[Game Thread] Noble Hubris

[Mindsiege]

Gathering for a Quest It was a slightly fresh morning as one after another the adventurers assembled back at the On Your Shield, the kind of breezy weather that was uncomfortable at the start of the day but promised to become mild or pleasant a few more hours after dawn. Around this hour the tavern room of Lady Emily's inn was a lot less populated, and the first person to arrive was directed over to one of the empty tables by the burly barkeep with the reminder that he would let the party know where to find Mayuri's associate once the party had gathered and was complete. One after another the adventurers sat down at their shared table as they waited for all six members to arrive. On the day before they had accepted the odd noblewoman's quest to retrieve her a healthy and fertile specimen of the unfamiliar Wickerwood root. Mayuri's stiff demeanor as well as the memories a few of the adventurers held of her from two months ago had made the adventurers reluctant to spend much time in the noblewoman's company and they had only interacted with her the bare minimum to accept her quest. Now they were all looking forward to finding out what the day would bring and especially what kind of remuneration Mayuri's associate would present to them for this peculiar task once they would meet them, which was bound to be soon. It didn't take long until those who had gathered before Mayuri on the eve had been gathered again. Although there was a general eagerness to get on with business, all six of the adventurers had been in Westhaven for a few months already, and though some of them still counted as fledgling adventurers, they had been made to understand that for this quest they would be working together as a party. Amongst them were certainly some familiar faces who had met each other or worked together in the past, but if this quest would take them beyond the safe haven's walls, they were bound to rely on each and every one of them since the West Marches were known to be a less-than-friendly region to the unprepared. Everybody had gathered and brought what equipment they had deemed necessary for the quest ahead, and during this slow morning, the adventurers had the peace of mind to come together as a unit. The barkeep listlessly scrubbed some tankards as he waited for them to finish their business at their own pace. A noble had hired them to function as a party on their own, and now it was on them to resolve their quest with what professionalism they had accumulated in their short tenure as West Haven adventurers.

 

GM instructions Welcome everybody to my newest adventure, Noble Hubris! As the narration described, you can assume that all six of your characters have already gathered at a table in the On Your Shield. The next GM update will take you to Mayuri's associate that had been mentioned to you before, but first I would like everybody to introduce their character one more time to the adventure and in particular to the other characters as well. This adventure will not have an accompanying NPC that would tell you how to do your job, so you'll be expected to organize your party yourselves. Your characters might have picked up from other adventurers about the upsides of familiarizing with each other and getting on the same page as early as possible, but you're free to frame this introductory scene for your character as you will. It is also assumed that your characters had a few hours to prepare on the eve, so a few small purchases might have been possible. Let me know in the OOC if your characters got up to anything bigger than that, but either way after this round of posts your equipment for the adventure will be locked and you'll have to inconvenience yourselves with any further acquisitions during the adventure at whatever cost of opportunity that might entail. But so far you aren't under any pressure to act, and as the narration described it's a pretty slow morning. So it's a perfect time to get to know each other in peace before you head out to work. Possibly life-threatening work, but for now it sounds easy enough. Right? Rolls: Lady Luck   [IMG]-[/IMG] Initiative Character AC HP Hands Status Action Position Character AC HP PP PI Movement Conditions Resources Derek Draven 15/12 10/10 17 20 30' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 2/2 Oguun 18/16 14/14 14 13 30' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 2/2 Aurora Turpis 17 19/19 15 11 30' Inspiration Eerie Token 1/1; Hex Magic DS 1/1; Hex Magic Hex 1/1; Wild Shape 2/2; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 2/2 Punxl Tawney 15 24/24 11 8 30' - Healing Light 4/4; Spells II. 2/2; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 3/3 Baxan Arthic 18/16 27/27 12 10 30' - Breath Weapon 1/1; Lay on Hands 15/15; Divine Sense 4/4; Channel Divinity 1/1; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 3/3 Namfoodle Glitterstone 15/12 17/17 12 15 25' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 2/2 Nephala 12 1/1 13 6 10' / 50' (fly) - - TAFF 11 1/1 18/13 6 5' / 60' (fly) - - Peter 10 3/3 16/11 6 20' / 5' (burrow) - - Phillip 15 2/2 13 12 10' / 40' (fly) - -

[Togot]

Derek Draven The young wizard finds a seat at the table, his black raven perched on his shoulder. He is bright eyed, but nervous, still being very new to such meetings. Aurora and Ogoun he already knows, but the others are new to him. Seeing as they will be working together, he decides to take the initiative and introduce himself. “Hello again. My name is Derek Draven. I’m a novice wizard, and this is my familiar Nephala. Since we’re going to be relying on each other in dangerous situations, I think it would be good for us all to have an idea of what we’re capable of. I can put people to sleep, make someone friendly, move objects at a distance, create a magical light, detect magical auras, understand any language, and I have some offensive spells as well. I’m pretty good at noticing things, and Nephala is good at scouting.” He then lowers his voice and leans in, "Also, something you should know, Aurora, Ogoun, and I worked for our employer’s husband two moths ago. He is a wizard or specializes in dream and memory magic. We went into his mind to help him retrieve a lost memory, but found he was possessed by some kind of demon that took the form of his wife, our current employer. We escaped but failed to dispatch the fiend. I don’t know if it that has anything to due with our current task, but I felt I should warn you just in case. Best to not let our guard down.”

