Act 1. Masks

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Jun 16, 2025 1:38 pm
Briar spotted a coiled length of rope near a stall and muttered a sharp incantation under his breath. A shimmering spectral hand burst into existence—Mage Hand—and zipped through the air, clutching the rope and floating it toward him. He reached for it, eyes flicking between the rope and the advancing Pale Moth.

But the distraction cost him.

With a flash of steel, the Moth lunged, slashing wildly. Briar twisted and ducked, narrowly dodging one cut, then the next. The enchanted hand hesitated, hovering between them. One of the Moth’s swings went wide—slashing straight through the rope and severing it mid-air. The halves dropped uselessly to the dirt.

"Damn it," Briar hissed.

Rolling backward, he snatched the longer half of the rope off the ground and sprang to his feet. Blood still trickled from the gash on his chest, but his grip tightened around the rope and his dagger. He crouched, balanced, ready to dodge or counter as the Moth came at him again with another flurry of vicious strikes.
OOC:
Dodge Both attacks.
Actions Grab Rope and Dodge again.
Last edited Jun 16, 2025 3:20 pm

Rolls

Check DC: 5 - Grab Rope - (2d6)

(23)

Check DC: 5 - Adv - (3d6Dodge1)

(523) + 1

Check DC: 5 - Adv - (3d6Dodge2)

(624) + 2

Jun 16, 2025 3:18 pm
htech says:
"Step into the light, lad. Tell me, do you know how to read? Let me check your diction. Speak clearly, please."
The majordomo's near disdain shocked Lunareth. He was used to the gregariousness of the cloister, the garrulousness of the tavern. The stoic ascetism of the harshly-dressed and severely-spoken marshall-at-arms caused his train of thought to not merely be stalled, but completely derailed.

"Re…read?" Luna responded, his voice cracking noticeably on the last syllable, making him sound more like a human teenage girl than a moon-elf of many decades. Swallowing audibly and clearing his throat, Luna tried to recover. "Read? Of course! I have studied in the Halls of the Moon for many a year, and not only am fluent in both common and Elvish, but can read both Thorass and Espruar."

Check my diction, he wants?, Luna thought with a soupçon of umbrage. Enunciating with an almost exaggerated quality, Luna continues N'Tel'Que'Tethira su onal Tel-quessir?
Results:
Won. (Choose what will be your role in the staff )
Lost. (You will have little to no freedom of movement during the party)
[/ooc]
Last edited Jun 16, 2025 3:51 pm

Rolls

Silver Tongue (Charisma with Advantage) - (3d6)

(324)

Elric Dannemar (Majordomo)

htech

Jun 16, 2025 11:48 pm
Lunareth
Elric remained unimpressed, letting Luna's florid Elvish hang in the air without comment. His piercing grey eyes narrowed briefly.

"Your Elvish… is ornamental, not functional."

He sighed quietly, a thread of exasperation creeping into his normally icy tone.

"In fact, your Common bears a heavy Elven lilt. If you speak under your breath, the servants will misunderstand you and the guests may find it charming — but not clear or useful. Speak in Common. This is a household of practicality, not pageantry."

Then, in a brisk, no-nonsense motion, Elric straightened and nodded toward Luna.

"Now… show me your hands."

Luna understood what this meant. Elric was not looking for softness or weakness in his hands, nor the hard, leathery grip of a warrior. His duties were going to require a delicate balance—a grip strong enough to carry a heavy tray without faltering, yet nimble enough to navigate a labyrinth of crystalware and porcelain without a tremor.
OOC:
Gimme another Test, please. Describe a little of Luna’s past and his hands. Are they soft because he avoided hard labor? Or callused hands from working the fields? Roll with Advantage if you think Luna’s background would leave him in a middle ground between those two extremes...

You also roll with Advantage if you use your Silver Tongue and try to lie or embellish your past, somehow, to be what he is looking for. You can describe the truth in the narrative or OOC and let Luna say another thing, if you want ;).
Elric Dannemar (Majordomo)
Jun 17, 2025 12:05 am
Briar
Suddenly, the Pale Moth faltered, darting a piercing look into Briar’s eyes as if weighing the danger against the risk of staying. With a swift, fluid movement, the assassin turned on his heel and darted back into the bustling market. The Moth was retreating—choosing flight over further aggression—intent on losing himself in the labyrinth of city streets.
OOC:
What do you do? Will you pursue? If so, roll a reaction Test to follow him. If you succeed, he stays within Close/melee range. If you fail, he will be at Far range. It's your turn again.

