Our heroes return with partial success. The former slaves sing the praises of the group who have been dubbed the Finders of Jzadirune. A envoy dwarves from Korum inquires as to what was found and begin preparing to mount an expedition to get return to their ancestral home. They pay well for the information as well as the keys found during the exploration.

A few nights spent in the tavern The Scoundrel and Dirk allows our heroes to unwind and feel as though they have done good despite not managing to bring back the orphans.


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:41, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Sitting besides Filimena in a corner of the tavern, Marik is occupied with carving a long piece of wood with a large knife. He looks up to meet the gaze of the newcomer after the first sentence. A word rings in his ears.

"Chronicler?" He repeat, as is the word suddenly piqued his interest. "What... kind of chronicles?" he ask, in a somewhat broken Common.

The man smiles widely as though Marik has asked his favorite question.

He gestures to then takes an empty seat at the groups' table as he speaks, "Yes I go a have gone into the troubled areas of this land and documented what I find there. Perhaps you've seen my book Disa's Guide to Monsters? It is an invaluable tome for adventurers such as yourselves. I am just back from an island to the south called Agirstein by the locals, fascinating place! I will be writing about soon."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Marik put away his work and look at Filimena, asking her in Elven


[Language unknown: "Nt ch dime ni of trssin m comhouous n hisromill menortderrea ne ratomeles ch etivte compretraersant, st?" ]. Like he had his answer just from her look, he quickly wave a hand to get the waiter attention and turn back to Disanz.

"Agirstein... you say?" he reply, taking pauses to choose his words carefully. Common was hard enough without mixing some alcohol into it and that last drink was a bit stronger than he tought. That person must be the first glimmer of hope he found since he arrived in Titan's Gate and he must be cautious not to offend them. "Never heard name but... fascinating you say? I don't know this word... This means...strange or ancient, yes?... I think I heard humans describe a elven...ruins... with that word before...What did...see you in Agirstein?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Wed 19 Sept 2018.

Filimena frowns and mutters almost silently as the elf cuts her off just as she is about to answer his question. Why ask, if he can't be bothered to wait for a reply. Pretending not to care, she turns to her mug of ale, takes a swig, and looks back at the bizarre-looking man who has approached them proclaiming himself at their service in a showy, obnoxious way that can only mean he fully expects them to soon be at his.

"Yes, do tell us about Agirstein," she says, sweetly.

OOC:

Does Filimena know anything about Agirstein, or Disa's Guide to Monsters? I'm guess that's a history check.

22:47, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 19 using 1d20+2, rerolling ones with rolls of 17.  History.

And maybe I roll some kind of charisma check to see how sweet Filimena can be when she's trying? I'll roll a performance, but if you decide it should be a deception instead Filimena has a +7 bonus. I really need to use these charisma bonuses while we're in the city and they actually mean something

22:49, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 24 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones with rolls of 19.  Performance.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Thu 20 Sept 2018.

Filimena has heard of Disanz and his book - he is well known as an explorer who writes of his journey and has gotten a small amount of fame from his writings.

[Private to Filimena the Gentle: As the name Agirstein is mentioned the voices that speak to Filimena echo in her head

Agirstein
_Land ^{of Stone} and Sea
^{Far from the} Spinelands they all roamed
PeacefulOrcs who are one with the island
Dragonborn ^unknowingly _{look into}the Abyss
Explorers ^turned native

]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:41, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

[Language unknown: "Ngpepr...il virin..."] Marik looks like he's trying to find the correct word for what he's trying to say for a few seconds, then says "[Language unknown:  I ons theundeauioured Oerevehou? ho oerlinres tr caulnc sani ome]".

[Language unknown: "Nc setblewer Ar utusng men ndelin'weroun m re aininthas. Di areartson ulla hationlinlar."] Disanz says with an obvious bit of frustration in his voice. "I simply didn't want to be rude to the fine halfling lady here."]|
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Filimena involuntarily winces and wrenches her head forcefully to the left, away from Marik and the strange man, spilling some of her ale as her entire body jerks momentarily. Deep breaths, she thinks, as her head fills once again with the voices of a million disembodied consciousnesses floating wildly in a distant void. Slowly, she lifts her mug of ale to her lips, taking another gulp from what is left in it. The voices turn echoey, as if calling to her from within a massive metal drum.

"I speak Elven, it's fine," she says, wincing still as the voices slowly begin to dissipate. "This friend of yours, Floon. What makes you so certain he was kidnapped? Could he not have vanished of his own volition?"

"I was having writers block the other day and Floon suggested we head out for drinks. So we  went down to the Skewered Dragon near the docks," Disanz gestures with his tankard in the general direction of the docks. After taking a drink he continues, "I left my handsome friend after few hours of drink and games of chance. We agreed to meet up the today and I've not seen nor heard from him. He was well dressed that night and being down at the docks that might have drawn unwanted attention to Floon."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Marik note Filimena flinch and look at her, a bit worried but saying nothing. He pursues the conversation.

[Language unknown: "Ma Ortcomwer cape wa ionntitio? Posti noec ac oulthaeen el?" ]

 Disanz shakes his head, "No no, Floon is just a friend and sometimes muse." The man takes a moment to think before saying, "He's a handsome human male in his early thirties with wavy red-blond hair, perhaps six feet tall with a lean build. He was dressed in princely garb when last I saw"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

"Hm...." simply replies Marik, while pondering his next answer and waiting to see if Filimena want to add something. She's a better talker than him. Instead he study Disanz attentively, focusing on the movement of his lips, the way he look at them when answering, his posture. All can reveal interesting information to one who knows how to look.


OOC: Marik rolled 16 on a Insight check to study Disanz, see if the dwarf is trying to hide something.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Fri 21 Sept 2018.

"The Skewered Dragon would be an obvious first place to look," Filimena offers, turning back again to the man, feeling slightly recovered. "And on the off-chance this was no random robbery... Might this Floon have any enemies?" A silly question, really. Everyone has enemies.

Marik doesn't get the feeling that Disa is hiding anything, he just seems concerned about his friend.

   Taking a moment to ponder, Disa says "Floon is a carefree soul who enjoys a good drink and a game of chance, he loses more often than he wins making him often an easy mark rather than one to make enemies."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:44, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Satisfied, Marik take a look at Filimena. Seems like this one picked her interest too. She's already offering to go take a look. Why not, after all. He had suggested they leave the city soon, but...no harm in delaying their departure a bit. What's the worst that could happen?

[Language unknown: "To atssan e weelol ce sonro st ntmi rom hoher ecaima meol Caeeisek Wastinore, ers iv ar pafi uswh n iedi. P iou ntiureame ul inthasect lessa weceiv, evrich unomss ut it ti noout a. Be out...eito, Ni pa onsarepre hi yin yinar uretrasetsom Ro ven neek. Ul Oul der er ticviressati eve linfo ti meeau evno...]

His glass emptied, Marik leaves some money on the table and get up to leave. He then makes his way shakingly toward the back door, his wooden legs making a audible knock...knock as he walks.


OOC: Should we get moving and Disanz agree to come along, Marik will try to question him a bit on the way about his travels, saying he's interested in the old ruins of the Kalanzabaar and the ancient elven cities and asking if Disanz came across any of them.

Filimena narrows her eyes slightly, skeptical. No enemies? That sounds unlikely. As it is, he's sounding more and more insufferable to her. Seeing Marik get up to leave, she finishes the rest of her ale, places the mug back on the counter, and hops of her stool to follow after him. Looking back at the strange man, she motions at him with her head to follow along.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

Showing no signs of going with, Disa hands Filimena a pair of coin purses, "Initial payment, as promised. Let no one say that Disanz Zahatharb doesn't pay his debts."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:44, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Assuming they will meet outside the tavern and go together at the Skewered Dragon (Marik doesn't know where it is), Marik makes his way to Rani waiting in the back alley. The big cat appear to be locked in a staring contest with a strange bird with feathers of black and purple perched on a nearby window. Chuckling, Marik whistle to get her attention and mount to join Disanz and Filimena at the front of the inn.

The early morning rain has recently ended which leaves a warm mist coming off the cobble stone streets of Titans Gate. People are moving hurriedly through the streets as though with purpose. The city guard patrols seem rather active from when last you were in the city. Overall it seems like nice spring day.

Moving on

---

As you turn a corner, you find yourselves on a street that has been cordoned off by the City Watch. Lying on the cobblestones are a half-dozen corpses, seemingly the victims of some terrible skirmish. Watch officers have disarmed and arrested three blood-drenched humans and are in the midst of questioning witnesses. One of the officers sees you. “Get on,” she says. “Nothing to see here.”

Filimena finds herself in a strangely good mood as she strolls through the city. Certainly, after what felt like years in that dark dwarven dungeon (OOC: Hehehe) it is a pleasant change of scenery. She even finds herself giving a sideways grin as she watches the big cat plodding around in front of her, casting her gaze around suspiciously at the city’s avian inhabitants. The fact that They had spoken to her once again drifts slowly to the back of her mind.

The sight of six corpses lying bloody on the ground is a somewhat rude awakening to all of this. Hearing the City Watch officer dismiss them, FIlimena catches herself, and does her best job of feigning innocence, bringing a palm to her mouth and gasping, eyes widening in mock horror. “Oh my!” she cries, staring at the corpses, then turning to the Watch officer, trying her best to look small and harmless. “What in the world happened here!

OOC: I rolled a 15 for deception.

Also rolled an 8 on investigation to try to discern the possible cause of the fight, e.g. whether it was a gang thing. It says 10 in the dice roller, but this is cos it re-rolled the Guidance d4, which it should because Halfling Luck only works on d20s. In any case fairly sure it was not a successful roll.

Could we assume as we were leaving the tavern and Filimena was handed the gold purses by Disanz she asked him where the Skewered Dragon is and where to find him afterwards? Also, naturally, Filimena peeks in the purses
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:37, Fri 28 Sept 2018.

Marik frown at the grisly sight. He's about to ask what the hell happened, but is relieved that Filimena speak first.

His attention drift to the blood-soaked humans. What could have prompted such violence? Gang wars or something more?

OOC: Marik rolled 8 for Insight to try to gain a sense of the humans killers motive.

dock ward ambient music



The guards don't let Marik or Rani overly close to the bodies, though Marik can see a fair number of stab wounds from shorter blade - perhaps a dagger or shortsword. Looking about Marik does note that the tall, densely packed tenements leave most of the neighborhood in shadow at ground level. Most of the streetlamps have had their glass smashed and their candles stolen, and the smells of salt air and excrement linger as you pass by rows of run-down buildings

Filimena shudders ”My friend and I are not from this city originally,” she replies, turning back to look briefly at Marik and the big cat. ”Does violence like this happen very often here? Should we be worried?’ Hawks’ and ‘Eye Watches Eternal’ sound like gang names.”

OOC: Are we particularly close to the docks or to the Skewered Dragon at this point? Just need to consider whether this event might be related.

Marik is about to say something, but refrain himself. No point in pointing out the obvious to someone who lived in a city for most of her life. Cities are stone cages for trained animals, nothing more. Worse even...He's been here a few days and he can feel the palpable stress of living in such a busy, tightly packed habitat. No wonder they lash out against each other.

On that note, he doesn't feel that comfortable looking around and seeing only cramped and dark alleyways. He's been in that city for too long. He need space. He can hear the sound of the waves and the cries of birds. The water must be near. Might as well get some fresh air. She would find him and Rani easily.

 [Language unknown: "Essck ulnti a rewala ersreaill vir asticaate i premi thesomer, onpr trtr K wa estwi."] says the elf to Filimena. Guiding Rani, he turn the panther around and goes some distance ahead in the direction of the tides.


OOC: Beginning to walk near the waterfront, Marik would like to keep a eye out for further signs of struggle. Patches of dried blood, pieces of torn fabric, bodies floating in the water. He instruct Rani to try to detect the smell of dried blood among the variety of odors from the wharf.

OOC: Rani rolled 18 for Perception (smell). Marik rolled 9 for a Investigation check.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:21, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

Yes the Skewerd Dragon is in the dock district - which Disa forgot mentioned before y'all left but we will hand wave it ;)



Marik can't out make out much of what happened as unfortunately cobblestone streets don't hold  onto as much information as the forest floor would. Rani seems overwhelmed by the smells of the dock district, as she moves about sniffing everything and everyone. Marik does see boats in the distance, perhaps some 500ft (152m) away, but he has no way of knowing the most direct route as the streets do little to aid his sense of direction
This message was last edited by the player at 04:00, Tue 02 Oct 2018.

Filimena glances over her shoulder. "Oh! Oh my!" she remarks, and makes to follow after him, but pauses and turns back to the Watch officer. "By the way, you wouldn't happen to know if The Skewered Dragon is nearby, do you? My friend and I are headed there. Hope there aren't any dangerous criminals there like the Hawks or those Eye people. Wouldn't want to get into any trouble!"

OOC: Hahaha! That's great XD


Marik continue to wander off slowly in the direction of the sails and boats, thinking he's going in the right direction. Rani frequently stop to sniff the pavement and buildings left and right. After a time, he check to see if Filimena is still visible. There she is, little dark shape with a pale visage talking to the crouching guard.

FIlimena gulps visibly for the watch officer's benefit. "Well," she says. "Thanks for the tip. We'll be sure to be careful. A good day to you." With a solemn nod and a tip of an invisible hat, she bids the watch officer goodbye and trudges quickly down the road towards the dwarf.

"Seems there was an altercation between two gangs, the Hawks and the Eye Watches Eternal. I don't know if you heard. I noticed you wandered off," she says, once she's close enough not to have to shout. "I mentioned to the watch officer we were headed to The Skewered Dragon. I'm not sure there's any connection. It's apparently quite a rough place though. And also in pretty much in the opposite direction we're headed." She adds the last bit matter-of-factly.

OOC: Sorry! Was rather occupied the last couple of days!

Filimena find the elf and the panther looking at each other, as if they were both unsure about what to do.

[Language unknown: "O... Ha on saloonho bemealca il ithiv?...Ro...Ic ivho ulelre, ofel ha N oerthiast erel ekmancsi....Na i neshe rut somma pehewa e inttinmen pamoti...I wehi atson peing anerch ateressan noulca vorrat'ventrared......"] He sigh. [Language unknown: "Thbess ratwitwil prewitame on iomi ersoutthu, Ughpa anytraure utund..."] he turn around, now following Filimena.

