3.6 Under the Underbarrel: Wrap Up
The Frostyear Guardians, Book I:
The Heroes of Adrest
9 Ches, 1491. Late evening to early morning
Then that is where you are headed? To the direction of the cells? SALEEK: That sounds good to me. You are able to make your way, carrying the semi-conscious halfling man, back to the larger common room where you fought the Blacksashes before and where you left two of them bound and gagged. The air is relatively fresher in this room. The archway to the east is open and that is where it has been indicated that the cells are. SALEEK: "Search him for anything sharp, and tie him up."Saleek flinches, as he moves his body, wound from earlier starting to sting, now that the adrenaline has worn off.
(embarrassed) "Everyone...I just wanted to apologize...I'm only now starting to realize how intense I've been. I didn't mean to scare anyone..."
(embarrassed) "To Kenris: If you see me get close to the ledge, you do what you gotta..." The halfling man is not carrying much. He has two daggers, one fairly common looking, the other more ornate with waving blade and a snake on the handle. He also has a set of keys in his pocket and a locket around his neck. RINI: To Varian: do you mind having a look at this door?"
"Also, in the event we come across any more trouble, I seem to still be suffering from the effects of the smoke and fire from the previous room. Can anyone help me regain some of my strength?" To the east is a tunnel leading off deeper into the hideout, there is no door. Varian can inspect the corridor at least. VARIAN: Varian rolls [[1d20 + Investigation (Int)]]=6+6=12
"I think that they go this way often. I don't think they would put traps." ADMOIRA: Admoira nods to Rini and then quietly speaks some words of Druidic [Casts Goodberry]
(serious, Druidic) "Wilds, lend us your vitality."
Ten plump, ripe berries appear in her large hands, she offers them to the others.
(anxious) "These should lessen your wounds, though I don't have many." RANDAL: “I’ll be just fine. Rini, if yer hurt, ye can take mine. I do have a little somethin’ of me own if it’s not enough.” RINI: "That is most generous Admoira."
Rini munches down all the berries. He feels very full, but recovered. KENRIS: "To Saleek: never worried friend I know of this fall. I will try to keep you from it"
Kenris Heals for [[1d8 +3]]=3+3=6
"Lets not dally" SALEEK: saleek nods and continues moving. ADMOIRA: Admoira quietly falls into step behind the others. RANDAL: Randal, too, joins the line. You all make your way out the eastern tunnel. It follows a gentle curve to the north and then slopes slowly upward. The walls are the same dirt and wooden support from other places in the hideout, but after about 50 ft or so you can make out heavy wooden doors set into the earth on either side of the tunnel. It appears there is some kind of an opening at the end of the tunnel to the north. KENRIS: "Anyone want to listen to that door?" There are perhaps a dozen doors between located irregularly down the passage. Whoever is listening can make a perception check. SALEEK: Closes his eyes and listens. [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=18+4=22 Pressing his ear (or whatever it is that birds have) to the door, Saleek can hear a faint shuffling and whimpering from the other side. SALEEK: Saleek immediately draws both shortswords and nods to the group.
He bursts through the door, throwing caution to the wind.
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Strength]]=20+1=21 The door had been locked, but it was no match for an enraged bird-man. The lock is shattered as the door slams into the wall behind in. A small chamber has been dug out of the dirt. On the ground is a pile of straw, a bucket, and one terrified human girl. She looks wide eyed at Saleek before beginning to scream in panic. SALEEK: Saleek immediately sheaths his blades.
(friendly) "Hey, no. No screaming, I'm saleek, I'm here to help." RANDAL: At the girl’s sudden cries, Randal jerks his head round to the entryway behind them, and listens out in case anyone was alerted by the scream. ADMOIRA: Admoira quickly steps forward, handing her staff to Randal. Using her [Firbolg Magic], she speaks a few quick words and her form blurs. Pulling back her hood, she now appears as a comely human girl around the same age as the prisoner. She hurries over to the girl, shushing her.
(anxious) "Be still, these men saved me! They are here to get you out safely as well, but you have to be quiet. Do you understand?"
She hugs the girl, giving the others an anxious look. Randal make a perception check please.
Admoira changes shape this time turning not into a wolf but instead a human girl in her early teens. The young prisoner is clearly put at ease by the appearance of some her age and the warm embrace. She bursts into soft sobs as she buries her face into the hug, for the moment not noticing that the furry shoulder she plants her head on is much higher and larger then it appears. YOUNG HUMAN GIRL: (scared) "I- I just want to go home to my Mom..." The girl is of a typical farmer/peasant stock, with close cropped brown hair and, at the moment, tear fulled brown eyes. She wears a simple linen dress, that like her is dirty and worse of the wear; however, there is no obvious sign of violence to her small body. You would guess she is about 12 to 13 years of age. PERCEPTION
Randal rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=14+1=15
Admoira rolls Perception: [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=4+5=9
Kenris rolls [[1d20 + Perception (Wis)]]=1-1=0 Randal you hear faint and subdued movement from behind some of the other doors in hall. Also you notice a brief change in the light at the end of the hall, and if something moved in front of the light source. ADMOIRA: (kind) "It will be okay, sister. These men are kind and will get us back to our homes. Tell me, are there others being held here? We must get everyone out..." RANDAL: (alarmed) *(In hushed tones)* “Someone’s approachin’! I’ll disguise meself and try t’ delay ‘em. Hide yerselves if ye can!”
Randal tiptoes towards the exit and peeks around, to determine who is coming. ADMOIRA: Admoira puts the girl defensively behind her, trying not to make too much contact as she might realize that she is glamoured. DM rolls [[1d20]]=17 Randal makes his way to the north about 30 more feet. The tunnel opens into a single room dug out of the dirt. The center of the room is occupied by a large brazier, which glows faintly from still smoldering coals. Several metal rods lay across those coals.
Not far from that brazier Randal can see a single humanoid woman. She has been suspended from the ceiling by her wrists which are bound in rope which has been run through the rafters of the room. Her head hangs forward and her long once golden hair nearly reaches the ground in front of her. Her body shows several bruises and other signs of mistreatment. KENRIS: Kenris kneels with this shield in both hands. "I hope this still works" And his shield starts to emit a bright light. The gloom pushed back and the injuries are for all to see.
