Hekazu

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

Shrieks. Shrieks in the night. That was the first sign of Brannor's plan going right. The kobolds panicked as fire spread to their tent and threatened to leap onward to another as the heat rose. The burning shelter was vacated swiftly, but at first there seemed to be no attempt at actually doing anything to the fire. That was until two kobolds flew to scene from further in the "slums". Yes, flew. This pair sported wings on their backs. And the first thing they did was shriek from the bottom of their lungs to simply call the attention of the other scaled menaces.

The looks they received were... conflicting. However, once they resumed from there by barking out orders in draconic, those on the ground soon found themselves listening to them. As the kobolds scurried in many directions in search of water, a few of the cult sauntered to the scene quite casually. Those nearby might be able to hear what they spoke over the shrieking, but Brannor was already gone by that point. What was important was their apparent disinterest to join in the saving effort. It was as if they had simply come to see the little ones suffer.

To Brannor's luck, the few guards at the tent were more interested in the fire just as well, and though they did not move too far, the shrieking and occasional need to dodge two or three kobolds carrying a heavy bucket of water did distract them enough to allow the woodsman entry.

Mechanics&Rolls

@The Harbinger of Ferocity@Ryonara@Lucius Cypher@Gordian Nought@Norschtalen

D&D 5e - Titan Hunters

Marcus Lakeltia

---

The question was asked by the shiftiest of their troupe, only for the Druid to raise her voice once again. "All you need to do is ask", she assured the inquiring minds of the means of travel being handled. "While the many visions seen do prevent me from personally joining you, I still managed to confirm a way one could make it to Vael Turog, fast." With that, she approached a nearby tree and placed her hand against it. Marcus could only raise an eyebrow at this display, but they were soon briefed on how this was going to work. She would cast a spell, and they would step within the tree, to emerge from the other end as if it was just a simple step to be taken. Very well.

And that was exactly how the transition would take place. They were in a hurry: Ellenara had explained that the spell could only last for seconds before the pathway would close again. As soon as she'd given the sign, Marcus had stepped through, into the bitter cold beyond. Granted, he usually was a bit warmer than comfortable in all his armour, but here all that was brushed away in a millisecond. While he marched on a few more steps to give other space to emerge, he cursed the fact he had not prepared better beforehand. Well, it had not been his task to walk here in the first place, but where his aid was needed he would go. Forgoing all that for now though, he really could use a warm cloak or three. The current one was more for protection from magic than the very elements.

Behind him, everyone still seeking to join in the task of taking down the giants and their supposed pet dragon (or the dragon and its supposed pet giants?) walked into the snowy atmosphere. The wind forced itself through the flimsier of the fresh arrival's clothing, making sure they knew just how unforgiving their new environment would be. Marcus turned around after surveying the surroundings for a second. A village, more so than a town at least. Most of the buildings looked quite ramshackle to a cursory glance, though they would stand, and likely act as a barrier against the wind, even if any and all heat would rather see its way out. With everyone now gathered, he nodded at them.

"We have arrived. By Tyr's word, we were advised to seek more information in this place. Those of you who still possess the gift of flight, granted by divine influence or as something entirely, should likely take to the skies and have a look around for anything particularly interesting. In the meantime I shall lead the search for further clues in this settlement", Marcus took charge of the initiative, not expecting himself to be challenged for the position. And looking at those around, the only one likely to do such a thing would be Ada, and she hadn't seemed... right, not since her drunken bender.

Once those that would either follow the suggestion for scouting had left or everyone had decided to remain (and earn a roll of Marcus's eyes), it was time to begin searching. The locals were not exactly out on the streets, that they were not, but the first individual they walked into was a kinsman of the Paladin, another half-orc! "Excuse us, we are looking for any information we might be able to get about the giants-"

"And the dragon, am I right?" the half-orc interrupted the question. "Yeah, nah", he dismissed the inquiries and continued on, carrying the firewood in his arms to wherever it was heading while Marcus was left standing behind quite dumbfounded. Had an offer for help, in a situation this dire to boot, just been... refused? He straightened his back as he stared after the fur-clad individual, while the chilling wind sought the openings in his plate mail. No, there was no other way for him to twist and turn it. That had been a stern refusal.

"Odd, do you not think?" he finally asked of those in his company before raising his hand over his eyes to shield them from the sunlight filtering in through the heavy clouds. In this environment, every little bit helped. The snow could be quite bright, especially on the higher cliffs that were now excluded from his field of vision. "There!" he declared soon after and set on another approach, this time towards a human in the company of... a much larger individual. They were both wearing some sort of a thick coat, while the taller one also had a fur collar to protect her neck. The shorter turned out to be a man, quite surprisingly.

