[Game Thread] The Adventure Begins

[oztk]

Cooling off quickly Treasure's vouching for Uncle Wilbur takes the wind out of Sam's sails a bit, and though she continues to pace around unsettled, she falls quiet. Though a second ago she'd been ready to ride straight out and rough-up Shadow's neighbors, she's not actually sure what they'd be investigating now, and her will to action is also tempered by sympathy and concern for Treasure as Dolan questions her. She's regrouping when Orilo's fancy verbiage washes over her. She meets his eye-twinkle with a shrewd look. Rich folk always showin' off their book learnin' by taking twice as long to say something simple. "Heck no we ain't tellin' the Marshal we're pokin' around in their business! But...maybe we should tell Shadow? We don't even know what we're lookin' for, he might point us in the right direction. And a letter's great and all, but it don't exactly warm your soul like a friendly face or two -- Shadow's in sore need of that, I'd wager..."

[girlplay]

Originally Posted by DonaldJWafer

Treasure shrugged at Dolan's question and shook her head. "No, the marshal must have collected it or something. It wasn't there when I went past. But I did see where they dug it up from..." she said with a bit of a subconscious shiver passing through her shoulders.

[DonaldJWafer]

Dolan Dolan bit his tongue while Thom fetched the parchment for Orilo. He did not like the idea of announcing their presence in the matter in any shape or form before they had reason to. He had seen the lawmen operate in this town, and he did not have faith that justice was always served. Often times, people just needed someone to blame, and the same folks always found themselves at the wrong end of that deal. But he kept quiet, he recognized that Orilo ran in different circles, and he wanted to make sure that their relationship started off on the right foot. He was well aware that his suggestion ignored Orilo's initial course of action, and hoped that his ego wasn't too overly bruised. Orilo seemed to be taking a long time with the letter. And looking over his shoulder Dolan couldn't help but notice his fanciful script, and wondered to himself how much time he wasted learning to write like that. "I'm ready to go whenever." He then approached Thom and in a lower voice, so that no one else could hear them, asked him, "I don't want to put the girl in danger, but perhaps she could be of assistance as we visit her farm and meet the neighbors."

[Quick Ben]

Thom Morgan Thom pressed his lips together, uncertain. He looked over at Dolan and shrugged. "I'll be honest, we are pretty far out of my depth here," he said quietly, "but I know she will be safe here." He glanced at Sam, noting the play of emotions on her face. "And if things get...rough, I don't think she needs that added stress. I really am sure this is a misunderstanding though. Her father isn't a violent man, but people get spooked by this sort of thing, especially out in the country. Maybe we can find an explanation if we investigate?" Thom's last statement came out more like a question than he would have liked, but if it helped Shadow and Treasure, he supposed that was well within his purview.

 

Thom Morgan, Human Shadow Sorcerer 1
HP: 14 / 14 | AC: 12 (15 with Mage Armor) | HD: 2/d6
Initiative: +2 | Speed: 30ft | Senses: Passive Perception 12, Darkvision 120'
Saving Throws: Str -1, Dex +2, Con +3, Int +0, Wis +2, Cha +5
Abilities: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 16
Weapons: Light Crossbow +4 (1d8, 80/320) | Dagger (2) +4 (1d4, Light, Thrown)
Ability: Starting at 1st level, your existence in a twilight state between life and death makes you difficult to defeat. When damage reduces you to 0 hit points, you can make a Charisma saving throw (DC 5 + the damage taken). On a success, you instead drop to 1 hit point.Strength of the Grave, Bonus Action Once per long rest. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack. Also, choose one ability when you cast the spell. The target has disadvantage on ability checks made with the chosen ability. If the target drops to 0 hit points before this spell ends, you can use a bonus action on a subsequent turn of yours to curse a new creature. Hex

