"Hey, who are you? Yeah, Hellriders! They have actually been to hell and back! They are hardcore. They really could be up to anything!'
“The names Bryce, here next rounds on me thanks for the info.” Bryce will toss the two a silver for there trouble. As Jhasso relays his findings, Bryce nods in agreement with Alysa and follows up stairs.
Upstairs, lit lanterns hang from the rafters in this windowless room. Rugs cover the wooden floor and help dampen the noise from drunken patrons gathered around two large tables, eating and playing games of Baldur’s Bones, a popular dice game.
As you watch for a couple of rounds, one person stands out. A young woman with long dark hair is surprisingly sober, even though she clearly has a bottle of something strong next to her. Every round or two, she fills up the glasses of her opponents, while only pretending to empty her own glass. The amount of coins in front of her suggest, that she is on a winning streak.
She looks you over, then returns to playing. At the same table sits a punch-drunk older man with no eyebrows with some tools strapped to his belt, a half-orc, who is letting out a bellowing laugh at one of the woman's jokes, a woman wearing a religious robe and a neckless with a crystal inlaid with various-coloured eyes, and three more drunks, who all have some sort of paint-stains on their fingers, possibly from the weaving mill across the street. When Tarina wins her next game, she looks up again.
"Would you like to partake? Put your money down and roll your dice!"
Bryce will eye the woman wearing religious outfit, seeing the amulet he will try to recall and information he gathered while studying his own clergy.
Religion: 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Felix Windfall (Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA,Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA
Hal knows a hustle when he sees one, but throws caution to the wind in light of his new employment and promise of pay despite the outcome of this game.
Keeping eye contact with the young woman, Hal let a smile slowly break the awkward stare and gave her a quick wink.
“My my, that’s a lot of winnings in front of you there. I don’t think that I would really stand a chance to relieve you of any of those coins, but I can at least keep these other fine patrons company for a while.”
Sitting down and reaching into his coat, Hal looked around at his fellow players and looked a little closer at the woman.
“So, what are we playing tonight?”
OOC: rolling insight to see if Hal can see if he can tell if there are other ways she is hustling the group, other than pretending to drink and staying sober.
Bryce will eye the woman wearing religious outfit, seeing the amulet he will try to recall and information he gathered while studying his own clergy.
Religion: 15
Bryce sees the amulet and recognises the wearer as an acolyte of Savras, god of divination and fate. But something else catches your eye, you can see the tip of a pack of cards poking out of one of her pockets. She might be a fortune teller. When she realises that you're looking at her, she pats the cards and gives you a wink.
Hal knows a hustle when he sees one, but throws caution to the wind in light of his new employment and promise of pay despite the outcome of this game.
Keeping eye contact with the young woman, Hal let a smile slowly break the awkward stare and gave her a quick wink.
“My my, that’s a lot of winnings in front of you there. I don’t think that I would really stand a chance to relieve you of any of those coins, but I can at least keep these other fine patrons company for a while.”
Sitting down and reaching into his coat, Hal looked around at his fellow players and looked a little closer at the woman.
“So, what are we playing tonight?”
OOC: rolling insight to see if Hal can see if he can tell if there are other ways she is hustling the group, other than pretending to drink and staying sober.
"Oh yes, it's my lucky day!" Tarina replies to Hal. "But it's not about the winnings, this dice game is about the fun that can be had! You all know how to play Baldur's Bones? Please, put 2 SP as your ante. And roll 3 dice [3x 1d6]."
Hal realises that to figure out exactly how she runs her ruse, he needs to play a few rounds of this game.
[OOC: most of you would know the rules, so I am posting them here:
Each player requires several six-sided dice. The rules are as follows:
Each player puts the agreed ante in the pot.
Each player rolls three dice. Play then proceeds clockwise around the table, with the host of the game going last.
On their turn, a player can choose to “stand” or “roll.” If the player stands, the next player can take a turn. A player who rolls takes an additional die and rolls it. If the total of their dice exceeds 21, they “bust” and are out of the game. Otherwise they can keep rolling additional dice until they either stand or break.
After everyone has had a turn, the highest point total (excluding players who busted) wins the game and takes the pot.]
The three weavers leave the table, their lunch break is up. They grumble on their way out how they just lost this morning's wages.
