Chapter 3: To Catch a Thief

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May 25, 2025 2:24 pm
At the Hall of Justice, a small band of your friends has gathered (newcomers, please introduce yourselves), word having spread through the courtesy of Gern, who never could keep a secret. An interrogation of Kalik provides you with the information that the Xanathar is definitely behind the kidnapping of the girl, though he does not know why (even under a zone of truth). Tarna gathers everyone around to discuss your next move...

Tarna

WhtKnt

May 25, 2025 2:30 pm
Tarna
"What does everyone think? We know that the Xanathar is involved, but we don't know why. I think that we should try to infiltrate the Xanathar's gang. This might enable us to get close to him. Though, if rumors are to be believed, we may not want to be that close."
May 25, 2025 5:28 pm
https://i.imgur.com/Gn1hHd6.pngTailor sits in the Hall of Justice with Taal sleeping next to him - well, cat napping, as an ear turned in Tarna's direction when she spoke.

How do you expect us to get into Zanathars gang? Let alone near Xanathar?

The huge Lynx, Taal, sits up now that Tailor speaks. Tailor Rose is a 16-year-old human boy from Waterdeep with tousled brown hair, lively blue eyes, and an energetic, curious spirit. Standing about 159 cm tall, he wears a light brown leather chestpiece under a blue open robe, paired with a simple cap slightly tilted over his forehead to half-hide the faint magical glyph he shares with his eidolon, Taal. A small pouch hangs from his belt, carrying tools and trinkets from his work auditing magic shops with his father.

Though young, Tailor carries himself with a mix of cleverness and mischief, often flashing a crooked smile as he experiments with magic or teases his lynx-like companion. Despite his playful nature, there’s a sharpness to his gaze—trained to spot magical flaws and hidden details—that hints at a precocious understanding of the arcane world.
May 25, 2025 6:11 pm
https://i.imgur.com/f5asXYB.jpegWandering around the Hall finds our young Waterdhavian noble.

Darvin, Darv to friends, stands just about five feet two inches tall, wearing a brown cloak over what looks like scale mail sized food a small person, perhaps even a halfling.

Hi, friends. My name’s Darvin. Call me Darv. You seem like the adventuring type. Do you have room for one more?
Last edited May 25, 2025 6:12 pm
May 26, 2025 3:24 am
Airn rolls his eyes at all the positivity. "You know there's probably going to be a fight, right?" he says, scoffing at the others' attitudes. "I doubt you could even take a punch. You'd better let me come with you." He's wearing simple clothes, a few scrapes and bruises, and a black cloud for a mood. "What are these rumours about this Xanafart that make them so scary? They eat too many baked beans?"
Last edited May 26, 2025 3:25 am
May 26, 2025 5:35 am
Crow was just listening and learning. He was leaned in a shadowy corner, nursing the wound on his right arm. The bloody bandage had dried and it was nearly healed. He was reading, or at least had been reading from a book "How to be Evil," opened the book to Chapter 7 titled "Advanced Evil: Kicking Puppies and Burning Orphanages." He had since stopped reading and was listening to the newcomers.

Something had changed in him, listening to these, kids. He knew he had crossed a line and there was a distinct difference now. He finally understood the lessons on the importance of innocence, too little too late.

Only yesterday Crow had been an orphan boy. Now, he had killed half a dozen people. Evil people to be sure, but people. "What does it make me? Killer of killers. Man or monster?" the dark thoughts had ruined his mood.

He found his thoughts wander to his mother, wondering where she could have gone. If she knew that leaving him to the temple as a boy would lead him to this path. Did she even care?

"Happy birthday, Crow."
OOC:
It is my birthday today.
May 26, 2025 10:39 pm
OOC:
Happy birthday!!!! Many happy returns!
May 27, 2025 5:13 am
Trig looks up at all these big kids - they're all nearly adults! - with a bit of anxiety. Sure, she's older than most of them, but by gnome reckoning, she's still a little girl. "It...it seems to me..." her voice comes out a squeak and she clears her throat and tries again. "It seems to me that most of us - you four, anyway - are big enough to pass as grown-ups. We could be snitches, scouts, runners, couriers...any big gang needs those, and there are no gangs bigger than Xanathar's."
OOC:
At 20 years, Trig is the gnomish equivalent of a human 9-year-old.
Last edited May 27, 2025 5:23 am
May 27, 2025 4:33 pm
"Maybe I should be your "highness", short stuff," Airn says to Trig, and laughs at his own joke. "What are all of you all about then? What's Xanafart got to do with all of you? Why not let the grown ups deal with this and we go have fun"
Last edited May 27, 2025 5:54 pm
May 27, 2025 5:04 pm
Darvin also wonders what all the fuss is about! He replies to Trig, saying,

Oh, silly gnome! I’m not a grown-up, I’m still just a boy! I have a good way’s to go, to one day become a big strong knight!

I’m not much a sneakster, but I have been mentored by a halfling, and they’re given to such things a lot of times. So maybe I can fit in ok.
Last edited May 27, 2025 5:04 pm
May 28, 2025 12:26 am
Tarna
Tarna nods in agreement. "I think that Trig has the right idea," she says. "I have little doubt that the gang employs youngsters in the position of runners and gophers. Sadly, it's not uncommon. But first, we need to find an 'in', and I think I have an idea."

Justice Darkhaven
"You can't be serious!" Darkhaven says. "I forbid it! You cannot take these... children... into Undermountain!"

Tarna
"All due respect, Lord Justice, but these 'children' have proven themselves to be as capable as any adult. Like it or not, they are involved. If we abandon the quest, they are targets. We have no idea why the Xanathar wanted the girl, but the gang has already proven themselves willing to kill them to get at her. The best way to get to the Xanathar's gang is through Skullport, and the best way to get to Skullport is through Undermountain."

Justice Darkhaven
The Lord Justice fumes for a moment, but eventually sighs, holding the bridge of his nose.

Tarna
"You know I speak the truth."

Justice Darkhaven
"Perhaps, but do not mistake my agreement for a blessing. I do not like this!"

