a scar in the shape of a bite on full display before she lifted it back up.

"T'xar's ways made the tribe stronger but smaller, and when the dwarves attacked the ruin, we were made smaller still. The Sandscale may be the smallest and weakest tribe wandering the deserts now, if they're even still out there. My point Andvari, and I might be using this word wrong, but I think you are called brave?... And I wonder if others in my tribe could have been... brave? Then my tribe might not be almost wiped out," K'tak finishes with an approving nod before taking another breath and downing the rest of the drink in a quick gulp, and letting out a harsh hiss afterwards. None of what she'd said had been with significant emotion, more akin to simply stating fact, except up to the last part. There K'tak's voice had wavered slightly and gone contemplative and maybe actually upset.

"Now who is this man and how could they help?"

[Smilex]

The group of Caelin, Copper, Rexus and Orion disguise themselves as best as they can and sneak through the streets to Longshoreman's.
There's no dottari on the streets to be seen. THey're probably all still dealing with the situation at the park.

Meanwhile the others have time to enjoy their ales. Maxar has some very bad products available but he gave you a good strong ale. Dwarves can do some good brewing. This one is very acceptable even for Andvari.

[Zhentarim]

If Copper is bought drinks, she drinks. Though it is far harder for wraithguards to get drunk than mortals, it is (surprisingly) not impossible. Otherwise, Copper refrains from eating and drinking since she doesn't need food or drink to survive and anything she eats or drinks literally goes right through her new metallic body.

Copper keeps her trenchcoat she was gifted wrapped tightly around her, so she blends in better.

"Some day we've had, eh?"

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

I'm under the assumption that Caelin, Copper, and Orion have not yet made it to Longshoreman's.
Hep's fingers drum idly on the table as he listens to his friends speak. With a bit of study, he approximates in his head how he can best mimic Andvari's voice before returning to his own silent musings. Best to spare them my brooding. It's unbecoming... Still, we must find and free Copper... somehow...

In time, the alcohol flushes out the bad humors in Hep's blood, making way for the return of his usual quicksilver. Excusing himself from his friends, restating his plan to stand watch outside, he picks up his lute and makes his way to the bar, ordering a shot of the Hive Whiskey and downing it quickly to deter as much of the harsh sting as possible. After paying the two silver and thanking Maxar with a handshake, the man steps outside to speak with the Stormrats who had also just come from the riot. After some idle chatter, Hep gets to the heart of the matter: "There was one among you with a particular hairstyle," the Stormrat who had felled a Rocksolid that K'tak was fighting. Hep describes the person and continues, "He used the word 'gnarly', quite specifically. I don't know if that's a catchphrase of his or whatever, but given what I've described, do you know him? I should like to find him and thank him for helping my friend. I owe him a drink, at the very least."

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin threaded through the alleys and wharfside, leading towards the Longshoreman's. Copper, Orion and likely their benefactor, Victocora, were likely becoming frustrated with the number of double backs and circuitous route to the tavern. Coming up to the backdoor, he turned and growled at the group, "Stay here, stick to the shadows, back in a few." With that he disappeared into the tavern, through a backdoor, sliding up towards the dwarven proprietor, trying to remain unobserved. "Max, listen." He lowered his voice, "****'s gone down in the park, I know there ain't a fight tonight, so how's about I hand you some nobleman's purse," he jingled the pouch of gold he'd been given by Victocora, "and you let me and mine use the basement, yeah?"

[Smilex]

In time, the alcohol flushes out the bad humors in Hep's blood, making way for the return of his usual quicksilver. Excusing himself from his friends, restating his plan to stand watch outside, he picks up his lute and makes his way to the bar, ordering a shot of the Hive Whiskey and downing it quickly to deter as much of the harsh sting as possible. After paying the two silver and thanking Maxar with a handshake, the man steps outside to speak with the Stormrats who had also just come from the riot. After some idle chatter, Hep gets to the heart of the matter: "There was one among you with a particular hairstyle," the Stormrat who had felled a Rocksolid that K'tak was fighting. Hep describes the person and continues, "He used the word 'gnarly', quite specifically. I don't know if that's a catchphrase of his or whatever, but given what I've described, do you know him? I should like to find him and thank him for helping my friend. I owe him a drink, at the very least."



Hive Whiskey turns out to be a burning experience. It's strong but unpleasant. Probably good for cleaning. After the first gulp the taste kind of disappears and the rest goes down easier. When it hits the gut it makes your churn for a couple of minutes but then the body starts relaxing and everything's ok again.

Outside the crowd is very receptive to you. A few people seem to recognize you and give you pats on the back.

One stormrat who's uncommonly large, almost tall as a human says
You're talking about lemonheads, those that shave their heads. There's quite a few of them around. Rowdy boys.

Another ratfolk who's smaller and looks like they're suffering from some disease, they've lost a lot of fur and there's scars all over their where they've scratched themselves says
Yeah, gnarly. It was me. Nice of you to remember me. I could really do with a strong drink. You can give me the coin, I'll save you the trouble of making a purchase.

Enilka has a small laugh.
Spread the word that you'll buy lemonheads drinks and you'll have quite the party going on soon enough.

The first large rat continues
Some of em are ok I suppose. They can be a bit too fond of humans though... if you know what I mean.

Enilka says
Used to be they came here for krrf. Haven't seen any lemonheads for a few days though.

The sick rat keeps whining
Uh, gimme a coin, why don't you. I saved you at the riot and all.

Another ratling says
Ey, Voiceman. I could look around for the guy. Maybe there's a silver in it?

At this point Hep hears Caelin's voice from inside the bar.

[Smilex]

Caelin threaded through the alleys and wharfside, leading towards the Longshoreman's. Copper, Orion and likely their benefactor, Victocora, were likely becoming frustrated with the number of double backs and circuitous route to the tavern. Coming up to the backdoor, he turned and growled at the group, "Stay here, stick to the shadows, back in a few." With that he disappeared into the tavern, through a backdoor, sliding up towards the dwarven proprietor, trying to remain unobserved. "Max, listen." He lowered his voice, "****'s gone down in the park, I know there ain't a fight tonight, so how's about I hand you some nobleman's purse," he jingled the pouch of gold he'd been given by Victocora, "and you let me and mine use the basement, yeah?"[/td][/tr][/table]

Getting to Longshoreman's back yard isn't just a walk. Caelin has to break through a shed but he's picked the lock a dozen times already so he can do it in half a minute. There's a five people on the backyard looking at a couple more who are wrestling. Looks like a friendly match. Not even betting going on.

When Caelin gets to the main room Maxar acknowledges him with half a nod.
Maxar is a grouchy sort and not really the best businessman. He answers Caelin
Who says I got a cellar. What foolery. If you're coming down with something I can give you the backspace. But I'll have Scrag deal with anyone who claims I've got a cellar.

He grabs the pouch of coin and goes through it.
It's fair.

Maxar takes a few steps to the backroom and behind the curtain.
Out! Out! You've rested enough. You can walk!
He yells. A little while later a ratling who's semi-conscious shuffles out and falls out the front door.

Maxar comes back to the front side
You better not draw any dottari in here whatever you're doing.

Scrag, the fence / hitman stays seated at the backroom and gives Caelin a courtesy nod
Sup.

When Caelin looks behind the curtain there's a space that's usually reserved for people sleeping off something or having a shag. Maxar doesn't sleep in the premises himself. There's two beds, one of them dwarf-sized one fits a humansized person. There's a small table. At the back of the room there's an obvious latch in the floor that takes one to a basement.

Maxar brings you a tin plate with some crackers on it and a tin jug of water.
On the house. Regular price for everything else.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -


-DIALOGUE-

Hep can't help but smile in the midst of the camaraderie. "Lemonheads - you know, that in of itself sounds like a drink, or a confection, perhaps. Maybe if someone can convince The Dog to refrain from banning lemons, we could make lemonade, put some booze in it, and have a party! I suppose we all know better, though, that rancid slimebag..." Striking a few errant notes on his lute, the man does his best to ignore the sicklier rat when the one who addressed him as "Voiceman" catches his attention. "A silver? Tell me your name and I'll put you down for both a silver and the strong drink this one--" he says, nodding to the addict, "keeps asking me for!" Out of sympathy for picking on him, Hep turns to the sickly one with a raised brow and a smirk, "It's an open offer, you know. If you move quickly, you could beat him to the punch."

Upon hearing Caelin's voice, Hep stops strumming his lute, his look darkening as he slowly peeks his head inside the bar. Mister 'Praise House Torkrest'... I suppose that's why he's snooping around - if any of the ratfolk recognize him for that shout earlier, then it'll be more than just a fight spilling into the streets.

Hep gathers the name of the ratfolk willing to find the "gnarly" one before turning back inside, sidestepping the half-drunk ratling and walking to the bar to try and get Maxar's attention. "Pardon me, Gooddwarf - could you please notify the backroom that a certain Mister Andvari and company are here? I believe the two are acquainted."

After ensuring the message would be sent, Hep heads back to K'tak and Andvari, taking the same seat across from the lizardfolk. "Caelin's here. In the backroom," he muses. For all the aloofness in his tone, he might as well have mentioned that the sky was blue, though his mind was far from wandering.

Psycho killer / Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari
Ally NPC's: -
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zhentarim]

Copper begins listening in on everybody around her, taking a long rest. Wraithguards are able to rest without losing consciousness, so she interrupts the rest should anything catch her attention.

When you take a long rest, you must spend at least six hours in an inactive, motionless state, rather than sleeping. In this state, you appear inert, but it doesn’t render you unconscious, and you can see and hear as normal.

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 0/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)




"T'xar's ways made the tribe stronger but smaller, and when the dwarves attacked the ruin, we were made smaller still. The Sandscale may be the smallest and weakest tribe wandering the deserts now, if they're even still out there. My point Andvari, and I might be using this word wrong, but I think you are called brave?... And I wonder if others in my tribe could have been... brave? Then my tribe might not be almost wiped out," K'tak finishes with an approving nod before taking another breath and downing the rest of the drink in a quick gulp, and letting out a harsh hiss afterwards. None of what she'd said had been with significant emotion, more akin to simply stating fact, except up to the last part. There K'tak's voice had wavered slightly and gone contemplative and maybe actually upset.

"Now who is this man and how could they help?"



Andvari gives a small smile. "Thank you for the kind words, but I'm not sure brave is the right word to describe me just yet. We'll have a long way to go if we're going to do something about this."

After hearing that Caelin had arrived, Andvari relaxed slightly. He had just been about to describe Mashy Keenwurst, but he thought it best to have everyone here for the discussion.


Whenever the groups meet, Andvari seems to be in better spirits than before. "Caelin! Glad to see you were able to make it out safe." Only after a moment does he actually notice Orion and Copper. "You're all here?! How did you manage that?"

[Zhentarim]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 0/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)






Andvari gives a small smile. "Thank you for the kind words, but I'm not sure brave is the right word to describe me just yet. We'll have a long way to go if we're going to do something about this."

