[Game Thread] Noble Hubris

[Mindsiege]

Bad Neighbours There were quite a few among the adventurers who struggled at making quick connections with their new party members, an underestimated skill that was particularly valuable in their trade of adventuring where life and soundness could vanish at a single misstep in front of the incredible dangers that an unfortunate adventurer might encounter at the end of the day. Alas, there were just these faint, insurmountable barriers between a group of unfamiliar people, a crowd that didn't trust that they really wanted to know who the other was. Was it because the tragedy of death would weigh on their hearts if it would eventually find them in their deadly work or were their closed hearts the reason why they had become adventurers in the first place? That sort of difference didn't matter very much in the here and now though, and while Phil might have had a hard time catching a conversation with the most vocal person in Aurora as she quietly sang to herself, the fresh group of adventurers followed Westhaven's streets to the north until a mostly empty plaza marked the entrance into the renown elephant enclave. Here they would begin their quest. Here they would learn how to earn Mayuri's gold if everything went according to plan. While the traffic in the streets at their back was still bustling and the group was catching a few looks which all adventurers were wont to receive here and there, not even the keen eyes of Nephala could contradict that the elephant trainers were simply not making use of this particular plaza around this time of day, and not a single mahout appeared to be yet in sight. While most of the Westhaven citizens were familiar with the diversity of their town's adventurer ranks and only glanced at the menagerie of colorful personalities while passing by, Derek was the one who first noticed the elderly woman that had begun to very blatantly keep them in their sights. But although the young necromancer had been the one to observe her gaze first, her intent watch was slightly too much for comfort for him, and so it were only Baxan and Punxl who dislodged from the group to explore whether this particular senior citizen was possibly worth their time compared to any of the other commoners in the streets. In the meantime, first Phil and then Oguun moved ahead as they found a peculiar sign that gave cause for concern that maybe elephants weren't such welcoming animals after all. But at least they gave fair warning ahead of time. While Aurora, Derek, and Namfoodle followed to approach the sign as well, it gave all of them pause for concern whether there would be merit in subduing their most unruly party members, which in their eyes amounted to Phil's summoner Punxl, if those were their proper roles which would aptly describe the uneven pair. Further discussing their means of restraining the mentally disabled girl, the adventurers kept hearing just the faintest sounds of activities in the bushes and trees to the north, though no matter how much an enthusiastic Namfoodle strained his neck, it appeared that the elephants were still further in, and just as likely their tamers and keepers. Never having stepped into the plaza proper, Lt. Baxan Arthic and a curious Punxl following in his steps arrived by the open window as the elderly human already greeted them with an uptight expression that must have come from years upon years of practice. Unconcerned that she wasn't smiling back and with all of the politeness of a former man of rank, it fell to Baxan to offer her his kindest greeting in hopes that her attention for his group might present itself as a signal of her willingness to answer any questions that his party could have while they were looking for clues and directions in their current quest. However, his words were initially only met by the same, tight expression that the woman had been directing at him from afar already. Just when Baxan wondered for a moment whether the human woman might actually be old enough in terms of her species to have fallen deaf from age, she surprised him by reaching up into her ears, which she followed by pulling out a pair of waxen plugs that suggested that the woman had genuinely missed everything the dragonborn just had said to her. Possibly it made him wonder why she hadn't removed the plugs as soon as she had seen him walking over, but her face gave nothing away. Then she spoke. "Look at you, even more of you in the morning. You are not looking to make a disturbance too, are you?" There was a distinctly accusatory tone in the old woman's voice as she talked to Baxan through her window, yet going by her expression the dragonborn concluded that she wasn't exactly angry at him or Punxl, but rather that her current mood was cast in a general shade of displeasure. "I say, things have calmed down a bit since the last horde attack, but really? Carrying arms openly when in town? Tsk, tsk. Good sir, the town would not be where it is without keeping you adventurers happy, but I will say." The old woman didn't seem to see the need to explain her thought to the end, instead opting to continue her rant in a different direction. "Headed for the elephants, are you? Tsk, tsk. You might find yourself standing in line. Busy times this morning." The assessment alone seemed to displease her. "Now. Praise be to you adventurers and what risks you take for us common folk to prosper in the West Marches too, but I still remember the early days of our little commune. Now, this. I mean no offense to you, kind sir, but this town has become right cosmopolitan when I wasn't looking." Her tight expression remained. Over at the plaza, the remaining party members had apparently used their time to get themselves right on the cusp of getting into another argument, when suddenly a loud trumpeting sound erupted from further inside the enclave's forest, gracing the party with the majestic sounds that an elephant could produce to make itself heard from afar. A pair of human children began to break out in cheerful clapping, a boy and a girl who had previously begun staring at Oguun from the edge of the plaza in a game to guess his species. But now, the githzerai was momentarily forgotten as they had switched their attention to cheering for the unseen elephant, which still remained out of sight while Namfoodle had to content himself with a mere auditory impression of these beasts. But as much as the two urchins appeared to delight at the curiosities of either a gith or an elephant, the old woman at her window only frowned at the distant trumpeting sound as if it had been a personal insult, and then she looked back at Baxan as if he should understand her suffering. "Day in and day out, it is always a ruckus. You would not add to a ruckus, would you?" The question had been for Baxan, but then her gaze drifted over to Punxl where it remained for a moment before returning to the dragonborn. "If you will go anyways, please do me a favor and tell them goblinkind to keep the peace in town, you hear? Should never have let them kind in..." The old woman mumbled the last bit, though certainly not because she was shy to voice her opinion. Sitting in her chair which was positioned to have a constant vigil over the crossroads that her home was located next, the human eased her tight frown a little. "Yes, yes, but you will be mannerly, I can tell. Now, was there something I could help you with?"