Stat Block AC:12 HP:10/10 STR:7 DEX:14 CON:11 INT:16 WILL:14 CHA:16 Passive Perception:17 Spells Prepared/Spell Slots:1st 3/3, mage armor, charm person, false life, magic missile, sleep Character Sheet

[Noquarter19]

Lt. Baxan Arthic Credit to Caio Santos, https://www.artstation.com/artwork/wnLOw "I see," Baxan said to the forthcoming mage after making his own brief introduction. He did not really understand, but it seemed the appropriate thing to say in the moment, otherwise he'd have said nothing at all. The silver dragonborn had been up for over an hour by this point, having taken advantage of the cool morning air to engage in some much needed calisthenics. It had been far too long since he'd taken a job that had really tested his mettle in any real meaningful way. The last job had involved defending a small farm managed by a group of kobolds from what turned out to be a carrion crawler. Utilizing a simple tactic known as a "honey pot," the group had sprung their trap upon the unsuspecting beast and slain it in mere moments. Further investigation of the crawler's backtrail had led Baxan's team to a hidden cave. They had not gone far before discovering a gaping chasm in the floor - a hole with no light and no discernable bottom. It had been unnerving - but it had also been outside the purview of their mission. They had reported their findings to the higher authorities of the West Marches, and that had been the end of it. Baxan did not know if a second team would be gathered to investigate what was clearly an opening to the Underdark, but if there had been, he'd never received a notification. It had been quite some time since he'd received a job offer since then, and he'd begun to wonder if his discovery had made other employers wary of hiring the paladin of Tempus. Fortunately, it appeared as though that were not the case. "Now obviously I do have questions for the lady's so-called 'middleman,' chief of which is what is so special about Wickerwood root, but your statement about the lady's husband is intriguing. Tell me, good Derek, how does one go about entering another man's mind?" There was no trace of a jest or of skepticism in the tone or features of the silver dragonborn, but of earnest curiosity which overlay a burgeoning apprehension. All this for a simple root? This cannot be the entire story. And our lady benefactor Mayuri - you were so quick to accept the job that you never even stopped to not that I think an insight check would have revealed anything useful about herquestion her motives. I feel as though I may end up descending into darkness of a different sort before this is all over. A different, less worried, and much more pragmatic voice put an end to any further misgivings: I'm getting paid to go - it's that simple.   Actions Action: rp Reaction: Bonus: Move: Effects: Object Interaction: Concentration: Spell Slots: 1 1 1 Stat Block Name:Lieutenant Baxan Arthic Armor Class: 18| Hit Points: 27/27 Speed: 30ft Melee Attack: Longsword +6/1d8+4 (main weapon), Warhammer +6/1d8+4 (backup) Ranged Attack: Javelin, 4x (30/120) +6/1d6+4 Special Attack: Racial breath weapon (cold): 2d6 damage (15 foot cone) CON save of 12 for half Str 19 (+4) | Dex 8 (-1) | Con 14 (+2) | Int 11 (+0) | Wis 15 (+2) | Cha 16 (+3) Saving throws: Str +4 | Dex -1 | Con +2 | Int +0 | Wis +4 | Cha +5 Skills: Athletics +6 | Intimidation +5 | Persuasion +5 | Religion +2 Passive Perception: 12 Initiative: -1 | Hit Dice: 1d10 Languages: Common | Draconic Stonemason training progress: 120/250 days   Game 1: The Fate of the Sea Raven Game 2: Support Your Local Goblins Downtime 1 2 Fireside 1 2 Scarlett Legion Training Grounds 1 2

[LeDragon]

