Fantaisie Noir (D&D5e)

Connersmish · Aug 9, 2018

loneangel said:
"It's fine" she said with her tone pitching up a bit at the end. "You're beautiful- err, i mean, it's not you specifically, it's just... stuff like that in general..." she trailed off.

Mercy smiled at the surprisingly bashful Half-Elf. She found it vaguely comical that the often quiet bouncer of the Masque, who had before seemed to her so stoic, could be so easily flustered by physical contact. She moved a hand to partially hide the amusement playing on her lips, golden eyes shining brightly beneath the raindrops still falling lightly from dampened curls of darkened hair "Then, I'm glad you're ok with me. Though you should be careful, throwing out compliments like that to performers." pointed fangs became visible as her smile deepened "We might come to expect them after all."

Vagabond422 said:
The room quiets hearing Mercy's knock upon the door. The shrill cry of the baby continued ringing out like an alarm bell through the tenement. The voices stay quiet for another moment before they both shout out over the cry of their child.

"The fuck you want." Their voices were synchronized the man covering the bass tones the woman more a mezzo. It was a discordant performance harsh on the tiefling's ears, an ear tuned to a certain type of music. This wasn't something she wanted to listen to.

The Devil had stood patiently waiting for a reply. Silently wishing that she had gathered more of a plan, shrinking away slightly as the couple's curt tone cut through the silence "Oh! Uh, sorry to bother you!" her tone was faster and higher pitched than the other woman's, a nervousness changing the cadence of her voice. "We were on our way upstairs and we happened to overhear… not that we were eavesdropping, or anything..." a nervous laugh escaped her, fading into a saddened sigh as her muddled thoughts began to collect themselves. Leaning into the door before beginning to speak again "But I thought I heard weapons, and then a little one started crying… I couldn't just keep going without seeing if everything's ok, you know?" her speech was slower than before and edged with a lower inflection, like that of a concerned parent as she listened to the child continue to wail "How old are they? You don't have to let me in… or even answer. Just make sure they're your priority, ok?… I… I know too many orphans. And yours sounds too young to lose everything as they have...." her words seemed backed by an almost undeniable air of truth, but only time would tell if the couple had moved beyond the point of being reached by empathy alone.

Persuasion to try and convince the couple to stop fighting and focus on taking care of the child

DannyboyZero · Aug 10, 2018

Seeing that the blue skinned singer had taken it upon herself to interject on this matter, Ira moved up beside her by the door ready to strike if the occupants came out swinging.

Ira didn't mind what Mercy was doing. In some ways she was glad. The cries of the baby was hurting her divided heart.

She took a breath and closed her eyes, letting her hearing guide her as she leaned her head against the learn to try listen in what was happening inside the room.

Vagabond422 · Aug 21, 2018

Connersmish said:
Mercy smiled at the surprisingly bashful Half-Elf. She found it vaguely comical that the often quiet bouncer of the Masque, who had before seemed to her so stoic, could be so easily flustered by physical contact. She moved a hand to partially hide the amusement playing on her lips, golden eyes shining brightly beneath the raindrops still falling lightly from dampened curls of darkened hair "Then, I'm glad you're ok with me. Though you should be careful, throwing out compliments like that to performers." pointed fangs became visible as her smile deepened "We might come to expect them after all."

The Devil had stood patiently waiting for a reply. Silently wishing that she had gathered more of a plan, shrinking away slightly as the couple's curt tone cut through the silence "Oh! Uh, sorry to bother you!" her tone was faster and higher pitched than the other woman's, a nervousness changing the cadence of her voice. "We were on our way upstairs and we happened to overhear… not that we were eavesdropping, or anything..." a nervous laugh escaped her, fading into a saddened sigh as her muddled thoughts began to collect themselves. Leaning into the door before beginning to speak again "But I thought I heard weapons, and then a little one started crying… I couldn't just keep going without seeing if everything's ok, you know?" her speech was slower than before and edged with a lower inflection, like that of a concerned parent as she listened to the child continue to wail "How old are they? You don't have to let me in… or even answer. Just make sure they're your priority, ok?… I… I know too many orphans. And yours sounds too young to lose everything as they have...." her words seemed backed by an almost undeniable air of truth, but only time would tell if the couple had moved beyond the point of being reached by empathy alone.

Persuasion to try and convince the couple to stop fighting and focus on taking care of the child

The voices went quiet, the child continued to cry. This state held, the parents not saying anything while the baby wailed in the background. No one outside could see through the door, they couldn't see the harsh glaces between the pair of what may have once been a happy couple. They couldn't see the possible gestures between them that wordlessly communicated what they were planning to do. The tension held, and held the crying seemingly getting louder and louder.

"Mind your own fucking business." The man called out, ending the silence in much the same way he'd started it. It seemed yelling was his best communication method.