Tarna
"I understand, Lord Justice. I do not take on this responsibility lightly. You know this." She turns to your group. "Let us go, before he comes to his senses... or I, mine."
May 28, 2025 7:59 am
Crow at the mention of Undermountain perked up a bit. He knew about The Yawning Portal, Haleen had made a name for herself at that very place when she had been his age. He reasoned he needed to brush up on his undercommon and tried to recall where he had seen the primer for it in the Annals.

He considered the other youths and their cheerful dispositions. The City of Splendor's was so diverse and rich of culture but they seemed so naive to the call they had taken. Moreover it seemed strange again that no adults had taken the call. Had the War really depleted the North so badly?

Crow signed something to the Justice in the subtle secret signs that the faith militant used. Though he hadn't formally been taught, ten years as their ward and he had figured out even the subtlest nuances of their code.

May 28, 2025 10:43 am
Taal
Taal nudgets Trailor. She thinks you cant do it, that you are just a kitten.

Tailor steps forward We are not kittens Justice Darkhaven. But if you have a better suggestion, let us hear it
May 28, 2025 5:21 pm
Justice Darkhaven
"Unfortunately, child, I do not have a better suggestion. Tarna is right. All of you will now be targets, and unless you wish to become wards of the church, I cannot think of better protection for you than to be in her care. She is a trusted ally." He pauses, his hands moving idly.

May 28, 2025 10:56 pm
Crow grimaces when the Justice speaks of being a ward to the church. It was worse in his opinion than slavery and he hadn't ever been afraid to show that. To belong was to be owned. And when the God of righteousness was your owner, to be against that was a sin.

"I will take care of them." He left the alternative fate unspoken not wanting to seem too grim.

He signed again to the Justice. "I have been of service. I will serve."
Last edited May 30, 2025 8:55 am
May 30, 2025 12:30 am
OOC:
Just a reminder: Anwyn is safe in the Temple, so we don't have to get her back. We're trying to find out WHY they killed her family and were trying to kidnap her (and presumably other children).
Trig notes Airn's title of "highness," and admires Taal. ::Another pretty cat!:: she thinks to herself. ::I think cats are my favorite!:: Koko shifts uneasily on her head. ::Second favorite, after crabs, of course!::

Trig starts to bow to the Justice, then vaguely remembers that that's not right, and tries to attempt a curtsy. Somehow she ends up facing the other way. She shrugs and responds to Tarna. "Yes, let's go!" She tries another curtsy, this time to Airn, and it's little better than the first. "After you, your highness!"
Last edited May 30, 2025 12:32 am
May 30, 2025 1:53 am
OOC:
I must have got it confused with another game I could've sworn she was kidnapped.
May 30, 2025 8:35 am
OOC:
Just for reference, Taal, the lynx like cat eidolon is medium sized. Taal and Tailor is, just as in the image, of the same hight
[ +- ] image
May 30, 2025 10:31 am
Airn watches the back and forth with intetest. He hoped it would degenerate into name-calling and fighting, but was a little disappointed when everyone was just polite.

"I think we should go, this place is too nice," he says. Do we get a lunch bag oe something beforw we go? Being out on the streets will give a kid an appetite.
Last edited May 30, 2025 10:31 am
May 30, 2025 11:58 am
Darv readies small-sized sword and shield! Gear bequeathed to him from his halfling mentor.
I am ready to help, he says in a calm juvenile voice.
May 30, 2025 3:28 pm
runekyndig says:
Just for reference, Taal, the lynx like cat eidolon is medium sized. Taal and Tailor is, just as in the image, of the same hight
OOC:
Understood. Trig was referencing previous-PC Fen's companion Oshgal, the other medium-sized lynx we had in the party. Oshgal navigated us through the sewers so we didn't get lost.
May 30, 2025 8:57 pm
OOC:
I had a long-winded post that had you walking the streets of Waterdeep, arriving at the Yawning Portal, and a conversation between Durnam (the barkeep) and Tarna indicating that they knew each other. It was mostly fluff, but I thought it would make for an interesting read. Unfortunately, I closed the wrong window and lost it all. :( Essentially, Durnam fusses at Tarna for being willing to take you into Undermountain, but she assures him it is on a mission for the temple. In the end, he relents, begrudgedly. The Yawning Portal has a huge pit with a platform and winch above it in the central taproom. After you load onto the platform, he lowers it (by himself) into the 140-foot deep pit. As you go, Tarna produces an everburning torch from her pack, providing light to see...
The entrance chamber is 40 feet square, with one visible exit in the southwest corner of the room. The walls are adorned with battered, rusting, and cracked shields all around the well area. Family crests adorn the shields, though few are recognizable as modern-day noble families of Waterdeep. Among the many shields, the walls of the room are covered in graffiti: names of adventuring companies and their members, notes to other adventurers, warnings, and even a hastily-scrawled last will and testament. One particularly chilling message scrawled upon the walls is a simple scoreboard, labeled "Monsters" and "Adventurers". The Monsters column has scores of tick marks beneath it, while the Adventurer's side is dismal by comparison. The sandy floor is littered with bones of humans and other races, and over a dozen torch stubs.
May 30, 2025 9:24 pm
OOC:
I hate when that happens
We are not going down to the bottom are we? Tailor tries to hide his nervousness - this dungoun has taken so many adventures.
May 31, 2025 3:59 am
Tarna
"Not all the way down, no. We just need to get to Skullport. Unfortunately, that means making our way through Undermountain's upper levels. It gets worse as we go deeper, but we should be safe enough if we move in relative silence and with purpose. But, Justice Darkhaven equipped me with something that should help." She pauses and puts a ring on the ring finger of her right hand. She makes a closed fist and speaks a word of power, "Soram!" Instantly, a glowing arrow appears above her fist, pointing to the southwest.
May 31, 2025 6:37 am
That is handy... He looked around to see if anyone got the pun.

