The bald man leads the two fighters away from the chaos of the massive gambling and fighting den, past a pair of veiled Custodians of Chance, who appraise the bald man but make no move to block your path as you pass through a beaded curtain, into a cushioned parlor. The bald man's bodyguard remains at the doorway as the rest of you step in.
The parlor a part of The Fools Boon where neither of you have been before, and probably didn't know existed. It's a place where some of the more elite patrons can sit, drink, discuss business and place wagers on more high-stakes concerns. Well dressed patrons gather around tables in the shape of regional maps, gesturing to each other and making well-mannered challenges, repositioning tokens in the shapes of armies and commodities, as if each party is involved in some sort of high-stakes tactical board game. A masked Warden of Chance stands at each table, observing the conversations.
A veiled custodian brings your party to a small booth surrounding a hookah. As you take your seats, and the custodian lights the hookah, the bald man orders for the table. "Spiced ale for my guests and I. Charged to the port account of The Humanitas if you will please. Thank you."
The custodian nods in response and hurries off to do as asked. The bald man straightens his robes, looks Sieg directly in the eye, paying only minimal attention to Talon, and gets to business...
"I don't visit this town very often..." He says." So, when I do come to port I am very much dependent on my local friends to provide me with the latest news rumors upon my arrival. Normally it's mundane chatter - the rise or fall of some merchant or intrigue within the ranks of the mercenary forces... However, when I arrived this afternoon there was one rumor my friends couldn't wait to tell me... The story of a modest pit fighter with the unique ability to disappear from one place and reappear in another -- Thank you my dear." This last part delivered to the custodian who returns with a pitcher of ale and several flagons.
Once the custodian departs, the bald man continues. "My friends went so far as to suggest that this pit fighter might have faerie blood flowing through his veins. Now... I myself have a rarified interest the fae peoples and the remarkable innate abilities they possess. So, naturally, I had to see if this rumor was true for myself. Imagine my elation when I got to see your display in action. Absolutely glorious... and now I must ask if my friends' assessment was accurate..."
The bald man studies Sieg's face with intense interest "Are you fae?" Suddenly conscious of his own intensity, the bald man switches gears slightly. "If you were, it would explain quite a bit... but either way, your performance in the pit was quite remarkable... I would like to place you and your little friend here on retainer if you'd be amenable to that. A modest salary of 10 gold pieces a week to handle special assignments that my standard retinue of bodyguards don't have the... ingenuity to execute on their own. What say you to that?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Humanitas, Sieg notes. I'll be sure to remember that one.
Throughout the bald man's ramble, he maintains a vacant demeanor and pointedly refrains from swigging the flagon or puffing the hookah. There is no sense in seeming too accommodating, he suspects, not from the get-go - it would be wiser to keep a firm hold of the reigns. The sudden, blunt question catches Sieg off-guard, causing him to sputter. He raises an eyebrow at the man as his mind whirrs for an awkward beat.
"First of all, I am not fae. Not in any way, shape or form..." he starts, hand shooting to his neck as though to address some sudden, aggravating itch, "...sorry to disappoint. Secondly, Talon here is not merely my 'little friend', he is a capable partner who has as much say in the decision as I. And finally, if we were to accept your... admittedly lucrative proposal, we would need to know a little more about our employer first, as I am sure you can understand."
Talon listens, but he doesn't add much to the conversation. He studies the emblem on the front of this fellows adornments for awhile, his eyes traversing the design many, many times. Then something clicks. Talon looks like he needs to tell Sieg something as he reaches up and grips his sleeve, pulling Sieg off to the side, and down low enough that he can whisper in his friend's ear.
"Oh, I know where I saw that drawing before!" Talon says in an excited whisper. "It was on a boat that came into the port, yes! And then people were talking, big people not like Talon, and they were saying something about 'Reclaimers'! Onifax has important friends, yes! And sometimes she calls them 'Reclaimers'! Oh, they must be very important to be important to Onifax!"
Turn Summary
Talon tried to whisper. Not sure if you want Stealth or Deception so I rolled both!
Sieg's eyes glint with interest. He raises his index finger to plead a moment of private audience with Talon. Turning his back fully to the booth and leaning across to Talon, he mutters:"The plot thickens. Perhaps we should mention your elusive friend's name in conversation..."
