RMH-EP-01: The Grand Masquerade (Inactive)

Game Master Aeshuura

I think that in this case, the initial would be at Disadvantage. If someone notices, or any subsequent checks will be at normal.

Garret enters the room and begins searching around for any clues that might have been missed.

Wisdom: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

As you search the room, you find that though things are tossed about as if it has been searched, there is none of the important personal possessions that you would expect are gone.

The DC 20 Perception result is still in effect!

"This looks...promising." Garrett says as he begins trying to go through the mess for anything useful.

Intelligence: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Sorry Garrett, seems that all the checks for this one are all the things that you are less than stellar at!

Yeah..I just thought it would be fun to play a person tossing light around in Ravenloft. Although, I am not sure we will ever reach that point. I did not plan that out as well as we could hope. A charisma/intelligence character may have been more useful overall. But that's why we have a team.

Investigation: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

"Ah, this is the factory where masks are made. You are home, golden one." the big cat erroneously concludes, speaking to her mask.

Ah, Xune too... ^_^

Apparently, Barbarians and Monks are not the most keen investigators.

investigation: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

At least there's a +1 here? Nevermind...

"Perhaps there's something special about these?"

Einhard casts detect magic and searches again.

Yunjiang gets distracted making sure the guards go and don't turn back, and all his friends get in the room first. When he enters, he finds they're a bit lost, looking randomly but without a method.

Investigation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

He can't find much too, with all the chaos and having moved everything from its original place.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

It doesn't matter how good you are if the dice don't want to help.

"Its our only lead so we just need to keep searching and hope something pops up."

I keep searching and hope something was left behind.

Wisdom: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Intelligence: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Nope

Once Einhard casts his spell of revealing, a glow emanates from beneath a chair, leading the young bard to a wrapped parcel. As he removes it from its hiding spot, Einhard notices that a hand is attached to it, rotting and wriggling!

The tiny, rapidly moving thing stirs something wild and primitive within the regally adorned Xune. "...ggrrrrrrrrrRRRR!" Her claws extend in an instant and she pounces to catch the thing...

Raging. Grappling.

Athletics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Athletics, advantage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

The thing drops to the floor, scrambling away, but like a cat, Xune catches it... Then lets it go... and catches it again! I have a cat, I know how it goes... ;)

Garrett looks at it in horror and says, "Why would an animated hand be lying around in here?"

"Mmmh... maybe we should let it go and follow it, see whewe it takes us?" Yunjiang thinks aloud. Because the other idea he has is keeping the search here - though with a better searching plan.

Which would include using the Help action.

When it becomes clear that you are not going to attack it, it begins tapping on Xune's hand with its index finger...

She holds it closer "Yes? You want to say something?"

Did someone open the package?

Garret will pick up the paper it was wrapped in and look to see if there is any clues with the paper.

I'm down for following the hand after seeing what was inside package.

I response to Xune, the hand points to the wall and in the creepiest way possible, the words, Leave her alone! appear scratched into the wall with some form of magic...

At the same time, Garrett begins unwrapping the parcel, and the hand wriggles in a panicked manner and the words, Don't touch that! It's not yours! are similarly, and eerily, scratched into the wall.

Garrett continues to open it and see what it says or shows.

Garrett finds several cryptic documents that may take some time to decipher. Perhaps the Order would have greater resources to do so?

As Garrett thumbs through the papers, one catching his eye over the others. This particular piece seems to be two distinct hands of writing, as it seems this was passed from one person to another...

It reads:

Surely, you've researched the amber sarcophagi. I know it is something that you and the Order would seek out.

We won't let you---

Tstk, tsk. I admit, my search here has been rather disappointing. Your sources and archives proved lacking. And your friends failed you too. I noticed the trail of items you "dropped." But no one recognized them as calls for help. You're alone, Radaga...

Free me. I won't help you.

Hush now. Our task is unfinished and I believe you can serve me elsewhere. Time to leave this domain.

Additionally, there is a small bottle wrapped in paper. (Which is what is glowing to Einhard's eye...)

Essentially, this is the culmination of this adventure. You managed to avoid the possible combats. The only thing left is to figure out what you are going to do with the hand...

Wisdom: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"Well that's interesting. There's some form of magic tied to that bottle. Might I take a look?" Einhard asks.

Does 5E require identify to be cast? Or can a skill be used?

I posted something after I rolled, or at least thought I did and nothing appeared apparently. So lets try this again.

"This is strange. It appears to be from two different people...but the writers both used the same ink and pen. Perhaps...something possessed her body? If so whatever is controlling her is fleeing the domain. We must find her now or who knows where the mists will take her."

5e requires identify or use the item to identify. The Order can identify it for you.

The ink is well dried, and you estimate that this was at least a couple of hours old... With the proper gift, they could be long gone. Having fulfilled what you could, you take the bundle of letters and notes to Kabe, and the halfling, though hopeful that Radaga could be found cannot help but be pleased at the results of your investigation.

I’m not going to lie, the halfling says. Your assistance has been invaluable. Were it not for you, I don’t think we’d have figured out half as much as we have. I guess this is the downside of being a devilishly rakish investigator whose wits and charm are outshined only by their reputation. If it weren’t for you there’s no chance we would have known Radaga was looking for amber sarcophagi or that she’s been taken through the Mists. Obviously, something more complicated is going on with her.

I’m sure Alanik and I will be able to sort out some of the other leads to know how best to proceed next. We’ve got our research team chomping at the bit, trying to decipher those cryptic documents you unearthed. You did good. Now, here, Kabe says with a smile, tossing a coin pouch in your direction. Go explore the city and have a drink on me. We’ll be in touch soon.

Fin.