Spellcasting (Save DC 13, Attack Bonus +5)
Cantrips: Action: 120'. Ranged spell attack. On hit, 1d8 necrotic damage and cannot regain HP until end of next turn.Chill Touch, Action: 120'. You point your finger toward a creature within range and whisper a message. The target (and only the target) hears the message and can reply in a whisper that only you can hear.Message, Action: 30'. Duration - 1 minute. You create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the Duration. The Illusion also ends if you dismiss it as an action or cast this spell again. Intelligence(Investigation) against spell save DC to discovery illusion.Minor Illusion, Action: 120'. Make a ranged spell Attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 force damage.Eldritch Blast, Action: 30'. Duration - 1 minute. The hand lasts for the Duration or until you dismiss it as an action. The hand vanishes if it is ever more than 30 feet away from you or if you cast this spell again. You can use your action to control the hand.Mage Hand
Level 1: Action: Duration - 8 hours. You touch a willing creature who isn't wearing armor, and a protective magical force surrounds it until the spell ends. The target's base AC becomes 13 + its Dexterity modifier.Mage Armor, Action: 120'. You create three glowing darts of magical force. Each dart hits a creature of your choice that you can see within range. A dart deals 1d4+1 force damage to its target. The darts all strike simultaneously and you can direct them to hit one creature or several.Magic Missile, Reaction: Self. An invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile.Shield

Metamagic
When you cast a spell that targets only one creature and doesn't have a range of self, ou can spend a number of SP equal to the spell's level to target a second creature in range with the same spell (1 SP for cantrips).Twinned Spell, When you cast a spell that has a casting time of 1 action, you can spend 2 SP to change the casting time to 1 bonus action for this casting.Quickened Spell

Sorcery Points (SP): 2 / 2
Inspiration

[Mythrandil]

Orilo Orilo puts the finishing touches on the notes. "There! Now, I know some of you have misgivings about these memoranda. Fortunately, I have thought of what I hope will be an acceptable compromise. I have left out any potentially dubious statements at the wonderful recommendation of Ms. Sam here" he nods at her respectfully, "In addition, the courier service will doubtless be slow on this festive day. Why, it could be hours before the missives reach their respective destinations; a subtle hint would certainly ensure this delay." He smiles. "To those I have not yet met, Orilo 'Benthorn' Thunukalathi, Ambassador to the Royal Court, at your service. This adventure has a most noble goal, freeing the honorable, innocent Shadow from his unlawful detention. As I am at your collective service, I shall leave the pathfinding to those more capable than even I!" Orilo smiles warmly at his own proclamation, though the looks on some of his new companions makes him rethink his courtly air.

Memorandum   To the Esteemed Marshal of Argillon Falls, Your servant, Assistant Ambassador Orilo Thunukalathi of the Goliaths, greets you in the hope of your continuing good health. I have been made to understand that a Citizen of this fair city, one Shadow at Dawn, has been involved in an ongoing investigation of a most serious nature. As a personal friend to the Crown Heir apparent, I personally vouch for his honor and character up to this point, barring any substantial evidence unearthed as part of this investigation; he is a stalwart example of the best Argillon Falls has to offer. I will be visiting Shadow at Dawn personally to confirm that he has been treated with the upmost respect from the due process of law. Yours truly, Orilo A similar letter exists for the Justice

Stats   Vitals HP: 18/18 HD: 2/2 Bardic inspiration (d6): 2/2 Inspiration: 0 Ongoing effects: None Concentration: None   Reactions Reaction triggers (automated, sorted by priority. "0" is reserved for when there's something specific I want to do.): 0. 1. Attack of opportunity against first opponent to trigger. 1d20+5 attack, 1d8+3 piercing damage (rapier). Rolls AC: 11 Speed: 30 ft. To Hit: +5 Initiative: +0 Passive perception: 10 Proficiency bonus: +2 STR: 17 (+3) Proficient in athletics DEX: 10 (+0) Proficient in saving throws CON: 12 (+1) INT: 10 (+0) WIS: 10 (+0) Proficient in insight CHA: 15 (+2) Proficient in deception, performance, persuasion Miscellaneous Languages: Common, Giant, Draconic, Primordial

[oztk]