With orange light, Tailor draws a shirt and shield -figure that just hangs in the air until he walks into them. When he does, the light surrounds him, and a golden, orange armour quickly turns invisible.
[ +- ] 1: Mage Armor
May 31, 2025 2:25 pm
"I guess after me, unless one of you is good and sneaky," Airn says to the group. "I know I can take a punch. Is anyone else kind of useful? I'll bet the kitty can help find lunch, right?
May 31, 2025 2:36 pm
Taal, will you take point?
Yes little one
Thank you
Taal crouch down and scouts ahead. Tailor has one eye on the group and the ground before him, and the other eye sees what Taals sees.
[ +- ] L2: Bond Senses (Su)

Rolls

Taal: Stealth (Dex) - (1d20+11)

(5) + 11 = 16

May 31, 2025 9:30 pm
Crow silently stalked along after the eidolon. Slightly behind it staggered. With the measured steps of a practiced hunter. Now more confident than ever in his skills. The soft red glow of Aristina's enchanted rapier further obscuring him in shadow as he moved. He likewise armed himself in his off-hand with a masterfully crafted kukri. The youthful inquisitor ready, willing, and able to dispense his deadly craft should anything seek to waylay the group.
Last edited May 31, 2025 9:34 pm

Rolls

Stealth (Dex) - (1d20+11)

(10) + 11 = 21

Jun 3, 2025 2:55 am
Airn falls in with the others. He's amused by the idea that they're following a cat. "Is Taal going to leave us or the trail in favour of a mouse?" he asks.
Jun 3, 2025 9:25 am
No - Taal doesn't eat mise. Chubby kids with an attitude problem on the other hand...
Jun 3, 2025 3:03 pm
Airn just makes fart noises at Tailor in response.
Jun 4, 2025 12:49 am
Tarna leads the group to the southwest exit and out into the corridor beyond. The corridor twists and turns a couple of times, then opens into a 20' wide hallway going west. Proceeding carefully down the corridor, Tarna leads you to a short flight of two broad steps that lead down into a widening room crowded with a forest of stone pillars. Archways can be seen in its northern, western, and southern walls. Something metallic glints on the floor, among the many stone pillars. Four exits leave the room in the four cardinal directions, each going up a short flight of stairs.

Tarna looks about the room briefly. As she enters, a small black rat is startled and scurries to the north, watching curiously from a safe distance. The glint of metal comes from a single gold piece laid at the base of the central pillar. On the diagonal southeast wall, someone used a torch to scrawl on the wall in the Thorass alphabet. Underneath the words is an arrow pointing toward the southern exit from the room.

The northernmost pillar is adorned with the entwined skeleton of a long-dead snake of some sort, which spirals around the pillar near its smooth junction with the ceiling. Its fangs are open as if to bite its prey.
OOC:
Thorass is also known as Auld Common. It is not the Common tongue, but an older version of such. If you specifically read Thorass, you may read the spoiler. Alternately, you might use a comprehend languages spell (if you have one), or you can attempt a Linguistics check against a DC 18.
[ +- ] Thorass (or Linguistics DC 18)
Jun 4, 2025 1:00 am
Crow looked at the letters and puzzled them out.

Rolls

Linguistics (Int) - (1d20+8)

(4) + 8 = 12

Jun 4, 2025 3:37 am
Trig casts Comprehend Languages to read the Thorassian text. She winces. "That's an old warning - 'certain death that way' - do you think that still applies? It was probably written a long time ago..."
OOC:
Which direction does Tarna's arrow point now?
Last edited June 4, 2025 3:38 am
Jun 4, 2025 6:02 am
I wonder how those words sound spoken out loud
He works through the words
But it says something about danger ahead
Last edited June 4, 2025 6:03 am

Rolls

Linguistics (Int) DC18 - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Jun 4, 2025 6:52 am
"Danger is everywhere all the time. The most hazardous thing is doing nothing. Does it indicate what kind of danger?"

Crow doesn't advance. Instead he lays prone and looks very carefully at the route ahead. He hadn't ever seen a deadly trap before - but he had read a great deal about dungeoneering. "Hold on a minute. Everyone look for raised plates on the floor, or tight wires running across it."

Rolls

Perception (Wis) - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Jun 4, 2025 8:52 am
Tailor uses his link to his eidolon to detect magic both at his own and Taals location, covering a larger area. It does however mess a bit with Taals senses.
[ +- ] 0: Detect Magic
Last edited June 4, 2025 8:53 am

Rolls

Taal:Perception (Wis) - (1d20+11)

(2) + 11 = 13

Jun 4, 2025 4:22 pm
No traps or tripwires are apparent, but Crow does notice something out of place. Careful examination of the southern-most pillar uncovers a loose stone. If pushed, it pivots open to reveal a long, narrow storage cavity within the pillar, about the size of a large man's forearm. In the cavity are three foot-long, tapering sticks of plain wood. There is also a small brass key lying in the dust at the bottom of this alcove.