Marcus had barely had time to introduce himself as a Paladin of Tyr, before the shorter one answered: "Ah, adventurers. Here either for the giant and the dragons or a spot of Yeti hunting sport. For someone of your status, probably the former. Listen here, not many are going to say much. There's been many before you, will be many after you. Head to the guild, bother them instead. Last thing we need is to feel someone else's death on our shoulders. Let them handle that." The Goliath woman simply nodded and the two went on. Marcus could spy a couple of axes on the Goliath's back as they headed away, not that it would likely matter much.

He shook his head, pressing his hand against his forehead for a brief second before realising the metal was now cold too. "I do guess we do have ourselves a clue", he confirmed as he returned to the rest of the bunch on the ground. "The guild, I was told. That many have come and that many would come after us. They do not seem to think too highly of... our sort, I might have to put it. Now then..." he explained, raising a finger to his ear. "Might anyone know where this 'Guild' is?" he asked, specifically from their aerial scouts.

Mechanics&Rolls

Ellenara provided us with the means of travel to Vael Turog through Transport via Plants spell. She did not join the adventurers in this endeavour herself, however.

Those who did follow... well, welcome to the frozen North. Hope you packed your cold resist gear. Marcus sure didn't.

@JBRam2002@Lurking Krog@Guardian Angel Haruki@16 Bit@The Grey Dust

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

Thanks for the information! Won't have to wonder what happened in case you are needed before the connection returns!

Intrigue in the Fifth City - A Fallen London RP

The Gabby Gambler's approach was initially cut short by the nearby special constable stepping before him and placing a hand on his shoulder, preparing to turn the masked man away, but the hooded individual at the hookah cut such an attempt short. "No, let him. He wants to take a few steps in this dance, he will be allowed to do so", Mr. Spices gave their permission for the 'intruder' to step forth. It required no more than that for the dutiful assistant to make way, excusing their earlier behaviour quickly. But by that point, most had already lost their interest in the man.

Lady Monica at least was much more interested in the approaching figure. New blood among their ranks, huh? And was this not the man who had been hopping around the dance floor with her good friend? Yes, that had to be him. The parasol was tilted slightly to the side to allow her to see the person better. One of the older blood, probably. Rough around the edges, if she had to put in a guess. Right up Renee's alley for acquaintances, not quite for further company if she knew her friend. She might ask if the other woman had picked up any interesting tidbits about this individual, that was to be sure. But for now, others did have a few words for the Master just as well.

One after another declared their continued interest in the case, or perhaps now introduced? How they could not have seen something quite like that was up and coming with an invitation much like theirs was a mystery to her, but one could not be blessed with everything. They had... initiative, as Mr. Spices had put it. They did not have tact or other forms of social intelligence if she had to guess, not like 'Arthur'. Or not. That man was not exactly the most shining example of them either. Oh, one was now even suggesting that they would get to work right away. Naturally. That was what was going to happen. Without them listening to the rest of what Mr. Spices had to say. Good one. The Master would not still be around if they were wholly done, now would they?

And as the poet had mused, the Master spoke up again: "The Royal Beth. That is where the last known lodging of the agent is. Since then, any attempts to reach them have been... unsuccessful. The Manager refuses their assistance, which is peculiar on its own. The Mahogany Hall. The Agent was working on... sensitive matters relating to said location. If more could be told, it would. But there are certain borders that one must cross on their own to truly understand." With that, Mr. Spices began climbing to its feet and moving towards the exit. "You may yet become fists of the Bazaar. But do know that there will be no indiscretions beyond what a neddy man would see." Of course, that meant pretty much nothing. Other than being able to whack rioting dock workers on the head with a stick while constables nodded approvingly.

Of course, Lady Monica was rather disappointed in the fact they would be treated so lowly, if the case truly was this special. Was it less so than what was made to be understood? Or might the Bazaar want to keep their involvement less visible? The latter sounded likely. And mayhaps, just a possibility and a bit of spitballing there, once the deed would be done they would gain the more favourable position. To be the fist of the Bazaar, whatever that was. If that was not simply something that they called undercover agents such as these. She might have to look into it.

She took another breath from the hookah before setting the mouthpiece away and having a look at the other participants. "Now that sounds like a predicament. How do you propose we approach this subject?" she asked of her apparent compatriots. Again, give the word to others first, see how they think, not influenced by the thoughts of another. And as far as she could tell, they were not in any real hurry either. The constables at the door did not seem interested in letting anyone out, spare for the Master who seemed only happy to have moved away from their rival.

@Sofaking Fancy@Gordian Nought@Templar Knight@Mortarion

Intrigue in the Fifth City - A Fallen London RP

I will be advancing this on the Sunday-Monday night!

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

@The Harbinger of Ferocity
With the confirmation of Bardic Inspiration not being added, 13 is confirmed as the final result. You will (likely) be pleased to know that you have successfully avoided Kobold detection.

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

That seems to be the best opportunity we have then, the kobolds' dwelling and carelessly lit torches, @Hekazu. The real question is, does there appear to be any danger, as with guards? Given this is a secondary objective and Brannor is outnumbered by a lot, staying out of sight and mind is more important.

