[Game Thread] A Silence at Midnight

[psuedenim]

Girgadan Whilst not here to do any direct questioning it doesn't mean he cant pick up any slips from the rest. He listens to the stewards words, words well practised would be Girgadans guess - reasonable, persuasive - especially to the younger members where patience is harder to find. Setting up a bow and arrow he takes aim and lets an arrow loose. It flies as true as he expects and lands well short of the target, skittering across the floor. He tries twice more and whilst he gets a little closer he still has not hit the target "Seems I need some practice and tuition with this. What you make look easy is not the case, and pure strength is not enough" He steps to the side "Who would like to go next and maybe explain the technique?" Whilst they decide on who will demonstrate the Half-Orc goes on "I guess its been a while since you've been south. Its not as unified or as capable as it appears. Come more arrows, I think I rely on Javelins too much and learning your bow will be fun"

Actions Initiative: Movement: Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Notes:

 

Stat Block Girgadan | Half Orc Barbarian | Level 1 HP: 15/15| HD: 1/1d12 | AC: 14 | Prof Bonus: +2 | PP: 13 | INI: +1 | Speed: 30ft Attributes & Saves: Str 19 (+4), Dex 12 (+1), Con 16 (+3), Int 13 (+1), Wis 13 (+1), Cha 11 (+0) Skill proficiency: Athletics (+6), Intimidation (+2), Nature (+3), Perception (+3), Survival (+3) Other proficiency: Common, OrcishLanguages | Light, Medium, ShieldsArmor Proficiency | Simple weapons, martial weaponsWeapon Proficiency | Card game, Land Vehicles, Military RankBackground Proficiency Racial abilities: Darkvision (60') | You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.Menacing | When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.Relentless Endurance | When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon’s damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.Savage Attacks Class abilities: Twice per Long rest and not wearing Heavy armour. Adv on Str checks and saves. +2 melee damage. Resistance Bludgeoning/Piercing/slashing dmg. Lasts 1 min (ends if unconscious or turn ends without attacking or taking damage). Can end as bonus actionRage (2/2) | While you are not wearing any armor, your Armor Class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.Unarmored Defense Background: Infantry. War has been your life for as long as you care to remember. You trained as a youth, studied the use of weapons and armor, learned basic survival techniques, including how to stay alive on the battlefield. You might have been part of a standing national army or a mercenary company, or perhaps a member of a local militia who rose to prominence during a recent war.Soldier Weapons: Attack bonus (+6), Slashing damage (1d8+4)BattleAxe | Attack bonus (+3), Piercing damage (1d6+4), thrown (range 30/120)Javelin Equipment: Stabilise 0HP with no rollHealing Kit (10)

[Corwin]

A Silence at Midnight Atop the Wall Mott appears excited at the prospect of teaching bowcraft. While he goes on enthusiastically about the proper bend of the elbow and the proper grip on bow and arrow, Ithrak and Crotho fall quietly into what sounds like a new chapter in and old and long-running debate. "I don't see us being here forever either, Crotho, but you have to give it time. Abbot Aerlin..." "Aerlin was a dreamer. They'll never..." The two move a little farther away and fall into inaudible whispers. Mott looks at them both out of the corner of his eye, a distinctly uncomfortable expression on his face almost like a child listening to his parents argue, then turns back to the target. "You see, your bow hand puts the arrow tip high of center, so you have to ride the butt of the arrow up a little on the string and tilt it down a hair to even out or it'll go high." By the time he's loosed a few shots, Crotho has turned his back on Ithrak and stalked away and down the staircase. The goblin nun returns to the practice range looking sullen and takes a few shots, seemly taking her frustrations out on the target. In the Kitchen "We heard that the rats travel with 'the wild folk,' you call 'em?" Quroth barks out a short laugh. "Goblins some, but a lot more with the gnolls. Won't catch any orcs leaving food lying around for the rats." "Do you have to deal with these gnolls much? They aren't known to be agreeable. I'm a little surprised it isn't open war with them." Sister Nedri looks more nervous than ever, but Demmyrin cuts in before she can reply. "Used to be, used to be. Twenty, thirty years back, you'd never see a gnoll coming around to trade. Never saw them at all unless they were rushing the wall. Wouldn't call it open war though, more like raids. There's a lot of little packs that don't get along, never could get organized enough for a real war. Old Krrrg's pack was the first to trade, I think, they nearly got wiped out for it but others started coming around after. Grivin's are the meanest of the lot now and even they come sometimes. Nothing funnier than hearing gnolls yapping at each other about who's a real gnoll and who's a lapdog." Quroth snorts. "Watching gnolls trying to climb the wall was pretty funny. Easy targets. Least us orcs were smart enough to make ladders. Good old days."

