[5E] A Darkness Gathering (Inactive)

Game Master Ken Marable

Alvyn turns to the dwarf and shouts Those are fighting words! He attempts to raise his fists, but simply falls off the stool, making a fool of himself. Ughh....

Taman perks up. "Say, friends! You know Aleanor? Do you know where she is?"

Mael sits in the darkened corner, sipping on his wine and watching the others carefully.

Still no sign of her...

A wine drinker eh. That stuff's for sissies. Ale. That's a real Dwarven drink! a grumpy looking Dwarf says as he approaches the bar.

Barkeep. Finest Dwarven Stout you have! And it better not be that rotpiss you served that man there. Garnult points to someone else at the bar he notices drinking Ale, but not Dwarven Ale.

Sorry, forgot to mention to you two, but the bar is completely empty except for the PCs and the bartender. But I presume you just pointed to one of the other PCs.

"Welcome, friends! Glad you could join us! I have all drinks for all types here. I do have some bold dwarven ale in back. I don't get many of ya bearded folk in here other than my muscle to keep folks in line. They don't normally touch the stuff so ta keep their wits about them - ha! Little good that did, the good for nothings." Handsome John mumbles this last part mostly to himself as he goes to the back room.

Alvyn turns to the dwarf and shouts Those are fighting words! He attempts to raise his fists, but simply falls off the stool, making a fool of himself. Ughh....

John returns with an old, very dusty, very solid looking jug. "Here you are, friend. My finest dwarven ale. It's rather old and crusty, but I hear that's how ya like 'em!" He winks at and nudges Garnult.

Looking at Alvyn stumbling around on the floor, John remarks, "Uh... not sure how much more drink you can get in ya, but how about some food?"

Taman perks up. "Say, friends! You know Aleanor? Do you know where she is?"

"More friends of Aleanor? Wow, if she does come back, her drinks are on the house -" he then catches himself " - one night only! Although, she was always just a sipper like your friend over there. So maybe two." He nods over at Maeltheron.

He then holds his arms out to indicate the otherwise vacant bar, "Since gossip is a bit thin lately, what's your business with Aleanor if ya don't mind my asking? Orc trouble in the west again? 'Nother dragon snatching up cows? (Though, don't know if I believe that tale of hers.) Evil wizard turning folks into toads?"

Err, I'm not entirely certain what Garnult's relationship is with Aleanor...sorry

Err, I'm not entirely certain what Garnult's relationship is with Aleanor...sorry

Sorry for not totally getting you up to speed. My post from 1/30 had a "Newcomers" spoiler with some basic info, but I probably should have used your names. I think I just didn't have Alvyn's name yet.

But basic situation is you received a cryptic note from an adventurer you have worked with in the past named Alenaor. The note was basically "serious stuff is going down, meet me at this place on this day." This is the place and this is the day, but no Aleanor. :) Just a bunch of other people she contacted with the same note, some of them arrived a day early and you two arrived the day you were supposed to meet.

As for how closely you know Alenaor or each other, that's completely up to you to embellish as you please. Just you've been on an andventure or two with her in the past and she apparently thinks you're reliable enough that she's asking for your help now.

It's Spring but the weather is unseasonably cold and crappy, which might explain why this tavern is empty except for all of you here to meet Aleanor (And the bartender/owner, of course.).

I think that about covers it. I can let the other PCs fill you in on what they did that first day while they waited for the meeting. Sorry again for not being clear! :)

That's probably my fault for not clicking the spoiler...

Eh. Just got a note is all. Aleanor wanted me to come, and the Forgefather didn't disagree. So. Here I am. S'long as there's adventure and ale involved.

Garnult takes a long pull of his stout What's "the Elect"? he asks the room.

Don't forget someone should fill Garnult and Alvyn on today's activities before they arrived.

"The Elect?!" Handsome John spits on the floor in disgust. "Those gods damned - oh... uh...". He holds his hands out in apology, "You aren't friendly with them are ya? I don't mean to offend... but..."

Then he pauses for a moment, and looks over to the side of the bar where his two dwarven enforcers, the Brothers Bleak, were posted last night. "No, you know what? I will mean to offend! I got nothing against different beliefs, mind you - you can pray to whoever ya like as long as they let ya come in here for a drink or three. But whoever these 'Elect' are, ever since they showed up, more and more folks are going off to hear some looney's lectures every night rather than drinking here! Then today...today...grrr...", his frustration rises even more, and he points to the empty spot the two dwarves were yesterday, "Today even the Brothers Bleak up and quit on me! Said they had to go hear this whoever praising on about whatever!"

