(IC) Calm Before The Storm

[Orsik Vondal]

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Former City Guardsman

As they move through the forest again Rook feels a renewed sense of purpose. With beasts like those dire dire wolves at hand it is only a matter of time before those mages turn their eyes on Nightstone itself. he surveys the rest of his companions. The half-elf who just became a friend. The newcomer orc who has proven herself hearty beyond reckoning. The quirky puppeteer who has been surprisingly useful. The loud dragonborn who is coming into his own at last. The town healer who has brought Rook back from peril twice now. And--Rook starts and winces in revulsion. "Xero...Your face. It's...wrong. Fix it." Rook circles his own face with a finger. "Ever hear of a gnome artist in Waterdeep, name of Ricasso? He'd pay a pretty penny to have you sit for a portrait with that face." The tension eases as the tiny plates shift into a more pleasing configuration.

Rook stops short and waits for Xero to come alongside him. "Look, Xero, well...Well, I guess I shouldn't be shocked. So many crazy things have happened lately. I just want you to know that I've got your back." He claps a hand to the not-human's shoulder. Though he's done it before, this time he feels that inhuman solidity beneath his hand. How could I have missed that? It's like touching metal with a thin pad over it.

Rook then heads back to the vanguard with Markas looking out for any potential threats.

Spoiler: It pays to discover!

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[roll=Perception]1d20+5][/roll]
Blasters! To the OOC! Points finger in dramatic gesture!

[Terrastormer]

ΧΞЯΦ - Far Traveler, Investigator, Seeker of Mystery and Keeper of Many faces

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Former City Guardsman

"Xero...Your face. It's...wrong. Fix it." Rook circles his own face with a finger. "Ever hear of a gnome artist in Waterdeep, name of Ricasso? He'd pay a pretty penny to have you sit for a portrait with that face." The tension eases as the tiny plates shift into a more pleasing configuration.

Rook stops short and waits for Xero to come alongside him. "Look, Xero, well...Well, I guess I shouldn't be shocked. So many crazy things have happened lately. I just want you to know that I've got your back." He claps a hand to the not-human's shoulder. Though he's done it before, this time he feels that inhuman solidity beneath his hand. How could I have missed that? It's like touching metal with a thin pad over it.

ΧΞЯΦ sees Rook approach and smiles a little, but the smile quickly fades when they realize that their disguise has malfunctioned.

'Thank you friend Rook, it has been a strange day, I'm not quite sure what is wrong with me, I'm usually a lot more effective than this ...'

ΧΞЯΦ concentrates for a moment and their face begins th re align itself once more.

Spoiler: Disguise

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(1d20+4)[5]
(1d20+4)[15]

The smile returned to ΧΞЯΦ's face.

'Yes Friend I have seen some of Riccaso's works, and were we not friends I'd have some harsh words for you'

ΧΞЯΦ winks

'My deception was not malicious friend, I simply try to blend in with the people of this world to avoid unnecessary trouble, most who see my true face dont react well ...'

[Spore]

You're one to talk, Rook. As if your hairdo wasn't messed up by playing with the dogs. Though sometimes I would be intrigued how it would be if I had hair. In a fit of childish curiosity, Kriv runs his scaly digits through Rook's hair. Quite a peculiar feel. How are you not constantly distracted?

[Terrastormer]

ΧΞЯΦ - Far Traveler, Investigator, Seeker of Mystery and Keeper of Many faces

ΧΞЯΦ watches Kriv tussle Rook's hair with a curious look on their face.

'I too often wonder what it would be like to have hair'

they say with a wry grin and a wink in Rooks direction then quick as a whip rustles Rooks hair also.

'How pleasant!'

They exclaime.

'Now I can't help feel a pang of jealousy, perhaps next time I find a Master Artificer perhaps I'll ask them to make some modifications'

ΧΞЯΦ says in mock sad tone, then turns and winks in a dramatically comical way at Kriv.

[AvatarVecna]

As the sun travels through the sky, and the group travels along the forest edge, you get the feeling that you're being watched, but there's nobody around. In time, the feeling passes, but the uneasiness at not finding its source remains. As you make your way along the road, you see a small shack up ahead, barely large enough to house a single person. It looks solidly built, though, and is decorated with paintings depicting...events? People? The style is similar to what you might see in religious texts, like the murals in Nightstone's cathedral.