[Language unknown: "Ce eenarthisntiast horea Housankorous Esilmo, sta astce? Hasng chus ololfi of strconvirant mohickla nausfo ek haer sannteeau conas? Ichoereen roha'eswi es con nceis ce nc arnoliitst?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:22, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

Filimena shrugs, and turns around to lead the way the best she can, based on what she was told by the watch officer.

[Language unknown: "P proareted out onsearast it thili,"] she replies, switching to elven, after continuing down the road a bit. [Language unknown: "A pralca ble na toriee a o. Setpr I ekouul wer romallove ent der n. P pa he di str p eau dayamecon ereundsom, strdi sonet N sehail atestrout allasser o na ameomerut."]

Marik walk besides Filimena, warily following the halfling in the crowded streets.

 [Language unknown: "Li diund mothon m neno enan...aveblenot whe nibeil areecteen sech n lesti les was t ouhat ent wa out n undil ecilma ivme wapre les son ti..."] He pause [Language unknown: "O omnte omthi, P ardlinill kor Le ecta ousatiwhiterous adwewa arven newene i enee neliivlo. Intmeners taac shesa m terorelar ulieat urielo...Hiurpl si trill houll icaut adof setureerswitith outwilbut."]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:22, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

It takes Filimena a moment to recall that Disa mentioned that he and Floon were drinking at the Skewered Dragon a few nights earlier (per msg 10)

The group moves along the city streets till they find themselves at Zastrow Street and Fillet Lane. One nearby shop stands out from the others. It has a deep purple facade, and in its window hangs a stuffed beholder. Above the door hangs a sign whose elaborate letters spell out Old Xoblob Shop.

Marik can make out a street sign a few blocks away noting the cross street is Net Street.

 "Ne...Net Street" spells Marik. [Language unknown: "Ng ckulur ll acave earionate thoionart i stbeaser, ere si our na taos ousstreve n pa paeker ckesecdi?"]

He looks curiously at the stuffed beholder. What the hell is that supposed to be? Wierd, ugly as sin, but still kind of adorable wih those big googly eyes. The artisan that stuffed this sure has a wierd imagination.


OOC: I wanted to try a Nature check to see if he ever encountered info about Beholders and rolled a 1...

"We must be close by now," Filimena replies, her attention drawn to the stuffed beholder as well. "The watch officer said to look out for Old Xoblob's Shop. Let's head down closer to Net Street. Unless you're curious about the shop."

OOC: Is it a real beholder that's been stuff, by any chance? And could Filimena attempt to peep discreetly into the shop as they pass by, assuming they pass by and don't go in.

[Language unknown: "...Hou tralesain U fo...sonbletin earardcon"] says Marik, who continues to walk alongside Filimena.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:23, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

The beholder looks like paper mache rather than a real one.

---

Moving on the pair find themselves in front of the Skewered Dragon which looks like a ruin. Both of its front-facing windows are smashed, and a ship’s anchor is lodged in the roof. Through the windows, you can see a group of haggard patrons drinking from huge tankards.

[Language unknown: <Ee>"Hatoveore it...p...."]</Blue> says the elf, checking the building from wall to roof. [Language unknown: <She>"His?"]</Blue> he let out, as his eyes meet the anchor lodged in the roof. Drunken ogre? Raging half-giant? A wizard with a grudge? Possibilities race in his head without any making sense.

[Language unknown: "Si allallshe anyesswhi isstpa...teleplad icosof ureantnot icet onsoneday pe oumieiai nd. Ion usna reaprothu tioan setastiou ivno meyin pesspa oer chiowh int nd folola." ]
says the elf. [Language unknown: "Ck on evcon li bente teivai, mo u plulwh of ersameort n eenvor'blewhe. K ith redineeveour, ce elro ble k lethe of osth ol atmewa atame werll iountible? Ar er lo intoel ivioeeos maenhe oer stiyinyin er la ainwerstr foomlowi st aien diie'utnc ratla oveonsers Prtros artaveons ndest isday venaretin osouilie? Di lanapa be ries tiodinthiard fi for omeur m a icana Lat...N utit stto latnd ndetinvor u oul, P cefi ich ndesontralin m intintart t evtrnt iouverich re wh pre eiplhi i m."]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:25, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

Filimena shrugs. [Language unknown: "Ev,"] she says. [Language unknown: "Vir ekivwe. Os arin maer iturof estwhiare andardlesourvirhat tr K ch ugh dick t Aiiv, mali o tinblenti in esthouthu Saion icate leswitone prver la."] She grins slightly for a moment, but this turns quickly and purposefully into a sneer.

Pushing open the door to the tavern, Filimena steps in. Pausing only briefly to find the bar, she strides confidently towards in, hops up onto bar stool, and calls loudly for an ale, the strong stuff.

OOC: My text assumes nothing happens while Filimena strides through the tavern. It assumes there is a bar, there is a stool at the bar, and there is someone at the bar to take her order. Let me know if any of those things isn't true and I'll change it. Haha.

An obvious question is, what does Filimena see throughout all of this? What are the other patrons like, etc.?

In the meantime, Marik and Rani start strolling around the tavern, looking for signs of past struggles, pieces of ripped clothes, patches of blood. For a moment, the ambiant sounds appear dull and distant, as his trained eyes are focused on interpreting another langage: the unique markings and scars left on the earth in the course of pursuit of struggle. .


OOC: Marik rolled 16 for a Investigation check.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:25, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

A few patrons, probably regulars are in the tavern, a trio at the far end of the bar and a pair in the corner rolling dice. A rough looking copper dragonborn comes in from a door behind the bar and smiles showing just a few too many teeth.


Back out in the lane, Marik does make out the signs of a fight - perhaps a day or so old. The normal dust and mud on the cobble stones has been greatly disturbed and a few droplets of blood are still visible.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:12, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

"Hm" mutter Marik. That's a start. The marks don't appear too fresh or old, which would fit the timeline Disanz gave them. Now, how to make sure it's was Floon and not some other drunkards or a gang that got in a fight? Disanz did say they went playing and made a few coins. Maybe he could see if he can spot dices or playing card laying around the scene. He doubt loose money would stay for long on the floor in a place like that.

It's seems the fight was swift and brutal, given the blood and the quantity of dust disturbed. Maybe enough to have piece of cloth teared out from Floon "princely" suit. Maybe he could find traces of odd-colored garment laying around or feathers like he's seen some people around here wear of their hats...

After thinking a bit on possible hints of Floon involvement, Marik signals Rani to slowly circle the area of the fight. While looking for clues, he also tries to get a sense of how many people were involved in that fight.


OOC: I case it is necesseray, Marik rolled 10 for Perception to spot sign of Floon presence and 21 for Survival to ascertain how many people were involved in that fight.

Filimena grins slyly at the trio at the bar. "I'll have whatever they're having," she says, motioning at them to the barkeep. "Since apparently they think they're the strong stuff."

Having said this, she places some coins on the bar - enough to cover whatever it is the dragonborn might serve up - and proceeds to completely ignore everyone else in the tavern, focusing her attention instead of such details as the length of her fingernails, the state of the wood forming the bar, and the scuff marks on the floor beneath her stool.

OOC: Of course, the entire time, she's actually trying looking around the room, trying to notice any suspicious details (and rolled a 5, presumably sees nothing), but also trying to look suspicious enough herself that the others at the bar will hopefully get curious and strike up a conversation with her.

22:30, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 5 using 1d20+3, rerolling ones with rolls of 2.  Perception.

The trio at the other end of the bar, a pair of half-orcs and a dwarf, raise their tankards with a dull cheer.

---

Outside Marik and Rani keep up their search unfortunately any further evidence seems to have been dissipated by foot traffic and the blistering sun.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:32, Thu 18 Oct 2018.

No luck here. But again, they probably wouldn't capture him and then dragged him in a open street. They may have fled in one on these smaller and darker alleys they keep seeing around, he thinks. Or killed him and drop the corpse in the water...


Before going back empty-handed, Marik guide Rani toward the smaller alleys easily accessible from the place where the fight happened (I imagine there must be a least a few around the tavern). He tries to see if he can catch sign of any more blood droplets or displaced dust that would suggest a body being dragged along.

OOC: Marik rolled 23 for Perception.

Filimena raises her tankard in a cheer as well, before taking a generous gulp from it. "I'm not doing much, really," she replies. "Just got back from a bit of an adventure out of town, and decided to spend a bit of time seeing what life in Titans Gate has to offer."

Taking another, smaller drink, she looks around the place and gives it a nod of approval. "I was recommended this place by an acquaintance: strange little man with a ridiculous moustache and a floppy hat. He was here with a friend apparently, tall guy with red-blond hair. Never met him. I don't suppose you'd remember them. I imagine it gets a lot more crowded in the evening."

Filimena gets the feeling that she might need to talk to more than just the guy behind the bar.

---

There is little that Marik gains from his continued search, the alleys seem empty and uninviting.

Filemena frowns slightly. Looks like she might have to take a slightly more direct approach. "I take it they weren't regulars then, like you three," she said, directing her voice this time at the trio at the bar.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Mon 22 Oct 2018.

OOC: I'll assume the search take more than a few seconds, so I'll let Filimena conversation roll on for a bit before doing anything else.

"Yes, this does seem like the sort of place dock workers would mostly patronise. The location. The anchor on the roof," she says with a smile, before putting on a curious expression. "I just wonder how my friend found this place. I mean, don't get me wrong. It's lovely. But my friend is a writer. And his friend… well, let's just say he strikes me as a bit of a softie. It seems like they would really stick out. Did any of you talk to them?"

OOC: How's their body language like, by the way? Friendly? Jolly? And does the pair in the corner look like they are listening in too?

Attempted to roll either an insight or a perception, both +3, but got a 6. So never mind.

The trio seems as helpful as anyone might be to stranger asking questions.

The pair of guys in the back are mostly ignoring the goings on at the bar, save to raise a hand as though signaling for more drinks from Vrok.

Filimena's ears perk up. The three aren't saying much, but it's clear at least they've met Disanz Zahatharb and his friend Floon. And who was this twin of Floon's? He didn't necessarily have to be a twin, of course. Filimena reckons all pretty men look sort of the same. "A third guy?" she says. "That's a surprise. I thought they were from out of town! Didn't think they would have that many friends here. Did the pretty guy and his new friend say where they were heading to afterwards? Any other bars I could check out as well while I'm here?"

Moving closer to the three, Filimena motions to the barkeep to bring some snacks - jellied eels or something fried, and indicates that she would like to offer some to the three as well. "I love this stuff," she says. "Better than the poncy elven food they used to serve back home."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:30, Wed 24 Oct 2018.

Give me a Persuasion roll, please

OOC: 17. Not bad I guess, all things considered.

11:48, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 17 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones with rolls of 12.  Persuasion

[Private to GM: The two drank and played a few rounds of Three-Dragon Ante before leaving around midnight. Five men followed them out, and no one in the tavern knows what happened after that. The men who left shortly after Floon and Renaer haven’t returned to the tavern since, but they’re known to frequent a warehouse on Candle Lane. “Look for the snake symbol on the door,” says one of the tavern regulars.]

Filimena frowns. “Aren’t the Hawks a local gang or something? There was a fight close to here just last night, between two gangs, the Hawks and the Eye Watches Eternal. That’s what the city watch officer told us anyway,” she says, relaxing somewhat. At least they have their lead now. She draws in a little closer to demonstrate interest, not hard since she genuinely is interested, and raises her tankard to offer a cheers in that absentminded way you do when you want to take a gulp but are also absorbed in a conversation.

After the group returns to Titan's Gate, Omaron was scarcely seen around the inn they had taken rooms in. The spirits of the city whispered to him, beckoning for his attention through the many streets and alleys, guiding him to find those in need of aid. A beaten orphan or starving widow would remember the fastidiously clean dwarf offering aid and succor to the best of his abilities, as he let the spirits guide him where they would. Along the way, Omaron managed to take care of the few items of personal business he had on his mind.

As he wandered the streets, he caught sight of a familiar halfling and crippled elf. Omaron smiled, his head cocking to one side as though trying to discern a whisper heard from another room. As Filimena and Marik continue their investigation, Omaron follows them to their destination, though he waits outside the pub of ill repute. as he waited for the pair to exit the bar, he studies a worn letter, thoughtfully chewing on a tough length of travel jerky.


OOC:
In the days leading up to now, Omaron is selling the extra set of chainmail and the suit of scalemail, unless someone else wants either of them.

He also wants to find a cheap jeweler who will set the spinels into a silver housing to be hung as necklaces. He would just purchase lengths of leather or wovern thread as the chain, though.

Also, what is the "fungal flask" he's carrying (Msg 92, Chp 1.5)?

As they complete a final round of investigation in the alleys around the tavern, Marik and Rani arrive back in front of the pub, where they see a familiar face.


"O...Omaron?!" says Marik, surprised to see the Dawi. "What...What you doing here?" , he add, in a somewhat broken common.

"Waiting, for now," Omaron replies, rolling the scroll up and returning it to it's protective casing. "The spirits of this place are quiet, it is difficult to hear their guidance. They still seem to have brought our paths to crossing once more, though. What do you and the little one do here?" He carefully returns the scroll case to a pouch at his belt.

"Passing time...Trying help...Don't know...Met another dwarf earlier who lost friend around here. Agreed to take a look...change ideas with a little hunt. Target name Floon Blagmaar. Maybe captured or killed few days earlier. Saw signs of...(he thinks) scuffle... but no direction or tracks. Filimena is inside...talking, I think. No explosions... yet..." he add with a smile. "You...welcome to help if you want...maybe spirits might be helpful..."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

That is a Potion of Greater Healing good for 4d4+4

"Perhaps that is why the spirits have brought me back to you," Omaron muses. "Though their acute blessings are quite more overt. Their guidings tend to the coincidental, rather than directive, unfortunately. I will gladly accompany the pair of you in this investigation. While we wait for Filimena's return, would you mind teaching me words in your speech? In return, I can teach you the dwarven tongue, or the speech of the elemental lords below?"


OOC:
I don't know how the boss rules on learning new languages, but Omaron has an academic interest in learning. And all knowledge is worth knowing.

"Is that what were... reading?" a curious Marik ask, a little taken aback by the offer.

Omaron's face falls somewhat, an older sign of abandonment showing on his face for a moment. "That, no. Merely a message from my mentor, who has been missing for many years," his face splits in a wry grin. "A message and a riddle, the answer as yet undiscovered. I hope the spirits may yet reveal the truth behind the riddle he has posed me."