 

GM instructions Baxan and Punxl are free to interact with their new acquaintance as they will. The rest of the party would have missed the first part of their conversation, but they may join them if they cross the road to walk over. If you want to proceed and enter the elephant enclave at this time, you may do so by following the designated dirt path, making your way through the foliage, or leaving the plaza either west or east down the road to find another entrance. Feel free to interact with any of the passersby, there are plenty around. The plaza however is as was stated deserted. For all party members who want to wait for Baxan's conversation to conclude instead of leaving him and Punxl behind, every character may spend some time investigating the plaza for its intended purpose. Only Derek or Aurora could attempt making a History check to the same effect, though this will not end up passing a lot of time. Alternatively, you could find a way to pass the time however you please. If you would like to clarify some details, I'm around in the OOC. 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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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. 2/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Goodberry (4); 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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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) - Goodberry (1)

[secretID]

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 While others engaged in more productive pursuits, Phil searched for a way out of the trouble he had brought upon himself. “What?” he began, as he righted himself after being flung. “I…” But he could see he was busted, so he switched tack and smiled sheepishly. “Alright – you got me.” He looked around at his coworkers. “But I wasn’t being greedy,” he explained. “I was just checking that we’re all on the same page here. Mission-wise. And I’m sure we are – I don’t know what I was thinking. Mea culpa, and all apologies.” “By the way,” Phil began, “I’m not f – ” The enfleshed spirit paused, remembering the druid’s even greater antipathy toward celestials. “I’m not, uh, fazed by anyone having outside interests, so long as we can work together.” He cleared his little throat and physically looked around for a new subject. “Derek,” he asked, “did your bird friend find anything interesting?” Phil glanced at Baxan and Punxl. “Maybe we should all just get started in, and Lieutenant Arthic can catch up?” ______________ At the side of that dragonborn, Punxl had found something intruguing in the old woman’s speech. “Goblins?” she asked. “The only ones I’ve seen, we killed. There are more here? Are we supposed to kill them too?”

