(Ah, sorry. It was me who got confused. Should have been his right name.)
"I agree, it doesn't have a good ring to it either. Perhaps 'the pink fool could not keep his cool, lost a match and missed a bloodsucking bunch'? No, that's not good either." He jokes. "Don't worry, not all deeds become a song a Troubadour sings."
As you all deliberate after the fight, the noise of someone clearing their throat catches your attention. You all turn and see that standing by your table is a foppish man with a well-groomed beard, a muffin hat, a periwinkle scarf, and a fine doublet. His smile widens upon catching your eyes.
"Ah, my friends! The most pleasant of evenings to you, and a happy Wintershield! Why, I haven't seen a New Year this bloody since my last sojourn to Baldur's Gate!" He lets out a laugh, then sighs. "Ah, but where are my manners? My name is Volothamp Geddarm, chronicler, adventurer, celebrity, etcetera, etcetera... Your humble servant, at your service! ... Well, to an extent. In fact, I was hoping for something of the, er, opposite. You all seem like a capable lot, the only souls brave enough to stand against that horrid troll in this tavern full of so-called 'heroes!' I shall pen a tale of your courage, strength, and stoutness of heart that the bards and minstrels will sing of for centuries to come! You seem like exactly the people I need to aid me in a most grave, serious, gravely serious matter. What do you say? I, of course, have the money to pay you for your toil and troubles if a ballad scribed by Volo himself does not suffice as payment!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
"They have no need for you to rhyme their song, at least not while I am tagging along." Vyrax considers the offer though, he could always use more money. "But good pay - we will much appreciate; the coin can any tale initiate." His rhymes didn't turn up the best and the beat didn't sit quite the same, even though the number of syllables was identical in all four sentences. He turns to Ianric and the rest. "What say you Ianric? What say you lot? Do we take the offer, or do we not?" These last two were better. He grins with satisfaction.
"Always interested in a bit of coin. Hopefully with fewer surprise trolls." He returns to his seat, listening intently to the new stranger's job offer.
Cami doesn't seem too much into the idea at first, but suddenly, after everyone has said their piece, it clicks, and she starts thinking it almost obvious. "I don't understand much about stories, or why one needs them, but both coin and recognition are things that could be very helpful right now. If the task is fair to the amount you're offering, I'll also be interested."
He claps his hands together. "Glory! A pleasure to make all your acquaintances. Let us have a seat and, ah, imbibe some excellent beverages whilst we discuss our business. My goodly woman, a round of Shadowdark ales here, if you please! And put it on my tab!" Volo calls to Bonnie the waitress, who surreptitiously rolls her eyes and heads to the bar.
"Now, after our fateful hour of meeting... the task at hand! I am sure your keen, adventuring eyes have witnessed the rising tide of violence in our precious Waterdeep? The Zhentarim and Xanathar Guild at each other's throats, drawing blood in the streets, the docks, and even the famous Yawning Portal! A dark time for our fair city indeed. Amid all this odious chaos... I fear I have lost someone important to me. My most excellent and kind (if foolish) friend, Floon Blagmaar. The lad possesses more beauty than brains, you see, and I believe he may have taken a wrong turn somewhere. I have not lain mine eyes on his fair visage nor heard his dulcet voice since. I fear he may have been kidnapped - or worse, gods forbid! I had given up hope of ever finding him... but then I saw your marvelous display against that foul troll! Such bravery, as I stated in my prior introduction, is just what I am in need of to find my lost friend!
"If you agree most nobly to my seek out my misplaced man with due haste, I shall reward each of you ten gold dragons apiece, plus ten times that amount once you have found poor Floon! Might this most humble and quite anxious celebrity rely upon you heroes in his hour of greatest need?"
