Passione

Haakon Valdemar IV Human Abjuration Wizard AC: 11 (Unarmored) | HP: 16/16 | Speed: 20 ft. (Encumbered) Senses: passive Perception 12, Insight 14, Investigation 14 Str:Save: +2 Athletics: +2 Carrying Capacity: 210 lb. Lift/Push/Drag: 420 lb. 14 (+2) | Dex:Initiative: +1 Save: +1 Acrobatics: +1 Sleight-of-Hand: +1 Stealth: +1 12 (+1) | Con:Save: +2 14 (+2) | Int:Save: +4 Arcana: +4 History: +4 Investigation: +4 Nature: +2 Religion: +4 14 (+2) | Wis:Save: +4 Animal Handling: +2 Insight: +4 Medicine: +2 Perception: +2 Survival: +2 14 (+2) | Cha:Save: -1 Deception: -1 Intimidation: -1 Performance: -1 Persuasion: -1 9 (-1) Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Celestial, Gnomish, and Halfling “My words,” | ‘My thoughts,’ | My actions . . . With eager eyes, Haakon shadows Harin, although mindful to stay outdoors. He starts the excursion eager and emboldened, as he does not smell nor see anything laced with witchcraft. ‘We are being watched?’ Haakon chews on an imaginary scenery where they save kidnapping victims and unwilling accomplices, suffocating under the boot of the Talons. This tale of ash and ember, of stone and mortar, takes most of his attention. So much so that Haakon startles and squats down closer to the ground when Kain and Harin's pleas were answered. He regards the three figures before them, their various races and garbs. He wonders if they are like them, whisked away by the inscrutable mists. ‘They knew the scarred giant. Perhaps not. Or perhaps they've been accosted a long time ago.’ Haakon could not quite put a finger on what makes one a native in these parts. Is anyone truly of these lands? “Our friend made mention of loved ones. It would be an honor if we could meet them, shake their hand. Perhaps we could honor your funerary rites. Something, anything to pay respects, celebrate his life, his dignity.” He takes a moment to consider his next words. If the locals are receptive to Kain's requests, perhaps this bargain could be expounded upon. “This may be a long shot, but by the look of eventide sky, we have time to fortify this place to weather the storm of ichor and gore. Could you tolerate some new willing and able neighbors?” OOC Movement: — Action: — Bonus Action: — Reaction: — SpellbookPrepared: Absorb Elements Shield Snare Tasha's Caustic Brew Rituals: Alarm Detect Magic Identify Unseen Servant

Love Sly Flourish's work. I am also intrigued by Drakenheim.

'Cruel? How? What did the ektus do? What have I done?' Ham ponders the orb, mulling over what the old one from Verdurance had said, yet gleaming nothing to assuage the growing sinking feeling in his belly. The bottle itself seem to grow fuller in response to the growing cacophony outside. 'Their words for mine. Pretty straightforward. I must be overthinking this. I mean it's just one... isn't it? We had a whole crate. Didn't we? Is this a trick? I thought it was lamps?!' Ham looks at the glass more intently. A beat. Ham must have spent a good few minutes scrutinizing the quaint thing in his hands, but at the end of the day, they need their help. Ham snaps back to reality, shook by the rushing ardent. Ham tried to wave back, but they were already out the door. "Here." The gau takes a few more steps to rest the bottle on the desk. "I must admit. I am afraid to uncork this myself." 'Seemed like a simple and easy job at first. I don't want to cause more weirdness, but I am willing to cosign it.'