Tarina rolls her dice:
8 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 2
But her luck has run out it seems: "Oh, I am out for this round." To Hal, she seems surprised.
The other players roll their dice:
shipworker: 15 + 6 + 1 + 1"I have to bow out too"
half-orc: 8 + 4 + 4"I'll keep it at that - might finally win a round! You guys should stick around!" He slaps his thighs and laughs loudly.
acolyte of savras: 13 + 6 + 5"Too bad, this is not my round. Anyways, I would much rather tell this gentleman his fortune!" She looks closely at Bryce. "You remind me of someone. There is something about you. Would you follow me to this other table?"
Alysa sees her 2 silver coins changing hands. She places another 2 silver coins in front of Tamira and says "What about I borrow a bit of your time? We need to talk about something private." She looks at the other persons at the table with eyes and flexes a bit her muscles. "It won't be long, I promise"
She waits until the other players disperse and start her explanation. "Let's cut the chase. Captain Zodge have appointed us to look into a problem with cultists from the Dead Three, lurking around in the street at night. He told us that you would have some information about the location of their lair. Would you be kind enough to give us this information?"
Grinning at Tarina's change of luck, Hal's smile quickly fades as he watches the loud, half-Orc roll. His mood lifts though as he finishes rolling the rest of his die.
14...3...2...........2! 21!
Looking over at the half-Orc, Hal sizes up his partner in winnings. "Well, would you look at that! It would seem that Tymora smiles on both of us today."
Bryce sees the amulet and recognises the wearer as an acolyte of Savras, god of divination and fate. But something else catches your eye, you can see the tip of a pack of cards poking out of one of her pockets. She might be a fortune teller. When she realises that you're looking at her, she pats the cards and gives you a wink.
Bryce will nod back, while the others enjoy their gambling Bryce will head towards the priestess “I see you’re a diviner of Savars, I a cleric of Tyr would be honored if you could read my future.” Bryce says with a smile.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Felix Windfall (Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA,Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA
Grinning at Tarina's change of luck, Hal's smile quickly fades as he watches the loud, half-Orc roll. His mood lifts though as he finishes rolling the rest of his die.
14...3...2...........2! 21!
Looking over at the half-Orc, Hal sizes up his partner in winnings. "Well, would you look at that! It would seem that Tymora smiles on both of us today."
"Ha, that's it. I like you, newling. Maybe you stay, become Whaul Nightley's pet? We could always win together?" The half-orc laughs again. And collects half of the winning pot - 6 SP, while pushing the other half towards Hal.
"My name is Rahima Sajiressa, yes, I serve Savras, have, for a very long time. She is fate. And it is fate that I am to be talking to you tonight." The acolyte addresses Bryce, while walking away from the table, where Alysa wants to speak to Tarina alone. Bryce and Rahima sit down at an empty table.
She pulls out her tarot cards and starts the reading. "Concentrate. Concentrate on your past and on your future. Then pull three cards with your left hand, the hand closer to your heart."
She turns them over and explains: "This is the card that represents your past. It is the five of cups, a card depicting mourning, sadness, disappointment and loss.
The second card is your here and now. It is the two of swords, a card showing that a lack of information, indecision, or fear of potential consequences have led the situation into a stalemate. You're at an impasse. You feel stuck with your life.
Now to the card depicting your future. Ohhhh, the Empress. It is a card representing female energy and motherhood, but also symbolises Mother Nature as a whole. She is the feminine divine and the energy of life that can heal, soothe, and grow. Featured in the Empress card, the shield is an unlikely symbol for a card exhibiting virtues of love and abundance, however. Let me hold the card. Wait. There is something more literal about it. Yes, yes, this is it! You must follow the shield symbol. It will lead you to the answers you seek." She breathes agitatedly. "Go with Tyr, my friend."
Alysa sees her 2 silver coins changing hands. She places another 2 silver coins in front of Tamira and says "What about I borrow a bit of your time? We need to talk about something private." She looks at the other persons at the table with eyes and flexes a bit her muscles. "It won't be long, I promise"
She waits until the other players disperse and start her explanation. "Let's cut the chase. Captain Zodge have appointed us to look into a problem with cultists from the Dead Three, lurking around in the street at night. He told us that you would have some information about the location of their lair. Would you be kind enough to give us this information?"