Guards:
Jun 17, 2025 3:32 am
Aeeing the tide of the fight turning and the rope severed, the Pale Moth’s confidence faltered. With a sharp breath and a wild look in his eye, he spun on his heel and bolted, shoving past a stunned merchant and knocking over a crate of apples in his scramble to escape.

Briar didn’t hesitate.
"Not a chance," he growled, and tore after him.

His injured chest screamed with every stride, but adrenaline dulled the pain. The crowd parted as Briar barreled forward, his boots pounding against the cobblestones. Just as the Moth reached the edge of the market, aiming to slip into a narrow side alley, Briar hurled himself forward in a full-body tackle.

They both crashed to the ground hard—dust and grit flying, limbs tangled.

Briar landed on top, jamming his forearm into the Moth’s back to pin him down. He yanked the man’s arm behind his back with practiced force, his other hand pressing the dagger just enough against the Moth’s ribs to make a point.

"You are not going anywhere," Briar snarled through gritted teeth. "Don’t move a godsdamned muscle."
Last edited Jun 17, 2025 2:09 pm

Rolls

Check DC: 5 - Basic - (2d6)

(25)

Check DC: 5 - Tackle again. - (2d6)

(25)

Jun 18, 2025 4:33 pm
Marketplace between Trader's Way and Bazaar street, Castle Ward - Noon
Steel clattered and shouts rang out as a squad of Waterdeep Guard stormed into the alley, drawn by the commotion and the crush of people spilling from the market. They wore polished chainmail covered with a tabard in black cloth with gold trim —distinct from the Watch, but just as armed and ready for blood if needed.

"Everyone down! Weapons where we can see them!" one barked, a tall woman with a pike leveled in Briar’s direction.

Several others fanned out quickly, forming a tight ring around the scuffle. Crossbows were raised. A few market-goers peeked around crates and awnings, held at bay by the tense standoff.

"Nobody moves, nobody talks," another Guard snapped. "The Watch has been called. You all stay put until they get here."
OOC:
Guards

What do you do?
Jun 18, 2025 5:09 pm
Briar’s bleeding chest heaved from the exertion, sweat and grime streaking his face. His dagger was still clutched tightly in his hand as he looked up to see the pike-wielding city watch approaching with urgency and alarm in their eyes.

Without breaking eye contact, he turned the blade in his hand and, with a flick of the wrist, tossed it deliberately to the ground. It clattered loudly at the feet of the lead guard.

Briar slowly lifted his hands in a gesture of compliance, though his knees remained firmly planted in the center of the Pale Moth’s back, keeping the struggling man pinned.

"I am Briar Locksqur," he said, his voice calm but edged with the fatigue of battle. "This is the wanted man know as The Pale Moth. I’ve subdued him, but I’d prefer not to relinquish my hold until you have him secured."
Jun 19, 2025 1:40 am
htech says:
OOC:
Gimme another Test, please. Describe a little of Luna’s past and his hands. Are they soft because he avoided hard labor? Or callused hands from working the fields? Roll with Advantage if you think Luna’s background would leave him in a middle ground between those two extremes...You also roll with Advantage if you use your Silver Tongue and try to lie or embellish your past, somehow, to be what he is looking for. You can describe the truth in the narrative or OOC and let Luna say another thing, if you want ;).
OOC:
I am not sure if I should roll with advantage. Luna is no farm-laborer; he studied religion for many years. Yet he is no effete either. First, all acolytes have duties in the cloister. He has served, cleared, cooked, cleaned, washed, and even planted and harvested vegetables. Second, he spent many, many hours in weapon training. Luna will not embellish at this point. I'm not saying he is totally strait-laced and a goody-two-shoes (remember, Selune is a goddess of the night too) but he is not intending to dissemble here. So, DM, test regularly or with advantage?
Jun 19, 2025 7:13 am
OOC:
Quote:
Second, he spent many, many hours in weapon training. Luna will not embellish at this point.
Gimme a regular Test, them =)
Jun 19, 2025 9:40 am
Briar
The Pale Moth coughed beneath Briar’s weight, spitting grit onto the cobblestones as he twisted his head just enough to speak, his voice sharp with desperation.

