Poppo badly wounded tries to fell the giants before they do likewise to him, taking three swipes at the prone yellow giant.
Poppo then readies to parry any incoming giant attack.
Seeing Poppo swaying, Vynya panics and races forward while drawing a wand. Once next to Poppo, she gasps at the size and stench of the hill giant. Unable to take her eyes off the giant towering over them, she reaches a shaky hand out and taps Poppo on the head with a wand and he DISAPPEARS, leaving Vynya standing alone between 2 (hopefully) confused giants.
Nalia finally takes down the purple hill giant.
Vynya moves up and turns Poppo invisible.
Initiative Order Round 5
Poppo (60 Damage)
Archie (31 Damage)
Hill Giants (Blue: Dead, Yellow: 75 Damage & Confused, Purple: Dead, Red: 47 Damage, Confused)
Nalia (19 Damage)
Vynya (16 Damage)
With his first attack Poppo is able to finish to prone hill giant. And with one more hit from Poppo and multiple hits from Archie the final hill giant goes down. Out of combat.
Vynya, trembling from her adrenaline surge, collapses to the ground where she stands and begins to weep into her hands.
Poppo motions over toward Nalia, signaling the need for healing. He then bends down and puts an arm around Vynya,It's okay Vynya, you did well. You'll get use to the battles, it's a dangerous world we live in, and it won't take long to become battle-hardened. Poppo tries to reassure, not really sure if his words will resonate with the grey elf.
28/31 damage with 3 charges
Thanks Nalia! Poppo feels the warm touch of magical healing reduce the giant welts and probable internal injuries caused by the massive clubs.
With everyone being completely healed you guys continue down the path and soon enough you begin to see a massive mansion on the horizon. It sits on the edge of cliff and like you recall from your knowledge the house is gigantic easily dwarfing small villages like Riverville or Tallfield. Light emanates through the massive windows the cover the front of the house. Massive hedges, stone pathways, and decorative fountains lit with bright yellow lights lead you upward toward the manor. Stairs lead to a grand set of ornate double doors which are closed. A small button to the left of the doors is plainly visible to you.
I expected something.. bigger. More extravagant.
After being healed, Poppo climbs all over the dead giants searching there smelly bodies for any treasures.
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As we approach the Aged Man's house, Nalia tries to knock some of the dust off of her, straighten her hair, etc. What will this guy be like? Old, I guess, but what else. And why do you think his last party 10 years ago was in Nehrim? Think he's working with Coarek in some way, back there stirring up trouble that has finally germinated here? Or am I letting my mind wander into conspiracies?.....We need to be on our toes here, and our best behavior. I'm afraid I don't trust this invitation or the one who sent it.
After the battle, Vynya composes herself with the aid of Poppo and Nalia. She casts Detect Magic over the battle field to see if these smelly giants were carrying anything of value.
(if needed to ID items)
Vynya is very wary of the large building and cowers behind Nalia as the group approaches the door. Seeing everyone straightening up their clothes and hair, Vynya pats randomly at her blouse and dress and rakes her fingers through her tangly (but at least no longer greasy) hair while muttering in a strange guttural language.
Before the party knocks on the door, Vynya will cast Detect Thoughts and sweep the 60' cone around as she stands at the door. She will utilize the 1st and 2nd round abilities of the spell allowing her to detemine the number of thinking minds and the Intelligence score of each (she's really only interested in anyone higher than 15).
On the giants you find a large masterwork greatclub which is likely to large to take with you. Nearby in a small cave you also find an ornate painting of an elven maiden and a stone which Vynya identity's as a stone of alarm.
Vynya as you try to detect thoughts you can't detect anything within the house almost like something is blocking you from doing so.
Didn't your Holy order send you here? You don't trust them? I don't blame you. As for the rest, we won't know until we go in.
V, you look marvelous. Relax, its a party. It will be fun. There will be blood and screaming and we will all have a great time unless we die.
What do you guys do? You're currently standing outside the Aged Mans Home.
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After confirming with Vynya that she doesn't detect any thoughts, Nalia, with a quick last check of her armor, hair and sword, steps forward and pushes the button as she says, Here goes nothing...why am I so nervous about going into this place? It doesn't even look scary. It looks downright cheery and welcoming. No guards I guess, or maybe they're guys just not thinking....
Poppo stands confidently slightly in front of Nalia, to her left, and only coming up to her waist. He's already wearing his goofy grin.
I think it will be great Nalia, relax and enjoy yourself.