"Lost? I just might be." Ham ponders the stranger's question, deriving hope from the reception. "But I might also be at the right place. I am no wordbearer, but my friend is. She is sick and hurt, imprisoned in her own body by some kind of spiritual toxin." 'Word? Whim? Ensorcelled? Whimsical?' Marveling at the predicament he finds himself in, Ham's eyestalks compress and dart around, taking in all it can. 'Unpredictable but not necessarily malicious. Have I been here before? Hmm... Assumptions will remain assumptions unless we test rigorously.' "I don't know what you mean by entwined." Ham continues. "I suppose I chanced upon the door. Although I am under the impression that the door might have found it amusing." 'It wouldn't hurt to know more. No. Time is of the essence.' "I need help to bring my friend back to her feet. I don't have much to offer." Ham does a quick pat down of his pockets and belts performatively, but something didn't feel quite right. Something clicked. Or rather, clinked. A spherical bottle seemingly had apparated onto his palm, eager for the chance to spill its contents. 'Odd. I don't remember bringing this along.' On one hand, he questions how much of the morning ritual did he dream up. On another, Ham acknowledges that there may be shenanigans at play. 'Hell, I'd hate for its whispers to interrupt Baba's peace and quiet. She needs her beauty sleep.' Ham looks at the concealed figure in the light, and back at the bursting bauble in hand. 'Hmm... The old ektus did mention something about where they were gathered. How bad can it be?'

Haakon Valdemar IV Human Abjuration Wizard AC: 11 (Unarmored) | HP: 16/16 | Speed: 20 ft. (Encumbered) Senses: passive Perception 12, Insight 14, Investigation 14 Str:Save: +2 Athletics: +2 Carrying Capacity: 210 lb. Lift/Push/Drag: 420 lb. 14 (+2) | Dex:Initiative: +1 Save: +1 Acrobatics: +1 Sleight-of-Hand: +1 Stealth: +1 12 (+1) | Con:Save: +2 14 (+2) | Int:Save: +4 Arcana: +4 History: +4 Investigation: +4 Nature: +2 Religion: +4 14 (+2) | Wis:Save: +4 Animal Handling: +2 Insight: +4 Medicine: +2 Perception: +2 Survival: +2 14 (+2) | Cha:Save: -1 Deception: -1 Intimidation: -1 Performance: -1 Persuasion: -1 9 (-1) Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Celestial, Gnomish, and Halfling “My words,” | ‘My thoughts,’ | My actions . . . Left hanging, Haakon keeps the strained smile, either from decorum or because the smile genuinely helps him feel good. He joins the others past the gates, walking while digging for something in his pack. But once he is a few feet from the burned building, he thinks twice how he can help. He leans against the wall next to one of the open doors, staying well outside the threshold, giving the street another once-over. He tries to make eye contact as he tips off the others. “I'll just be here. This might be a while.” Digging his heels to the ground, he traces glyphs with his fingers in the air and warbles incantations. OOC Movement: — Action: Begin ritual casting Detect Magic Bonus Action: — Reaction: — SpellbookPrepared: Absorb Elements Shield Snare Tasha's Caustic Brew Rituals: Alarm Detect Magic Identify Unseen Servant

Following up on the skewered corpses, are they skewered as punishment or are they skewered onto spiked barricades? Would it be prudent to bury those corpses? Or are they good to leave alone, since Karlov's senses didn't pick them up.

Ham spent the night doing their all to ease the mothryn's suffering. To his dismay, he woke up to the news of Kryk T'k missing. Ham would not shake that nagging feeling about the missing itzenko for the rest of the day. After wringing out yesterday's tension, filling their gullet with the day's necessities, and one long look at their ailing companion, Ham sets out to find some help. While he is without a hot lead, every indication points towards the illustrious Greater Cobble. The port's nerve center had plenty of people to approach, perhaps even far to many, if you ask Ham. He slinks and shies away at the presence of Union members and what they assume to be other wildsailors. In service of not tripping over himself and his idiosyncrasies, he decides to stick to the basics. From what they know of K, they belonged to a guild of couriers. Ham looks for people with packages, who appears to be with definite destinations in mind, and who are willing to lend an ear.

Yeah, no. I would be another detractor to Curse of Strahd, the module or adventure path, but I wouldn't mind a romp to the realm of Ravenloft in general.