"Don't you have your own damn problems." The woman's voice joined the man's, "Shouldn't you be seeing to those rather than sticking your fucking nose where it doesn't belong." The words were full of rage, anger left over from her fight that was about to get physical. At least it was directed at the interlopers and not each other. It might be progress, progress towards turning that anger against someone else and not each other.

DannyboyZero said:
Seeing that the blue skinned singer had taken it upon herself to interject on this matter, Ira moved up beside her by the door ready to strike if the occupants came out swinging.

Ira didn't mind what Mercy was doing. In some ways she was glad. The cries of the baby was hurting her divided heart.

She took a breath and closed her eyes, letting her hearing guide her as she leaned her head against the learn to try listen in what was happening inside the room.

Ira strained her senses, closing her eyes to block out the sights around her. She heard the child's crying, the the deep enraged breathing of the parents like two beasts sizing each other up before a fight. After their exchange with Mercy, the detective hears boards squeak and groan under the weight of someone walking over them. She couldn't tell which of them was walking away but, it seemed one was checking on the child, the foot falls moving closer to the source of the cries.

What she didn't hear was weapons being put away. The claws were still out, still ready to strike, through an armistice had been called, maybe it could lead to peace for now.

@StormLord @Mechanical @loneangel @MrGazzer

Connersmish · Aug 22, 2018

Vagabond422 said:
The voices went quiet, the child continued to cry. This state held, the parents not saying anything while the baby wailed in the background. No one outside could see through the door, they couldn't see the harsh glaces between the pair of what may have once been a happy couple. They couldn't see the possible gestures between them that wordlessly communicated what they were planning to do. The tension held, and held the crying seemingly getting louder and louder.

"Mind your own fucking business." The man called out, ending the silence in much the same way he'd started it. It seemed yelling was his best communication method.

"Don't you have your own damn problems." The woman's voice joined the man's, "Shouldn't you be seeing to those rather than sticking your fucking nose where it doesn't belong." The words were full of rage, anger left over from her fight that was about to get physical. At least it was directed at the interlopers and not each other. It might be progress, progress towards turning that anger against someone else and not each other.

Anger. Not the emotion she had wanted to meet, but it was better than silence. A hint that the couple were still aware of their surroundings, and that they weren't entirely focussed on killing each other. For now at least.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. I know it's not my place to say such things..." she began tentatively, wishing to maintain their fragile peace "You're right. I could have heard you three and carried on by. It's no business of mine after all, why would I risk reaching out to two armed strangers when I have no need to?" she paused briefly to think on her next words, wondering how different her own life would have been had Royston decided to keep on walking the day their paths had intertwined. Had that happened, would she have even made it to this day to know? "It's because we don't have the safety nets of the centre, or even the middle districts. All we have out here is each other, the people of our communities, and we do what we can to keep each other safe…" her voice was calm and kind, aiming to soothe the building rage within them. Hoping to remind them that perhaps their troubles didn't leave them as isolated as at first it might of seemed. "I didn't come here intending to meddle in your affairs, but what kind of person would I be if I didn't make sure you were all ok?…" she smiled wistfully "And sometimes, accepting the meddling of concerned strangers is what it means to be part of a community."

Once Mercy said her piece the uneasy silence returned, or at least what passed for it in the overcrowded tenement. She looked between the others of the group with worry, had she done enough to quell the growing ire beyond the door? Now however, her fears mattered not. All that could be done now was wait, and hope.

Vagabond422 · Nov 6, 2018

Connersmish said:
Anger. Not the emotion she had wanted to meet, but it was better than silence. A hint that the couple were still aware of their surroundings, and that they weren't entirely focussed on killing each other. For now at least.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. I know it's not my place to say such things..." she began tentatively, wishing to maintain their fragile peace "You're right. I could have heard you three and carried on by. It's no business of mine after all, why would I risk reaching out to two armed strangers when I have no need to?" she paused briefly to think on her next words, wondering how different her own life would have been had Royston decided to keep on walking the day their paths had intertwined. Had that happened, would she have even made it to this day to know? "It's because we don't have the safety nets of the centre, or even the middle districts. All we have out here is each other, the people of our communities, and we do what we can to keep each other safe…" her voice was calm and kind, aiming to soothe the building rage within them. Hoping to remind them that perhaps their troubles didn't leave them as isolated as at first it might of seemed. "I didn't come here intending to meddle in your affairs, but what kind of person would I be if I didn't make sure you were all ok?…" she smiled wistfully "And sometimes, accepting the meddling of concerned strangers is what it means to be part of a community."

Once Mercy said her piece the uneasy silence returned, or at least what passed for it in the overcrowded tenement. She looked between the others of the group with worry, had she done enough to quell the growing ire beyond the door? Now however, her fears mattered not. All that could be done now was wait, and hope.