[JaDeX105]

Rhaegalt Taking note of the other Half-Elf's facial expressions, Rhaegalt continues trying to guide the conversation. "I wasn't aware there was so much 'politics' to the Gnoll lifestyle. How do you tell one pack from another?" The Paladin crosses his legs and leans back against the wall. Nodding towards Nedri, he says, "I think we saw it in the logbook that you dealt with some yesterday, cuz. Do you recall which pack they were from?" Trying not to stare, but looking for any subtle changes in her expression, Rhaegalt Insight check of 14watches for her reaction.   Initiative: Movement: Action: Insight check of 14 Bonus Action: Reaction: Free Interaction:   Rhaegalt Character Sheet

[psuedenim]

Girgadan Seeing as the archery party had come to an end Girgadan needed to keep track of Crotho so he made his leave. "Seems I dont have the knack for the bow but thanks for the lesson" and after returning the bow and starting to head for the stairs "I might get some food now but perhaps we can talk more later" and gives them a little nod before trying his best to walk in a casual but hurried fashion Who would notice an Orc talking longer strides than usual As he gets to the stairs he hurries up a lot more and keeps his eyes and ears open for Crotho.

Actions Initiative: Movement: After Crotho Action: Will be persistent in keeping him company if spotted Bonus Action: Reaction: Notes:

 

Stat Block Girgadan | Half Orc Barbarian | Level 1 HP: 15/15| HD: 1/1d12 | AC: 14 | Prof Bonus: +2 | PP: 13 | INI: +1 | Speed: 30ft Attributes & Saves: Str 19 (+4), Dex 12 (+1), Con 16 (+3), Int 13 (+1), Wis 13 (+1), Cha 11 (+0) Skill proficiency: Athletics (+6), Intimidation (+2), Nature (+3), Perception (+3), Survival (+3) Other proficiency: Common, OrcishLanguages | Light, Medium, ShieldsArmor Proficiency | Simple weapons, martial weaponsWeapon Proficiency | Card game, Land Vehicles, Military RankBackground Proficiency Racial abilities: Darkvision (60') | You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.Menacing | When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.Relentless Endurance | When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon’s damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.Savage Attacks Class abilities: Twice per Long rest and not wearing Heavy armour. Adv on Str checks and saves. +2 melee damage. Resistance Bludgeoning/Piercing/slashing dmg. Lasts 1 min (ends if unconscious or turn ends without attacking or taking damage). Can end as bonus actionRage (2/2) | While you are not wearing any armor, your Armor Class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.Unarmored Defense Background: Infantry. War has been your life for as long as you care to remember. You trained as a youth, studied the use of weapons and armor, learned basic survival techniques, including how to stay alive on the battlefield. You might have been part of a standing national army or a mercenary company, or perhaps a member of a local militia who rose to prominence during a recent war.Soldier Weapons: Attack bonus (+6), Slashing damage (1d8+4)BattleAxe | Attack bonus (+3), Piercing damage (1d6+4), thrown (range 30/120)Javelin Equipment: Stabilise 0HP with no rollHealing Kit (10)

[Corwin]