Alarmingly, neither the detect magic nor the comprehend languages spell work. The spells are not considered used, so you retain them, but the words do nothing. Likewise, Tarna's ring is on the fritz.
Jun 4, 2025 5:17 pm
Airn kicks at stones, impatiently waiting for the others. "Can't we just keep going? I thought this was supposed to be OK for us to be in?" he whines to the rest of the group.
Jun 4, 2025 6:43 pm
WhtKnt says:
Alarmingly, neither the detect magic nor the comprehend languages spell work. The spells are not considered used, so you retain them, but the words do nothing. Likewise, Tarna's ring is on the fritz.
OOC:
OK, consider that the order of runekyndig's and my posts are reversed, then: Tailor reads it, then Trig responds to what Tailor said.
Jun 4, 2025 8:20 pm
Crow collects the key and pulls the stakes out of position discarding them in a pile in the false wall. "A key, to what I wonder."
Jun 4, 2025 9:44 pm
Tarna
"Down here? There's no telling. It was probably stashed by someone who forgot about it... or never returned for it." She turns to Airn. "It is not 'okay' for us to be down here, it is a necessity, or we would not be here, believe me! While there are other routes to Skullport, they are typically heavily guarded. This way is less likely to be watched. Stay alert and stay alive. Now, which way should we go? Before I entered this room, the ring was pointing west, so I suggest that we keep going in that direction."
Jun 4, 2025 10:59 pm
Yeah, if the ring leads west, I say we stick with that.
Dar moves up carefully, avoiding the plates, and does a neat trick shown him by his halfling mentor. Closing his eyes, in intense concentration.
OOC:
Detect Evil, focusing West of us.
Jun 5, 2025 4:04 am
At first, you fear something is wrong because you feel absolutely nothing, not even the familiar tingling of minor evil thoughts from nearby creatures. There is literally nothing! But as the party moves to the west and you ascend the stairs, the familiar feeling returns, and you sense your ability is functioning again. Likewise, Tarna's ring has once again reactivated. The corridor ahead seems to reflect our lights back from many glimmering surfaces, on both walls. All is quiet. Something small is lying on the floor, part way down the corridor. You detect no evil from ahead.
Jun 5, 2025 3:00 pm
Trig peers at the object, approaching until she can get a better look at it.
OOC:
Does it look like the item might be small enough (such as a coin or small tool) that it could be lifted by Prestidigitation? "Small" could be something like that, or it could be a backpack, book, or something else that's small but clearly more than 1 pound in weight...
Jun 5, 2025 5:08 pm
As you approach, you realize two things. First, the object is the blackened end of a burnt-out torch. Second, the hallway is lined with mirrors, eight on either side.
Jun 5, 2025 6:45 pm
Trig frowns, puzzled at what it could mean but on high alert. She pulls a crossbow bolt out of its quiver and tosses it down the hallway, past where the mirrors start.
Jun 6, 2025 12:59 am
The crossbow bolt bounces once, twice, then rolls to a stop about a quarter of the way down the hall. Nothing seems to happen.
Jun 6, 2025 1:00 am
Tarna
Tarna frowns. "I suggest that we move quickly, without looking into the mirrors. There is no telling what they might show."
Jun 6, 2025 1:38 am
Darv shrugs, takes a breath, and walks through the passageway.
Jun 6, 2025 7:25 am
Taal, eyes on the floor. Tailor looks at his feet and keep walking past the mirrors
Jun 6, 2025 8:35 am
Swiftly Crow skulks ahead, shifting from shadow to shadow. He walked on the sides of his feet, as a fox might, keeping the soft glowing rapier concealed beneath his cape, at the low ready. Kukri extended ahead, in position to make space for a rapid one two strike. He would not allow himself to be taken by surprise again. He recited mentally what he had learned of the nature of evil as he had read in the book "How to Be Evil."

"'Treachery, tyranny, perfidy. They share two universal charateristics. Evil in power conceals itself. Evil in weakness endures.' I am worse than evil, which is why I am best at goodness."

Hard won confidence was steeling the young man. He had already proven the worth of his sword. Now, he had a mission, and the desire to show his superiors he was not just a capable leader. He was the best and natural choice for it.

"God of Justice. Dark Father. Tyr, thought blind you see everything. Witness me."

Gratitude to his god was easy while holdong the physical proof of his answered prayer. Aristina's rapier had fit his hand perfectly, the weight and balance perfectly balanced to his wrist. The edge, so sharp, any cut no matter how small would doubtless prove fatal. Even now he understood that the blade was cursed, but it was gleefully accepted. For it was meant for his hand, and he was meant to hold it.

The danger had become critical. Crow did not know if it was the blade's magic, his own instinct, or something in the too still air. But he could sense impending violence. The shock of hair at the nape of his neck, rising to the saggital crest, and extending to his forehead stood on end. "Tarna, I got that feeling again. Smells like old blood and hate." Crow whispered from the darkness, not trying to threaten his superior position. He couldn't be sure if it was his hate tricking him. The cold chill running down his spine met the burning hate in his gut and gave Crow the feeling of pin pricks all over his skin.

He continued, steadily, from shadow to shadow. Just as he had been trained.

Rolls

Stealth (Dex) - (1d20+11)

(13) + 11 = 24

Jun 6, 2025 2:44 pm
The group moves past the mirrored hallway, being careful not to peer at their reflections, and comes to an intersection where they can go right (north) or left (south). Tarna's ring points south, so the party proceeds in that direction, passing a side room to the west that presents a wall of impenetrable darkness just inside the entrance. The group presses on, continuing south past two side passages to the east, until the corridor ends at a door on the east wall of the passage. The arrow points to the door.
Jun 6, 2025 4:01 pm
"West, south, door," Airn says. "At some point, something is going to find us," he says, thinking of the burnt-out torch they'd passed. He stretches a little bit, anticipating trouble. "Gotta stay limber! Tailor, does you kitten or evil detector know if anything is after us?"
Jun 7, 2025 2:38 am
A quick check for evil in your immediate surroundings indicates nothing. Tarna tries the door and finds it unlocked. She presses her ear to the wooden portal. She pulls away and shakes her head.

Tarna
"If everyone is ready, I'm going to open it."

Rolls

Perception for Tarna

Jun 8, 2025 1:44 am
Darv stands stalwart, as stalwart as a young lad can!
Jun 8, 2025 4:14 am
"I think we're ready," Trig responds to Tarna, uneasily reloading her crossbow. "...ready to get out of here..." she adds under her breath.
Jun 8, 2025 4:23 am
Crow shoulders up to the side of the door opposite Tarna keeping his weapons at the high ready. Prepared to advance to the fore sector of dominance upon her breach. "On your count."
Jun 8, 2025 5:56 am
Tailor and Taal nod in unison, and Tailor ready his crossbow.
Jun 8, 2025 5:31 pm
Tarna opens the door, weapon at the ready, to find... a corridor going south to another door. The paladin repeats the procedure, first listening at the door and then testing it quietly. She shakes her head and makes ready to open the door again. As the door opens, you see four orcs sitting on jawless human skulls, enjoying some cheese. They seem as startled to see you as you are them.

OOC:
Airn, Darv, and Crow are up!


INTIATIVE
Airn
Darv
Crow
Orc 1
Orc 2
Tailor
Orc 3
Orc 4
Trig

Rolls

Perception for Tarna - (1d20+3)

Secret Roll

Crow init - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Airn init - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Tailor init - (1d20+6)

(3) + 6 = 9

Trig init - (1d20+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Darv init - (1d20+5)

(15) + 5 = 20

Orc 1 init - (1d20+0)

(13) = 13

Orc 2 init - (1d20+0)

(11) = 11

Orc 3 init - (1d20+0)

(9) = 9

Orc 4 init - (1d20+0)

(5) = 5

Jun 8, 2025 6:04 pm
His trusty half-sized longsword at the ready, our young Durinbold leaps right into adolescent-minded action! Charging the nearest orc and thrusting his blade outstretched!