 

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

[Noquarter19]

Lt. Baxan Arthic Credit to Caio Santos, https://www.artstation.com/artwork/wnLOw The realization that his words had figuratively fallen on deaf ears nearly drew a sigh of exasperation from the dragonborn's mouth, but the normally stoic former soldier managed to keep his emotions in check. A brief flutter of his thin smile was the only evidence of his mild discontent. "Thank you," he said first, because it was the only thing he could think of to start with after the disjointed and rambling harangue the old woman had introduced herself with. "My companions and I - sorry, I should introduce myself first. My name is Baxan Arthic. My companions and I are on something of an expedition, and we've been informed that a local mahout might be able to assist us. Unfortunately, we do not have the man's name, only a description." Baxan had not seen any elephants in the nearby vicinity, but imagined they could not be far. While the others busied themselves with inspecting the sign and searching for wayward pachyderms, Baxan resumed speaking to the woman after allowing a natural pause for any of the others to jump in and speak to her. He also tried to quickly gauge the reactions of those he was traveling with. I expected to be simply the quiet muscle, yet I once again find myself at the forefront, leading another campaign of curious individuals. I could not begin to imagine what they think of my presence. "I realize you must be busy, but I would be indebted to you if you could assist us. And I assure you, none of us have any intention of causing a ruckus." He then shared the very brief physical description of the mahout they had been told. "I understand it is rather vague, but unfortunately it is all we were told." Not knowing anything further about the plant, the mahout, or the circumstances which had led to the latter acquiring the former, Baxan decided to keep any further details of the job to himself   Actions Action: rp only - possible Persuasion check to speak with the old lady 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 Where were the elephants? Why did it all take so long? Why did the dragonborn have to chat with the old woman for so long? There were enough old women in Westhaven, the ex-lieutenant could chat with another old woman later. They hadn't come here to chat. She's probably telling him some story about her grandchildren or her late husband, and Baxan doesn't get a word in edgewise - or finds it even interesting. After all, he is from the guards, who are interested in everything and everyone and like to stick their noses into things that really don't concern them. Surely Baxan is the first real interlocutor in days and now he has to listen to everything. Maybe he also wants to listen to everything there. Stupid dragonborn! Baxan has been talking stupidly to me about Peter, but the old woman is allowed to talk his ear off while we stand around for hours waiting for him. Hours.... Hooooouuuurs... It's probably lunch time now... My legs must be half an inch shorter from waiting. Namfoodle impatiently kicks an innocent stone away. Clearing his throat, he tugs Derek by the pant leg and looks up at him. "Do you think it's going to be much longer?"

Namfoodle Glitterstone wizard level 2 Link to the character sheet.

[BarrowB]

Aurora the Cursed Bride “But I wasn’t being greedy,(...)” Once Phil finished his apology, Aurora smiled. "Creatures can feel greed for many things and money is the least harmful of them. Greed for power, greed for love, greed for... knowledge..." The bride explained her view but didn't mind dropping the subject. Waiting for Baxan was a bit boring, so Aurora began looking around for anything to pass time with. The plaza... so much unused space... maybe it was the place, where the performances took place? She History: 3...pondered... but no, nothing really was coming to mind. She then heard a majestic elephant sound... What else did she know about them... They were... panicking at the sight of rodents! "Damn it, Baxan was right, I could use a pet rat..." She murmured to herself with a bit of anger, remembering what the dragonborn said just an hour or two ago. "And I assure you, none of us have any intention of causing a ruckus." Just as Baxan was saying those words, a bit behind him Aurora was Survival: 7...clearly searching for something. Only she knew, that she was looking for some tracks of mice or rats to later scare the elephants with them.

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

Character Sheet

[Corwin]

Oguun Oguun raised his eyebrows as Aurora skipped along singing the fiend-poison-recipe song. Clearly she hadn't taken Rolen's warning to heart. Then again, he hadn't either, and in any case it was unlikely that they'd encounter a celestial who could be ethically harvested for ingredients. He took one of the transformed berries without complaint, as they'd been useful. "Thank you, Aurora." At their destination, several solutions were offered to the problem of restraining Punxl but Phil seemed amenable to none of them. Aside from noting that she should be prevented from being trampled, Oguun tabled the issue as one of many things that were not his immediate concern. Until a noise came through the trees, he stared back at two small bipeds who stared at him. He allowed himself a momentary feeling of accomplishment on identifying them as small humans rather than gnomes, halflings, goblins, or kobolds; he'd initially had difficulty distinguishing between thigh-high peoples. Human larvae were particularly difficult as they didn't frequent the Shield's taproom much, though they otherwise seemed to be free-range vermin rather than being properly indoctrinated in youth creches. Oguun wondered how they survived. The trumpeting returned his attention to their mission. Still wary of the trees although they showed no immediate danger, Oguun walked to the entrance of the unpaved path and Perception 5looked farther along. It was all very disorderly. TAFF's nonvoice echoed in his mind. I can, you know, help you, you know, I can, I can.