A Silence at Midnight Down from the Wall Crotho heads down the staircase and Girgadan quick-walks after him as nonchalantly as he can manage. "Seems I dont have the knack for the bow but thanks for the lesson. I might get some food now but perhaps we can talk more later." Ithrak scurries after him, having to jog to keep pace. She looks up at the orc warrior with mix of hope and dread in her eyes, following him down the spiral steps and whispering. "Here, you came with Olin? He's alright for an oldster, he's for staying. Me too. Different reasons though. You saw the town, right? Goblins, elves, humans, orcs, mostly getting along. Lots of half-this half-that kids now. Wasn't like that in the old days. Used to be bitter. Used to be human and elves south and in the Abbey, wildfolk north, hating each others guts. Aerlin changed that." She peeks out of the third floor doorway and waves for Girgadan to look. Crotho is farther down the corridor toward the east end and in no apparent hurry, sometimes pausing as if lost in thought. "Little by little. He started opening the gates for trade. Started taking in orphans and injured, like me and Kthrak, we would have froze in a hard winter if it weren't for him. Started giving alms north in hard times just like south, some of the oldsters didn't like that, some still don't. But some who came to trade ended up staying. Plenty of folk with family on both sides now. Even a few gnolls are getting used to a roof over their heads and cooked food. Some want to go. There's some still hot for a fight. Me, I think if we maintain long enough, we'll stop closing the gates someday." She peeks out again. Girgadan sees Crotho knocking on the door to Barretti's quarters. In the Kitchen "I wasn't aware there was so much 'politics' to the Gnoll lifestyle. How do you tell one pack from another?" Sister Demmyrin belts out a hooting laugh. "War paint when they're riled up. Some packs have tats. Sometimes they just scream KRRRRRRG or GRRRIVIN or SKRRRANICH or whatever when they're charging at you. That's finding out the hard way, of course." Rhaegalt decides that it's time to put on some pressure, his body language implying that Sister Nedri knows something he wants to hear. "I think we saw it in the logbook that you dealt with some yesterday, cuz. Do you recall which pack they were from?" Demmyrin watches both the novice and the paladin with a quizzical look. Quroth's expression is almost that of a schoolchild amused at seeing a friend get in trouble with a teacher. Olin keeps a poker face but pays close attention. Sister Nedri looks down at her sandals before looking back at Rhaegalt. "I...four gnolls came to the gate yesterday morning while I was on duty with Steward Crotho. Grivin's pack, I think? Almoner Ektrae came down at the same time, she called me away to help her pack food to take to town while the Steward was passing them through. They were already through the wall by the time we were done." The half-elf novice turns to Demmyrin, clearly distressed. The Cellarer scratches her chin. "You ought not have left your post, Nedri. Not your fault though. Ektrae shouldn't have ordered you off and Crotho should have overruled her." Olin's eyes are darting back and forth from the Cellarer to Nedri to Quroth.

OODM Rhaegalt gets no impression that Nedri is attempting to deceive, but he can tell that she'd rather not have been asked and is worried about what the other monks and nuns will think of her answer. I'd be putting in more pics for atmosphere, but it turns out that searching on 'goblin nun' images requires a LOT of brain bleach to forget. Like buckets.

[secretID]

Bill “the Orog,” Custom Lineage Fighter Sheet|AC: 17|HP: 13/13|+6/2d6+4|Status: Normal Heavy Armor Master | Interception Style | Second Wind 1/1|1/1 HD Bill frowns in concern at Nedri's report, though in fact it was good news that the investigation was getting somewhere. "Thanks," he says to the sister. "That's a big help." Then he turns to Rhaegalt. "Next stop?" he suggests, but without waiting for confirmation then turns and heads off to meet up with Girgaden and confront Steward Crotho.