"I kept telling myself it was the weather keeping folks away. Tried to keep a smile on my face like your happy preacher friend," John says pointing towards Taman. "Go ahead and pray to whatever the hells you want to pray to, but those Elect bastards... they've gone too far! They took my customers!!"

Alwyn wags a finger How dare they.... And some food would be nice.... Mutton, perhaps? As soon as Handsome John sets the food on the table, Alwyn's fingers start moving. The marionette doll leaps out of the pack, runs over to the plate, and pushes it towards Alwyn, who eagerly digs in.

If they're stoppin men from drinking. Sounds like a reason to punch someone in the face I'm for thinking.

Handsome John warms up to the new arrivals especially as they show interest in righting the wrong of John’s dwindling customers. "You don't think your friend Aleanor would have gotten caught up with them Elect crazies, do ya? Didn't talk much except for looking for information. Seemed pretty focused and intense that one."

John rubs his chin in a forced look of concentration. "Ya know, if I wasn't so worried about not earning enough tonight by... say... you all buying another round or two... I might be able to better remember who she last talked ta."

In the interest of moving the story along - assuming the PCs are interested - and it looks as if the new pair are definitely up for much drinking, he replies:

"She was talking with another lass, a mean one, I think by the name of Janine. Black leather, eye patch, and a creepy stare coming out of the other eye." John shivers a bit at the memory. "Your elf friend Aleanor was actually all rough herself - not really rude, but, ya know, not as friendly as usual. Seen enough folks in here that I figured it was an act just trying ta fit in with the mean eye patched one."

With another round bought (whether you drink it or not doesn't concern John, just whether you buy it), his memory improves further. If you want to do something else or interject your roleplaying go ahead. But just hoping to keep it rolling.

John holds his hands up pleadingly, "Now I don't eavesdrop on my customers, but while serving them I just couldn't help but listen in on what they were talking about. It was something about a meeting at the yellow warehouse. Only one I know about that could be called 'yellow' is over at Maple Way and Ten Alders Road. Aleanor hasn't been back since, but like I said, Aleanor wasn't a regular, so it's not unusual not see her for a week. Also I've never seen the eye patched one before."

That's the majority of what Handsome John knows about Aleanor, but you are welcome to press for more on other topics if you want. Otherwise, just to facilitate discussion and decision, I'll put my Railroad Conductor GM hat on :) and suggest the main options going forward are:

1) Look into 'the Elect' religious group discussed by John (and mentioned on the flyer Lilly received) that appears to be drawing in a lot of the citizens to mysterious levels.

2) Look into the warehouse where Aleanor was apparently going to meet the woman she was talking with.

3) Inform anyone about the monster in the sewer that has killed 30 or so citizens or research it further.

4) Do something else entirely, of course. The 3 above are the most obvious paths, but I'm open to whatever. :)

Up to you if you want a long rest first or want to push on still tonight.

Mael paces with his hands behind his back.

Well, since we were summoned here for a reason, I suggest that we head to the warehouse that Handsome John here has pointed out to us. I, for one, would like to know why Aleanor summoned us together. I never knew her to be trivial in the time I spent in her company.

I'm all in favor of Railroad Conducting done by the GM in a pbp game.

Well then. That settles it. The Warehouse, that's where Aleanor went, that's where we'll go. Garnult says, setting his mug down heavily.

By the Forgefather. That Ale was good. Garnult says, licking his lips. Lemme take one more. For the road.

"I guess we gotta start somewhere, though I am curious about this flyer".

"Well lets get going. The weather is not going to be letting up any time soon! Off to the warehouse and then maybe we can check in on this "Elect" fellow!"

OK then! Let's go! Alwyn gets off of his stool and begins heading towards the door. His marionette fall jumps off the bar and begins rushing towards him.

Handsome John gives the group general directions to the warehouse and bids them luck in finding Aleanor – plus to be sure to come back tomorrow night, they might be his only customers left!

The wind has died down somewhat, but the temperature has dropped even more due to clouds clearing away to reveal a dark, starry sky.

