Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Feb 22, 2021 15:52:04 GMT
Ushered into the room like a heard of sheep, the first group filed into the room on the servant's right. Inside the room the walls were lined with the same elegant design as the hall before them. Golden saint crest were placed in rhombus-like patterns all over the whine red walls, which lead up to a single center lamp that hung from the ceiling. It was not as extravagant as the chandelier in the foyer, in fact is was far more simplistic. Three brass strings rand down in a triangle shape to hold the small bowl where the candle rested, giving the room a warm aura to it; almost inviting. Framing the walls were bookshelves, filled to the brim with different books from different mythos to medical journals. It seems the group had found themselves in the stranger's study. The center had been recently disturbed, most likely in preparation for your arrival and a table had enough seats for each of you, and one seat at the head of said table. It seems there would be a little wait before the stranger greets you, what will you do in your spare time?
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Feb 22, 2021 16:23:08 GMT
The crowd that gathered outside was more than the man had been expecting, that much was for sure. For a moment there was a tense stand-off, and then several of the gathered retreated back to the warmth of the inn - albeit now with less tantalising music. Those that remained were briefed by the finely dressed servant, and Steffon couldn’t help but crack a smile at the thought of going back to his Master’s manor. The bard’s eyes moved to the huge pale man next to him, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. ”It must be a rich man indeed, to deck even his servants so fancily. Perhaps this evening is about to get even more lucrative.” He clapped the man on the shoulder again, a laugh dancing out from his throat. ”But I didn’t get your name, stranger - or do they just call you tall, pale and creepy?”Steffon managed to hold his tongue as they walked, his eyes looking ahead for the first glimpse of the Master’s manor. It came into view quickly, a rounded building fronted by a magnificently kept garden. The bard offered the flowers a passing glance, noting that they looked nice - flowers were not his forte by any means. As they approached the doors and they swung open, Steffon’s lips curled upwards as he saw the grandeur within. He spread his arms wide and turned to look at the pale man, a look of ’I told you so’ on his face. The chandelier was the centerpiece of the room, dangling high above and sending a dappled light down on the collected adventurers. Along the walls were paintings, masks and weapons - whoever this Master was, he was clearly a collector of fine arts. The servant motioned towards two rooms, but Steffon first wandered over to a mask nearby the door on the servant’s right.
Perception Roll: Investigate masks DC: 12 BIG FAIL TEN
He looked at them for almost ten seconds before shrugging. ”What strange masks,” he said in a passing comment, before passing through the doorway and not offering them a second glance. The room within was certainly less ornate than the entrance hall, but it had a warmth that the other did not. The walls, filled with books and ledgers, evidenced that this room was the Master’s study - and a study was always a place that active hands could garner some extra information about their owner.
Investigation Check: Investigate books for history of owner or manor. BIG FAIL SIX
Steffon approached the nearest bookcase, running his finger along the spine of a few volumes before pulling one out, almost at random. It detailed the history of Mount Hotenow, telling of how the eruption had destroyed some of Neverwinter but hadn’t touched the Protector’s Enclave. It seemed like the servant had been telling the truth about that much - although, lying about a historical event like that would have been a particularly stupid thing to do anyway. ”What other secrets do you hold?” Steffon said, speaking to the books at large - but loud enough for anybody who had followed him in to hear. 1d20+35kAjWhE6
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Post by Alucard on Feb 22, 2021 17:11:28 GMT
So strange how he had wanted to collect information and perhaps find a line on work and after such a short time it arrived and fell into his lap. Normally the damphir did not look gift horses in the mouth but even to him this seemed a little to good. But the Bard was with him and a smattering of other folks from the inn whom most left and entered back into the now assuredly more boring atmosphere of the tavern. Those remaining were now on their way after the servants little speech and his escort towards his masters manor.