"May...take a look?" ask the elf, interested by this new mystery.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

"You may," Omaron replies, "Though it is written in a cipher rooted in the dwarven and primordial languages created by my mentor. Though he described its creation, even I have difficulty interpreting what he wrote." He offers Marik the scroll case.

Marik take the scroll and carefully unroll it, taking a look at the strange glyphs and runes.



[Private to DM5: Would Marik knowledge of the Sylvan and Undercommon langage help decipher part of the runes? Or can I try a Intelligence check to see if he can help in any way? (like finding something about the origin of the paper, it's scent or the ink used)]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

Dwarven runes are like stone, while elven script is like water ... the two couldn't be more different.

[Private to Marik: Give me an Intelligence roll]

Omaron wasn't lying. Instead of the gentle flow of elven script, reading dwarven runes was like walking and constantly hitting walls. Nothing even ressembling something like words...just a string of characters and shapes standing like rocks and pillars on the path of the eyes. And there was...there was those glyph and strange shapes mixed between that looked utterly alien to him.

Studying the paper for a few seconds, Marik can't help but think that must not be all. Could there be something more than meet the eye?


[Private to DM5: rolled a 10]

Filimena notes the fact that the barkeep hasn’t answered her question about the Hawks, and that the trio at the bar haven’t said anything either, beyond what they’d already mentioned earlier about them being “no good blokes”. She decides to skip this line of questioning. Perhaps she’s already gotten what they need to continue their investigation. A warehouse on Candle with a hawk on the door. It would be good to know where “Candle” was. She makes another note to herself to ask them about this on the way out.

“Anyway, enough about that,” she says. “You guys look like a tough bunch. I guess you have to be tough, to make a living around here.”

OOC: Filimena is going to engage in a bit of small talk at this point. Partly out of genuine interest about who these people are, and partly because if she ups and leaves now it might be a bit too abrupt, considering she only just got her drink a short while ago. Also, who knows? She might pick up some useful information about the area, unsolicited. Do I need to make some sort of Charisma-based check? I rolled a 14. Forgot to state in the dice-roller what the roll is for, but basically the 14 includes Filimena’s Charisma modifier, which is the same as her Persuasion and Performance.

Filimena finds out the trio's names are Gashak, Eclus, and Azar. They are dock hands who load and unload cargo for various merchants. There is talk about the tension and fighting going on between the Hawk and the Eye. Even the trio doesn't go out alone in the area currently and recommend Filimena stay inside when it gets to dusk.  The area wasn't always so bad, though it has never been nice due to the nature of it being so near the docks.

"Quite a puzzle, isn't it?" Omaron chuckles at Marik's puzzlement. "There is a coherent message contained therein, but there is also an...undertone that suggests there is more than the is written. Unfortunately, I have yet to crack the cipher he used."

Marik hand back the letter to Omaron "How much you... can read?"

[Private to DM5: I rolled a 10 on the Intelligence check in case you missed it.]

"Read?" Omaron chuckles ruefully. "I read the whole damned thing. Its understanding that I lack. My mentor left me a lesson locked behind a riddle, and I haven't picked the lock yet."

Marik sigh. Cursed Common. He doesn't quite understand the exact words Omaron used but he got the gist of it. The letter can be read, but it's true meaning is hidden behind...something?"...a sort of reinforced door, perhaps or a spell?... No wait...riddle was the word used by Ruphus the other day to describe the strange little poem they receive from the church in relation to the missing kids. Maybe it means the same thing in this case?

A few seconds of awkward pause pass before Marik answer.

"Then...what is riddle?"

By the time Filimena finishes her ale, she’s almost sad to go. She finds she’s actually rather enjoying herself, and Gashak, Eclus and Azar seem like good, sensible folk, despite their rough appearances. She announces that it’s about time she made a move, exchanges a few more pleasantries with the trio, pays her bill, and gets up to leave.

Pausing at the door, she looks back towards the bar. ”Oh yes, where is this Candle?” she asks, with a slight grimace on her face. ”Just so I know to avoid the area.”

OOC: On the way to the door, Filimena is also going to steal a glance at the two other patrons who had been sitting in the corner, and wave at them casually. She’s going to try and gauge from their reaction whether they might harbour some kind of ill-intent, or otherwise be behaving suspiciously. Rolled a 22, which includes a +3 bonus, and might be either Perception or Insight, whichever is more appropriate. I should think Insight.

The trio shows no malice towards Filimena, they seem amused by her and have enjoyed her company.

Filimena winces with her left eye, looks to the ceiling, and mutters something under her breath, as if memorising something. “Right!” she says, after a moment. ”Will definitely not go there, then! Anyway, it was nice talking to you all. Cheers!” She raises her hand to the trio, and to the barkeep as well, before pushing back out through the door.

Outside the tavern, she’s surprised to run into not only Marik and Rani, but the dwarf Omaron as well. ”Well! Nice of you to join us again!” she says, with a not-unfriendly smirk. ”If the three of us had gone into the bar, we would have made quite the joke. Four of us, beg your pardon.” She adds the last part bowing slightly to the big cat, before turning back to the elf, ”Find anything? ”

"Part of the riddle is figuring out the riddle itself," Omaron sighs, stowing the letter away once more. "it is frustrating in the extreme. Large knew I've never been a fair hand at deciphering puzzles, and then he sets me this? Annoyance does not begin to describe the letter. No matter, though, I imagine it is more insight into understanding the elements themselves." He smiles as Filimena exits the pub, an air of jovialilty about her. The halfling bore some signs of slight inebriation, but such was to be expected under the circumstances.

"Well met again, Filimena. We would have, indeed, made quite the spectacle," he smiles broadly, his demeanor much less tense since the group had departed the Malachite Fortress. He reaches into a pouch at his waist, withdrawing two small pendants. "I have gifts for the both of you, to commemorate our limited success below. The spirits of these stones speak of strength and healing, and I could think of no others that would be more deserving of such trinkets." He offers a pendant to each Filimena and Marik.

Filimena accepts the pendant, a single eyebrow raised in surprise. "Thank you," she says, examining it curiously. It's been a while since someone has presented her with a gift, and this one looks rather valuable. She smiles, putting the pendant around her neck and tucking it beneath her tunic.

"I don't suppose there's a reason you're here in this part of town," she adds, after a while.

OOC: Btw, how much were the ale and snacks? Haha. Must deduct from my money pool.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Tue 30 Oct 2018.

The big cat groan as Filimena acknowledge her presence. She might be happy or simply hungry...hard to know.

Marik appear as surprised to receive a present as Filimena. He takes the pendant and examine it in the light. It does appear well made. He didn't tought of Omaron as such a craftman.

Marik stare at it for a moment, as if he didn't quite know what to do with it. No other more deserving for these present? They met only a few days ago!... And, they were about to depart before finding him by chance. Did Omaron sought them to give them these? Could Omaron try to lull them into a false sense of frienship before gifting them cursed item with "spirits" in them? That would be a typical Drow betrayal. Maybe the old dwarf isn't what it seems and...


Then he see Filimena putting on her own pendant, still grinning and thanking the Dwarf, who smiles back. No reaction. Maybe she's right...Maybe the old dwarf is... just a old dwarf bearing gifts. They did fought together in dark tunnels a few days before. He and Rani were far more vulnerable there, wounded and far from the sun. If he had to betray them, He would have...stop...he needs to stop. He needs to...

Marik  finally put his own pendant on his neck, next to the silver dragon one and tries to imitate the way Filimena pronounce "Thank...you"

Vrok charged Filimena three silver for the drink and snacks.

OOC: Assuming y'all are heading to said warehouse

---

As the day moves on you make you way to Candle Lane. Gloom envelops a narrow alley as dark as a dungeon — and as odorous as one, too. Nearly all the streetlamps have been smashed. The only light that pierces the darkness is a faint flickering from down the lane, like a distant candle.

It doesn't take long to find the ramshackle two-story warehouse which sits directly across from the only remaining streetlamp. The warehouse stands at the back of an outer yard behind a high fence. Facing the street are a large loading door and a man-door beside it.

[Private to GM: The building’s three points of entry — a front door, a large warehouse loading door, and a painted-over window — are locked. The front door has a sliding peephole that can be opened from the inside. ]

Marik lean on his saddle, whispering to the others.

"This...This is the place, hm?...I can go...recon...unseen...see if dangerous..."

Filimena nods. "Apparently the people followed Floon and his friend out of the tavern spend a lot of time around here," she whispers. "And if what the three guys at the bar told me, they might be members of the Hawks. We should be careful. It seems they're quite a mean bunch."

"I could lend you some magical guidance," she adds, after considering their surroundings. "Which might help. I do have an invisibility spell, but perhaps we should save that for when we need someone to sneak around in plain sight."

[Language unknown: "Strwheenc ekperino u tisiie unolckplou, sendsselne no pllili beilnc. Venersughpreica sisaheng di eisiosmi. Ivent u atpa li etpe wahiac...]" respond Marik much more fluently, before signaling something to Rani. The big cat emit a low growl and jump with feline grace on a nearby crate to gain some height, then a balcony, before jumping again to reach a roof. Thanks to the halfling magical guidance, all that Omaron and Filimena hear is the faint scratching of claws against wood before the cat and her master disappear into the darkness.


Up from the vantage point of a roof, Marik and Rani then quietly approach the warehouse, studying the alleys and nearby rooftops for sign of movement or a possible ambush.


OOC: I'll assume Filimena gave me Guidance for that roll. Grateful for it too. Rani Rolled a 16 for Stealth with Guidance. Rani got a +7 modifier on Stealth and all I managed was a meager 12 otherwise. T_T


OOC: Marik rolled 19 for Perception to check the surrounding for movement or signs of the gang
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Wed 31 Oct 2018.

Rani and Marik slip upon the roof of a nearby building - thankfully empty as the day has slipped into early evening. Our intrepid elf sees no signs of ambush or movement from his current perspective.

The warehouse has a street entry on the side Marik and his kitty companion are investigating which it is the second story from the yard where the others are waiting. A pair of windows lie next to near the door but the rooms beyond the windows appear as though they've not been used in quite some time as the desks, chairs, and shelves are covered with dust and draped in cobwebs.

Marik gently signals Rani. The panther turn back.


Moments later, a faint whistle is heard and a large form emerge from the darkness near Filimena and Omaron.


"Seems...empty...no life...other door this way...windows above" says the elf, pointing the direction of the street door. "Approach from back or front?"

OOC: Does it seems feasible to jump the fence to get into the yard?

OOC: Or you could just try opening it

What are Filimena and Omaron doing while Marik is scouting?

OOC: FIlimena gets bored after a while, as she tends to do, and wanders off to do a bit of snooping around on her own, although not too far. Her main aim is to see the group isn’t being ambushed. Rolled a 16 on Stealth, which is ok, but a 5 on Perception, which is lor. I guess she sees nothing. Haha.

OOC: Can I get a stealth from Omaron while he was waiting

OOC:
13:22, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 20 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 16.  Perception.

13:19, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 16 using 2d20, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 16,16.  Stealth (Armor dis).

Chose the incorrect drop option, but rolled the same on both. Also keeping a weather eye out for any suspicious things.

Omaron does hear a bit of movement from inside the warehouse, it reminds him of the movement of clawed feet. He would gets it is two or three individuals.

[Private to GM: We are here - https://www.dndbeyond.com/comp...eed#ZhentarimHideout ]

Omaron watches Marik and Rani pad away to scout the warehouse surroundings. He turns to Filimena, only to see the halfling woman slink off in the opposite direction. Shrugging his shoulders, He takes deep, quiet breaths, remaining as still as possible and just watching and listening carefully.

As the other two return, Omaron nods toward the warehouse. "I hear two or three creatures inside," he informs them quietly. "Not sure what, but something with claws. Either of you find anything?"

"See...nothing...Creatures, you say?...claws" respond the elf while thinking, staring at the warehouse. "Better...quiet...then...Don't move...Don't be afraid..."


Marik pass his hand in one of Rani's bag, taking out a bit of spruce with the bark still attached. Then, he reach into one of his own pocket and take out a handful of mistletoe. In a strange langage, the elf then mutter a few words as he gently grind the herb against the spruce bark.

[Language unknown: Thuurewer t Yin. Thu u erol ithin ounthaivebut aniosi. Thi ceder hissanrut thoiontha si weher whet'utst antrpa. Di onwil resingeen astpreder, i e eiit ut il manartome u preingate.]

From the bark, swirls of what looks to be long tendrils of black smoke appear as Marik continue to rub the herb against it. They grows and eventually descend as they were sliding along Marik hands and Rani's sides. Omaron and Filimena can remark the shadows around their feets appear to grow thicker. If they move, they remark their equipment doesn't make rattling sounds like it usually does, and their feet touches the ground in silence.

His incantantion done, Marik put back the mistletoe and the spruce piece in his bags and says.

"Let's go...closer...Quiet"


Marik signal Rani and the panther start walking toward the yard fence, keeping to the side of the street as much as possible, almost like a shadow of a cat moving from wall to wall.


OOC: Marik cast Pass without Trace on Omaron, Filimena, himself and Rani. Everyone can add +10 to their Stealth roll for the next hour.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Fri 09 Nov 2018.

The fence while high does not appear to be locked. Approaching the group can make out the sounds of individuals moving inside the warehouse.

OOC: Marik - have inspiration if you don't have it already

[Private to Filimena the Gentle:
Flapping ^flipping _wings
^Clipped wings
They cannot fly ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:12, Thu 08 Nov 2018.

Omaron watches with interest as Marik casts a spell over the trio. The dwarf notes that his armor and equipment don't make quite as much noise, as though muffled or buoyed from bouncing and rubbing. He nods in thanks to the mounted elf, drawing his axe and shield in preparation for any violence.

As the group crosses the fenceline, Omaron begins a low, quiet chant. [Language unknown: "Erarom'hisbutven, linconnde. Werrat-thuomethe ameticher. Ticameartareenc, ioven, Eraica'ntintinti, ngwhi."] As he chants his features and equipment take on a stone-like facade, the proitective aura extending to a small area around him. He approaches the warehouse door, waiting for the rest of the trio to prepare themselves before opening the door.


OOC:
Activating stoneshield aura
Do we need to roll new stealth checks, or just add the bonus to our current stealth?

OOC: I'm just adding the +10 to your previous Stealth - no need to roll over and over and over again

OOC: Yay! Inspiration ^^



Marik gently puch open the unlocked fence, checking for anything ressembling a trap hidden in their way (bear traps, trip wires, etc.). As his eyes look to the ground, his ears catch the sounds coming from inside.