Ms. Sam Sam had always been good at reading people, and she'd honed it more over many games of poker out at the ranch, so she couldn't help but catch Treasure's shudder, and walked over to her side to ... well, she wasn't exactly sure what. Noticing emotions was second nature, handling them was something else. "Oh Treasure. Er, I'm ... I know it's gotta be scary ... seein' your dad took away, but, errrr we both know he didn't do it. Marshal will see that in time. I'll make em see." She looked up, at Thom conversing quietly in the corner with the new stranger, at the fancy-pants goliath still scratching away at the parchment. I Got three men to help me, Mama, and didn't have to marry none of them. She touched Treasure's arm, gestured at the rest of the room. "We'll make them see. Shadow has some friends. Some community. We'll look after him. But to do that, errr -- sounds like we're gonna ride out to your place and check it out, try to get an idea of who did do it. The, errr, place where the body was...we'll find it easy enough? Anything else we should look for? Know it ain't nice to think about, people dyin' and all, but it could help your dad...." * * * * * "Ms. Smith. Rosamund, though ain't nobody called me that in years." Sam held her hand out to Orilo in response to his introduction, doing her best to hold her head high and look presentable to this overly proper goliath. "Mighty nice of you to help folk you ain't even met, Orilo, mighty nice. Letter may take a few hours to get there, but I still reckon we should get a move on -- been by Shadow's place a few times, happy to lead the way. You two comin', too?" she turned to Thom and Dolan. "Sooner we check out the place, sooner we can go holler at the Marshal for bein' an idiot."

[DonaldJWafer]

Dolan Orilo's introduction was longer than Dolan expected, he had already began extending his hand before he finished, so he hesitated slightly before shaking hands with the Goliath. "Dolan Verlos." He paused, before adding, "I've been away for a number of years and just returned home to Argillon Falls about six months back." He thought about adding more, but thought he'd wait until a better time. He then turned to Treasure and met her uneasy gaze, "Don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of this. I promise. Sam was already on her way out the door, Dolan started to follow her before turning back to Treasure one more time, "We'll be back soon."

[girlplay]

Setting out Treasure seemed at least somewhat comforted by the promises from the group that her father's arrest wouldn't go unanswered. At least somebody was willing to look into the matter and try to clear her father's name. The girl paced slowly as the group talked about the matter but stayed relatively quiet. She nodded to Dolan and took a long breath as if trying to calm herself down. Sam lead the group out into the streets. She knew the way south and lead the group through the fairly sleepy streets towards the edge of town. Some people were up and about but the usual hum of work and business was missing today, being a holiday and all. A few people had opened their stores or were trying to sell various small goods to the group as they passed, apparently not feeling that they had the option not to work. Beggers still begged. Children still played. Birds twittered the time away. The sun was climbing higher in the sky. Shadow's shortened. Light and warmth down upon the people, though by the feel of the air, it wasn't going to be a warm day. A wind blew in from the west, keeping anyone from feeling too comfortable. A half-hour or so after leaving the church, the group arrived at a crossroads at the edge of town. The close-nestled buildings gave way to open spaces, ranches houses, barns, and livestock pens. The dirt road split here, heading in 4 different directions. To the east, the group knew that they would find the Marshal's Office, where Shadow was languishing in jail. To the south was Shadow at Dawn's small parcel of land: the site of the discovery of the dead man. Each destination would take about 10 minutes more of walking to reach. The group was forced to stop for a moment as a column of about a dozen people on horses rode in from the west. They were all dressed in fairly respectable armor and carried the banner of the King's Army. The soldiers didn't pay the foursome much attention as they trotted on past and headed north into town. OOC Where do you want to go?