 

Relevant skills and statuses: Heavy Armor Master
Initiative: 10
Movement: None
Action: Ready maul attack if the gnoll doesn't surrender - 14 to hit for 7 dmg
Bonus Action:
Free Action:
Rolls: Lady Luck

 

Armor Class 17 Hit Points 13 Speed 30
Str 18 (+4) Dex 8 (-1) Con 16 (+3) Int 14 (+2) Wis 6 (-2) Cha 9 (-1)
Saving throws STR +6, CON +5
Skills Arcana +4, Athletics +6, History +4, Investigation +4, Nature +4
Senses passive Perception 8 Languages Common, Giant, Goblin, Orc
Abilities -3 to incoming non-magical slash/bludg/pierce damageHeavy Armor Master feat, [TT="Interception fighting style"]reaction, subtract 1d10+2 from damage to adjacent figure, requires weapon or shield, [TT="Second Wind"]action, +1d10+1 hp, once/short rest
WEAPON Great axe or maul +6, 2d6+4; pike +6, 1d10+4, reach; javelins +6, 1d6+4

 

When in light, Bill carries a javelin in one hand, which he drops to draw a melee weapon. In darkness, he carries a javelin in one hand, and torch in the other, and his lantern around his neck.

[JaDeX105]

Rhaegalt Rhaeglt glances back at the Orog and gives a quick nod as Bill dismisses himself. Turning back to sister Nedri, the Paladin reaches out a gentle hand to touch her shoulder and says, "Thank you for your honesty, it was not my intent for you to get in any trouble. Cellarer Demmyrin knows you're not the blame. One final inquiry from me and then I will leave you be: was this a "normal" course of action for Almoner Ektrae, or did it seem... intentional that she pulled you away as the Gnolls were approaching?" Rhaegalt waited for the other Half-Elf's reply before excusing himself to follow after Bill. In the hallway, Rhaegalt adopts a quickened step to keep the group together. Trying not to lose Olin, he asks the monk, "I believe Nedri was truthful in her answers, the embarrassment was clear on her face; but what do you think of the other two's reactions? And do you feel Ektrae will also need a visit?"   Initiative: Movement: Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Free Interaction:   Rhaegalt Character Sheet

[psuedenim]

Girgadan The Half-Orc looks intently at Ithrak, the honesty at this juncture coming as quite a surprise. He puts his hand on her shoulder "Thank you for that - it is good that work you do" and checking to ensure he has Crotho still in sight he peeks down the corridor. "I'm a half myself and still figuring out the better half but most times they look better some of whole ones. You know what I mean" He's just about to stride off after Crotho his fist clenched tightly when he sees Bill and Rhaegelt coming up the stairs. "Well sister we have another set of greater thans. Ain't none of us happy with how your Abbott went but we intend to set it right" and I hope its my favourite way and he cracks his knuckles in anticipation. He points towards where Crotho went and strides off after him.

Actions Initiative: Movement: After Crotho Action: Will be persistent in keeping him company if spotted Bonus Action: Reaction: Notes:

 

Stat Block Girgadan | Half Orc Barbarian | Level 1 HP: 15/15| HD: 1/1d12 | AC: 14 | Prof Bonus: +2 | PP: 13 | INI: +1 | Speed: 30ft Attributes & Saves: Str 19 (+4), Dex 12 (+1), Con 16 (+3), Int 13 (+1), Wis 13 (+1), Cha 11 (+0) Skill proficiency: Athletics (+6), Intimidation (+2), Nature (+3), Perception (+3), Survival (+3) Other proficiency: Common, OrcishLanguages | Light, Medium, ShieldsArmor Proficiency | Simple weapons, martial weaponsWeapon Proficiency | Card game, Land Vehicles, Military RankBackground Proficiency Racial abilities: Darkvision (60') | You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.Menacing | When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.Relentless Endurance | When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon’s damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.Savage Attacks Class abilities: Twice per Long rest and not wearing Heavy armour. Adv on Str checks and saves. +2 melee damage. Resistance Bludgeoning/Piercing/slashing dmg. Lasts 1 min (ends if unconscious or turn ends without attacking or taking damage). Can end as bonus actionRage (2/2) | While you are not wearing any armor, your Armor Class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.Unarmored Defense Background: Infantry. War has been your life for as long as you care to remember. You trained as a youth, studied the use of weapons and armor, learned basic survival techniques, including how to stay alive on the battlefield. You might have been part of a standing national army or a mercenary company, or perhaps a member of a local militia who rose to prominence during a recent war.Soldier Weapons: Attack bonus (+6), Slashing damage (1d8+4)BattleAxe | Attack bonus (+3), Piercing damage (1d6+4), thrown (range 30/120)Javelin Equipment: Stabilise 0HP with no rollHealing Kit (10)