[Alias_Trench]

As the come upon the shack with its paintings, Markas recognises that they are similar in nature to the murals in the Nightstone Cathedral. Not being a specialist in human religious iconography, Markas turns to Nina and taps her on the shoulder, providing her with some divine guidance and brainstorming with her.

Spoiler

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cast guidance and assist with the religion check.

[Illven]

This is a shrine to Lathander. Nina points out some of the common iconography. But what is it doing all the way out here. Lathander's a sun god, not a travel god...

[Spore]

Lathander is a huge deal for all humans. Maybe it is just a wayshrine, maybe it was a chapel. Those monk types don't really want a lot of visitors. Leaves more time to think about themselves. Kriv adds. The dragon then smirks: For a human god, he is almost as cool as Bahamut, and he certainly outshines Hlal, the dragon goddess of humor, one of my favorites!

But a shrine this small for a god this popular is quite odd in my opinion. There must be more. Maybe it is some weird magic puzzle. Someone try casting Light on the shrine.

[Orsik Vondal]

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Former City Guardsman

Rook approaches the Lathandarian shrine and examines it and the surrounding area for signs of theft or tampering and anything out of the ordinary. "Watch your step. There may be clues here and I don't want to lose a critical piece of information to clumsiness. Xero, could you lend your keen mind to helping me gather any evidence that may be here?"

Spoiler: Searching...searching...searching...

Show

Perception for anything out of the ordinary - (1d20+5)[13]
Investigation for clues/tracks involving bandits, mages, wolves, etc. - (1d20+2)[20]

[Terrastormer]

ΧΞЯΦ - Far Traveler, Investigator, Seeker of Mystery and Keeper of Many faces

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Former City Guard

[B][COLOR="#DAA520"]"Watch your step. There may be clues here and I don't want to lose a critical piece of information to clumsiness. Xero, could you lend your keen mind to helping me gather any evidence that may be here?"

'Certainly friend rook, just give me a few moments to look around and I will see what I can deduce! Together I'm sure we can solve this puzzle.'

ΧΞЯΦ begins inspecting the strange building rather closely.

Spoiler: perception/investigation with guidance

Show

Perception:

(1d20+5)[15]
Guidance (1d4)[2]

Investigation:

(1d20+5)[25]
Guidance (1d4)[2]

[Alias_Trench]

"You know now that you mention it, it does have a similar aesthetic to the church in Nightstone. Which reminds me, Zora mentioned running into a monk in town who said there was an acolyte of Lathander out here in the forest. This must be where they are operating out of. She said it was apparently quite a popular shrine and took a lot of donations but until she mentioned it, I've never heard of it and never seen it before. Why they are in the forest is beyond me..."

Markas then leaned in close to Nina, whispering to her.

Spoiler: Nina

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"You speak sylvan yes?"

[Illven]

Spoiler: Markas

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Självklart gör jag, Delilja lärde mig. (Of course I do, Delilah taught me.)

Think there'll be religious texts in sylvan there? She whisper asks.

[Alias_Trench]

Spoiler: Markas

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Självklart gör jag, Delilja lärde mig. (Of course I do, Delilah taught me.)

Think there'll be religious texts in sylvan there? She whisper asks.

Spoiler: Nina

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"Nej, jag tvivlar på det. Det är mer att jag är misstänkt för de omständigheter som omger detta tempel. Saker bara lägger inte upp rätt. Från det jag har hört är det här templet ganska populärt och accepterar många donationer, mer än Nightstone, men det är litet och representerar bara en tro, till skillnad från Nightstone som är flera valörer. Jag har också bott i denna skog hela mitt liv och hörde bara om denna plats igår. Zora nämnde att om problemet med banditerna skulle ta längre tid än väntat skulle vi kunna leverera relikset här till akolyten och det skulle göra det till Hiral tillbaka i Nightstone. Tydligen skulle de troligen betala oss eller betala oss bättre än Hiral skulle, som belöning för denna åtgärd, men jag litar inte på denna information. Visst, jag litar på Zora men jag känner inte denna munk eller acolyte här från en tvål. Var bara på vakt ... kan du kommunicera hemligt? Med hjälp av magi menar jag." Markas whispers back quickly.