Any one who would like, please make either an Investigation or Survival check. I'd say either makes sense here. Maeltheron, given your background, by GM decree, you have advantage on this roll. :)

Feel free to interject anything before your arrival near the warehouse if you like.

Approaching the warehouse, its yellow brick sides do make it distinctive and somewhat visible in the dark. Very few street lamps are still burning, likely due to the strong wind earlier. Another typical warehouse stands across the street to one side, and on the other corners are smaller business – all closed for the night. The yellow warehouse is about 30 feet high, 80 feet wide, and 120 feet long. The roof appears flat with numerous chimneys and other protrusions along its surface. The main front doors (two wide wooden doors) appear to have a writing on them, but it is difficult to make out at this distance in the dark. There are no windows.

You are about a block away and approaching the building. So, obviously, the dimensions and details are approximate from this distance. Actions?

(Sorry, tried to post this afternoon and couldn't get the site to load.)

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

"Huh..well that is weird. Where did those stars go?"

Duncan stops and stares at the night sky with a puzzled expression on his face.

Inveatigation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Investigation Adv: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Ahhhh...indeed. That is precisely what seems out of place - the stars! Where are they? This is truly an oddity.

investigation: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
What? What happened?

Survival (Wis): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Thas' odd. Garnult says, staring at the night sky. However, his kind is more used to rocky caverns and so he thinks nothing of it.

Garnult moves over to a door. He looks at the others and then

If its closed and locked
Bang! Bang! Bang!

Open up in there. Health Inspector! he says with a grin on his face. Everyone notices his warhammer is now in his hand, as is his shield. Garnult is spoiling for a fight.

If its unlocked

Garnult opens the door Health Inspector! Come to check for rats! he says with a grin on his face. Everyone notices his warhammer is now in his hand, as is his shield. Garnult is spoiling for a fight.

It is locked, and there is no immediate response.

???: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
???: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
???: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
???: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"Well it looks like those rats have made it onto the roof! Maybe I will go up and have a quick look?"

Moving with stealth, Duncan begins to scale the wall, his spider slippers making the task as easy as walking down the street.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Lol, its ok :) Sometimes, the dice just don't roll in your favour

Alwyn grabs his Marrionette doll, and quickly ties a dagger into its hand (it is the bite attack, just flavored as a dagger) Can someone please tell me what's happening? What's this about stars!

Sorry, traveling but I will post more tonight (Monday). But at least...

Duncan holds where he is and observes the crossbowmen. If they move away, he will scurry back down and tell the others what he has seen. If they fire on the group, he will reach out and pull the one closest to him off the roof.

Person 1 Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Person 2 Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Duncan hangs just below the top of the roof apparently watching something in the vicinity of where you saw some movement. However, it is too dark to see anything. You also hear movement again on the roof off to your left.

There is still no one answering the door.

If you want to be more obvious about looking up at the roof trying to see what Duncan is looking at, roll a Perception. Otherwise, if you are trying to be subtle and not stare, I will just use passive perception if that seems fair.

Duncan will sneak up on the ugly fellow and try to take him down quickly.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
if successful

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Adv. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Sneak: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Garnult bangs on the door again

Ah said "Health Inspectors" open the damned door or it'll be opened for you!

Duncan manages to surprise him spinning around the chimney and landing a solid strike. The man looks hurt badly, but still has fight left in him.

Those on the ground see Duncan silently slip up onto the roof. A moment later, someone with a crossbow is knocked out of the shadows. He turns around to face the attacker behind him.

Initiative!!

Duncan Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Kjell Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Lilly Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Maeltheron Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Taman wandered off.
Garnult Init: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Alvyn Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Average: 11.8

Unsavory on Roof 1 Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Unsavory was on Roof 2 Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Average: 11

So close but all PCs go first! Although, for the moment, you only see the one opponent. Up to you if you want to engage or hope Duncan secures the roof quick and quiet. :)

Round 1, Firebolt

Mael fires a Firebolt at the enemy.

Firebolt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Firebolt Dam: 2d10 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

Maeltheron begins his bladesong.

Duncan once again strikes at the thug before him, then disappears into the dark.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Adv. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Sneak: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Duncan uses the disengage free action and then as a bonus action slips back into the shadows.

He collapses dead on the roof.

Roof: Duncan does not see the second crossbowman, but there are numerous chimneys and vent stacks to hide behind as well as a hatch nearby leading into the building.