Topaz holds a finger up in a ‘hold up a minute’ gesture, before downing the ale with a smile. “Ahhh. Hits the spot. I’d be glad to help you out. Another branch in the career tree, y’know? Anyhoo. What’s Mr. Floon look like?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Finding a man is a thing I can do; simple enough and the pay looks good too." When the ale comes Vyrax only drinks a little at a time, though the mug gets emptied as more time pass. "Let me echo my friend - what is he like? His hair black, brown, blond; like you or unlike?" That last rhyme was bad, oh well. "A human, an Elf, a Dwarf or like me? Which one is taller, my friend here or he?" He says while gesturing towards the only human in the bunch - Cami.
Also, since Vyrax lived in Waterdeep his entire life, might he be able to recall information about the name? Would he have heard of it? If you need a roll, all my Int bonuses are equal, so the roll would be 17.
Kassar closes his eyes in deep though, "There are many dark alleys and hidden corners in this city. These I know well. Do you have reason to believe those with... ill-intent have taken master Floon? Is it possible he has gone into hiding for some reason?"
The ale set down on the table next to Cami stays at the table. Instead of drinking, she focuses on the conversation completely, and her response is given in a clear voice despite still stuttering with every sentence she spoke so far. "I believe my investigative skills will make this task manageable. I'm not interested in getting involved with those two groups, but you're paying rather well for it, so I'm willing to accept it."
Ianric simply listens as the questions he had about who they were looking for had been asked. He was used to needing to press for more details out of a job from time to time so nothing terribly new to the large mercenary.
Volo lets out a sigh of relief. "My friends, you have no idea how relieved you have made me! May all the gods bless you and your descendants forever and ever! Now, dear Floon is a strikingly handsome human man in his early thirties. Clean shaven face, fair, clear skin, offensively perfect teeth, and long, wavy strawberry blond hair. Taller than your friend here, my tiefling friend with the impressive rhyme schemes. When he and I went out the other night, he was wearing princely garb and a wooden pendant carved in the shape of a dragon – a childhood trinket. He also has a tattoo on his right shoulder bearing the visage of a unicorn.
"I do believe that there is a possibility those with ill intent have taken him. While he is sometimes prone to wander off, to be unaccounted for for this long a period is simply unlike him. Floon isn't involved with any business that could put him in danger, though. The lad couldn't harm a fly, and with all due respect to him, he simply does not have the brains to concoct a scheme to fall off the map this effectively. He and I were drinking at the Skewered Dragon, a bawdy little dive down in the Dock Ward. I suggest you start your search for him there!"
Vyrax, you think about the name... You think you may have actually seen him before during some of your performances. Floon is a charming fellow who enjoys carousing more than anything else. He was often seen drinking with this man, Volo, as well as a fellow named Renaer Neverember, the son of Waterdeep's former Open Lord Dagult Neverember. Other than that, Floon isn't particularly remarkable.
"Aha! Yes indeed, that does ring a bell. I think I once saw him - you sir as well." He then turns to the others, dropping the decasyllablic and rhymic speech. "Well, what do you think? I have seen this person before - I now remember - and could probably recognise him if I see him again. Plus, a tattoo with the visage of a unicorn shouldn't be very common. If my memory does not deceive me, he should also be quite a lively person - many must have noticed him. We could probably find him just by asking people."
(Being that Ianric is a purveyor of booze as it were, any chance he has been to this place before? Or remember anything about it, both cause of drunk and how long it may have been? If a roll is needed I'll do so tomorrow since on my phone.)
Somehow his smile grows as Ianric lets out a deep belt of laughter "Ah! Being paid to go from one tavern to another?! This is a grand start indeed!"
"I do not know of the place... Then, again, I only knew of the Yawning Portal because of the well and the dungeon underneath." Cami says, not even acknowledging the full mug of ale next to her side of the table. "First, the coins, ten to each now, you said?" She looks at Volo. "Then, we could even start now. It doesn't seem like any of us got hurt."
(Ah, sorry. It was me who got confused. Should have been his right name.)
"I agree, it doesn't have a good ring to it either. Perhaps 'the pink fool could not keep his cool, lost a match and missed a bloodsucking bunch'? No, that's not good either." He jokes. "Don't worry, not all deeds become a song a Troubadour sings."