@DannyboyZero @Mechanical @MrGazzer @loneangel
There were no words in reply to Mercy's plea, just cold silence. However the singers half-blood companion heard the hard metallic click of a revolver being put to safe, and the heavy thud of a sword being put down. The child's wails calmed and like the sea after a storm an odd stillness settle in the room, comforting, and relieving the tension that held sway for those moments.

Maybe the orphan's words of community, of standing together took root in their hearts. Or maybe the moment of anger, much like those of romantic passion, had faded leaving them empty, unwilling to continue the fight.

@StormLord
The rifleman waited up in his perch eye trained on the door waiting for something to kick off. Nothing did, the threat faded, the child's cry quieting into nothing. Replacing the worried screams of the infant was a distant, haunting song, it's notes low and somber. Almost like a funeral march. It's melancholy notes drifted down from the upper floor, the third floor where a 'Quiet Man' lived. The record player must have been playing at full blast to be heard at this distance. Someone must have made a complaint or maybe they didn't care.

One problem was handled, time to deal with another.

StormLord · Nov 8, 2018

Vagabond422 said:
@StormLord
The rifleman waited up in his perch eye trained on the door waiting for something to kick off. Nothing did, the threat faded, the child's cry quieting into nothing. Replacing the worried screams of the infant was a distant, haunting song, it's notes low and somber. Almost like a funeral march. It's melancholy notes drifted down from the upper floor, the third floor where a 'Quiet Man' lived. The record player must have been playing at full blast to be heard at this distance. Someone must have made a complaint or maybe they didn't care.

One problem was handled, time to deal with another.

The veteran let out a quiet sigh as the situation below was resolved without further incident; he was wearied and war-torn, but not entirely heartless with a babe in the crossfire so the speak.

Bringing his attention back to the task at hand he waved the others to follow him upwards as he crept forward, following the death notes to their source. It would undoubtedly be difficult to pierce the veil of music, but he strained his ears in an attempt to locate any sounds of movement to life that might pinpoint the location of their quarry within. And he would check the door for any signs of reinforcement that might impede their entry should the issue be forced...

Stealth: 10=3=13
Perception: 4+3=7
Investigation: 1+4=5

Mediocre to piss-poor, hooray!

Connersmish · Nov 15, 2018

Vagabond422 said:
There were no words in reply to Mercy's plea, just cold silence. However the singers half-blood companion heard the hard metallic click of a revolver being put to safe, and the heavy thud of a sword being put down. The child's wails calmed and like the sea after a storm an odd stillness settle in the room, comforting, and relieving the tension that held sway for those moments.

Maybe the orphan's words of community, of standing together took root in their hearts. Or maybe the moment of anger, much like those of romantic passion, had faded leaving them empty, unwilling to continue the fight.

Mercy awaited a response from the couple with bated breath, their silence from the other side of the door deafening her despite the continued cries of the baby within. Each second that passed seemed to her like minutes, had she said too much? Had her words added oil to the fire where she had only meant to quell its flame?

Her answer came when a heavy thud broke the couple's silence, and soon the child's cries faded away into the background. She released the held breath and leaned her head against the door, the tension draining from her.
"Thank you..." she said, barely loud enough to carry through the door. The child was safe and a family remained whole, for one more night at least. That was all she could ask for.
Perhaps they might resolve their issues with cooler heads come the dawn.

She recovered herself and turned to the others, her hands clasped together apologetically "Sorry... I know it's not why we came, but I couldn't just sit idly by." she spotted the veteran further up the stairs, motioning for them to follow. "Well... Shall we go?"

StormLord said:
Bringing his attention back to the task at hand he waved the others to follow him upwards as he crept forward, following the death notes to their source. It would undoubtedly be difficult to pierce the veil of music, but he strained his ears in an attempt to locate any sounds of movement to life that might pinpoint the location of their quarry within. And he would check the door for any signs of reinforcement that might impede their entry should the issue be forced...

She crept after him, light on her feet as always. Her steps quick, nimble and quiet as a mouse. As she neared the door, the sombre sounds of the song drifted through her mind. She had intended to listen for life from within, but had instead found herself lost in the track playing on the record player. Its sound was melancholy, but not without its appeal. Music resonated with emotion and after this night, the sight of what remained of her friend and band-mate Fawz still fresh in her mind, was it any wonder that such a dirge had enraptured her so?

DannyboyZero · Nov 17, 2018

Connersmish said:
"Well... Shall we go?"

"Yes, lets" Ira gruffed as she turned from the door. At least the baby was safe for the moment...

She followed behind Valerian and Mercy up the stairs towards the sounds of the melancholy music, trying to be as quiet as her bulky frame allowed.