Namfoodle Glitterstone Namfoodle had hardly been able to sleep the night because of excitement. Another adventure! For a noble lady! This was almost - but only almost - as good as pirates. Nothing was better than pirates. Nothing! Nooooothing! But he was still excited . Even if it was just for a plant root. This was perhaps just the beginning of a great adventure. Going into the forest and finding the root and digging it up - that couldn't be the point. You didn't need a walking armor for that like the half-dragon there next to him. Namfoodle looked up from his stool at Baxan. At least Baxan hadn't stepped on Peter when he arrived. That already distinguished in from many others and immediately earned the paladin sympathy points with the forest gnome. Even if Baxan probably didn't care. "Right!" Namfoodle stood on the stool and looked to Derek. "How do you bring a group of people into the mind of one person? Were you diminished and climbed through the ear in or something?" Then the young wizard recollected his manner. "Sorry, I haven't even introduced myself yet. I'm Namfoodle Glitterstone, young wizard and experienced in battle!" He throws in his chest, but then looks to Baxan. "So in a few fights, but I fight better from the second row than right up front. Support, distraction, and such.... Fire, missiles, smoke, ... especially fire and missiles... you know what I mean." He nods to the other adventurers, hoping he has turned the corner and can now walk the fine line between cowardice and dueling. But he quickly changes the subject. "And this is Peter." He lifts the badger, who looks first at the plates on the table and then at those present. "Peter is good at ... eh... smelling and sniffing." This was not an exaggeration, but it is immediately clear to everyone that the badger is mostly interested in edibles. Peter sets the badger back down, who falls off the stool - or jumps, no one can say for sure - and goes to work over flattened leftovers from dinner. "Derek, yes, eh.... you were just about to explain how you climbed through the ear into the mind.... or something."

Namfoodle Glitterstone wizard level 2 Namfoodle bought 2 additional potions of healing. Just in case. Link to the character sheet.

[Togot]

Derek Draven “I don’t claim to fully understand it,” Derek said honestly, “Our client was an expert in the field and created some kind of mental link between all of us. Our minds entered his in a kind of very lucid dream. It was a bizarre experience. At first, the people in his dream were oblivious to us, even when Aurora,” Derek glances at her hesitantly, “Started setting people and things on fire. the dream people were hard to kill as well. Although it was a dream, Mayuri’s husband had warned us that dying in the dream would kill us in the real world, and we could certainly feel pain. Anything that the dreamer didn’t have a clear memory of was blurry or nonexistent. It was a surreal experience.”

Stat Block AC:12 HP:10/10 STR:7 DEX:14 CON:11 INT:16 WILL:14 CHA:16 Passive Perception:17 Spells Prepared/Spell Slots:1st 3/3, mage armor, charm person, false life, magic missile, sleep Character Sheet

[BarrowB]

Aurora the Cursed Bride Aurora was soo busy triple-checking her bag, to pay attention to the conversation. She had to make sure that she was prepared. Magic could be a substitute for a lot of things... but not for everything. When Derek mentioned her pyromaniac tendencies, she finally looked up from the bag and joined the conversation. "Don't worry. I don't set people on fire every day." The woman in the bridal gown smiled and stood up for a moment to stretch herself. "To be fair... my interests shifted to making things rot or bloom." She grabbed the handle of her sabre and focused. After a moment, she began pulling it out and it was clearly visible that her scabbard was filled to the brim with thick, black, sticky liquid that clung to the blade and even appeared to climb it, Symbiotic Entityalmost as if it was alive. "Good luck healing a wound after this stuff gets in it..." She warned and put the sword back in its sheath. "I like when things are close and personal, as even my presence can be... dangerous to health." Aurora gently lifted her hand, with her palm facing up and tiny specs of something began to gather on it. One could easily mistake them for dust... but on closer look they appeared to be seeds. Looking for a target to demonstrate it on, she noticed a small rat hiding in a dark corner of the inn. She blew the dust in its direction. At first, nothing happened but then the small rodent began to cough and suddenly... Halo of Sporesflowers burst out of its body, tearing its skin in many places and killing it. It wasn't nice... but there was no blood visible, as everything got covered by colourful flowers. "I also talk with ghosts... well... with one ghost most of the time. He is a bit annoying... but he learned how to Hex, Chill Touchhaunt and torment people, if I lend him some power."

Actions Move: Action: I want to do some shopping. I will make a list and post it in OOC soon. Bonus Action: Reaction: Conditions: Notes/Rolls: Rolls

Character Sheet

[Corwin]