I cast light on my shield. SALEEK: (curious) "/in hushed tones/ kenris...is she alive..?" Kenris walks forward, his shield glowing brightly as he enters the room and moves towards the suspended woman. As he reaches out his hand towards her golden hair, there is a sudden scream from behind. BLACK-CLAD WOMAN: (angry) "Don't you dare touch that whore!" KENRIS: (condescending) "Pray so tell who might be ordering me around" WOMAN: leaps from the shadows at Kenris's back: [[2d20k1+4]]=10,10+4=14, [[2d20k1+4]]=17,6+4=21
The woman, clad all in black leaps onto Kenris, in her hand is a metal rod, its tip glowing with heat as she madly stabs at the armored man. Managing to find a soft spot in the chainmail.
Black-clad woman rolls [[1d4+2d6+2]]=4+5+2+2=13
Kenris you're going to take 4 fire damage, and 9 from her sneak attack.
And I'll need everyone to roll initiative. KENRIS: Nice rolls dm
DM: One day my monsters will learn not to attack the highest AC then you're all in for it! Lol.
KENRIS: Still got me pretty good though INITIATIVE
Kenris rolls [[1d20]]=9
Black-clad woman rolls [[1d20]]=14
Rini rolls initiative [[1d20+1]]=5+1=6
Varian rolls [[1d20+Initiative]]=1+2=3
Admoira rolls [[1d20+Initiative]]=16+2=18
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Initiative]]=18+6=24
Randal rolls [[1d20+Initiative]]=9+2=11
Saleek rolls [[1d20 + Initiative]]=15+6=21
Randal rolls [[1d20 + Initiative]]=9+2=11 Admoira and Saleek get to act first. Admoira, you are down the hall still tending to the young girl when you hear the angry screams and the sounds of struggle. Saleek, you are in the room with Kenris. ADMOIRA: Hearing the shouts, Admoira quickly spins and pushes the girl back into the holding cell. She quickly pulls the scimitar from her belt and shoves it into the girl's hand.
(tense) "My friends are in trouble, I must assist them. Hide in here, we will be back for you as quickly as we can. If anyone comes in here and tries to take you, use this to defend yourself. I will return, I promise."
She pulls back, ensuring the girl seems to understand, before closing the door as best she can with a broken fastener. She then hurries down the hallway towards the others. SALEEK: What do I see in the room? Saleek, it is a large roughly rectangular room. In the center is a brazier, a woman attempting to stab Kenris repeatedly with a hot poker. Next to those two is the woman bound to the ceiling. Against the wall are several tables with a variety of metal tools sitting on them.
Admoira, the girl holds the weapon unsteadily, but she nods at your instructions. You are able to make it to the entrance of the room but not actually inside. You can see Kenris struggling with a woman in black leather.
Saleek, Admoira, what are you two doing as Kenris is attacked? SALEEK: says nothing as he shoots two arrows at the woman [[2d20D1+8]]=12,16+8=24 [[2d20+8]]=3,17+8=25
Saleek rolls [[3d8+2d6+12]]=8+2+1+6+3+12=32
saleek then ducks back behind the doorway. ADMOIRA: As soon as Saleek ducks behind the doorway, Admoira is already in her Dire Wolf form and bearing down on the woman in black.
Admoira launches herself at the woman in black, trying to take her attention off Kenris:
[[2d20k1+5]]=3,1+5=8, hopefully inflicting [[2d6+3]]=6+4+3=13 piercing and forcing her to make a DC 13 STR save or fall prone. Black-clad woman rolls [[1d20=4]]=10+4=14
Black-clad woman rolls [[1d20+4]]=16+4=20
Black-clad woman rolls [[1d4+2]]=2+2=4 Saleek’s two arrows drive deep into the maddened woman's back, as she continues to try and stab at Kenris with her heated poker, this time searing his flesh for 4 points of fire damage. That will bring up the rest of the party. She is looking heavily wounded. RANDAL: Randal is surprised at the woman’s unexpected madness, and sighs that it had to come to this.
In a fluid motion he draws both weapons and attacks: [[1d20+4]]=18+4=22 to hit with shortsword, dealing [[1d6+2]]=6+2=8 damage on a hit, and [[1d20+4]]=7+4=11 to hit with his dagger, dealing [[1d4]]=2 damage RINI: Rini will move too the entrance of the room, points his finger at the woman as he speaks his incantation, forming a small mote of fire that steaks out towards her. Firebolt to hit [[1d20+6]]=19+6=25; for [[1d10]]=10 fire damage Randal closes in his short blade driving deep into the woman's shoulder. She turns with an almost feral screech. And then Rini fire strikes her in the chest. As her leathers begin to smoke and smolder, he eyes roll back in her head as a thick black sludge oozes from between her teeth. The woman collapses like a rag doll and lies still. SALEEK: (detached) "Well that was exciting." RANDAL: (brooding) "*(Randal shakes his head)* \"We can't be sayin' how long that madden'd woman has bin trapped in this place. Years, perhaps, in isolation... Admoira, that woman could've been ye if ye'd been locked down 'ere fer as long as she had. I know ye have some sort o' strange connection wit beasts, but I'm sure even ye can see that bein' reduced t' one would be an experience that none should have t' endure." CAPTIVE WOMAN: (tired) "A day... maybe more... but it's right hard to tell down here, *answers a sweet sounding voice from the golden haired figure still suspended in the room.*" RANDAL: (curious) "A day... then, ye wouldn't be..?" SALEEK: (remorseful) "TO Randal#38336 That's a good point..."
(remorseful) "I don't know about you guys, but. After this is all said and done...I could sure use a drink." CAPTIVE WOMAN: (suffering) "Letitia... have you come to save me or... just to kill?" She raises her head slowly. She has clearly been beaten. One eye is swollen shut, but the other is a deep green as it regards you. Someone has ripped open her shirt, and her chest carries welts and bruises over top of older tattoos. DM WHISPER TO ADMOIRA: Admoira, with your keen wolf vision you can make out that the tattoos that circle her collar bone are druidic runes relating to the seasons. SALEEK: Saleek moves to get her down. RANDAL: As Saleek releases Letitia's hand from its bindings, Randal grasps it and casts *cure wounds*. Randal heals Letitia for [[1d8]]=6 hit points
(detached) "Not t' kill; I think there's bin enough death 'ere in this foul place fer today." KENRIS: So.storywise are there any other holding cells ? As she is freed, Letitia collapses forward onto the bird man. She smiles in response to Randal's healing touch. ADMOIRA: Admoira blurs back into her "human" form, and assists the others with the woman. She tries to see if she has any other tattoos visible.