"My name is Theren Sol," he said loudly, eyes darting to the guards surrounding them. "I’m not who they say I am—I’m innocent! This man attacked me in the middle of the market!" He struggled beneath Briar, wincing, his tone turning from defiant to pleading. "I was only defending myself—he’s the one you want!"

Then, lower—just loud enough for Briar to hear—he hissed through clenched teeth, the words sharp as a blade:

"Let me go, Locksqur… or I swear, you'll die screaming before the week is out."
OOC:
What do you do?
Jun 19, 2025 1:59 pm
OOC:
Before I react how do the Guard react?
Jun 19, 2025 3:06 pm
Briar
The guards tensed at Theren’s sudden outburst, a few shifting their grips on their spears and glancing between Briar and the man pinned beneath him.

It seems like they were just waiting for the City Watch - the real authorities - to arrive and take over. The young man Briar had sent to fetch the guard was not to be seen. He was probably fetching them.
Jun 19, 2025 7:30 pm
OOC:
I don't plan on moving or doing anything until the Watch comes.
They told us not to move and not to talk.
I am going to stay on top of The Moth until told otherwise.
Jun 20, 2025 5:01 pm
Briar
Briar didn’t respond. He kept his gaze forward, fixed and unreadable, like a man carved from stone. The sergeant narrowed her eyes at the tension but gave no order, only watched.

Moments later, the young man he had sent to fetch the guard came running up behind the group, breathless and flanked by two members of the City Watch—the real authorities. One of them, a Civilar with a thick mustache and a scroll case at his side, quickly stepped forward and produced a rolled-up wanted poster.

He unrolled it and held it up. The inked likeness of The Pale Moth stared back at the crowd.

"Matches the description," the watchman confirmed. "Warrant stands. Name listed as unknown, assassin wanted in connection to five killings. Dead or alive. Reward: one hundred dragons."

The Guard sergeant gave a stiff nod and turned to her guards. "Secure him. Now. We will take him to the Watch Post"

The other watchman stepped in with shackles and binding cords, ready to relieve Briar of his burden—cautious but swift. Meanwhile, the Civilar gave Briar a long look. "You did the right thing. But don’t go running off. We’ll want your statement, and if the Watch captain’s in a mood, you may be needed for official testimony before you receive your reward. You still bleeding?"
OOC:
What do you do?
Jun 20, 2025 5:39 pm
Briar immediately responded. He eased off the Moth’s back, standing slowly and backing away with both hands visible. His movements were deliberate, non-threatening. As the other guards stepped in to restrain the fugitive, Briar turned toward the Civilar, rolling his sore shoulder and wiping a smear of blood from the fresh cut across his chest.

"He got me once," he said, tapping the side of his tunic where the slash had torn through the fabric and left a red stain. "Stings like hell, but I’ll live. After all that, I’m not in the mood to bolt. What I need is a stiff drink and five minutes to remember how breathing works."

He gave a faint, tired smile. "You just tell me what you need from me, and I’ll follow."
Jun 20, 2025 7:46 pm
Castle Ward - Dusk
The rest of Briar’s day passed in a blur of waiting rooms, paperwork, and official statements.

After the arrest in the Market, the Watch escorted him—along with the Pale Moth—to the nearby Watch Post. There, he was left to sit for over an hour while a tired-looking clerk copied his statement in triplicate. A pair of investigators asked him to recount the events in detail—twice—while cross-referencing the bounty notice, the young man's statement, and verifying the identity of the assassin he'd captured.

By late afternoon, he was led from the Watch Post to a nearby Courthouse—a tall, solemn building of grey stone and black ironwork where everything echoed and nothing moved quickly. A magistrate confirmed the reward, his tone flat and expression unreadable. They recorded the bounty fulfillment in two separate ledgers, one of which Briar had to sign with his full name—Briar Locksqur, no fixed residence—before they handed over a leather pouch containing one hundred gold dragons.