As you press the button the sound of a thunderous roar of a bell chiming three times and the door opens. Standing there is a young man with brown hair wearing regalia that would indicate him to be a servant of some sort. Good evening, invitations please? Handing the butler your invitations he welcomes you into the foyer of the house.
Inside is a lavishly decorated home with a stairway that goes up and then splits in two different directions leading to balconies that overlook the foyer. Several doors lead to different rooms in the house, all of them ever so slightly different to the last. Two lengthy hallways on the ground floor lead to even more doors. You can hear strange music and the sounds of conversation coming from a set of double doors.
Welcome to the Aged Man's abode, I am his butler. My master has invited you here tonight to partake in a party and a game. But before I let you into the ball room there are a few ground rules that you must follow or you will asked to leave the premises. One all weapons must be stowed within this closet. he motions to a door that you swear wasn't there a second ago but it must just be your mind playing tricks on you. You will not be needing them and as soon as you wish to leave I shall retrieve them for you.
Rule number two you must not reveal your actual identity tonight, this is part of the game that is being played. You must come up with a clever or not so clever alias that you will go by tonight.
Rule number three no brawling with the other party goers and the master has told me that any sort of spells you cast will also not work within this house unless its his will.
Rule number four you are to remain within the ball room at all times for your own saftey.
And finally rule five have fun, be social, and find the identity of the Aged Man who is one of the people within this house. Should you find the identity of the Aged Man he will award you with a personal audience with him. So if you have no questions for me let us enter the ballroom.
The butler opens the double doors where strange music plays from a device you've never seen before a gramophone but one that is very large. A massive impossibly complex chandelier hangs from the ceiling illuminating the room. The floor appears to be made of glass and is pristine with crack or smudge upon it. The walls are garishly golden and ornate depicting various magical creatures. Tables of fine food, exquisite wines and ales are sat upon tables made from a dark mahogany.
The guests within the chamber are eclectic the first one you notice is a very plump halfling man wearing regal attire. The second is a very pale elven woman, perhaps a snow elf wearing a dark dress. The third is a dwarf wearing a blacksmiths apron and basic work clothes heavily drinking ale. The forth is a somber looking human fellow who sits lonely in the corner. The fifth is a young human woman in a modest flowing grey dress she dances to the music in the center of the room. The sixth is a strange creature not race of Vyn but perhaps another plane of existence, they are humanoid but hooved feet and horns protruding from there head a loyal dog excitedly gnaws on a bone next to the fey creature. And finally the last person is an old man that looks to be a farmer of sorts dirty clothes with long hair and beard.
As you enter the Butler rings a small bell hung from the wall to get the attention of all of the guests Attention! Everyone attention! Our final four guests have arrived. For the next 2 hours are you are to socialize and decide who you believe to be the Aged Man. Follow the rules as instructed and enjoy yourselves.
Poppo gives the others a nervous glance, as he looks at the various guests. He then moves over to the somber looking man in the corner.
I always hate these things too; or perhaps you have the weight of the world on you? One of the two? He engages.
I'd say both. the man replys I suppose tonight my name is... he pauses White Dog. And you?
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Nalia passes over her weapons almost with a sense of relief, noting (hopefully) that no one else is armed. A night of conversation, games and food sounds amazing!
Nalia will go over towards the plump but regally attired halfling. Good evening sir! May I approach your majesty? I would dearly love to hear what you think is the best thing on this wide menu. A women can only try so many things and still keep her figure. Let's call me Dahlia.
Milady! the plump halfling man bows so that he is quarter of a man. Well certainly my preferred beverage is the Ostian Rogue red pale ale, exquisite. And for food I'm quite partial to the fine cheese plate. Oh but where are my manors tonight you can call me Fat Badger! he bows once again and you can see an signet ring on his right hand that has a badgers form on it.
White Dog? I see. I'm Crispin Orangeblossom. Please to meet you? What do you make of all this? He waves his hand at the room.
Free booze, free food what's not to like. Don't fully understand why I would want a meeting with this Aged Man if I'm honest. White Dog responds.
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Fat Badger, well, isn't that fun! Would you mind showing me some of the more obscure delicacies? I'd hate to make a boorish mistake by mixing something I shouldn't. With that she offers her arm to walk over to the tables, surveying the items and making chit chat with him.
As she is talking and walking and interacting she'll make her best observation of him and compare what she knows of nobility to what she sees.