Alucard raised his eyebrow at the Bard as he spoke, asking his name in the way that he did. "Apologies, the name is Alucard Hellsing." The giant of a man turned his attention back towards their predetermined path and mentally made a note about how extravagant the manor appeared as it came into view. The well kept gardens, the over the top masonry... but perhaps all nobles kept such extravagance here. The remark about the eruption of Mount Hotenow was really the only thing the man said that truly interested him, the rebuilding of Neverwinter from the events of the eruption must of been quite the undertaking. Returning to the matters at hand though he listened to Steffon's remarks about the masks which also led his eyes towards the scanning of the paintings. All of them were well crafted but was that all there was to them?
Insight into the Paintings/Masks NNjXKGws1d20+2
The damphir did notice that the art on the walls depicted battles of the past, varying levels of hell, and gods of the standard pantheon. The masks however seemed to have carvings embedded in them that made them resemble demons and devils. How fascinating he thought to himself, what strange works of art for anyone to really be interested in. It left him slightly unsettled as he clenched his fists while on their way to their room.
Sub Roll 1d20+2
As the duo from the Tavern entered the room they were ushered into Alucard absentmindedly ran his fingers along the bookshelves glancing at the contents on the shelves and seeing if anything was out of the ordinary. Apparently not, he sighed as he took a seat in a readily available chair that groaned under the weight of his equipment and his mass. "Strange taste in art work and masks, gods and devils and demons... quite fascinating taste the affluent of Neverwinter seem to have if this stranger is to be the basis of their nobility."
"Quite the air of mystery no?" He spoke to Steffon as he motioned to the room as a whole.
1d20+2·1d20+2·1d20+2
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Post by Indifferent on Feb 26, 2021 10:38:45 GMT
Emma was awestruck when the group of adventures arrived outside the noble's manor. The city itself was already impressive, but the building they were about to enter was a far cry from what was left of the rundown temple where she lived. And then things got even better. The group was soon lead through a large garden. One that the girl could only describe as mystical. It was like they plucked each flower from a world of dreams and arranged them in a glorious theme dedicated to the gods.
Captivated by the beautiful scents and colors that swarmed around her, the young girl was nearly left behind. It took all the effort she could muster to keep her jaw from falling agape. She was so focused on the impressive amount of detail they put into the presentation of the estate that she didn't even notice that the group was held up in the front foyer. Her little feet barely managed to steer her clear from bumping into a rather large, angry-looking man from behind.
Suddenly the group began to disperse in different directions. The young cleric scrabbled to keep her footing amidst the much larger adults. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she clutched her chest when she finally managed to break free from the swarm. As she looked up beside her, Emma's eyes traced over a series of statues. She found them frightening, as though they could come alive at any moment.
Realizing she was going to be left behind, the young girl headed down the hall. Her head swayed with each step, examining the majestic arrangement of paintings and masks that adorn the walls. Emma couldn't stop herself from taking a closer look, but the imagery on some felt so imposing that she felt like she could be sucked into a different world.
The young priestess thought that everything about this mansion was impressive so far but nothing could prepare her for what was to come. When she arrived at the room where the other adventures were gathered, she let out an audible gasp. It was an even more stunning sight than anything she'd seen in her life.
"Wow..."
Emma's eyes sparkled like stars as she nearly jumped for joy. She'd heard stories from the head priest about entire buildings filled with books, but she'd only ever seen one back in the temple. Even then, she wasn't allowed to touch it. Now there was an entire room that beaconed her call. At first, the cleric stepped towards the bookshelf slowly as she looked around. When she noticed that nobody was going to stop her, she was swift to indulge in any books she could get her hands on.
For a short while, Emma's attention was held within the hardcovers of text. That is until she overheard a conversation between two of the other adventures that joined her in the room. One of the men was incredibly large, likely the tallest in the room, and his skin was pale, sickly so. The other man had this noble air about him, as though anything in the world could be his with just a word. Emma knew it wasn't polite to intrude on another's conversation but she couldn't hold herself back.