OOC: Can Marik also attempt a Nature check to see if the walking sound appear human or something belonging to creatures he would recognize?

OOC: Perception for  traps = 23
     Nature check = 11.

Filimena winces, and has to steady herself a nearby wall for a moment. “Whatever is in there,” she says, after recovering. “They have wings too. But clipped somehow. They cannot fly.”

OOC: Sorry, a bit perfunctory, this reply. Always so exhausted by the time I get back to my AirBnB. Haha. First world problems.

OOC: No worries! Safe travels!


Marik give Filimena a puzzled look for a second, before remembering her condition. Spending time with her, he know he should expect to see her wince and lost in deep thought from time to time. Still, it always catch him off-guard when it happens. Seems like the "voices" have talked to her. He isn't sure how much help to expect from them, but he hasn't had any occasion to doubt Filimena visions up until now. Best to assume they tell the truth.

"Wings?"...he repeat, before letting his mind race anew with the possibilities. A lot of creatures have claws and wings, but big enough to make a sound heard from here? What could it be?

OOC: Could that vision count for Help or guidance with the Nature check? ;)

The knowledge of potential winged people brings a few ideas to Marik's mind

• Aarakocra A proud race of bird people known to dwell in primarily in mountain ranges with the largest group being in Ban Tuur Steppe.
• Aasimar These rare plane touched souls can sometimes summon forth wings
• Kenku Another race of bird people, these crow/raven people usually stick to cities and are known for their mimicry ability.

Beyond that Marik can dream up any number of creatures that have bother wings and claws from a tiny pseudodragons to terrifying rocs.

The elf finds no traps or triggers for such things around the fence and the way to the warehouse entry ways seems clear.

[Private to GM: where we are
https://www.dndbeyond.com/comp...d-in-need#Z1MainRoom]

OOC: Assuming Filimena shared a bit of information on the Hawks and the warehouse they are supposed to be in in Candle Lane to bring us there.



Marik ponders, before deciding to assume Aarakocra as the most probable option. Would be fitting for a gang calling themselves the "Hawks", especially since they are reported to be quite numerous in the region. The rarity of Aasimars, much less Aasimar with actual wings, would make it quite striking and something people would easily remember as a gang trait should they pass anywhere. Kenku would be a option as well, but as it is known, the curse affecting their ability to speak would make it difficult for them to be known under a gang name.

What doesn't make sense is the bit Filimena said about them having their wings clipped. Why would Aarakocras willingly remove their biggest adavantage over humans, dwarves, elves and other ancestries? Unless...Unless they are kept there agaisnt their will?

Marik gesture to Omaron and Filimena that the way is clear to the door. As he see Omaron lift his axe in preparation to the door being open, he use the cover of shadows to whisper to the dwarf and Filimena.

"What is plan? Killing? Intimidate to see where is Floon?...Wing creatures could be Aarakocra...maybe gang or captured...don't know. If slavers...I kill... If [Language unknown: arpeolil]...hum...monsters?...I kill...Other...Don't mind, but prefer not meddle in gang wars."

"We're here for information, yes?" Omaron said. He followed Marik's glance to his axe, and smiled wryly. "I believe in being prepared. I have no wish for bloodshed, but if blood is sought it will be paid. May the spirits guide that it does not come to that, eh?"

Marik nods and signals both Omaron and Filimena to get ready, before gently turning the handle of the smaller door (There was a large loading door and a man-door, correct?) to enter the warehouse.

The handle turns slightly before stopping - obviously locked...

"Hm" mutter Marik, as he lift the head to eye the windows (they are right next to the door or just above?), trying to see if they could be opened from the outside and if they could be large enough for he and Rani to pass.


OOC: Should I roll Perception or Investigation for this?

The nearest window is on the far side of the yard from Marik.


 ---------------------GARAGE---D---
|                            O  M R
W
|

Filimena frowns as the door handle fails to turn. Of course it's locked. Still, it was worth a try.

OOC: I'm back!

Are there any windows that are above eye level? Closer to the roof maybe? What I'm thinking is, peeking through a window might get us spotted. However, Filimena could cast Tenser's Floating Disc as a ritual and lift someone up to a higher window, which would be less expected, as so maybe not watched as closely.

OOC: The only window the group can see is on this side of the warehouse is to the left of their current position.

Omaron eyes the door critically, trying to identify any weak points to the object.


OOC:
Perception- 8

OR

Investigation- 6

Well, at least the universe has righted itself, once more. The Dice Roller hates me again. lol

Omaron is pretty sure he could break it down or someone who was handy with a set of thieves tools might be able to get through a touch more quietly.


OOC: Strength check to break it down or Thieves tools to pick the lock ... that simple folks

Marik remember that the last time Omaron eyed a door like that in Jzadirune, he was looking for a way to break it. Marik try to think. What a waste of spell that would be. All of their abilities combined and they couldn't figure a way to open a door a bit quieter?

"Omaron...wait"


 He turn to Filimena, whispering to her.

[Language unknown: "Vorvenoveyin o ich elatnc p hou o strck no rutec o onhetr iceiet headek k anyrutint? Korearorehou, k we hias la hiicnd estove-wheast, alasst k eveughfor einde ill erort ekee ted? Ersarehas iouwasnde k din el il ounithoer derai somateess os ncntcane la i notmenugh t derfor'atioul pahati ne t ronaus ncofiv? Ul ulmont cama k anteaufor onas our rat t in ousatious N hise ekecmi o an."]

Filimena considers the elf's suggestion for a moment. "Well, if there were a large opening on the roof, say, I could create a floating disc to raise us up to enter by it, or even give one of us the ability to fly. As there isn't such an opening…" she whispers in reply, before pondering for a bit longer. "I could create an illusory sound as you suggested, which might draw someone out to investigate. We could start with something innocuous, like loud music, and then progress to something demanding more attention, like a scuffle or a fight, if that doesn't work.At the very least this might give us an idea of who is in the warehouse. I could also turn one of us invisible, to peak in through the door without being seen, or even enter it, if they would risk being in the warehouse alone." She looks to the dwarf, to see if he might have any spells of his own.

[Language unknown: "Nce whel li proivebutlar ta whe iomono ivilnt?"] reply the elf, incredulous. [Language unknown: "Leekul lepa mini somresoul ave we un men e li rat conredoul?" ]

Omaron shrugs at Filimena's questioning look. "The gifts the spirits have blessed me with are of a far more direct nature," he rumbles. "I can move from one space to another in a blink, but the power lent to me is of a more violent nature."

Filimena blinks in mild confusion, but quickly realises the misunderstanding. "Pardon me," she clarifies. "I was suggesting that I could turn someone invisible, and then create a distraction outside, and if someone opens the door, the invisible person could then peak in through the door, or slip through it unseen."

She scratches her head, before adding: "Of course, like I said, that person would then be alone in the warehouse, though."

Marik nods.

[Language unknown: "Vir...menichent. Si te noun-ofleom...reseauine...inivho...adnebe evelnt haspremen...ineereent fo ereallout. Iv tawe menesster hece. Wh nt we."] says the elf.


Marik and Rani will go hide behind some large pile of scrap if possible at some distance from the loading door. Otherwise (if no , he and Rani will crouch against the wall a few meters away from the door, using the darkness as a veil. Like so...


---------------------GARAGE---D-----------------
|                           O   R               M
W
|



OOC: Rani rolled 28 for Stealth to hide herself and Marik.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Mon 26 Nov 2018.

OOC: Unfortunate the building doesn't go that far and te fence meets at the corner

MAP

OOC:  Alrighty. Then, Marik and Rani will crouch in the shadows of the other corner, between the window wall and the main wall. If there is a light source illuminating that corner, Marik would like to try to extinguish it.



---------------------GARAGE---D-----------------
| M                          O   R
W
|

Seeing the elf and the big cat seek out a hiding place, Filimena shrugs and searches for a hiding spot for herself.

OOC: Exactly what I typed above. Somewhere in the shadows. Once everyone is hidden, Filimena will cast Minor Illusion to create the sound of clashing swords and cries of violence and pain.

Give me a Deception roll with Advantage, please.

OOC: Wow. That was a nice roll. With advantage, a 28 (also a natural 20, although skill check so no such thing, just saying)

21:56, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 25,28 using d20+8,d20+8, rerolling ones with rolls of {1}17,20.  Deception.

OOC: Very nice
09:17, Today: DM5 rolled 20 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 19.  Insight vs 28.

Marik lay completely still in the dark, keeping his hand on Rani's head to signal her to stay crouched and motionless, yellow eyes closed. He wait a few seconds to see how many more come out, but stay ready to react quickly should the creature make a move to go back in the building.

Omaron peered through the open door from his hiding place. He tried to note any specific details inside that hadn't been seen through the windows, but remained as still and quiet as possible. He glanced toward Filimena, waiting to back up her next move, whatever it may be.


OOC:
Perception- 12

Omaron sees the warehouse has been turned over with tables and chairs have been carelessly tossed across the floor. The corpses of a dozen men lie along the walls, their rapiers and daggers lying nearby. Three more Kenku skulking about in the middle of the warehouse. Each glancing up at their comrade in the doorway.

Filimena is taken somewhat aback. A kenku. She hasn't seen one of those in ages. She was friends with a kenku once. A funny fellow named Creak who had hatched without a leg and been abandoned by his flock for that reason.

Going to say something to it telepathically to draw it out further, unless you have a better plan, she says to Marik and Omaron each in turn. She makes up her mind to give them just a moment to respond. She isn't sure there's much time.

OOC: In the DM's absence I'm going to guess a 16 is enough to at least recognise a kenku? Don't wish to overstep any bounds here. Just hope to move things a least a little bit along.

21:43, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13.  Arcana.

Both Marik and Omaron have the opportunity to reply telepathically if they wish.

"Go on" simply reply Marik in thought. He feels Rani skin trembling slightly in anticipation. She's sniffed the kenku just ahead and feels the moment to pounce is just moments away.


A kenku...it was a possibility, but a surprising one given how rare they should be in the vicinity.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Mon 03 Dec 2018.

As Filimena's voice speaks in his mind, Omaron catches her eye. I see a dozen dead men inside and three more birdmen. There was a fight inside, he thinks back to her.

That might change things, Filimena thinks to herself. Maybe instead speaking telepathically to this Kenku and alarming it, she can try to draw it out further. She looks to a spot 30ft away from her, hoping Marik and Omaron will notice her turn, and casts minor illusion to create a “psst!” sound coming from that direction.

Could Filimena give me a Deception roll please

Wow. Rolled a 28 with a natural 20!

13:09, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 28 using 1d20+8, rerolling ones ((20))

OOC: 10:27, Today: DM5 rolled 7 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 6.  Insight vs Deception 28.

OOC: I sort of have a plan that I think rather cool, but it'll burn a spell slot, and being a warlock those are rare. To help me decide, does the kenku that Filimena can see look particularly tough? Not sure what roll that would be, but I'll just do an insight with guidance, to see if I can tell anything from its posture, and the way it's carrying itself.

Only a 10, though.

23:10, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 10 using d20+3+d4, rerolling ones ((3,{1}4)).

OOC: Actually, I checked my plan. It wouldn't really work. So forget what I wrote above. Let's just try a good, old-fashioned surprise attack? May not be the cleverest plan, but I guess we should get some action going.

Seeing the Kenku step away from the doorway, signals to Marik and Omaron telepathically. On the count of three, I'll make a whistling noise, and then we attack at once, alright?

OOC: If both Marik and Omaron are in agreement, she'll do exactly what I described, making a whistling noise with minor illusion on the count of three, and preparing to attack with an Eldritch blast herself. Hopefully the Kenku inside the building will take long enough to react to give us more time, or if they all emerge at once Filimena can get a Hypnotic Pattern on them or something.

"I'll take this one. Subdue the others in the meantime..." respond Marik, feeling he can easily do this by himself.


"Knock him out...don't kill" he says to the cat in Elvish while removing his palm from her eyes. The giant panther instantly spring into action with a excited growl and start sprinting toward the kenku. When in range, the panther take a soaring leap and pounce into the kenku back, trying to knock him out cold using her weight.


OOC: Using the unnatural dullness of sounds created by Pass without a trace, Marik and Rani launch what is hopefully a surprise attack on the kenku, and try to Batman-on-a-cat him out of the way. So...


Bonus action: Rani make a pouncing attack on the kenku. She doesn't use her claws, instead trying to slam the kenku with enough strengh to knock him out.

Rani rolled 20 (not natural) for her attack, I'll assume that hit.

What should I add for damage? Claw normally deals 1d4+6. Should that be 1+6 bludgeonning like normal unarmed strike? Should I add additionnal damage to represent the added velocity to the blow?


Action: I'll wait a bit or the DM to respond before doing marik action, as it will be dependent on the situation (if the kenku is knocked prone or K.O or else)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Wed 12 Dec 2018.

Filimini's knowledge of Kenku is limited though this particular member of the species doesn't seem to be wearing much in the way of armor. She believe it is more of a skulker than a brute.

OOC: I'll say the d4+6 non-lethal will add for the speed of things.

OOC: Alrighty, then Rani deals 8 points of bludgeonning damage to the Kenku, which need to do a DC12 Strengh check to stay upright.

If that doesn't knock them out cold, Marik should be able to attack afterward with advantage either way, either because of the prone condition (if they fall) or if they stay upright (because of mounted combattant) correct?

Omaron waits until Marik pounces upon the unwitting kenku before releasing a cloud of stinking gas inside the warehouse enveloping the other kenku he had seen. As the cloud disperses through the area it affects, he summons a totem of thorns outside the doorway and takes a position between the totem and his allies.

---

Action: cast stinking cloud inside the warehouse (DC 15 Con or spend turn retching/reeling within the cloud)
Move Action: Move between the door and Filimena, outside the totem area if possible
Bonus Action: Totem of thorns 5' outside the door

---

HP: 30/30 AC 19
Buffs/Debuffs: Aura of Stoneshield (allies gain +1 AC w/in 10')
Conditions:
Spells/Totem Duration: 2/3 Spell Slots, Thorns totem 3/3 rds

---

15:18, Today: DM5 rolled 5 using 1d20 with rolls of 5.  Strength vs DC12.

15:22, Today: DM5 rolled 4,17,18 using d20,d20,d20 ((4,17,18)).


