Dungeons and Dragons discussion

Galileo Bay is a small port/ fishing town based on the crescent shaped archipelago on the northeastern coast of Hyara. The water here is said to be so smooth that it reflects the stars at night. A stone lighthouse, known as “The Lantern” stands atop a high cliff made of smooth white limestone. The docking fee is 2 shillings for a small ship and 4 for a large ship.

A dark, heavy storm hangs low over Compass Pointe. Clouds drift in from the sea to blend with a thick fog, like the sailors who have come ashore to kiss their wives after a long voyage. A cold, driving rain soaks the men's simple cotton garb and the ladies' silk dresses alike, but does little to dampen their spirits. Though the poorly cobbled streets stand ankle deep in water, the happy tears that rolled down many a cheek could almost have competed if measured by the drop. They quickly move on after an embrace and a few blubbering words, heading toward the township proper, somewhere behind the colorful facades that serve as the port's municipality buildings.

A weather-beaten stone lighthouse stands over the churning Galileo Bay nearby. Its rotating lamp illuminate the scene with a warm amber glow, but it otherwise looks like it might have been long abandoned. The keeper's shelter is little more than a small cottage built of the same stones and adjoined so that it shares a wall with the tower. The only entrance was a thick, oaken door that has likely been on a ship before it was retired. There were a few broken crates littered about the tiny patch of weeds that might be considered a yard, but there was no decor to dress it.

You stand under the dripping eaves of the governor's office, a limestone box that could have been a mausoleum had it not been painted with a fresh coat of pale yellow paint. It is wedged, third from the left, into a row of six other similar buildings painted in a pastel rainbow. They are all two-stories high with tall front faces, long profiles, elaborately carved keystones at the top of arched doorways, and three steps leading up to the entrances, with wrought-iron hand rails.

A few harbor masters in blue, gray, and brown woolen coats exchange words with the captains of the Calliaglosian merchant vessels docked at the seaport. Though they have the bearing of nobles, these gentlemen's fashion seem militaristic, or at least inspired by it. Instead of the rich jacketed suits and frilly shirts you associate with aristocracy, they wear double-breasted coats, tailored at the chest and arms, with high stiff collars and several buttons. The front falls to the knees, while the back lands mid- calf like a tail coat. This "skirt" was split as if for riding. You suspect the tall, thin captain in the red must be your contact.

The summons you received spoke vaguely on the nature of rumors regarding a particularly charismatic political organization that has taken root in the port city. They had somehow gained the approval of the population and were slowly being offered positions of power.
Naturally, foul-play was on the minds of those whose popularity was now dwindling, and Calliaglos was the primary suspect.

Henry the squire walks through the streets. Water plinking off of his metal skull cap. He stopped under some shelter and pulls out the letter of summons he has received. He looked to the horror masters talking to the captain of a vessel that seemed to match the description of the man who summoned him. He put the letter away and trudged back through the rain. He needed to warm his boots after this rain. He thought to remind himself.

At the sound of splashing footfalls approaching, the harbor masters and the Calliaglosian merchant captain turn toward you. "Move along! This is an official procedure." One of the gray coated men barks at you. The captain, however, gives you a warm smile. "Can I help you, Sir?" (Even without an insight check, you get the idea that he knows who you are and is looking for confirmation.)

Henry smiled at the grey coated harbor master. Showing that he meant no trouble. He then nodded to the captain. “Oh don’t let me interrupt you both. I just was supposed to meet this captain here today. I’m just glad we both got here safely. By all means I’m happy to wait my turn. Henry says trying to remain friendly as he moved to another place of shelter and watched the group converse. He took this moment to look over the ship the captain came on.

The captain nods, acknowledging your answer. He spends a minute longer talking with the harbor master before shaking his hand. ((Make a perception check. Can you add everyone's passive, by the way?)) He then walks back over to you and gestures for you to follow him, then heads toward a sailor's bar called "The Siren's Song." The sign above the doorway is painted light blue and features a busty mermaid laying on her belly. Her hands are under her chin, propped on her elbows, and her fish's tail arches over her back in a half circle. The fins and her sea-star filled gold hair frame her cherubic, winking face. As soon as the door is open, you can hear piano music and a man singing.

((So it depends on the DM. Some say that passive is the minimum you can get on your perception check. While others say passive is only used if someone else is trying to stealth in the area. as in it isn’t a roll you just notice them or don’t. ))

((I only mentioned rolling anything here because we haven't established what your passive score is. There's a bit of sleight of hand happening, and if I had your passive, I could weigh it against a DC to decide whether or not you catch on without alerting you to something happening. Cause then you would be like, "I want to actively roll perception on the thing I didn't see." Which defeats the point.))

((I added my passive.))

((Cool. Thanks. As far as your character is aware. This is just a handshake.))