Admoira checks for more tattoos: [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=12+5=17 LETITIA KELSEY: (seductive) "Mmmm, boys, boys... I've been though a lot lately to take all of you at once! *She leans in Saleek* and you, my hero, brought my property back to me, how sweet!" The tattoos on the woman form a circle that runs around her collarbone before trailing down into her cleavage. They all appear to be made up of some sort of abstract runes.
You figure Letitia to be about 18, with long blonde hair and a shapely figure. She carries herself like someone who knows they are attractive and uses it. Her dress might have once been on the upper end of peasant quality, but now is badly torn down the front and the back. The wounds from her captivity seem almost personal and focused to mar her activeness.
Admoria you also notice at a quick glance, there is a slowly spreading puddle of black sludge the woman who was just slain, it seems to squirm in the dim light. DM WHISPER TO ADMOIRA: You would of course recognize druidic. While not magical themselves you have heard that is it not uncommon for some druidic circles to mark themselves so. Kenris, yes, there were about a dozen doors in the hall, Saleek only opened one of them. ADMOIRA: Admoira stares at the black pool before reaching over and shaking whoever is closest to her. Once they look at her, she points at the black puddle.
(anxious) "The black ichor leaking from this one. It moved, I saw it." The foul mass is about the consistency of wet mulch. The woman appeared to have vomited it all up in her death throws. Even with light, it is difficult to tell if it is made up of small black worms or twigs. Within a minute it stops writhing. ADMOIRA: (disgusted) "Well, that is horrifying..." Kenris, you focus your senses. There is no celestial, fiend, or undead nearby. However, that mass reeks of some sort of very evil magic, almost as if it is desecrated ground itself. There is no way that is natural. Admoira, as you watch the goo stop moving, you notice that within it is a crude bit of iron about the size of a tooth. There is a symbol scratched into it. Make an intelligence check for me. Saleek, make one as well before for something different. Admoira rolls an Intelligence check: [[1d20]]=6 Admoira, the rune is meaningless to you, but it almost resembles a druidic one in a way that leaves you feeling unpleasant. RINI: (curious) "That does not look unnatural. Any ideas what it could be?" LETITIA: (amused) "Looks like the bitch choked herself on something foul. Serves her right." KENRIS: "This I have not seen before but it looks like a desecrated grave or soil. Bet not to touch it directly to skin" For convenience, while you all are figure this out, Varian will move up and down the hall unlocking any remaining doors with his thieves tools. ADMOIRA: Admoira backs away from the fetid mass, shivering. She points at the rune, looking to Letitia curiously.
(curious, Druidic) "Do you know what this is?" LETITIA: TO Admoira#62248 Letitia arches an eyebrow in surprise at the (apparent) small girl.
(surprised, Druidic) "It seems I underestimated you."
(affectionate) "I do not know what was wrong with that bitch... *She shrugs.* Well, she might have thought I was sleeping with her husband. But that foulness... I don't know, little cousin." ADMOIRA: Admoira nods, shuffling uncomfortably again. She assists Kenris with bottling some of the ichor and the iron piece, being careful not to touch anything. Rini rolls Int check [[1d20+4]]=14+4=18 Rini, you have to think for a moment, but you do recall a text you once read that described the vomiting of black ichor as a sign of corruption from beings from beyond the material plane, but you cannot quite recall what sort of creatures exactly. SALEEK: Saleek rolls [[1d20 +1]]=18+1=19
(embarrassed) "What property do you speak of, madam..." DM WHISPER TO SALEEK: First, the sludge that poured from the woman's mouth reminds you of days earlier when the goblin that you tied to a tree after it ran into a totem outside the woods was found dead. It had a similar black stain beneath it.
Second, you would recall finding a small cache of good in Letitia's home and a strange wooden mask. LETITIA: (affectionate) "Oh, don't be coy, birdie, it's not a turn on. My mask... I can tell it's close..." SALEEK: Saleeks eyes narrow, as he stares down Letitia.
(serious) "What can you tell me of this dark ichor..." ADMOIRA: Admoira blinks at the mention of a mask and unconsciously fiddles with her pack strap. LETITIA: (disgusted) "*She looks down to the corpse of the woman in the pool of muck with a sigh.* That... was Tilly Colton... she was always nice, until about a year ago, when she got crazy jealous about her husband. That was before she was a torturing bitch... as for what turned her insides to rotting filth, I don't know. Though I know someone who might..." RANDAL: “D’ ye think we’d want t’ meet this person? If they’re familiar with somethin’ so foul...” RINI: "I recall reading about this ichor coming from another plane, though I am ashamed to admit I cannot recall which plane. No what about this mask? And Admoira, so you know this Letitia?" LETITIA: (playful) "I only offered since your bird friend seems eager to stab me and not in the way we'd both enjoy. Meeting her would be your choice, if she allows it.
Personally I'd prefer nothing more than to get rid of these bruises and get laid, but it's your own path. And before you start any stories, I've never met your young friend there. Not my type. Come talk to me in a few years though, honey, and maybe."
She begins to try and stand up on her own, but her legs wobble under and she sinks to the floor. The healing magic is enough to keep her from any fear of death, but it will still take time for her to fully recover from her rough treatment at the hand of the Blacksashes. ADMOIRA: Admoira kneels and makes her more comfortable before getting up and going back to grab the other prisoner girl. With Varian helping open any locks you come across, you are able to open the remaining doors and any other locks. Only about half the cells were occupied, and TO Admoira#62248, you soon find yourself surrounded by a half dozen village girls and one young man with a sheepish look. The girls seem to range from about 12 (the first girl you rescued who still brandishes a scimitar) to 18. The young man is wearing a stained blue cloth reminiscent of Ansil's few guards. ADMOIRA: (kind) "Everyone, please be calm and stay close. We will take all of you back to your homes." YOUNG HUMAN GIRL: "*The young human runs up to Admoira with her scimitar offering it back and embracing the druid in a fierce hug. Her eyes go a little wide as her arms wrap around something much larger then the girl she sees. But she smiles and gives a wink.* M- my name is Adina. And... you're awesome! *With that she turns around and begins trying to direct and gather the others for you." SALEEK: Saleek looks at Randal, a tired look on his face.