Spoiler: translation

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No I highly doubt it. It is more that I am suspicious of the circumstances that surround this temple. Things just don't add up right. From what I've heard this temple is quite popular and accepts a lot of donations, more so than Nightstone, but it's tiny and only represents one faith, unlike Nightstone which is multiple denominations. Also I've lived in this forest my entire life and only heard about this place yesterday. Zora mentioned that if the trouble with the bandits were to take longer than expected we could deliver the relic here to the acolyte and it would make it to Hiral back in Nightstone. Apparently they would likely pay us, or pay us better than Hiral would, as reward for this action but I don't trust this information. Sure I trust Zora but I don't know this monk or the acolyte here from a bar of soap. Just be on your guard... can you communicate covertly? By way of magic I mean.

[Spore]

Kriv eyes the two suddenly conversing in a foreign language. Slightly annoyed that he wasn't allowed into a discussion, he resists the urge to cast his magic that allows him to understand them. The dragon raises a scaly protrusion others could interpret as an eyebrow. Still a bit angry at Markas for not "understanding" his actions last night, he calms down as he remembers that Nina maybe tells Markas her secret now. She certainly does not feel comfortable telling everyone this.

Instead of saying something, Kriv just winks at Nina and casts a small illusion of a crude crown on his head, playfully blowing Nina a kiss.

[Illven]

Spoiler

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Nej, det gör jag tyvärr inte. Jag har jobbat med den här söta nya trickbilden med mina fingertvapen.

Spoiler: Translation

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No, unfortunately I don't. I have been working on this sweet new trick shot thing with my finger guns though.

Nina switches to common at this point

Maybe we should get closer and investigate? She whispers back.

Gah! Kriv stop it! Nina remarked holding up the most feared puppet of all.

Castus Maximus.

[Alias_Trench]

Spoiler: Nina

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"Det är olyckligt, men det säger sig självklart att det vi just diskuterat är privat under tiden."

Spoiler: translation

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That's unfortunate but either way, it goes without saying that what we've just discussed is private for the mean time.

"Oh, that sounds neat, you'll have to show me later." Markas replies.

Markas raises an eyebrow at Kriv's antics but simply nods at Nina's suggestion and moves towards Rook and Xero.

"Find anything interesting you two?"

[AvatarVecna]

As you lot approach the building, you see a sign on the door:

Sorry, I'm out hunting right now.
Please stay and rest if you need to.
Please come in and pray if you want to.
A blessed morning to you.
And if I don't see you before you leave,
a blessed afternoon, evening, and night as well.

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Former City Guardsman

Rook approaches the Lathandarian shrine and examines it and the surrounding area for signs of theft or tampering and anything out of the ordinary. "Watch your step. There may be clues here and I don't want to lose a critical piece of information to clumsiness. Xero, could you lend your keen mind to helping me gather any evidence that may be here?"

Spoiler: Searching...searching...searching...

Show

[roll0]
[roll1]

Spoiler: Investigation Result

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Despite its small size, the shack seems sturdily built and lovingly crafted. It's a cozy little hovel maybe big enough for one person to live in full-time, and big enough to have maybe two guests over at once (assuming they're not too bulky themselves). The murals and carvings on the side show a dedication to the faith and an enjoyment of one's work - whether by those that originally put the shack up, or the current occupants altering it to provide a better experience for travelers.

ΧΞЯΦ - Far Traveler, Investigator, Seeker of Mystery and Keeper of Many faces



'Certainly friend rook, just give me a few moments to look around and I will see what I can deduce! Together I'm sure we can solve this puzzle.'

ΧΞЯΦ begins inspecting the strange building rather closely.