 

Rolls and Actions Rolls: Perception 5 (nat 1) Action Summary Free Action: chatter Move: to the entrance of the dirt path Action: fail to comprehend what he's seeing down the path (Perception 5) 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 Goodberries: 1

 

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'.

[Togot]

Derek Draven Derek shakes his head, disappointed by his lack of results. "I'm afraid not." he says to Phil "There's no sign of anyone in the plaza. They are likely further in the woods. I'll send Nephala ahead?" Derek's familiar followed the dirt path to scout ahead. Derek looked to the others going over to talk to the old lady, and decides to make his way over and at least listen to the conversation. Perhaps the old lady hadn't been as hostile as he had thought. ooc Dice nephala's perception: d20+3 (1)+3 Total = 4

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

[Mindsiege]

Elderly Gossip Just as the little group on the plaza realized that they were still a few ways away before they'd be involved with the enclave's day-to-day business, the adventurers more or less settled that Punxl wouldn't be put under restrained once they headed in, or at least not too much. Thinking on the unoccupied plaza's purpose, Aurora's best bet was that it served as some kind of hub for performances. But if so, why had she never seen any posters of these shows in her time in Westhaven? And neither had any of her associates during the last few months mentioned to her all too much about the elephant enclave. So maybe this place really was just as unwelcoming as the sign on the collumn had suggested, or maybe nobody had explained to these westward colonizers how entertaining those circuses had been which Aurora could remember from her past. With Namfoodle stuck in place with no forward or back despite his inner restlessness, it was only Derek who sent his raven familiar deeper into the forest. And even though Oguun's owl begged its master to let her in on some action too, for now the gith stoically demonstrated the virtues that he had been taught on his plane of origin. He certainly knew how to be patient, and through idling he would present his companions with what time they needed to conclude their business with the old woman. Surely that couldn't take indefinitely, even though it appeared from afar as if they were slowly getting friendly with each other. Quite bored with simply waiting himself, Derek stole himself away from his party memebers on the plaza as he knew that he could leave the task of finding the mahout to Nephala for the moment. At about the same time, Aurora hadn't yet quite given up on searching herself, though for the moment her target had switched to acquiring rodents. If memory served correctly, acquiring a temporary pet would offer her with the prospect to put some fun into her so far rather tedious day. Oguun and Namfoodle could watch the cursed bride slowly meander to the edge of the woods, and while Aurora couldn't see any traces of any burrows immediately, her connection to the forces of nature couldn't help but leave her with the impression that this was exactly the kind of place which rodents would make their home in. It would only be a matter of time, and looking back across the street, it didn't look like Baxan was in too much of any hurry to catch up with her right then. Still a few moments before Derek had managed to leave the plaza behind to join the conversation by the window, the old woman had finally gotten through her opening harangue, giving the silver dragonborn an opportunity to introduce himself while Punxl was slowly processing the things that the woman had shared. Upon Baxan delivering a polite introduction for himself and his little outing, the woman's expression became a little milder and she listened to the towering paladin explain the gist of his purpose in this part of town. "I see, I see. The questing business, yes, yes. My name, you see, is Joellen Willowright, Sir Arthic. You are not the only adventurers trying to build up favorable relationships with the mahouts, that you are not." Given a small opportunity by Baxan to explore her own curiosities, Punxl stumbled over the existence of goblins inside instead of on the outside of Westhaven's impressive walls, and so she quickly asked Joellen if these were supposed to be eliminated just like those which she had fought in the past. The old woman gave a frown, though only a mild one, and she slowly shook her head no as she leaned forward to get a better look at the girl through her window. "Oh no. No, no, not in Westhaven's walls you aren't. These days, they let anybody in as long as they come with a ship from the east and title themselves adventurers. Then they offer them free board and room too. No, no, these goblins are citizens just as well as the rest of us. At least that's what they'd say to you, the Scarlet Legion." Again Joellen shook her head, this time in disappointment. Not wishing for Joellen to stray into another harangue about Westhaven becoming too cosmopolitan, Baxan noticed how Derek joined him and Punxl by the window, before the dragonborn paladin steered the conversation back to matters relevant to their quest as he asked the old woman for her assistance. Sitting by her window in her comfortably cushioned chair, a closed book on her lap and a dozing kitten at her feet, Joellen looked like a prime example for someone that was anything but busy. And still, given Baxan's choice of words the elderly human accepted his request for aid with a serene bobbing of her head, and she seemed pleased that the paladin at least would not bring any ruckus into her neighbourhood. Her expression still had a bit of strictness to it but her tone was slightly softer. "Ah yes, of course you wouldn't, Sir Arthic. You are of the orderly sort. An old woman like me can tell right away." Leaning a bit forward to inspect Derek for a moment as if she was assessing whether the same could be said about the young necromancer, Joellen seemed to have ordered her thoughts before she looked back up at Baxan and helped him as best she could. "As you can see, my old legs are not the same as they once were. They are good for a stroll to the market and maybe the church on odd days, but I fear my scurrying days are way behind me." It seemed like Joellen didn't miss those days very much. Sitting by the window while wearing her ear plugs appeared to suit her quite well. "A tightly knit group those mahouts are, that I can tell you. There's certainly a few men that would fit with that description, but they do have some standards I hear. One or another, I am sure the first one you find can help you in your adventuring work." Joellen seemed to have slightly missed the point that Baxan and his group weren't actually there to conduct what would count as common business with the elephant enclave, but now that she had been joined by a few interlocutors willing to listen to her, the old woman kept chatting away almost blithely. "I can't say that they are the best of neighbours, with all the noise and all the fuss whenever their animals come through, but I wouldn't want to complain." She said while complaining. "They don't like to be bothered much, but not to worry. They won't turn you away, adventurers like yourself are good business for them." Joellen sagely nodded while her gaze drifted to her ceiling. "One way or another, they are only profitable because of your kind. Nowadays there's not as much funding from the Legion as there once was." She looked back at Baxan. "Must be due to their leader being quite the rude one. Pretty young thing that she is, but always a frown on her face. Tsk, tsk." Joellen leaned forward and peered past the adventurers to look at those who were still waiting on the plaza. "Your friends will not make a ruckus either, will they? Not with a mannerly dragonlike as yourself as their leader, I am sure they wouldn't." It seemed like that was meant as a compliment.