I'm excited to meet our host tonight, but honestly have no idea why I've been invited. I hope he's nice. Seems like he enjoys games. Do you?
Vynya becomes increasingly aggitated as the party enters the building and the butler describes an event where social interaction is not only expected, but necessary. Her mumblings become increasingly tense and random; a variety of mixed languages flowing into one another. Her hair, perhaps done up nicely for the occasion, is now a snarl of knots as she pulls, twists, and chews on it. By the time the doors swing open to the other guests, she is a perfect picture of a lunatic.
When she sees the 7 strangers arrayed in the fancy ballroom, Vynya stops her ramblings and stares in shock, unmoving. After Nalia and Poppo move in, she blinks slowly and the approaches ( ) the plump halfling and ( ) shoves Nalia out of the way as she strides up to Fat Badger and thrusts a hand out to shake the halfling's hand. In a loud, guttural, heavily orc accented voice, Vynya barks: Name's Marthak. Yer done up something fancy, ain't ya. I don't abide much by parties and fancy dress, but food and ale I'll take! Without waiting for the halfling to respond, she grabs a fistful from the cheese plate and a mug of the Rogue red ale. Slamming the cheese in her mouth and downing the ale in one massive gulp, she lets out a massive belch, and then turns to smile a toothy smile at Fat Badger. You may dress funny, but yer taste is mighty fine. That might be the best ale I've had seen the battle of Azzer'od's Fields! Although gruff, Marthak has a very likable personality and is the type of person that makes others smile, despite her rough edges. Why do they call ya, Fat Badger? Do ya always dress in such finery or do ya got yerself a day job?
Yeah nice spread, same with me I don't why I would either. In fact, I received the invite, but up until I received it I really didn't know anything about the Aged Man. I still don't really. What do you know about him? Poppo asks.
With that nobility check you're able to identify that the signet ring he is wearing is the symbol of a lesser known Enderalan noble house called the Goldworthy's. Games are fine when enjoyed with good company, fine foods and wines! he pours a large goblet full of wine and drinks deeply from it.
As Vynya or Marthak moves in and interrupts the conversation between Fat Badger and Dahlia he is initially taken aback by the sudden the brash personality that Vynya displays. But the likeable personality of Marthak and the compliments to Fat Badgers tastes definitely puts him at ease. Well mylady tonight my nickname is Fat Badger, my real name is a secret. he laughs As for job I run a bank in the Northern Quarter of Ark. Fat Badger looks around and says You know I like you! So I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. He subtly points towards Poppo or Crispin Orangeblossom Another halfling, like me. No one invites halflings to parties on account of our ancestors being thieves and the sort. I reckon that halfling is the Aged Man.
I know very little, mainly rumors and old fairytales from when I was a young chap White Dog says.
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Nalia, seeing that Vynya has moved in her mark and is making good conversation decides she should move on to more people. Master Badger, I look forward to maybe talking further back in Ark but for now I should move on and continue to mingle. Thanks for your exquisite advice. Now, see that dwarf over there looking like a smith? What's your best suggestion for the type of beer he'd like best?
After she hears the type she'll make her apologies to both Master Badger and Marthak and then poor two hopefully very good dwarves beers and approach the smith.
Evening master dwarf, tonight they call me Dahlia and I come bearing what I hope is a special dwarven ale to impress you. Will you share one with me and tell me why you were invited to this odd party and who you might be?
Archie glances at the butler and whispers
I know it is you, but I will play along
He then waltzes up to the dancer, slides his hand around her waist and starts dancing with her.
you dance beautifully, such form and grace, and grace in form. Since I won't know your real name, shall I call you Beauty or grace. I fear whatever words leave your lips will devastate me with their loveliness and drain my mind of all sense and memory as beings such as you can only exist in dreams. But I live for such danger, so please tell me about yourself.
The Butler eyes Archie curiously as he whispers to him.
Oh my you're rather forward! the young girl laughs As graceful as a lion your grace so you... she does a broad twirling flourish may call me the Grey Lioness! She continues to dance with Archie as the music blares from the gramophone. I'm afraid I'm not the most interesting person here, a simple dress maker in Ark. But you are very interesting. I can't say I've ever seen someone of your race before. Are you from somewhere in Melee or Arazeal? the girl asks.
Fat Badger looks over at the dwarf on the other side of the room Bah dwarves! No real taste in alcohol. Will drink whatever they can find.