Spoiler: perception/investigation with guidance

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Perception:

[roll0]
Guidance [roll1]

Investigation:

[roll2]
Guidance [roll3]

Spoiler: Investigation Result

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Despite its small size, the shack seems sturdily built and lovingly crafted. It's a cozy little hovel maybe big enough for one person to live in full-time, and big enough to have maybe two guests over at once (assuming they're not too bulky themselves). The murals and carvings on the side show a dedication to the faith and an enjoyment of one's work - whether by those that originally put the shack up, or the current occupants altering it to provide a better experience for travelers.

However, looking more closely you realize that the details on the murals and carvings are a bit too crisp - any wooden structure like this, sturdily built or not, is going to be exposed to the elements for quite some time, and the force of erosion is a harsh mistress. The paints are not faded, the carved lines are as smooth as if they were carved yesterday, without any of the deterioration you might expect from dirt building up, rain, animals sharpening their claws on the wood, and so on. It's possible this place is being touched up by magic, and your personal experience in the other world can corroborate the existence of such magicks: beyond a relatively common repair spell designed for mending small breaks and deterioration (commonly used via eternals wands to keep more important buildings repaired), there's also a slew of more powerful charms primarily employed by House Cannith for repairing Warforged such as yourself - particularly useful, since you don't heal naturally.

Or...didn't? You've certainly felt more invigorated since you got here, and the few times you've gotten mild injuries on your journey they were less problematic when you checked them later...it's possible this world is more...lively than your own, for lack of a better term. More in tune with the forces of positive energy. Something to investigate later, possibly...

[Illven]

Oh, but no blessed noon? Screw the noon and all it stands for. Nina remarks, lifting the sign and letting it fall back to the door in mock annoyance.

We could ask the priestess about any info that she might have about the wizards. Nina offered.

[Spore]

This handy work is impressive. Kriv touches the building's exterior and roams around the place. Nightstone's building are basically just shacks compared to this ... shack. Kriv catches himself thinking about climbing on the cottage to get a better view. Seeing the old wood however, he decides against it. He doesn't want its owner to come back to a ruined roof.

Kriv is pacing around the place, like an impatient child. This is taking forever. He looks for an axe and a javelin. Guys, this is boring, I am going hunting too. And bringing firewood. he says after a whopping 10 minutes. He incants the spirits of the fire, smearing a bit of sooth on his scaly legs. I should be back in 1-2 hours. Then he leaves.

Spoiler

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Survival to hunt: (1d20+3)[16]
Athletics to chop down and drag back a whole tree for firewood (1d20+7)[10]

[Illven]

As Kriv walks off to gather more firewood. Nina nods solemnly, before pulling out a dragonborn puppet.

Poor Kriv, we knew him well. A man of valor and energy. Who would Fus Ro Dah are enemies to death. Cut down by splitting the party before his time. Nina says starting to dig a hole for the puppet.

We shall remember him in this puppetized form, with googly eyes staring firm in the face of adversity. Do Do dooooo She starts before burying the puppet.

Spoiler

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Performance (1d20+8)[22]

[Terrastormer]

ΧΞЯΦ - Far Traveler, Investigator, Seeker of Mystery and Keeper of Many faces

ΧΞЯΦ's eyes light up, as he exclaimed

'Fellows, there is magic here, this building is ... too clean ... there is something or someone maintaining it ... there doesn't seem to be any immediate danger perhaps we should see if anyone is home ... that being said ... the most effective traps are often very inviting. I say we take a chance though it could pay off!'

ΧΞЯΦ goes up to the door and knocks loudly, listening for a response.

[Orsik Vondal]

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Former City Guardsman

Rook raises a hand to stop Kriv, but the dragonborn is already out the door before he can object. He scoffs and waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.

Rook chuckles to himself at Nina's "funeral" for Puppet Kriv. "I'm no magician, so someone else make sure whatever magic is here ain't harmful. And seeing as how our impatient friend has gone off to die in the woods alone, I think I'll go make sure he doesn't get eaten. Don't get too comfortable. Once I bring him back, we'd best be on our way."

Rook finds Kriv apparently gathering a tree to make a battering ram. "Kriv, we have a half day of light left. We don't need firewood. What we need is to get to that hideout before they have a chance to get ready. Let's get going. Before long you'll have another chance to show off on the battlefield."