 

GM instructions Not too many instructions on my end. It's very clear that Joellen has nothing better to do than to keep you by her window for a few hours at least. Since she has drawn attention to your waiting companions, you can use that to end the conversation there, ask a few more questions, or do both. Derek has sent Nephala scouting. She won't be back for a while. Feel free to clarify for me what's the scope for her task, because if the mahout isn't here right now and she's supposed to search the whole city, then she might not be back for days. Derek's telepathy to communicate with her only reaches out for 100 feet. Aurora hasn't exactly found traces of rodents, but given her current environment, finding them eventually is a trivial task. With enough time expenditure she is guranteed to succeed given Aurora's skillset. That said, she doesn't know how long it will take her and she'd need to exit the plaza and head into the forest off-road. 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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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. 2/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Goodberry (4); 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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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) - Goodberry (1)

[LeDragon]

Namfoodle Glitterstone Boring! Boooooooring! Booooooooooooooooooooooring! Namfoodle sighed deeply and impatiently started bobbing from one foot to the other. The others were really taking their time and now Derek was running away too. Namfoodle sighed again, in the vague hope that fate would take this hint and let the others return. But nothing of the sort happened. Instead, the old woman now seemed to be harping on the dragonborn even more. So Namfoodle sighed again, followed by a demonstrative shrug of the shoulders. How could fate be so ignorant towards him...? Boboboboboboooooooooooooooooooooooring!

Namfoodle Glitterstone wizard level 2 Link to the character sheet.