After hearing that Caelin had arrived, Andvari relaxed slightly. He had just been about to describe Mashy Keenwurst, but he thought it best to have everyone here for the discussion.


Whenever the groups meet, Andvari seems to be in better spirits than before. "Caelin! Glad to see you were able to make it out safe." Only after a moment does he actually notice Orion and Copper. "You're all here?! How did you manage that?"

Copper ends her rest prematurely to answer:
"Our arrester was a double agent. A paladin of some kind. He used Lay on Hands on Orion."

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 15 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

"It's not? Did I use the wrong word?," K'tak asked with visible confusion on her face. She continued to ponder it as Hep returned and made his announcement and the groups were reunited. She continued to watch and listen as the mentioned party arrived and with others that surprised her. Andvari beat her to asking the obvious and she nodded towards Copper's explanation.

"Another dwarf who works against our prey, that is good, that he is still trusted by the prey is even better. And if there are two, then there are probably others. Our task looks less impossible with every surprise," K'tak added with a grin. "But would be our next move? And is it safe to talk about it here?" K'tak asked quietly as she looked about the tavern, taking stock of the other patrons.

[Smilex]

When Andvari looks at Rexus, he feels there' something ...off.
After thinking about it for a while, Andvari realizes Rexus is female.
It's a lawful evil culture. A part of the culture is to grow up children to accept outlandish oppression, to destroy hope and identity. Parents do it in various ways and schools accentuate the practise. One practise that is sometimes used is to force children towards the gender identity of the opposite sex. Usually when the child grows older the practise is reversed and the opposite role is pushed with equal vigor. The aim is to force a broken identity that's easier to control. Many dwarves are left all kinds of messed up by this. Rexus is a male dwarf name though.

Rexus seems very excited by the lot of you. He's quite passive in his behaviour but he seems full of energy, though quite confused by everything that's happening at the Longshoreman's. He keeps asking things like
Is there a secret handshake?

and

Are all of these people ...'on the know'?

When eventually you migrate to the backroom or even to the tunnel. Rexus tries to get more of a word in...


Thank you again for allowing me in your hideout. I came to the protest today to seek the leaders of the fight against Torkrests and I'm so glad to have found all of you.

My name is Rexus Victocora, and until last week's Night of Ashes, I was one of the city's nobles. My parents' estate burned to the ground that night - I escaped simply because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as you know - fires that many believe were started by Barzillai Torkrest or his agents in an attempt to squash any spirit of rebellion Kintargo might have.

I can't bow down to this monster and I must do ... something. I need people who are willing to stand against the devil.

My parents were high-ranking members of a secret society called the Sacred Order of Archivists. The black glove is their sign, this is my mother Porcia's glove. She ... sent me something via one of her contacts.

Rexus draws out a letter that he shows you.
It reads

My dearest son,
If you are reading this, what I have feared ahs come to pass and I am dead. For many years, I and your father have belonged to the Sacred Order of Archivists and have worked to free Kintargo from Torkrest influence.

I have learned much about Kintargo's secret history, and fear the time will soon come when the city needs the return of its Silver Horde. You have likely not hear of the Silver Horde - few have. Mentions of them have been redacted by the agents of House Torkrest, but during sequential periods of tumult, the previous one close to hundred years ago the Horde worked to ensure Kintargo's safety. They were heroes in their day, and I fear that Kintargo needs their kind again.

Do not believe the government's claims that caudillo Bainilus abandoned us. Darker things are afoot, and I fear that all who work against Torkrest may find themselves in danger in the days ahead.

The Silver Horde maintained numerous hideouts within Kintargo's wall during the times of tumult. I have located one such site - the chambers below a building known today as the Fair Fortune Livery. If you are reading this, I was unable to seek further answers there myself. Gather heroes to your side, my son, and search below the livery. There, if my research is correct, you will find a part of the Silver Horde's legacy and a way forward.

Do not let my death be in vain. Stand up for Kintargo. Bring the Silver Horde back to life!


Rexus' hands tremble as he holds the paper. He looks at each of you in turn and asks
What do you think?

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin nodded his thanks at Maxar, moving towards the backroom, noting Scrag at the curtain, and returned the killer's nod.


Sup.

At his grunted response, Caelin gave him a half smile, "Storm's comin', clouds gatherin'. You see anyone too curious 'bout me or mine, give 'em the bloody smile, eh?" His grin vanished, "Old time's sake." The man had pulled him out of the gutter that the Torkrest had kicked him to, broken and bloodied. Taught him the trade, set him on a bloody path ...

His grim thoughts of the past were dispelled when a beautiful looking mastiff came through the curtains, brushing against the rogue's thigh. It's coat a glossy, black, healthy and full, though scars could be seen that hinted at a disturbing litter. The killer grabbed the scruff of it's neck affectionately, "Mjolnir, good boy." He got to one knee, pressing his forehead against the beast's blunt, thick, head, "G'boy."

He was distracted by a familiar voice from the common room, as it moved to the rear.


"Caelin! Glad to see you were able to make it out safe." Only after a moment does he actually notice Orion and Copper. "You're all here?! How did you manage that?"

He looked up from his place at the curtain, holding a finger to his lips as he ruffled the mastiff's head, "Back room, friend, now." He ushered his companions, Orion, Copper, and Rexus to the small cramped back room, as Andvari lead a group of his own companions through the curtain.


"But would be our next move? And is it safe to talk about it here?"

"Back room!" He hissed in an amplified whisper, once everyone was through he moved there himself, once again nodding his thanks to Scrag. Once he followed his companions through the curtain, scanning the common room again for any Rocksolid, or Dottari agents, he discovered that Victocora was deep into an exposition. His brow furrowed as he listened to this talk of archivist's and secret organizations, "I think we're neck deep in ****, and Barzilla's boot in on our throat." A rough laugh, "'course some 'o us 'ave already felt his boot, the rest 'o you are feelin' it for the first time, ya?" He paused, "As fer what we're goin' ta do? Depends how much these fine folk are willin' ta wager on this? I slit more 'n a couple dottari throats tonight, so I'm all in. Rest o' you got plenty to lose, least of all, yer life. Anyone walk through that curtain, you may feel Torkrest boots on yer necks, but I won't think less o' ya, less'n you talk 'bout this meetin', then we'd haf ta put ya under."

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Hep takes a few minutes in silence to study his new acquaintances. Rexus here is nervous as all get-out... not a clue what they're doing. Caelin, he's crass, but seems to be genuine, for now-- wait, did he just admit he slew dottari? Guards?! NOT the Rocksolid?! The actor brings a hand to his mouth to cover a low exhale, doing his best to conceal his reaction to that news.

"Well, first, Rexus, my condolences for your loss," the man begins. "Whatever help you need, I'm in. Secondly, Copper... it is quite good to see you again," he said with a sigh and a warm smile, not sure how else to convey his relief beyond words. "Thirdly..." Hep paused, reforming his thoughts, finding a strange sense of comfort in the ghastly news Caelin had shared. No one will be looking for us. Everyone will be looking for him... "Does anyone happen to know where we can get some lamb for dinner tonight? I made a promise to The Lady here that I would make that happen." With a smirk and a hope of adding some joviality to the conversation, he turns to K'tak, "Moreover, I think we can get away with a nice mint sauce for it - The Dog's proclamation says nothing about sauces, only candies and confections, so we may be in luck if we can find a bold... chef... or something. Whatever-- still, lamb!"

"Ah, moreover moreover," Hep continues, addressing Rexus, "how soon would you have us visit this 'Fair Fortune Livery' with you? First thing in the morning, perhaps?"

And every single day is just a fling. / Then the morning comes.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 2/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 0/2 | Sorcery Points: 0/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion stayed quiet during the entire walk to the Longshoremen, trying to process everything that had happened. Orion was used to seeing death (or so he thought) but not on the scale of the riot. What was bothering him more was being the center of so much attention. His life so far had been spent trying to avoid as much attention as possible. But if he wanted a new life, maybe he needed to carve it for himself? He freind Caelin seemed to be doing fine being bold... So while struggling with these thoughts, he followed Caelin through town and into the Longshoreman's. Though he knew some shortcuts, he knew what Caelin was doing and let him lead.

He had spent plenty of time at the Longshoreman in the past, but being in its familiar surroundings did not ease his disorientation. He saw the standard crowd of ratfolk and knew that he could not trust any of them. They could be spies for Torkrest, and he could easily find himself in the clutches of the guards again.

He felt better hidden behind the curtain in the small room, except that it contained several people he did not know. Well, a couple anyway. The strange bard he heard at the riot, and...a lizardfolk. Orion stared at the lizardfolk, trying to see if it was related to the ones who betrayed him earlier today. But his inexperience with their kind and ignorance of their ways left him clueless. He listened closely to Rexus. But that only added to the strange events taking place today, and it did not help alleviate his general sense of bewilderment. His natural distrust rose to the fore. "So you want us to explore tunnels under the livery because of a letter from your dead mother? But first things first. I've lived in this town my entire life, and I don't think I've heard of either the Archivists or this Silver Horde. Has anyone?"

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 15 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

K'tak hesitated to join them behind the curtain, letting out a quiet but feral hiss in return for Caelin's, but those she did trust more didn't mind and so she followed. A bit cramped for the larger form of a lizardfolk, but K'tak found a spot and settled in as Rexus read her letter. The reptilian eyes watched Rexus's hands carefully, maybe even hungrily as she waited to see if Rexus gave any reason not to be trusted while delivering her speech. After Rexus finished, K'tak still lingered as Caelin proclaimed his willingness to stand by this cause which she supposed was enough reason to stop waiting for Rexus to pull a knife.

"My own prey stands with yours, I will fight with you until I taste their flesh and blood," K'tak proclaimed simply after Caelin, but then her attention squarely fell on Hep. "We're still going out for lamb?" She asked with an uncharacteristic edge of hopeful eagerness in her voice that was further expressed by her tail twitching in anticipation. It did however not last long as the more pressing matters at hand came back into the spotlight. "I cannot say I have heard of this order either, but I have not been in this town for long. Where is this Livery?"

[Smilex]

Scrag seems uncomfortable when Caelin invokes old times.
That's a lot to assume. Though I suppose I wouldn't like anyone who's after you.
He reflexively checks that his garrotte isn't tangled.
Have your meeting and be safe.

Zero, did you plan on Mjolnir being the dog Caelin's got? If your concept is that it stays at Longshoreman's while you're away that works. Maxar hates people but he's fine with dogs.


A little later while the meeting is going on...

Rexus answers some comments.
Fair Fortune Livery is near the south-east edge of the town. Would you like to go tomorrow morning? Would tomorrow be good?

When the discussion turns to food Rexus suggests
Would you like the best lamb? There's a place called Wool of Barbatos. It's in temple district.