The bald man patiently waits for Talon to deliver his message before calmly delivering his answer to Sieg's question. Whether or not he heard.... he doesn't let on.
"My name is Brother Emmit Ullemhian of the Ecumenical Order of Mortal Advancement... We are proud members of the Reclaimation movement as your capable partner here Talon correctly noted... We believe that the power to perform mircacles should not be reserved only for gods and fiends and inter-planar entities... We believe it is the right of all living beings to share an equal measure of that power for the benefit of all... That's what I believe...But that doesn't really tell you who I am....
He rests back a bit, striking a more casual pose. "I am, first and foremost, a scholar. However, I am also statesmen charged with overseeing a number of monasteries, academies and other such temples of study. In addition to my personal research into the nature and properties of miraculous phenomenon, I also have a number of administrative duties that I am responsible for. This including the procurement of resources, building trade relationships and acting as ambassador at large on behalf of the order as a whole... all quite unremarkable, I assure you."
The bald man takes a sip to clear his throat. "And yet in a world as treacherous as our own, I've found the presence of an armed retinue to be an indispensable asset, both for my personal protection and the efficient execution of my mandated responsibilities..."
He sets the mug down. "Case in point... I've just been informed that a pair of magically unstable humanoids who were patients of mine just fled their quarters aboard my ship, after setting fire to the deck and taking the lives of several crew members in the process." He sighs and shakes his head. "These are two patients we worked at great lengths to rescue and rehabilitate... yet the feral nature of raw magical power is a hard thing to reckon with."
He looks up again, staring right into Sieg's eyes. "And that is why I need someone with a unique skillset to track them down and bring them back so I can secure their safety and protection. As good as my men are, I can't trust them with this task. I need a pair of individuals like you and... Talon here." He offers a tense smile to Talon... the sort you might see an adult who dislikes kids to give to a preschooler when they are attempting to be amiable.
"The timing is fortuitous." Says Brother Emmit. "But the matter is somewhat urgent, which is why I've cut straight to the chase. Will you accept my retainer and track down these lost innocents before they injure themselves or someone else?"
The Eladrin softly taps the table with his fingertips. There is something about this man which he finds deeply unsavoury, untrustworthy. However... ten gold pieces per week is not an offer any sensible pauper will brush off lightly.
"Patients," he mutters back, with a squint. "What mental affliction were you nursing?"
The bald man lowers his voice and leans in. "Not mental... Magical... One has the capability to create fire at will. The other can create light and heal wounds... He is an innocent we rescued from a temple of zealots. He knows nothing of the world beyond the temple walls, and with only the firestarter to guide him, I fear for both their safety and the safety of those around them." He leans back, appraising Sieg. "Your concerns for them are admirable, but I assure you, returning them to my ship is very much in their best interest."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
The little Kobold is bouncing on the balls of his feet as he listens to this conversation, half immersed, half confused, not entirely sure what all this means. He seems most confused by this notion of someone creating fire, though, and listens intently at the request to return these 'lost souls'.
"Talonhasaquestion." He states, raising his hand like he's a kid in class waiting to be called on. "Uhm..."
He looks like he's having second thoughts as he rolls the question around in his mouth. Then he looks back in the direction where they had just fought Fistmeat and you can practically see the uncertainty in his eyes.
"I just want to live." He says, sounding like he's reminding himself more than making a statement. Gone is the bluster and bravado from his victory just moments before. "What is better about us than your uh...uh...men? Wait, how many shinies is ten? Oh, wait wait, how do you know Onifax!?"
Obvious admiration is on Talon's face when he says the name.
The bald man seems taken aback by the little kobold's question, but recovers quickly.
He looks to Sieg, then back to Talon. He carefully reaches into his pouch and, one by one sets ten gold coins next to each other in a row. "My men don't know all the dark little hidey-holes this town of yours has to offer... But I suspect you do."
His eyes again shift back to Sieg. "My men also don't have the ability to move at such... mysterious speed as you seem to..."
He leans back a bit, studying the pair. "I haven't been in this town very long... but I get the sense the two of you would make excellent trackers of a magic-wielding quarry."
He takes a sip of his drink and regards Talon with a curious eye. "I do not know this Onifax you speak of... But I am quite curious to know why you think I might."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
"Ooooh!" Talon says, his bright eyes even brighter as he takes a look at the coins. "Ooooooooooh! Oh! Talonknowslotsofdarklittleholesyeah!"