[secretID]

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 No one had responded to Phil’s suggestion, but it seemed that Namfoodle at least was game. Phil clapped his hands together and rubbed them in enthusiasm. “Al-right!” he said. “Let’s get going.” Punxl, who had become rather lost in Joellen’s folksy phrasing, suddenly turned around toward Phil, though she was not in earshot. Responding to a silent summons, she padded over to Phil near the sign. He took a spot on her shoulder. Punxl turned toward Baxan. “We’re going this way,” she called out to him, though it was not yet clear whom “we” included. “See you later!”

 

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

[Corwin]

Oguun Thrella had considered the benefits of a familiar obvious and well-known, so much so that she hadn't offered more detailed instruction. Those benefits were yet to become apparent to Oguun. Can you. How, precisely? The sharpest of eyes, the keenest of ears, the most faithful of scouts! A constant companion in travel, a brave ally in battle, that is an owl to a T! Oguun noted that 'the most capable of brains' was not in TAFF's list. Can you find a wicker root? Oh goodness no. Not a clue where they live, no idea, never heard of such a thing. Oguun grunted in response. TAFF's utility still was still uncertain at best. Watch, then, for anything that might intend to trample Punxl, or any of us. He joined Phil and headed down the path.

 

Rolls and Actions Rolls: TAFF - Perception 16 Action Summary Free Action: chatter Move: to the dirt path along with Punxl and Phil Action: TAFF - Perception 16 looking for danger Object Interaction: Reaction: Bonus Action: Concentration: Active Spells:

[Noquarter19]

Lt. Baxan Arthic Credit to Caio Santos, https://www.artstation.com/artwork/wnLOw This is going nowhere, this old bat doesn't know a damn thing about the mahouts or anything else! Baxan's thoughts were ice cold but his face was like a warm, sunny day. "Well, on behalf of myself and my companions, I thank you for your kindness in speaking with me today. Have a pleasant afternoon, madam." The silver dragonborn smiled and gave a polite half wave as he turned and began to follow the others. As soon as he was out of the old woman's sight the smile fell away like a curtain. Useless, he groused as he marched off to follow the others.   Actions Action: rp only 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

[BarrowB]

Aurora the Cursed Bride Aurora really wanted to quickly catch something... but she noticed that the others were already proceeding. While her skillset wasn't necessarily needed at the moment... she didn't want to split away from the group. The cursed bride took just a moment to take out a bit of food, crouch down and wait for any rodents... but it appeared to be Survival 8quite fruitless. She quickly lost her patience, threw the food away and chased to catch up with the others.

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

Character Sheet

[Togot]

Derek Draven Nephala did a quick scan of the area and returned without finding anything. it seemed that finding this man was going to be more of a hassle than Derek had expected. no sooner had he joined the others talking to the woman than they left her. Unsure what they had learned, Derek followed their lead.

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

[Mindsiege]