Ground level: A gruff female voice from inside says, "It's too late for an inspection! Come back tomorrow, we're closed!"

Other PC actions this round?

Alwyn walks up to the door and places his doll near the door.
Can my marionette doll squeeze through a gap and go inside?

Alwyn walks up to the door and places his doll near the door.

Can my marionette doll squeeze through a gap and go inside?

With the doors in their resting, locked state - no. With a good shove (and Str check from anyone - DC 15), they have enough give in them make an opening for the doll.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Duncan listens quietly trying to locate the other crossbowman.

Lilly sends eyeball high into the air to scout for any remaining enemies. "Keep an eye on me. I'm going to scout through Eyeball's eyes, and I lose track of what's going on around me when I do so".

Casts Beast Sense

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 Perception

Neither Duncan nor Lilly's Eyeball ;) see or hear any sign of the 2nd person on the roof. However, there are voices and sounds of movement coming from within the building that can be faintly heard through the hatch, as well as light seeping around the edge of the hatch dims in stages as light sources within are extinguished.

Duncan moves to the edge of the roof and then walks down the wall to the waiting party.

"There were 2 thugs up there. I took care of one, but the other one disappeared. There is an unlocked hatch on the roof that we can use to enter. I can take a rope and secure it then help you all get up. What do you think?"

I am game. Throw down a rope.

How high is the roof? I may just Misty Step up there if it is lower than 30 feet.

Help me open the door
Alwyn walks backward a bit, then rushes into the door, trying to ram it open!
Str check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Wow, ok... lol. I should pray more to the dice gods.

Duncan takes the rope and ties it off on the roof, then he assists the others in their climb.

Going to assume that Duncan talked quietly, since there is someone on the other side of the door they were talking to.

Help me open the door

Alwyn walks backward a bit, then rushes into the door, trying to ram it open!
[dice=Str check]1d20-1
Wow, ok... lol. I should pray more to the dice gods.

Wow! That is something special. :)

The voice form inside says, "What was that? You better not be trying to break down my door! If so, you had better hope you don't hit it any harder than that pitiful tap. Now go away until morning before we get the city guard out here to run you off!"

I am game. Throw down a rope.

How high is the roof? I may just Misty Step up there if it is lower than 30 feet.

It is actually right at 30', so your call.

Also, Lilly's Eyeball can see that around the hatch, it has grown entirely dark except in the direction of the main door. That spot still seems to be illuminated.

Maeltheron smiles up at Duncan.

On second thought...

He casts Misty Step, disappears momentarily and reappears after teleporting next to Duncan at the edge of the roof.

Alwyn looks very, very, frustrated. He pulls a small vial from his back.
Can I burn it down with alchemists fire?

We ARE the Guard ye daft bugger! Open the damnable door or I'll bash it down by the Forgefather's hot furnace! Garnult shouts

I'm back from vacation, thanks for putting up with my absence.

Alwyn looks very, very, frustrated. He pulls a small vial from his back.

Can I burn it down with alchemists fire?

Alvyn - As for the effectiveness, you could get the door seriously burning pretty quick. Well placed, it might only take a round or two before knocking in the door would be trivial.The building itself will obviously take longer to burn down. As for the wisdom of it, I leave that up to you and your companions. :)

We ARE the Guard ye daft bugger! Open the damnable door or I'll bash it down by the Forgefather's hot furnace! Garnult shouts

I'm back from vacation, thanks for putting up with my absence.

No worries, we were... uh... waiting for you. :) No problem, I have been busy and not keeping up anyway. But this week is looking better, sorry gang!

Garnult - make a Charisma check. I'd say either Deception or Intimidation would make sense depending on how you spin it, but it looks like both are flat Cha checks for you, so I don't think it matters unless someone assists.

Duncan & Maletheron - You hear (what you best guess is) someone climbing up the ladder to the hatch.

CHA!: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2 Hahaha. Garnult has typical Dwarven charisma and persuasiveness.

Duncan moves quietly over to the hatch and gets ready to react to whoever comes through.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Alwyn looks at the alchemists fire, then back at the door, then the vial again. He shrugs. Fortune favors the bold, after all. He hurls the vial at the door, and runs a few feet away
Improvised attack, I think I use my dex mod: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
DMG: 1d4 ⇒ 3

If the flames move towards the rest of the building, Alwyn will try and fan them away with mage hand