The Expected Journey Ends [IC]

[JNAProductions]

The chambers the Duke offered to you are quite nice. Warm, even in the brisk autumn weather, with thick rugs and luxurious blankets. You're each awoken by a servant coming to your room and knocking. They inform you that a hearty breakfast is waiting in a dining room near the kitchens.

You make your way there at your own pace-there's no rush, not really. The food set out looks good-chunks of meat and loaves of bread, cheeses and jams and butters. There are still servants moving in and out of the room, handling the dishes and such.

There will be a celebration later-but for now, you can eat.
What will you do?

---

OOC Thread

[Lentrax]

Hinoka yawns as she awakens. Her tail swishes in the morning sunlight as she gets dressed. And then she heads down to the dining room, gathers a plate of food and starts eating, waiting for the others to arrive, ears twitching at every sound.

As a serving girl brings a pot of hot water to her, Hinoka thanks her profusely as she adds her own blend of tea leaves to a diffuser and sets it in the pot.

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 18 | HP: 40/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 4/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 4/4 Superiority Die: d8: 4/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: None

Nithlaya is already awake when the servant knocks on her door. She has been awake for hours. She gets like this sometimes, so deep in thought she forgets to sleep at all. Some food, Nith feels, might improve her mood. If nothing else, if everyone is getting up for breakfast, nobody will complain if she stretches her legs and gets a change of scenery.

Heading to the dining room, she sits next to Hinoka after saying hello and begins to help herself to a selection of cooked meats.

[Ilerien]

The bed was soft, the blanket was warm and the sheets were as white as snow. Darren missed the luxury of a noble's residence a lot. He briefly fought the temptation to stay in bed for a couple more hours and, naturally, emerged victorious. Breakfast sounded like an excellent idea.

After changing into his formal attire (thankfully, the protocol didn't require him to wear armor for the breakfast!), the young knight makes his way into the dining room, his olfactory sense immediately overloaded by a variety of smells, all of them quite promising.

Two of his associates are already at it, and Darren joins them at the table, greeting them politely.

Darren asks the servant, a dark blonde man roughly his own age who has come to inquire about his specific preferences to bring some venison, cottage cheese and garlic bread. The Duke's kitchen has never disappointed, and this time is no exception. He thanks the attendant earnestly. Also, it never hurts to be nice to the servants.

[JNAProductions]

To Hinoka, the servant waves off the thanks. "We all got it together," she says. "It's not just me."

To Darren, the servant waves off the thanks. "We all got it together," he says. "It's not just me."

[Lentrax]

Regardless, Hinoka says. You were the one to bring me the pot, so I thank you anyway.

She then pours out some tea for herself, and offers the pot to the others.

Does anyone know when the celebration is supposed to begin? And what we should do with ourselves before then?

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 18 | HP: 40/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 4/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 4/4 Superiority Die: d8: 4/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: None

Nithlaya empties her plate and when the two servants respond in the same way her ears perk up. She addresses them both before they can leave and asks "Is there anything in particular either of you would suggest? I'm still a bit hungry."

[JNAProductions]

"Let me talk to the others," the woman says. The man nods in agreement, and they scurry off for a moment.

They both return before too long, with some pastries. "We think that you'll enjoy these," the man says, setting them down in front of Nithlaya.

[Ilerien]

A sizeable portion of the local nobles tended to dismiss servants as unimportant, and they wouldn't have registered their identical, gestures and undertones included, answers. Darren, however, takes notice of the uncanniness. I wonder who trained them to speak according to the same pattern.
- Honestly, I would've expected His Grace's master of ceremonies to familiarize us with the schedule and specifics of the celebration, - Darren replies to Hinoka. - Alas. I imagine we have some time to dally. Grand fetes don't begin in the morning.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: Passive Perception 15

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You're being watched. By more than you'd expect, anyway-the servants are obviously keeping an eye on you, but there's someone else.

You can't get a clear look at them, but you see enough to notice they're wearing armor. They're lurking around the hall.

[Lentrax]

You know, I was just sitting here, enjoying my tea, Hinoka begins.

When I could t help but recall the time our good Darren had wandered a bit too far from the rest of us. That helmet you had then that gave you such terrible vision. Especially in the dark. And I can’t help but feel that way now. Not quite knowing what is coming.

A slight pause for effect as she looks up over her mug.

For the ceremony.

[Talivan]

Kiraz enter the room suddenly looking all the scene she immediately notice other three familiar faces already in the dinning room:

"Sorry, Am I late?"