"How shall we handle this?" She whispered as they reached the door. "We still don't know if this is the target or not. Shall I..knock on the door to lure him out?" Ira inquired.

15 for Stealth

StormLord · Nov 26, 2018

DannyboyZero said:
"Yes, lets" Ira gruffed as she turned from the door. At least the baby was safe for the moment...

She followed behind Valerian and Mercy up the stairs towards the sounds of the melancholy music, trying to be as quiet as her bulky frame allowed.

"How shall we handle this?" She whispered as they reached the door. "We still don't know if this is the target or not. Shall I..knock on the door to lure him out?" Ira inquired.

15 for Stealth

Frowning, Valerian considered their options. "My gut says this is our man...creature...but I suppose the Coats would be appreciative if we could handle this quietly," he whispered to his colleague. "But if he resists or tries to run..." he unslung his long rifle and readied it, "And remember; don't get bit."

Mechanical · Nov 28, 2018

Connersmish said:
Mercy awaited a response from the couple with bated breath, their silence from the other side of the door deafening her despite the continued cries of the baby within. Each second that passed seemed to her like minutes, had she said too much? Had her words added oil to the fire where she had only meant to quell its flame?

Her answer came when a heavy thud broke the couple's silence, and soon the child's cries faded away into the background. She released the held breath and leaned her head against the door, the tension draining from her.
"Thank you..." she said, barely loud enough to carry through the door. The child was safe and a family remained whole, for one more night at least. That was all she could ask for.
Perhaps they might resolve their issues with cooler heads come the dawn.

She recovered herself and turned to the others, her hands clasped together apologetically "Sorry... I know it's not why we came, but I couldn't just sit idly by." she spotted the veteran further up the stairs, motioning for them to follow. "Well... Shall we go?"

Reddia gave a low chuckle.
"Well, doll, one problem found and solved, at least."

StormLord said:
Frowning, Valerian considered their options. "My gut says this is our man...creature...but I suppose the Coats would be appreciative if we could handle this quietly," he whispered to his colleague. "But if he resists or tries to run..." he unslung his long rifle and readied it, "And remember; don't get bit."

"I'll let you burly types stand between me and him, hmm? Toe-to-toe isn't really my scene."
She reached down, and from somewhere in her dress she pulled a heavy-looking snub revolver. Where, precisely?

Who could say.

The dragoness quirked an exquisite eyebrow.

"Do we have a plan?"

DannyboyZero · Dec 3, 2018

Ira huffed, clearly not happy with the situation and went up to the door and knocked on its wooden surface several times with force behind each blow.

"Oi! You noisy bastard. Come to this door at once! I want to speak with you now!" Ira barked, the fury evident in her voice.

Vagabond422 · Dec 4, 2018

Connersmish said:
She crept after him, light on her feet as always. Her steps quick, nimble and quiet as a mouse. As she neared the door, the sombre sounds of the song drifted through her mind. She had intended to listen for life from within, but had instead found herself lost in the track playing on the record player. Its sound was melancholy, but not without its appeal. Music resonated with emotion and after this night, the sight of what remained of her friend and band-mate Fawz still fresh in her mind, was it any wonder that such a dirge had enraptured her so?

DannyboyZero said:
She followed behind Valerian and Mercy up the stairs towards the sounds of the melancholy music, trying to be as quiet as her bulky frame allowed.

"How shall we handle this?" She whispered as they reached the door. "We still don't know if this is the target or not. Shall I..knock on the door to lure him out?" Ira inquired.

15 for Stealth

StormLord said:
Frowning, Valerian considered their options. "My gut says this is our man...creature...but I suppose the Coats would be appreciative if we could handle this quietly," he whispered to his colleague. "But if he resists or tries to run..." he unslung his long rifle and readied it, "And remember; don't get bit."

Mechanical said:
"I'll let you burly types stand between me and him, hmm? Toe-to-toe isn't really my scene."
She reached down, and from somewhere in her dress she pulled a heavy-looking snub revolver. Where, precisely?

Who could say.

The dragoness quirked an exquisite eyebrow.

"Do we have a plan?"

The song filled the hall and the ears of the 'Investigators'. It was loud enough to drown out the sounds of beings all around them the press of mortality all around them. Maybe for just a moment they could imagine themselves somewhere else, maybe the Masque, on a slow day, or during a wake. Suitable for a night filled with death, with rain coming down all around them. It's dark melody becoming clearer and clearer, however the distortion from the door prevented even Mercy's trained ear from identifying it.

There was a tension in the air as weapons were drawn, and readied. Hammers cocked, safeties were released, the violence hung as they all looked to the door.

DannyboyZero said:
Ira huffed, clearly not happy with the situation and went up to the door and knocked on its wooden surface several times with force behind each blow.