Henry nods and follows the captain. Watching as they enter the bar. He was curious as to what business they would conclude there.

Inside the bar, your nostrils are immediately assaulted by the smell of cheap alcohol and sweat. The wooden floorboards look worn but clean and a bit shiny, as if coated in a varnish. To your immediate left, against the wall, is a billiards table where two men are playing and a third is waiting his turn.
Above that is a small round table where a man sits by himself with a deck of cards, playing some sort of solitaire.
Above him, in the far corner, is an upright piano played by a man in an ornate blue coat with tails reaching the floor. An old man is siting next to him in cushioned chair with a docile look of contentment on his face.
At the far end of the room is the bar. A sad-faced barkeep is polishing a collection of wooden pipes and laying them out on the counter for the patrons and dancing theatrically to the music. A blue kerchief is knotted at his throat.
Along the left side, are more round tables, these larger than the cardplayer's. Most are empty, but one is occupied by three merchants in outdated gentlemen's fashion. They are surrounded by their wares in leather steamer trunks.
At another table two mismatched men are talking. One appears to be a scholar with spectacles and thinning hair. He is writing in a heavy leatherbound book with a quill. The other man is a grizzled sailor with bushy sideburns and a Hyaran Navy uniform.
A waitress in a blue apron makes her rounds with a tray, handing out drinks to everyone, including you and the captain. "Hey, Sweethearts!" She coos, causing everyone to look up, but they go back to what they were doing as soon as the door closes.

((If you want me to change anything, let me know.))

Anwen had found her way through the town to 'The Siren's Song'. She currently sat at one of the side tables, a pint of cheap liquor beside her, as she had some papers laid out in front of her.

One was a map of the city and surrounding areas. Anwen was doing her best to commit it to memory so she did not appear to be too much more of a traveler than she already was. On top of the map were a few trinkets she had found during her travels, holding the map unfurled and in place. A drawing of her parents and the two-faced brooch was also resting on top of the map.

Lastly, in her hands Anwen held the note she had received. A summons. How she managed to get one, she did not know. It felt like pure chance that Anwen was holding it. A few towns from here she had stopped to rest and was told before leaving that a message had arrived for her.

Anwen peered over her map, pointing at where she was now and where she needed to go. She frowned, pleased it wasn't far but annoyed she had not mastered a way to gently float above the water. Sure she easily dried her cloak and shoes with magic but the sensation of them becoming soaked and having to not seem to unapproachable as she annoyedly magicked them clean was a tad bit bothersome.

Anwen's head perked up as she heard two people enter, blinking her pupilless, gold eyes at them as she paused a moment. Do I even have to walk? Surely I am not lucky enough for, what's the word? She glanced back down at the summons. Contact, ooo how exciting, to simply waltz right in?

This thing did not give much of a time frame, did it? I can surely meet up with the. . . contact tomorrow?

((Perfect. Question for you: How long do you think she's been here?))

((In town? A few hours. This bar? 30 minutes.))

Henry turns to the Captain. "Are we meeting others or will this conversation be between us?" He asked as he waited for the captain to lead them to a place to sit. He noticed many people in the bar and even a woman who looked like she had her own summons.

The captain's brow furrows as he follows Henry's gaze. "We were supposed to. I didn't expect her to arrive here first." He leads you to the table and takes a seat. "Excuse me Ma'am. How's the booze?" He asks the snow-haired woman.

Upon noticing strangers approaching, Anwen quickly folded the summons and put it in her cloak. She looked up as the gentleman sat down, side glancing at the second, as she spoke: “A lovely refreshment after a long journey.”

Anwen began clearing off the table, gathering her trinkets and drawing and map. She rolled it up and set it in the small traveling bag with her.

Despite the mention of a long journey, Anwen’s clothes appeared spotless and features awake and alert. It seemed impossible to find signs of exhaustion or past troubles or even any kind of financial issue though perhaps the lack of food and the cheapest booze on the table was a sign of that.

((How long should I wait for you guys before I respond?))

((If I don't reply same day, skip me. Unless otherwise stated?))

Henry sat down at the table and looked at the white haired woman. Figuring to himself that she mist be magical due to the near perfect state she was in. Yet her choice in food and drink hinted that she lacked money. “Well then maybe the good captain can order us more while we talk.” He said trying to remain friendly and open.

((Roll a Wisdom save. @Silver, you have disadvantage, unfortunately. I rolled a 7.))

As the music continues to play, your thoughts begin to feel cloudy and unfocused.
The captain shakes his head. "No... no... Don't... Don't." He blinked and looks at the pair of you with glassy eyes. "A drink. Yes. Yes. Cheers!" He picks up his mug and brings it to his lips. ((Giving me disadvantage too. I rolled a 19, so the 7 still stands.))