(tired) "To Randal: /in whispered tones/ We should probably try and get more information from Letitia...you have a way with words, which I do not...do you mind?" RINI: "If anyone is too weak to walk, about four or five of you can sit on this disc."
Rini will begin drawing invisible sigils in a three foot diameter circle, then pull out a vial of mercury and let a drop out in the center to have it form a slightly transparent floating disc with a slight blueish tint. ADMOIRA: Admoira carries Letitia over and places her gently on the disc.
WHISPER TO LETITIA: (tense, Druidic) "I wish to speak with you more at a later time about some pressing matters, if I may."
She then helps any injured onto the disc, patting Rini's shoulder as the last one is loaded. Letitia does her best to recline dramatically on the disk as you gather the remainder of the group together and nods to Admoira. Some of the other girls take advantage of the transport. The young man follows along looking rather sheepish for trying to find the missing girls and ending up a prisoner. RANDAL: (confident) To Saleek: "Not at all."
(curious) *(Randal attempts to maintain the guise of casual interest)* "So..." *(he clears his throat)* "Letitia. This friend of yers... what're they like? Th' one who ye think'll know 'bout th' rottin' mess, that is." LETITIA: (doubtful) "I'm not crazy enough to call the Mistress a friend, but there would not be corruption of this land without her knowledge of it. She is beautiful and very dangerous. She may help you... But for now, I need my mask and a rest." SALEEK: Saleek gives Randal a look at the mention of the mask. ADMOIRA: Admoira pulls her pack down and rummages through it for a moment before producing a small mask made of alabaster. She hesitates before holding it up for Letitia to see.
(tense) "Is this it?" SALEEK: (suspicious) "What is this mask, Letitia..." LETITIA: (impressed) "*Her eyes go a little wide looking at the mask that Admoira produced from her bag.* That... is exquisite. Mine is a far simpler sort of totem, made of live wood. That... is a proper fairy mask. How did you come by something so fine young one?" KENRIS: To Admoira: "do you mind if i keep this bottle? This sludge is of interest to me" RINI: Out of all of these prisoners, was there a halfling child? The child you are referring to would be Alma Halfhill, a halfling girl under a year old. These girls are all more or less teens.
However, they do match the descriptions of missing people that Ansil mentioned. ADMOIRA: Admoira gives Kenris an uncomfortable nod.
(nervious) "I may need to show someone it, if I might. Please be careful with it..."
She turns back to Letitia, placing her mask carefully back in her pack.
(anxious) "This mask was given to me by my Mother. She said I'd find a use for it, but I know nothing about what it is. You say it is a fairy mask?" LETITIA: (baffled) "The masks conceal our human alieness from the fairies so that they grant us the magic of nature... how is it that you...? *Letitia glances momentarily around the group.* Perhaps... we shouldn't be talking now. Perhaps something more... intimate?" ADMOIRA: (pensive) "Perhaps, I have need to ask you some questions as well. I do not wish to leave my companions out of this, though, as they have shown me nothing but kindness since arriving here." KENRIS: "I will keep this safe you have my word" ADMOIRA: Admoira smiles and nods to Kenris. "Thank you" Listening, the hideout does seem to be particularly quiet now, you don't think anyone remaining in the gang would be particularly eager to face your party at this point. RINI: "It may be best to get these people to safety while we still have the cover of darkness lest we alert any blacksash still in the farm house." The way back passes through the common room where you fought the gang members before and where you left 2 of them bound. They are all gagged but they look like they might be stirring. The halfling man is still badly injured. ADMOIRA: (angry) "We should take these three with us to stand trial." SALEEK: "agreed." RANDAL: “If th’ halfling stirs, perchance we should be takin’ extra precaution against ‘im. He was particularly tricky.” KENRIS: Can we safely say we are done with this part? What can we do for tying the halfling up? SALEEK: Are we certain we got the boy we came in here looking for? I'll say you can safely make your way out of the hideout at this point. You identified a couple other possible exits or you can go back the way you came in. Saleek, you found the missing girls, and Ansil's missing guard, Goodson. Still missing is the infant halfling girl. SALEEK: "We should take them up, perhaps Varian can lead the back to town. The rest of us should continue looking." KENRIS: "Saleek i enjoy your fervor, i would say lets go on but im at my end as so to speak. i dont know about the rest of us?" Varian will agree to take the group back to town, the jail and inn respectively, if you wish. SALEEK: (confident) "Then this is where we part ways for a short while, my friend. I cannot rest while there is still an innocent in this den of corruption." KENRIS: "Are you sure Saleek a much needed respite could help you focus once more. It would be folly to go into this with even half strength." SALEEK: (passionate) "I came to ardrest some time ago, and I did not know why that was. I'm used to large cities, and sprawling streets. I realized, after the hag, I had come here to die. After I lost my partner, and subsequently, my life as I knew it, I did not think I had a purpose anymore...but these people, this village, they need me, they need *us*. Even if I did stop my search, sleep would not find me, I would not be able to rest. I don't care for the black sashes, but it is the infant, the small child that cannot yet fend for itself, **that** is what drives me. I have been stabbed, slashed, pounded on and burned. But I will not stop until all these children are safe...at least.
I understand, if you must all go, we have worked well together so far, and if I find you all in the tavern when I return, I expect Admoira will be buying the first round, being that she's the new one and all *Saleek winks and smiles as he says this*
I am sorry my friend. But I must go down this path, and I must put an end to this." KENRIS: "I know of this path and i feel your pain, i am not fit to help you but help you i will. Give me an hour and i will join your crusade." SALEEK: "Saleek sits cross-legged where he once stood."