"Oi! You noisy bastard. Come to this door at once! I want to speak with you now!" Ira barked, the fury evident in her voice.

"Shut the fuck up." A voice called out...but, not from the room behind the door. It seemed the neighbors took offense to the Hunter's loud declaration. People were trying to sleep here, it was late. The silence, if you could call it that, held with no reply from the occupant...if they were in there.

With a slight breath something reached Ira's enhanced senses. The smell she recognized, that her and Valerian had something of an intimate relationship with...the sent of a gunshot. The aroma of gunpowder and heated metal. It wasn't freshly fired but, the tones still wafted between the door and it's jam. Beyond that all was still in the suspect's room.

StormLord · Dec 12, 2018

Vagabond422 said:
"Shut the fuck up." A voice called out...but, not from the room behind the door. It seemed the neighbors took offense to the Hunter's loud declaration. People were trying to sleep here, it was late. The silence, if you could call it that, held with no reply from the occupant...if they were in there.

"Lockpick?" the scarred rifleman quietly whispered to the others in the group, especially the more criminally-inclined ones. Orientating himself from his observation of the building's perimeter just minutes ago, he pointed towards the window at the end of the hallway. "One or two of us might be able to check the fire escape for a way in as well..."

DannyboyZero · Dec 14, 2018

StormLord said:
"Lockpick?" the scarred rifleman quietly whispered to the others in the group, especially the more criminally-inclined ones. Orientating himself from his observation of the building's perimeter just minutes ago, he pointed towards the window at the end of the hallway. "One or two of us might be able to check the fire escape for a way in as well..."

Ira opened up her tan leather jacket and flashed Valerian her holstered pistol. "This count as a lock pick?" She deadpanned as she moved out of view and hopefully earshot of the door. "Looks like our suspect isn't interested in answering the door anytime soon. Someone better check the fire escape just in case he tries to book it that way. I'll stay guard here in the event he leaves via the front door"

StormLord · Dec 15, 2018

DannyboyZero said:
Ira opened up her tan leather jacket and flashed Valerian her holstered pistol. "This count as a lock pick?" She deadpanned as she moved out of view and hopefully earshot of the door. "Looks like our suspect isn't interested in answering the door anytime soon. Someone better check the fire escape just in case he tries to book it that way. I'll stay guard here in the event he leaves via the front door"

"I'll take position at the window; that should allow me to cover both the rear and the front if there's a need," Valerian agreed shifting over to the end of the hallway rifle in hand. He would leave the actual breaking and entering to those more skilled in this case, although he was no stranger to such actions when required.

Action: Prepared action to fire long rifle if a creature (suspect) initiates a hostile action against any party member.

Mechanical · Dec 16, 2018

"I suppose this is where my expertise comes in. I could try opening the door with a more... delicate touch."
The half-dragon smirked as she reached between her bosom and retrieved a set of lock picks, the handles of each dragon heads.
"I must admit, though, it's been a while since I had opportunity to use these. I might be a bit rusty, so to speak."

She ghosted down to the door and knelt as far to the side as she could, angling her body so she could still access the lock - if someone were to fire through the door, suddenly, Reddia wouldn't be making sudden acquaintance with some new, leaden, friends.

Sure enough, though, the lock wasn't too challenging, and with the minimum of noise it clicked. Reddia grinned briefly - just a fraction wider than humanly possible - and backed away, gesturing to the door with a sardonic bow.

Connersmish · Dec 29, 2018

DannyboyZero said:
Ira opened up her tan leather jacket and flashed Valerian her holstered pistol. "This count as a lock pick?" She deadpanned as she moved out of view and hopefully earshot of the door. "Looks like our suspect isn't interested in answering the door anytime soon. Someone better check the fire escape just in case he tries to book it that way. I'll stay guard here in the event he leaves via the front door"

StormLord said:
"I'll take position at the window; that should allow me to cover both the rear and the front if there's a need," Valerian agreed shifting over to the end of the hallway rifle in hand. He would leave the actual breaking and entering to those more skilled in this case, although he was no stranger to such actions when required.

The blue skinned devil had spent her time being enraptured by the song, her head swaying slowly in time with the melody. It was only when the detective took a position by the door and the armed soldier moved off to a new position, that she realised she perhaps hadn't been paying the situation as much attention as should have been and refocused her attention.

Mechanical said:
"I suppose this is where my expertise comes in. I could try opening the door with a more... delicate touch."
The half-dragon smirked as she reached between her bosom and retrieved a set of lock picks, the handles of each dragon heads.
"I must admit, though, it's been a while since I had opportunity to use these. I might be a bit rusty, so to speak."