[Corwin]

A Silence at Midnight Up From the Kitchen Bill was the first out of the kitchen after Sister Nedri answered, lighting out for the stairs as soon as she'd finished with Deamiss right behind him. Rhaegalt stayed for one more question before following. "Thank you for your honesty, it was not my intent for you to get in any trouble. Cellarer Demmyrin knows you're not the blame. One final inquiry from me and then I will leave you be: was this a "normal" course of action for Almoner Ektrae, or did it seem... intentional that she pulled you away as the Gnolls were approaching?" Olin makes no attempt to hide his personal interest as the one the gnolls tried to kill. Demmyrin is clearly listening but turns to her cauldron of stew, and Quroth returns to mashing turnips without any sign of a second thought. "Intentional, like she meant to be there when the gnolls came to the gate? I don't know, she was there at the same time but didn't talk to them at all. We went to the store rooms while Steward Crotho was raising the gate." Rhaegalt takes his leave, following Bill but slowing just a step to talk to Olin. "I believe Nedri was truthful in her answers, the embarrassment was clear on her face; but what do you think of the other two's reactions? And do you feel Ektrae will also need a visit?" Olin gives an indefinite shake of his head to the first query, looking more concerned by the second. "Sister Demmyrin and Brother Quroth both like a good fight, but I've never known them to stray from duty. I'd imagine the Cellarer is more offended by the possibility that food she cooked was tampered with than anything else. She's right though, it's odd that Ektrae took Nedri from her post and Crotho said nothing of it." Down the Corridor Bill, Rhaegalt, and Olin find Girgadan and Sister Ithrak sharing an intense and heartfelt conversation on the third floor landing, both of them peering down the corridor to keep track of Steward Crotho. They all hear a faint clamor from below just as Girgadan leads the way toward the Steward, who is still knocking on the door of Prioress Barretti's quarters. She opens the door as they approach, and Crotho looks at the adventurers with some misgivings before facing Barretti, as utterly stiffly and formally as he can manage while speaking to someone he's known for decades. "Well, I suppose it's only proper that there should be witnesses. Prioress, as you act in the stead of our sadly departed Abbot, it is my duty to inform you that I intend to stand for election to his vacant office." Barretti, still looking fatigued, returns Crotho's overly formal overture with a roll of her eyes. "So do I, Steward, since you asked." She turns to the adventurers and seems to be about to inquire about their progress when Lodd runs out of the stairwell and up the hall, stopping to catch his breath before speaking. "Begging your pardon, Prioress. Grivin is at the north gate complaining that two of his folk haven't returned, he wants to know why we're holding them hostage. There are villagers at the south gate saying that they've had chickens stolen. And I request permission to enter Sister Rachik's room. Brother Glavin says she hasn't come down for her shift in the brewery."

[secretID]

Bill “the Orog,” Custom Lineage Fighter Sheet|AC: 17|HP: 13/13|+6/2d6+4|Status: Normal Heavy Armor Master | Interception Style | Second Wind 1/1|1/1 HD "Mm," Bill hmphed. "'Grivin' would be a gnoll, would he? There are no hostages, but I think we can solve that mystery. Steward Crotho, maybe Rhaegalt will escort you to answer Grivin's questions, after he's done asking you ours. I'll leave you two to it. Olin?" After gesturing to the monk to join him, Bill stepped down the hall. "Take me to Almoner Ektrae, would you?"

