Mortar smiles when he spots the first threats they've encountered who should be susceptible to his illusions.
He confers with Durrant over his latest find while the others experiment with their finger treasures.
"I understand the remainder of that spell, if you wish to learn it from me at some point. Though I do think you would make a fine bearded dwarf."
Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Olleg, Dwarf
"Test away, Master Elf," Olleg replies. "But if you want to pass the last two rings to the party store, that's your business. As for mine," he says, tucking his newly adorned digits into his belt, "they will be remaining with me."
"Test away, Master Elf," Olleg replies. "But if you want to pass the last two rings to the party store, that's your business. As for mine," he says, tucking his newly adorned digits into his belt, "they will be remaining with me."
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Edel
"Yours? Why would yo assume they are yours? We are a group - you cannot simply claim whatever you want" - Edel raises an eyebrow at the dwarf.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
I think Brick is still invisible or did it wear off?Stirling wrote: ↑Fri Jan 24, 2025 11:42 am Fawkes
We are both half-orcs so most likely to 'look the part''of being in the Temple Slavers community. Why don't Brick and I go listen in at the stable door?He speaks Orchish.
Fawkes: Hear Noise vs 15% [1d100]=10
While the others discuss treasure and the merits of disguising as a dwarven pin-up model, I will go with him to listen in. Weapon ready just in case the guard seen with the weasel comes all the way down the corridor to challenge us.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
I think the Dust of Disappearance had a three hour plus duration. I will check and let you know.I think Brick is still invisible or did it wear off?
Mortar used Dust of Disappearance on Brick, so you have invisibility for 3 hours and crucially, this is not lost once offensive actions happen. So you might even have a +4 to hit from surprise for the first round of every melee too.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Goran, not-so-hidden Pickpocket
Goran approaches the no longer invisible Gnome trickster and tries to put something in his belt pouch.
When he gets caught he decides to just hand the ruby to the gnome with a wink, and looks around for another shadow to hide in. Disappointed, he sheathes his dagger, +2 vs magic-users, and retrieves the short sword he dropped before his acrobatic leap off the dwarves shield.
”So, Master Elf, when I steal something, is that my stolen goods, or your stolen goods?”
Goran approaches the no longer invisible Gnome trickster and tries to put something in his belt pouch.
When he gets caught he decides to just hand the ruby to the gnome with a wink, and looks around for another shadow to hide in. Disappointed, he sheathes his dagger, +2 vs magic-users, and retrieves the short sword he dropped before his acrobatic leap off the dwarves shield.
”So, Master Elf, when I steal something, is that my stolen goods, or your stolen goods?”
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Thanks thought so but wanted to make sure.Straither wrote: ↑Sat Jan 25, 2025 12:19 amI think the Dust of Disappearance had a three hour plus duration. I will check and let you know.I think Brick is still invisible or did it wear off?
Mortar used Dust of Disappearance on Brick, so you have invisibility for 3 hours and crucially, this is not lost once offensive actions happen. So you might even have a +4 to hit from surprise for the first round of every melee too.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Olleg, Dwarf
Directing his attention towards the two rings, Olleg pauses and takes a moment to study them closely.
Furrowing his brow, Olleg replies to the elf, "Claim? I have the same claim anyone in this group has, namely, to a fair share of all profits! Of course that includes all treasure we find, whether gold, gems, or magic scrolls. The value of these rings will be held against the future division of party spoils."
Directing his attention towards the two rings, Olleg pauses and takes a moment to study them closely.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Edel
“Exactly. However, equal shares means claims can only be carried out once the total tally has been made” - Edel retorted - “And definitely not, like you have put it - ‘as for mine, they will remain with me’ - he continued - “Since they are not yours, and you cannot make that decision unilaterally’ - the Magic-User patiently explained.
“Exactly. However, equal shares means claims can only be carried out once the total tally has been made” - Edel retorted - “And definitely not, like you have put it - ‘as for mine, they will remain with me’ - he continued - “Since they are not yours, and you cannot make that decision unilaterally’ - the Magic-User patiently explained.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Sneaking in the Temple Ruin
by the stable door.
Brick & Fawkes stand by the stable door pressing ears to the panel and trying to discern the manner of speech in the stable beyond.
Another groom mucks out, you hear gravelly strikes as he spades manure into buckets. Another tap-taps a new shoe into a hoof of the horse in the closest stall. Fawkes, with the thieves skill pass, can discern an extra sound, a floorboards creaking at a higher level. It does so in line with the rhythmic taps. There must be a hayloft level and whoever is present there sneaks about rather than being public about their presence. The grooms are ignorant of this and your sly presence nearby, returning to basic chores and duties.