She sits down to the nearest chair in the table, "can I have some tea please?", she start to observe all the movement in the room.

[Lentrax]

Of course, Hinako says, pouring a cup for Kiraz.

Anyone have any plans for what to do while we wait for the ceremony? We could go out, get lost on the streets for a while. It’s been a while since we’ve been in a town with nothing to do.

[Ilerien]

Darren smiles outwardly at Hinoka's observation. Her instincts are usually on point. Is Hinoka feeling something isn't quite right? Then he turns his attention towards Kiraz.

- A wizard is never late, nor is she early. She arrives precisely when she means to, - Darren says clearly mimicking a different person's voice. - I can still hear these words uttered by my sweet old nanny who used to read fairy tales aloud for me so I fall asleep. It had opposite results usually. She would've made a great reciter, - he smiles with the corners of his mouth. - Ordinarily, I would've had reservations against slipping out of here as the Duke might've seen it as a deliberate slight, but today we're heroes and have some leeway.

[JNAProductions]

The room is temporarily clear of servants, as the last one has just left with some empty dishes.

You do know that the festival isn't scheduled to start till after noon, though preparations will obviously take some time. Still, you've at least an hour or two to pass by.

[Talivan]

Of course, Hinako says, pouring a cup for Kiraz.

Anyone have any plans for what to do while we wait for the ceremony? We could go out, get lost on the streets for a while. It’s been a while since we’ve been in a town with nothing to do.

Darren smiles outwardly at Hinoka's observation. Her instincts are usually on point. Is Hinoka feeling something isn't quite right? Then he turns his attention towards Kiraz.

- A wizard is never late, nor is she early. She arrives precisely when she means to, - Darren says clearly mimicking a different person's voice. - I can still hear these words uttered by my sweet old nanny who used to read fairy tales aloud for me so I fall asleep. It had opposite results usually. She would've made a great reciter, - he smiles with the corners of his mouth. - Ordinarily, I would've had reservations against slipping out of here as the Duke might've seen it as a deliberate slight, but today we're heroes and have some leeway.

Thank you,...Hinako, right?!, Kiraz one-shot her cup of tea while Hinako ask the question.

I know that book!!! hapily saying to Darren pointing with the cup to him,

"Well, Patience is not my lastname, so I say we should go and strech our legs!"

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 18 | HP: 40/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 4/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 4/4 Superiority Die: d8: 4/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: None

"How much did you have to drink last night that your eyes are so blurred you cannot recognise Hinako's face?" Nithlaya laughs, "I wouldn't mind going for a walk, though. I've been meaning to look for some armour. Perhaps we should leave through the hall?"

[JNAProductions]

You set any utensils you used down, and head to get some fresh air. As you pass through the Grand Hall, you see groups of servants working on decorations and cleaning. They don't pause their work, but they do acknowledge you with waves and smiles.

Outside, the air feels like a crisp autumn day. There's a moderate breeze, and puffy clouds in the sky, though none seem to threaten rain.

Spoiler: OOC

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In case anyone here is unaware how I do ability check spoilers, here's a rundown:
For some checks, you can declare Passive or Active. Active is rolling the d20, Passive is 10+Modifier. You get one-no rolling then swapping to Passive if you roll poorly!
Additionally, there will often be spoilers within spoilers, with the nested ones having higher and higher DCs with more info/benefits.

Spoiler: Passive Or Active Wisdom (Perception) DC 8

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People are out in the streets. The mood is positive.

Spoiler: DC 12

Show

Everyone has their own little group-no one is alone.

Spoiler: DC 16

Show

Someone is watching you-they're in armor, but you can't tell much else.

Spoiler: DC 20

Show

The watcher is alone, following you from the Duke's home.

[Lentrax]

Can’t tell if they are the same or not… but I’m trying to not be obvious…

But Hinoka’s ears twitch at the sounds of the armored footfalls that keep following them.

Her tail twitches nervously in time to her footsteps. And then, in mid-swish, the tail disappears.

[Ilerien]

Tail?.. Oh. Tail.

Darren slows down a bit and follows a flock of pigeons startled by someone with his gaze, shooting a glance back to try and single out whoever is following them.
- Careful now. I'd hate us to end up covered in pigeon crap, - says Darren, sounding mildly annoyed.

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception check: (1d20+3)[9]

[JNAProductions]

You continue your stroll. For some of you, this is your first time properly being in the Duke's hometown, and it's... It's nice. Not very dissimilar from your own homes, but it's nice.