Take that, ya meanie!
OOC:
Charging for +2 attack and -2 AC (19). Darv’s very enthusiastic. :)

Rolls

Small Longsword! - (1d20+7, 1d6+2)

1d20+7 : (4) + 7 = 11

1d6+2 : (6) + 2 = 8

Jun 8, 2025 7:34 pm
"Evil is the compromise. It will always be the path of least resistance. Obsessed with appearance, evil responds to graphic brutality. Force is the only language it understands. The nature of evil is submission. Therefore, when dealing with evil, be the instigator."

Crow exploded into action as soon as the door opened. Whatever sense had keyed him of impending violence had told him of the necessity of action. Maybe it was something he had inherited from Haleen, or the providence of The Maimed God. Whatever it was, it was never wrong.

Each stride was perfectly measured. Suedes and gumsoles left only the barely audible swish of leather on his byrnie. With inhuman swiftness Crow covered the distance like a bolt of black lightning. A flash of flesh and metal.

With a flourish he cast the cloak aside revealing the glowing red, blue black steel of his rapier. Rising on the balls of his feet Crow fell into a lunge driving the rapier center mass of the orc who had reacted slowest. Cutting his mark into the creatures torso, he came around to its flank.

Cowl and mask obscuring his face, only those hard green-gold eyes glowered at the other two orcs as he plunged the tip of the kukri into the orc and twisted it. "Move and yer dead!" Crow growled in perfect orcish, his accent marking he had learned from one of the Many-Arrows tribe. The precocious Crow didn't sound like a boy, there were many fully grown men who were smaller, less robust. None who boasted the alacrity or grace. Stepping on the leg of the chair ready to kick out the legs if any resistance followed. He made no threat, but offered an ultimatum, a promise.

Rolls

Intimidate (Cha) - (1d20+9+5)

(1) + 14 = 15

Rapier +1 - Atk/Dam - (1d20+6, 1d8+6)

1d20+6 : (11) + 6 = 17

1d8+6 : (4) + 6 = 10

Kukri - Atk/Dam - (1d20+6, 1d4+5)

1d20+6 : (4) + 6 = 10

1d4+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

Sneak Attack Dam Rapier, Sneak Attack Dam Kukri - (1d6, 2d6)

1d6 : (3) = 3

2d6 : (66) = 12

Jun 9, 2025 9:02 pm
"Finally!" Airn says excitedly. "I know about orcs!" he takes out his mace and heads right for them, swinging at the closest one he can.

Rolls

Attack, to hit - (1d20+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Damage, if applicable - (1d8+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Jun 9, 2025 9:39 pm
Airn swings for the closest orc, but his attack is mistimed and falls short. The first orc falls to Crow's rapier before it has time to cry out, and the other two are left shaken by the savagery of Crow's attack and his challenge. The second orc tries to hit the agile young boy, the blade tracing a line across the front of his armor, but he is otherwise unhurt. Darv strikes out at one of the orcs, but also misses.
OOC:
Tailor is up!
OOC:
It's a moot point since it missed, but the orc's attack should have been at -2 for the Shaken condition.
INTIATIVE
Airn
Darv
Crow
Orc 1
Orc 2
Tailor
Orc 3
Tarna
Orc 4
Trig

Rolls

Tarna initiative - (1d20-1)

(7) - 1 = 6

Falchion versus Crow - (1d20+5, 2d4+4)

1d20+5 : (13) + 5 = 18

2d4+4 : (41) + 4 = 9

Jun 10, 2025 6:29 am
OOC:
I forgot to roll initiative for Taal, so he is using Tailors
Tailor raises his crossbow and launches a bolt at orc 3. The bolt was not secured right, so it ends up flipping up and around tumbeling dangerously through the air.
Taal on the other hand, rush the orc 3, and rake him with his claws.
Last edited June 10, 2025 6:30 am

Rolls

Light Crossbow - Atk/Dam - (1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (1) + 5 = 6

1d6+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

Taal: (A) Right claw - (1d20+4, 1d4+4)

1d20+4 : (13) + 4 = 17

1d4+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

Taal: (A) Left claw - (1d20+4, 1d4+4)

1d20+4 : (16) + 4 = 20

1d4+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

Jun 10, 2025 7:04 pm
Orc 3 is dead before it hits the ground, and Tarna is already moving to her attack against the fourth orc, which also dies before it even realizes that it has been hit.
OOC:
Trig, Airn, Darv, and Crow are up again, in that order.
INTIATIVE
Airn
Darv
Crow
Orc 1
Orc 2
Tailor
Orc 3
Tarna
Orc 4
Trig

Rolls

Tarna attack and damage - (1d20+8, 1d8+1)

1d20+8 : (16) + 8 = 24

1d8+1 : (7) + 1 = 8

Jun 10, 2025 7:33 pm
Darv turns to the orc nearest him, and stabs forth with his trusty half-sized sword!

Rolls

Longsword - (1d20+5, 1d6+2)

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

1d6+2 : (5) + 2 = 7

Jun 10, 2025 7:56 pm
Crow swept his cloak at the orcs falchion, the steel ribbing in it enough to divert the blade by centimeters. Shifting to get the orc in an outflanked position he covered his advance by locking the falchion up with his kukri, wrenching an opening that he attempted to exploit driving his rapier in a thrust. Shoving against the falchion he took a risk and pushed the tip of the kukri slicing at the orc. "Shoulda surrendered!" He growled in Orcish.

Rolls

Rapier +1 - Atk/Dam, Sneak Attack - (1d20+6, 1d8+6, 2d6)

1d20+6 : (8) + 6 = 14

1d8+6 : (2) + 6 = 8

2d6 : (36) = 9

Kukri - Atk/Dam, Sneak Attack - (1d20+6, 1d4+5, 2d6)

1d20+6 : (10) + 6 = 16

1d4+5 : (1) + 5 = 6

2d6 : (64) = 10

Jun 11, 2025 2:04 am
The mace missing it's target annoys Airn, so he tries again. "If at first you succeed, bash'em again!" He's feeling confident since, even though he missed, no one hit him.