Behind the Thicket While Namfoodle at least seemed to regret that his chosen method of spending the time had been loitering, the gnome had gotten stuck on the impression that his comrades expected him to wait for them idly. And so Namfoodle suffered in silence, at least until Phil finally decided that the celestial's own lack of patience and adventurous spirit encouraged him to head into the enclave grounds proper. Oguun and Punxl responded quickly to the tiny sprite's call to proceed, and both Aurora and Baxan concluded their business, both of them feeling a sliver of dissatisfaction that their individual purposes hadn't quite been achieved. Joellen in turn gracefully accepted the dragonborn's sudden farewells after he had decided she had nothing to offer his group, and while the pout on the old woman's face spoke volumes of her disappointment, she did not seem to hold it against the adventurers that they only had so much time for her when they were still on their questing business. "You as well, Sir Arthic. And do be mindful to keep the peace, you hear? The elephants are already noisy enough in their own right, and any of us pleasant folk need no further hubbub to disturb such a sunny late morning." Although Joellen seemed to like playing up her suffering at the enclave being her near-immediate neighbor, once the adventuring party moved down the slope and began following the dirt path that led them further into the surrounding forest, they were posed to wonder how much of a nuisance the elephant training camp could actually be to the old woman, especially considering how far removed their activities appeared to be from the bustle of Westhaven's streets. Joellen's earplugs at least seemed a tad excessive. Just like they had noticed before, although the thicket and underbrush which surrounded the plaza had been quite sparse, now that they were heading into the enclave the density of vegetation seemed to increase for a bit as it served to isolate where the animals were kept from the direct views of the town. The party passed the first few huts that were closest to the plaza and which seemed quite abandoned right then, and as they followed the path that was big enough for the elephants instead of venturing off onto one of the many off-shoot tracks, they realized that while the thicket served as a bit of a screen against sights, the forest and surrounding terrain was still in a manner inhabited by men and that the forest wasn't so dense that allowing their flying familiars to take to the sky would have prevented them from mapping out the area. While the group of adventurers still felt a little unfamiliar in this slightly less civil part of town and the summoners in particular felt reluctant to separate from their familiars all too much, the party had now headed in well enough that the signs of activity kept becoming more apparent, even to the untrained eye. Just in passing Aurora and Derek noticed multiple traces that suggested that some rather large animals had been led down this path in the past, as well as that the huts, an offside well, a few lines of drying clothes, and such suggested that at least some of the workers connected to the animals and the mahouts were living in the enclave directly. It was clear to the party that this still wasn't where the elephants were kept and that the campgrounds had to be fairly spaced out in their entirety, yet although the border area of the enclave hadn't greeted them with any population so far, it only took them two or three minutes of walking until the path opened into a bit of a larger clearing and here they found more huts, more smaller paths into the forest, and most importantly a few sentient looking humanoids that occupied the area. Without all of the thicket blocking their view, the adventurers saw a few people carrying tools, foods, or other goods, and while there weren't many and things didn't seem too hectic, the party's arrival didn't draw too much immediate attention. There was a small group that seemed to be committed to some sort of woodwork in front of something that looked like a storage, and while the party tried to guess what the planks that they were working on could be intended for, the group was suddenly encroached upon as they heard steps and a male human roughly fitting the mahout's description approached them from one of the off-shoot paths behind them, carrying something that looked like a large blanket and a corded ladder with wickerwork for its steps. He didn't seem too surprised to meet the adventurers, but he gave them a suspicious glance and despite seeming busy stopped for a moment to address their presence. "Hail, adventurers. What's your business?"

 

GM instructions All right, you've left the streets of Westhaven behind and are now becoming actual visitors of the elephant enclave. Your party doesn't really have any directions where to go first, but you've now come upon people that could possibly help you to orient yourselves. The clearing is a bit more open than my chosen image for the scene suggests, but not by too much. As for the man who approached you, I'll just spoil the surprise and let you know that he's not the mahout you're looking for. He's just a simple worker, and while it appears like he approached your party first, that was pretty much a coincidence and he's supposed to be places instead of getting stuck talking to you. I've not fully gathered your current strategy for progressing your quest, but consider that you can advance with the enclave workers by approaching them with questions and any corresponding social skill checks. Nobody here appears hostile to you, but you're guests and you might be a bother to them depending on your approach. To speed things up it would probably help if you made your skills checks together with your post, even if what you're asking for might not require beating any DC. Just as a reminder, I will determine the results of any checks you make based on what your character is actually doing and the context of the scenario, including who you're dealing with and what's in your environment. Unlike with my previous adventure in the dreamscape, the dice won't bring anything into existence that isn't available. Also, some interactions might not require a dice roll or might be less difficult than you checking out the Wickerwood root for exampleexpected them to be. I won't always narrate everything that's possible, but when in doubt feel free to check with me OOC. Hopefully I was able to get the current scenario across, so now I'll be wishing you good luck with exploring your options. Feel free to catch each other up in character about any plans or strategy that your character is pursuing, or any considerations that you have for choosing your approach. I'm not planning to keep you guessing or wandering around for too long, but for now your characters are challenged to clear any gaps in their knowledge and to gather what intelligence they believe will allow them to succeed in Mayuri's quest. On to successful adventuring! 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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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. 2/3; Healer Feat 1/1; Goodberry (4); 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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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; Goodberry (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) - Goodberry (1)