Oguun Oguun had adjourned to Thrella's garret the evening before, standing at the top of the stairs and staring out the dusty window at the forests beyond the walls for a long time before knocking on her door. The war wizardess had found the mission less than prepossessing. "She hired six to retrieve a root? Either she's got coin coming out of her ears or it won't be easy." Oguun had pressed her on the topic of plants in general, and discovered that greenery and combat magic were topics that had little to do with each other as far as the gnome was concerned. "Trees are nice to get behind if someone's shooting at you. Other than that, yeah, some are edible, some are spell components, but mostly all plants do is stand there and get in the damn way. If you meet the kind that don't just stand there, you'll know soon enough." She had never heard of the poison grasses. On her advice, he purchased a shovel and a knife. He returned to the Shield to rest, feeling less than reassured. "Hoo." Sunrise, Oguun. The regular changes of light and dark, he had found, were serviceable substitutes for the shift change gongs rung by the zerths. He donned his armor and descended the stairs to the taproom to meet Mayuri's other agents. "Daytime greetings, Derek, Nephala, Aurora, Baxan, Namfoodle, Peter, Punxl, and Phillip." The others found themselves joined by an oversized outsider wearing black iron chain and shield, with a mace and a dagger on his belt, a wooden staff slung behind his left shoulder, an amulet of interlocked rings around his neck, and a forlorn owl perched on his head. "I am Oguun of Shra'kt'lor-in-Limbo, cleric of Zerthimon and novice war anarch. This is TAFF, it is an owl. I provide limited physical defense and have skills in divine and arcane workings." Derek described the previous expedition they had shared with Aurora and Oguun found little to add. "Agreed, the experience was atypical. It is almost certain that the dreamscape entity persists in Mayuri's husband's mind, but any connection between the entity and the material Mayuri is speculative and unsubstantiated at best. That said, caution seems highly advisable."

 

Rolls and Actions Rolls: none Action Summary Free Action: Move: Action: Split Move: Object Interaction: Reaction: Bonus Action: Concentration: Active Spells:

 

Stats Oguun character sheet Githzerai | Life Cleric of Zerthimon 1/Wizard 1 | Sage (Wizard's Apprentice) | Feats: none Githzerai Psionics | Mental Discipline | Disciple of Life HP: 14/14 | Armor Class: 16(18) | Hit Dice: 1/1 1d8, 1/1 1d6 Stats/Saves: Str 13/+1; Dex 5/-3; Con 12/+1; Int 16/+3; Wis 18/+4; Cha 10/0 Senses: Passive Perception 14, Passive Investigation 13 Move: 30' | Conditions: none Languages: Common, Gith, Deep Speech, Undercommon Tool Proficiencies: none Attack Bonuses: Melee +3 | Ranged -1 | Magic: Cleric +6/Wizard +5 Spell Save DC: Cleric 14/Wizard 13 Ranged weapon: javelin - +3 to hit, 1d6+1 piercing, range 30/120 Melee: mace - +3 to hit, 1d6+1 bludgeoning, range 5 Spells: Githzerai Psionic Cantrip: Mage Hand(invisible) Cleric Cantrips: 3 - Light, Resistance, Toll the Dead Cleric 1 Prepared Spells: 6 - Bane (1), Command (1), Guiding Bolt (1), Healing Word (1), Sanctuary (1), Shield of Faith (1) Cleric 1 Domain Spells: 2 - Bless (1), Cure Wounds (1) Wizard 1 Cantrips: 3 - Chill Touch, Create Bonfire, Shocking Grasp Wizard 1 Spellbook: 6 - Absorb Elements (1), Comprehend Languages (1), Detect Magic (1), Find Familiar (1), Magic Missile (1), Shield (1) Wizard 1 Prepared Spells: 4 - Absorb Elements (1), Comprehend Languages (1), Magic Missile (1), Shield (1) Spell Slots: lv 1 - 3/3

 

Familiar Owl - Tiny beast, unaligned AC 11 | HP 1 | Speed 5', fly 60' STR 3 (-4) DEX 13 (+1) CON 8 (-1) INT 2 (-4) WIS 12 (+1) CHA 7 (-2) Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +3 Senses: Darkvision 120', Passive Perception 13 Flyby: The owl doesn't provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy's reach. Keen Hearing and Sight: The owl has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight. Telepathic communication and senses within 100'. Can be dismissed to a pocket dimension and reappear within 30' of caster. Can deliver caster's touch spells within 100'.

[LeDragon]

Namfoodle Glitterstone Namfoodle watches in horror as Aurora kills the rat just to show she can. A sentient, living, innocent creature. Killed just like that. As a demonstration of its own power. The forest gnome had seen dead people and watches the slaughter of animals - for food. First, he turns two shades whiter, then redder. "That was not necessary! Neither in execution, nor in this cruelty!" he said in a sharp undertone. "No one doubted your abilities. And the rat certainly didn't!" He looks at the others. "Is everyone killing anything or anyone now just to show how great we are? That's low and evil!" He looks first at the paladin next to him, then back at Aurora. "Or are smaller beings than you unworthy of life?" The badger squeaks anxiously under the crouch, but Namfoodle ignores him and continues to look challengingly at Aurora. Her answer undoubtedly will affect the course of the adventure.

Namfoodle Glitterstone wizard level 2 Namfoodle bought 2 additional potions of healing. Just in case. Link to the character sheet.