If not, could Brannor reasonably fire a lit arrow at the unattended stack, since he had all of his equipment back? If all else fails?

@The Harbinger of Ferocity

The trouble with the kobold dwellings is the kobolds themselves. The more humanoid cultists seem to steer clear of the little folk though, so it could also prove to be an advantage. Kobolds seem to mostly move in groups instead of steady streams, but while that makes breaks in their presence longer, it also means getting found out would be a bigger risk. As for the unattended torches, there is a tinderbox nearby even without Brannor providing his own. He should be able to pick one from there without too much of an issue, though since both potential acts do hold the risk of getting found out case Stealth should be rolled in the case of either choice being pursued.

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

I am assuming with a 17 that a lit torch beside the tent can be found, @Hekazu. It would be a real tragedy for the camp if it were to say, be something that could fall over without too much interference and land on the material.

@The Harbinger of Ferocity

While reality itself cannot be altered by high rolls, a seventeen lets Brannor note two potential ways to cause generally disruptive shenanigans in the camp. There is a small pile of unlit torches prepared on a piece of leather covering a wooden box, with a tinderbox nearby to boot. If a new torch is not something he would desire, he does note a more carelessly placed torch a few tent over yonder, closer to the "lowest class" dwellings of the camp, occupied mostly by Kobolds. It would truly be a sad event for a fire to break out in the dwellings of the scaly beings, no? Certainly the high pitched shrieks would drive just anyone up the wall...

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

So I assume there is a torch planted nearby the tent? One that could conceivably fall over and set a fire then? I am assuming they are intelligent enough to recognize if a torch nowhere near the side of the tent ended up there, that something more strange is afoot than just an accident. The goal is only to keep them busy at this point, if at all. Brannor simply cannot fight and kill two guards without raising an alarm or having the prisoners panic, @Hekazu.

@The Harbinger of Ferocity

Since Brannor is looking for something specific like that, I believe that would be an Investigation roll to find if the cult has left such things unattended.

D&D 5e - Titan Hunters

Marcus Lakeltia

---

Marcus had not had the opportunity to lead the newly formed Ghoul Slayers for longer than few minutes before he heard a now familiar voice call for him from the sending stone given to his use. At least the blessings of Tyr allowed the item to function even when reduced to a form of air and wind, so when he raised it again to his mouth and requested in a billowing voice for the message to be repeated, Ada would hear those words just as well. The news from the former Duchess were worrying to say the least. Marcus shook his head as he asked for one more repeat, wanting to make sure he had absolutely got that right. And he had. Well, it would seem that despite everything, today would not be the day for the empire to fall. A royal shame.

The windsweeping Paladin turned to the other coloured clouds travelling with him and shared his concerns: "An issue most dire has presented itself to us, and it seems it is impossible for us to divide our forces any longer. Our numbers have reduced further, with one of our kin stepping away from the task. With the mandatory guard detail in case of the returning warlord, that means we cannot on good conscience dare even attempt breaking our forces into separate squads. We need return. Not least thanks to the parting words of the one who stepped away: The giants know."

Marcus shook his head again, but put his chin up only a moment after. "Yet the ghoul empire remains a standing issue. We need someone to alert the remaining Hammers-" he began on his next concern, only to be interrupted by Lonett.

"I volunteer for the task", the Monster Slayer shared, her motivations clear in her own mind. Marcus pondered briefly on whether they were of righteousness, fear, or something entirely different, but now it was not a pressing matter. No, now it was important that the task was done.

"Go with my blessing, Lonett of Caernath. I have no doubt my fellow Paladins will listen to the word of someone like you. I hope this is not the last time we see one another", Marcus shared his parting words, followed by the two clouds formed of the Ranger and her Owlbear separating themselves from the group and heading towards the house of the Hammers of Grimjaws. In the meantime, the rest could only follow the call sent to them once again by the one who had originally called upon them, turning for the quick return trip to the Seat of Mavros.

The heroes would descend upon the courtyard where they were awaited by those that still remained, Ada now in possession of the powerful Scrying Orb again. Upon his wispy form touching the ground, another whirlwind erupted around Marcus as he would reform into his physical body. In only a minute, the Paladin stood before the one who had called again upon them, letting loose a question from his lips: "We have returned. What was it that you saw, that made you call for our immediate return?" Of course, he knew exactly what it was. He had heard it multiple times now. The others would benefit of hearing it from the source as well though.

Mechanics&Rolls

HOLD UP WE ARE GOING BACK!
The party that originally departed to slay the Ghoul Emperor has returned to the Seat of Mavros, sans Lonett and Divna who headed to pass on the warning of the Ghoul Empire's threat to the remaining Hammers of Grimjaws.

In the meantime, Ellenara has vacated the castle grounds. Without anyone else. Ada might know more about that, or she might not. Marcus has shared what he knows.

@JBRam2002 - Ada's insights, please and thank you.