Varielky | Emma
Kassar smirks, "Heroes without flaws are boring anyway."
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
As you all deliberate after the fight, the noise of someone clearing their throat catches your attention. You all turn and see that standing by your table is a foppish man with a well-groomed beard, a muffin hat, a periwinkle scarf, and a fine doublet. His smile widens upon catching your eyes.
"Ah, my friends! The most pleasant of evenings to you, and a happy Wintershield! Why, I haven't seen a New Year this bloody since my last sojourn to Baldur's Gate!" He lets out a laugh, then sighs. "Ah, but where are my manners? My name is Volothamp Geddarm, chronicler, adventurer, celebrity, etcetera, etcetera... Your humble servant, at your service! ... Well, to an extent. In fact, I was hoping for something of the, er, opposite. You all seem like a capable lot, the only souls brave enough to stand against that horrid troll in this tavern full of so-called 'heroes!' I shall pen a tale of your courage, strength, and stoutness of heart that the bards and minstrels will sing of for centuries to come! You seem like exactly the people I need to aid me in a most grave, serious, gravely serious matter. What do you say? I, of course, have the money to pay you for your toil and troubles if a ballad scribed by Volo himself does not suffice as payment!"
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
"They have no need for you to rhyme their song, at least not while I am tagging along." Vyrax considers the offer though, he could always use more money. "But good pay - we will much appreciate; the coin can any tale initiate." His rhymes didn't turn up the best and the beat didn't sit quite the same, even though the number of syllables was identical in all four sentences. He turns to Ianric and the rest. "What say you Ianric? What say you lot? Do we take the offer, or do we not?" These last two were better. He grins with satisfaction.
Varielky | Emma
"Well, nice to meet you too, Mister Geddarm. I'm Topaz. And I'd be more than happy to help you out - what's the job?"
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost
"Always interested in a bit of coin. Hopefully with fewer surprise trolls." He returns to his seat, listening intently to the new stranger's job offer.
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
"Always interested in some coin for killing things."
Cami doesn't seem too much into the idea at first, but suddenly, after everyone has said their piece, it clicks, and she starts thinking it almost obvious. "I don't understand much about stories, or why one needs them, but both coin and recognition are things that could be very helpful right now. If the task is fair to the amount you're offering, I'll also be interested."
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
He claps his hands together. "Glory! A pleasure to make all your acquaintances. Let us have a seat and, ah, imbibe some excellent beverages whilst we discuss our business. My goodly woman, a round of Shadowdark ales here, if you please! And put it on my tab!" Volo calls to Bonnie the waitress, who surreptitiously rolls her eyes and heads to the bar.
"Now, after our fateful hour of meeting... the task at hand! I am sure your keen, adventuring eyes have witnessed the rising tide of violence in our precious Waterdeep? The Zhentarim and Xanathar Guild at each other's throats, drawing blood in the streets, the docks, and even the famous Yawning Portal! A dark time for our fair city indeed. Amid all this odious chaos... I fear I have lost someone important to me. My most excellent and kind (if foolish) friend, Floon Blagmaar. The lad possesses more beauty than brains, you see, and I believe he may have taken a wrong turn somewhere. I have not lain mine eyes on his fair visage nor heard his dulcet voice since. I fear he may have been kidnapped - or worse, gods forbid! I had given up hope of ever finding him... but then I saw your marvelous display against that foul troll! Such bravery, as I stated in my prior introduction, is just what I am in need of to find my lost friend!
"If you agree most nobly to my seek out my misplaced man with due haste, I shall reward each of you ten gold dragons apiece, plus ten times that amount once you have found poor Floon! Might this most humble and quite anxious celebrity rely upon you heroes in his hour of greatest need?"
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Topaz holds a finger up in a ‘hold up a minute’ gesture, before downing the ale with a smile. “Ahhh. Hits the spot. I’d be glad to help you out. Another branch in the career tree, y’know? Anyhoo. What’s Mr. Floon look like?”
