We are all anxious, but we may find tools. Let's take care... of the caretaker.. With a prerequisite rogue smile, Gerard opens the door.
Gerard, perhaps you should scout ahead a bit so the rest of us noisy types don't alert the caretaker. Find a place to hide and ambush her when we confront her.
Andrea will follow the lead wherever the party goes.
Is the caretaker a threat? Much as I hate to leave an unknown behind us do we really need any potential moral dilemmas when we are here for battle?
Doubt can be heard in the paladin’s voice again, perhaps he was thinking of Madjaw?
None the less, he holds so Gerard can do his work.
In my opinion, the caretaker no doubt knows of the Council and works for them and thus can inform them of our movements.
"I'm rather of the same mind... but only because it's one less enemy at our backs."
Andrea pokes Gerard ahead.
The door opens into a mouldering assortment of dresses, there is a slight but noticeable slant to the floor. The slant is to the south (up against the main house). It is apparent that you've entered some sort of dressing room, there is a curtained area doorway to the east.
Great old ladies dresses. Gerard uses his dagger to move the curtain separating the next room, there is a lavatory complete with a water barrel, small fireplace, and claw-footed bathtub.
Be sure to stay in touch via message and tell us when you get into a good hiding spot. Andrea whispers. She also mutters to Daniel. I can silence your steps with magic if need be.
Gerard moves to the next door.
Andrea tummy rubs Frank as she waits for Gerard's report.
Gerard the door is neither locked nor trapped. In fact you appear to be on the side of the door that has the locking mechanism. You don't hear anything on the other side. When you open the door you see a living area that is well appointed but dated. It is pitched black in here, so what light are you using?
Andrea casts Light on a copper piece and hands it to Daniel. I cast a light spell on a coin and gave it to Daniel. Andrea messages to Gerard. Just get it from him and you can easily tuck your hand into your pocket or tell me to end the spell if you need darkness. Andrea also passes a sunrod to Daniel.
Keeping his palm closed, Daniel waits for the rogue to come back amd passes the coin foreward to Gerard, who he can see just fine with his Darkvision.
He whispers.
I can see, do you want me to come forward?
I shall have to pay to get my armor quieted
I can silence spell you but you would be cut off from messaging. If we let you hold Frank, he can send telepathic messages back to Euphemia if you see something, and want us to come up.
Andrea holds out Frank. With your permission Frank, Euphemia.
If it had been anyone else, Euphemia might not have been able to even consider this idea. As it is, the witch looks at Frank and chitters.
"No, dear Mistress, I will be fine, but you might want to remind them that we can only empathize mentally."
"Frank and I communicate in odd ways, but our ways of silence are crude, communicating with only emotions. Be that as it may, he can signal through urgency or forced fury that you need help, Gerard,"
She watches the two.
"Take care of one another, please."
She intones something and pecks Gerard on the cheek.
Andrea nods and gives Frank a chin rub before handing him to Gerard. My silence spell will only last a bit over a minute however(10 rounds) so if you want it, you need to move swiftly, Daniel.
Frank is handed to Gerard and the stealthy human moves forward, little Frank's heart beats rapidly. Daniel Hold back a bit but follows Gerard. Gerard opens the door which leads to a hallway. There are four doors that he sees and ceiling hatch.
Daniel nods to Gerard's discretion. Stealth was his forte.
He stands as still as possible, sword in hand.
Andrea waves to Orsin and Euphemia to stay near the secret door (ABout E,6)
East door @ 5, -A
The door is locked but Gerard opens it with ease revealing a storage closet of broken shelves holding dust-covered linens. YOu also notice the hall turns and there yet another door down the hallway.
East door, north of Daniel.
Andrea messages to Daniel. Should we follow?
Daniel uses the magical speech. Yes but give him his lead. He cannot go unnoticed with me clanking right behind
The paladin keeps Gerard as close within eye or earshot as he can. His own mailed footfalls sounding a Clarion in his own ears.
Andrea moves to A,8 as silently as she can.
Euphemia follows behind to A7, trying to muffle her own footsteps.
Only to lose her footing in a comical fashion for trying to step heel to toe. She crashes to the ground with an unintentional "eep."
Gerard the east door just north of Daniel is locked, you manage to go it without incident. You enter a large well appointed bedroom that looks like it is housing a guest. Although the occupant is not present at this time. The cherry sleigh bed looks comfortable and the blankets are disheveled, there is a matching cherry cabinet that has long mirror, there is window with drawn crushed velvet curtains. In the corner there is a pair of mens laced dress boots.
Gerard quickly moves out and to the west door... (above Daniel).
The paladin remains still and allows the rogue to do his work, simply nodding to the man, ready to assist when called.
That door is locked and you get it opened, it is a smaller bedroom that does not look occupied. The double bed is made, there is a small wardrobe cabinet, and nightstand.
Gerard quickly moves out and to the next door along the wall (SW)...
The door is locked but you get it opened with a bit of finesse. When you open the door you see grandiose bedroom paneled in dark wood, with an oversizd four poster bed made of maple which contrasts with the dark walls. There is an old hunch over crone of a lady standing 10 feet away, she smiles and unleashes an eerie effect.
Gerard make a Will Save.
Crone!
Gerard you notice there is large greatsword on the oversized bed. The crown's right hand is touching it.
My... what a big sword you have. Gerard is reminded of Little Red, and that things are not always as they seem.
Frank gulps, shooting a signal to the witch via his tiny little head.
"Okay, we need to go. Gerard's already been detected...,"Euphemia announces, getting to her feet with her face red.
Andrea nods and...acts when she can. Some people dart ahead of her and maybe sh acts before them. Thus the strange tempo of battle is set.
Initiative Order:
Crone
Orsin
Andrea
Euphemia
Daniel
Gerald
Obviously, Gerard was startled and concerned for Frank's health with such a lousy initiative roll.
RD 1: Crone's Action
The old crone snarls at Gerard and begins to...
The old lady alters her shape in a large giantess, her tusks glistening and its eyes afire with murderous intent as she picks up the greatsword. Her large size easily pushes the bed out at an angle. You see she now takes up most of the room, it would draw an AOO to move within given her reach.
Orsin moves behind Daniel (7,B/C?) and inspires courage!