 

Relevant skills and statuses: Heavy Armor Master
Initiative: 10
Movement: None
Action: Ready maul attack if the gnoll doesn't surrender - 14 to hit for 7 dmg
Bonus Action:
Free Action:
Rolls: Lady Luck

 

Armor Class 17 Hit Points 13 Speed 30
Str 18 (+4) Dex 8 (-1) Con 16 (+3) Int 14 (+2) Wis 6 (-2) Cha 9 (-1)
Saving throws STR +6, CON +5
Skills Arcana +4, Athletics +6, History +4, Investigation +4, Nature +4
Senses passive Perception 8 Languages Common, Giant, Goblin, Orc
Abilities -3 to incoming non-magical slash/bludg/pierce damageHeavy Armor Master feat, [TT="Interception fighting style"]reaction, subtract 1d10+2 from damage to adjacent figure, requires weapon or shield, [TT="Second Wind"]action, +1d10+1 hp, once/short rest
WEAPON Great axe or maul +6, 2d6+4; pike +6, 1d10+4, reach; javelins +6, 1d6+4

 

When in light, Bill carries a javelin in one hand, which he drops to draw a melee weapon. In darkness, he carries a javelin in one hand, and torch in the other, and his lantern around his neck.

[psuedenim]

Girgadan At hearing Lodd's burst of information Girgadan feels there is only one thing he should do. He steps up to Crotho and gives him a solid grab on the shoulder "I was hoping we could catch up but I'll help Lodd first" he gives Cortho a nastier version of his attempt at a grin and turning to Lodd "Permission granted! Show me a door that needs kicking in" and he strides of pushing Lodd in front of him murmuring about the damage perjudice has done to the world.

Actions Initiative: Movement: To Rachiks room Action: Force marching Lodd there Bonus Action: Reaction: Notes:

 

Stat Block Girgadan | Half Orc Barbarian | Level 1 HP: 15/15| HD: 1/1d12 | AC: 14 | Prof Bonus: +2 | PP: 13 | INI: +1 | Speed: 30ft Attributes & Saves: Str 19 (+4), Dex 12 (+1), Con 16 (+3), Int 13 (+1), Wis 13 (+1), Cha 11 (+0) Skill proficiency: Athletics (+6), Intimidation (+2), Nature (+3), Perception (+3), Survival (+3) Other proficiency: Common, OrcishLanguages | Light, Medium, ShieldsArmor Proficiency | Simple weapons, martial weaponsWeapon Proficiency | Card game, Land Vehicles, Military RankBackground Proficiency Racial abilities: Darkvision (60') | You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.Menacing | When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.Relentless Endurance | When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon’s damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.Savage Attacks Class abilities: Twice per Long rest and not wearing Heavy armour. Adv on Str checks and saves. +2 melee damage. Resistance Bludgeoning/Piercing/slashing dmg. Lasts 1 min (ends if unconscious or turn ends without attacking or taking damage). Can end as bonus actionRage (2/2) | While you are not wearing any armor, your Armor Class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.Unarmored Defense Background: Infantry. War has been your life for as long as you care to remember. You trained as a youth, studied the use of weapons and armor, learned basic survival techniques, including how to stay alive on the battlefield. You might have been part of a standing national army or a mercenary company, or perhaps a member of a local militia who rose to prominence during a recent war.Soldier Weapons: Attack bonus (+6), Slashing damage (1d8+4)BattleAxe | Attack bonus (+3), Piercing damage (1d6+4), thrown (range 30/120)Javelin Equipment: Stabilise 0HP with no rollHealing Kit (10)

[JaDeX105]

Rhaegalt So many moving parts to this twisting puzzle... As the other two group members head to their respective destinations, Rhaegalt steps up to Barretti and Crotho. "Yes, quite an interesting situation we find ourselves in with Grivin. Crotho, the logbook just so happens to list Grivin's pack coming south during your shift. Surely you recall them, you signed them through all by yourself." The Half-Elf makes an exaggerated sweeping gesture with both arms. "Why don't the three of us head down there now, we shouldn't keep Grivin waiting too long. Perhaps along the way you can explain what you told the Gnolls to do, seeing as we encountered a pair of them on the road last night."   Initiative: Movement: Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Free Interaction:   Rhaegalt Character Sheet