[Private to GM: Kenku 5/13

Where we are - https://www.dndbeyond.com/comp...d-in-need#Z1MainRoom ]

Filimena grins as she sees the Kenku crumple under the weight of the big cat. Turning towards the door, she prepares to send an Eldritch Blast towards the first Kenku she sees through it.

OOC: Basically a ready action. First blast probably misses, but second is a crit! Rolled another d10 and got a 4, so that second blast does 8+4+5=17 damage

08:37, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 12,15,28,13 using d20+8,d10+5,d20+8,d10+5, rerolling ones with rolls of {1}4,10,20,8.  Eldritch blasts.

OOC: Ok, so what I'd like to do, if possible, is to take Marik action to order Rani to pursue her attack by pinning the kenku to the ground and essentially drop like a rock on it's back, using the combined weight of Marik and her to smother it until it passes out. What should I roll? I can also roll a Medecine check for Marik to time it right to not kill it if necessary. The goal is simply to knock it uncouncious quickly, not to kill it.

OOC: alright let's roll initiative!

OOC: Alrighty, Marik rolled 15 for Initiative. But can I take my main action, since I only took my bonus action for the pounce?

In reply to Marik (msg # 150):

Sure!

OOC: OK, so what should I roll (in reference to msg #148), is it considered like another "claw" attack or something else?

OOC: I'm going to pay with this with terrible rolls later on.

08:14, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 23 using 1d20+3 ((20)).

OOC:
Initiative- 15

In reply to Marik (msg # 152):

OOC: just do the "claw" damage

OOC: Alrighty!

Following her master orders, the panther growls and put both her giant paws on the kenku shoulder blades to pin in to the ground, before dropping with all her weight on its back. A muffled cry and a squeak is heard from the bird-like creature as she tries gasping for air for a few seconds under the big cat frame.

Feeling that Rani got it under control, Marik pivot on the saddle to face the commotion happening at the front door and draw his bow to help Omaron and Filimena. Before he can say anything, the green burning light of Filimena eldritch blast flashes and he see one of the two bold strike another kenku dead center.


OOC: The panther makes two "claw" attacks wih advantage against the kenku to knock them out. Rani rolled 19, and 23 for her attacks and deals a total of 14 points of damage. 

The birdman under Marik and Rari lets out a squawk as the pair force the air from its lungs and consciousness to leave its form.

OOC: Hello there unconscious kenku

09:56, Today: DM5, for the NPC Kenku, rolled 8 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 5.  Initiative.

Turn order
23 - Filimena
15 - Omaron
15 - Marik
 8 - Kenku x3
[Private to GM: 13/13, 13/13, 13/13* ]

PARTY is up!

With a wry smile, Filimena briefly emerges from behind her hiding spot to aim another pair of Eldritch Blasts through the door at the nearest Kenku.

OOC: Thats 13 and 11 to hit. 15 damage on the 13, and 7 on the 11.

21:06, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 13,15,11,7 using d20+8,d10+5,d20+8,d10+5, rerolling ones ((5,10,{1}3,2)).

One kenku is struck by Filimena mystical blast which sends it to the floor, blood oozes out from broken bird person's form. The second bolt doesn't connect with the second kenku.

One, One DEAD! Kenku

OOC: Since Omaron and me have about the same initiative, but Marik got higher dexterity, I assume that means I go first?



Marik see one kenku drop dead after the second blast and yell to Filimena
[Language unknown:
"Any mellwh ardch a ec rut ekpl. Ugherelin fiare et eiunisut hasis oerwersom?"]


Feeling the kenku attacked by Rani is now unconscious, Marik tap Rani on the side. The panther immediately get up, freeing the knocked-out bird person from complete suffocation. Marik lift his bow toward the kenku the halfling just missed and release two arrows, aiming for the legs.

OOC: Marik makes two shots aiming to incapacitate the second kenku with a proverbial arrow to the knee.

Marik rolled 24 for the first attack . Dealing 7 point of damage to the creature leg and hopefully hobble them.

Marik rolled a nat 20 for the second attack, so deal 10 points of damage to the creature other leg. Hopefully, that kenku shouldn't be able to move for a while. XD

For his bonus action, since I think the third kenku is still retching inside the buiding, Marik will simply order Rani to stay still, next to the unconscious kenku, just to make sure they were not faking it and will start running. If the kenku I just shot in the legs is somehow still running, Rani will pounce on them.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Thu 20 Dec 2018.

OOC: Oops! Sorry! I misread your earlier post! Filimena the character will protest, but I the player admit my error.

"I thought one was enough!" Filimena hisses at the elf in common, forgetting for the moment that she could have done so telepathically.

Turning back to the lone remaining Kenku, a slightly panicked expression crosses her eyes. Non-lethal. Non-lethal. Non-lethal. "Er, er, er, shit." she mutters under her breath. "Boo?" This last utterance she creates using Minor Illusion, just behind the Kenku, hoping to distract it.

OOC: I realise it's not Filimena's turn yet, but decided to post it now because it's funnier presented all at once. I guess if the Kenku is down by next turn, it's just for flavour, and if it isn't, it can be a help action, to confer advantage on whoever attacks next?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:41, Thu 20 Dec 2018.

The kenku is sent to the ground by Marik's series of arrow. It is still breathing but only just...

OOC: Last but not least Omaron

Omaron watches sternly as two of the kenku fall to the ground, dead or otherwise. In a voice that sounds like the wind whispering through ancient caverns, he dismisses the cloud within the warehouse. He steps forward and nearly roars at the survivor, "Drop your weapons and surrender and your life may be spared."

---

12:52, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 12 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 9.  Intimidation w/ Adv?

12:52, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 5 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 2.  Intimidation

---

Action: Cast thaumaturgy and intimidate kenku
Move Action: move closer to kenku
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 30/30 AC 19
Buffs/Debuffs: Aura of Stoneshield (allies gain +1 AC w/in 10')
Conditions:
Spells/Totem Duration: 2/3 Spell Slots,

---

Fight over!

[Private to GM: we are here
https://www.dndbeyond.com/comp...d-in-need#Z1MainRoom
]

Hearing the weapon dropped to the ground, Marik think Omaron and Filimena got it under control. They will be better to communicate with those things tht him. In the meantime, he might as well make sure the other one can't escape.

He signals Rani to take the kenku and lift them up. Don't let the teeths sink in. The big panther open her mouth and gently take the uncounscious kenku at her feet by the waist, lifting the limp body up to the saddle. Marik take over at this point, laying the kenku on the saddle and making sure they are still breathing, before taking out rope to tie the hands and feets. He momentarily take out his gloves, revealing blackened and scarred, almost skeletal hands, and goes to work. So nimble are his fingers, trained by years of experience in the woods, that he manage to create complicated nooses in a matter of seconds while the others talk.

Once the kenku is hogtied, Marik search it for hidden weapons and items that could indicate the theft of a wealthy individual (gems, brooch, pendants, etc.). Doesn't seem to a be a lot except for feathers though...


OOC:  Marik rolled 6 for a Investigation check.

Filimena struts up to the kenku, hands on her hips. Pausing about 3 feet from it, she narrows her eyes and pouts, appraising it. Wiggling a finger, she casts Mage Hand, causing a semitransparent, gloved hand to appear before the kenku, which she uses to grasp its beak, turning its head this way and that, as if to examine it more closely from each side.

"Now see here, bird man," she begins. "A couple of friends of ours have gone missing. One of them a pretty fellow, by the name of Floon. We have reason to believe you guys had something to do with it. Tell us, are we right?" She glares at the kenku menacingly.

OOC: Intimidation check? Haha. Filimena would like to cast guidance on herself too.

18:28, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 27 using d20+8+d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 16,3.  Intimidation, with Guidance.

That's 27 if you'll allow the Guidance, otherwise 24.

Others feel free to chip in.

Marik looks about the room but finds little new just tables and chairs carelessly tossed across the floor. The corpses of a dozen men lie along the walls, their rapiers and daggers lying nearby. On the north side of the area, stairs rise to an open level above.

Filimena raises an eyebrow in minor surprise. That was slightly easier than she had expected. “Eye Watches Eternal is a rival gang to the Hawks. So it seems these guys were raided,” she says, turning to the elf and the dwarf. “In any case, seems like we’re heading down into the sewers.”

“You guys members of the Hawks?” she asks the Kenku, motioning with her chin at its comrades.

"The sewers?" think Marik, as he finish tying up the kenku. Isn't it the place where humans throw out their refuse and excrements? Oh, by the seven...


For a moment, Marik consider just sayin no, they won't. The dwarf asked them to find his friend whereabout didn't he? Well there he is: in the sewers... As he remember, they only promised to keep a eye out for him. They weren't even supposed to go this way, they were going to get out of the city and...

And what exactly...? Well, Marik knows what he needs to do. Find answers. Help his people!

Yes...but how? He did that for a few years, roaming alone with Rani. Where did that get him? Lots of travels, a few interesting rocks and trinkets, one close call near a ruin he couldn't enter and a few odd jobs.

As much as he hated to admit it, he knows what he needs. Allies... He needs allies. He found Omaron and Filimena, which is a good start, but he needs more...And a erudite dwarven wizard could be a good one, provide he is really what he seems and they can help him find his friend...

Dammit... He'll need to talk about it with the others later, but best to assume for the moment they'll need to prepare to go to the sewers. Marik mind begin racing with possible scenarios. A moist environment with lots of fecal matter means a prosperous home for bacterias, rodents and diseases. Could also contain some poisonous animals and various undead creatures that thrives in vermin infested habitat (plenty of food and no worries about getting sick). They will need to cover their mouth and limit skin exposition to contaminants. Probably boost their immune system with potions beforehand. Oh and they would need...

Marik finish his job absentmindedly, completely oblivious to the conversation happening between the others and the surrendering kenku. He's just too absorbed by his train of thought.

OOC: Could Marik Medicine skill come in handy to prepare some potions that could boost the immune system with his brewing kit (like antidotes) or figure out good ways to avoid being poisoned by sewer creature or disease in the sewer? Just trying to see what else I could do with Marik Medicine skill proficiency except stabilizing fallen comrade (For which I can already use a healing kit).

Just in case. Marik rolled a 19 in Medicine if that can be helpful to figure out ways to prepare some antidote against poisoning.

I assume elves with medical proficiency would have a knowledge of anatomy and diagnostic that could easily rival modern day medicine instead of traditional medieval medicine. You don't live nearly thousand of years without learning a few things about science (I could be wrong of course!).
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:01, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

While pondering sewers, poop, and the horrors of such things, Marik can just hears the slightest noise like scraping leather on wood coming from a door on the far side of the warehouse.

OOC: Sounds like making an antitoxin which 100% Medicine can do, but you need time and materials.

"Hm?" mutter the elf, as he's pulled out of his thoughts and looks at the door in question. He lay down the tied up unconscious kenku to the floor and takes another bundle of rope. Signaling Rani to move toward the door, he handle the rope to Omaron on the way.

"Here's for..." he says, pointing the kenku. "I go check something..."


Marik leave his bow on the saddle and take the shield on his back as he and Rani make their way in the warehouse. While keeping his attention on the door, Marik take quick glances around the warehouse and the corpse, trying to see if something else moves. Sensing her master has flaired something, Rani tries to aid by sniffing the air around. Marik sense the panther growl wth a hint of displeasure. Poor thing. Might be the remnant of that cloud of stink that still lingers in the air.


OOC: Marik will move toward the door with precaution. If something move behind that door, something else might move around them.

"Not friends, then," Filimena murmurs.

Turning, to Marik and Omaron, she gestures to the kenku and asks, "What should with do with-" Her question, however, is interrupted by the elf suddenly wandering off towards the warehouse. But of course, this makes sense. They may have defeated the kenku here, but there may be others inside.

"Who's in the warehouse now?" she asks the kenku, sternly.

OOC: Would the last Intimidation check still hold, or should I re-roll? I guess Filimena isn't trying especially hard to be intimidating here. She'd assume that if the kenku answered her first question, he's already prepared to cooperate, especially with a question this innocuous.

As Marik nears the door he notes it hangs loosely on broken hinges and a strong smell of sour fish and vinegar from beyond as well as what sounds like ragged breathing...

[Private to GM: we are here https://www.dndbeyond.com/comp...ed#RoleplayingRenaer]

"You...behind the door...don't move...coming in" says Marik while signaling to Rani to pivot so that his shielded arm face the door. He let a few seconds pass, then signal the panther to push the door open with her paw.


OOC: Marik ready a attack action (a shield bash) should something jump out of this door.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Tue 08 Jan 2019.

Omaron watches the conscious kenku answer Filimena's questions fairly easily as he examines the fallen scattered around the warehouse.

OOC:
Medicine- 27 NAT 20! Woo!
Investigation- 12

Binding wounds for those that it would do any good, searching for anything of use or value.

Sadly for Omaron the fallen individuals in the warehouse are quite dead, which he is quite sure if from being stabbed alot. There are a dozen humans - five of which have hawks tattooed either on their neck or forearm, and one has a tattoos of a circle with ten spokes radiating out from its circumference on his palm. All of them are clad in various leathers (leather armor) and have various daggers and shortswords on them.

"Well, well, we may not have to go to the sewers after all...Praise the spirits..." think Marik, an air of relief washing over his face.


"Floon?....Floon Blagmaar?...Di...Disanz...sent...us" he says, taking his time to pronounce each word in his broken Common to ensure he doesn't mispronounced anything. Rani make a move to enter, but Marik restrain her. Better not to enter the chamber with a giant cat before he has a chance to figure out he is being rescued...


And what the hell is that sour and acrid odor? Marik almost hope it isn't something he had to eat.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Wed 09 Jan 2019.

 Shaking head the man says, "No, I am Renaer Buchanan," as he stands up from under the tarp. Around him the room is filled with discarded ropes, canvas tarp, and splintered wood from smashed barrels. Getting a better look at Renaer, Marik can tell he's a man of action something about the way he carries and positions himself in relation to Rani and Marik.

"I was venturing to get Floon back to his abode as he was just too intoxicated to get there himself, but Floon and I got assaulted by those Hawk hooligans not too far from the tavern." A look of obvious guilt washes over Renaer's face. "They were after me, my father is Dagult Buchanan, the previous leader of Titan's Gate. The Hawks think I know something of his dealings. And the Eye confused Floon for me when they besieged this place and stole off with him."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:45, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

A though that could be summed up as"Oh no..." pass in Marik mind

"Hm...One...moment" simply respond the elf trying to absorb all this new information. "Filimena! Omaron!... Come here!" he shout to the dwarf and halfling, without his eyes leaving Renaer. "Companions...better speaking..."