She ghosted down to the door and knelt as far to the side as she could, angling her body so she could still access the lock - if someone were to fire through the door, suddenly, Reddia wouldn't be making sudden acquaintance with some new, leaden, friends.

Sure enough, though, the lock wasn't too challenging, and with the minimum of noise it clicked. Reddia grinned briefly - just a fraction wider than humanly possible - and backed away, gesturing to the door with a sardonic bow.

She watched the Half-Dragon move towards the door. Quiet,nimble and like herself, clearly experienced at knowing how to stay out of sight when needed. She watched with interest, though little understanding, at the movements Reddia made with her dragon headed tools until eventually the lock released its hold and an audible click resounded in the trained ears of the musician, and Mercy offered a smile and a small silent applause to her friends theatrical bow.

She looked to the other members of the group as she waited in the shadows, not wanting to be the first to enter, though it was not just fear of what might lay withing that stayed her, but the fear that her own inexperience might prevent justice being delivered. Instead she waited for the others to make the first moves... And then she would be right behind them.

StormLord · Jan 11, 2019

Mechanical said:
"I suppose this is where my expertise comes in. I could try opening the door with a more... delicate touch."
The half-dragon smirked as she reached between her bosom and retrieved a set of lock picks, the handles of each dragon heads.
"I must admit, though, it's been a while since I had opportunity to use these. I might be a bit rusty, so to speak."

She ghosted down to the door and knelt as far to the side as she could, angling her body so she could still access the lock - if someone were to fire through the door, suddenly, Reddia wouldn't be making sudden acquaintance with some new, leaden, friends.

Sure enough, though, the lock wasn't too challenging, and with the minimum of noise it clicked. Reddia grinned briefly - just a fraction wider than humanly possible - and backed away, gesturing to the door with a sardonic bow.

Connersmish said:
She watched the Half-Dragon move towards the door. Quiet,nimble and like herself, clearly experienced at knowing how to stay out of sight when needed. She watched with interest, though little understanding, at the movements Reddia made with her dragon headed tools until eventually the lock released its hold and an audible click resounded in the trained ears of the musician, and Mercy offered a smile and a small silent applause to her friends theatrical bow.

She looked to the other members of the group as she waited in the shadows, not wanting to be the first to enter, though it was not just fear of what might lay withing that stayed her, but the fear that her own inexperience might prevent justice being delivered. Instead she waited for the others to make the first moves... And then she would be right behind them.

@DannyboyZero @MrGazzer
Valerian saw the part-time bartender display a rather remarkable proficiency dealing with their suspect's locked door. Giving her a nod, he waved for the others to begin their entry. He himself would cover the hallway for a handful of heartbeats before make his way -- quietly -- across the fire escape to the rear window...

Essentially, wait 1 round still covering the front door as the others enter, then stealth and peer into the rear window

DannyboyZero · Jan 31, 2019

Silently, Ira patted the back of the Half-Dragon as Reddia successfully picked the lock and took a few steps back from the door, taking a few deep breaths to amp herself before doing the what was probably a really dumb decision.

The Half-Orc jumped forward and knocked the unlocked door open with one mighty kick, using the momentum to carry into the apartment and ready to face whatever lay within.

StormLord · Feb 1, 2019

StormLord said:
@DannyboyZero @MrGazzer
Valerian saw the part-time bartender display a rather remarkable proficiency dealing with their suspect's locked door. Giving her a nod, he waved for the others to begin their entry. He himself would cover the hallway for a handful of heartbeats before make his way -- quietly -- across the fire escape to the rear window...

Essentially, wait 1 round still covering the front door as the others enter, then stealth and peer into the rear window

DannyboyZero said:
Silently, Ira patted the back of the Half-Dragon as Reddia successfully picked the lock and took a few steps back from the door, taking a few deep breaths to amp herself before doing the what was probably a really dumb decision.

The Half-Orc jumped forward and knocked the unlocked door open with one mighty kick, using the momentum to carry into the apartment and ready to face whatever lay within.

What is she do-

The meaty THUNK of boot meeting wood and the subsequent CRASH as Ira charged into the apartment interrupted any further thought. Valerian cursed himself for forgetting the half-orc's tendency to rush headlong into dangerous situations and immediately raced across the fire escape heading for the rear window; if their suspected lycanthrope wasn't entirely blind, deaf, and dumb then it was undoubtedly aware of Ira's entrance. Either it would engage his fellow detective inside allowing him to provide support from the rear, or it would attempt to flee in which case his role was to delay its escape allowing the others sufficient time to join the conflict.

As he slung his long rifle across his back the thought that the tiefling singer might be able to resolve the situation peacefully flitted through his thoughts only for the briefest of instants before the veteran dismissed it as a fantasy at this juncture; if he encountered their suspect before the others he would open fire with his cut-down shotgun without hesitation!