When Orion questions the organizations - Silver Horde, Order of Archivists Rexus says
Eighty years ago the Silver Horde saved the city from the Torkrests, the city avoided citizens being drafted for fights against orcs. The name refers to hordes of rats as well as the hordes of orcs that threatened Torkrest holdings.

The archivists... The main thing was our family library. There were associated bards that travelled everywhere, Tukuut, Dwarven holds, Yuan-ti holds. They'd come and bring their stories. My parents would record the stories. Is that enough? I don't really know that much.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin shook his head, looking to Rexus, "Not goin' to happen, mate." He looked to the others, "Our benefactor here, took great care to conceal himself in the riots, ya? It ain't gonna help us none if he gets nicked by the Dottari while investigatin' this here livery." He looked back to the noble, "'stead he's goin' ta contract out, and we're goin' ta do it on his behalf, ya?"

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Puzzled, Hep raises an eyebrow at Caelin's remarks. "'Great care to conceal' oneself is by using disguise or magic... you seemed to find Rexus easily enough, and they've implemented neither means. I mean no offense, but I must ask: what is 'great care' when one makes themselves easy to spot? or does something... unforgettable, say?"

Not bothering with whether his implication landed, Hep turns his eyes on Rexus and continues, "Forgive me if this is impertinent, but I must insist on you joining us tomorrow morning. If there are indeed people in hiding at this livery, and they happen to be friends of yours, they should be quite confused as to who we are and what our intentions are without a familiar face - yours - to bolster our legitimacy. Think of it like a cameo: your face keeps the crowd at ease while the up-and-comers take the stage."

Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb... Nine Hells, I'm getting hungry...

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zhentarim]

My internet is still giving me trouble. It’s going in and out. NPC me the next 24 hours if you need to in both games. I have unpleasant work I need to get done, and this forum is too much of a distraction because I would rather be here than doing what I’m supposed to do.

Copper says ”I remember the taste of lamb. I guess I can technically still eat as a wraithguard because of how I’ve been constructed, but its always felt like a waste to eat when I don’t need to for survival and others are going hungry.”

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin scowled at the scholar, "Dunno what the **** you on about mate," he paused, "I found him with care 'n patience 'n information. His enemies could do the same, ya? I ain't riskin' his neck, or his position on a ****ing chance, someone might be there. If it make's your milk-sop teeth feel better we can get a writ o' passage from the man, but he ain't comin' wif us, ya ken?"

OOC: Caelin is unwilling to risk an ear among the nobles in revealing our benefactor to anyone who may be watching the livery, or spot him with us, now, known rebels. It's giving up a long term advantage, for short term gain, which will lead us all to the gallows.

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 0/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari)





"It's not? Did I use the wrong word?," K'tak asked with visible confusion on her face.

Andvari is about to explain what he meant when Caelin arrives and the group is brought into the secret meeting. When asked to join the meeting Andvari walked behind the curtain with conviction that surprised even himself. Living with the indecision, not knowing who to believe, was not something he wanted to go back to. If he turned away now, that choice would eat away at him for the rest of his days.




When Orion questions the organizations - Silver Horde, Order of Archivists Rexus says
Eighty years ago the Silver Horde saved the city from the Torkrests, the city avoided citizens being drafted for fights against orcs. The name refers to hordes of rats as well as the hordes of orcs that threatened Torkrest holdings.


"Eighty years ago... Why, I would have been just a boy. The others around my age were encouraged to learn how to take up arms - I learned how to use the axes and hammers then and my parents encouraged me to learn other arts. I suppose they didn't want me on the front lines. But soon after there wasn't any mention of war or needing to send anyone. I always wondered why the training stopped."



Andvari tried to stay out of the argument between Caelin and Hep. "Regardless of whether or not Rexus comes with us, I think all of us could use a rest after today's events. I'm not sure I'm quite ready to go yet."

[Smilex]

Rexus listens to the discussion, then he turns his skin into what looks like stone in the dim light and says.
I don't get hurt easily.
When the argument continues he adds.
I can defend myself.
And he casts a spell that shoots a spout of acid at a cracker that dissolves completely.
His exasperation grows and finally he says...
It's my parents' will that I see whatever is under there. I'm not rich. Most of my family's money was spent in the pursuit of knowledge. What I had left I already largely spent on getting some of you free. But I can pay you 20 gp each if you can get me to the secret
of that livery stable. Please! It's everything to me!

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Puzzled by the stony skin and outright startled at the line of acid, Hep's hand flies to his dagger by instinct as Rexus casts the attacking spell. The cracker dissolves in silence, as does any lingering paranoia in the man's mind. With an exhale of relief and a slow release of his weapon, Hep cracks a smile before breaking the tension. "**** me, mate... Looks like you'll be joinin' us tomorrow, ya?" adopting Caelin's voice with a wink to Rexus before taking on utmost sincerity. "Your parents ought to be proud of you, Gods rest them." Hep's smile broadens. "However you wish to approach the problem, I'm with you. The Dog has to pay somehow, and if helping you helps achieve that, I'm in."

I won't say 'no' to twenty golds either, but he doesn't need to hear that.

"Copper," he says, lightening the mood, "it's sad that you can't enjoy the lamb as it is, but you should still be part of the plans. And Andvari is more than right - we'll all need to rest up before investigating anything. When and where should we reconvene tomorrow?"

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin was behind him, a knife to his throat before the smirk was off of Hep's face, "I told you, mate, keep my voice out o' yer mouth, 'fore I cut it out." The dagger, and the malice was gone as quickly as it flared, "If Rexus thinks he can handle his 'self, he can join you. You can find me outside the livery, I'll be makin' sure you blighter's ain't walkin' inta a g'damn trap."

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 15 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

Having already given her answer on the matter, K'tak resigned to lean back and listen as the other debated. Her reptilian eyes carefully watched the others, especially Rexus as they demonstrated various abilities to the objections to them coming along. K'tak actually started to find it amusing to an extent, though she did let out a sigh at the mention of a coin reward. She understood what the coins were and had rough guesses at their worth anymore, but she still questioned why. Before she could get too lost pondering this, she saw Caelin pull a knife on the Music man for his tricks and games and openly laughed about it.

"Told you doing that would get you in trouble Music Man," K'tak said between laughs. "I could use a rest as well but dinner first."

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 7/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 0/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -


"Told you doing that would get you in trouble Music Man," K'tak said between laughs. "I could use a rest as well but dinner first."

"Ha! You both act like this is the first time this has happened to me!" The smirk on the actor's face fades as he considers his options - die in a foreign city, or keep the japes to himself - as Caelin withdraws the blade.

"All the same, dinner!-- after a quick jaunt to the inn so I can change. I can head out and meet you back here if you prefer, since it may be a bit out of the way, or we could just meet at Wool. What do you say?"

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/N0vzbfwj/Takhisis-Assassin.png
Caelin Valaerys, Kintargo Cut Throat (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2395376)
AC: 14 | MAX HP: 10 | CURRENT: 10 | HIT DIE: 1d8 | CURRENT: 1d8
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 16 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
Active Effects: None.
Conditions: None.

Caelin shook his head, patted his thigh and watched as Mjolnir stirred from under the table. "Yeah, people are dyin' 'neath Dottari blades, families hidin' from Torkrest's treachery, and some secret society is hidin' clues throughout the city. But don't let tha' blood flowin' in tha' gutter spoil yer dinner plans."

He was seething as he left the room, the massive black coated hound following leisurely behind. Even though the people around the table said they were there to support the downtrodden, they didn't know what it meant, nor would they let it impact their life of leisure. People couldn't handle having their leisure taken from them, he understood, he'd clung on to his for years before it was stripped away, under the Torkrest inquisitor's implements and tools. As he moved towards the Livery, just before leaving Wharfside, Caelin tossed a scrap of jerkey he'd been gnawing on into the alley, prompting a look from the square face of his companion, "Nah, I got this boy, you stay here." The same gesture, pressing his forehead against the mastiff's thick skull, "Watch after folk, you smell any guards, you run, got it?"

OOC: Caelin doesn't *want* anyone to investigate, scout out the livery, however, anyone who wants can follow him, and catch up as he says bye to his dog, before hitting the livery. If not he'll continue there alone.

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 2/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 0/2 | Sorcery Points: 0/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion shook his head at Rexus's answers to his questions. These secret societies just sounded like games for bored rich people to him. He also didn't see how any of this could help his friends or the city.

He was tired, so he decided to just watch the ensuing conversation. But when Rexus demonstrated some magical talent (more than Orion himself, truth be told), and especially when Rexus mentioned gold, his interest was caught. He was about to start making a plan to scout the livery with Caelin and rejoin the others in the morning, when he saw with frustration Caelin leave the bar. Well, I guess if he wanted us to join him he would have asked, and he can clearly take care of himself, Orion thought.

To those remaining, Orion said "Well, I'm in. To help search this Livery, not your dinner plans. I'm not eating at any fancy establishment today, sorry. You all go ahead. Should we pick a time to meet at this Livery? How about just before sunrise?"

Unless something else happens, Orion's plan is to grab something to eat from a food vendor, and then find a quiet, out-of-the-way spot and sleep this afternoon.

[Smilex]

Orion and Copper stayed to rest while Andvari, K'tak and Hep freshened themselves and went out for dinner with Rexus.

The Wool of Barbatos turned out to have some trouble. The owner of the restaurant had been picked up for questioning based on mint-related offences. To your surprise you were seated in a way that your neighboring tables were full of yuan-ti. They were somewhat snooty and seemed to look down on the troubles of the city. Luckily the left early.

The rest of the night went pleasantly enough. The lamb was good.

Later, you tucked in for a good night's sleep. You arranged for a gathering around dawn and then walked to the Fair Fortune livery at the other side of the city. You circled around the stable but Caelin was nowhere to be seen. Instead you found a letter, impaled on a wall with a dagger. It read
Nothing here but dogs and rats. I'm going to get the leader of the rocksolids.

Indeed, you hear barking from inside the dilapidated building. Its large double doors are somewhat ajar.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

After reading the note, Hep pulls the dagger from the door and passes the note to Andvari. Peeking inside the double doors, he retreats his head at the sound of the barking. Well, when you're right, you're right... Best of luck to him, all the same.

"I suspect there's more than just animals in there, but there's only one way to find out. Who would care to lead?" Hep asks, looking over the group and hoping to hear an eager volunteer. "I'm better in a supporting role when it comes to this sort of production."

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)



Andvari reads the note and nods. "Sorry that he won't be joining us. Wish him the best."

The Dwarf takes a deep breath, peering into the livery. "I'll go in first, if we need." He taps his armor, "Not sure if a Dwarf is the best lead. Though, if Rexus and their family was involved, maybe it is."

He pulls out the ring emitting 5 feet of light and plans to keep it out, unless someone objects.





If anyone suggests putting the light away, Andvari is happy to do it.

Personality wise, he's not exactly ready for a leadership position but would lead the group in if needed. In terms of Armor Class, I think he'd be best either at the front or at the back (in case something comes up from behind).