When either Filimena or Omaron arrive, the elf turn to them and articulate slowly "Renaer Buchanan...son of Dagult...previous....city.... leader...Hawks...confused...him...for Floon." before taking a step back with Rani to let them speak to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Wed 09 Jan 2019.

Hearing the Marik's call, Filimena turns to the Kenku, motioning at it with her staff, "Come along, no funny business, if you wish to live."

Heading up to where Marik and the man Renaer Buchanan are, she stops and looks the latter up and down. "The guys at the tavern did say they looked alike," she says to the elf and the dwarf, before turning to Renaer and continuing, "So these ruffians called Eye Watches Eternal took Floon thinking he was you? Any idea where they might have taken him? And how many were there in their party?"

OOC: While Filimena is talking, Marik will take another bundle of rope and proceed to tie the hands of the remaining kenku around their waist while Filimena holds her quarterstaff in front of their eyes.

Renaer watches Marik and Rani with a warry eye, before shifting his gaze to Filimena. The youth gives the halfling a look over as though sizing her up before, like the guard before, he takes a knee so that Filimena doesn't have to look up to him, "That would seem the case.  I didn't hear much from the room I had been deposited into."

As he work on the Kenku, finishing tying up the hands and enrolling the rope around the waist, Marik lift his eyes on Renaer.

"What...did...you...see...then? What...are we...up...against...and...what happened...here?" says Marik, gesturing toward the dead bodies in the room. "And...why Kenku here?"

The man shifts his stances to look at Marik, and speaks in perfect elvish, [Private to group Elf: "Five brigands assaulted Floon and myself, then brought us here. They were waiting on their commanders to arrive but the Kenku got here first. The Kenku arrived and slew the Hawks I can only guess to take us to their masters, the Eye Watches Eternal." ]

Marik is somewhat taken aback by this sudden display, and smile widely in relief thinking "Oh, praise the spirits"

"That's...impressive, human..." respond Marik with a nod. [Language unknown: "Ti k seinul Trateress sta entla nc the ri ich om setwi anngto venul ouanil a thasetwhi. P ne ti t pl vorbleain" ]


"You.." he says to the Kenku, who now has their hands tied up around their waist. "Where...did...the other hawks go...Show me".

OOC: I don't want to hog the conversation just because of flexible hours of posting, so Marik will do something else to leave the chance to Omaron and Filimena to speak. Marik want the Kenku to show him the direction where the other hawks went to, to see if the tracks are still fresh.

Filimena blinks for a moment in confusion, but quickly realises her mistake. All the while, she'd assumed the kenku were members of the hawks.

"Let me see if I understand correctly," she says to Renaer. "You and Floon were first attacked by five members of the hawks, who took you here. Then, these kenku, who I understand to be members, or otherwise under the pay of the Eye, attacked this place, and carried Floon off, thinking her was you?" She whistles softly, impressed at the mess they've found themselves in the midst of. "What in the world did your father do that both the Hawks and the Eye would want you? And perhaps more immediately important, did you see where the kenku took Floon?" She looks around for a sewer grate, or some other possible entrance to the sewers below.

OOC: I'm just going to roll ability checks with guidance from now on. Let me know if you don't think it's appropriate. I'll use my own judgement as well, if it's obvious.

That's a 26!

22:42, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 26 using d20+3+d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 20,3.  Perception with Guidance.

"Yes, Floon and I look rather similar."

"My father took a rather large sum of money, he's off hiding now and both groups are looking for where he might have hidden it. I've not spoken to the man in some time, but it is obvious they believe me closer with him than what is reality."

"I saw very little, being as I'd been unceremoniously tossed in a closet full of rubbish." Renaer says with a bit of a frown.

While looking about for a sewer entry, Filimena does notice a slight arc of scuffing on the floor by the closet where the group found Ranear.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Mon 14 Jan 2019.

"Your father took a rather large sum of money," Filimena repeats, her face and voice betraying a mixture of scorn and utter boredom. That is, until something on the ground catches her eye.

OOC: An investigation check, I guess? Not Filimena's strong suit, but here goes nothing.

22:50, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 10 using d20+0+d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 8,2.  Investigation, w/ Guidance.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:50, Tue 15 Jan 2019.

"Some five-hundred thousand crowns (aka gold). That is why he's hiding in Ardenia now, got run out of Titans Gate. I've not seen the man in the better part of a decade for more than an hour.:

Glancing at the arc, Filimena finds a slightly discolored bit of wood near where the arc meets the wall which she's pretty sure is a button of some type... after all those odd one she saw in the Enclave this sort of door activating mechanism is old hat.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Tue 15 Jan 2019.

Filimena only half listens to what Ranaer is saying, as her attention is instead drawn to what is quite clearly a button of some sort. "I say, Marik, Omaron, I believe I may have found our way down," she says, as she approaches the button and begins to examine it.

Intrigued by the mention of his name, Marik stops what he's doing and wanders back with Rani to the chamber where Filimena and Renaer were talking. He see the halfling crouching and examining...something that indeed looks like a button.


[Language unknown: "M urhaul ie?" ] he ask. "[Language unknown: T paurwh fi ck ble hi ver ei...Illsonterrut ol titick en ndenc te undin ntun Lletac weho is...whevstol o?]" he says, looking intently at Renaer to study his facial expression as Filimena examine what could be a secret passage.


OOC: Marik would like to do a Insight check to check Renaer body langage as Filimena examine the "button". Doesn't it looks like he was trying to hide something when he said he saw "very little"? Marik rolled 16 for Insight
This message was last edited by the player at 17:48, Wed 16 Jan 2019.

Renaer appears to have been surprised by the button and door. "These gangs are secretive, and I would imagine this warehouse would get raided by the guard from time to time..."

As Filimena inspects the bit of off colored wood she notes it is slightly raised but only enough that you'd have to be looking for it to notice.

[Language unknown: "N is omwi pl p lonopl aneeek roanhe lo mofoloce, at ishiis hou wese tho to trncngeiev rea miwedi ast peof... tailwi thaivepro k traundwitprolar pariecli o ou mentheers p ectss assti. An mile porom undhiswas whe ilfo thestiaveain ousaretho u Nibeee Il? Estundour wa maver ss ma olstad e etie pencecis ti stpous nteoutkor sanwa elilnc essshe'stiativer redhisame ol lo...Om thust neul encthe'ntider sa pl le i miutbe o nd wasitheen inai prfoul midi po man ss mo teril dayenther? Ti not leieouwe le at somshesetast chhomies ng andoveons echa lefo ich?"] says Marik, pausing and then adding [Language unknown: "N macaek wi il ro tr...anystaome-conted ne ngno toet ant int ndtois tra plchmo wassha p eefo ioho. T ous ekeeiv ndati t re haulal, U forichrea ti ca butver'ineeen oveearkor hi cais ur thaersyin"  ]

Renaer glances between the trio of adventurers before him before settling back on Marik, "You do know your dwarf friend doesn't understand your language, right?"

The young man shakes his head then continues, "Gangs are a product of such large urban centers, even elves have them in their larger cities. They are often ways for the less fortunate to get things with force and for some it brings a bit of safety. As for maps of sewers and such I am of no help, I can swing a blade if needed but bureaucracy was never my strong suit. The Hawks and the Eye are currently in a bit of a gang war over territory. I don't know how long they'll keep Floon alive after finding out he is not me..."

“Anyone want to help me check for traps?” Filimena asks, not quite bothered by the conversation going on behind her, although doubtless the elf is right, and they need to get a move on.

OOC: I’ll make a perception check with Guidance to check for traps around the button. If anyone wants to assist, I’ll roll again for advantage. Although I got a 22 so I’m not sure advantage is needed

no obvious traps or trigger for such things

Marik turn the head, hearing Filimena.

"Sure..." he reply. Never too careful, they learned that in Jzadirune. Although it would be quite surprising  if what Renaer said was true and this was a escape door.

As Marik makes a move to approach, the halfling signal him it looks clear.

He turns back his attention to Renaer and say...in Common.

"So...what now?....what will...you...do...now...free?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Fri 18 Jan 2019.

"I will retrieve my friend before more foul deed befall him," Renaer says with a bit of steel in his voice.

"If you believe it to be safe, I would volunteer to activate it," Omaron says, stepping to Filimena's side. He side-eyes Renaer for a moment, "I hope you are true and steadfast to your word. If you betray us, I will bear the grudge to your end. You," he looks at the conscious, bound kenku, "I do not know your intentions, but if we leave you behind, you have a choice. I truly hope your choices do not lead to further conflict between us. We will not be so kind in the future. Make good choices."

In reply to Renaer Buchanan (msg # 199):

"...In that case"

With those few words, Marik opens one of the bags on Rani's back and begins removing stuff from the top. There's the sound of small pieces of metal clinging and rattling as he pull some large pieces of leather, before plunging one of his hands further and taking out one of the two dwarven chain shirt he carries around. He hands over the chain shirt toward Renaer.

[Language unknown: "Ne les er ove eratinate it orela Llitad sonce o ica usei'midi, e hisantent tr iou erena o se ave et...thle..." ].

After giving the shirt, Marik crouch on the saddle and reach for the weapons carried on Rani's left side. He takes out one of the lances and a nice dagger, and holds both in front of Renaer (he holds the dagger by the blade).

"If..not your..style...others on...floor" he says, pointing the pile of bodies and the  weapons dropped by the kenkus.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Fri 18 Jan 2019.

Renaer nods slightly but doesn't accept Marik's offer, "I prefer to remain quick on my feet, chain and lance are too restrictive. I'll take a blade from the fallen, they've no use for them." The youth goes to warehouse floor to see what is left from the previous conflict.



Assuming Filimena hits the button, a door sized portion of the wall pops out as the button makes a gentle clicking noise. Beyond said door is a five by ten room with a pair of crates stashed inside.

[Private to GM: Crates :
(2) Keoghtom's Ointment
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magi...s/keoghtoms-ointment

Bracers of Archery
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magi...s/bracers-of-archery

Elemental Gem
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/elemental-gem

Paper bird
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/paper-bird

Stone of Good Luck
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magi...-good-luck-luckstone

]

Cautiously, Filimena peers inside the room and listens for any sign of movement, her attention focused especially on the crates. Perhaps they hide some sort of trap door, or tunnel entrance.

OOC: Any footprints on the ground, or sounds?

22:52, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 26 using d20+3+d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 19,4.  Perception w/ Guidance.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Sun 20 Jan 2019.

There are some foot prints in the sawdust that's been spread over the floor but nothing that would indicate a secret passage in the secret area. No sounds nor smells of the sewer either.

One of the crates is wrapped in a net as though it had been hoisted off a ship recently. The other is has the markings of the Pallem Titan Trade Company - known for their caravans which running through the Maw.

Filimena feels a mixture of disappointment and scepticism. Why go through the trouble of hiding this room, if there wasn’t some sort of secret escape route through it? Carefully, she takes a step into the room, before pausing to look back and see if one of the other two would join her. At the very least, she wants to see what’s in the crates, and if there’s anything behind or under them, before giving up and questioning the kenku further.

Seeing Renaer doesn't need the help. Marik pt back the equipement in the bags and follow Filimena steps. Feeling she would like some help, without wanting to ask, the elf direct Rani toward the Pallem Company crate. The elf then try to open it, gently if possible if it doesn't  seem to be locked. If there is a padlock, Rani will try to rip it off.



OOC: Rani roll 11 for Atletics to rip off the padlock if necessary.

The crate marked with the Pallem Titan Trade Company logo has previously been opens so the top comes off without much effort. Inside are fifteen silver trade bars, each is 10lbs (4.5kg) each, and a rough leather bag. The bars have a layer of grim on them.

[Private to Filimena the Gentle: Hello?
^Who goes _there?
The Seeker _has ^found us!
_Praise the Seeker!]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:16, Tue 22 Jan 2019.

Upon seeing the silver, Marik mind immediately begin racing with possibilities. Good silver is hard to come by in the forest and quite pricy when he tried to trade some for coin in cities. He has tried for quite some time to put his hands on some. He can think a few useful things he could use it for. Mug, plates and cutlery coated in silver doesn't react to food the same way other metals do and can make meals more enjoyable without being as hard to wash as wood can be. Even more importantly, weapons coated in silver can hurt some creatures that would shrug off weapons made of steel and iron, like the wraiths that roams the haunted forest at night. He can usually manage to avoid those and keep his distance, but he can remember a few close calls with the restless spirits of dead elves hungry for his life and Rani's. Such a weapon could save his life in the future if he had one.


Marik try to lift one of the silver bars. They are hefty. Definitely not something he could just carry around easily, especially if they are to go rescue Floon somewhere. Best just to make a mental note of it, in case the opportunity should arise.


Before quitting the room, Marik will also cut the net surrounding the second crate and check it's content if possible.



OOC: Marik made a Arcana check (12) with the DM to see if he could think of creatures vulnerable to silver

Inside the other crate are four wood-framed paintings wrapped in leather and a leather satchel with the crest of Vellardin on it.

"What?..."

Marik eyes widen in surprise as he instantly recognize the crest. He extend the hand and gingerly take the leather satchel, before opening it to check its content.

While Marik examines the contents of the second crate, a wave of nausea washes over Filimena as the Voices once again call out to her. Steadying herself against the side of the first crate until the voices dissipate, she looks inside it and, seeing the a leather bag, hesitates for a moment before lifting it up with Mage Hand and opening it.

The leather bag has a bit of rich soil crusted around it, as though it was buried before being put into the crate. Inside Filimena finds a pair of rough clay pots and an old bit of a clay tablet about the size of her hand.

Marik lifts the satchel and is surprised at the weight of it - obviously there has something or things inside. A pair of well made bracers also marked with the crest of Vellardin, also inside is a small carving of cat with gems for eyes and a yellowish gem.

Marik examine the content of the satchel for a moment. His expression looks troubled.


These objects were salvaged from elven ruins. If the Hawks got these by the means of ruins-dwellers, it means some raiders were bold enough to brave the dangers of the forest and the magical storms that roam the area still as reminders of war. It's the only explanation that makes sense to him. He can't imagine, with what he knows, that someone of Vellardin descent would part willingly with items touched by their power or artifacts of the old city, no matter how trivial. No sane elves would risk parting with objects that may contain a trace of their own spirits or worse...one belonging to someone of greater power. The secrets of the Weave are not for those unworthy of their power.