[Togot]

Derek Draven Derek grimaced as he witnessed yet another display of Aurora’s casual cruelty. He had wondered if her violent tendencies had simply been limited to the mistakenly inconsequential world of their previous employer’s dream, but it appeared not. He felt a great deal of pity for the rodent as it writhed in pain. Despite being e necromancer, Derek disliked killing, especially when it was unnecessary. It also offended him on some level, for it was this kind of thoughtless display of magic that gave mages, and necromancers in particular, their bad reputation. It was exactly the kind of negative perception he hoped to change. That would be difficult if he continued to associate with Aurora, but he didn’t see many options. He wanted to stay involved with Mayuri to help her husband, and he couldn’t just tell Aurora not to go home. If she did something this horrible just to show off, what would she do to someone who she held a grudge against? Namfoodle’s reaction was understandable. Who wouldn’t respond negatively to such a display? “I assure you, I don’t condone Aurora’s actions,” he says to his new acquaintance before cautiously addressing Aurora herself. “It might be best to restrain any murderous impulses while within the city?”

Stat Block AC:12 HP:10/10 STR:7 DEX:14 CON:11 INT:16 WILL:14 CHA:16 Passive Perception:17 Spells Prepared/Spell Slots:1st 3/3, mage armor, charm person, false life, magic missile, sleep Character Sheet

[BarrowB]

Aurora the Cursed Bride When Namfoodle scolded Aurora for her actions, she just rolled her eyes and pretended to faint, while sitting back down on the chair. "I didn't kill a person. It was just a rodent... and a pest. It snuck into this tavern and was probably trying to break into the storeroom to steal food. I literary stopped a thief. It wasn't even that cruel. If someone else would notice it before me, that little creature would receive multiple stomps of adventuring boots to the face. Who knows? Maybe it would even get stuck in a mouse-trap and starve to death?" The bride gave a sort of an explanation. "Before you accuse me of something next time, just look at the bigger picture. I just stopped a criminal and offered it mercy." She shrugged, refusing to admit that she did something wrong. "I don't see smaller beings as 'unworthy of life'... at least, not all of them." Aurora began, as if it was obvious, but then paused and grimaced a bit. "I like to see all humanoid and intelligent beings as equal and worthy and deserving of life. However, I also see everything greater than humans, like fiends and celestials, as a threat that should be eradicated, as they sometimes abuse their powers." The bride refused to notice her hypocrisy. "And when it comes to things lesser than us, like animals... eh... I don't really care about them? They are just there. Sometimes they help and sometimes they get in the way." “It might be best to restrain any murderous impulses while within the city?” Derek said. "I wouldn't call them 'impulses', as all my actions always have an intent and purpose... but fine. If someone gets in our way, we will leave them alive... unless necessary." The bride explained, calmed down a bit and turned back to Namfoodle. "Listen... I promise to not kill any animal today... unless it attacks us. Is that good enough?" She offered. "We all have our views on the world but we have to somehow work. I am fine with trying to look for some middle-ground, as long as it's not too restrictive."

Actions Move: Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Conditions: Notes/Rolls: Rolls

Character Sheet

[Corwin]

Oguun Oguun watched without comment as the small creature expired in a heap of vegetation. Much of his training with Thrella had consisted of extinguishing and incinerating similar creatures in the alley behind her dwelling, or as she called it, "plinking poxy varmints". Namfoodle, however had objections. He silently queried TAFF in case the owl had any insight into how the event would be seen in the context of local custom. Its only response was Ooooh, pretty flowers. He shrugged. "Life is justified by service to the community. I was under the impression that rats are deleterious."

 

Rolls and Actions Rolls: none Action Summary Free Action: Move: Action: Split Move: Object Interaction: Reaction: Bonus Action: Concentration: Active Spells:

 

Stats Oguun character sheet Githzerai | Life Cleric of Zerthimon 1/Wizard 1 | Sage (Wizard's Apprentice) | Feats: none Githzerai Psionics | Mental Discipline | Disciple of Life HP: 14/14 | Armor Class: 16(18) | Hit Dice: 1/1 1d8, 1/1 1d6 Stats/Saves: Str 13/+1; Dex 5/-3; Con 12/+1; Int 16/+3; Wis 18/+4; Cha 10/0 Senses: Passive Perception 14, Passive Investigation 13 Move: 30' | Conditions: none Languages: Common, Gith, Deep Speech, Undercommon Tool Proficiencies: none Attack Bonuses: Melee +3 | Ranged -1 | Magic: Cleric +6/Wizard +5 Spell Save DC: Cleric 14/Wizard 13 Ranged weapon: javelin - +3 to hit, 1d6+1 piercing, range 30/120 Melee: mace - +3 to hit, 1d6+1 bludgeoning, range 5 Spells: Githzerai Psionic Cantrip: Mage Hand(invisible) Cleric Cantrips: 3 - Light, Resistance, Toll the Dead Cleric 1 Prepared Spells: 6 - Bane (1), Command (1), Guiding Bolt (1), Healing Word (1), Sanctuary (1), Shield of Faith (1) Cleric 1 Domain Spells: 2 - Bless (1), Cure Wounds (1) Wizard 1 Cantrips: 3 - Chill Touch, Create Bonfire, Shocking Grasp Wizard 1 Spellbook: 6 - Absorb Elements (1), Comprehend Languages (1), Detect Magic (1), Find Familiar (1), Magic Missile (1), Shield (1) Wizard 1 Prepared Spells: 4 - Absorb Elements (1), Comprehend Languages (1), Magic Missile (1), Shield (1) Spell Slots: lv 1 - 3/3