As you approach the dwarf you don't notice anything standing out besides the fact that he wears a blacksmiths apron and is a dwarf. Now how can a humble smith refuse a drink with a... he pauses and looks you up and down Holy Order type? Thats my first guess second would be one of the Pathless Paladins in the temple district. Why I was invited? Well every good rich feller has need for a good smith on occasion. That's what you can call me Miss Dahlia, Smith or Smithy if you like.
Fairytales yes; but still here we are. Poppo replies.
Would you believe, my dear, my skin was once white as yours. I have long been a hunter, call me Hunter, living and exploring in the harshest of conditions, looking for something of most intrinsic of beauties. My skin has been exposed to scorching sun and blasting sand and misrely muck all to no avail. For I see all I have ever sought, beauty untold, right before me now. But a dress maker you say, I confess I have long admired the art. You, of course, would make any garment appear majestic. Did you make it yourself? I have always wondered, is it made from one continuous piece or separate pieces? How do you sew it together? I see no seams? But more importantly, how is it none of these other folk made it to your side first? I would have thought them drawn to you as moths to a flame. Have their wings been scorched? What do you make of them?
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Well Master Smith, what do you think of the beer I brought you? Master Badger thinks a dwarf will drink anything; what do you have to say in return? As for your eye, I would say it's pretty good. I modeled my costume exactly on those holy order types. Hoping to throw a little confusion into the festivities.
Now, show me some of your wares to prove to me you're a smith. Or tell me about this armor I borrowed or the shield on my back.
Vynya/Marthak stands with a wide swagger and looks over at Nalia and the Smith as Fat Badger comments on dwarven taste in alcohol. Turning back, she cocks him a toothy grin and plants her hands on her hips. Dwarves'll lick the slime off the bottom of a gnolls rear end and call it cognac! Why, I once saw a dwarf drink a vial of toilet water from the Crossroad's tavern on a dare. And not any sorta clean toilet water either. I'm talkin' about the latrine pit. Worst part, he came back for seconds! With feet planted wide, Vynya leans back with her face to the ceiling and lets out a bellow of a laugh that seems impossible from her tiny frame. After a moment of mirthful roaring, she leans back forward and puts her face inches from the halfling's, one hand going to the back of the man's head. Now, let me git this straight Fat Badger. Halfling's ain't invited to these sorts 'a parties and yet, here ye are... A fat halfling. She pauses for an uncomfortable few seconds, staring into the halflings' eyes and not letting him back away before blinking and giving him a kiss on the nose. Gruffly, and with a coy half-smile, she continues, Now, don't be shy, Fatty B. Ye can tell ol' Marthak yer secret, now can't ye?
Knowledge check to see if she recognizes Fat Badger from anywhere in the North Quarter of Ark during her times begging in those "rich waters" or Appraise to aid in if he seems to have the abilities of a man of finance. Diplomacy to charm him with her orcish charms (which must be very confusing since she is quite a stunner (Cha 16) of a grey half-elf, but is exuding orcish bluster and sensual aggression.
Indeed here we are. White Dog responds So who do you think this Aged Man is?
Oh yes I made this dress myself, this one in particular is several pieces put together like a puzzle! Grey Lioness exclaims Hunter you say? What manner of beasts do you track and hunt? And well before your arrival we were told no socializing until all the other guests arrived. I myself got here at the same time as the Butler which of course was first.
A fine stout Miss Dahlia, fine indeed! And of course the halfling is one to judge that one over there can't put his food down for more than five minutes! He scratches his beard and looks at Nalia's costume Haha real member of the order or no I lived long enough to recognize someone tied to the Warrior Father Malphas! Wares? I'm afraid I have none didn't think I'd sell any horseshoes or swords at a party haha. Looking at his hands they are very callous, and while you can't determine the exact nature of them he does apear to have the hands of a hard worker.
Fat Badger is a little thrown off by Marthak's behavior and looks offended by his insults as well. He leaves the conversation with Marthak but getting so close to his face and with your good rolls I'd say you probably have seen his face before in the Northern Quarter. Though your not entirely sure that he is the successful businessman he says he is.
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Alright Master Smith, thanks for the conversation and sharing a pint with me. I'll continue to mingle a bit as I think we're supposed to be doing. Enjoy your conversations tonight and I wish you luck in finding the aged man. I think I'll head to that outlander with the dog; very interesting.
I make my way to the tables of food and make a small plate of snacks and refill my tankard with a new variety of ale. I also pick up some simple cooked meats, like chicken, unlikely to bother a dogs stomach and bring them along on the side of my plate as I approach the fey creature and his dog.