He needs to know how some of those objects happened here. With a bit of chance, there would remain enough of a trace of their previous owner in those objects, maybe even memories, that could help him figure out where they come from and how they arrive here. And however painful the idea is to consider, he happens to know someone more attuned than him to the powers of the spirits.


"Omaron...I...need your help..." he says, without his eyes leaving the sight of the crest on the bracers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:32, Wed 23 Jan 2019.

Vaguely aware that Marik seems to also be troubled by something he’s found in one of the crates, Filimena examines the clay pots and tablet more closely, to see if she recognises any markings, or even any writing on them, that might give some clue about what they are and where they might have come from.

OOC: Not sure whether to roll a Perception, Investigation, or History check, so I’ve rolled all three for our DM to pick and choose from.

That’s 16 on Perception, 18 on Investigation, and 11 on History.

The pair of pots are sealed with cloth and wax, made of dull red clay, and are slightly warm to the touch. Each has the marking which Filimena can't quite identify. [Private to Filimena the Gentle: HEALING!]

Examining the tablet is tough as it is a just a fragment of a larger clay tablet. [Private to Filimena the Gentle: SEEKER!] It seems to have a similar language as the pots, which [Private to Filimena the Gentle: ^The sister will _find the brother] isn't something Filimena has seen before, though it appears to be some mix of languages.

Filimena stands frozen, not quite believing what the Voices have revealed to her, even as her eyes pass over the unfamiliar script.

A few seconds of silence pass, and Marik lift his eyes from the crest. Omaron isn't even there, he's in the next room. He can hears his step faintly walking around the warehouse.


Marik put the bracers and the other objets in a bag for now and decide to go back to looking for tracks. His eyes are attracted for a moment to Filimena, who appears fascinated by something...a tablet of sorts with what appears to be scripts. Marik is curious, but decide to leave her be for the moment. If she need his help, she know she can ask.


Marik guide Rani out the room and take a long sweeping look of the interior, the walls, the bodies, the floor. He close his eyes for a moments, picturing what he's looking for, and then begin guiding Rani around the warehouse, searching and looking. The scuffle was bloody, there may remains some blood tracks indicating the way to go, or mayeb trails of dirt and dust indicating something heavy was dragged. Maybe Floon even knew Ranear was on his tracks and somehow managed to left him some things indicating the way to go.

For a moment, all sounds fades and time seems to slow down. Marik sight becomes clear... precise...He knows this feeling...this focus... It's the feeling hunters strives to achieve but attain so rarely. The moment of perfect clarity. The Sight beyond sight. In this small moment he is the perfect hunter. If anything is worth finding, he knows it can't escape him now.


OOC: Rolled for Perception to find tracks or hints of Floon being carried away and NAT 20!.

As Marik does see drag marks leading from near the room he found Renaer which lead towards the door. Unfortunately his search for Floon is interrupted as a dozen guards come barging in and fan out, with some having swords drawn and other have crossbows trained on the group.



[Private to GM: we are here - https://www.dndbeyond.com/comp...need#TheWatchArrives]

OOC: I need to add to the scene that Marik would most probably have drawn his sword and ordered Rani to take a defensive position at the first sounds coming from the door.


Prepared for more Eye goons to enter the building, Marik didn't expect a full guard patrol coming in instead. Shocked, he sense Rani tensing and almost forget to restrain her in time to prevent her pouncing at the new ennemy. The big cat make a move to advance, but stays in place as he grab her fur, instead growling and hissing menacingly.


Marik hears the older man adressing him. He takes a moment to think. Might be the adrenaline rushing in his body, but words come off easier than usual to his mouth


"Investigating...Rescued a captured man from the gangs...Ranaer Buchanan" he respond, pointing his sword to the room where Ranaer and Filimena are. "Looking for another...Floon Blagmaar"


OOC: Marik rolled a impressive (for him!) 18 for Persuasion if applicable.

Filimena feels as if she has been dragged suddenly out of water into cold air. She can almost feel the water streaming down her face, stinging her eyes, drenching her body and weighing it down. She even finds herself gasping for breath. She notices but does not react visibly to the room suddenly filling with men and women with swords.

Mariks nods, ready to follow.

"Y...Yes...we..." he begins, before picking up the sound of Filimena gasping for air in the next room and breathing with difficulty.

"Filimena!" let out the elf, not caring about the guards as he order Rani to rush to the room, sword in hand, ready to face a new danger. He see the hafling holding the tablet. He quickly scan the room but sees nothing. No ennemies in sight.

"What...What happen...?[Language unknown: Ca antisail? Ripl u chwi?].

Renaer has been getting a suit of slightly used brigandine shirt from one of the dead men in the warehouse as well as a sword to use. He is as shocked as anyone else when the guards burst in. He stands tall as Marik calls him out, making sure to have the sword he took in a scabbard rather than having live steel in hand.

He makes his way toward the lead guard and nods to him, "Cap'n Staget you're reputation preceded you ..." the young noble's voice trails as Marik moves across the room to Filimena. A half-second later he recovers with a brief, "Excuse me," as he follows after Marik.

[Private to group Elf: "Is she okay?"] he inquires of the elf.

Glancing up at Marik and Ranaer, Filimena regains some manner of composure. She will deal with this later. “Nothing of immediate relevance,” she says. “I think these may be health potions. It would be good to keep them for later.” She stows them away in her backpack together with the tablet, making no effort to conceal the later, and yet choosing not to mention it.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:34, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

Marik stare at her in silence...as if he was waiting for something....frown....before finally nodding and turning Rani back to face the guards. He takes a few seconds to collect his toughts before speaking again, to the captain. Now that the first shock has passed, he realize the perspective of following a dozen armed guards to "talk"somewhere doesn't seem all that interesting. To the point where even a fast trip to the sewers could be less dangerous right now. It's not like they wouldn't have good reasons to skip that talk, especially if they are in the least bit interested to find Floon.


"Can...talk wait?...Floon...found tracks..." he says, looking at Ranaer and pointing the drag marks he found with his sword. "Need follow before...too late" he add, glancing at Filimena.

Guessing that means "no", Marik takes another glance at Ranaer, Filimena and Omaron, before signaling Rani to march toward the guards and the exterior.

[ moving along a touch and NPCs talking to each other... ]




This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Fri 01 Feb 2019.

Unsure of what to respond, Marik simply nods.

Omaron looks up from his meditations, the spirits receding from his perceptions. He looks up and around at the guardsmen spilling into the warehouse with a calm demeanor. As the captain clears his his throat impatiently, Omaron rises to his feet and settles his pack into a comfortable position. "As inexplicable as it may sound," he begins, "yes. My friends here were asked by some other of Floon's compatriots to find their missing friend, and through the spirit's guidance we have been led here." He gestures around the warehouse, then frowns at the dead and unconscious bodies lying about. "Though we arrived sometime after this fracas had occurred. We encountered the three kenku and then discovered Lord Renaer during a search of the premises. And thus you found us."

Determined to return to the situation at hand, Filimena adds loudly right on the heels of Omaron, "So yes, good people just trying to help, and as our friend the elf has said, we do have quarry to pursue, before it's to late, so if you don't mind, we'll be making a move. We were just in this room looking for an entrance to the sewers. You wouldn't have noticed any other trap doors or any such thing on the way in did you?" With that, she attempts to step past the guardsmen back into the main room to resume her search.

A light mist of rain begins to fall outside, a few guards seems less than thrilled as the keep working on searching the warehouse, removing the kenku, and setting up a perimeter.



[Private to Raszire Toumash: Your Saint, St. Fenwyn, recently appeared to you in the Church of St. Cuthbert where you've been helping out and serving a self imposed penance for your failure to bring back the kidnap orphans. She simply said you needed to be at the warehouse on Candle Lane this evening. ]

OOC: Forgive the Waterdeep bits in the link, didn't have a chance to photoshop the image
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Mon 04 Feb 2019.

Not one to question the will of his Patron, though still awash with guilt over the loss of the poor orphans, Raszire dons his gear and prepares to venture back out into the city. He finds the priests and thanks them for their hospitality, exclaiming "St. Fenwyn the Blessed has compelled me to leave you all for my penance is complete. I'll no-doubt be within the city for a while if you have any need for me. Take care, and thank you again."

After collecting his belongings, he heads out into the city; stepping through many back-alleys and side streets, hoping to draw the least amount of attention that an armor clad Dragonborn Cleric could. He makes his way swiftly to the end of Candle Lane where he pauses to survey any activities.

Noticing the heavy guard activity, Raszire spots a few familiar faces amongst the crowd. He walks towards the group with a smirk on his face and says "I should have known, when my Patron sent me back out into the city, she was guiding me back to you all!"

 Marik note a large, hulking form appearing beyond the light and approaching. At first, he takes it for another guard, not paying it much attention. The form approaches, slowly revealing a heavily armored individual, probably a enforcer. Very tall.... maybe a Goliath... a Dragonborn. Marik begins to worry. Maybe it really is a trap after all...


And then, as the familiar voice is heard and the form steps into the light, a aghast Marik can't quite believe what his own eyes are telling him.

"Ra...Raszire?...Wha?..."


How? How could he find them? St...He said St-Fenwyn.His patron guided him here....like Omaron said the spirits did for him earlier. Why? Why here? What could the gods and the spirits have in mind to be interested in the fate of their search? Could it be the artefacts? The tablets Filimena is holding? Floon? Disanz? Nothing make sense.


"You...with them?" says Marik to the Dragonborn, pointing the guards.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:14, Mon 04 Feb 2019.

FIlimena raises an eyebrow in mild amusement as she reads from the bit of parchment. "Duly noted," she says to the guard captain with a flick of her wrist. "Every city must have its rules." Although damned if she always follows them.

Seeing the dragonborn Raszire emerge from down the lane, Filimena cannot help but let out a surprised "Huh." Looks like the gang is back together again.

Marik get the idea the guards are leaving them to their chase to find Floon, but doesn't quite understand the expression "Keep the blood off the street". What does that mean. Does it mean they have to wash the blood off the pavement if they make something bleed? Marik get the idea that guards would want to keep the city clean, but it seems a little hypocritical to focus on this particular aspect while the alleys smells like trash, rotten fish and piss. Human customs are wierd...

Marik thoughts then return to more practical matters.

 " Pursue...this? We...We did...YOUR duty!" respond the elf to Hyustus, with a tone of accusation. He pause, trying to think of what to say next in Common to Hyustus, but this is too complex to say quickly. He turn to Ranaer.

[Language unknown: "Wer conlesich, ad siin enc houdaynce utou o i? Inrut hoho usncis "ichcom-entith oneersine" osich anybleare a. En Diomil no enchad?" ] he aks quickly in elven, trying to make sense of all of this.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

"You have stumbled into the gang war between the Eye and the Hawks." the young nobleman says. He glance back at the guards as he rubs a pendant around his neck,  "I cannot leave my friend to the Eye especially when they are after something my father had."

Marik listen to Ranaer and stay silent, before nodding. He consider leaving again. Is the possible help of a magician really worth sticking his neck out in a gang war for someone he never heard of before? Probably not. He should withdraw while he has the chance and leave this city where he feels like a fish out of the water.

At the same time, things have gotten stranger by the minute. All the Finders of Jzadirune have for some reason converged on this place, explicitely at the behest of the spirits for Omaron and under the guidance of his patron for Raszire. This is too strange to be the fruit of random chance. He needs to see this through. The threads of the Weave work in mysterious ways and they haven't failed him yet. Even better, they led him toward artifacts of the fallen city and interesting questions... Maybe they have more in stock for him.



He turns to Raszire "How...How much do you know?"

Satisfied, Filimena does a search of the street outside the warehouse for any obvious points of access to the sewers, while remaining close enough the the dragonborn to hear what he has to say, if anything.

OOC: Not sure if a perception check is necessary just to find manhole covers, but here's one anyway just in case sewer access isn't that obvious, and there are actually trap doors.

18:57, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 22 using d20+3+d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 16,3.  Perception w/ Guidance.

Turning to Marik, Raszire puts on a slightly puzzled expression and says “The only information provided to me was a location to be and a time to be there. Beyond that, I am at a loss. It appears there has been a struggle here, and I’m hearing talk that we’ll be journeying into the sewers to locate a missing person. I’m here to aide those in need, and I will do what I must to not fail my Patron again.

Raszire then turns to Hyustus and says Fear not Master Staget, we are not the meddlesome sort. We will assist in the location of this man while holding as closely as we can to City Watch law. You have my word!

OOC: How much does Raszire know about the Eye and the Hawks? Do you need an Investigation or History check?

OOC: It would be investigation but no worries

It doesn't take much for Filimena to find the path through back alleys to a circular metal cover inset in the street, large enough for even Raszire to fit through if opened. The drag marks that Marik found previously headed in the direction of the alley. Rain continues to trickle down but Filimena does spy the remains of a yellow chalk as it is getting washed away in the drizzle. [Private to Filimena the Gentle: ^The lurking one!]

Raszire has heard rumblings about a brewing war between the Hawks and Eye Watches Eternal. They are close to open war - the guards are trying to keep it off the streets but in the docks things are less civilized that other areas of Titan's Gate. The captain waves a hand back towards the dragonborn but doesn't look back or say anything.

[Private to GM: we are here - https://www.dndbeyond.com/comp...n-need#TrackingFloon]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Thu 07 Feb 2019.

"Yes..." reply simply Marik, with a small sight. He don't know what he was expecting. The mystery remains complete.

In any case, even if he won't say it, he's happy the dragonborn found them again. There a warmth and a sense of purpose to him that's refreshing. It must be comforting to know your place in the world and to have a sense of direction, even if it's as a lackey to the whims of a god. He wishes the threads of the Weave would be clearer to read sometimes.


As Raszire finishes to say his bit to the captain, Marik remark Filimena going near a nearby alley. She followed the drag marks and she's looking at something. Probably the entrance to the sewers.


Right...Let's see where this rabbit hole goes. he thinks, before following the halfling into the alley.



OOC: Is pass without a trace still on? How much time has passed since our arrival here?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Wed 06 Feb 2019.

You've about 25 minutes left on Pass without Trace, everything has transpired in around 30-35 minutes.

Omaron joins Marik and Filimena at the sewer entrance as the guards exit the area. "Well, this looks, uh, promising isn't quite the right word, but yeah," he says, kneeling at the manhole. "Everyone ready? Raszire, got everything you need? Marik, Filimena, you both feeling up to another jaunt underground?" His tone and demeanor indicate he is ready, happy even, to be in action.