 

Familiar Owl - Tiny beast, unaligned AC 11 | HP 1 | Speed 5', fly 60' STR 3 (-4) DEX 13 (+1) CON 8 (-1) INT 2 (-4) WIS 12 (+1) CHA 7 (-2) Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +3 Senses: Darkvision 120', Passive Perception 13 Flyby: The owl doesn't provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy's reach. Keen Hearing and Sight: The owl has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight. Telepathic communication and senses within 100'. Can be dismissed to a pocket dimension and reappear within 30' of caster. Can deliver caster's touch spells within 100'.

[Mindsiege]

The Associate There was a bit of tension in the air as the adventurers rediscovered for themselves that meeting new people and working together wasn't always easy, even more so among those sorts of individualists who were either mad or brave enough to become a bonafide adventurer and ended up making this their lot in life. However, as agitated as this group became during such a slow morning, the tavernkeeper didn't seem to have witnessed Aurora's magical pest control, nor did he seem to take it as his personal business to get involved with the squabbles of the party that to his knowledge was about to head out. Thus the group of six people was able to solve their disagreements as best they could on their own terms before they eventually requested the tavernkeeper to set them on their way to meet Mayuri's middleman. "As much as I've gathered he's sort of an adventurer just like you lot. He said that he'll meet you in his own inn room. Might get a bit cramped, but maybe he wasn't sure how many of you to expect. Either way, it's upstairs on the right side, past the backrooms and the Fireplace, in the first hallway, and then the third door on the left. Room thirteen. Ought to be unlocked." The burly human never stopped cleaning his tankards, but now he set the one he had been working on down with a clank. "Good luck on your quest. Don't lose your heads out there, we need every pair of able hands around these parts. I'll expect to see you back soon. So don't go missing on me, ey?" Following the tavernkeeper's instructions, it was fairly easy to head to the On Your Shield's inn rooms and the room number thirteen wasn't difficult to find either. While the On Your Shield wasn't by far the only place to house adventurers in Westhaven, its prestigious placement certainly drew a good amount of the newcomers, and thus it had plenty of rooms to get folks situated. Room thirteen was evidently one of the smaller ones for those who lacked the coin or fame to get accosted with something more spacious, so the adventures knocking for entry on the door could already understand from outside of the room that it really wouldn't be the most comfortable meeting room. But still, they arrived as they had been instructed to, and upon asking for entry they were indeed welcomed inside. "Come in!" Dampened through the door it hadn't been immediately obvious, but once the party opened the door and walked themselves into the slightly cramped, little chamber, Aurora, Oguun, and Derek recognized the familiar face immediately as the sight of Rolen Galanodel greeted the adventurers from the edge of his bed, watching everybody come inside while he gently massaged his once upon hobbled leg. The high-elf wore similarly mundane but tailored clothes as when his former comrades had seen him last, but the arcane staff laying on the bed beside him revealed his nature as a wizard and his blue eyes smiled at the arriving adventurers warmly in recognition. "Derek! Oguun! Lady Aurora! How have you fared since last we've seen each other?" As the last person closed the door and their little outing was forced to stand shoulder by shoulder with the exception of a single chair next to an empty desk and the bed to sit on, the intimate atmosphere couldn't quite cover up that Rolen was slightly distracted as he kept rubbing and massaging his leg. With his pointed ears pierced by rings in a few places and his long, silvery hair tied back in a firm bun, Rolen was quite the handsome elf to look at, if but a tad too slim for his tall physique even considering his elven heritage. After listening to the six adventurers making their own introductions to him, the adventuring wizard waited for everybody to get situated as best they could in his room, and then he eventually moved on to business without further ado. "I can't say that I'm too surprised to see a few familiar faces, but for the rest of you, my name is Rolen. I've done the first of the legwork for Lady Mayuri's quest, but as you can see I'm not the most suited person to be wandering about a lot, and it was pretty clear that this was better left to a full adventuring party." He looked apologetically to those who knew him. "This time I will not be a larger part of the efforts, but I hope we'll get along even if I'm now in charge of your payment and more on the hiring side of the table than not." He threw a pensive, slightly questioning look over at Aurora. "I promise that my judgment will be felled quite neutrally." After a small pause and giving the adventurers a moment to get a word in edgewise, Rolen could see the expectant looks on everybody's faces, and thus he finally got to the gist of the matter. "Here is what I've learned and what you can use to start your venture. Lady Mayuri has become interested in this peculiar root after she had found the sample among the stock of a local herbalist at the market. It was a rather spontaneous buy as I've understood, but due to it's medicinal properties the Lady now wishes to find a way to produce, cultivate, and acquire more of it on her own strength." Rolen eyes drifted to his leg that he kept rubbing as he talked. He didn't look too uncomfortable, but it must have been a bad night. "I started my inquiry at the herbalist in hopes that he could easily solve this mystery for us, but I wasn't crowned with success. The herbalist was but a reseller in this matter, and the original supplier of the root had only dropped it off with him for some quick coin." Something like worry appeared on the elven mage's face, but he didn't look up. "It was a bit of an odd tale, if I'm being honest. The man who sold the herbalist the root called it by the name Wickerwood, and he claims to have acquired it rather close to Westhaven's walls, not more than a few days out as I've understood it third-hand. He wasn't out to find the root as part of his own venture, which as the herbalist told it ended quite unfortunately after his party was apparently decimated by a terrible monster that has its territory where this root supposedly grows." Rolen looked up to meet the adventurers' eyes. "That's as much detail as the herbalist could give me, but fortunately, he could determine for me that the man who sold him the root was one of the local mahouts. So you do have a trail to follow. The mahout in question is certain to be employed at Westhaven's elephant training camp. So you ought to be able to learn more about him, the habitat of the root, and what monster has cost him his sanity if you go there."