That is the limit of what you can discern since a result of pressing warm, fleshy ears into the wooden panels trigger the insectoid bugs that lurk like termites in the rotting wood panels of the door to seek ear canals to lay eggs in.
Listening at doors: Ear seekers random vs 1 [1d6]=1 Ear seekers crawl into ears? vs AC10: Brick [1d20]=18 Fawkes [1d20]=1
Brick suddenly gets the fidgets, poking a long finger into his ear to clear wax and creepy-crawly bugs from his ears. Even with a bonus from putting stubs of melted wax in ear drums to soften any Harpy voice, the critters burrow deep enough and quickly enough to cause his head shaking and trying to dig them out. All unseen of course as he remains invisible.
Fawkes steps away, concluding you have heard enough, whispering to Brick what he has discovered. Could be another slave attempting escape, perhaps an Icon hero evading capture, maybe a guard having a romantic tryst?
Fawkes, failing at both Hide in Shadows & Move Silently skills. The result to this is that your presence is discovered by the weasel & guard. This figure, noted earlier as standing at the top of the long corridor a hundred feet away has walked down the corridor whilst you were busy listening in at the stable door. As he reaches the adjoining corridor, his weasel perks up, pulling on the leash and scratching furiously with it's front paws. The guard lifts his firebrand to cast a bit of light in your direction,
"Uh, hello? Who are you?" the guard asks, approaching a bit closer, enough for the weasel to get a good sniff of the cleric-thief.
You note this guard is not alone, in fact three guards walk the corridor, each with a giant weasel at heel. Two carry flaming firebrands, the middle of the trio has a sack containing bundles of large rat carcasses.
The leading weasel catches Brick's scent too but the bone-vested Fawkes takes the majority of its attention, like any hound, it tries to rear on hind legs to sniff Fawkes all over and test whether he is friend or foe. The guard passes between you both, putting a head through the open stable door behind you, "Morning lads, keep to it. No rats to clean up here? Only you scumbags? Crack on then, lunchtime rat and tail stew in an hour then " He closes the stable door coming back in the main internal corridors.
The low-key disguise seems to make the lone Fawkes appear in a positive light and the guard remarks on your holy symbols. "Oh the Boyz will be delighted to find you have arrived. They are terrified of the garden ghosts and witchery. I think they are waiting for you now."
It seems the guard must be thinking you have just arrived on the wagon in the stable and have some ministerial duty to perform. So he clicks his finger and suggests you "Follow Targyrm", up the long corridor to wherever this expected exorcism is performed. For himself, he ignores the Sundew door and instead the remaining two guards and their tethered weasels look to go into the side corridor where they pass the nearby door, intending to patrol further along.
Actions for Brick & Fawkes please. do check the latest pic in map & illustration thread, to orientate yourselves.
I will update actions and scene for the group in the Sundew room later.
by the stable door.
Brick & Fawkes stand by the stable door pressing ears to the panel and trying to discern the manner of speech in the stable beyond.
They patiently listen in, overhearing the distinct voices and activity. There are the creaks of a wagon slowly rolling a few yards, being brought in from the exterior double doors. A rattle of metal like someone running a blade along some bars, a horse whinnying then being calmed from strokes and petting. Someone offers it an apple to nibble. The stable grooms have taken possession of the stolen wagon and cage that was left in the lean-to shed on the other side of the wasteland graveyard. The grooms debate the find, remarking of the pennants that fluttered from the cage side and the open rear cage door. They conclude it was left by the priests of Gruumsh whose markings it signifies. They loose the horse from its strappings, putting it into a stall alongside other steeds.A narrow corridor extends twenty feet and ends in another closed crypt door that has been decorated with horseshoes nailed to the panels
Another groom mucks out, you hear gravelly strikes as he spades manure into buckets. Another tap-taps a new shoe into a hoof of the horse in the closest stall. Fawkes, with the thieves skill pass, can discern an extra sound, a floorboards creaking at a higher level. It does so in line with the rhythmic taps. There must be a hayloft level and whoever is present there sneaks about rather than being public about their presence. The grooms are ignorant of this and your sly presence nearby, returning to basic chores and duties.
That is the limit of what you can discern since a result of pressing warm, fleshy ears into the wooden panels trigger the insectoid bugs that lurk like termites in the rotting wood panels of the door to seek ear canals to lay eggs in.