[Corwin]

A Silence at Midnight At the Prioress's Door Lodd interrupts the exchange between Barretti and Crotho and the party responds before the Steward or the Prioress can reply. "Grivin' would be a gnoll, would he? There are no hostages, but I think we can solve that mystery. Steward Crotho, maybe Rhaegalt will escort you to answer Grivin's questions, after he's done asking you ours. I'll leave you two to it. Olin?" Confusion replaces Crotho's expression of formality. "Why would I..." Bill turns away with Olin following before Crotho finishes his question. "Take me to Almoner Ektrae, would you?" "I was hoping we could catch up but I'll help Lodd first." Crotho is clearly indignant at being grabbed, but Girgadan collars Lodd just as quickly and pulls the orc Roundsman west right behind Olin and Bill. "Permission granted! Show me a door that needs kicking in!" Olin jogs a few steps to get in front, and after glancing into Ektrae's room where the door is half-open and the chamber clearly unoccupied, leads Bill down the stairway. Lodd and Girgadan head for the far end of the corridor, leaving Rhaegalt and Deamiss with Crotho and Barretti. "Yes, quite an interesting situation we find ourselves in with Grivin. Crotho, the logbook just so happens to list Grivin's pack coming south during your shift. Surely you recall them, you signed them through all by yourself. Why don't the three of us head down there now, we shouldn't keep Grivin waiting too long. Perhaps along the way you can explain what you told the Gnolls to do, seeing as we encountered a pair of them on the road last night." The Steward looks honestly affronted and insulted until the paladin mentions meeting gnolls on the road. His expression turns to shock as Barretti glares at him. "All by yourself, Crotho? Where was Nedri?" "Oh, er, I, Ektrae asked her help with alms right then. I thought little of it, aiding the less fortunate is our duty after all, but I didn't tell the gnolls to do anything other than be back before nightfall as always. There were four, why weren't they counted back in? An alarm should have been raised! I..." Crotho freezes and goes pale. "I...one of them said something odd. I need to see the logbook." Girgadan and Lodd Barretti barely has a chance to nod before Girgadan urges Lodd down the corridor, though he finds that pushing Lodd if he didn't want to be pushed would be difficult as the orc Roundsman is a few inches taller than he is and outweighs him by a good 100 pounds. Fortunately, Lodd seems more than happy to have company, and makes no attempt to slow their progress. He murmurs to Girgadan as they hurry along, making no attempt to hide his concern. "Won't need to kick it in, we don't have locks. Just that we respect each other's privacy, you know? Close quarters and all." They pass doors on either side, nearly all of them partially open to unlit quarters. The second to last door on the south side is shut. Lodd knocks, gets no response, and waits only a second before pushing the door open onto a cramped room containing only a small desk to the left and a low cot against the far wall. Girgadan sees the shape of a body lying on the cot, turned toward the wall and almost covered by gray woolen blankets. At first glance the nun appears to be asleep, but she doesn't stir at the light from the corridor just as she didn't wake at Lodd's knock. Lodd whispers "Sister Rachik?" The two orcs step pause just long enough to see that the blankets are rising and falling slightly, then step into the room to take a closer look. "Sister Rachik?" She doesn't wake at Lodd's second call. As Girgadan and Lodd come close to the bed, they see a red and blistered burn covering her upturned cheek. Lodd's breath hisses through his teeth. "She needs help." Bill and Olin Olin winds down the stairs with Bill right behind him. "With the gates closed, there's not much for the Almoner to do but bicker with the kitchen or survey the stores. We'll likely find her somewhere on the ground level." They reach the first floor, where they can hear a faint confusion of noises echoing from the tunnel through the wall. "I don't envy Sister Pijjar at the moment. Shall we check the east side first?" The old monk doesn't look entirely confident about confronting Ektrae.