 

GM instructions There's not a lot to instruct as of yet, but here you are to meet Rolen, your middleman de jour. As far as you know he has all the specifications of your quest and although he didn't elaborate on it yet, he is also supposed to handle how much you'll be paid. For now, feel free to interact with him as you may. Rolls: Lady Luck   [IMG]-[/IMG] Initiative Character AC HP Hands Status Action Position Character AC HP PP PI Movement Conditions Resources Derek Draven 15/12 10/10 17 20 30' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 2/2 Oguun 18/16 14/14 14 13 30' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 2/2 Aurora Turpis 17 19/19 15 11 30' Inspiration Eerie Token 1/1; Hex Magic DS 1/1; Hex Magic Hex 1/1; Wild Shape 2/2; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 2/2 Punxl Tawney 15 24/24 11 8 30' - Healing Light 4/4; Spells II. 2/2; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 3/3 Baxan Arthic 18/16 27/27 12 10 30' - Breath Weapon 1/1; Lay on Hands 15/15; Divine Sense 4/4; Channel Divinity 1/1; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 3/3 Namfoodle Glitterstone 15/12 17/17 12 15 25' - Arcane Recovery 1/1; Spells I. 3/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Short rests 2/2; HD 2/2 Nephala 12 1/1 13 6 10' / 50' (fly) - - TAFF 11 1/1 18/13 6 5' / 60' (fly) - - Peter 10 3/3 16/11 6 20' / 5' (burrow) - - Phillip 15 2/2 13 12 10' / 40' (fly) - -

[Togot]

Derek Draven Derek’s eyes widen with surprise at the unexpected sight of Rolan. After a moment of uncertainty, the young necromancer smiles at the other wizard. “It’s good to see you again, though I must say I’m surprised. Have you been working for Mayuri long? Did you learn anything new about her husband’s condition? I realize that’s not why we’re here, but I’ve been trying to find a solution to that situation.” Derek listened to Rolen’s explanation of the task at hand. When he heard about the fate of the adventurers that collected the root, Derek felt a sense of dread. “I knew it couldn’t be as easy as traveling to the woods and picking a plant,” he said. “We have a destination; do we have a name?”

Stat Block AC:12 HP:10/10 STR:7 DEX:14 CON:11 INT:16 WILL:14 CHA:16 Passive Perception:17 Spells Prepared/Spell Slots:1st 3/3, mage armor, charm person, false life, magic missile, sleep Character Sheet

[secretID]

OOC Ugh - spend a while on this, but now I see that I didn't get it in in time. I'm posting it anyway, dang it! I'll try to edit more in soon to responsive to the recent stuff.