(brooding) "Aye, 1 hour." Kenris rolls [[1d10+2]]=10+2=12
Saleek Takes a breather. [[1d10+3]]=4+3=7 You lead the children back to the gang's common room, where you spend the hour treating any of your own or the prisoners' (minor) injuries. Goodson, the young guard Saleek might remember from the goblin attack, manages to recover some of his backbone and promises to lead the group out of the hideout with Varian if you all wish to continue onward. RANDAL: (pensive) "Aye, I have yet strength t' stand. I'll join ye til that strength is spent. I can't bear t' be returnin' with empty hands when I could've gone further."
(pensive) "Don't go breakin' yerself though. We ain't helpin' nobody's children if we don't come back." SALEEK: (proud) "Thank you, truly." KENRIS: (detached) "Thanks are not needed as you said we are needed by one who cannot defend it self. That we are needed is bad enough" SALEEK: "Aye." After the rest, Varian, the young guard, and the rest of the village girls, with the bound Blacksashes in tow, will depart to make their way back to Ardrest. Letitia would remind all of you, but particularly Admoira, to visit her as soon as you can. SALEEK: (suspicious) "TO Admoira#62248 /In whispered tones/ You would do well to watch yourself with that one...she makes me unsteady." RINI: "I will too stay with you Saleek to solve this mystery. Though I must warn you all, I have almost reach the limit of my arcane abilities for the day..." SALEEK: "We'll have to watch each other's back. Work as a team." RINI: "Before you leave, Letitia have you seen or heard of this missing halfling child?" LETITIA: "I do my best to avoid children, *she laughs.* I remember... Jandi's girl... I don't suppose you checked her farm?" RINI: (embarrassed) "I don't believe we have..." SALEEK: "How far away is the farm? Rini can you send your familiar ahead to take a look?" Between the various townspeople there they would tell you that Jandi Halfhill's farm is about half a day outside of Ardrest. RINI: "I can send her out to report back to me, but she will be too far for me to see through her eyes." SALEEK: "Perhaps we should give this place a once over before heading out." You would recall there was a switch backing passage leading up to the north of you outside the entrance to the hideout proper. To the south of you there was a false wall opposite the halfling's office. You believe the fires in that office would have died down by this point." SALEEK: saleek thinks about the false wall and begins heading in that direction. ADMOIRA: Admoira falls in behind the others, nodding goodbye to the townsfolk. RANDAL: Randal, too, joins the line; covering his mouth again as minor protection from the fumes. KENRIS: "Lets save this little girl" You make your way to the south recognizing the office where you fought the halfling man. The flames have died down now. Opposite the door you find the faint outline of the false bit of wall. SALEEK: Saleek readies one short sword and slowly opens the wall. The hidden wall swings open as it is just a well concealed wooden panel o hinges. Behind the panel is a single narrow corridor, each side is lined with shelves with various small boxes and supplies. Admoira looks for anything of interest: [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=6+5=11 You find a large heavy locked chest. And a smaller ornate wooden box, wrapped in a purple cloth. RINI: It is too bad Varian is not with us at the moment. Can anyone else open that chest? The chest is large, it would be awkward to carry but not impossible. It looks like it would be heavy. ADMOIRA: Admoira, using her [Powerful Build], easily lifts and carries the chest. As Admoria lifts the chest easily into her arms... there is a heavy shifting and clinking of many coins inside. You've probably found the gang's coffers. SALEEK: Saleek inspects the small box wrapped in cloth. The box is slightly over a foot long, made of dark wood. The top can be opened. SALEEK: Saleek opens the box, very carefully. Within the box resting on soft cloth is a single short sword. Its blade made of dark iron and it handle seemingly carved out of bone. There is a scrap of paper over the blade, words are written on it in a neat, precise hand:
"Kelvin, it is only because of the days we spent together in our youth that I would even entertain this request. You know the danger this weapon poses to its wielder and what it did in the hands of the orcs. Whatever it was that brought you from retirement, I pray it is not so dire that you would risk using the blade. But if the need is as dire as you say... there is nothing that would stand against such a weapon.
Yours always, Nesicansar."
Just looking at the way it shines despite the low light, you feel that odd pull towards to it that normally comes with magic items.
It's the same kind of pull that comes from your magic hammer TO Kenris#35862 but this sword seems more powerful. Each of you can make one check, history, arcana, or religion, if you like. Kenris rolls [[1d20 + Religion (Int)]]=11-1=10
Randal rolls for history [[1d20+1]]=6+1=7
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Religion (Int)]]=2+1=3 RINI: "Pass me the sword and allow me 10 minutes with it." SALEEK: Saleek passes rini the sword. Kenris, you seem to recall something about orcs using dark necromancy to ravage the countryside about 3 decades ago. Randal you could recognize the name on the letter as a famous mage and former adventurer from Waterdeep. But the weapon itself fails to bring anything to mind.
Rini casts his spell, magically speaking the blade radiates both necromancy and oddly enough transmutation. As a weapon it is exceptionally sharp and you believe it will pierce any armor man-made or not. You can also tell the blade is cursed and that curse is linked to when the blade is used to kill.
Mechanically: it is a +1 shortsword, that ignores resistances. Requires attunement and is cursed RINI: "Hmm... This blade seems quite deadly to both the one who is attacked and the one who attacks. I would be extremely careful if you plan to use this." SALEEK: saleek takes the blade back from rini.
(confident) "To Rini: ill keep that in mind..."
is he able to tell what the curse is? RINI: Also I'm just catching up on some of the other messages, given Rini's training can he make a history check on the mage?
Rini rolls history check [[1d20+History (Int)]]=7+6=13 Saleek, Rini, you feel that the curse would bring harm to the wielder, but it feels almost depleted at the moment. I.e. on a kill there is a chance things will go wrong.
The name Nesicansar does ring a bell Rini. He is a elven mage from Waterdeep, but he is far better known for the (self written) book of his adventuring exploits. If it was to be believed, he and his halfling rogue and human warrior companions saved the area from everything from orcs to a dragon. The book was very popular about 30 years ago. RANDAL: (relieved) "Then let's be glad that it's now in th' hands of friend, not foe. If it's as deadly as you say, at least it wasn't used against us."