Haakon Valdemar IV Human Abjuration Wizard AC: 11 (Unarmored) | HP: 16/16 | Speed: 20 ft. (Encumbered) Senses: passive Perception 12, Insight 14, Investigation 14 Str:Save: +2 Athletics: +2 Carrying Capacity: 210 lb. Lift/Push/Drag: 420 lb. 14 (+2) | Dex:Initiative: +1 Save: +1 Acrobatics: +1 Sleight-of-Hand: +1 Stealth: +1 12 (+1) | Con:Save: +2 14 (+2) | Int:Save: +4 Arcana: +4 History: +4 Investigation: +4 Nature: +2 Religion: +4 14 (+2) | Wis:Save: +4 Animal Handling: +2 Insight: +4 Medicine: +2 Perception: +2 Survival: +2 14 (+2) | Cha:Save: -1 Deception: -1 Intimidation: -1 Performance: -1 Persuasion: -1 9 (-1) Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Celestial, Gnomish, and Halfling “My words,” | ‘My thoughts,’ | My actions . . . Tentativeness mounts within at the sight of the Talon veteran, and Haakon found himself gripping the regalia in his pack. ‘There doesn't seem to be any others. He didn't seem to recognize me back in the roadhouse. I barely even remember I was one of them. Maybe we can get a pass? He would have volunteered to help their red-headed companion, but he was offered questions he can actually answer. “We had four others.” With eyelids aflutter, he clasps one index finger to another. “There was the girl, off-kilter and off-beat. She seemed to be a promising young woman, but, to me at least, it always felt like the shadows at the corner of my eyes are reaching towards her. I don't know what to make of it. I doubt I ever will.” Followed by the hooking of a middle finger, “The dwarven reverend. She was quite the specimen. She made quite the impression even wayback to the flocking at the saloon. It seemed like she was hosting two parties.” And then thumbing his fourth digit, “The pale giant. He said he was from here, or at least his family was once here.” “And lastly,” the little finger hangs alone. “The sailor with peculiar manner. Salt-and-pepper hair, striking features, mostly kept to himself. He was quite instrumental in us not losing our way amidst the murmuring woods.” “I have not seen the two v--, the aristocrats our warrior-poet friend had serenaded, since that fateful night. Granted, people were quite too willing to fetch torches and pitchforks. Knowing what they know could have been delicious, but that is neither here nor there.” “I haven't seen the monthly corpse parade but I shudder to think of them having joined the army of the dead.” Haakon hesitates to offer the stern half-elf a hug at loud, and opts for an open gesture instead. OOC Movement: — Action: Bonus Action: — Reaction: — SpellbookPrepared: Absorb Elements Shield Snare Tasha's Caustic Brew Rituals: Alarm Detect Magic Identify Unseen Servant

Haakon Valdemar IV Human Abjuration Wizard AC: 11 (Unarmored) | HP: 16/16 | Speed: 20 ft. (Encumbered) Senses: passive Perception 12, Insight 14, Investigation 14 Str:Save: +2 Athletics: +2 Carrying Capacity: 210 lb. Lift/Push/Drag: 420 lb. 14 (+2) | Dex:Initiative: +1 Save: +1 Acrobatics: +1 Sleight-of-Hand: +1 Stealth: +1 12 (+1) | Con:Save: +2 14 (+2) | Int:Save: +4 Arcana: +4 History: +4 Investigation: +4 Nature: +2 Religion: +4 14 (+2) | Wis:Save: +4 Animal Handling: +2 Insight: +4 Medicine: +2 Perception: +2 Survival: +2 14 (+2) | Cha:Save: -1 Deception: -1 Intimidation: -1 Performance: -1 Persuasion: -1 9 (-1) Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Celestial, Gnomish, and Halfling “My words,” | ‘My thoughts,’ | My actions . . . Haggard from the nights of broken sleep and sudden need to run and hide, Haakon finds himself letting a bit of paranoia go at the sight of the township. The last few nights’ indiscriminate incursions may finally take pause, considering the walls still hold. He had spent days repeating to himself that the raids meant there was a resistance here, now matter how far back previously. The shambling horrors meant survivors weren’t a bygone thought. He had to dream that the locals weren’t snuffed out. Anything to hang on to hope after each and every mob they had to evade from. He still blames himself for losing the dwarf woman. He shouldn’t have taken his eyes off of her. They were all being harried and hounded. He had no excuse. But hope lies before them, in its naked glory. Broken gates, burned down buildings, skewered dead, wild dogs, no, dog? They are but trivial things compared to standing walls. For now, they don’t have to rely on trees and hills to delay the undead. These ruins may mean that they wouldn’t have to run for a while. But suddenly, without warning, a noise spooked the flatfoot. Frightened, he forced his stiffened legs to turn around. In what felt like an eternity, his eyes darted, looking for high ground. The very walls that once offered succor now threaten to box them in. “Is that you? Is that truly you?!” As luck would have it, he recognizes the people before him, but he can’t shake off the nagging suspicion that they may have been had. If they could talk, if only they would reply, his fears that the people before him have joined the walking dead would be assuaged. His heart beats faster, harder, as he plants his feet into the overgrown courtyard, his head swirling with what could happen next. Felicity! Greetings were exchanged. Haakon couldn’t wait to clasp arms, and reaffirm that there are survivors this far from the capital still. He wanted to question what had happened to them after Wightwatch, trade stories, find where they find relief. But that may have to wait. They had a town to explore. Maybe this test had meaning. Maybe they could find something, anything, that sheds some light about the nature of this place. OOC Movement: — Action: Bonus Action: — Reaction: — SpellbookPrepared: Absorb Elements Shield Snare Tasha's Caustic Brew Rituals: Alarm Detect Magic Identify Unseen Servant