[oztk]

Asking the easy questions "Dolan Verlos ... I've been away for a number of years and just returned home to Argillon Falls about six months back." Dolan's introduction is tantalizing in what it leaves out, and Sam is bursting to ask him where he's been, why he left, why he's returned -- but there's a certain air that he's left it out for a reason. Sam had seen it plenty out at the ranch -- folk with pasts that they didn't want to talk about, whether because he'd done something wrong, or it was just painful. She could ask around with some of the older folk around town later, and not risk getting off on the wrong foot. Better to start with something...simpler. So once the streets were settling down a little, she made it a point to walk close to the stranger, and struck up something a bit more likely to be on his good side. "So six months -- you fairly settled in Argillon, Dolan? Decent place to stay, paying job? Anything like that I can help you out with, you let me know. Nothing fancy, now" Sam lets out a short, bitter laugh "I know most folk in the Reaches, but past that...folk are little judgy, let's say. Anyway, least I could do for you, helping folk out you hardly know." * * * * * Waiting for the soldiers to cross, Sam explains the situation to those who might not know exactly where Shadow's farm was. "Keep on that way, we reach Shadow's place in just a bit, or we could turn and go see the cat himself at the Marshal's office if we turn over that way. Clear to me that we got to both, but it ain't clear what order is best -- Shadow might be able to give us a better idea of what we're lookin' for, but we'd also tip our hand to the Marshal that we were lookin' into this, and he might not like us lookin' over his shoulder so much. For some of us, from stature both physical and social" a look over to Orilo "looking over a Marshal's shoulder is natural. But not sure he'd tolerate it from a little folk down in the Reaches like me." "Myself...guess I'd vote for talkin' to Shadow first, let him know Treasure's bein' looked after right, that someone's on his side, figure out what it is we're even looking for out at his place. But the plan seemed to be to head out to the farmstead for a quick look around first, and happy to go along with that if anyone feels strongly." OOC Again, voicing seeing Shadow first for meta-reason of trying to get party together a little faster, plus a little discussion, but I'm happy to go to farm for a quick look first.

[Sinister]

Shadow shuffled around in the cell, trying to wrap his head around this a little bit more straight. So it had been buried. That took the wind out of one of his arguments, but he did have others at his disposal, still. But that would have been a real nice one to have. He kept himself focused on Sikes' questions for now, and had a few of his own to pose.

"We keep sheep. Don't need to put too much work in. It's not too substantial of a flock. Just enough for the two of us to handle. Me and Treasure make sure they get well fed, watered, and exercised, and when time comes around, I sheer em and weave the wool. Slaughter them as I must when hard times are on us, but they're more valuable for the coat. You need a warm sweater, you know where to find one now, deputy. After I get out of all this mess, I'll still be sure to sell it to you fair. Ain't the sort to hold a grudge."

He wrinkled his nose in thought.

"Now you said this dead man was buried? I don't suppose you'd be willing to tell me how deep in my land? Was it close to the house?"

[Mythrandil]

Orilo Orilo laughs at Sam's joke, but grows thoughtful as he considers her point of view. Though they may be of different social standing, Orilo has plenty of experience negotiating rocky waters around intolerant folk. After a moment, he replies to Sam's comments. "The Marshal can certainly be prickly on occasion...perhaps it would be best to make quick work of our investigation, come to Shadow with real evidence - should there be any to find. I'm certain he would welcome any good news of Treasure, but if I were him I would prefer exonerating evidence! Still, I admit that this" he gestures generally about him "is not familiar territory for me. I know a good opportunity to be led when I see one."

Stats   Vitals HP: 18/18 HD: 2/2 Bardic inspiration (d6): 2/2 Inspiration: 0 Ongoing effects: None Concentration: None   Reactions Reaction triggers (automated, sorted by priority. "0" is reserved for when there's something specific I want to do.): 0. 1. Attack of opportunity against first opponent to trigger. 1d20+5 attack, 1d8+3 piercing damage (rapier). Rolls AC: 11 Speed: 30 ft. To Hit: +5 Initiative: +0 Passive perception: 10 Proficiency bonus: +2 STR: 17 (+3) Proficient in athletics DEX: 10 (+0) Proficient in saving throws CON: 12 (+1) INT: 10 (+0) WIS: 10 (+0) Proficient in insight CHA: 15 (+2) Proficient in deception, performance, persuasion Miscellaneous Languages: Common, Giant, Draconic, Primordial

[DonaldJWafer]