(curious) *(He walks to the end of the corridor and peers into the following room)* "What d' ye reckon that halfling had t' hide down 'ere?" The corridor ends is a small roughly circular chamber, a rope ladder hangs against the wall. The rungs are close together; halfling sized. SALEEK: Saleek stows one of his shortswords, replacing it with the new one.
(suspicious) "TO Randal#38336 I'm going to assume, nothing good."
Saleek tucks in his wings and cautiously travels up the ladder. ADMOIRA: Admoira looks at the tiny ladder, then down at her three-meter, fluffy self currently hefting a heavy chest and sighs.
(anxious) "Perhaps I shall wait here for you to check above, then?" The ladder goes up about 30 ft. before joining a passage the slopes up more gently. The ladder would awkward for a firbolg to climb, but not hazardously difficult.
The sloping tunnel twists and winds for some distance as it head up. Eventually ending in a wooden door set into the ceiling. SALEEK: Saleek Closes his eyes and listens above. [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=14+4=18
I will also use primeval awareness. Hmmm, so taking that one minute you want to know all humanoids within 5 miles, yes? SALEEK: Mostly the general direction and distance part, trying to see what's above the door. Saleek presses his ears to the door. On the other side of the wood he can faintly hear outdoor night sounds: wind, insects. With his attunement to nature around him, he can feel there are 2 humanoids within 100 feet of the door. Within the general area you can sense small groups of 1 or 2 persons, you'd guess remaining Blacksash guards or patrols. There is also a quite large group making its way towards the town of Aedrest to the west. SALEEK: Saleek *jumps* down, unfurling his wings just moments before reaching the ground.
(alarmed) "# there's a group of them heading back to ardrest!" RINI: "Wait. A group of who? We did just send all the prisoners back to town." SALEEK: ***facepalms*** ADMOIRA: Admoira nods, shuffling uncomfortably and repositioning the heavy case on her shoulders. SALEEK: Saleek scratches his head.
(embarassed) "Perhaps I took one too many blows...admoira I'll be drinking something rather strong when we get back to town, I hope your purse is full enough for it."
"I believe the hatch leads above and into the outside, there are still enemies out there, and we should take care to be as quiet as possible. Rini are you able to send your familiar up to give us a birds eye view of what we're dealing with?" RINI: "Yes."
Suddenly an owl pops into existence on Rini's gives hand. KENRIS: "You all know i do not do silence that well so what is the game plan?? i can come in after or find a alternate route." SALEEK: (confident) "Randal, admoira and myself can venture ahead, admoira perhaps you can take a form more suitable to hiding. Rini, stay with kenris, have your owl keep an eye for us, well let you know when the coast is clear. Sound good to everyone?" KENRIS: "i can agree to that" RINI: "Your plan sounds reasonable Saleek. But is our goal to escape? Or take care of the remaining blacksashes?" Outside the large group, you would have felt a dozen humanoids in the immediate area Saleek. RINI: "Either way, in case you get out of range from my telepathic abilities with my familiar, give Aspen her a signal if you want us to move forward and she will return to me to relay the information." ADMOIRA: Admoira gestures to the chest she is carrying.
(baffled) "Your plan is fine, but what am I to do with this?" SALEEK: "The goal is to find the missing child. Admoira, maybe it's best we hide that somewhere down here and double back for it." ADMOIRA: (apologetic) "I will let you three find a place to hide it, as I care not for coin and want no blame if it is discovered." SALEEK: (proud) "There is no blame to be placed, we have only known each other a short while, and I can confidently call you a friend. Anyone whom I have split blood for and with, is someone whose back I would watch endlessly." ADMOIRA: Admoira smiles and nods, then carefully tucks the chest nearby. She covers it with some loose items she finds, then moves back to the others. She blurs into a small weasel (AC 13, 1 HP), sitting on her hind legs and motioning for someone to pick her up. SALEEK: Saleek picks her up and sets her on his shoulder.
would I be able to use my beast communication with her? Since she still has her own intelligence score I'd say she can understand you when you speak just fine. ADMOIRA: I think it was more he wanted to understand me when I am wildshaped. SALEEK: Yeah, I figure if she goes ahead she can tell me if there's trouble. Sure, why not. I'll say you have that Lassie "woof," "grandpa well down the well again?" Power. SALEEK: Lol, awesome The weasel chitters and braces around Saleek's neck, looking up and scanning the darkness above. ADMOIRA: Admoira keeps a watch for danger as the others climb the ladder: [[1d20+5]]=1+5=6, with a second roll if smell or hearing would help: [[1d20+5]]=4+5=9 SALEEK: Saleek travels back up the ladder, slowly opening the hatch, just enough to peek through. The door opens on well used hinges, from the outside the door appears as an ordinary wood pile. Outside there is open air, and from the position of the moon overhead you guess it to be well after midnight.
Admoria the sudden rush of fresh air from outside confuses your senses, but you do not believe there to be anything dangerous nearby. SALEEK: Saleek continues onward, keeping low to the ground. ADMOIRA: *Happy chitters* Saleek rolls Nin-nin-nin [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]]=12+6=18 You make your way out of the tunnel. The farmhouse of the Underbarrel farm, looms over you about 20 feet to your left. you are standing in what looks to be the home's firewood storage but it all conceals a hidden door. As far as you can tell there is no reaction to your emergence. SALEEK: Saleek looks up and makes sure Aspen is in position before making his way to one of the windows of the farmhouse.
"/whispered/ Admoira, watch my back." ADMOIRA: The ferret checks behind Saleek, chittering. The farmhouse is dark and quiet, its owner absent or asleep. SALEEK: Saleek continues strafing the house keeping an eye out for black sashes, especially if they're groups of them protecting something. RINI: Rini sends his owl familiar to circle above the farmhouse about 80 feet in the air and will watch through her eyes while remaining in the tunnel with Kenris. RANDAL: Stepping out of the firewood, Randal takes a long, deep breath of the natural air, clearing his lungs of the musty dungeon draught and smoky fumes of before. He takes in the surrounding area, intrigued to see how far they’ve come from the brewery, then observes as Saleek strafes the house. In the faint moonlight, you can just barely make out the shape if the brewery you passed through earlier. It is perhaps another 50 yards beyond the farmhouse next to which you now find yourself.