Listening at doors: Ear seekers random vs 1 [1d6]=1 Ear seekers crawl into ears? vs AC10: Brick [1d20]=18 Fawkes [1d20]=1
Brick suddenly gets the fidgets, poking a long finger into his ear to clear wax and creepy-crawly bugs from his ears. Even with a bonus from putting stubs of melted wax in ear drums to soften any Harpy voice, the critters burrow deep enough and quickly enough to cause his head shaking and trying to dig them out. All unseen of course as he remains invisible.
Fawkes steps away, concluding you have heard enough, whispering to Brick what he has discovered. Could be another slave attempting escape, perhaps an Icon hero evading capture, maybe a guard having a romantic tryst?
Fawkes, failing at both Hide in Shadows & Move Silently skills. The result to this is that your presence is discovered by the weasel & guard. This figure, noted earlier as standing at the top of the long corridor a hundred feet away has walked down the corridor whilst you were busy listening in at the stable door. As he reaches the adjoining corridor, his weasel perks up, pulling on the leash and scratching furiously with it's front paws. The guard lifts his firebrand to cast a bit of light in your direction,
"Uh, hello? Who are you?" the guard asks, approaching a bit closer, enough for the weasel to get a good sniff of the cleric-thief.
You note this guard is not alone, in fact three guards walk the corridor, each with a giant weasel at heel. Two carry flaming firebrands, the middle of the trio has a sack containing bundles of large rat carcasses.
The leading weasel catches Brick's scent too but the bone-vested Fawkes takes the majority of its attention, like any hound, it tries to rear on hind legs to sniff Fawkes all over and test whether he is friend or foe. The guard passes between you both, putting a head through the open stable door behind you, "Morning lads, keep to it. No rats to clean up here? Only you scumbags? Crack on then, lunchtime rat and tail stew in an hour then " He closes the stable door coming back in the main internal corridors.
Weasel guard reactions [1d100]=78So instead I am going to try to bluff and taking off my sheepskin cloak, my vestment of bones is my priestly ephod. So I try to look like I am 'part of the commune'
The low-key disguise seems to make the lone Fawkes appear in a positive light and the guard remarks on your holy symbols. "Oh the Boyz will be delighted to find you have arrived. They are terrified of the garden ghosts and witchery. I think they are waiting for you now."
It seems the guard must be thinking you have just arrived on the wagon in the stable and have some ministerial duty to perform. So he clicks his finger and suggests you "Follow Targyrm", up the long corridor to wherever this expected exorcism is performed. For himself, he ignores the Sundew door and instead the remaining two guards and their tethered weasels look to go into the side corridor where they pass the nearby door, intending to patrol further along.
Actions for Brick & Fawkes please. do check the latest pic in map & illustration thread, to orientate yourselves.
I will update actions and scene for the group in the Sundew room later.
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Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Sneaking in the Temple Ruin.
inside the Sundew room.
Durrant & Mortar converse over a new found spell. In its guise as a written script upon the calendar, the spell can be cast by both Illusionist and Magic User. The full spell with all the dynamic options, not just the illusion of a pin-up dwarven babe, might only be within the realms of Illusionist proficiency. Further research and study could offer Durrant some encouragement to gain a cross - class spell.
The vinegary wine barrels are tipped, ready to roll should a patrol bust the door though the stairs and door are offset to each other and unlikely therefore to be rolled directly into an intruder's path. The NPC's stand ready behind them.
Vennar & Galadria hold the door just an inch open, to view the immediate area beyond. You see that a guard and leashed weasel comes close, hear the conversation he has with Fawkes. All the while Brick remains invisible, sidestepping the pair and waiting for any chance for a pre-emptive strike should conflict arise. The clerics look right through him as he stands barring the doorway. It seems the guard wants Fawkes to follow another, to minister over some fearful Orcs in their room at the top of the long corridor. You count two fiery light sources though cannot see much more as you peer through the narrowest of gaps in the doorway. These guards and their animals companions don't sound as though they are alarmed or aware of any danger, the talk is abrupt but conducted in friendly manner and the weasels chirp and trill, inquisitive of the newcomer but not yet snarling with teeth bared. As no conflict happens , they seem content to head down the adjoining corridor and step out of sight.
Inside the room, Edel, Goran & Olleg bicker over the trove taken from the deceased hand. The six rings divided between the three of them though others may want to also lay claim to a portion of such plunder.
Olleg relents his gruffness to appraise the inset gemstones, estimating the malachite and glassy quartz are mere ornamental value, perhaps not worth more than a dozen gold pieces.