Valerian Prepares his Action to fire his shotgun (with Sharpshooter) at 30 ft if he encounters the suspect trying to escape. He either a) moves to the edge of the window to peer inside if it's within his movement range (30 ft), or b) moves to be at 30 ft of anyone trying to exit out the window.

He will go into Stealth to try catch their suspect unaware as soon as it is feasible (GM discretion). Stealth roll of 18+3=21.

Mechanical · Feb 1, 2019

Reddia's smug look turned to bemusement as the half-orc took a few steps back and a deep breath.

Surely she wasn't about to-

Ira crashed through the door and any notions of subtlety with a single use of her boot. The half-dragon libertine took a moment to make a jagged gesture of annoyance and confusion before she silently exhaled and slid next to the door, listening and watching for the response the half-orc would surely get, and ready to act if necessary.

Vagabond422 · Feb 2, 2019

@DannyboyZero @StormLord @Mechanical @Connersmish @MrGazzer

Dimanche Sombre

Ira bursts through the door the music now filling her ears and a distinctive smell filling her nostrils. It was the smell of death, of old gunshots and decaying flesh.

The room was simple only a desk lamp illuminating the space. Slumped at the desk, casting a long shadow against floor and wall, a body, cool to the touch. The head was covered in blood, laying in a pool of the same, a large piece missing from the side. The cold revolver in his hand and the crimson stain against the wall, told the story of what happened here all on their own.

On the far corner of the desk, just barely touching the puddle of blood, a piece of paper held down by a battered picture frame. In the frame was a photo of about twenty men and women, the man at the desk included, dressed in Nestai uniforms. Looking closer one could see a distinctive patch displayed prominently, a light grey disk given the colorless nature of the film stock it could be any light color. Though the word on the banner under the symbol gave some idea.

Полнолуние 'Full Moon' to those that knew Nestai.

The rest of the apartment was sparse, a simple bed with hospital corners looking like it was taken straight from a military barracks, a rugged footlocker looking like it'd seen front line combat itself, with a bullet hole in the front face of it. A rarely used but, squared away kitchen complemented the starlie military feeling of the space.

Valereian from his perch would be reminded of the officer's quarters he'd seen in his service. This was a near replica of them. It seemed the past died hard for some.

The music continued to play mournfully from the record player, sitting on the floor between the bed and desk. It looked too expensive for his homely surroundings, maybe something liberated from a stronghold, or just given to him at the end of his service.

The room was theirs, to investigate, and take their time. They wouldn't be disturbed for a while.

DannyboyZero · Feb 3, 2019

Impossible.

When Ira charged in, she was fully prepared to instantly enter into combat. Instead what meet her as she skidded to a fault, shocked the harden Hunter. Was the man she had spoken to moments ago now long dead? That didn't make any kind of sense. There was only two logical explations. Either the killer was stiller in the apartment, hidden somewhere or far darker powers were at play.

She slowly backed out of the room, making sure to keep her eyes locked on what was in front of her, before silently beckoning the others to join her in the apartment.

StormLord · Feb 3, 2019

Vagabond422 said:
@DannyboyZero @StormLord @Mechanical @Connersmish @MrGazzer

Dimanche Sombre

Ira bursts through the door the music now filling her ears and a distinctive smell filling her nostrils. It was the smell of death, of old gunshots and decaying flesh.

The room was simple only a desk lamp illuminating the space. Slumped at the desk, casting a long shadow against floor and wall, a body, cool to the touch. The head was covered in blood, laying in a pool of the same, a large piece missing from the side. The cold revolver in his hand and the crimson stain against the wall, told the story of what happened here all on their own.

On the far corner of the desk, just barely touching the puddle of blood, a piece of paper held down by a battered picture frame. In the frame was a photo of about twenty men and women, the man at the desk included, dressed in Nestai uniforms. Looking closer one could see a distinctive patch displayed prominently, a light grey disk given the colorless nature of the film stock it could be any light color. Though the word on the banner under the symbol gave some idea.

Полнолуние 'Full Moon' to those that knew Nestai.

The rest of the apartment was sparse, a simple bed with hospital corners looking like it was taken straight from a military barracks, a rugged footlocker looking like it'd seen front line combat itself, with a bullet hole in the front face of it. A rarely used but, squared away kitchen complemented the starlie military feeling of the space.

Valereian from his perch would be reminded of the officer's quarters he'd seen in his service. This was a near replica of them. It seemed the past died hard for some.

The music continued to play mournfully from the record player, sitting on the floor between the bed and desk. It looked too expensive for his homely surroundings, maybe something liberated from a stronghold, or just given to him at the end of his service.

The room was theirs, to investigate, and take their time. They wouldn't be disturbed for a while.

