Stennan scans the surrounding area for any suspicious stuff

OOC: I would like to do a Perception check

OOC: Roll it.

OOC: Did. Turned out to be an 18 raw roll, 20 total

Edit: wait, hold on

Never mind, I was right the first time
This message was last edited by the player at 14:22, Tue 10 Nov 2020.

Stennan doesn't see anything, but as you all near the first watchtower (the northwest one,) he hears, faintly, a gentle melody of woodwinds and strings coming from the woods to the northwest of tower.

Stolt will listen carefully to the sounds emanating from the woods.

OOC:
Has he heard the melody or something similar before? Any ideas what might be making the sounds?

"Fae music? That's all I can think of. Unless some band of troubadours decided to play in this wasteland." Stennan will attempt to listen closer, but keeps to the path to the first tower.

It's an unfamiliar melody. The edge of the woods is about a half-mile away, and you see nothing between here and there that could be making the music. Whatever is playing, is playing loudly.

"Tis odd for such musicians to be playing here," Stolt says in agreement. "I would have expected such players to dwell deep in forests like my own. However, this land is new to me. Perhaps there are travelers or even dwellers for whom such music holds sway."

He pauses and listens again to the music for a few moments.

"It is curious and I think worth investigating. If they be kin, however distantly, to those of the forest, they may be less threatened by a wood elf while if the melody is indeed a trap, best we all not be engulfed in it. Perhaps I could take the lead and you all follow at a distance, perhaps 60 feet?" Stolt offers.

"Be my guest. I don't trust these woods, at all." Stennan kept his eyes peeled on the edge of the forest, right hand drawing closer to the longsword at his side.

"Very well, but be careful in case it really is a trap."

Spark get ready to follow Stolt at a safe distance but keep his eyes and ears open for anything.

Stolt starts making his way towards to the woods, stopping occasionally to gaze carefully around him. Living alone for long periods of time has given him a sense of initiative. If something was to be done, he was the only one to do it. He had been slow to realize the benefits like initiative that seclusion had provided though he had a greater appreciation for that now.

He continues until he reaches the edge of the woods. Once there he stops, looks around and listens again.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:02, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

The music is quite loud. Louder than you thought lutes or flutes could get. It seems to come from somewhere further into the woods, as you don't see anything yet.

"So, should we follow the music?" Stennan asked, not taking his hand off the hilt of his sword. He eyed the edge of the forest cautiously. "We don't know what exactly is in there."

"This is very odd. The music is louder than it should be for lutes and flutes," Stolt mulls.

"Well, I'm not sure what else we can do other than investigate. It seems to me that's the job we signed up for unless you want to tell Mayor Smith we heard some odd music but turned back when we discovered it was coming from inside the forest or, of course, simply not mention it and hopefully not be found out."

"I could try to sneak in maybe 30 or 40 yards, see what I see and report back. Can't exactly move quietly in this armor though the music might cover any sounds if I am careful. However, if I start crying for help, I would appreciate some assistance."

What do you think we should do?"

"This certainly seems odd, and possibly a trap." Spark ponders the group's alternatives.

OOC: Is Spark able to determine whether or not he thinks the music is moving away from them or remaining stationary as they approach?

"I would say we investigate. Just maintain utmost caution. Spark definitely has a point when he says it could be a trap." Stennan keeps looking into the forest, before turning back to his group.

The music appears to be stationary.

"Let's go investigate," Stolt says. He looks at the others waiting for some sign of agreement before setting off.

OOC:
Assuming the other party members agree, as Stolt will head towards the music.

Spark nods. "Let's take it nice and slow." He moves with the group but tries to be careful where he puts his feet and trying not to cause his metal armour to cause a ruckus, hoping that whatever sound he makes would be masked by the loud music.


Moving at half speed and attempting stealth
14:16, Today: Spark rolled 13 using 2d20+1, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 19,12.  Stealth.

Stennan follows the rest of the group, not bothering much for stealth, as the music seemed loud enough to cover the jingling bits of steel that made up his mail armor

Stolt, noticing the care Spark is taking, starts moving much more slowly and carefully, doing his best to be silent, at least as silent as he can in his Scale armor.

OOC:
18:11, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 14 using 2d20+3.  move silently (at disadvantage). Rolled (5,6) + 3 = 8 (lowest)

Stennan, grumbling, decides to submit to the rest of the party's idea of stealth, crouching low, and slowly walking forward, trying to not make as much noise as possible

OOC: rolled a 5 at disadvantage
This message was last edited by the player at 04:58, Thu 19 Nov 2020.

Attempting to move quietly, you all follow the music to its source. You see a huge, dead tree. The music appears to be coming from a hollow within the tree... or at least it did. The music stops as you approach. The area goes silent.

Spark recons that the jig is up seeing as the music stopped when they approached. He is still unnerved by not being able to see whoever, or whatever is making the music. He takes a few steps to the side in an attempt to divine an opening or crack in the tree while speaking out in a friendly voice.

"Hail you in there!" He pauses for a moment. "We made our way past and couldn't help but notice the beautiful music. We mean no harm, why don't you show yourself?" He asks politely.

Spark, make a charisma (persuasion) check please.