The deep purple Amethyst and finely wrought filigree gold around the mother of pearl stone could be worth several hundred gold pieces in the right hands. Both are currently in Edel's hand.
At first glance as Goran favours a casual inspection, the fiery opal must be worth upto four figure sum, the most valuable of those found. The last ring has the tiniest of insets, just blue flecks of lapis lazuli set into the palm of each grasping hand.
Edel casts his own appraisal, this time checking for arcane traits. He finds he needn't have done so for each of the three characters after putting a ring on hear an empathic voice speak into their heads. Each is different and quite bizarre.
Goran an insidious fear creeps upon you like a paranoid shadow, whispering inside your head.
Olleg,
Edel,
You each recover quickly, the others noticing your facial grimaces as the rings reveal intimate details about themselves.
Actions please everyone.
inside the Sundew room.
Durrant & Mortar converse over a new found spell. In its guise as a written script upon the calendar, the spell can be cast by both Illusionist and Magic User. The full spell with all the dynamic options, not just the illusion of a pin-up dwarven babe, might only be within the realms of Illusionist proficiency. Further research and study could offer Durrant some encouragement to gain a cross - class spell.
The vinegary wine barrels are tipped, ready to roll should a patrol bust the door though the stairs and door are offset to each other and unlikely therefore to be rolled directly into an intruder's path. The NPC's stand ready behind them.
Vennar & Galadria hold the door just an inch open, to view the immediate area beyond. You see that a guard and leashed weasel comes close, hear the conversation he has with Fawkes. All the while Brick remains invisible, sidestepping the pair and waiting for any chance for a pre-emptive strike should conflict arise. The clerics look right through him as he stands barring the doorway. It seems the guard wants Fawkes to follow another, to minister over some fearful Orcs in their room at the top of the long corridor. You count two fiery light sources though cannot see much more as you peer through the narrowest of gaps in the doorway. These guards and their animals companions don't sound as though they are alarmed or aware of any danger, the talk is abrupt but conducted in friendly manner and the weasels chirp and trill, inquisitive of the newcomer but not yet snarling with teeth bared. As no conflict happens , they seem content to head down the adjoining corridor and step out of sight.
Inside the room, Edel, Goran & Olleg bicker over the trove taken from the deceased hand. The six rings divided between the three of them though others may want to also lay claim to a portion of such plunder.
Olleg relents his gruffness to appraise the inset gemstones, estimating the malachite and glassy quartz are mere ornamental value, perhaps not worth more than a dozen gold pieces.
The deep purple Amethyst and finely wrought filigree gold around the mother of pearl stone could be worth several hundred gold pieces in the right hands. Both are currently in Edel's hand.
At first glance as Goran favours a casual inspection, the fiery opal must be worth upto four figure sum, the most valuable of those found. The last ring has the tiniest of insets, just blue flecks of lapis lazuli set into the palm of each grasping hand.
Edel casts his own appraisal, this time checking for arcane traits. He finds he needn't have done so for each of the three characters after putting a ring on hear an empathic voice speak into their heads. Each is different and quite bizarre.
Goran an insidious fear creeps upon you like a paranoid shadow, whispering inside your head.
You each recover quickly, the others noticing your facial grimaces as the rings reveal intimate details about themselves.
Actions please everyone.
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Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Edel
"Magical rings" - he grimaced in pain, taking both the rings off. He did not meant to even put them on, but something had happened beyond his will, something he could not explain...
"Store them with the gold" - he gave the two rings to the cohort, and waited for the dwarf and halfling to do the same.
"Magical rings" - he grimaced in pain, taking both the rings off. He did not meant to even put them on, but something had happened beyond his will, something he could not explain...
"Store them with the gold" - he gave the two rings to the cohort, and waited for the dwarf and halfling to do the same.
Last edited by Edeldhur on Mon Jan 27, 2025 11:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Fawkes
Cornered by the guard with the weasel, he resists his instinct to strike first, engaging in conversation.
Aware Brick is about but three guards and three giant weasels look a formidable posse.
"Yes, I just arrived. Not sure where to go though, The Temple sanctuary is my destination. The high priest, Gruumsh bless his soul, I hope to learn from his tutelage. Do you know where his quarters are?
Ministry, to the guards. I would be delighted, yes do lead the way. Nice pet, is he friendly? Rat stew, shame today is my prayer and fasting. Lead on brother."
I am going to keep friendly and low-key, hoping the two guards carry on one way and I am left with the other. I expect my unseen shadow Brick to follow at a distance, maybe the others once we get far enough away that they can sneak behind too.