Valerian cautiously entered through the window, taking in the scene with a furrowed brow. The trail they had followed led here, but the corpse was rather unexpected.

"Check how long the body has been there," the grizzled detective rasped out quietly as the party congregated inside. "Our suspect's trail was only several hours old." Was the corpse truly that of their suspect, or was it an attempt to throw pursuers off the trail of the actual killer? He himself gingerly collected the photograph and note, inspecting both closely for any additional notations and checking his memory to see if he had encountered any of the other veterans pictured. "More possible suspects," he concluded as he passed the items around, "should ask the clerk if any others are also in residence or have visited."

Next he would take a closer look at the battered footlocker, first checking it for traps and then inspecting it for any hidden compartments while taking inventory of its contents.

The record player felt out of place and was the next target of his attention. He would inspect it closely but without interrupting its function for now; no need to draw any possible attention by halting the music that had been playing for who knew how long.

Int check for recognizing anyone from the photograph: 14+2=16
Investigation for photograph and note for any additional clues or hidden messages: 4+4=8

Perception for traps (footlocker): 13+3=16
Investigation of footlocker: 4+4=8

Perception for traps (record player): 8+3=11
Investigation of record player: 8+4=12

Vagabond422 · Feb 3, 2019

StormLord said:
Valerian cautiously entered through the window, taking in the scene with a furrowed brow. The trail they had followed led here, but the corpse was rather unexpected.

"Check how long the body has been there," the grizzled detective rasped out quietly as the party congregated inside. "Our suspect's trail was only several hours old." Was the corpse truly that of their suspect, or was it an attempt to throw pursuers off the trail of the actual killer? He himself gingerly collected the photograph and note, inspecting both closely for any additional notations and checking his memory to see if he had encountered any of the other veterans pictured. "More possible suspects," he concluded as he passed the items around, "should ask the clerk if any others are also in residence or have visited."

Next he would take a closer look at the battered footlocker, first checking it for traps and then inspecting it for any hidden compartments while taking inventory of its contents.

The record player felt out of place and was the next target of his attention. He would inspect it closely but without interrupting its function for now; no need to draw any possible attention by halting the music that had been playing for who knew how long.

Int check for recognizing anyone from the photograph: 14+2=16
Investigation for photograph and note for any additional clues or hidden messages: 4+4=8

Perception for traps (footlocker): 13+3=16
Investigation of footlocker: 4+4=8

Perception for traps (record player): 8+3=11
Investigation of record player: 8+4=12

Looking over the photo he didn't recognize any specific face, they looked like every other person he'd met today. There were a lot of units in the war, the Nestai making up a lot of the front line troops, and the casualties. Other than the patch on their uniforms there wasn't any other symbol or anything out of place. If there was a message he didn't see it. Taking the picture out of the frame and looking on the back there was a date, listed day month year.

15/04/1008 A.C.O

Doing some mental math that would put this picture about the time the Allied forces were taking back swaths of Phrognest. By the end of that year the siege of the Citadel would be broken, signaling the end of the war that would come a year later. It was likely that many of the faces in the photo were dead, killed in the toughest fighting of the war. However this one survived maybe more did.

The note looked like a letter but, was written completely in Nestai, thankfully there was a certain Half-Orc that was fluent in the language. Maybe a one of the others had picked up a phrase or two in their time. Valerian had learned a few swear words mostly so he knew when the Nestai were talking about him but, never really learned it fully. Might be a few clues in the words written down as a final declaration.

The footlocker wasn't trapped and opened quietly on surprisingly well maintained hinges. Inside was a collection of well worn work clothes packed away with military precision, and a lovingly cared for uniform and hat, with his polished rank insignia from the Rampart Guard. Three rectangles, three bricks in a horizontal line, a Corporal, Corporal Victor Bykov by the name imprinted on the metal. Just more signs that he couldn't let go of the past. There were no hidden compartments or stashes of anything, just a footlocker that had come a long way.

Finally the record player, as out of place as it was, it wasn't a trap though looking closer he found a name carved into the wood. It was professionally done, with gentle swoops and curves like a signature cut into wood.

'Gen. Christopher T. Clarke'

It wasn't a Nestai name, more Diohmite, possibly the previous owner killed in combat, or had it stolen during the war.

Fantaisie Noir (D&D5e)

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Savior, Conqueror, Hero, Villain.

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Savior, Conqueror, Hero, Villain.

Initiate Action: Buzz

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Savior, Conqueror, Hero, Villain.

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Savior, Conqueror, Hero, Villain.

Initiate Action: Buzz

Savior, Conqueror, Hero, Villain.

Has a GIF for that

Savior, Conqueror, Hero, Villain.

Initiate Action: Buzz

Has a GIF for that

Savior, Conqueror, Hero, Villain.