Rolls

Attack, to hit - (1d20+3)

(14) + 3 = 17

Damage, if applicable - (1d8+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Jun 11, 2025 2:15 am
OOC:
We'll wait for Trig before I finish this.
Jun 11, 2025 4:00 am
OOC:
Going back in time to the end of round one...
"Yuck!" Trig looses a crossbow bolt at Orc 2. "Cheese and skulls don't mix!"

Rolls

Crossbow attack, damage - (1d20+4, 1d6)

1d20+4 : (8) + 4 = 12

1d6 : (2) = 2

Jun 11, 2025 6:13 am
Cheese and skulls?! What the hell kind of battle cry is that?
But Tailor cant help but smile as he is reloading his crossbow
Jun 12, 2025 4:06 am
The last orc is easily felled by the combined effort of Crow and Airn, after Trig's crossbow shot misses. A close examination of the orcs' falchions reveals a dark, sticky substance coating them.
OOC:
Combat over!
Jun 12, 2025 4:10 am
"They never listen!"

Crow cursed in lamentation under his breath, cleaning his kukri and rapier, the rapier out of habit upon the orcs as he began to rifle through them for intelligence and items of value. For someone so skilled in the art of violence he did not seem to like it much.

Rolls

Appraise (Int) - (1d20+8)

(9) + 8 = 17

Jun 13, 2025 2:19 am
"They don't have to," Airn says, a smug tone in his voice. "They just need to lose." He taps the skulls lightly, "Who do you think these were?"
Jun 15, 2025 6:25 pm
"Orcs." Crow says as he continues searching the pockets of the orcs. Looking for valuables, any papers, trinkets, baubels, or coin.
Jun 16, 2025 12:12 am
The orcs themselves have little of interest beyond their patchwork armor and black-bladed falchions. They each had a cooked rabbit on a skewer, and they were sharing a jug of black beer. However, now that you get the chance to look around the room, there is also a rack, on which hangs a suit of bright silvery chain mail and a scabbarded long sword. Both glow with a strong blue-white aura.
Jun 16, 2025 1:22 am
"Sacred weapons to the sacred revealed." Crow notes and nods to the armor and longsword. "Lets take a minute. I can help one of you into that armor. The sword should likewise be used."
Jun 16, 2025 1:55 am
"I've never seen armor glow. What if it's haunted?" Airn asks. "Maybe there's a reason none of the orcs were wearing it."
Jun 16, 2025 7:29 am
Why did the orc not put these enchanted armors on themselfs?
Tailor spends a moment examining the enchanted equipment. Apart from the obvious detect magic, he is also searching for the sigel, that every magic items has somewhere. The point where the enchantment entered the object - every item has it, if its permanent, and usally its not that clear, but if you know where to look, a trained auditor can find it - and Tailor have been training.
OOC:
Are they permanent enchanted equipment? That is the question that he is answering

Rolls

Appraise (Int) - (1d20+5)

(7) + 5 = 12

Knowledge (Arcana) (Int) - (1d20+5)

(13) + 5 = 18

Jun 16, 2025 9:05 am
"'Not known to be clever or a fan of beautiful aesthetic. Orcs are natures proof that virtue and vice have at least some respect toward appearance.'" Crow quoted Ragefast the Mage who had apprenticed Volo. "'One is praised for smashing a roach. But villified for smashing a butterfly.'"

He began to take his own chain shirt off, doffing his suede cloak. He pulled apart several s-hooks that bound the byrnie to him and slides out of it. Taking the glowing shirt for himself since no one else seemed to want it. "That warshirt is made to be highly agile, it was meant for an inquisitor. It can be easily adjusted with straps to fit most any human. If you can wear armor, wear the best you can." After a few more seconds he had extracted himself from it. Then moved over to Tarna as he slipped the byrnie overhead. "Give me a hand with this, please."

The mind of the Chondathan youth was filled, almost exclusively with facts of war, legerdemain, and the study of evil in all its forms. His eidetic memory did not serve to make him charming. It was just information, recited word for word. But he was completely honest with his statement. It didn't matter if if struck home to Crow, it was simply the truth, absolute immutable.

What more could one expect from an acolyte of Tyr?

"They were obviously too stupid to realize we had the better of them. Which is why we killed them."

For a moment Crow wondered how the other kids could be so casual with killing. Wondering if his sheltered youth in the temple had so blinded him to the realities of life in Waterdeep. That troubled him almost as much as the act of killing. The Jewel of the North was the Safest place on Abeir-Toril as he had read. Yet the denizens of it had such a casual approach to violence. It struck him as odd that he had been trained to kill, and the justification was that to kill evil was just and prudent.
OOC:
Crow will doff the masterwork chain shirt hastily then attempt to get into the glowing armor with help.
Last edited June 16, 2025 9:07 am
Jun 16, 2025 2:34 pm
It never would have occurred to her to wear armor, but Trig mulls the new idea over in her head. Then she giggles at the thought of trying on the glowing mail herself: not just because it is heavy, not just because it's long enough to drag on the ground after her, but also because she couldn't imagine being as brave as Crow and getting undressed in front of everyone like that. She considers the sword and laughs out loud at the thought of her trying to heft the ungainly length of steel. She'd have to drag it on the ground after her, or carry it slung over her shoulder like a tramp with a bindle!
Last edited June 16, 2025 2:36 pm
Jun 16, 2025 5:37 pm
Tarna helps Crow into the glowing armor, which also seems to be masterwork. Both enchantments seem to Tailor to be permanent, but he can determine little else, though for some reason, he gets bad vibes from the sword.

Rolls

Tailor Rose: Knowledge (Arcana) (Int) - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Jun 16, 2025 6:40 pm
Darv approaches the sword, closes his eyes, and conducts his neat halfling mentor-inspired trick!
OOC:
Detect Evil on the sword, I assume the bad vibes say enough, but just to make sure.
Jun 16, 2025 8:15 pm
No evil is detected, just a bad feeling.
Jun 16, 2025 9:03 pm
OOC:
Properties of the chain? Lighter? More nimble? Smells like heaven?
Jun 16, 2025 11:32 pm
Darv picks up the sword. Our young knight examines it for runes or markings, tried recognizing its worth based just on his squirely dealings, and attempts to wield it.

Rolls

Appraise (Int) - (1d20+-1)

(15) - 1 = 14

Jun 17, 2025 1:20 am
The chain is masterwork and is enchanted to give off light (you will eventually discover that it is also enchanted to resist rust, dirt, blood, dings, dents, etc.). The sword is cold but comfortable in your grip, and it also glows brightly.
Jun 17, 2025 4:18 pm
"You look so grown up, Darv" Airn says. "Why not take the glow-y armor as well? At the very least we can trade it for sweets when this trip is over."
Jun 17, 2025 4:24 pm
Darv gazes hazel eyes upon the brightly/shining chain armor.

Wow, that does look like great armor! My mentor has told me stories of how halfling knights like himself used to wear armor kinda like that. I’ll gladly use it if no one else can use it. It sure looks neat!

Darv looks down at the glowing sword with childlike worry. Do any of you think this sword might be cursed or something? We should get it checked out.
OOC:
I meant to ask, is it a medium sized Longsword or something else? If it’s something like that, then Darv’s prolly handling it with both hands, him being small size.
Last edited June 17, 2025 4:25 pm
Jun 17, 2025 10:16 pm
OOC:
It is a longsword, and I believe that Crow is wearing the armor, unless I missed him removing it (which is possible, given the site problems).

Taal

runekyndig

Jun 18, 2025 8:00 am
Taal sniffs the orcs and pads around the room investigating.
If there is nothing more we should move on. Let the human dress in the glowing garmet. Its makes him a poor hunter
Taal
Jun 18, 2025 9:08 am
"I do not mind relinquishing it. Only the express condition that someone wears the damn thing." Crow was alread fed up with the pointless deliberation. "Leave nothing for the enemy. Use anything of value. Including the uncomfortable feeling sword. If only because being mortally wounded is less comfortable. Something Tarna and I know. It will happen to you all. When it does it will take every advantage or you will perish."

"You do not have to be like me. You cannot. But you must stop behaving like children. Or we all die. Darv, if you want the magic armor and sword, simply say so. But do it now. It has already been too long in this room."
Jun 18, 2025 2:07 pm
Stifling her giggles, Trig takes a breath and looks around the room. Are there any other exits? If not, she looks doubtfully at Tarna. "Is this where your arrow was leading us?"
Jun 18, 2025 7:56 pm
Tarna
"I don't think so," Tarna responds. She again gives the command word and holds out her hand, and once more the glowing arrow appears, pointing towards a door on the east wall. There is also a door on the west wall. Tarna shrugs and pauses to listen at the door. She turns back to the party and says, "I hear a steady drumming."

Rolls

Perception for Tarna - (1d20)

Jun 18, 2025 8:17 pm
Tailor carefully opens the east door
Jun 18, 2025 9:02 pm
Darv dons the gleaming chain armor, and sheathed his (small) longsword. He stops his shield, dangling it precariously from its strap along his back, and our young squire grips the (medium sized) longsword with both his adolescent gauntleted hands.

Ok, I think I’m ready to go, he eventually says to his companions. His small frame fidgeting under new weight and bulk!
OOC:
Logistically, Darvin is storing his shield along his back, with rope if necessary, and his Scale Mail is bundled and strapped to and inside of his back, with rope. If we need get more micro than that, I assume he can get help from others hauling the extra armor and whatnot. Thx.
Last edited June 18, 2025 9:07 pm
Jun 18, 2025 9:03 pm


The drumming can now be heard plainly by everyone in the party; it is slow but steady. Beyond this door is a short corridor going south to a fairly large room. Trepediciously, Tarna enters the corridor, and immediately the drumming stops. Looking south into the room, there are two filthy, human-like creatures squatting together. They have deeply set, staring eyes, long, pointed teeth, and long-nailed, claw-like hands. The two are holding the split remnants of bones - probably human bones. They are beating on what looks like an upside-down shield, over which has been stretched some sort of hide. They see you and break off drumming to rise, hissing.

INITIATIVE
Crow
Tarna
Taal
Trig
Creature 1
Tailor
Darv
Airn
Creature 2

STATUS
Creature 1 - AC 14, unharmed
Creature 2 - AC 14, unharmed

Tarna - AC 19, 35/35 hp
Crow - AC 21, 26/26 hp
Airn - AC 15, 33/33 hp
Tailor - AC 17, 13/13 hp
Taal - AC 18, 17/17 hp
Trig - AC 14, 27/27 hp
Darv - AC 19, 22/22 hp

Rolls

Crow Initiative - (1d20+5)

(15) + 5 = 20

Airn Initiative - (1d20+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Tailor Initiative - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Trig Initiative - (1d20+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Darv Initiative - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Tarna Initiative - (1d20-1)

(17) - 1 = 16

Creature 1 Initiative - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Creature 2 Initiative - (1d20+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Taal Initiative - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Jun 19, 2025 1:27 pm
"Ooh, this looks bad, Koko!" Trig will enter the room after the others and try to get in a position where she will be able to cast Burning Hands to not hit Crow, Tarna, or Taal who act before her (presumably one side or the other if others are in melee). "I don't like things that eat people!"
[ +- ] Burning Hands

Rolls

Burning hands damage - (3d4)

(143) = 8

Jun 19, 2025 5:36 pm
Tailor shoots the drumming creature, and moments after Taal jumps him with raking claws

Rolls

Light Crossbow - Atk/Dam - (1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (16) + 5 = 21

1d6+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

Taal: (A) Right claw - (1d20+4, 1d4+4)

1d20+4 : (16) + 4 = 20

1d4+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

Taal: (A) Left claw - (1d20+4, 1d4+4)

1d20+4 : (19) + 4 = 23

1d4+4 : (4) + 4 = 8

Jun 19, 2025 11:22 pm
Striding forward a bit awkwardly, his small frame a bit hunched over from recent weight added to his pack and his shield along his back, our young squire moved up to face the drummer, the bad-vibe long sword gripped in both his gauntlets adolescent hands.