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 2/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion nods in thanks to Andvari. "Thanks for offering, Andvari. You know I'm not cut out for it." He looks at the rest of the group. "I guess now's as good a time as any to tell you all that I've survived so far by not drawing attention to myself. And I was born with some magical abilities. But I am not used to combat, and I don't think I would last long as the main target."

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 15 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

K'tak is silent as the note is passed about and regards it only briefly before looking back up to the livery. She let's the others take their chances peering in, but when it comes time to actually enter the building, she boldly steps forward to take point. "That is good to know Orion, and I can take lead Andvari," she adds while moving to the front of the group. She wastes little time in pushing open the door a bit more to let her larger frame through. "Should we be looking for stairs or something more hidden?" K'tak asks as she continues slowly and warily into the building, her eyes searching for all signs of movement, particularly any not currently locked behind a door or gate.

[Zhentarim]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 2/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion nods in thanks to Andvari. "Thanks for offering, Andvari. You know I'm not cut out for it." He looks at the rest of the group. "I guess now's as good a time as any to tell you all that I've survived so far by not drawing attention to myself. And I was born with some magical abilities. But I am not used to combat, and I don't think I would last long as the main target."

Copper agrees ”While I’m able to stand on the front line, I must say my prayers to Howling Storm, so she will bless me with more spells. I’d be careful, though, since I won’t be there to heal you if you need it.”

[Smilex]

As K'tak opens the door, she sees a large chain on the floor. It must've been used to lock the door until recently. A smell of animal droppings wafts out. The thirteen horse stalls have been piled up with broken desks, scuffed tables, torn chairs and other refuse.

A layer of dust covers the piles.

In the middle of the room there's the remains of a merchant's chain of sausages. Five recently fed dogs are lying on the floor next to it. One of them is large and looks like a bred battle-dog. It's been recently scarred and still has a healing wound in its front-leg. The four other dogs too seem like they've been through a scuffle against something smaller.

The other side of a relatively recent battle lies in a pile further in. There's about ten large rat corpses, torn apart by dogs.

At the far end of the stable is an area that looks like the stable-master's offices. A very old, but possibly still functional cart lies next to the offices.

On the southern side of the stable, one of the stalls is barred by a metal gate.

What do you guys do?

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Hep nods to Copper before patting her on the back, lowering his voice to a whisper. "No worries, Lady. I think, after yesterday, we'll all be taking a careful approach...", his voice admitting the hurt of being unable to further help her when needed.

With the dagger from the door in one hand, the man draws his rapier with the other, following the others' lead on the problem at hand - the five dogs in the center of the room.

"That gate is certainly something else," he whispers, "but I should also like to get to the offices in the back. We can't trick the dogs with meat - they already have that... do you suppose someone is here?!"

My goal would be to move slowly around the north side of the room to reach the stable offices. I can start investigating once I know I'm there.

If the metal gate is indeed locked, I'm proficient in thieves' tools, but don't have them in my inventory at present. If there's a place I know I can purchase them and push comes to shove, I can quickly depart and pick them up. Right now, though, it's not clear whether the dogs will attack us or not, and that seems to be a more pressing concern.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 2/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion peeks into the room from behind K'tak and Hep. He responds to Hep, also in a low whisper "I can put some of the dogs to sleep, if we don't get too close to them." Orion carefully grabs his crystal and readies to cast his spell.

Can Orion ready a spell? Orion assumes the dogs will be aggressive, even though they are currently well-fed. So as soon as they notice us and look like they will attack, he would cast his spell, and be prepared to enhance it with a sorcery point, if necessary. I'll roll for the spell, just in case: [roll0]

Oh, and Orion's magic is supposed to be somewhat Lovecraftian and creepy, so I picture him casting Sleep like Mr. Hand from Dark City, for anyone who has seen that movie.

[Zhentarim]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 2/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion peeks into the room from behind K'tak and Hep. He responds to Hep, also in a low whisper "I can put some of the dogs to sleep, if we don't get too close to them." Orion carefully grabs his crystal and readies to cast his spell.

Can Orion ready a spell? Orion assumes the dogs will be aggressive, even though they are currently well-fed. So as soon as they notice us and look like they will attack, he would cast his spell, and be prepared to enhance it with a sorcery point, if necessary. I'll roll for the spell, just in case: [roll0]

Oh, and Orion's magic is supposed to be somewhat Lovecraftian and creepy, so I picture him casting Sleep like Mr. Hand from Dark City, for anyone who has seen that movie.

"Yeah, that works for me."

[Smilex]

We're not yet in initiative order so it's a free-for-all as far as calling actions goes.

Hep starts moving up the north side of the stableroom.
He manages to move past the dogs without waking any of them up.

Hep sees that the backdoor of the stable is chained from this side.

The back offices themselves seem relatively empty. There's a single desk at both of the offices. Trying to be silent while going through the desks... they seem empty except for pieces of hay and rat droppings.

Meanwhile, as the others are waiting at the front door... Copper notices something up in the rafters. Morning sunlight catches something glittering near the ceiling. It looks like it would be possible, though difficult to climb up to the thing.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 15 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

As the others explored and searched, K'tak kept her the dogs and watching the livery for any more signs of movement. If she found none, she would take a chance and try to see if she could answer Hep's earlier questions on whether they were alone or not aside from the dogs and dead rats. Then if she found nothing, K'tak would wander quietly towards the pile of dead rats and look for one (or half of one) she could stash in a spare pouch easily enough.

[Smilex]

As the others explored and searched, K'tak kept her the dogs and watching the livery for any more signs of movement. If she found none, she would take a chance and try to see if she could answer Hep's earlier questions on whether they were alone or not aside from the dogs and dead rats. Then if she found nothing, K'tak would wander quietly towards the pile of dead rats and look for one (or half of one) she could stash in a spare pouch easily enough.

K'tak manages to avoid waking the dogs and makes his way near the dead rats. The rats are near the metal gate on the south side of the room. The rats seem contaminated. Their guts are strewn around and the meat's been lying in it in warm weather. Easy enough to pick some of it up though.

The metal gate seems curious. There's a lock on it. There's a hole in the metal gate. Above it the gate can be lifted. Below it it's a turning gate. The round hole might be small enough for a child to crawl through but not a dwarf or a lizardwoman.

Behind the gate there's a part of a wall that's hanging out. A secret door that's open. Another thing that draws K'tak's attention is that the back wall of the area behind the gate seems to be in particularly bad condition.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 15 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s): Bardic Inspiration.
Active effect(s):

Finding the gate and the interesting aspects of it, K'tak nearly calls out to the others before remembering that the dogs were still sleeping in the middle of the room. So instead she waves her arms up and over her head to get anyone's attention and then points towards the gate she'd found when any eyes fall on her.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

After quietly rummaging through the desks, Hep grimaces in disappointment.

Making his way over to K'tak, he takes a look at the hole in the gate before taking a look at the lock. "I could open this if I had the tools - my usual kit is back in Sacrament, though, so I'd need to get a new one... Worst case scenario, you could always break the lock, Lady, but we also want to let sleeping dogs lie. Literally..."

Hep looks over at the dogs in thought before continuing, "Smart thinking, Orion... I should like to look at that crystal later, if I may, that's quite fascinating!" Forgetting himself briefly, he turns to their benefactor. "Rexus, I realize this may be a shot in the dark, but do you happen to have a lockpicking set on you?"

I'd like to look over the dogs, from a distance and without waking them. I'm looking for a key, either around one of their collars or amidst the dogs themselves; I'd like to focus on the big battle dog in particular.

Restating from earlier: it seems that the metal gate is indeed locked. I'm proficient in thieves' tools, but don't have them in my inventory at present. If there's a place I know I can purchase them and push comes to shove, I can quickly depart and pick them up.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Smilex]

As K'tak and Hep have finished checking out the gate...
The ground tremors and the front door of the barn slams shut with surprising force.
At this point everyone's inside the stable, most of the group being very near the door.

The tremors are enough to wake up the dogs...
To which Orion reacts by casting sleep on them. The spell is enough to make all the smaller dogs immediately fall back to sleep but the larger fighting dog is not affected. You'd guess the animal to be a mastiff of some kind.
The dog starts growling at Hep and K'tak.

K'tak's initial feeling is that the dog seems more scared by the sudden noises than angry to start with.

Rexus uses his ability to turn his skin rock-like. He's brought a shield with him too.

We're still not in initiative order but the situation is a bit more threatening now.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

The slam of the doors makes Hep jump in his skin; the growling behind him does not alleviate his sudden change in mood. As he turns with blades pointed at the growling animal, he braces his footing, ready to deliver a sharp kick.

Oh, no... c'mon, Gods, don't make us hurt a dog... "Easy, big dog... easy..."

Action: Ready: Attack (Unarmed) as a Reaction if/when the dog advances to my position. If I actually hurt the thing, I'm dealing non-lethal damage or a knockout blow if it comes to it.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)



Andvari stays quiet during the start of the investigation, not wanting to alert the dogs with his armor. But as the door slams shut behind him, he instinctively goes to push it open again.


Action: open the door, though I assume it's locked now.

I would've liked to do Animal Handling, but -1 isn't gonna work out.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

"Shhh, let's not be hasty now music man, these beasts aren't our prey," K'tak cut in, pushing Hep's blade down by hand. "They were put here to take care of the rats and they've done a good job," she went on carefully taking a couple steps forward towards the dog, not trying to be aggressive but also not showing fear. Once she stopped, K'tak then pulled a small section of rope from her pack, cutting it free from the rest with her dagger. As she put the dagger back, she pulled out a meat ration from a belt pouch in its place. Wrapping the segment of rope around the ration and tying it off, K'tak would then dangle this out towards the dog waving it a couple times before giving it a gentle toss so the dog wouldn't have to get too close in order to get the toy and treat.

Going for that handle animals check!
[roll0]

[Smilex]

Andvari opens the stable's door with no trouble.
A thought comes to Andvari's mind - This is an earthquake region but the door slamming shut was not something and earthquake could have caused.

The mastiff grabs the piece of meat K'tak is offering it and runs away with the meat into one of the office rooms. Now there's only four heavily sleeping dogs in the middle of the room.

The ground tremors again, but the dogs continue sleeping.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Impressed, Hep grins. "Wow... well done, Orion, Lady!" The smile fades as the tremors underfoot intensify, lightly rattling the chain and lock on the gate. The man stows his rapier and examines the lock, wondering whether the dagger in hand would be enough to open it. "In the worst case, we can always try breaking it. Copper, K'tak, you both may be best suited for that."

I'd like to try and force the lock open with the dagger, but I don't know how to best go about that as far as mechanics are concerned.
Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion breaths a sigh of relief when K'tak gets the massive attack dog into one of the offices. But he knows the danger is not over yet. Orion says in his normal voice so everyone can hear, "Smart thinking, K'tak. Does that room have a door you can shut? And my spell only lasts a minute. We may be able to move the dogs without waking them; either to one of the rooms or outside the barn."