D Medium, Human Fighter AC 14 HP 16/16 HD 1/1d8, 1/1d10 Second Wind 1/1 Inspiration 0/? Attuned 0/3 Daigneault was engrossed with watching the old road get battered by the pouring rain. His attention was mired on following the spillover when Sarge Taborlin says something about eating. "Eat?" D perks up. The paladin was talking to a crow on the corner of the camp opposite to Dee. "Aww..." He adores its little hops, and gets giddy when it gets its meal. The news it broke doesn't seem like something the group would dote over. Daigneault braces himself for a stern talking to, but the danger, it seems, is elsewhere. The sergeant had nothing but praise. He joins the others in preparing to ford the road tomorrow. It would be a hard march, but hopefully the stars would align, and there would be no hassle. "Questions still lingered, it's plain in our faces. But we are all in the dark. Best to have a good sleep now than hazard any guesses. Anxiety is just suffering twice anyway. But what if... ?" Feeling fidgety, D volunteers for the first watch. Mechanics Main Hand: . Off Hand: . Action: Watch (Survival) Movement: Bonus Action:

I'm down with leaving Ham's Tarscale Armor marked. That's what it is there for. As for the montage, I'd like to find a doctor for K. Ham would explore the Greater Cobble and break the news to K's people. Ham vaguely remembers K having a brother, or something. The Wordbearers must have some kind of code or procedure for taking care of their own. Ham would be looking for people with large bags and packs, preferably another Mothryn, preferably in droves, and relay to them K's predicament.

I am still here. And please do tell what I can do better.

Ham can copy one of your Salvages as a Specimen. I don't want to impose. As for spending stakes (and more specifically, gaining them), I'd rather delay delivering the cargo "Bottled Secrets".

Ham perks up at the sign of intrusion. He sidles up and further lowers his stance as he proceeds. 'A threat? A threat?! Here?! this was supposed to be a quiet place.' With muddled thoughts and halting breaths, the muggy gau chooses to believe the apparition at face value. He lunges as soon as it registered that it was Duo who was facing them beyond that door. He joins the hug with ribbed and holed limbs, indulging in holding them for quite a long time. Between sniffs, Ham whispers under their breath. "Words can't express..." Nothing is guaranteed. It appears it would be better to take things day by day. After a round of incredulous stares, meaty pats on their backs, and pregnant pauses, Ham joins in on bringing Duo back up to speed. Debriefing isn't strong suit. The interview could wait. Discretion is the better part of valor. Oh joy, to pick the brain of a ghost ship and a hivemind that has seen what's beneath. "I must confess. I thought we lost you to the Darkness-Under-Eaves. The Argos would want to hear about this. They mentioned something about wanting to visit the snail. Maybe we can tell them the good news face-to-face."