Cornered by the guard with the weasel, he resists his instinct to strike first, engaging in conversation.
Aware Brick is about but three guards and three giant weasels look a formidable posse.
"Yes, I just arrived. Not sure where to go though, The Temple sanctuary is my destination. The high priest, Gruumsh bless his soul, I hope to learn from his tutelage. Do you know where his quarters are?
Ministry, to the guards. I would be delighted, yes do lead the way. Nice pet, is he friendly? Rat stew, shame today is my prayer and fasting. Lead on brother."
I am going to keep friendly and low-key, hoping the two guards carry on one way and I am left with the other. I expect my unseen shadow Brick to follow at a distance, maybe the others once we get far enough away that they can sneak behind too.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Brick
Brick will try to remain clear of the guards and weasels. He will try to follow Fawkes and clear his ear out at the same time.
Do I need to roll anything for the ear seekers?
Brick will try to remain clear of the guards and weasels. He will try to follow Fawkes and clear his ear out at the same time.
Do I need to roll anything for the ear seekers?
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
well this was the warning posted after the first Ear Seekers were noted.Do I need to roll anything for the ear seekers?
So I am fine with Brick knowing a parasitic bug has crawled too deep in his ears to be fished out with his fingers. There is nothing to roll against as the chance for infection was vs the [1d20] roll. Asking a cleric who may have more medicine knowledge might give you further insight or locating another person affected by the parasites and learning from their testimony. At best a minor inconvenience leading to some measure of deafness, at worst they will wriggle about chewing on grey matter. You are not injured, having taken no wounds from them ... yet ...The ears on the door are from several races of humans and humanoids. Looking closely, none have any earlobe rings still attached but all do have tiny, tick like insects crawling about, ticks that hatched from eggs laid in the recesses of the ear hole and canal. Ear Seekers, a dreaded parasitical insect that burrows into flesh. A timely reminder then to anyone tempted to listen in at doors, that they might be risking becoming host to larvae that spring forth from the oak panels should a warm, fleshy ear be pressed too closely upon it. Highport is riddled with various parasites and disease bearing vermin.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Goran, Halfling Guerilla
Goran pulls a wineskin and a whiskey bottle from his backpack and holds them out toward Olleg, and solemnly says to him’Master Dwarf, I charge you with the protection of this strong ale and whiskey.”
A bit more loudly he announces ”I’m going after Fawkes. I’m quiet and hidden on my own. If someone has a means to communicate that would be good.”
Goran sets about tightening and securing his gear, and closely regards his magic dagger.
Goran pulls a wineskin and a whiskey bottle from his backpack and holds them out toward Olleg, and solemnly says to him’Master Dwarf, I charge you with the protection of this strong ale and whiskey.”
A bit more loudly he announces ”I’m going after Fawkes. I’m quiet and hidden on my own. If someone has a means to communicate that would be good.”
Goran sets about tightening and securing his gear, and closely regards his magic dagger.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Brick
Brick will head back to find one of the clerics.
Ignore my OOC question, you answered it here. Thanks.
Brick will head back to find one of the clerics.
Ignore my OOC question, you answered it here. Thanks.
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Venna
Venna will stay back until the plan is fully hatched
(The map post image is broken)
Venna will stay back until the plan is fully hatched
(The map post image is broken)
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Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
IF the coast outside the sundew room is obviously clear, Mortar will ignore being ignored by Durrant to poke his head out instead.
If he sees nothing threatening, he will slip up to the closed door on the right, hoping to detect light or hear any noise coming from the crack below the door. (not placing his ear up to anything wooden)
If he sees nothing threatening, he will slip up to the closed door on the right, hoping to detect light or hear any noise coming from the crack below the door. (not placing his ear up to anything wooden)
Re: Sneaking into the Ruined Temple
Goran, Lightweight
Goran removes the sack containing the silk blousons from the hobgoblins and sets it down. He tugs an empty sack through his belt, and slightly adjusts his sling and bullet pouch.
”if any of ya have a sneaky companion of some sort, maybe send them my way.”
He pulls the cowl of his cloak up, and without a noise heads out after Fawkes.
Goran removes the sack containing the silk blousons from the hobgoblins and sets it down. He tugs an empty sack through his belt, and slightly adjusts his sling and bullet pouch.
”if any of ya have a sneaky companion of some sort, maybe send them my way.”
He pulls the cowl of his cloak up, and without a noise heads out after Fawkes.