Orion looks around for anything that could help with the dogs.

Now that Orion is actively looking around, can he see the shiny thing that caught Copper's attention? Was it is the rafters?

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)


Andvari takes out his rope and goes to the dogs, leashing them and tying them to a post, so that at the very least they could not attack the party. If anyone finds a better place for the dogs, he will help them move the dogs. He will use any ropes lying around the area before his own as long as they look sturdy, but will use his rope if needed.

As he goes about this work, he tries to find a chance to whisper to each of his companions. "The door slamming wasn't from no quake. There's magic here, maybe even someone invisible." He would try to be quiet enough that no one would overhear.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

With the dog successfully distracted by her improvised treat and toy, K'tak turns her attention back towards the gate as Hep attempts to pick the lock. She watches his attempts curiously and take a moment to look the lock over herself before turning her attention back towards their latest addition. "Rexus, you made acid that melted the cracker yesterday. Could you do it again to melt this?" K'tak asked the dwarf with a point towards the lock. "Even just weakening it some might help."

[Smilex]

While Hep is trying to pick the lock he observes the space beyond the metal gate. He notices that while the tremors continue, a plank in the external wall of the space shakes loose.

Meanwhile Andvari ties the dogs down. There's no usable length of rope that seems like it would hold in the stalls so he has to use rope he's brought along. About 20 feet of rope makes 4 nice leashes to tie the dogs down.

When Andvari is tying the third dog down a piece of wood in a pile flies up from the pile without any visible reason.

While this continues Copper observes vague shadowy figures on the walls. There's also a slowly rising whisper that can be heard occasionally.

Orion does catch sight of the slightly trembling glittery thing up in the rafters.

A palm-sized spider falls near K'tak from the roof. K'tak doesn't recognize the species but it doesn't look like something one would like to cuddle with. It's light brown, quite furry and for the moment, passive.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

K'tak eyed the spider curiously as it landed and then she took stock of the other strange happenings in the room. The board suddenly flying upwards, the door slamming shut on its own, the contaminated looking status of the rat meat. Her clawed hand slowly came to rest on and then lightly squeeze Hep's shoulder. "No sudden movements Music Man. Everyone, I might have been wrong about the dogs being here to deal with the rats," K'tak says in as loud a whisper as she can without taking her eyes off the spider. When she has anyone's attention, she points out the spider and then points upwards. "How many more?"

[Smilex]

Rexus says to K'tak
I can splash acid at the gate until it breaks, I'm sure. It will take time though. That gate is sturdy.
He proceeds to kill the spider with a small ball of acid and then to cast the spell a second time on the gate's hinge.
Shooting the lock might jam it, I think.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Feeling the scaly grip on his shoulder, Hep holds still, moving his eyes just so to watch the large spider dissolve in K'tak's other hand. "Oh... Hm..." With another soured grimace, the man slowly draws his rapier and looks upward, looking closely for any sign of more spiders, large or small.

I'd like to Investigate as best I can from my position, specifically looking for spiders or evidence of their presence (e.g., webbing), and report my findings in a whisper to the party.
"We can break into the building from the other side of this gate," Hep whispers, "if we can't destroy the hinges, that is."

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion thanked Andvari for his help with the dogs. He was looking at the glittering thing in the rafters, trying to figure out how to get up there, when he was distracted by the board jumping up and the whispers. He sees K'tak point at the spider and Rexus kill it, then adds "You think this is spiders? Or is this place...haunted?" Orion reaches out with his telepathic ability, to see if he can connect with anyone or anything other than his companions.

[Zhentarim]

Copper doesn't join the others right away. She shouts "I see something up in the ceiling. I'm going to try to climb up there and get it!"

...

Then Copper notices the shadows on the wall...

"There is either dark magic or something else sinister here. We should leave and go to my hideout in the sewers. It has beds and couches, and a small firepit, and while its not very well ventilated, its very hard to find and has hexes on the outside that make it even harder to differentiate it from any other length of wall in the sewer. It also has prison cells to hold people. A necromantic cult lived there for some time, and might be better accommodations for us."

[Smilex]

Rexus keeps shooting acid splashes at the hinges....

Orion stares at the shadows trying to have make a mental contact with one of them...

Hep seeks webs around the top part of the stable. He can only see a few. Maybe there's not so many spiders here after all?

As you're waiting for Rexus to succeed one of the dogs becomes illuminated as if from the inside. It wakes up, spasms a few times and collapses, dead. The light ceases...

The tremors and the whispers continue...

Then another spider comes down from the ceiling, landing on Hep's chest...
Now as it happens, Copper notices that the spider doesn't drop down. It flies quite a bit sideways before landing... It looks like quite a large jump...


We'll be entering initiative order...

18 K'tak
17 Copper
11 Hep
10 Spider?
9 Andvari
5 Orion
3 Rexus

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)


"Something is definitely off..." Andvari finds himself inspecting the board that flew up out of nowhere, but doesn't seem to find anything. "I should be able to Detect if there is any Magic around here, if the rest of you would like..." But he is cut off by the spider attacking(?) Hep. His hands glow as he readies Fire Bolt. He would be much more comfortable attacking animals than people.


I won't be on too much tonight, so if it comes to my turn and we're attacking the Spider, I'll plan to use Fire Bolt.

Alternately, I did prepare Detect Magic if we want to check the area, but I don't know if we want to use a spell slot for that.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

K'tak watches in morbid curiosity as the dog awakens, illuminates, spasms, and dies, and that more than makes up her mind. "At this time, there are many places that would be better than being here," she said agreeing with Copper before the spider landed on Hep. She'd take a look at the arachnid and if able see about coaxing it off the bard's chest without getting either bit, using the rat meat she'd gotten earlier to help, though if it was already looking for a soft spot to bite, she'd waste no time in trying to swat the either legged menace off. "Rexus, how close are you to getting through?" K'tak asked hurried, reflexively reaching for her axe and looking all about to see if she could see where the next one was coming from.

[Zhentarim]

Copper tries to get up to the shiny thing in the ceiling.

[roll0]

"I'm going to try to get this shiny stuff before we leave."

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

The sight of the fuzzy spider sends Hep's skin crawling. No longer whispering, the man's urgency undermines his attempt to be flippant about the situation. "Ohhhhh-kay.... I'm just going to hold really still right now, if someone could please shoo this thing off of me. Carefully, if you please...." With arms back and chest out, Hep leans backwards with a look of pure discomfort, contorting himself into a bizarre limbo in his effort to make the creature more available for shooing.

In this backwards state, he glances at Rexus's progress on the gate. "I understand we don't want to stay here long, but it seems we haven't yet found what we came here for."

I'd like to take the Help action for K'tak's shooing of the spider. If that is not allowed, well, then I'm in a weird pose; if this spider paralyzes me this way, then that's just funny.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Smilex]

I rolled some dice on your behalf, with the natural rolls for the shove attack being 6 and 8 but the spider's opposing roll being a natural 1...

With Hep helping by staying very very quiet, K'tak brushes the spider off...

Copper climbs onto one of the stacks of rubble to reach toward the item on the rafters... It's not an easy climb, the pile is unstable and Copper has to be very careful while climbing...

And then she hears a sudden strange noise. ... Something flies toward Copper from the pile, a number of spiders flying up, but Copper's armor protects her from them and they fall around her... But there's something else...
A bag...
Someone threw a bagful of spiders at her.

Amongst the dancing shadows on the walls a slightly different kind of shadow disappears into another pile of debris

The spiders land around Copper. About half of them scurry back into the pile five of them try to attack her... They can't find anything soft to bite though.

Rexus reacts to everything that's happening by warning
This is taking a while. Would you like to take the backroute? That back wall there looks really weak, doesn't it?


9 Andvari
5 Orion
3 Rexus

Round 2

18 K'tak
17 Copper
11 Hep
10 Spiders and stuff

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)


Seeing that Hep no longer has a spider on them, Andvari turns to Copper and tries to help with the spiders around her, hurling fire at the creatures.

"Where are these blasted things coming from?!? I'll leave whenever the group is ready but I was hoping we would find a bit more."


Fire Bolt: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Smilex]

Andvari shoots one of the spiders in Copper's legs and turns it to crisp. ...

Rexus calls out
How're you doing? This'll take a couple of minutes I think...

and he casts another acid splash at the gate's hinges.



5 Orion

Round 2

18 K'tak
17 Copper
11 Hep
10 Spiders and stuff
9 Andvari

3 Rexus

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Unable to mentally connect to anyone (or anything), and seeing the spiders seemingly come from nowhere, Orion comes to Copper's aid. He focuses on one of the spiders crawling on Copper and casts Mind Sliver at it. "Die, vermin!" He then moves closer to the office rooms (any except the one with the large dog still in it), hoping to get out of the way of more falling spiders.

The spider has to make an Int save (DC 13) or take [roll0] damage. And I really wanted Orion to shout "Crucio!" but I resisted. Mostly.

[Smilex]

Orion concentrates on one of the spiders until it's primitive brain gives up. The arachnid curls up and rolls over.
Orion then runs toward the offices though he doesn't quite get there. The dog seems to be in the more distant of the two office rooms. The nearer one is free...

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

The strangeness of the situation increases by the second. Seeing the spiders on Copper, Hep quickly turns to Rexus, "We should be able to hold off... whatever it is we're holding off. Keep at it for now!"

Moving towards Copper with blades drawn, Hep does his best to swat away the spiders with the flat of his sword.

Move: towards Copper
Action: Attack (Rapier) against the spiders swarming Copper: [roll0] to hit; [roll1] (piercing? I don't want to kill them, necessarily...) damage

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zhentarim]

Copper takes her mace and tries to smash some of the spiders.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

K'tak's own claws linger at her weapon, but she figured the axe and javelins would make fairly poor choices against the spiders. Instead, K'tak seized her shield in both clawed hands and was prepared to bat or squish the spiders with the broad flatter surface. She would however hang closer to Hep and Rexus to offer some additional support to them unless they decided to leave, in which case she would follow.

[Smilex]

K'tak assumes a defensive posture and Rexus says
Thanks for watching my back...

Copper and Hep try to bash some spiders. Hep cuts a few legs off one and Copper bashes the pile of debris making pieces of wood fly.

The spiders around Copper skitter into the depths of the pile. For the while there's nothing attacking anyone, but the pile of wood and shrapnel that Copper is standing on... somewhere inside there are a large number of large spiders...

Another dog lights up, spasms and dies in front of you.

Orion who's heading to the other office catches some movement inside. It doesn't look like one of the dancing shadows you've seen so far...

And we're out of initiative order for the while. If Copper wants to try to get to the shiny thing, she can roll athletics again.

Within the next minute the shadows continue to dance and both the other tied down dogs die with a moment of radiance. Looking at what's happening Copper realizes she's seen the effects. It's the sacred flame of a cleric spell.
After this the shadows stop dancing and the tremors stop as well. It's weirdly calm.