Once he has proper position, amidst the chaos of combat, Darvin swings at the first creature!

Rolls

Bad Vibe Longsword, 2 handed - (1d20+3, 1d8+3)

1d20+3 : (19) + 3 = 22

1d8+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

Crit Confirm - (1d20+3, 1d8)

1d20+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

1d8 : (1) = 1

Jun 20, 2025 5:17 pm
"Let me show you how to do it!" Airn says to Darv! as they move towards the two creatures. He swings his mace at one of them (#1) and tries to put a quick end to one of the corpse-munching foes.

Rolls

Attack, to hit - (1d20+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

Damage (if applicable) - (1d8+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Jun 23, 2025 2:21 am
Crow advances in step with Tarna, the two of them now were moving in synch, this being their eighth fight. Where she broke right he out flanked and engaged. He even timed his strikes, exploiting the opening her own attacks created.

A near silent lunge followed by a slice. Shift to cover himself and harass.

Rolls

Rapier +1 - Atk/Dam - (1d20+6, 1d8+6)

1d20+6 : (7) + 6 = 13

1d8+6 : (6) + 6 = 12

Kukri - Atk/Dam - (1d20+6, 1d4+5)

1d20+6 : (20) + 6 = 26

1d4+5 : (2) + 5 = 7

Sneak attack rapier - (2d6)

(51) = 6

Sneak attack kukri - (2d6)

(42) = 6

Jun 23, 2025 5:23 pm
There is no need to confirm the crit for Crow, as he takes down the first opponent in the blink of an eye. The rapier does not penetrate the flesh, but the kukri strikes deeply, leaving a massive wound that, surprisingly, does not bleed. Still, the creature falls forward onto its face. A chill runs down Tarna's spine.

Tarna
"Ghouls! They're undead," she shouts. "Don't let them touch you!"

Tarna turns her attention to the remaining ghoul, warily circling the hissing creature. When she senses an opening, she strikes, lashing out with her blade. Despite a wound that would be fatal to a mortal, the ghoul still stands. Taal charges forward, striking with both claws, raking the undead across the midsection and spilling its guts to the floor. Again, there is no blood, just a sticky, black ichor. The ghoul falls, face first, into its own intestines.

Tarna
"We were fortunate they fell quickly. The claws or teeth of a ghoul can cause your muscles to spasm, freezing in place. You are alive when they begin to eat you." She cleans her blade, which shines like silver, on the rags that one of the ghouls wears.
OOC:
Combat over!
Aside from the drum, the ghouls have little of interest. Tarna's arrow points to the southeast.

Rolls

Tarna attack and damage (with smite evil) - (1d20+11, 1d8+9)

1d20+11 : (8) + 11 = 19

1d8+9 : (1) + 9 = 10

Jun 23, 2025 5:47 pm
Ugh, exclaims our young squire. I don’t think I wield this bad-vibey longsword too good. I think I’ll stow for now, and go back to my old trusty sword and shield instead. Someone lemme know, if you want the bad-vibey sword, though!
Jun 24, 2025 12:27 am
WhiteDwarf says:
I don’t think I wield this bad-vibey longsword too good.
OOC:
To be fair, we didn't get to make our attacks (miss or hit), since Crow and Tarna acted before us and killed the ghouls before we could act.
Trig looks at Crow and Tarna with respect. She blushes and adjust her hat, then prepares to follow the others to the southeast. A part of her is relieved that she didn't have to burn the monsters after all.
The smell is terrible.
Jun 24, 2025 2:19 am
Crow cleans his kukri swiftly he kept his peace for now. Between the cat, Tarna, and himself they were a most lethal party.

He stalks ahead in the direction indicated.

Rolls

Stealth (Dex) - (1d20+11)

(8) + 11 = 19

Jun 25, 2025 3:08 am
"Where do these things come from?" Airn asks. "We're killing them, but this is weird monsters just down here. Like, why don't they climb out and attack people? Nice shot by the way with that weird looking sword.
Jun 25, 2025 3:36 am
"Necromancy." Crow replies as a matter of fact. "Yes, it was remarkably precise even for me." He was back to being economical with words. "I shall have to do better that all my strikes are so efficient."

Looking at Darv who was struggling with the sword he fell back to some old advice he had learned. "There is no issue with the sword. It is near perfectly balanced. But maybe think of a sword less as a sharp piece of metal and more a wall of razors you guide to deny the enemy space. Start from your toes, carry through the hips. Ease into the shoulders. Aim with your elbows. Keep the forearm strong and the wrist supple."

"At least, that is how the Lord of Swords would use it."
Jun 25, 2025 12:12 pm
Darvin props his small sword and shield into a nearby corner, and takes up Bad Vibey once again. Once more hefting the blade in both hands, the weapon oversized for our young squire! He manages a few awkward hefts, before perhaps settling into a state of better comfort.

Gee thanks, Crow. You’re right, it’s just a big sword that I’m not used to. But I guess I will need to practice with it for a bit, before I’m really able to contribute to the group with it. But hopefully, I’ll grow into it, as I grow into a gallant knight!

After regathering abd securing his gear again, Darvin wanders southeast, to the edge of the room, gazing in the direction Tarna’s arrow points. He closes his eyes and concentrates on any evidence of evil intent!
OOC:
Detect Evil, focusing on SE direction from edge of the room.
Jun 25, 2025 3:26 pm
OOC:
I think we need to name the sword 'Bad Vibey' officially.
Jun 25, 2025 6:15 pm
Tailor and Taal is hunched by the dead ghols to give them a closer examination, before they move on.

Rolls

Perception (Wis) - (1d20-2)

(6) - 2 = 4

Taal:Perception (Wis) - (1d20+11)

(20) + 11 = 31

Jun 28, 2025 4:00 am
"If those things are dangerous when they're undead, are they safe when they're re-dead? Is your hand going to fall off or something when you examine it?" Airn asks.

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