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost
"Finding a man is a thing I can do; simple enough and the pay looks good too." When the ale comes Vyrax only drinks a little at a time, though the mug gets emptied as more time pass. "Let me echo my friend - what is he like? His hair black, brown, blond; like you or unlike?" That last rhyme was bad, oh well. "A human, an Elf, a Dwarf or like me? Which one is taller, my friend here or he?" He says while gesturing towards the only human in the bunch - Cami.
Also, since Vyrax lived in Waterdeep his entire life, might he be able to recall information about the name? Would he have heard of it? If you need a roll, all my Int bonuses are equal, so the roll would be 17.
Varielky | Emma
Kassar closes his eyes in deep though, "There are many dark alleys and hidden corners in this city. These I know well. Do you have reason to believe those with... ill-intent have taken master Floon? Is it possible he has gone into hiding for some reason?"
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
The ale set down on the table next to Cami stays at the table. Instead of drinking, she focuses on the conversation completely, and her response is given in a clear voice despite still stuttering with every sentence she spoke so far. "I believe my investigative skills will make this task manageable. I'm not interested in getting involved with those two groups, but you're paying rather well for it, so I'm willing to accept it."
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
Ianric simply listens as the questions he had about who they were looking for had been asked. He was used to needing to press for more details out of a job from time to time so nothing terribly new to the large mercenary.
Volo lets out a sigh of relief. "My friends, you have no idea how relieved you have made me! May all the gods bless you and your descendants forever and ever! Now, dear Floon is a strikingly handsome human man in his early thirties. Clean shaven face, fair, clear skin, offensively perfect teeth, and long, wavy strawberry blond hair. Taller than your friend here, my tiefling friend with the impressive rhyme schemes. When he and I went out the other night, he was wearing princely garb and a wooden pendant carved in the shape of a dragon – a childhood trinket. He also has a tattoo on his right shoulder bearing the visage of a unicorn.
"I do believe that there is a possibility those with ill intent have taken him. While he is sometimes prone to wander off, to be unaccounted for for this long a period is simply unlike him. Floon isn't involved with any business that could put him in danger, though. The lad couldn't harm a fly, and with all due respect to him, he simply does not have the brains to concoct a scheme to fall off the map this effectively. He and I were drinking at the Skewered Dragon, a bawdy little dive down in the Dock Ward. I suggest you start your search for him there!"
Vyrax, you think about the name... You think you may have actually seen him before during some of your performances. Floon is a charming fellow who enjoys carousing more than anything else. He was often seen drinking with this man, Volo, as well as a fellow named Renaer Neverember, the son of Waterdeep's former Open Lord Dagult Neverember. Other than that, Floon isn't particularly remarkable.
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
"Aha! Yes indeed, that does ring a bell. I think I once saw him - you sir as well." He then turns to the others, dropping the decasyllablic and rhymic speech. "Well, what do you think? I have seen this person before - I now remember - and could probably recognise him if I see him again. Plus, a tattoo with the visage of a unicorn shouldn't be very common. If my memory does not deceive me, he should also be quite a lively person - many must have noticed him. We could probably find him just by asking people."
Varielky | Emma
"Sounds about right. Shall we head to that tavern, then? Skewered Dragon?"
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost
(Being that Ianric is a purveyor of booze as it were, any chance he has been to this place before? Or remember anything about it, both cause of drunk and how long it may have been? If a roll is needed I'll do so tomorrow since on my phone.)
Somehow his smile grows as Ianric lets out a deep belt of laughter "Ah! Being paid to go from one tavern to another?! This is a grand start indeed!"
"Sounds slightly ominous for someone looking like myself." He covers his head with his hood as he rises from the table. "Lead the way."
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
"I do not know of the place... Then, again, I only knew of the Yawning Portal because of the well and the dungeon underneath." Cami says, not even acknowledging the full mug of ale next to her side of the table. "First, the coins, ten to each now, you said?" She looks at Volo. "Then, we could even start now. It doesn't seem like any of us got hurt."
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon