The Expected Journey Ends [IC]

[Ilerien]

At least they speak the same language here.

- Very perceptive of you, - Darren smirks. - Is there a place nearby where weary travelers can find food, drink and lodging? I'd hate to sleep out in the open, especially on empty stomach.

[JNAProductions]

The man appraises you. "Who are you, and why are you here?" His voice is suspicious, but not hostile. Not yet, at least.

[Lentrax]

We’re just wanderers, Hinoka says, stepping up beside Darren.

We have nothing left except what is on our backs and in our hands. It’s enough for us to care for ourselves as we look for somewhere, anywhere better. And we are here because it is here, and is on the way we have been walking.

Hinoka looks down at her feet sheepishly and plays with a stone on the ground before she speaks again.

And I’m not even really sure where we are anymore.

Spoiler: OOC

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Trying a persuasion check to see if we can gain a measure of trust, and nothing she said was a lie or deceitful.

(1d20+4)[11]

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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Gonna give you advantage on that, Lentrax. It was well-spoken.

(1d20+4)[7] Advantage roll

Well, I tried. :P

"We don't get wanderers," he states. "No one survived to wander. But you don't seem to be his agents..."

He frowns. "Disarm yourselves. If you do, I will take you to see the Elder."

[Lentrax]

Hinoka holds her hands out to show they are empty as she reaches up to the buckles holding her scabbards in place. The swords fall to dangle from the leather straps. She wraps the belts around the scabbards and holds them out.

I trust I will get these back should all end well. My name is Hinoka Dena.

[Ilerien]

Spoiler: Statblock

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Darren Arwana Whispers Bard // Vengeance Paladin AC 19 | HP 40/40 | Init 2 Saves: 7 / 3 / 5 / 1 / 2 / 7 Spell slots: 1st 5/7 | 2nd 2/3 Spells: shield 0/1 Bardic Inspiration d6 5/5 Channel Divinity 1/1 Lay on Hands 20/20 Divine Sense 6/6 Concentration: none Effects: disguise self Conditions: none

- So there's some kind of danger present, and you're asking us to surrender our weapons so we're can't defend against it, am I right? - Darren looks at the man and sighs. - Fine, let's show some trust.

The knight takes the sheath with the dagger, hands it to the man now visibly gilded pommel first and, when he takes the dagger, says, still gripping the sheath tightly:
- If we wished harm upon the people of this town, we would've acted accordingly already. The name's Darren, by the way, - and lets go of the sheath.

Spoiler: OOC

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I'd think it's an intimidation check in this situation, as an attempt to impress the PC's power and station upon the other person in a passive aggressive way, but it's the DM's call if this is it or the situation even warrants a check at all.
Anyway, (1d20)[13]. Darren's Intimidation is 9, Persuasion is 7 and Deception is 6.

[JNAProductions]

"There's a lot of danger," the man replies. "But that doesn't mean you're safe. You'll get these back if you're trustworthy," he takes the weaponry, cocking an eye at the shifting gear Darren hands over. "Not exactly a promising start."

With that, he sets off under some awnings, leading you to the best-maintained building. He knocks at the door. "Elder, there are... Travelers."

The faint voice from within says "Travelers? How?"

"Ask them yourself, ma'am. They've willingly disarmed themselves," he tells her. "Should I open the door?"

"Go ahead," the elder replies. He opens the door, revealing a reasonably well-maintained room. There's a table in the middle, with a few chairs, and the elder is in front of a fireplace. The fire is low, but still warm, making the entire room feel stiflingly hot.

[Lentrax]

Hinoka enters when bidden.

She steps smoothly over to the elder and bows formally, deep and low.

Honored Elder, thank you for the audience. As was said, yes. We are wanderers. But the story is complicated and honestly, I am not sure how well we can trust to our memories any longer.

Hinoka takes in the things in the room, trying to get a feel for what kind of room this is.

Spoiler: OOC

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Basically, Hinoka is relying on her passive perception to get a feel for the room. Is it a living room? An office of some kind? A one room house?

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: The Room

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It's a one-room home. There's some stairs in the back that are dusty from lack of use, and the upper exit is covered in heavy curtains.

"If you want hospitality, you'd best start explaining," she says. "Strangers are generally bad news."

[Lentrax]

Then perhaps I should begin with hospitality of my own. May I brew you some tea?

[JNAProductions]

"..."

She considers for a few moments.

Spoiler: Insight Check

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(1d20+5)[7]

"No," she replies simply. "Not yet."

[Lentrax]

Hinoka nods, the response neither pleasing nor displeasing to her, almost expected. Especially with what they have seen of these people thus far.

Very well. Then we start with the most improbable part of our story, and see how the conversation goes from there.

A short pause as she considers her words.

You have said you do not get travelers. That travelers are likely agents of someone you seem to fear. I do not know who that is.

She takes a quick glance over to Darren, but then starts talking.

Because the two of us are not from this world. We have come via a kind of magic that let us leave the world we were in, for this one.

[Ilerien]

Darren nods ever so subtly, encouraging Hinoka to continue with the improbable part.

[JNAProductions]

The elder nods, but says nothing.

[Ilerien]

- Strangers are bad news, but you don't get travelers. It's, honestly, somewhat puzzling, - Darren sighs and continues. - With all due respect, we're happy to answer any questions you understandably have, but we'd expect the same courtesy in return. We've been made aware of some sort of danger looming over here. The word "dragon" was used to describe it. Judging by the people outside watching the sky nervously, it seems the information has merit. Do you mind enlightening us on what exactly goes on here? Over tea, perhaps? The ones Hinoka brews are the best I've ever had in my life.

Spoiler: OOC

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Charisma (Persuasion) check: 16.

[JNAProductions]

The elder shakes her head about the tea, but does talk a bit. "We used to have a decent enough town here. Heroes came, and tried to slay the dragon, but none of them ever succeeded. But the dragon stayed away. Until it didn't anymore. It came, it saw, it conquered... And we were left with ashes. It seems content to live in its mountain, but it doesn't leave us alone. It comes and demands tribute every so often-and if we don't have any, it claims a few lives."

[Lentrax]

The gentleman who brought us here to speak with you mentioned something about agents? Who are they?

[JNAProductions]

"He shouldn't've said anything," she says. "But, what's done is done."

She stands up, her back a little hunched, and moves to the table. She pulls a chair out, and takes a seat. "What is your purpose here? I doubt you wish to stay."

[Lentrax]

The truth, Elder, is we do not exactly know.

Hinoka casts an eye to the other chairs but opts instead to remain standing.

As I said, a fairy queen sent us here, with no real indication of what we are looking for to move on.

[JNAProductions]

"None at all?" she asks.

Spoiler: OOC

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As a reminder, you know there's a portal that will lead to a town here. A less structured one.

[Ilerien]

The elder is too astute in her observations.

Darren thinks for a couple of moments then demonstrates a brief smile.

- As far as solid clues go, we have woefully little. I imagine we're looking for a way further. The door we went through back then appeared appropriately mystical, a slight tear in reality, barely visible. I don't suppose you've seen anything like this?.. - he says, putting a bit of inquiry in his tone.

Spoiler: OOC

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It's more about playing cards close to the chest than not remembering what they're looking for, at least for Darren. :)

[JNAProductions]

She is silent again for a few moments. "There's something like that. You've seen the mountain, to the north? Of course you have, you aren't blind. At the base is something like what you've described. People have seen it when delivering tribute, but no one interacted with it. Didn't know what it was."

[Lentrax]

At hearing that there is a portal near where this dragon seems to have its lair, Hinoka’s ears perk up. A couple of things the fairy queen said seem to make more sense to her, but it’s too early to say so out loud.

This dragon that has troubled you and plagued your lands. Describe it for us?

[JNAProductions]

"It's massive. Slothful, gluttonous, but dangerous. Brown scales. It rarely flies, and not for long, but even on the ground its hide is too tough for anyone to hurt it," she tells you. "It's gotten larger and larger since the last hero came."

[Ilerien]

- It's almost as if something is nudging the two of us towards a confrontation with this dragon. We probably should start planning how to take it down, - Darren says, glancing at Hinoka then back at the elder. - We very much appreciate you sharing this with us. The good news are it wouldn't be the first dragon we've encountered. The bad news are we're only half of the team, so to speak.

Spoiler: OOC

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Is there a possibility they know what the brown scales mean dragonslaying-wise?

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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Make an Intelligence check with proficiency to learn more.

But baseline? You've only ever dealt with a red dragon and his minions. Brown scales could mean a world of difference, or it could mean nothing changed.

The elder scoffs. "You'll die like the rest, then. I appreciate the valor and the effort, but it'll be in vain."

[Lentrax]

Perhaps, Hinoka says.

Perhaps not. Only time will tell if we can do anything at all.

[Ilerien]

- It certainly sounds like a compelling story, - Darren smiles and glances at Hinoka again. - Anyway, is has been a long day. It would be unwise to storm the mountain before getting a good night's sleep, what do you think?

Spoiler: OOC

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Intelligence check: (1d20+3)[10]

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: DC 10 Int Check

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Unless the elder is exaggerating, and even if so, question is by how much, this dragon is a lot bigger than the one you dealt with.

But outside that... You dunno.

[Lentrax]

Story, Hinoka harrumphs.

I’ve had enough of stories and tales the last couple days to last a lifetime, she says.

Especially after this Order of Tales tore our group apart.