Dolan Dolan was taken aback by Sam's inquiry. He guessed it did make sense that his new companions would take an interest in his life, and he could concede that he was less than forthcoming in his introduction, yet still, he wasn't sure how much he was ready to share. Despite Sam's attempt to align herself among the "less judgy folk" of Argillon Falls, he knew that everyone judged, and he judged himself hardest of all. But Sam's question seemed harmless enough. "It's kind of you to ask. I do alright, I mostly pick up odd jobs here and there--folk always need a hand with something in the Reach. Mostly though, I have a bit saved away and I've been able to live off of that. A bunk in the boarding house doesn't cost much, and it's not too bad if you don't mind the roaches. As he answered, he spoke in a rather low voice, being sure to only address Sam. - - - "You all know where I stand. I won't stop you from going to the marshall first, but if you do, I'll be waiting outside."

OOC Sorry Sinister, I'm really not trying to be a dick. I'm just trying to uphold my character's aversion to law enforcement.

[girlplay]

The district jail Originally Posted by Sinister "Now you said this dead man was buried? I don't suppose you'd be willing to tell me how deep in my land? Was it close to the house?" Deputy Sikes smirked quietly to himself and shook his head slowly for a few moment. Finally, he offered, "there's no doubt it was on your land. You know where the tool shed is? He was buried about 10 feet behind it from your house. Not the smartest hiding place, if you ask me." "Hey!" a high-pitched but rough-sounding voice came from one of the adjacent cells. "Keep it down out there?!" Sikes left to walk a short distance away. A loud bang erupted through the building. "Keep it down y'urself! It's not my fault that you got blind-stinking drunk and assaulted that woman." "I didn't do nothing. It's not against the law to drink. It's not my fault that she came up behind me and walked into my elbow." The deputy returned to Shadow's cell door but hollered back to the other prisoner. "I've heard better, more convincing stories of innocence... today..." he said. Glancing into Shadow's cell through the small window, he asked, "so, are you hungry? I can get you something. You're going to be here a while." OOC: The description of where the body was found would put it about halfway between your house and the property line. One that side there's a narrow, dirt road between your property and the Mulville place.

[Sinister]

Shadow took in the news gravely, nodding his head along slowly.

"I would agree deputy. Not a wise place at all lest you were trying to get it found."

This wasn't some dust up that went bad from strangers on his property in the middle of the night. Unless something truly bizarre or unexpected was at work, it sounded like someone was actually trying to frame him. His eyes narrowed. Who would have that sort of a grudge against him? Anyone he could fathom shouldn't be anywhere near here. But who knew? That placement would have put it nearest the Mulville place but...no. He'd known Wilbur for years. Couldn't be. Though it was probably worth talking to the old man at least. Maybe he heard something.

As the idiot in a nearby cell began his raucous blabbering, Shadow blew a raspberry and rolled his eyes.

"Would you let a man be interrogated in peace, ya woman beating lout! I may swing for this fool nonsense if the gods are feeling funny, and I don't intend to waste my time left on angry drunks!"

With a quick nod of his head, he turned back to Sikes.

"Kind enough of you given the circumstances. Haven't eaten yet. Some kind of protein wouldn't go amiss. Thank you. If you would also send out a message, I would like to start building my defense. I would appreciate you summoning Doc Harper as a character witness, and to corroborate my physical state."

Milton knew better than most the state of his weakened body. Might beg the question of where those scars that ronbbed his strength had come from...but better to give hint of his questionable past and leave him unlikely to have murdered a man with his claws than the alternative.

[girlplay]

Jail time OOC: Hmmm... I have to wonder how much of an anachronism the word "protein" is... Deputy Sikes grunted to himself and hesitated for a moment. "We'll see what the warden says about visitors," he concluded, not committing to summoning anybody just yet. He walked away thereafter, going off to fetch something for his prisoners to eat. Meanwhile, Shadow's neighbor had calmed down. He could be heard shifting about his cell. "You don't know what you're talkin' about! And yeah, so what; I drink. But at least I ain't no murderer like you. Say whatever you want about me but that don't change nothing. You're gonna hang. And maybe when you're gone, I'll just take a little trip. And go visit that sweet, young daughter of yours..." he says, dripping with innuendo.