Orion who's run into the other office notices that there's some tracks of a tiny shoeless creature in the dust. No major claw marks. Relatively long thin toes, five of them. He finds that there's a hole in the ground under the desk and another in the wall between the office and the next stable stall. There's plenty of tracks between these two openings.

A moment later Rexus kicks the lower part of the gate in.
How is everyone? Seems like the quake calmed down. Easy, eh?

[Zhentarim]

[roll0]+5=13

"I've seen what's killing the dogs in the past--there is a cleric casting Sacred Flame cantrip, and I think that cleric may be the same cleric who left those simian footprints. I'm going to try to get to this thing on the ceiling again, and then I really think we should leave."

[Smilex]

[roll0]+5=13

"I've seen what's killing the dogs in the past--there is a cleric casting Sacred Flame cantrip, and I think that cleric may be the same cleric who left those simian footprints. I'm going to try to get to this thing on the ceiling again, and then I really think we should leave."

Copper still has some trouble climbing up to the rafters but Rexus comes to help him up... Rising on the dwarf's shoulders Copper can reach a horizontal beam. She reaches on top of it and drags down a magpie's nest. Inside the nest there's a glittery ring that looks precious.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Hep backs away from anything remotely resembling a spider's nest as he watches the precarious effort to climb into the rafters. "If someone's casting holy magic, then I would assume that they're trying to help us..." He let his thoughts wander before walking over to the kicked-in gate. Lowering himself prone, Hep attempts to crawl under through the opening.

"If whatever's up in the rafters is what Rexus is looking for, then we're out of here, but for now, I vote to press on with investigation."

If I'm able to get through the gate, I'd like to investigate this new space beyond. If I can't get under the gate, I'll walk around the building and take the crowbar to the loose planks.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Smilex]

As Hep moves beyond the gate, the first thing he notes is that the floor of this narrow space seems to have been covered by blood at some point in the past. The leftover iron has stuck in the floor as a rusty layer.

The secret door that's hanging open seems to have once been quite elaborate but it's lock is chewed through by strong small teeth. Now the door's hanging loose.

Beyond the secrte door there's another room, about 20'x20' in size. There's numerous old slaughterhouse tools, veterinary equipment and woodworking tools strewn about. There's a heavy layer of dust in most areas but here and there the layer has been disturbed. There's tiny simian footprints but also plenty of rat tracks and rat droppings..

There's a couple of large work tables. On those Hep can see a couple of heavy mallets, coils of crumbling rope and some metal tools which Hep doesn't recognize. There's pegs on the far wall that hold a couple of bridles.

At the southwest corner of the secret room there's a trap door in the floor. It's held open by a block of wood. Just as Hep's peeking in the wooden block flies to the other end of the room, hits the opposite wall and drops on the floor. The trapdoor falls shut.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

The sudden slam of the trapdoor and the clattering of the wooden block makes Hep jump backwards. Cursing loudly, he grips his sword and dagger tighter, pointing both towards the interior of the secret room as he slowly pushes the door open with his leg.

"Friends! In here! Come around from the outside if you cannot get under the gate." The man returns his attention to the trapdoor, fixated on any further movement.

So who wants to go first? :smallsmile:

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion nods at Copper, "Yes, I am guessing whatever made those footprints lives below this building and was the thing--or things--causing us grief. He steals a glance at the ring Copper is holding, and his eyes get large. "That looks expensive. I bet we could pawn that and live on it for half a year." He reluctantly adds, "But...maybe we should show it to Rexus, and see if he recognizes the crest..."

Orion then hears Hep from the secret room, and moves to join him, gripping his crystal focus tightly in his hand.

[Zhentarim]

"Yeah, we should show the ring to Rexus, first."

Copper readies Toll the Dead to deal necrotic damage to any hostile creature that comes across her path. Then, she begins to investigate the area:

[roll0]

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)


After the fight dies down, Andvari looks to the dogs in sadness - there was no reason for the dogs to die. And the cause being a cleric's spell? With time to continue investigating, Andvari would take his pieces of rope back and use the Mending cantrip to return the rope to its full length.

As the ring is found, Andvari would be interested in the crest and ask to see it. "If it is from someone around here, Rexus and I may be able to see where it is from."

If time allows, Andvari would cast Detect Magic as a ritual (full time to cast is 11 minutes), but breaking his ritual to help the party if needed.




History check on the ring: [roll0]

[Smilex]

Copper slowly goes through the materials in the hidden room but doesn't find additional hidden things. Rexus helps her and comments that this building used to be a slaughterhouse in some old maps.

K'tak actually recognizes some of the metal devices in the room as contraptions that are meant to hold animals in place.

Andvari casts ritual magic so the rest of the group has a bit of extra time... Anyone want to do something extra, this is a good time...

[Zhentarim]

Copper goes outside to watch clouds drift by in the sky. The passage of time makes her feel things like desolation and emptiness. Will she, as a wraithguard, outlive everbody she's ever known and be forever alone?

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

K'tak finally lowers the shield and moves it back to a proper place on her arm, and then follows along to see the old restraining equipment in the trap door room. "Slaughter house sounds right, those could hold many back and still for a good cut," she adds with a point towards the restraints before looking about the room some more. "Someone used magic to kill the dogs? Then where are they?" K'tak would ask no one in particular before trying to see if she could pick up a scent or maybe even tracks in the possibly dusty and uncommonly used floor. If she couldn't find anything though, she would head back to the dogs and use her axe to hack off some parts for later use.

Going to try and see if K'tak can't track the mystery assailant. Possibly a nature or perception check?
[roll0]
And should that fail, she'll go to the dog corpses and gather some materials for use in cunning artisan when they take a full short rest.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Hep retrieves his crowbar and begins prying away at the loose wall planks leading outside. "If we find something beneath us that we cannot manage, whether it's our mystery mage or something worse, I'm not comfortable with a half-broken metal gate blocking our escape..."

Once content with the size of the hole in the wall, enough to fit the largest among the group, Hep stows his dagger and keeps his rapier pointed at the trapdoor before opening it with his free hand.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zhentarim]

Copper says "I know the Light cantrip should we need more light down there."

[Smilex]

Outside of the stable, Copper sees the town still mostly sleep. The morning is very early. It's looking like the beginning of another sunny day. A lone child is playing on the street with a spinning top. Somewhere distant a rooster is making noise.

K'tak looks around for more evidence. What she finds is a the tip of a very long tail hidden in a pile of debris. It looks like it might have belonged to a ratfolk. Seems like it was chewed off. It also seemed like it was purposefully hidden.

With nothing else to do, K'tak gets some dog food.

While Hep starts to open the wall with a crowbar, the ground starts to tremble again...

Andvari finishes the magical ritual. The first thing that looks surprisingly magical is the single black glove Rexus has. The ground also has a spell causing the rumbling.

When Hep opens the trapdoor... the latch immediately slams closed again. When reopened and kept open manually it's easy to keep it open. What faces him next is a nauseating smell of urine and feces.

There's a fifteen foot shaft with a ladder down into the darkness...

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)
*** 10 minutes of Detect Magic ritual ***


For the past ten minutes, Andvari had been in the corner, tinkering with a pair of glasses. As he worked, the lenses seemed to change color in time with the dwarf grunting or rolling his eyes. "Blasted things... need a new pair one day."

Finally, Andvari stood up, round glasses on his face. He took a quick look around the area before returning to the group. "I'm ready to go. There's surely a spell on the ground here causing the tremors but I don't see anyone else. Best if we move quickly, I'll be able to see traces of magic for a short time. Long as these things continue to work."

Andvari notes the magic on Rexus' glove but doesn't worry too much about it yet - he would tell the party when he has a chance (without Rexus overhearing) but there was no reason to be suspicious of the other dwarf.



Do I get any schools of magic on the glove or the tremors, per the Detect Magic description?


If you sense magic in this way, you can use your action to see a faint aura around any visible creature or object in the area that bears magic, and you learn its school of magic, if any.

[Smilex]

Do I get any schools of magic on the glove or the tremors, per the Detect Magic description?






The ground is affected by transmutation.
The glove on Rexus' hand has an abjuration aura.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -


While Hep starts to open the wall with a crowbar, the ground starts to tremble again...
...
When Hep opens the trapdoor... the latch immediately slams closed again. When reopened and kept open manually it's easy to keep it open. What faces him next is a nauseating smell of urine and feces.

There's a fifteen foot shaft with a ladder down into the darkness...

The stench sends Hep retching; he was grateful that he hadn't eaten yet this morning. "Brace your senses, friends..." Hep remarks, "and grip the ladder tight on the way down... Copper, could you please illuminate this dagger?"

Once light is cast on the blade, Hep drops it flat into the darkness below, not wanting to climb down the ladder until he knows what awaits.

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Smilex]

Once light is cast on the blade, Hep drops it flat into the darkness below, not wanting to climb down the ladder until he knows what awaits.


There's a 15 foot drop into the next room. The ladder goes all the way down. You see a room with all kinds of dirt strewn over the floor. A number of small creatures are hiding in the corners of the room so that you can just see their eyes glistening in the shadows... Maybe half a dozen, maybe ten in number. There's a number of piles of boxes, that create hiding places for the creatures. You can also see a door that's closed. It's a simple cellar, but you suspect the creatures, whatever they are, have used it as their toilet for years.

[Zhentarim]

Copper steps up and peers down the hole at the glowing dagger down below.

"I'm most heavily armored. I'll go first."

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion sniffs at the opening. Though not unused to the smell of unsanitary living conditions, that doesn't mean he enjoyed it any. He quickly moved his fingers is an a complicated gesture, and cast prestidigation to make the area (at least immediately surroundings) smell better. He nods at Copper. "We will be right behind you."

Prestidigitation says that it can make an "odd" odor. Hopefully "odd" can also mean like oranges, or flowers. :)

[Smilex]

As Copper starts to move down the ladder, Orion's spell takes effect. A vaguely orangey, perfumelike smell mixes with the smell of urine and other waste. The mix becomes siginificantly more bearable though not quite pleasant.

Squeaking noises rise up as Copper nears the floor. Copper catches sight of a rat the size of a small dog.

Four dire rats jump on Copper from behind the boxes as she reaches the floor. They start biting metal and surprisingly one of them manages to find a soft spot with a critical strike doing 8 piercing damage.


The ladder forms a gap. Only one person can climb down per round. Two others can use ranged attacks through the latch each round.

21 Rats
18 Copper
16 Rexus
15 Orion
14 Andvari
10 Hep
10 K'tak

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 3/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Hep's eyes go from widened shock to narrowed focus as he formulates a plan of action. Moving out of the way of anyone who might descend or fire magic from above, he holds the trapdoor open and begins shouting at the top of his voice, weaving magic into his words. "COPPER! RISE AND FIGHT! CRUSH THEM UNDERFOOT!" Looking to the group, he nods towards anyone poised to climb down next. "I'll descend after you - for now, I have the door!"