He keeps looking at the row of coins, then begins to make hand gestures, miming up and down his chest and torso as if to show something off.
"Because this!" He says, before he stops miming and points to the sigil of the fellow with 6 stars about him. "I know what that is! Reclaimers! Er, uh, I think. Onifax told Talon! She said..."
He squints and stops, scratching his reptilian chin.
As Talon struggles to remember, he suddenly notices a slight commotion over by the entrance to this VIP lounge. A pair of custodians appear to be preventing someone from coming inside. Their bodies block the diminutive figure for the most part but finally you see them hop up, trying to glance inside. In that moment, you get a better look, identifying the unwanted patron as Talon's friend, Cliptip!
She continues hopping up and down, wildly waving, trying to get your attention.
Brother Emmitt seems not to notice. Before you have a chance to do anything, the custodians guarding the door sweep Cliptip out of view. Brother Emmitt continues, dismissing Talon with a smile. "I'm sure it will come to you." He then sweeps the coins off the table, putting them back in his pouch in one smooth movement, and looks between both of you.
"So, then... What is your decision?" His eyes grow impatient. He glances over to his guard for a moment, then back at the two of you, eagerly awaiting your reply.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
The Eladrin had been oblivious to Cliptip's arrival moments prior, fully entranced by the monetary incentive spread out across the table. While likely a trifling sum to the bald man, the golden glint of such wealth in one place has rarely shone in his eyes. With a mixture of excitement and envy, Sieg pictures how easily those nights spent with no bed to sink into, mornings with no food to look forward to, might slip from memory. And... hopefully... all without swinging a fist for his tuppence.
Without a second thought, he extends his hand to shake. "Brother, we won't disappoint you. Just point us in your patients' direction and they'll be sea-bound before you know it."
Brother Emmitt steeples his fingers in front of himself and replies, "They were last seen at the edge of the docks, having flung themselves into the water to escape the fire they set in my ship. Witnesses believe they'd either drowned or found their way to a storm drain. My instincts tell he it's the latter...."
He produces a thick steel coin from his purse and sets it on the table, it bares the symbol of the star-flanked man. "When you locate them, bring them to my ship, The Humanitas and show this to the guards. They will handle the rest. You'll receive first payment upon safe delivery of your quarry, and every week after that. Are those terms satisfactory?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Talon looks about as embarrassed as a lizard can look, holding up a hand to block his face like it conceals who he is.
"Ohgreatdragon..." He says, trying to be inconspicuous. As if seizing the opportunity to redirect the situation, he shrugs and smiles up at Brother Emmitt, all teeth. "Uhm, she just made Reclaimers sound important?"
It's a question presented as a statement.
"Oh, the storm drains! Talon knows the storm drains!" He says, puffing his chest out. Suddenly it seems like maybe this display is more for someone else who may be watching as he tries to display his inflated importance. "I'm ready! With Talon's brains and Sieg's muscles they're in bigbig trouble!"
Brother Emmitt taps the thick coin on the table one more time for emphasis, then rolls it, on its side, to Sieg. "Good." He says. "If you need any assistance from my men, show them this coin. It will introduce you as an ally... Now, get to it. Time is of the essence. And if my men find the pair before you do... our deal is off. So, good luck and happy hunting. I have a lot of faith in you two... Don't make me regret it.."
He shoots you both a stern look as if to say "Why are you still still standing here?"
What would you like to do?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Talon's eyes light up, and he bounces for a moment as he waits for Sieg's answer to the whole thing; for him, it's all or nothing. If Sieg, the only person he really trusts other than Onifax, doesn't go for this arrangement, then he's out.
Still, taking his leave, Talon slips off to try to steal the quarterstaff from the rack of weapons he saw earlier...
Sieg proffers a nod. He pats his knees with a resolute inhale, wordlessly rising from his seat. The possibilities of the bald man's deal are still whirring around in his dizzy head.
"Talon," he calls, "I think we should pay a little visit to your friend en-route. And while we walk, tell me what your cut will be spent on!"
"Ooohafeast?" Talon says, clacking his fangs together and licking reptilian lips. "Talon is always ready for a feast. Ooh and drink? Drinkdrink!?"