Now, as the courthouse doors closed behind him, the late-day sun cast long shadows across the steps. His backpack was heavier than it had been that morning, the gold settled snugly at the bottom. His chest still ached, and the bloodstained tunic clung uncomfortably, but he walked with the weary satisfaction of a man who’d not only survived the day—but earned something from it.
OOC:
Yay! Congrats! What do you do? The Soiree is tonight and your outfit is ready. =)
Jun 20, 2025 10:11 pm
OOC:
Typing OoC because it is easily.
1st. I want to thank and make sure the young lad got paid. I believe it was 2 Gold.
2nd. Head to the Tiny Tavern or some other Harper safehouse or a ?Bank? and drop off the 100+ gold for safe storage.
3rd Get my Outfit and head to party.

The 2nd and 3rd options we can switch around depending on which is closer.
Jun 22, 2025 11:33 am
OOC:
Before we move to the party, Luna must finish his social conflict, so let's roleplay the tavern here to give a couple of days for Avraham to catch up.
As the dust of the day settled and the sun dipped lower behind Castle Waterdeep’s spires, Briar didn’t forget the wide-eyed young man who helped set the whole capture in motion. Before heading out of the Castle Ward, he slipped into the market’s edge and found the lad—still lingering near the spice stalls, eyes darting like he wasn’t sure if he’d done too much or not enough. Briar pressed two gold dragons into the boy’s hand with a quiet nod. No speeches, just a shared glance that said you did good, and then he was gone.

Then Briar took the familiar path toward the Tiny Tavern where the barkeep knew not to ask too many questions, and coin could be kept safer than in most places. The streets thinned as he crossed into the Trade Ward, and soon enough the weathered sign of the Tiny Tavern creaked overhead, swaying in the breeze. He stepped through the door.
OOC:
What do you do?
Jun 22, 2025 4:23 pm
Briar pushed open the warped wooden door of The Tiny Tavern, the familiar creak of its hinges and the warm wash of hearthlight greeting him like an old friend. The smell of roasted meat, spilled ale, and a hint of pipe smoke hung thick in the air, mixing with the low hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter from the far tables.

He stepped inside slowly, his body still stiff from the earlier fight and his chest sore beneath the fresh bandages. His eyes swept the room quickly—habit more than caution—scanning for any familiar faces. The usual crowd was scattered throughout: a pair of laborers nursing tankards in the corner, a bard tuning his lute by the fire, and a card game half-hidden by a haze of smoke near the back.

Briar made his way to the bar, boots scuffing softly against the worn floorboards, and slid into an empty stool at the far end—away from the rest of the patrons. He favored the quiet there, a small space where he could breathe and not have to watch his back quite so closely.

Leaning on the bar with a weary sigh, he folded his arms and waited, eyes flicking occasionally toward the kitchen door, hoping Branric would appear soon. He didn’t need food just yet—what he wanted was someone he trusted, and maybe, just maybe, a place to put down his burdens for a few minutes.
Jun 24, 2025 1:25 am
htech says:
"Now… show me your hands."
OOC:
As an acolyte of Selûne, I am assuming Lunareth has basic familiarity with the more common Færûnian pantheons
Well, the majordomo seems to have a branch of Yggdrasil growing in his lower alimentary tract; very well, I will have to play on my more urbane side, Luna thought with increasing recognition. Drawing on his memories of various feasts and festivals in the Halls of the Moon, Luna assumed a slightly more debonair deportment, and chose both his words and enunciation carefully. Not only what to say and how to say it, but what not to say as well. Clearly, Elric Dannemar valued parsimony as much as competence.

"Certainly, Master Dannemar. Here they are." Luna held out his hands to the majordomo, slightly angling them towards the light. Under scrutiny, Luna's hands were not only clean, but in good condition. Neither dirt nor cracked skin showed on his palm. Nor did they have the soft, shiny glow of the effete or the dandy. His nails were fashionably short, but long enough to show they were unbitten. Overall, these were hands used to work and weaponry, but used reasonably and cared for. The hands of someone not afraid to use them, but intelligent enough not to abuse them.

Luna stood patiently, his hands out for Dannemar's perusal.
Last edited Jun 24, 2025 6:35 am

Rolls

Social Conflict Test - (2d6)

(35)

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