Taking another minute to focus his senses, Saleek can tell there are 2 humanoids within the farmhouse who have not moved since you last checked. There is one in the brewery who has also not moved. You sense 3 more, all alone and all moving slowly around the perimeter of the farm.
Aspen in the airness can confirm much the same about the patrols. SALEEK: "i think theyre keeping the kid under guard in the farmhouse...we should get rini and kenris." ADMOIRA: The small ferret chitters from nearby, coming over to be picked up again. RANDAL: Randal whistles lightly as he stares at the distance, then nods to Saleek.
“I’ll give ‘em th’ all clear.”
He then clambers back down the ladder to the chamber in which Rini and Kenris are hiding out.
“We’re all clear up ‘ere. This place comes out near th’ farmhouse. We’re goin’ t’ check it out.” RINI: "Okay. Lead the way." SALEEK: (confidant) "Admoira, please investigate the back of the farmhouse, let us know if there is anyone there. Rini, have Aspen check the front. Let's see if surprise can be on our side. ADMOIRA: the weasel chitters and scurries off into the darkness to check on the back of the farmhouse: [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=5+5=10 and [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)+3]]=7+2+3=12
Admoira rolls another d20 in case hearing or scent would make a difference for her perception: [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=18+5=23 Admoira, it is dark around the farm house. Your weasel eyes find nothing out of the ordinary. You can pick up a wide variety of scents: the leftovers of whatever was made for dinner, the hearth, dirty laundry, and so on. Nothing that screams danger. ADMOIRA: The weasel scampers back to the others.
WHISPER TO SALEEK: "Lots of scents, but I believe the back of the farmhouse is clear of Blacksashes..." SALEEK: Saleek takes admoiras gesturing and concise squeeks as *"all clear"* he nods to rini, and waits for his response. RINI: Rini looks through Aspen's eyes as she circles around the front of the house.
Rini Rolls perception for Aspen [[2d20k1+3]]=3,19+3=22 It appears as any farmhouse you have seen in the middle of the night. There is an extremely faint glow through a window, likely of a fire smoldering in the hearth. RINI: "To Saleek: Looks to be clear in the front" SALEEK: "Let's take the back."
Saleek keeps low to the ground as he makes his way to the back of the house. ADMOIRA: Admoira scrambles after the others, weaving through the shadows and trying to stay out of sight.
Admoira is sneaky sneaky: [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)+3]]=3+2+3=8
She doesn't seem to be doing a good job of it, though… We'll say the difference between being a 7 foot tall fuzzy woman and a 1 foot long, couple inch high weasel is particularly apparent as you attempt to climb stairs. You don't quite make the jump and make awkward weasel noises as you land. No one obviously responds.
You all make your way to the rear door of the farm house. It seems like a pleasant home, if small. Very small infact. Everything that you can see through the windows seems to me made at about half the size of a normal person. SALEEK: Saleek checks the lock on the back, very very slowly. ADMOIRA: Admoira scurries up to the door, waiting next to it to rush in if necessary. RINI: Is there any light? Or are we working in darkness? Inside the house there is a dim light from the smoldering hearth. The back door to the house swings open slowly. SALEEK: (confident) "Admoira and I will go ahead. Rini and Randal, wait a minute and follow us, kenris, take up the rear make sure we're not followed. My friends, let's end this." ADMOIRA: (confident) *Weasel Noises* RANDAL: (confident) “Will do.” *(Randal watches the back door with intent)* The door swings open. The house is a single story farmhouse, the ceilings low enough that they would be uncomfortable for Admoira, if she wasn't a weasel. You are in a small entryway next to a simple kitchen, an open room with chairs and tables can be seen just beyond. The hearth is smoldering there casting dim light, mounted on the wall above the fire is a massive sword made of crude blacked iron. There is a small doorway in the wall, leading to a room on the opposite of the hearth. SALEEK: Saleek continues forward, hunched low to the ground, now with a shortsword in his hand. ADMOIRA: The weasel follows him closely, ready to gnaw the feet of anyone that might dare show themselves. Give me a stealth roll as you creep into the house. Admoira is being sneaky sneaky (maybe): [[1d20+5]]=9+5=14
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]]=6+6=12
DM rolls [[1d20]]=19 You two make your way into the farm house's main room. You think you are doing a good job of being stealthy, when suddenly you look up to find a halfling woman in her night gown, standing in the doorway of the other room. HALFING WOMAN: (alarmed) "W- who are you! Stay back... I have a knife, *sure enough she is brandishing a small dagger.*" RINI: Hearing the threat, Rini makes his way into the room with the group.
"Please. Do not be alarmed. We mean no harm. We are only looking for a missing child."
Rini rolls persuasion [[1d20+Persuasion (Cha)]]=8-2=6 HALFING WOMAN: The small woman backs up into the doorframe, brandishing the knife that is at best a kitchen implement.
(panicked) "W- who are you? What have you done to my husband!?" SALEEK: (detached) "Is your husband with the blacksashes..." KENRIS: "To Saleek: you can see this woman is cleary not part of the sashes."