He sniffs the air as they are offered a round of drinks.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
The bald man leads the two fighters away from the chaos of the massive gambling and fighting den, past a pair of veiled Custodians of Chance, who appraise the bald man but make no move to block your path as you pass through a beaded curtain, into a cushioned parlor. The bald man's bodyguard remains at the doorway as the rest of you step in.
The parlor a part of The Fools Boon where neither of you have been before, and probably didn't know existed. It's a place where some of the more elite patrons can sit, drink, discuss business and place wagers on more high-stakes concerns. Well dressed patrons gather around tables in the shape of regional maps, gesturing to each other and making well-mannered challenges, repositioning tokens in the shapes of armies and commodities, as if each party is involved in some sort of high-stakes tactical board game. A masked Warden of Chance stands at each table, observing the conversations.
A veiled custodian brings your party to a small booth surrounding a hookah. As you take your seats, and the custodian lights the hookah, the bald man orders for the table. "Spiced ale for my guests and I. Charged to the port account of The Humanitas if you will please. Thank you."
The custodian nods in response and hurries off to do as asked. The bald man straightens his robes, looks Sieg directly in the eye, paying only minimal attention to Talon, and gets to business...
"I don't visit this town very often..." He says." So, when I do come to port I am very much dependent on my local friends to provide me with the latest news rumors upon my arrival. Normally it's mundane chatter - the rise or fall of some merchant or intrigue within the ranks of the mercenary forces... However, when I arrived this afternoon there was one rumor my friends couldn't wait to tell me... The story of a modest pit fighter with the unique ability to disappear from one place and reappear in another -- Thank you my dear." This last part delivered to the custodian who returns with a pitcher of ale and several flagons.
Once the custodian departs, the bald man continues. "My friends went so far as to suggest that this pit fighter might have faerie blood flowing through his veins. Now... I myself have a rarified interest the fae peoples and the remarkable innate abilities they possess. So, naturally, I had to see if this rumor was true for myself. Imagine my elation when I got to see your display in action. Absolutely glorious... and now I must ask if my friends' assessment was accurate..."
The bald man studies Sieg's face with intense interest "Are you fae?" Suddenly conscious of his own intensity, the bald man switches gears slightly. "If you were, it would explain quite a bit... but either way, your performance in the pit was quite remarkable... I would like to place you and your little friend here on retainer if you'd be amenable to that. A modest salary of 10 gold pieces a week to handle special assignments that my standard retinue of bodyguards don't have the... ingenuity to execute on their own. What say you to that?
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Humanitas, Sieg notes. I'll be sure to remember that one.
Throughout the bald man's ramble, he maintains a vacant demeanor and pointedly refrains from swigging the flagon or puffing the hookah. There is no sense in seeming too accommodating, he suspects, not from the get-go - it would be wiser to keep a firm hold of the reigns. The sudden, blunt question catches Sieg off-guard, causing him to sputter. He raises an eyebrow at the man as his mind whirrs for an awkward beat.
"First of all, I am not fae. Not in any way, shape or form..." he starts, hand shooting to his neck as though to address some sudden, aggravating itch, "...sorry to disappoint. Secondly, Talon here is not merely my 'little friend', he is a capable partner who has as much say in the decision as I. And finally, if we were to accept your... admittedly lucrative proposal, we would need to know a little more about our employer first, as I am sure you can understand."
Talon listens, but he doesn't add much to the conversation. He studies the emblem on the front of this fellows adornments for awhile, his eyes traversing the design many, many times. Then something clicks. Talon looks like he needs to tell Sieg something as he reaches up and grips his sleeve, pulling Sieg off to the side, and down low enough that he can whisper in his friend's ear.
"Oh, I know where I saw that drawing before!" Talon says in an excited whisper. "It was on a boat that came into the port, yes! And then people were talking, big people not like Talon, and they were saying something about 'Reclaimers'! Onifax has important friends, yes! And sometimes she calls them 'Reclaimers'! Oh, they must be very important to be important to Onifax!"
Turn Summary
Talon tried to whisper. Not sure if you want Stealth or Deception so I rolled both!
Stealth: 8
Deception: 11
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Sieg's eyes glint with interest. He raises his index finger to plead a moment of private audience with Talon. Turning his back fully to the booth and leaning across to Talon, he mutters: "The plot thickens. Perhaps we should mention your elusive friend's name in conversation..."
The bald man patiently waits for Talon to deliver his message before calmly delivering his answer to Sieg's question. Whether or not he heard.... he doesn't let on.
