VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
As the party moves cautiously through the dimly lit Candle Lane, their attention is drawn to the stark contrast of a single working streetlight with a flame that simply refuses to die that seems to pierce the prevailing gloom like a beacon. It's directly opposite this island of light that Nootie's keen eyes catch the unmistakable mark of the Zhentarim: a black winged snake, discreetly emblazoned on the façade of a ramshackle but otherwise seemingly nondescript warehouse. This subtle insignia, almost mocking in its openness given the dark reputation of its bearers, confirms without a doubt that they have found a significant location in their quest to uncover the fate of Floon Blagmaar.
The warehouse stands at the back of an outer yard behind a high fence. The warehouse stands out not just for its marked door but also for the way it seems to brood under the streetlight's glow, shadows gathering around it as if to conceal its secrets. The building itself is large, with boarded-up windows and a solid-looking door that speaks of a place meant to keep prying eyes and unwanted visitors firmly outside.
The warehouse stands at the back of an outer yard behind a high fence. The warehouse stands out not just for its marked door but also for the way it seems to brood under the streetlight's glow, shadows gathering around it as if to conceal its secrets. The building itself is large, with boarded-up windows and a solid-looking door that speaks of a place meant to keep prying eyes and unwanted visitors firmly outside.
Lok was thinking about casting Earth Tremor on the warehouse wall, see if the door or windows break open with us being a safe distance away?
"Lok doesn't get paid to think"
((Just in case things get hog wild after I go to bed tonight, before we do anything
Nootie wants to use some makeup from his disguise kit to draw the Zhentarim symbol onto all of our wrists, excluding anyone who protests.
If you need me to roll anything for it, I'll just drop a D20 and you can add whatever.))
"Oh wait, can't you make sounds like you did with them fake guards before? Maybe they could hear footsteps running away from the place if that comes up"
"Oh wait, can't you make sounds like you did with them fake guards before? Maybe they could hear footsteps running away from the place if that comes up"
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
The sudden decision by Lok Ahl to cast Earth Tremor catches the party somewhat off guard. The spell sends a palpable shockwave through the ground, targeting the warehouse with surprising precision. The ground beneath them shakes violently, causing the already precarious structure to react as if caught in a localized earthquake.
The warehouse, which stood as a silent monolith under the dim glow of the streetlight, is transformed in moments. The (unlocked) gate, which might have offered silent entry, is violently shaken open, clanging loudly as it swings on its hinges. The force of the tremor dislodges the boards nailed over a window, sending them clattering to the ground and opening a new, unintended point of entry. Most dramatically, the warehouse's front door, which might have been silently pushed open with a mere nudge, is torn from its frame and falls inward with a resounding crash, revealing the dark interior to any who dare to enter.
The immediate aftermath of the spell is a cacophony of noise and dust, signaling to anyone within or nearby that something significant has occurred. The party is left staring at the now-exposed interior of the warehouse, the element of surprise likely lost, but with multiple points of entry unexpectedly made available to them. The once secure and secretive hideout of the Zhentarim is laid bare, at least from the outside, inviting or daring them to step inside.
The warehouse, which stood as a silent monolith under the dim glow of the streetlight, is transformed in moments. The (unlocked) gate, which might have offered silent entry, is violently shaken open, clanging loudly as it swings on its hinges. The force of the tremor dislodges the boards nailed over a window, sending them clattering to the ground and opening a new, unintended point of entry. Most dramatically, the warehouse's front door, which might have been silently pushed open with a mere nudge, is torn from its frame and falls inward with a resounding crash, revealing the dark interior to any who dare to enter.
The immediate aftermath of the spell is a cacophony of noise and dust, signaling to anyone within or nearby that something significant has occurred. The party is left staring at the now-exposed interior of the warehouse, the element of surprise likely lost, but with multiple points of entry unexpectedly made available to them. The once secure and secretive hideout of the Zhentarim is laid bare, at least from the outside, inviting or daring them to step inside.
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
Cookie's observation is that lights are on inside the warehouse. Coupled with the faint sounds of a possible commotion, this adds a layer of tension to the situation. The Earth Tremor spell not only physically opened the warehouse but also metaphorically shone a light on what might be happening inside. While the spell's immediate effects on the building's exterior are evident, its impact on the interior and its possible occupants remains uncertain.
The presence of light suggests that the warehouse has recently been in use, contrary to its dilapidated exterior appearance. The sounds, whether caused by disturbed occupants or merely the shifting and crashing of furniture, hint at possible activity within.
"Good idea! You clearly have more intelligence than I do!"
Lok uses Minor Illusion to disguise himself as a member of the city watch. And approaches what used to be the front door.
"Hello in there! Anyone hurt and need medical treatment?"
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
Lok Ahl's strategic use of Minor Illusion to project a City Guard's voice into the warehouse is met with silence. The spell's execution is flawless, the illusionary voice clear and authoritative as it echoes through the interior, offering assistance and medical treatment. Yet, despite the call penetrating the dark, exposed space of the warehouse, there's no reply, no shuffle of movement or whispered conversation to suggest that the message has been received or acknowledged by anyone inside.