((Do we all need to make disadvantage wisdom save.))

uıʇsn∀ uǝplo⅁ wrote: "((Do we all need to make disadvantage wisdom save.))"

((Not unless you took a drink.))

((Okay. So. I had a heart attack after realizing I calculated my save modifiers wrong on my sheet. I then had another heart attack as I rolled the dice. I got a 17+2 =19 wisdom saving throw. The other roll was a 19.))

((How will this affect my character?))

((My guy hasnt drank anything.))

((@Austin, Yours is just a straight roll then.
@Silver, You succeeded. Once Austin rolls, I'll tell you what that means.))

((lol a nat 20))

((Nice!))

You both begin to feel a bit sleepy, and a warmth settles over you. It is very comfortable here. The music is like a lullaby, the alcohol like a glass of warm milk. Time seems to be at a standstill here. You start to settle back into your chair a little more.

Then suddenly, you take notice of the captain's vacant expression. The rest of the patrons in the room are moving sluggishly, eyes equally as foggy and blank. You realize that you have no idea how long it's been since you walked in. There are no clocks or candles to mark the passage of time, nor windows through which to track the sun. The space is illuminated by a cloud of magic that casts an equal glow over everything. There is an amber flickering of false firelight, but the shadows are inconsistent, changing angles or coming from multiple directions at once. Even as you become aware of it, you have to shake the cobwebs from your mind as the feeling starts to creep back over you.

Henry can feel his mind being affected by the magic but he has luckily been able to withstand it for now. He stands up quickly and pulls put his sword. “There is magic afoot. Who ever is casting this numbing spell cease it immediately.” He says not trusting magic. Especially the kind that attempted to affect him directly.

((Level 1 spell slots: 1/2))

Anwen shook her head, taking a deep breath. Despite being magically inclined, she did not have much experience with outside magic. Despite her travels, Anwen did not know why she was magically inclined beyond her possible strange heritage.

Anwen touched her forefinger tip and the tip of her thumb together to created a small ring, fanning out the rest of her fingers. Flipping her hand upside down, she pressed her hand gently to the side of her face, peering through the circle. Anwen muttered two words under breath, a beautiful by alien language called Celestial, as she cast Detect Magic, peering around her through her makeshift scope.

Anwen first peered at the pianist, knowing magical music better than anything, before peering around.

((@Austin, Roll Persuasion or Intimidation. Your choice.))

@Anwen, As you look around via the spell, you see the room as if through a pane of moving stained glass. Amethyst musical notes float around the room on a pair of ribbon like staffs, Treble and Clef, Twinned Enchantment spells. The glow is insanely bright, as if enhanced beyond what should be possible.
The piano itself now appears to be made of crystal and you can see it's internals: clockwork gears, piano strings, hammers, tubes, and various other mismatched mechanical parts glowing a bright amber-yellow that hangs over the room like a thin veil of fog. This school of magic is new to you. ((And would require an Arcana check to determine.))
All the drinks on the tables, as well as several bottles behind the counter and something inside a wooden chest release purple bubbles as if full of soap, though not nearly as bright as the music. Where the business men sit, you can also see a green Transmutation bubbles in their drinks.

((Arcana 18))

((It's Dunamancy, a relatively new school of magic theory you have only heard of in hypotheticals and legend. It deals with altering reality, primarily through the manipulation of time and/ or gravity.))

((I WANNA LEARN THAT SO BAD NOW))

The music being Enchantment was just about what exactly Anwen expected. The Transmutation spells on the drinks also expected. But the piano confused her so she stood up, pushing her chair back, and grabbing onto her bag with the other hand.

Dunamancy! Anwen stumbled back and landed on her chair in complete surprise and shock. “A story, a fairy tale, a legend. . . literally right in front of me. . ,” Anwen muttered before turning to the armed man who was bold enough to confront a tavern of unknown power. “This may be a giant ruse to prove worth or talent but the important part is that piano is the source of two-thirds of the magic so you can either stop the player or carefully break the piano,” Anwen spoke, words rather rapid from the surprise and excitement at seeing new magic at work.

As she spoke, she pulled out earmuffs from
Her bag and promptly put them in, pleased about her travelling outfits she managed to collect.

((Rolled a 3+4=7 for persuasion.))

Henry nodded from the woman. He put his helmet on. It wasn't ear muffs but he hoped it would do something. He walked over to the piano and then tried to knock it over to make it unable to be played for the moment. Hoping this way he wouldn't have to resort to violence.

((Wisdom saves with advantage for both of you. Sorry, Guys. This is going to be a roll heavy post.))

@Anwen, As you explain the magic at work to Henry, you take notice of the captain has drained his drink and has moved toward the business men. He is pointing at the card player in the opposite corner. Trying to make a bet or get them to play it seems. They try to rise, but it is even stiffer than before. One man manages to get to his feet and the pair make their way, zombielike across the room. ((Due to Henry's actions, we're considering this a surprise round before you are asked to roll Initiative, so keep that in mind.))