Punxl Tawney, Human Celestial Warlock Sheet | AC: 15 | HP: 24/24 | Status: Normal Healing Light 4/4d6 | Healer Feat | 2/2 Spells | Agonizing Blast | Misty Visions Phil and Punxl arrived a bit late – “Traffic,” Phil had explained – but the others had graciously waited for them before beginning arguing. Punxl observed silently, alternating between pleasant smiles and concerned frowns, the latter in response to harsh tones. The sprite standing on the table before her, however, clearly took a more active interest. Multiple times Phil raised a finger and opened his mouth to interject before he finally found his opportunity. “Hey,” he offered genially, “I think we have plenty of space to work in here. We don’t have to resolve these big questions, like the morals of rodents and the social utility of sadism. It sounds like we all agree for the time being not to kill animals, except in self-defense, just like I’m sure we all agree that celestials – who, after all, are the good guys – should be tolerated, maybe even appreciated or lauded if they’re helping out. Now, a fiend, like if maybe our employer…” Phil leans in conspiratorially. “If she turns out to be a problem that way…well, murder away – amiright?” “I like animals,” Punxl interjected decisively. Before Phil could pick up his thread again, she thought of something else. “And aren’t you – ” she began, turning toward Phil, but he interrupted. “Talking?” Phil said. “Yes I am! – thank you. Let’s get back on the original track,” he suggested. “I think you all heard my pitch yesterday. Punxl here has your energy blasts, your healing, and a nasty charm, and I, well, I know what I’m doing in the scouting department. Happy to help.”

 

Applicable Spell/skills/statuses: Concentration Hex
Abilities:
Resources: Healing Light 4/4d6, 2L Spells 2/2
Initiative 22
Movement: To W11
Free action:
Action: Ready Eldritch Blast on first conscious kobold
Bonus action:
Reaction:
Dice rolls:

Dice * Roll:

1d20+5kh1

(15)+5

Total = 20

(20) to hit,

Dice * Roll:

1d10+3

(10)+3

Total = 13

(13) damage

 

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PP: 11 | Speed: 30ft

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Stats: Str 12 (+1), Dex 16 (+3), Con 14 (+2), Int 6 (-2), Wis 12 (+3), Cha 16 (+5)

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Spell slots: Two second-level Warlock slots

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Combat Abilities:

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Invocations: Agonizing Blast, Devil's Sight

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Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Friends, Light, Sacred Flame

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Known Spells: Cure Wounds, Hex, Shatter, Suggestion

 

AC: 15 | HP: 2/2 | PERC +3 | Stealth +8 | Fly 40ft. | Invisible at will, concentration | Heart Sight (detect emotions and alignment by touch)

 

AC: 13 | HP: 10/10 | PERC +1 | Stealth +5 | Fly 40ft. | Devil's Sight 120ft. | Poison and fire immunity | Magic, weapon, and cold resistance | Invisible at will | Limited shape change

[Mindsiege]

Rolen After the adventurers had made their way inside the windowless little room, the air inside was quickly turning a bit stuffy. Rolen's initial smile twitched a little as he gave a brief scan of the assembled audience after Derek had burst out with his own greetings when he had recognized the face of his previous adventuring companion. "About that..." The elven wizard turned his eyes back to the young necromancer and gave a sincere expression. "As you know me, I'm not one to gossip or to put rumors into the world. But I suppose that after our previous quest, you have the right to know that Master Almavalesh finds himself in good health." Although he seemed intent to be cordial about this line of inquiry, Rolen couldn't hide that it was making him a bit uncomfortable. "As for my involvement in matters, I've been apprenticing beneath Master Almavalesh for the last two months, roughly. Helping Lady Mayuri with this matter is more of a favour to her. I am sure you would understand how an apprenticeship can be." Rolen smiled at Derek, before he looked down and kneaded his leg with a pained look on his face. After Rolen had summarized the fruits of his own information-gathering efforts to the party, he gave the other adventurers a few moments to pose their own clarifying questions, observing and listening to them with attentiveness in kind. When Derek inquired whether the mahout in question had a name, the high-elf minutely shook his head before he elaborated a little further. "No, the herbalist wasn't that familiar with the man. But I can tell you that it's a human, with brown hair and tanned. If you do make your way to the elephant trainers, there should only be a small intersection of people coming into question. I imagine you could ask around and will easily receive directions once you mention a mahout that had a recent run-in with the so-called 'Wickerbeast'." There was both concern and visible skepticism about Rolen's sharp features. "I've gathered that it's sort of a local boogeyman figure, if a bit obscure and only vaguely credible. The man who found the root was apparently raving about it quite a bit. The mahouts would have more insight to give I'm sure, which is why I didn't press any further. The herbalist was thinking me quite silly to pay it any heed already, though I'm sure you'd want to consider these stories a bit more than he did."

 

OOC @secretID: In this case, since I added this quick little update I think you'd be better served to make a second post for your responses to Rolen. @Togot: Feel free to post again after the next two people had a chance to give input.