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
The warehouse inside is vast, with high ceilings supported by thick wooden beams. The sparse light that filters through the window illuminates dust particles floating in the air, giving the space an abandoned feel. However, as Cookie's eyes adjust to the dim light, she begins to make out the shapes of crates and barrels stacked haphazardly around the room, creating a labyrinth of makeshift paths and alcoves. Tables and chairs have been carelessly tossed across the floor. And then she sees them.
The corpses of a dozen men lie along the walls, their rapiers and daggers lying nearby.
The corpses of a dozen men lie along the walls, their rapiers and daggers lying nearby.
"Lok started out a pacifist, but this is a lot easier."
"Wasn't someone in the market for a new dagger?"
If it's not too soon after my last perception check or something,
I wanna take another look around and see if anyone's shown up from the noise or if we're being watched as they head in.
If I don't see anything I'll sneak in as well, trying to stay out of the light and behind our huge friend.
If I don't see anything I'll sneak in as well, trying to stay out of the light and behind our huge friend.
"Lok has no eye for quality, pick me out a handsome rapier!"
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
As Nootie prepares to enter the warehouse through the now open gate and past the fallen door, a fleeting sensation prickles at the back of his neck—the unmistakable feeling of being watched. He pauses, instinctively scanning the surrounding shadows of Candle Lane for any sign of an observer. The dim light from the lone working streetlight casts long, dancing shadows, turning every nook and cranny into a potential hiding spot.
Despite the intensity of the sensation, a thorough look around reveals no obvious watchers. The street appears deserted, with only the quiet creaks and groans of the old buildings for company. The momentary unease lingers, a ghostly whisper of paranoia in the back of his mind, but with no tangible evidence to act upon, it slowly dissipates like fog under the morning sun.
Ben Zine strides confidently into the warehouse, Lok Ahl and Nootie following close behind. The dim light reveals a scene of recent chaos—crates and barrels thrown aside, some broken open with their contents spilled across the floor. Amidst the disarray, several bodies lie on the ground, silent testament to a violent encounter.
Focused on the potential for valuable finds, Ben Zine barely glances at the ominous signs of struggle as he moves towards the nearest body. His companions, equally alert for opportunities, scan the warehouse, taking in the scope of the scene.
However, their exploration is abruptly interrupted. From the shadows, with startling suddenness, four Kenku emerge. These crow-like humanoids confront the party with weapons drawn. The suddenness of their appearance suggests they were hiding, waiting for an opportune moment to strike at intruders or to possibly defend their hideout.
Roll for Initiative!
(( If you have any issues with this initial placement, let me know in your Initiative Roll Post ))
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
Nootie steps forward a bit, raising his arms in the air and making sure the mark on his wrist is at least somewhat visible as he gestures. He does his best kenku impression.
"Wait! Wait! They're with us! With us!" He points to his friends and to himself.
"Here to help. Intruder? Noise? Did you see?"
"Wait! Wait! They're with us! With us!" He points to his friends and to himself.
"Here to help. Intruder? Noise? Did you see?"
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
(( Give me another Perception check. For reasons. ))
I guess I forgot to roll deception as well, but I suppose I'll wait on that one considering idk wtf is about to happen to me lmao
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
His words hang in the air for a tense moment before he notices the unmistakable symbols adorning their assailants' attire. The hooded cloaks they wear bear a familiar symbol—a glaring eye encircled by ten spokes. This is very much not a Zhentarim symbol. A pit forms in Nootie's stomach as he realizes the critical mistake.
The Kenku are a race known to make up for their lack of actual speech by perfectly mimicking any sound they hear...and one of the hooded bird thugs demonstrates this uncanny talent by "speaking" in the deep voice of an orc: "Xanathar sends his regards!"
*gulp*
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
(( I think it's fair to call what you did a bonus action, so you still have your movement and action to perform ))
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
(( Oh shit, Birdman vs Birdman ))
With little time to deliberate, he rushes forward, closing the distance to ensure a better shot with his hand crossbow. The urgency of the situation fuels his movements, a mix of adrenaline and determination driving him to take action.
As he takes aim at the nearest Kenku, the warehouse's dim light and the cluttered environment add an element of unpredictability to his shot. Nootie releases the bolt, his intentions clear, but the shot veers off course. Perhaps it's the pressure of the moment, the uneven footing, or simply the unpredictability of combat, but the bolt misses its intended target, whizzing past the Kenku and embedding itself harmlessly into one of the wooden crates beyond.
(( @Benzine ))
With little time to deliberate, he rushes forward, closing the distance to ensure a better shot with his hand crossbow. The urgency of the situation fuels his movements, a mix of adrenaline and determination driving him to take action.
As he takes aim at the nearest Kenku, the warehouse's dim light and the cluttered environment add an element of unpredictability to his shot. Nootie releases the bolt, his intentions clear, but the shot veers off course. Perhaps it's the pressure of the moment, the uneven footing, or simply the unpredictability of combat, but the bolt misses its intended target, whizzing past the Kenku and embedding itself harmlessly into one of the wooden crates beyond.