@Henry, The quilted lining of your helmet covers your ears comfortablly, muffling the magic's effect. As you call for a stop to the music, you get several half-lidded looks from the patrons and a slothful groan or two, as if they are asking you to let them roll back over in bed. The waitress tries to bring you another drink and the barkeep offers a pipe. The piano player continues playing until you attempt to topple the instrument. "What are you doing? Dont...!" The man shouts in an abbreviated warning.

((Roll strength. Are you pulling it forward? This will be easier, but will trap the man's legs. If you get a Nat 20 or add a successful dexterity check, you can lower it gently to avoid harming him or the piano. If you try to push it on its side, it will be a lot harder and you won't be able to trap him. We'll consider this a surprise round before I make you roll initiative.))

((Rolled a 4 and a 1 for wisdom save so i doubt my modifiers will help at all. I was trying to do what would be easiest to disrupt the music. I rolled a 3 for the strength save. Unless the check is 5 im likely not making it lol.))

((10 wisdom saving throw.))

@Henry, You march over to the piano and try vainly to topple it over, causing the player to stop his serenade. The old man sitting next to him asks if he takes requests and after a brief moment and a few quiet words, he begins to play again. You can't hear it very well through your helmet, so you remove it from your head. A sense of melancholy washes over your mind and your thoughts slow to a molasses pace. You suddenly feel isolated and alone, in desperate need for companionship. Looking around at all the patrons with their drinks, playing games and talking to eachother, you feel left out in the cold. You want to fit it, and so you reach for the refreshing beverage from the waitress and knock it back. A tingle of comfortable warmth runs through you and seems to settle in your toes. The feeling creeps slowly upward, molecule by molecule. You can see a man in a red coat and a plump merchant making their way toward can at a card table. He is sitting by himself and is likely as lonely as you are.

@Anwen, With your ear muffs on, the music has no effect, and you feel like you can focus for the first time since you entered, whenever that was? It's been a bit. Looking around, you realize the barkeep has disappeared from behind the counter. Probably through a door behind the drink rack? The waitress sidles up to you with a tray of drinks. "This round's on us!" You see her mouth cheerfully.

((Does this piano have the top lifted?))

Henry does feel lonely and like he is not part of the group. He apologizes for the commotion then does what he dies when he feels alone. He turns his sword so the point is facing the ground then kneels to it and starts to pray to hid creator God the father.

((@Silver, It's an upright, not a grand, so no.
https://steinwaygrand.com/products/19...))

((Got it!))

Contact, out of commission. Fighter companion, out of. . . commission, Anwen sighed before jumping slightly at the approach of the woman. With a bright grin, Anwen grabbed a pint and gave a nod. "Thank you kindly!"

Shit, shit, shit. I do not have any sort of dispel spells. I can only identify and create distractions-- With practiced ease, she 'drank' some beer, disappearing the drink with a spell. Anwen nodded to the woman before weaving her way behind her and towards the piano.

Pretending to be tipsy, Anwen swayed to and fro as she made her way to the piano, bypassing the now she assumed to be paladin, and ended up beside the piano.

With as swift of a movement as she could, she lifted open the top, drew her dagger, and shoved her arm in, slicing and cutting and jamming her dagger where she could, hoping to render the machine in-useable enough to make the enchantment lessen.

@Anwen, As you shove your arm into the hodge-podge mechanical components of the piano, your sleeve catches between some gears, which cut your skin. You also feel a zap of lightning race up your dagger. up your arm, and through your body. ((Take 1 piercing damage and 1 lightning damage, please!)) You pull away, however, satisfied that the piano has been rendered unusable. The pianist leaps onto his bench, nearly causing the old man, to fall backward in surprise. With a flourish of his blue tailcoat, he pulls a strand of piano wire from a pocket and lashes it like a whip.

@Austin, ((I don't feel comfortable playing God. Sorry. Not really sure what to do here.))

((7/9 hp))

I am not about to like this next part.

Anwen flinched, pulling back the moment she was certain the piano could no longer enchant them. She held her arm close to her side, not used to being electrocuted but she peered at the pianist with wary caution. I cannot win a fight. Not already injured. But. . . God's man may be able to.

Without allowing herself to second-guess herself, Anwen darted forward and, wincing once more, took the earmuffs off her head and placed them on the paladin's. "The pianist would like to fight," she said, oddly calmly and matter-of-factly, before swiftly making it as close to the door behind the bar to track the bartender or at least try to figure out how to undo the transmutation.

Two spells down. One to go.

((Hopefully the earmuff break the spell and my guy can get up and fight?))

((That’s what I’m hoping. I also just realized the spell may be broken anyways because she stopped the music. XD))