Spoiler: Hinoka

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There's something down an alley. You can see it, about seven, eight feet tall. It shimmers slightly, with ragged edges-a hole in the world, like that you were put through returning home.

Spoiler: Everyone Else

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Hinoka looks down an empty alley.

[Lentrax]

Hinoka walks down the street, looking into the various shops. She points at dresses in windows and admires them, though she admits they aren’t practical for her forays in the woods for herbs and medicines.

And as they pass an alley, she stops, and takes a step back to get a better look.

It can’t… it isn’t… is it?

She takes a step toward the alley, trying to get a better look.

And after a few moments of hesitation, only three or four heartbeats, she dashes into the alley, trying to get a better view of the hole and where it leads. Even if it only leads back to Vyrthandl, her mistress, that is at least somewhere more real than this place has ever felt to her.

[JNAProductions]

As she gets closer, she can see a woods beyond. The trees have bright yellow leaves, perfectly straight trunks, and no branches visible beneath their full, round tops. It is unlike anywhere she's seen before.

Spoiler: OOC

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Let's give the others time to state their actions in response to this.
Timing isn't critical enough to be in init, but it's still a fast-moving situation.

[Talivan]

Spoiler: OOC

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Passive Perception = 16
Active Perception check = (1d20+6)[18]

Kiraz did also detect being observed as Hinako, she let Hinako do vanguard and she stayed in the rear while moving to protect from behind and have a clear picture of the front.

"We may have company guys, watch your step..." she warning the group with a low voice

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 18 | HP: 40/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 4/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 3/4 Superiority Die: d8: 4/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: None

Nithlaya doesn't understand what's going on, but she isn't going to let Hinoka run off alone or without some support. She reminds Hinoka to remain vigilant of threats and tricks, to stay on her toes and to fall back immediately if she senses danger.

Spoiler

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Nithlaya will give a 1d6 Bardic Inspiration die to Hinoka.

Once within the next 10 minutes, the creature can roll the die and add the number rolled to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw it makes. The creature can wait until after it rolls the d20 before deciding to use the Bardic Inspiration die, but must decide before the DM says whether the roll succeeds or fails. Once the Bardic Inspiration die is rolled, it is lost. A creature can have only one Bardic Inspiration die at a time.

If a creature has a Bardic Inspiration die from you and casts a spell that restores hit points or deals damage, the creature can roll that die and choose a target affected by the spell. Add the number rolled as a bonus to the hit points regained or the damage dealt. The Bardic Inspiration die is then lost.

[Ilerien]

Surprised by Hinoka rushing off into a random seemingly side alley, Darren draws the dagger he thankfully haven't forgotten to take with him and follows the kitsune.

Now our tail knows that we know.

[Lentrax]

It... It isn't home....

Hinoka seems genuinely hurt by the realization. Her home is not something she talks about much, because she still doesn't have any proof of her beliefs beyond her experiences.

But this...

This is a step toward proving what she believes.

But what is it?

Spoiler: OOC

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Going to make an Arcana check to see if she can puzzle anything about this portal out.

(1d20+3)[4]

And that is a definite no.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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Enemy
Kiraz
Nithlaya
Hinoka
Darren

Your stalker rushes after you, revealing herself from her following. She's dressed in studded leather, the leather a solid white. She incants something, and four lances of brilliant white energy spring out against each of you.

Spoiler: OOC

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Recharge Roll: (1d6)[1]

Attacks:
Kiraz: (1d20+6)[10]
Nithlaya: (1d20+6)[26]
Hinoka: (1d20+6)[11]
Darren: (1d20+6)[13]

On any hit, you take 15 force damage, and are Ordered until the end of your enemy's next turn. While Ordered, you cannot roll with advantage or disadvantage, you cannot score a critical hit, and for each damage die you roll, the result is replaced with the average (rounding down).

[Ilerien]

Darren reacts quickly enough with a swift word and a swift gesture. His left hand shoots up to meet the lance aimed at him, and a translucent barrier springs up around it deflecting the attack and producing a shower of sparks.

Spoiler: OOC

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Reaction: cast shield (1 free cast per LR, 0 remaining).

[Lentrax]

Hinoka watches the spear of light fly toward her, but with only a minor sidestep, she brings her hands together and violet lightning crackles between her palms.

Now, that isn't nice. We haven't even done anything to you. Miyrai.

And with the last word, a bolt of violet light arcs in a zigzag pattern across the space between Hinoka and the stalker.

Spoiler: Eldritch Blast

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Attack: (1d20+6)[16]
Damage: (1d10+4)[12]