Move: towards the side of the trapdoor, if not there already
Action: hold open the trapdoor, unless this interferes with ranged attacking from above, at which point, I'll instead move away from the opening
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration: Copper: 1d6 to be used on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw (100 rounds remaining)
BI will be expended in the IG stat block at next post.

Copper only has to hear the Bardic Inspiration for it to take effect; I don't want to step on the toes of those who can do considerably more damage from above, and getting in the way of better melee fighters is also a bad idea, so I plan to dive into the mix on the next turn.
Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion was already near the opening to cast his spell, so he is ready when he sees Copper get attacked. He does what sounds like the loud, angry hiss that his astute companions may come to associate with his attack spell, and sends a mind sliver at the dire rat that bit Copper. He then backs up 5' from the opening to give someone else room to attack or move down the ladder. "I'm probably better from up here, anyway," he tells the others.

Mind Sliver: DC 13 Int save or [roll0] psychic damage and minus [roll1] on its next save.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

Having returned from her materials gathering and pocketing the tail, K'tak watches around the hole just in time to see Copper descend and the other taking turns casting spells around it. K'tak rushes over but finds the ladder itself still in use and without room to climb down herself just yet, she pulls out a javelin and hurls it at one of the rats. "I will come down next!" she calls out right after before backing off to let others have their shot at the rats.

Making an attack at the rat that crit Copper
[roll0]
Dmg if it hits: [roll1]

[Smilex]

Rexus climbs halfway down the ladder, seeing that Copper is hurt, he decides to yell
Geronimo-o!
and lets go of the ladder falling next to copper...
THe next thing works partially because I say it works, partially because it's realism and partially because of rule of cool

Once down, he proceeds to cast color spray at ground level to catch the rats while avoiding getting the spell anywhere near Copper's eyes. All the attacking rats and a couple that are still further in the room are affected.

[Zhentarim]

As Copper starts to move down the ladder, Orion's spell takes effect. A vaguely orangey, perfumelike smell mixes with the smell of urine and other waste. The mix becomes siginificantly more bearable though not quite pleasant.

Squeaking noises rise up as Copper nears the floor. Copper catches sight of a rat the size of a small dog.

Four dire rats jump on Copper from behind the boxes as she reaches the floor. They start biting metal and surprisingly one of them manages to find a soft spot with a critical strike doing 8 piercing damage.


The ladder forms a gap. Only one person can climb down per round. Two others can use ranged attacks through the latch each round.

21 Rats
18 Copper
16 Rexus
15 Orion
14 Andvari
10 Hep
10 K'tak


The rat bites through one of her metal plates somehow, prompting Copper to cast Shield of Faith to give herself greater protection, raising her AC to 22 for the next 10 minutes. On her next turn, she will strike the one of the rats with her mace.

[Smilex]

Copper casts shield of faith.

Rexus descends to the cellar and blinds the rats

Orion causes one of the rats pain and distress

K'tak spears the tail of one of the rats.

Hep inspires Copper

Darn those damage rolls. Because the latch limits activity, Andvari couldn't shoot at the rats this turn, but if he has another type of activity he wants to achieve this turn, that's still possible. I'm still writing down what the rats do because limited possibility of interaction from Andvari.

The rats fumble around blindly, not able to hit anything. None of the still hiding rats join the fight.

Copper does see that a strange face is at the doorway looking at her. It's the furry face is wider than the other rats, with larger ears and larger eyes. It's got tentacles that cover it's mouth. It's squeaking like a rat and some of the rats not yet fighting seem to be listening to it.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Hep hears K'tak volunteer to descend and smiles. "After you, Lady! Wouldn't dare stand between you and a meal! I'll follow right behind!"

Move: -
Action: hold open the trapdoor
Bonus Action: -
Copper still has Bardic Inspiration (99 rounds remaining)

Rexus jumping down kinda threw me off, but hey, the rats are blind, so that's good. Taking a more conservative approach here since we're dealing with a spatial/action economy chokepoint.
Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

When given the chance and encouragement by Hep, K'tak quickly steps up to and descends the ladder towards the floor below. About halfway down, K'tak draws her axe and jumps the last few feet to bring the weighty weapon down on one of the rats.

Rolling for the attack: [roll0]
Damages if it hits: [roll1]
And an athletics check if needed for the jump: [roll2]

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)
*** 10 minutes of Detect Magic ritual ***


Andvari hangs back, unable to do much in the tight quarters. When K'tak climbs down, he moves into place and casts Fire Bolt.


Firebolt: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] fire

[Zhentarim]

Continuing to concentrate on Shield of Faith, copper moves towards the rat-like figure in the darkness with the tentacles and swings her mace at it:
To hit:[roll0] plus [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion does the same thing as before. He moves around the trap door to see if he can target a rat. If he can, he sends a mind sliver at it.

DC 13 Int save or [roll0] psychic damage and minus [roll1] on its next save.

[Smilex]

Copper moves out of the pile of rats and smacks the tentacle-rat thing with her weapon. As a reaction to being hit, the creature's eyes light up for a moment, like flashlights.
She notes that the creature has long-toed, monkeylike paws, suggesting it's responsible for the tracks in the upper floor.
The rats try to gnaw by reaction when Copper is moving out of their range, but her shielf of faith protects her from becoming a rat toy.

Rexus sees Copper stamp off and whines
There's many rats attacking me. I'm in trouble!
And he casts another color spray on the rats.

Orion blows a rat's mind. It dies in suicidal thoughts.

Andvari fries one of the rats with a firebolt.

I rolled the advantage roll for Andvari, came out 19 and 17 for K'tak.

K'tak goes down the ladder and cuts a rat in half.

Hep hangs back and stops any shenanigans with the latch.

The tentacle-rat-monkey disengages and runs into the next room while squeaking more ratlike noises. Two of the rats in the cellar move in and attack Rexus and K'tak. Rexus takes a severe bite into his calf. It looks about as bad as the one Copper received.

The rest of the rats in the box piles are hiding and don't seem like they want anything to do with the fight.

Copper sees another tentacle-rat-monkey through the doorway in the next room. It casts sacred flame on her...
dex save dc 14 or 1 radiant damage
and then the second tentacle-rat-monkey jumps away from her field of vision, deeper into the next room.


18 Copper
16 Rexus
15 Orion
14 Andvari
10 Hep
10 K'tak

next round
21 Rats both with tentacles and not

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Next in line to descend, Hep circles around to the ladder and braces both sides to slide down. Once on the floor, he draws his sword and lunges for one of the rats attacking Rexus.

"REXUS! Get behind myself or K'tak!"

Move: down the ladder -> towards one of the non-blinded rats, if any; else towards a blind rat
Action: Attack(Rapier) against a non-blind rat - burning DM Inspiration to attain Advantage on the attack (will burn on character sheet at soonest opportunity); if rat is blind, Advantage anyway
[roll0] or [roll1] to hit; [roll2] piercing damage
Bonus Action: -

Having not seen the other assailants from beyond the door or heard anything about them, I won't move in that direction, but seeing Copper in that direction, I'll probably attempt to swing that way next turn, whether the rats are cleared or not.
Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion again tries to spy one of the rats from above, whether blind or not, and sends a mind sliver at it.

If he cannot do that, he focuses his concentration and sends 4 dancing lights down around the space below in separate directions, trying to fully light the space for those below.

If he can see a rat, he will cast mind sliver. DC 13 Int save or [roll0] psychic damage and minus [roll1] on its next save.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

Reinforcing Hep's words, K'tak steps up and forward to put herself in the way of the rats, but allowing Rexus to retreat. She let's out another vicious hiss before bringing the axe down in a vicious slash. Apparently not satisfied with the one attack though, she follows it up by making a snapping bite at another rat.

K'tak's making one regular attack and then using her hungry jaws for a bonus action attack.
Weapon attack: [roll0]
Weapon dmg: [roll1]
Bonus action bite: [roll2]
Bit dmg: [roll3]

Weapon attack: [roll4]
Bonus action bite: [roll5]

[Zhentarim]

"We have a way more serious threat here in the corner!"

[Zhentarim]

Copper swings her mace at the creature once more.
damage[roll0]
to hit [roll1]
dex save [roll2] (this makes me regret taking DEX as my dump)
Use Inspiration Die on Dex Save [roll3] (Is it too late to take inspiration back? lol)

[CaoimhinTheCape]

Andvari Stoneweller (https://ddb.ac/characters/44378338/FYnRIW)
Mountain Dwarf, Artificer 1
AC: 16 (Scale Mail) | HP: 10/10 | HD: 1/1d8 | Speed: 25
Passive Perception 9 | Initiative: +2 | Stealth: Disadvantage (Scale Mail)
Spell Slots: 1st 2/2
Magical Tinkering: Ring, 5 ft of light (Andvari) : Stone, 6 seconds of audio "Hey, over here!" (Andvari)
*** 10 minutes of Detect Magic ritual ***



"Do you need any healing down there?" Andvari calls out, particularly to Rexus. He throws another Fire Bolt down, preferring to hit any of the rats with tentacles.


Attack: [roll0]
Advantage: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] fire damage

[Smilex]

Copper chases the tentacle rat into the next room...
She comes to a substantially larger hall where dirty salt and sawdust coat the floor. The room is otherwise dark, except for a moment, the eyes of at least five tentaclemonkeys shine through the darkness like flashlights. The masonry of the room has been chewed and clawed away, revealing narrow, winding animal tunnels beyond. Steel rails are mounted in the ceiling with a few lonely iron hooks dangling from them.

None of the creatures that are visible are near enough to go strike and when Copper moves into the room, the creatures stop their lights. Now it's dark. And the creatures are talking to each other in a voice that sound rapid and shrill and nothing like the crude squeaking they emitted a moment ago. The door behind Copper closes leaving her completely in the dark.

Rexus casts a third color spray...
I'm out of spells here... Should I cast acid splashes now?

Orion casts another mind sliver hurting one of the rats.

Andvari casts a fire bolt finishing the rat that Orion hurt with his first mind sliver.

Hep strikes one of the rats, hurting it quite a bit, but these rats are the size of small dogs. It doesn't quite die yet.

K'tak destroys one rat with her weapon and bites to death the rat that Hep hurt with his blade...

The last rat in melee range hears the death cries of its friends and tries to run away...
Attacks of opportunity for K'tak and Hep. With advantage.

Meanwhile in the darkness in the next room...
A sound like discordant pipe music rises... it sounds incoherent, hypnotic, like a scratching in the hippocampus trying to create thoughts that should not be...

Then there's a thump, as something falls on the floor to the south of Copper's position.