Good evening sir. May I say hi to your dog? Maybe share a simple bite of meat with him? Such an odd evening; I've never been to a party like this. And be tasked to identify a person I've never met before....what a puzzle! Sorry, I talk a lot when I get nervous. My name is Dahlia, how can I call you tonight? What can you tell me about yourself and how you came to be here with this lovely furry friend?
Vynya/Marthak turns to watch as Fat Badger walks away, then shrugs and with a grunt of indifference, mutters: It was a boring conversation anyway.
Confidently, she surveys the room and the people in it, but then with a slow blink, her features change. Although no physical transformation occurs, her jutting jaw, piercing stare and self-assured stance melt into a mumbling, anxious half-elf. Her eyes dart about as she wrings her hands: Must go. Must leave. Why did you leave, Marthak? Why am I here, I don't know anything of parties or chatting... As Vynya looks around, her eyes alight on ( ) the Grey Lioness, chatting with Archie. In a blink of an eye, her demeanor transforms into ( ) a figure of deft athleticism. Knees bent, up on the balls on her feet and crouched as though ready to spring, her expression is one of puzzlement. Don't know that woman. Don't know that man. She grunts to herself. Eyes ranging about the room, she startles as she sees Poppo talking with White Dog and quickly creeps up behind the halfling and gently taps him on the shoulder. Uhhh. H-hoppo? Wh-what going on? Why Hoppo at party and how Turngut get here? she asks anxiously in a deep husky (and familiar!) voice.
I hunt things of beauty and things of great ferocity and things of great worth. And tonight, all three. archie says with a mischievous grin, But unfortunately, your presence is not all I seek. I fear there is a plot that could undo the kingdom. I should not speak of it, but I feel in my soul I can trust you. I am on a special assignment, sent here alone so ...those who sent me would have deniability if something foul becomes of me. I fear I am alone and vulnerable, perhaps you would consent to helping me. I fear it could be dangerous? Tell me, how did the others appear when they arrived. Surely such keen eyes as yours must have seen something unique about each guest?
Poppo eyes the White dog and answers, pointing first to the butler.
Probably him, I now cliché isn't it to assume he would disguise himself as the butler. But maybe there.
Poppo points to the actual dog, Wouldn't that be something,
But seriously, maybe that strange acting elf over there. Poppo points over to Vynya.
Lady Dahlia pleasure to meet you! Please your welcome to say hello to Cabus! You can call me Devil Man! Quite ridiculous if I do say so. I'm a simple satyr from the Hunting Grounds. But simple folk see horns coming from ones head and are so quick to assume such things. Cabus has been my companion for many years. he crouches and scratches Cabus' chin. Cabus seems to be a very friendly dog despite being silent and is receptive to your pets and pats.
Vynya or Turngut wanders around near Poppo during the second round.
How'd the others apear? Grey Lioness questions Much in the same way I did, either on foot or horse. Me and the Butler arrived first, then the devil man, then the old man and dwarf, then the elf woman, the halfling and sad man arrived around the same time, then you and the others that showed up around the same time as you.
See I initially thought the Butler too, but it seems to obvious. When I was chatting with him upon entering he mentioned that he would also participate in the game as part of his contract with the Aged Man. White Dog looks at the dog Cabus and then Vynya Hmm interesting theories. I suppose we will see wont we.
Archie smiles at his dancing partner. I would speak with you longer, but unfortunately I am being pulled away. maybe we can speak longer another time, perhaps you can give me invite me to your home? [b]
Arch kisses her hand and walks to the old farmer sitting by himself
[b] Many pardons sir, I wonder if you would be kind enough to share with me some of your wisdom in regards to these proceedings? I strongly believe failure to listen to one's elders to be a horrible mistake
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Devil Man! That doesn't seem nice, or even civil. Stepping over she begins to talk to the dog.
Now Cabus, maybe we can assume this is your real name? she says looking back at the satyr. She proceeds to get down on the ground, attempting to put Cabus at ease and make friends.
What brings such an evil man up to this party? You don't strike me as a trouble maker. How did you get an invite to this gala? I've no idea why I was invited. But I have found it fun to chat with everyone but I can't say I'm any closer to guessing who out host might be. How about you? Want to help me out she says, while hopefully giving Cabus a good belly rub. Or tell me where the hunting grounds are and what goes on there, aside from, I assume, hunting.