OODM @All - You're up! Do whatever you like as far as moving, making rolls, etc. @JaDeX105 - Crotho appears genuinely horrified that he might have screwed up his gate duty. Unless Rhaegalt keeps pressing him where he is, you can assume he's not just willingly but urgently heading for the north gate with Rhaegalt and Barretti for your next post. Rhaegalt has Deamiss with him. @psuedenim - Girgadan can tell that Sister Rachik is alive but unconscious and severely injured. Without getting into totally meta issues about what PCs might know about death saves, it's safe to assume that it's common knowledge that sometimes people barely survive apparently fatal harm. Probably Lodd is about to yell for the Infirmarer unless Girgadan has some reason for him to not do that. @secretID - If Bill chooses to search the first floor (or elsewhere) for Ektrae, please give a marching order for Bill and Olin in your post or OOC. The corridor down the east side of the first floor has been seen a couple times, it looked like there were four large rooms about the size of Aerlin's quarters along it. No one in the party has been to the west side of the first or second floors yet.

[secretID]

Bill “the Orog,” Custom Lineage Fighter Sheet|AC: 17|HP: 13/13|+6/2d6+4|Status: Normal Heavy Armor Master | Interception Style | Second Wind 1/1|1/1 HD Bill considers Olin's recommendation as they descend to the first floor. "Almoner Ektrae is responsible for stores, is that right?" he asks. On the first floor, Bill orients himself. "The storerooms east stand to reason, then." He begins to politely motion for the monk to take the lead, but reconsiders when he hears the noises. "You know, maybe I should stay in front, given all the excitement. But you'll probably want to stay close behind." With that settled, Bill tromps toward the first room to the southeast and pulls the handle.

 

Relevant skills and statuses: Heavy Armor Master
Initiative: 10
Movement: None
Action: Ready maul attack if the gnoll doesn't surrender - 14 to hit for 7 dmg
Bonus Action:
Free Action:
Rolls: Lady Luck

 

Armor Class 17 Hit Points 13 Speed 30
Str 18 (+4) Dex 8 (-1) Con 16 (+3) Int 14 (+2) Wis 6 (-2) Cha 9 (-1)
Saving throws STR +6, CON +5
Skills Arcana +4, Athletics +6, History +4, Investigation +4, Nature +4
Senses passive Perception 8 Languages Common, Giant, Goblin, Orc
Abilities -3 to incoming non-magical slash/bludg/pierce damageHeavy Armor Master feat, [TT="Interception fighting style"]reaction, subtract 1d10+2 from damage to adjacent figure, requires weapon or shield, [TT="Second Wind"]action, +1d10+1 hp, once/short rest
WEAPON Great axe or maul +6, 2d6+4; pike +6, 1d10+4, reach; javelins +6, 1d6+4

 

When in light, Bill carries a javelin in one hand, which he drops to draw a melee weapon. In darkness, he carries a javelin in one hand, and torch in the other, and his lantern around his neck.

[JaDeX105]

Rhaegalt Rhaegalt narrows his eyes at the other Half-Elf, sensing the earnest concern in his voice. Perhaps I was too quick to assume we had found our culprit... I was too sure of it after our talk with Nedri. Damn, and we should have brought the Gnoll with us; why did we just let them roam south of the gate freely? "Cuz, it is very important that you recall exactly what the Gnoll said that you found odd," the Paladin Insight check of 3 (nat 1)says firmly to the monk. Both Half-Elves begin walking briskly to head to the north gate. "Also, I noticed you didn't document how many of Grivin's pack had come through yesterday, if you'd care to explain that." Trying to take a little sharpness out of his voice, Rhaegalt also asks, "Would there have been any other monks south of the gate when the Gnolls passed through? Ektrae was listed as heading south after, are all monks documented when they head south?"   Initiative: Movement: Action: Insight check of 3 (nat 1) Bonus Action: Reaction: Free Interaction:   Rhaegalt Character Sheet