"To Halfling Woman: Madam are you hurt, and who are you referring to as your "Husband" ADMOIRA: The weasel stands on her hind feet, looking curiously at the Halfling woman and chittering. HALFLING WOMAN: "*The woman regards Kenris and lowers her knife a little, but does not put it away.*
My husband is K- Kelvin Underbarrel... this is our farm. Some of the Blacksash boys work for us, yes." SALEEK: "We're not here for you ma'am, were for for the child we believe is being held here." HALFLING WOMAN: "*Going wide eyed, she raises the dagger again and stands in the doorway.* Say away from my son!" ADMOIRA: The weasel looks questioningly at the others. SALEEK: (baffled) "You're saying the only young child being held here is your son?" RINI: "I fear we have the wrong halflings. Is there anything you can tell us about the Halfhills and their daughter Alma?" ADMOIRA: Admoira carefully studies the Halfling woman's body language as her companions question her, seeing if she might be hiding anything: [[1d20+Insight (Wis)]]=20+5=25 The woman looks somewhere between panic and confusion at why armed strangers are in her house in the middle of the night. Admoira, you can tell she is frightened, protective, confused, and many other things, but you don't sense any deceit. You get the feeling if she has any knowledge of anything odd that goes on at this farm, she's turned a blind eye to it for a very long time. SALEEK: Saleek sheaths his blade and bends down to get eye level with the lady, palms out to show he is unarmed. MRS UNDERBARREL: "Held? No one's holding anyone... this is our home! Why as you asking about the Halfhills!? *She looks at your weapons again and bites her lip, deciding she should offer you something, anything.* It's a sad story, but Rosco died of the sickness over the winter, you surely can't think I did something!? I've never even talked to Jandi! All I know are the rumors I promise!" SALEEK: (kind) "There were groups or children in the catacombs beneath your home, if you were a parent to one of those children, I'm sure you could forgive strangers entering your home. We mean you no harm, but we *must* investigate.***Saleek sticks his hand out to shake*** I am saleek, I consider myself a protector of Ardrest and it's citizens...you can ask about me and my companions in town. Please, tell us everything you can." MRS UNDERBARREL: "*The woman gives a defeated sigh as she lowers the blade.* Fine. I'll make some tea. Just be quiet and don't wake my son." KENRIS: "To Mrs. Underbarrel: do you need a hand with that tea?" The woman, a middle aged halfling, her brown hair starting to gray in places, gives a strange look to the objectively handsome man. She'll take the help and busy herself in the kitchen making 5 cups of tea. Pointedly she never moves in such a way that the party, or that door is was guarding are out of sight for long. MRS UNDERBARREL: (shy) "To Kenris: Ohh... ummm.. w- why yes, thank you, Sir. Your... friends... aren't going to do anything odd, right?" KENRIS: "To Mrs. Underbarrel: no miss, they are a good lot one of the better souls I have had the fortune to meet in these trying times" MRS UNDERBARREL: She nods, in a semi-surreal way as she prepares tea for the men (and one weasel) that broke into her home. She will try and move the group out to the front of the house to talk, far away from the back room. ADMOIRA: The weasel eyes the woman warily, but after sensing no ill intent will allow herself to be herded to the front room. She watches the others, taking their lead. MRS UNDERBARREL: (tense) "I will tell you whatever I know... just as long as you leave my family in peace." SALEEK: "Saleek takes a seat eyeing Admoira the entire time, he cocks his head ever so slightly, one light think he was stretching his neck, he does this as If to say, *"go look around"*" ADMOIRA: The weasel quietly skitters off, trying to search the house while the Halfling woman is distracted by the others.
Admoira tries being sneaky: [[1d20+5]]=14+5=19, and tries searching the house: [[1d20+5]]=1+5=6, with an additional [[1d20+5]]=8+5=13 roll in case hearing or smell would help Carefully being set down the weasel scampers off. You make it partway through the house's main room when you find some sort of candied fruit that had fallen under a chair. It was delicious.
You're pretty sure there is another small person in the side bedroom, but other than that it seems to be a farm house. ADMOIRA: The weasel scampers back to Saleek, jumping up into his lap and chittering.
ADMOIRA WHISPER TO SALEEK: (pensive) "I sense one other in the side room, perhaps a child like she mentioned. The rest of the building seems empty." SALEEK: Saleek focuses and tries to sense everyone in the building. There are two humanoids in the building, Saleek. SALEEK: Saleek waits for the halfling woman to spin her tale. MRS UNDERBARREL: "I don't know why you all would want some small town gossip... but... yes... Jandi and Rosco spent years trying to have a baby. Then Alma is finally born and Rosco is gone within a season. Some say they were cursed!"
"I heard that Jandi was so desperate for a baby that she listened to all those crazy witch women that say they can talk to the forrest spirits." RINI: "Witches you say?"
Would Rini know what these creatures are? It is not an uncommon belief that spirits of the old world still reside in the deep forests. Rini would of course know that some people to worship them. As for what type of creatures specifically... fae or elemental spirits would be the most benevolent type - and more akin to druidism. All sorts of evil creatures have been known to build followers away from mortal villages. MRS UNDERBARREL: "Yes, what else would you call women dancing naked in the forest at night!? It ain't proper that's for sure." RINI: "Do you know where these women can be found?" She has a look that seems like she feels it is far beneath her to associate with such types, but she would indicate that she believes they use the southern woods for their rituals. RINI: Do I believe her?
Rini Rolls [[1d20+Insight (Wis)]]=9+2=11 for insight You don't feel any reason to distrust the woman at this point. She seems honest and eager to have you depart.
Admoira, you would think there are druids to the south, and you wouldn't find anything odd about women worshiping nature spirits, in fact it seems like something Letitia might know about. ADMOIRA: The weasel chitters again from Saleek's lap.
ADMOIRA WHISPER TO SALEEK: (pensive) "I think I shall have words with Letitia about this, it may be related to my travels here." RINI: "If what this woman says is true, it seems best to head back into town and investigate further. There seems to be more to this matter than we originally thought."
"I am also concerned about these witches and would be more comfortable if we were better prepared for an encounter with them. Some research should be done." ADMOIRA: The weasel makes agreeable chittering noises. SALEEK: Saleek nods, in silence. RANDAL: *(Confident now that they won’t be walked in on, Randal, too, enters the room)* “I’ll be th’ first t’ second a good preparation. I don’t know much ‘bout spirits, but I don’t think ye can pierce ‘em wit yer standard piece of steel.” You all collectively notice that it is well after midnight, on the same day you made it back from the goblin cave. With the added fight against the Blacksashes you are all pretty worn out. Are you planning on resting back in town then? RINI: "To Saleek: I'm sorry we could not find the child tonight. However, if we rush into things, we might not only lose the child's life but our own as well." RINI: "“I think it’s best we have some rest. Til morning, we’ll have t’ be figuring out what we’re goin t’ tell Alma’s parents." ADMOIRA: (sad) *Sad weasel noises* SALEEK: Saleek nods again.
"Unfortunately, I will have to agree." RINI: "Let us go then." If there was nothing further, the party departs the farmhouse, making their way back to Ardrest. By the time they reach the village the sky is already starting to brighten with the promise of sunrise. Exhausted, you all make your way to the open rooms you had at the Decrepit Crab and promptly pass out into a well deserved sleep.
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