"Isn't this place amazing! Ah..." said Emma before realizing what she had done. Riddled with embarrassment, her face turned flush and she couldn't help but bow her head to both the men repeatedly for her intrusion. "I'm terribly sorry!"Rolls Here Nature [Embrace the flowers]: V3YEHqsc1d20+1 Perception [Passive 16 | Insight into masks and paintings]: 1d20+6 Sub Roll [Proficient with History]: 1d20+3 Sub Roll [Proficient with Religion]: 1d20+3
1d20+1·1d20+6·1d20+3·1d20+3
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Mar 1, 2021 14:07:42 GMT
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Mar 1, 2021 14:31:44 GMT
Text Colour
As the door opened for the first time, Steffon turned expectantly to the new entrant. It only took a few seconds for him to realise that she was not the one who they had been waiting for however, and she turned redder than a ripe tomato. Steffon settled into an easy smile, raising a hand to her as if waving away her concerns. ”No apology is necessary, friend - this place is as familiar to us as it is to you. But, I forget myself - I am Steffon Stagspeak, and it is my pleasure to meet you,” he said, offering her a short bow. Before he could speak with her further however, the door opened a second time and revealed the well dressed servant. Nodding in anticipation of finally knowing what their grand adventure was to be, he impatiently tilted his head to look around the servant at the man who entered behind him. Everything from his clothing to his hairstyle screamed of elven heritage, but a turn of his revealed that his ears were as human as Steffon’s. How odd. Shrugging to himself, he sat down at the table as Lord Naeris offered. His feet were halfway to the tabletop before he remembered where he was, and how it might cause somewhat of a bad impression if he decided to put his feet up this early. Instead he concentrated his gaze on the Lord, nodding softly as he took in what was said. ”No doubt we will corroborate this history within here,” he said, holding up the book on Mount Hotenow that he still held in his hand. He placed it down on the table, within reach of the other two, in case they wanted to read further. ”But this chalice of yours seems much more interesting. What if one of us were to…”He raised a hand, his fingers dancing upwards in a strange pattern. Magic weaved through his touch, and an identical replica of the chalice appeared in front of the Bard. ”Take a sip?”With another flick of his wrist the illusion of the chalice tilted and moved above his head, pouring a thin stream of imaginary wine into his open mouth. He waved away the illusion a second later with a small grin, eyes dancing with mirth. ”It would seem to me that these powers, even temporary, would be worth a lot more than three thousand gold pieces. Especially if the world is to be plunged into darkness upon our failure - surely a quest of this nature would demand an equivalent paycheck?”
Roll: Persuasion CQ82HBkR1d20+5
”Of course, there must be more to this than a simple collection job. You speak of these cultists who will stand in our path, but I feel there is more to this tale than you’re telling us. What are you hiding, my Lord?”
Roll: Persuasion 1d20+5
1d20+5·1d20+5
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Mar 1, 2021 15:38:06 GMT
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Post by Indifferent on Mar 2, 2021 15:34:06 GMT
Emma clutched her hand against her chest and let out a sigh of relief to find she wasn't in trouble. Although she was still a bit embarrassed, Steffon's smile helped to calm her nerves. There was something about him that she'd never encountered before. It was as though he oozed an aura of confidence that put her worries at ease. Without a second thought, Emma was ready to follow him anywhere, even if it meant they would find danger.
"Um... M-my name is Emma," she shyly stuttered while trying to maintain eye contact before giving him a bow once more. "I-it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance!"
The young priestess was more nervous than usual and got a little excited with her reply. Although, that was to be expected. She had little experience in speaking with people outside of the temple. Not to mention, the intimidating atmosphere of the room was something she still wasn't used to. Most of the adventures present looked hardy and well trained, while she was still just a child barely of age to be out on her own.
"W-wh..." said Emma before she was startled when the doors to the room had finally opened. She was eager to continue a conversation with Steffon and had even mustered the courage to speak, but before she could, the Lord of the manor had arrived.
Lord Naeris was the man's name. He was very well dressed and quite a handsome individual. After a displeased remark about the group's behavior, Naeris invited the adventures to the table. He went on to explain the details of why the group was called upon. Emma hung on every word that the Lord spoke. It was like something she'd only dreamed of. She'd never imagined that beings like devils, or demons, and even dragons were actually real.