(( @Benzine ))
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
(( I'll need to know which stat they'll have disadvantage on due to the Hex ))
Ben Zine focuses his energy and calls upon the dark, arcane powers at his disposal. With a whispered incantation, he casts a curse upon one of the Kenku, a Hex that surrounds the targeted creature with a sinister, shimmering aura visible only to those attuned to the magical spectrum.
Channeling his focus, Ben Zine then conjures an Eldritch Blast, the staple of warlocks, a force of raw magical energy aiming to strike down his hexed adversary. His hands extend forward, a gesture that unleashes a powerful, crackling beam of energy toward the Kenku. The dazzling streak of magical force darts past the Kenku, narrowly missing its target. The beam impacts against the warehouse's far wall, leaving a scorch mark as evidence of its potency.
Kenku Turn
Two of the Kenku charge forward, their movements swift and determined. These bird-like creatures, though not particularly large, carry an air of menace about them. Their agility and speed become apparent as they swiftly navigate the cluttered interior of the warehouse, each step bringing them closer to the party.
The Kenku, despite their lack of speech, communicate their intent through a series of clicks, whistles, and mimicked sounds that they've picked up from their surroundings. This eerie form of communication, coupled with their rapid approach, adds an unsettling layer to the already tense atmosphere.
Their beady eyes fixate on the party members, sharp talons ready to strike, and makeshift weapons clutched tightly in their grasp. The intent to engage in melee combat is clear, as they aim to exploit the close quarters of the warehouse to their advantage. Their strategy seems to rely on overwhelming the party through sheer aggression and speed, hoping to catch them off guard and exploit any openings.
The warehouse echoes with the twang of bowstrings as the two remaining Kenku take aim from their positions. They've assessed the immediate threat and chosen their targets: Nootie and Ben Zine, who have made their presence and intentions known with their initial actions. With swift movements born of necessity and survival, they loose their arrows in a dangerous ballet of wood and feather.
Nootie, perhaps through a mixture of combat intuition and sheer luck, finds himself narrowly evading the incoming projectile. The arrow meant for him whizzes past, tugging at a piece of his clothing, a tangible reminder of the thin line between safety and harm in such encounters.
Ben Zine, however, isn't as fortunate. Focused on his spellcasting and already committed to his actions, he finds himself in the unenviable position of receiving the full brunt of the other Kenku's aim. The arrow strikes with a thud, the kind of sound that, even without looking, one knows signifies a bad hit. The impact is forceful, the pain immediate and intense, a burning sensation that spreads from the point of contact.
Ben Zine takes 6 piercing damage!
Joseph Snapple
You don't know how to treat the Crypt Keeper!
As the warlock shudders from the Kenku's arrow, the halfling cleric taking cover outside the window to this warehouse-turned-hideout-turned-killing floor experiences a different sensation altogether: the feel of displaced air, which in turn gives way to the sudden realization that a hulking half-orc now accompanies her next to the window...for a small moment, at least. With graceful-but-powerful ease the new arrival vaults over the windowsill, cold grey eyes taking stock of the surroundings as she does so. A fist balls up in fury as the half-orc's eyes sweep across the dead Zhentarim which line the walls of the building, until they finally pass over a number of crates and barrels to lock onto the otherwise-engaged Kenku.
A balled fist gives way to deep breaths.
Deep breaths give way to a widening snarl.
A widening snarl gives way to-
"THIEVES!"
The half-orc belts this exclamation out in a voice bolstered further by clear fury and Rage.
Maddened, she maneuvers through the floor, quickly taking the corner around the warehouse's strewn contents, her eyes affixed upon the closest Kenku as a practiced hand slips free the Greataxe fastened at her back. Closing in upon the bird, she raises the axe high and straight above her head, a guttural yell escaping her throat as she drives its head downwards toward her target.
A balled fist gives way to deep breaths.
Deep breaths give way to a widening snarl.
A widening snarl gives way to-
"THIEVES!"
The half-orc belts this exclamation out in a voice bolstered further by clear fury and Rage.
Maddened, she maneuvers through the floor, quickly taking the corner around the warehouse's strewn contents, her eyes affixed upon the closest Kenku as a practiced hand slips free the Greataxe fastened at her back. Closing in upon the bird, she raises the axe high and straight above her head, a guttural yell escaping her throat as she drives its head downwards toward her target.
VashTheStampede
Caterpillar Accountant
The Kenku, caught off guard by this new threat, barely has time to react as the half-orc swings her greataxe with both ferocity and finesse. The weapon arcs through the air, its blade catching the dim light as it descends in a swift, merciless blow.
The impact is substantial. The greataxe connects with a force that leaves no room for doubt, striking the Kenku with a sound that echoes off the warehouse walls. The Kenku staggers under the weight of the attack, the severity of the blow evident in its immediate aftermath.
This unexpected intervention by the half-orc barbarian shifts the dynamics of the encounter, offering the party a momentary advantage.
(( @Christina ))