18 Copper
16 Rexus
15 Orion
14 Andvari
10 Hep
10 K'tak

next round
21 Rats, with or without tentacles
19 The Pipething

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

After lunging forward with his sword against a fleeing rat, Hep courses ahead towards another rat blinded by the color spray. "Yes, Rexus, I'd say acid is most appropriate now! Lady!," he shouts over the shrieking rodents, "where did Copper just go?!"

Reaction: [roll0] or [roll1] to hit; [roll2] piercing damage
Move: towards a blind rat
Action: Attack(Rapier) against a blind rat
[roll3] or [roll4] to hit; [roll5] piercing damage
Bonus Action: -

Well, the door shutting is bad news bears. Hopefully we're not picking up pieces by the time we get in there.
Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

Fresh blood still coating her maw, K'tak spies the fleeing rat and joins Hep in taking a swing at it with her axe. "Through the door where the lights just were," she replied to Hep's question with a point before turning towards the rats that still lingered outside of immediate combat, watching them for any sudden attacks or charges.

[Smilex]

Rexus casts acid splash on the rat that K'tak and Hep hurt while it was running away. The rat is finished from the numerous minor wounds. Rexus also moves to the door and simply opens it.
Hey, Copper, you alive there?

[Zhentarim]

Copper chases the tentacle rat into the next room...
She comes to a substantially larger hall where dirty salt and sawdust coat the floor. The room is otherwise dark, except for a moment, the eyes of at least five tentaclemonkeys shine through the darkness like flashlights. The masonry of the room has been chewed and clawed away, revealing narrow, winding animal tunnels beyond. Steel rails are mounted in the ceiling with a few lonely iron hooks dangling from them.

None of the creatures that are visible are near enough to go strike and when Copper moves into the room, the creatures stop their lights. Now it's dark. And the creatures are talking to each other in a voice that sound rapid and shrill and nothing like the crude squeaking they emitted a moment ago. The door behind Copper closes leaving her completely in the dark.

Rexus casts a third color spray...
I'm out of spells here... Should I cast acid splashes now?

Orion casts another mind sliver hurting one of the rats.

Andvari casts a fire bolt finishing the rat that Orion hurt with his first mind sliver.

Hep strikes one of the rats, hurting it quite a bit, but these rats are the size of small dogs. It doesn't quite die yet.

K'tak destroys one rat with her weapon and bites to death the rat that Hep hurt with his blade...

The last rat in melee range hears the death cries of its friends and tries to run away...
Attacks of opportunity for K'tak and Hep. With advantage.

Meanwhile in the darkness in the next room...
A sound like discordant pipe music rises... it sounds incoherent, hypnotic, like a scratching in the hippocampus trying to create thoughts that should not be...

Then there's a thump, as something falls on the floor to the south of Copper's position.



18 Copper
16 Rexus
15 Orion
14 Andvari
10 Hep
10 K'tak

next round
21 Rats, with or without tentacles
19 The Pipething



Copper puts up her mace, and while continuing to focus on her Shield of Faith spell, she touches her now-free hand to the chain mail armor she has bolted onto her person, and her armor now glows as bright as a torch. She casted the Light cantrip on her own armor.

[Smilex]

Copper notices that to the south of where she is, one of the dead dogs from upstairs lies crumpled on the ground.
While she's examining the situation in the new light...

Another one of the dead dogs drops even further south. One of the numerous holes in the walls and ceiling is just above the spot where the dog fell.

The pipe music seems to come from that same direction...

None of the tentaclemonkeys are in sight. Almost certainly they're in the walls...

[Zhentarim]

Copper readies Toll the Dead to attack any hostile creature, and then presses on to find the source of the music.

[Smilex]

We're out of initiative order again.

The pipe music fades away.

In the larger room, at the northwest part of the room there's a pile of soft fabrics. It looks spectacularly dirty.

At the southeastern part of the room there's now a series of two dog corpses making a line between the door Copper entered through and the room's southeastern corner where a large metal grating blocks the path to a stairway leading down. The grating looks rusty, much weaker than the one in the upper floor.

In the rat-room the remaining rats are hiding scared within the piles of boxes. These individuals seem to lack the aggressiveness of the others that attacked the group. K'tak and Hep have no difficulty killing a couple more of them since they're not giving a fight anymore but you feel sure some more are hiding in the piles.

Rexus asks
Does any of you know how to mend the cat-golem? I think she's hurt.

For the while, it's remarkably quiet.

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Hearing that Copper is hurt, Orion steps aside from the ladder and gestures to Andvari. "After you, master crafter." Orion then scans the walls and floor, again trying to find anything he can telepathically connect with.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

With a flick of his blade, Hep does his best to get most of the rat blood off of his sword as the onslaught dies down. He moves towards the door to the next chamber to rejoin with Copper. "I'm no healer, but Rexus is right, you are hurt," he says to Copper. "We should wait for the others to come down here before pressing on."

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

With the rats hiding away and Hep cleaning his blade, K'tak followed along into the new room and regarded Copper for a moment before looking about the rest of the room. Spying the line of dog corpses and following them to the stairs and grate, K'tak looked back over her shoulder. "Your prey fled down this way? Or does it try to lead you there?" She asked while closing the distance between herself and rusty barrier. She would test it for a moment before trying to break it open.

[Zhentarim]

We're out of initiative order again.

The pipe music fades away.

In the larger room, at the northwest part of the room there's a pile of soft fabrics. It looks spectacularly dirty.

At the southeastern part of the room there's now a series of two dog corpses making a line between the door Copper entered through and the room's southeastern corner where a large metal grating blocks the path to a stairway leading down. The grating looks rusty, much weaker than the one in the upper floor.

In the rat-room the remaining rats are hiding scared within the piles of boxes. These individuals seem to lack the aggressiveness of the others that attacked the group. K'tak and Hep have no difficulty killing a couple more of them since they're not giving a fight anymore but you feel sure some more are hiding in the piles.

Rexus asks
Does any of you know how to mend the cat-golem? I think she's hurt.

For the while, it's remarkably quiet.



I thought I was alone?

Copper makes her way to the group once more.

"There are devil priests here, not from this plane. As for healing, I can use regular healing magic on myself, which is odd, given how I am now constructed. Perhaps it is because I was once living, long ago."

[Zhentarim]

Copper casts "Cure Light Wounds" on herself, while continuing to focus on her defensive spell:

[roll0]

[Smilex]

You were alone, for about 1 round. Luckily the door just closed behind you, it didn't lock.

Andvari comes down the ladder so everyone is now in the cellar...

The metal grating is closed. It has a lock. While the grating is in bad condition it holds against K'tak's strength and there's no opening in it through which a full-sized person could crawl.

Once more Rexus sets out to destroy the hinges with his acid splashes.
Lots of rust, I wonder if this one will fall into pieces easier?

While he sets to work, the pipes start to play again. The music clearly wafts from beyond the stairway, further down.

The dog corpses on the ground have a few small bite marks on them. They don't look like they were caused by K'tak. Sharp small wounds.

Meanwhile, the more perceptive ones in the group are vaguely aware of being watched from the tunnels dug into the walls. Yet nothing is attacking you. Orion seeks to connect with these... and surprisingly he finds a presence, a connection.

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion concentrates, and send out telepathically (in Tukuut) Hello, can you understand me? My name in Orion; who are you?

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Hep looks over to Rexus and stows his blade, producing the much heftier crowbar in its stead. "If you work your magic," he says to Rexus, "I can pry and try to break it that much faster."

I'd like to try and help break the gate open if Rexus is casting acid splash on the hinges.
Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Smilex]

Orions messages the other mind. Back comes a weird clutter of animal noise like noises. Squeaks, meowing, barks, even whalesong. The mixture of noises continues and raises in fury. It gets quite annoying quite fast.

After a few splashes Hep uses the crowbar to pry the hinges off the wall. The gate starts to topple backward and then falls down the stairs making an awful amount of noise...

[Zhentarim]

Copper tries to use "Toll the Dead" on the door.

[Zalphier]

K'tak (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394654)
Lizardfolk Barbarian
AC: 15 | Current HP: 14 | Max HP: 14 | Hit Die: 1d12
Initiative: +0 | Pperception: 15
Condition(s):
Active effect(s):

As the others take to the gate she was unable to open, K'tak turns her attention to the rest of the room to try and take in the various details about it. Though it's interrupted a short while later when the gate crashes to the ground and then proceeds to noisily fall down the stairs. K'tak watches, her head bouncing slightly with every thud as it topples downward. "Well, I doubt sneaking in was a possibility before this anyways," she said plainly before beginning to lead the way down the stairs.

[Continental Op]

Orion (https://www.mythweavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394637)
V. Human (Aberrant) Sorcerer 1
AC: 12 | HP: 8/8 | HD: 1d6
Initiative: +2 | P. Perception: 13 | P. Investigation: 10
Spells: 1st: 1/2 | Sorcery Points: 2/2
Active Effects: None
Conditions: None

Orion quickly breaks his mental link with the creature as the gate falls. "By the gods, I have no idea what these creatures are. I just tried to communicate with one, and they don't seem to use any actual language, only strange animal sounds." Orion follows K'tak down the stairs.

[StoneSeraph]

Hep Rigley (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2394702)
Human Extortionist, Bard
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 HD: 1/1d8 BI: 2/3d6
PPrc: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 9
Conditions: - Disguise: - (PDec: 15)
Concentration: -

Following after the group down the stairs, Hep raises an eyebrow, directing his words towards Orion. "'Communicate'? Pardon me for asking, but how, exactly? Unless you were speaking over the clatter of the gate - and I apologize for my role in that - I did not hear you speak until just now... How do you do it?"

Voices that Hep can mimic using the Actor feat:
Ally PC's: K'tak, Copper, Andvari, Caelin
Ally NPC's: Rexus Victocora
Enemies: Barzillai Torkrest
Randos: wiry ratfolk urchin, skeevy ratfolk merchant

[Zhentarim]

Copper says "Regardless, this probably isn't a safe place to be right now."

[Smilex]

Copper's spell doesn't affect the gate in any way.
Only affects creatures... so not a mimic then.

When K'tak starts to look around the room a little... suddenly the room trembles and a sound like the rattler of a rattlesnake can be heard at the western part of the room, except that the noise is freakishly loud.

Andvari notes that spells are at work when this happens.

When K'tak starts to move back towards the stairs, the tremors stop immediately.

At the bottom of the stairs there's a double door. The doors are closed but they don't seem locked.

Rexus opens the doors and a smell of rotten flesh and sulfur floods your nostrils. Beyond the doors there's a room...

A fifty-foot-diameter pool of rancid, brown slurry fills most of this circular chamber. Chunks of plaster have fallen away, leaving ragged patches behind in the walls and ceiling and mounds of rubble on the floor. What wall space remains is decorated in crude drawings and symbols of sinister form. Greasy-looking chains run between four stout pillars rising from the muck and anchor to various points on the wall.

Andvari notes the symbols have a powerful spell on them but it's dormant. Seems like conjuration magic.
Rexus looks at the occult scribblings and remarks
A portal to Hell? How interesting!