Marik sigh...before passing one of his wooden leg above the panther's back to jump on the ground. He snap his finger, before pointing the hole to the big cat.


The panther approach gingerly from the opening and take a moment to sniff the air. She turns to Marik and groan with a low, moaning sound.


"Yes...I Know, I know...Go!"


With a air of disgust, Rani put her front paws into the cavity, before jumping down, landing with a loud "splouch".


Marik drag himself to the edge of the manhole and looks down. The panther is there, ready and look up to him. Marik take a breath, take a glance at Omaron. He looks far too happy about this. What is it with Dwarves and their fascination for dark, damp holes?


Marik then jump himself in the hole, landing straight on the back of the panther like they practiced dozens of time. The sewers stretch out before him. He take a moment to check the surrondings.


OOC: Marik rolled 21 for a Perception check.

Omaron grins as Marik enters the sewer distastefully. The dwarf hops down after the panther steps out of the way enough, standing and pulling his axe and shield in preparation.

The ladder below the cover seems perfectly fine.

A putrid stream flows along this sewer tunnel, which leads in two directions. In one direction, you see a tiny symbol drawn on the the wall in yellow chalk: a palm-sized circle with ten equidistant spokes radiating out from its circumference
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:35, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

Marik, eyes closed, take a moment to get used to the smell, trying to think of nice things like his blend of teas to avoid throwing out his lunch. After a small moment, once he feels calm enough, he instruct Rami to start walking in the direction indicated by the yellow chalk. He takes his bow.

As the panther get moving, Marik turns to the others. He point his eyes with two fingers and then point farther in the tunnel to signal he will go scout ahead.

OOC: Marik and Rani advance along 50 feet along the tunnel.

I don't know if it's necessary, but I rolled Perception in case, as Marik stays alert of any possible danger ahead. Rolled a Nat 20 (26 total) :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:33, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

Omaron follows Marik, but waits a short distance behind the scouting elf and panther duo. He nods to Marik's silent gesture, taking careful steps in an attempt to move quietly.

---

10:33, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 16 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 12.  Perception.
10:33, Today: Omaron Stonehammer rolled 15 using 1d20 with rolls of 15.  Stealth.

---

Action:
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 30/30 AC 19
Buffs/Debuffs: Aura of Stoneshield (allies gain +1 AC w/in 10')
Conditions:
Spells/Totem Duration: 2/3 Spell Slots

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:38, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

Raszire clumsily lowers himself down the ladder. Shield and mace clanking and bobbing. As others from the group advance through the passage, he begins to lose sight of them in the darkness. Retrieving a bit of moss from a pouch on his belt, Raszire swings up his mace and touches the head of it and says "By your blessing..." and casts LIGHT on it.

The tunnel now lit around him, he begins to follow Omaron and Marik and his large cat.

As the smell engulfs him, Raszire contemplates loading his censer with incense and lighting it to fight off some of his disgust, but reconsiders to keep the items' usage for more appropriate occasions.

He whispers to Omaron, "Any idea as to where we might be heading along this path?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:37, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

sewer ambient


The tunnel is suddenly illuminated by Raszire's spell which allows the dragonborn to see the stream of refuse running at his feet as well as the yellow chalk mark on the wall. The sewer is five feet wide with small walkways lining the tunnel as the center three feet is taken up by the actual sewage pathway. A few rats scurry away at the sudden appearance of light.

[Private to GM: we are here
https://www.dndbeyond.com/comp...#NavigatingtheSewers]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:57, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

Marik and Rani both turn their head to see the source of the light, giving to Raszire the image of the dark shadowy figure of a elf atop a large cat with eyes glowing under the faint light (Aesthetics!).


Nodding, Marik guide Rani to walk on the sidewalk and make a small pause to tie his scarf around his mouth and nose to block a bit of the foul smells. Rani can handle the smell checks while he tries to maintain his concentration of the shadows surroundings them.

Thinking he can maintain the spell for at least twenty minute more, Marik decide to use his supernatural discretion to push ahead of the party and warn them in case of danger, instead of waiting for something to hear Raszire clanging noises.


More and more, as he advances, Marik can't help but feel like he's being watched somehow.

OOC: Marik and Rani disappear in the darkness and push ahead of the party another 50 feet. Should I need to do another Perception check or is the last one still good?

At Raszire's whispered query, Omaron gestures to the chalk drawing on the wall and Marik's receding form. He then waits until Filimena is safely down from the street, taking the rear guard position.

Filimena is the last to enter the sewer, struggling slightly to find a foothold on the ladder. She has to jog a few paces to catch up with the dragonborn, and once she does stays by his side, making use of his light. Realising she hasn't yet said hello since his reappearance, she gives him a nod and a telepathic, hello.

With Marik scouting up ahead, she finds herself left alone to her thoughts for just long enough her mind wanders for a while to the tablet in her backpack. What connection could the tablet have to Finneas? She must have someone look at the tablet as soon as this is all over, to see if she can't have the language identified. And the crate. She silently curses herself for not inspecting it more closely. There might have been clues as to which ship it might have come from.

[Private to GM: To the DM: Yup, Filimena's brother is named Finneas. Realised I didn't include that in the character sheet, but that's been his name all along. Finneas and Filimena. Finneas is a bard I used to play back when I first started, and they were always meant to be siblings.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Sat 09 Feb 2019.

Raszire turns, and with a wink he says to Filimena, “Nice to see you again, my little friend. Stay close to me for we know not what perils lie ahead of us.”

Readying his shield in his left hand and clenching his lit mace in his right, Raszire squints his green eyes and scans the walls for any clues or oddities in the tunnel.

09:28, Today: Raszire Toumash rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Investigation .

As his gaze turns to Omaron, he says “We’re all here now. Shall we make our way to catch up with Marik?”

To himself he prays Fenwyn, keep us safe under your protection. Guide us to those in need and  help us to vanquish those that wish to do us harm.

"Just give him some space ahead. I'll bring up the rear," he glances down the opposite direction of the sewer tunnel. "Dark places breed dark intents."

After an hour of following signs through the tunnels, you come to a three-way intersection where a ladder leads up into a stone shaft capped by a circular metal cover. One of the familiar chalk symbols is marked on a wall nearby, sitting in the dim light given by the metal cover overhead is a young human dressed in rough clothing. [Private to Weasel: say hello]

Hidden in the dark, Marik signals Rani to advance a bit more toward the human to watch what he's doing. It could be a sentinel watching for movements or simply a beggar. He needs to make sure. He holds his bow close, ready to fire. The panther advance slowly, without even the faintest of sounds coming out from the living shadows surrounding her paws.


OOC: Rani rolled a 33 for Stealth with Pass without a trace to approach sneakily. As she approaches, Marik would like to do a Insight check on the young human, check his demeanor and body langage to ascertain what he's doing here.

Marik rolled a 12 for Insight.

A lanky young man is sitting on the floor, dressed in black and dirty clothing. The hood of his coat is thrown back. He has dark dreadlocks and skin the color of honey.

The young man is staring at a  slowly passing rat. He take it and hold it up before his grey eyes : " Hm...Who are you ? I don't recognize you ! What are you doing in my sewer !"

He seems absorbed by the rodent and doesn't seem to be particularly interested by anything else.

"So if you count on staying here, you'll need a name....Hm...One Eye Grey Patched "

"Probably not a sentinel" thinks Marik. Doesn't mean it couldn't be a problem. What to do with him? Reveal himself? If his past encounters with humans are any indication, the young man would probably scream his lungs out at the sight of Rani coming out of the shadows and make a ruckus. Shoot him? No...He's a hunter, not a murderer, even if it could almost be a mercy to put him out of his current condition. This individual lives in a sewer, doesn't look like he has eaten in a week, and is clearly deranged...talking to rats like that.But no...he can't do that. He can't kill someone in cold blood this way.

Besides...If he's not part of the gang, he could be useful. If what he's saying is true and he lives in the sewer, he might know the whereabouts of the Eye and how to approach them without being seen. It's worth trying at least.

With a sign of Marik, Rani slinks back into the darkness, returning the way they came without any sound betraying their presence. Marik decide to return to the others to warn them. He's not a good talker, but he know someone who is...

OOC: Rani rolled a 31 for Stealth to move again without alerting Weasel.

At some point, Omaron, Raszire and Filimena would probably hear a small "Quiet..." coming out of the darkness, before seeing the large form of the panther and Marik emerging from the shadows into the light of the Dragonborn mace.

The elf make a sign to stop and say

"Ahead...Young...man...alone...lives here...could guide..."

He add for Filimena, in Elven

[Language unknown: "Et tomeee ne al be ha evfian. Wasanynot in si atdion ivis isnce ersvenershat. Iouwashis oermi diwehi dica n ur, nce ut ta onslinhas kortheantent la wit His resour'stimentho os asess u icathoate resonsfor pre si. Ou thatmo iche ee se ofne menoulera yintrasom e ain, fi icawaseve ee polo evpacael..." ]

"Should...let Filimena talk him...We wait...I can kill him if danger..." He says, before retreating out of the light with Rani.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:54, Mon 11 Feb 2019.

As he stops talking, Marik remarks that Filimena doesn't respond. Her eyes are fixated on the empty space before her and she looks blankly into the darkness. He's talking to her, but Filimena isn't there at the moment. The voices must require her attention.

Not knowing how much time she could be "gone", Marik turn to Omaron and the Dragonborn.

"Hm...Omaron...Raszire...you try...talking?...I..."

He was about to say he will follow unseen, but at the same moment, he feels the shadows escaping from his magical grasp. The spirits that engulfed him and Rani in supernatural darkness slowly vanishes and dissolves into the air, their task completed.

"I...follow behind" he finishes saying..

It takes Filimena a moment to recognise the party has come to a stop, and to process what Marik has said. A young man living in the sewers. A bit strange but not aggressive.

“Well I can’t guarantee he won’t run away screaming when he sees me too, but I’ll try,” she whispers, and begins tip-toeing towards the intersection. Just before she reaches the corner around which Marik indicated the man was, she hunches forward slightly and raises her hands to a praying gesture, to better to appear small and helpless. Arriving at the corner, she peeks around it. “He… he… hello?” she whimpers. “S… s… someone there?”

OOC: Do I need to make a roll just yet? Assuming I do, that’s either a 16 on Deception or 13 on Performance.

The misting rain from above continues to drip down into the moving refuse of the sewer as does a muffled sound of singing.

As this happen, Weasel is still sitting on the floor with One Eye Grey Patched in is hand and is in the process of  introducing him to twenty other rat around him.

"One Eye Grey Patched this is Champion, Half Tail, Broken Tooth..."

Despite the noise of the rain, Weasel hears a new voice and suddenly stand up.

To the rat "My friends it's seem we have some visitors ! Everyone, look good!"

Weasel turn and make a reverence.

"Welcome to my Kingdown ! What good fortune brings you here?" he says, as twenty one rats all turn as one to watch Filimena, their eyes glowing under the faint source of light from above.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

Marik turn in surprise as the voice echoes in the sewers. He...definitely wasn't expecting this...He can't see exactly what is happening as he's staying out of sight behind Filimena but he wasn't expecting such...vocabulary ans enthusiam from a beggar. And what did he mean by "Everyone?"


Marik decide to stay put for the moment, exchanging glances with Omaron and Raszire to see what they think of the situation.

"Well," Omaron whispers from Marik's elbow, "this is certainly unexpected. There is a certain...whisper about him, isn't there? And do you see the rats? That is not normal behavior, even for sewer rats of this size. Most interesting."

OOC: Eh, sorry, been occupied with life. To clarify, where's everyone located in relation to Filimena. Can Weasel see the rest of the party?

OOC: The way I understood the RP going on, we're all behind Filimena, behind some kind of corner as this happens. I don't know if Weasel could see us or the light at this distance. What do you say, DM?

As Filimena approaches the corner, Raszire extinguishes the light from his mace, trying to keep their presence unknown, heeding Marik’s warning. He stays ready for any attack that may come.

He watches nervously as she rounds the corner and begins talking to the stranger.
He edges close, peaking around the corner, trying to remain in the shadows as much as he can.

07:29, Today: Raszire Toumash rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Stealth.

Slightly bewildered by the synchronized movements of the rodents, Raszire searches his soul trying to determine if the stranger’s intentions are true.

07:34, Today: Raszire Toumash rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6.  Insight.

OOC: Sorry all, meant to post yesterday.

ROUGH MAP - Blue == walk way/sewer

    A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 1 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 2 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 3 |   |   |   |   | W |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7 |   |   |   |   | F |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 8 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 9 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
10 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:23, Thu 14 Feb 2019.

OOC: Alright, so since Raszire extinguished the light (and Weasel is human until specified otherwise), Weasel probably would only see darkness ahead of him where Filimena speaks. The rats could probably have warned him of the presence of the others though, depends on how you want to play Weasel. It's your intro scene after all.

As Filemina talks the rats all look up then scatter

OOC: There is dim light coming from above Weasel

Weasel got up and said: “Come in the light, I'll not eat you!”

But nobody came, or even answered him. He started to get nervous and looked around him for an escape route to make sure he could run away if the newcomer were hostile.

He put his hand in his coat and wrapped his fingers around a hidden dagger, and tried to see through the dark. he was sure he'd heard the voice of a little girl, but perhaps there were more in the dark, and not friendly.

13:57, Today: Weasel rolled 21 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 14.  Perception.

The young man looked at his left and right, and swore under his breath. "Hmmm. I could use George's help right now," he said under his breath, and wondered which tunnel was the quickest path to get to him.

Weasel then said: “ come on, I'll not bite you - unless you deserve it.” The usual friendly manner disappears at the end of the sentence, as his voice suddenly becomes very cold.

Filimena stepped forward, the better to see the young man, and the better to be seen. "Oh... oh I'd rather not be eaten if I can help it. Just a little bit lost, is all," she says. In hindsight, she isn't sure the scared little girl ruse makes much sense, considering she and her compatriots are clearly armed. A bit too late to change her mind now. If he's talking to rats, maybe that means his mind's deranged enough he'll accept the contradiction without too much trouble.

OOC: Can Filimena hear the thing about George? I'm guessing not. No Guidance this time cos I doubt she'd be able to cast it while maintaining this act.

17:38, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 11 using 1d20+3, rerolling ones with rolls of 8.  Perception.

Weasel look at her, incredulous "What are you doing here?...You lost? You're here alone?"