"My name is Brother Emmit Ullemhian of the Ecumenical Order of Mortal Advancement... We are proud members of the Reclaimation movement as your capable partner here Talon correctly noted... We believe that the power to perform mircacles should not be reserved only for gods and fiends and inter-planar entities... We believe it is the right of all living beings to share an equal measure of that power for the benefit of all... That's what I believe...But that doesn't really tell you who I am....
He rests back a bit, striking a more casual pose. "I am, first and foremost, a scholar. However, I am also statesmen charged with overseeing a number of monasteries, academies and other such temples of study. In addition to my personal research into the nature and properties of miraculous phenomenon, I also have a number of administrative duties that I am responsible for. This including the procurement of resources, building trade relationships and acting as ambassador at large on behalf of the order as a whole... all quite unremarkable, I assure you."
The bald man takes a sip to clear his throat. "And yet in a world as treacherous as our own, I've found the presence of an armed retinue to be an indispensable asset, both for my personal protection and the efficient execution of my mandated responsibilities..."
He sets the mug down. "Case in point... I've just been informed that a pair of magically unstable humanoids who were patients of mine just fled their quarters aboard my ship, after setting fire to the deck and taking the lives of several crew members in the process." He sighs and shakes his head. "These are two patients we worked at great lengths to rescue and rehabilitate... yet the feral nature of raw magical power is a hard thing to reckon with."
He looks up again, staring right into Sieg's eyes. "And that is why I need someone with a unique skillset to track them down and bring them back so I can secure their safety and protection. As good as my men are, I can't trust them with this task. I need a pair of individuals like you and... Talon here." He offers a tense smile to Talon... the sort you might see an adult who dislikes kids to give to a preschooler when they are attempting to be amiable.
"The timing is fortuitous." Says Brother Emmit. "But the matter is somewhat urgent, which is why I've cut straight to the chase. Will you accept my retainer and track down these lost innocents before they injure themselves or someone else?"
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
The Eladrin softly taps the table with his fingertips. There is something about this man which he finds deeply unsavoury, untrustworthy. However... ten gold pieces per week is not an offer any sensible pauper will brush off lightly.
"Patients," he mutters back, with a squint. "What mental affliction were you nursing?"
The bald man lowers his voice and leans in. "Not mental... Magical... One has the capability to create fire at will. The other can create light and heal wounds... He is an innocent we rescued from a temple of zealots. He knows nothing of the world beyond the temple walls, and with only the firestarter to guide him, I fear for both their safety and the safety of those around them." He leans back, appraising Sieg. "Your concerns for them are admirable, but I assure you, returning them to my ship is very much in their best interest."
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Sieg's heart skips a beat. Ah. I see now, he thinks, Tymora be praised I was not open book about my heritage with this Brother Emmit.
"You are a persuasive man. Talon, what do you say - does the pay appeal to you?"
The little Kobold is bouncing on the balls of his feet as he listens to this conversation, half immersed, half confused, not entirely sure what all this means. He seems most confused by this notion of someone creating fire, though, and listens intently at the request to return these 'lost souls'.
"Talonhasaquestion." He states, raising his hand like he's a kid in class waiting to be called on. "Uhm..."
He looks like he's having second thoughts as he rolls the question around in his mouth. Then he looks back in the direction where they had just fought Fistmeat and you can practically see the uncertainty in his eyes.
"I just want to live." He says, sounding like he's reminding himself more than making a statement. Gone is the bluster and bravado from his victory just moments before. "What is better about us than your uh...uh...men? Wait, how many shinies is ten? Oh, wait wait, how do you know Onifax!?"
Obvious admiration is on Talon's face when he says the name.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
The bald man seems taken aback by the little kobold's question, but recovers quickly.
He looks to Sieg, then back to Talon. He carefully reaches into his pouch and, one by one sets ten gold coins next to each other in a row. "My men don't know all the dark little hidey-holes this town of yours has to offer... But I suspect you do."
His eyes again shift back to Sieg. "My men also don't have the ability to move at such... mysterious speed as you seem to..."
He leans back a bit, studying the pair. "I haven't been in this town very long... but I get the sense the two of you would make excellent trackers of a magic-wielding quarry."
He takes a sip of his drink and regards Talon with a curious eye. "I do not know this Onifax you speak of... But I am quite curious to know why you think I might."