The task was to destroy a relic of devilish nature. It seemed simple enough at first glance, but there were some concerns. Steffon, in particular, seemed interested in the power that the relic possessed and their payment for destroying it. However, Emma was more curious about what kind of dangers there might be lurking around inside ruins instead, but even the Lord claimed to have no information.
Unsettling as it was, Emma realized the threat this item could pose if it happened to fall into the wrong hands. Still nervous, she raised her hand and tried to speak, "U-um", but the words just wouldn't come out. Placing her hand on her chest, she took a deep breath to gather her courage and then stood up from her seat at the table. "Goddess Lliira, please grant me guidan-ah..."
Nervous as she was, Emma stubbled while requesting guidance from her Goddess. Luckily, she caught herself by grabbing onto the man seated next to her before falling to the floor. However, there was a slight mishap she never could've predicted. The blessing she was trying to grant onto herself to bolster her courage had instead been bestowed upon the tall man beside her.
Emma worriedly looked over to the Alucard expecting the worst, but he didn't seem all that bothered by her blunder. Admittedly, when they met earlier she found him quite scary but the look he gave her now made her resent feeling that way. Rasing upright, the young priestess held her head high and turned to the lord, looking him straight in the eye.
"I'll go," she said in a firm tone. "I-I may be young, and inexperienced but... I-I'll do my best," she stuttered while glancing around the room at the other adventures. "I-I hope the rest of you will join me as well."
Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Emma plopped herself back into her seat with her hands on her lap and kept her head down. Being the center of attention was not something she was accustomed to. It was quite out of character for her, and she was now too nervous to even face the others after her outburst. She hoped that someone else would quickly voice their opinion and draw the group's attention away from her as she tried to calm herself down.Action Accidentally cast Guidance on Alucard
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Post by Alucard on Mar 3, 2021 2:18:41 GMT
He could honestly say he was far from amused at the current situation. The Lord of the manner strolled in a Lord Naeris, he looked a little out of place, but it was nothing the former soldier could say for certain about him that lead to his unease. Was it the strange amount of relic type artwork? His unnaturally youthful appearance or the fact that someone who appeared so young carried themselves in such a fashion? Alucard sighed to himself though as the thoughts crossed his mind. This could very well be how the nobility appeared and spent their fortunes here in Neverwinter. He simply did not have the time or the luxury to give it anymore thought as the man stated his purpose and what he expected would suffice as they payment. The little girl Emma spoke with a small stutter and quickly seemed to jump on board with the Lords request. The Damphir raised his right eyebrow slightly as he looked toward her and then over toward the bard Steffon whom had been asking his set of questions and obtaining what appeared to be vague but truthful responses from the Lord. Standing Alucard simply walked over toward the young woman and placed a massive hand upon the top of her head giving her a slight wink of reassurance. She had after all just clumsily fallen and caught herself by grabbing his arm. He would need to make sure this one survived her nerves. "So we are to destroy this chalice while having no true prior information available to us about the location, the resistance we may face and the fact it is a race against time against the other group of adventurers from the other room... this seems to be a bit of a game to you my Lord and you also seem to think the reward given to the other group is more than sufficient for us as well?"Alucard walked over toward the book Steffon had been reading and placed a hand upon it. "We will need to refit ourselves toward our goal my Lord, none of us here our rich, Adventuring has its risks and rewards, but you ask us to plunder into danger with scant resources in hopes of obtaining a small fortune, surely one such as yourself has a small armory or access to supplies normal everyday people would otherwise be unable to obtain, provide us with more than a slight edge against our unknown foes and you will have what you seek, the base reward of three thousand gold is sufficient I agree, but our present conditioning requires attunement, what say you?"As he waited for a response he plucked the book from its surface and opened its binding to look through its pages. Alucard doubted they would get more but one always had to try. He would need to just make sure they got whatever else they needed while they were on the road and plunder more than their fair share of whatever ruins they were destined to delve into. Rolls Persuasion vZwK283l1d20+5 Guidance 1d4 DM Specific 1d100
1d20+5·1d4·1d100
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Mar 3, 2021 14:07:30 GMT
DM Notes:
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