[Spore]

Kriv looks up from the tree that somehow lodged itself in a small ditch and won't budge. The tree also apprently has smashed a hare but good luck prying it out under the tree and actually preparing it to cook. I thought the idea was to ask the local elf...ranger...priest... for directions on how to attack the bandits? To not explicitly run into a trap, if we are a bit too slow. With our luck and tactical prowess, we repeat the arrowstorm incident from yesterday. Kriv heaves the tree up and kicks the smashed rabbit out. You guys are subtle. Everyone can sneak but me. I can be sneaky but it is not really my forte. He bashes his chainmail to make it rattle. And this thing protects me from being skewered. I won't disrobe just to be more silent. Although my pecs ARE formidable.

He looks at the bashed rabbit, and throws it over his shoulder. Lead the way, dad.

[Alias_Trench]

"the sign does say that the resident of this abode is out hunting... but there is also an open invitation to come in... Out hunting... I suppose it is necessary living this far out to need to hunt for sustenance but an acolyte of Lathander who allegedly receives good donations could, as far as it is, buy their necessities in town. As for the magic, it is highly likely that the acolyte that practices here has been gifted with the ability to mend, I could study it further if we wish to..." Markas mused as he absent mindedly went through the motions of prayer to see the strands of the weave. As Markas sees Xero knock on the door, Markas continues his silent prayers but moves in beside them and listens for sounds of life coming from within as he murmurs under his breath.
Kriv eventually complained about being bored and wandered off into the forest to hunt and chop wood. Not feeling so inclined to stop the impulsive youth, Markas simply calls out over his shoulder, "do not wander off too far" before returning his attention to the almost complete ritual.

Spoiler: Actions

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Ritual Cast Detect Magic
Perception check (1d20+5)[9]

[tonberrian]

Vola spits into the ground. "A soft god for a soft people."

[Terrastormer]

ΧΞЯΦ - Far Traveler, Investigator, Seeker of Mystery and Keeper of Many faces

'Well, if there is an invitation perhaps we should pop our heads in and take a look about but first ....'

ΧΞЯΦ examines the door handle closely, muttering to themselves.

Spoiler: Check for traps

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Cast guidance on self

(1D4)[3] add to investigation check.

Investigation check

(1D20+5)[24]

[Orsik Vondal]

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Former City Guardsman

When Rook and Kriv return. Rook asks Markas, "Is this the hunting lodge we're looking for? If not, I suggest we push on before we lose the light. No sense traipsing through the forest when the lights go out. It'll probably be a more defensible position than just camping out in the woods anyhow."

[Terrastormer]

ΧΞЯΦ - Far Traveler, Investigator, Seeker of Mystery and Keeper of Many faces

ΧΞЯΦ, not finding any traps, swings the door open steps inside and looks around still muttering to themselves.

Spoiler: Investigating the shack

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Guidance on self:

(1D4)[2]

Investigation:

(1D20+5)[8]

'Would anyone like to come in and give me a hand?'

[Alias_Trench]

Aliastrench: I'm still waiting to see what magic I see.
AvatarVecna: None

"There is no magic currently at work here" Markas stated, "but I figure this structure is maintained by one who knows simple magic for maintenance"

As Rook and Kriv come back, Xero is in the process of entering the premises. "No, this is not Phylund Hunting Lodge. It seems to be a shrine to Lathander which somewhere I reckon that acolyte Zora was told is. That said I want to quickly check this place out, we still have plenty of daylight left. Can you give me a few minutes?"

With that, Markas moves towards the open door and ducks his head as he crosses the threshold while looking around.

Spoiler: actions

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maintain concentration on dispel magic
Perception check (1d20+5)[8]

[Spore]

"There is no magic currently at work here" Markas stated, "but I figure this structure is maintained by one who knows simple magic for maintenance"

Don't many priests have the power to remove small imperfections? Kriv inquires after coming back. And do you think we should leave a note?

Vola spits into the ground. "A soft god for a soft people."

Well, soft people need gods too. Kriv frowns. Not every obstacle can be moved by sheer force. As he mentions those words, he avoids Markas' eyes for a few minutes knowing he just dug his own argumentative grave. His tail twitches with nervosity whether or not the halfelf would pick up on that.