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
"Ooooh!" Talon says, his bright eyes even brighter as he takes a look at the coins. "Ooooooooooh! Oh! Talonknowslotsofdarklittleholesyeah!"
He keeps looking at the row of coins, then begins to make hand gestures, miming up and down his chest and torso as if to show something off.
"Because this!" He says, before he stops miming and points to the sigil of the fellow with 6 stars about him. "I know what that is! Reclaimers! Er, uh, I think. Onifax told Talon! She said..."
He squints and stops, scratching his reptilian chin.
"...errrr...what did she say?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
As Talon struggles to remember, he suddenly notices a slight commotion over by the entrance to this VIP lounge. A pair of custodians appear to be preventing someone from coming inside. Their bodies block the diminutive figure for the most part but finally you see them hop up, trying to glance inside. In that moment, you get a better look, identifying the unwanted patron as Talon's friend, Cliptip!
She continues hopping up and down, wildly waving, trying to get your attention.
Brother Emmitt seems not to notice. Before you have a chance to do anything, the custodians guarding the door sweep Cliptip out of view. Brother Emmitt continues, dismissing Talon with a smile. "I'm sure it will come to you." He then sweeps the coins off the table, putting them back in his pouch in one smooth movement, and looks between both of you.
"So, then... What is your decision?" His eyes grow impatient. He glances over to his guard for a moment, then back at the two of you, eagerly awaiting your reply.
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
The Eladrin had been oblivious to Cliptip's arrival moments prior, fully entranced by the monetary incentive spread out across the table. While likely a trifling sum to the bald man, the golden glint of such wealth in one place has rarely shone in his eyes. With a mixture of excitement and envy, Sieg pictures how easily those nights spent with no bed to sink into, mornings with no food to look forward to, might slip from memory. And... hopefully... all without swinging a fist for his tuppence.
Without a second thought, he extends his hand to shake. "Brother, we won't disappoint you. Just point us in your patients' direction and they'll be sea-bound before you know it."
Brother Emmitt steeples his fingers in front of himself and replies, "They were last seen at the edge of the docks, having flung themselves into the water to escape the fire they set in my ship. Witnesses believe they'd either drowned or found their way to a storm drain. My instincts tell he it's the latter...."
He produces a thick steel coin from his purse and sets it on the table, it bares the symbol of the star-flanked man. "When you locate them, bring them to my ship, The Humanitas and show this to the guards. They will handle the rest. You'll receive first payment upon safe delivery of your quarry, and every week after that. Are those terms satisfactory?"
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
"They are. We'll have to explain all of this to Gleb, but... Talon, are you ready for an adventure?"
Talon looks about as embarrassed as a lizard can look, holding up a hand to block his face like it conceals who he is.
"Ohgreatdragon..." He says, trying to be inconspicuous. As if seizing the opportunity to redirect the situation, he shrugs and smiles up at Brother Emmitt, all teeth. "Uhm, she just made Reclaimers sound important?"
It's a question presented as a statement.
"Oh, the storm drains! Talon knows the storm drains!" He says, puffing his chest out. Suddenly it seems like maybe this display is more for someone else who may be watching as he tries to display his inflated importance. "I'm ready! With Talon's brains and Sieg's muscles they're in bigbig trouble!"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Brother Emmitt taps the thick coin on the table one more time for emphasis, then rolls it, on its side, to Sieg. "Good." He says. "If you need any assistance from my men, show them this coin. It will introduce you as an ally... Now, get to it. Time is of the essence. And if my men find the pair before you do... our deal is off. So, good luck and happy hunting. I have a lot of faith in you two... Don't make me regret it.."
He shoots you both a stern look as if to say "Why are you still still standing here?"
What would you like to do?
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Talon's eyes light up, and he bounces for a moment as he waits for Sieg's answer to the whole thing; for him, it's all or nothing. If Sieg, the only person he really trusts other than Onifax, doesn't go for this arrangement, then he's out.
Still, taking his leave, Talon slips off to try to steal the quarterstaff from the rack of weapons he saw earlier...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Sieg proffers a nod. He pats his knees with a resolute inhale, wordlessly rising from his seat. The possibilities of the bald man's deal are still whirring around in his dizzy head.
"Talon," he calls, "I think we should pay a little visit to your friend en-route. And while we walk, tell me what your cut will be spent on!"