The older lady in her religious robe leaves the table immediately, taking Bryce aside. The half-orc takes his time to collect his winnings and keeps joking with Hal, but eventually moves to get another drink. The shipworker is quickly intimidated and walks off, taking his losses, but happy to have been stopped from losing more coins on this day.
Tarina takes a deep breath, addressing Alysa."Captain Zodge. Yes. We have had some dealings in the past. I am Tarina." She is quiet for a few seconds. "It seems the perfect timing that you show up now. You and your friends seem somewhat handy with your weapons. I could use your help. How about you help me out - and I give you the information you so urgently need?" She waits for your reaction, then continues.
"You see, I have had some quarrels in the past with a group of pirates. Lousy brutes. I have heard a rumour, apparently they're on their way to settle some old score. How about you help me out and take care of them for me. They're meant to arrive within the day. Then you'll get your answer."
Tarina looks at the man addressing her. "You know, they are intimidating. But I have been leading them on for a long time. I know my way out of here - and I can also defend myself if need be. But Rahima over there read the cards for me on this matter just this morning, and it said not to worry, a solution would come along - and here you are! So how about you scratch my back and then I'll scratch yours and both of our needs will be taken care of!"
Pirates scum, that is for sure a type that we don't want in Baldur's Gate, thought Alysa to herself. She think she could do two birds - one stone by eliminating a threat for the City and getting some information for her investigation. "Very well, if we make sure they won't bother you anymore, you give us the information? Are they coming here in this Tavern and when are they arriving ?"
Nyx is very interested in the tarot cards. Unlike the cubes with markings, these seem to have religious significance. They move forward to take a closer look.
Amazed at the accuracy of the first card, Bryce sits in silence as Rahima continues his reading. As she gets towards the third card, his future he listens intensely. Making sure to remember everything she’s said so far. “Mother Nature, Feminine divine, and the shield...” He repeats those words in his head “Thank you, Rahima my Tyr bless you and give you his protection.” At that point he would noticed Nyx fluttering around the cards “Interested in my read, small friend? You said it was Nyx right?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Felix Windfall (Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA,Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA
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“Sorry the names Bryce. Hmm well thanks for the information, here next round is on me.” Bryce will toss them a coin as his group heads upstairs.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA“The names Bryce, here next rounds on me thanks for the info.” Bryce will toss the two a silver for there trouble. As Jhasso relays his findings, Bryce nods in agreement with Alysa and follows up stairs.
Bryce will eye the woman wearing religious outfit, seeing the amulet he will try to recall and information he gathered while studying his own clergy.
Religion: 15
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiAHal knows a hustle when he sees one, but throws caution to the wind in light of his new employment and promise of pay despite the outcome of this game.
Keeping eye contact with the young woman, Hal let a smile slowly break the awkward stare and gave her a quick wink.
“My my, that’s a lot of winnings in front of you there. I don’t think that I would really stand a chance to relieve you of any of those coins, but I can at least keep these other fine patrons company for a while.”
Sitting down and reaching into his coat, Hal looked around at his fellow players and looked a little closer at the woman.
“So, what are we playing tonight?”
OOC: rolling insight to see if Hal can see if he can tell if there are other ways she is hustling the group, other than pretending to drink and staying sober.
Bryce sees the amulet and recognises the wearer as an acolyte of Savras, god of divination and fate. But something else catches your eye, you can see the tip of a pack of cards poking out of one of her pockets. She might be a fortune teller. When she realises that you're looking at her, she pats the cards and gives you a wink.
"Oh yes, it's my lucky day!" Tarina replies to Hal. "But it's not about the winnings, this dice game is about the fun that can be had! You all know how to play Baldur's Bones? Please, put 2 SP as your ante. And roll 3 dice [3x 1d6]."
Hal realises that to figure out exactly how she runs her ruse, he needs to play a few rounds of this game.
[OOC: most of you would know the rules, so I am posting them here:
Each player requires several six-sided dice. The rules are as follows:
Jhasso does not participate in the dice game, just keeps an eye out to be sure that no troublemaker makes... troubles.
"Very well, I'll join..." says Alysa, placing her 2 silver pieces on the table.
She grabs the dices and rolls them on the table:
6 + 6 + 2 + 5
"19 ! I'll stop here"
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
The three weavers leave the table, their lunch break is up. They grumble on their way out how they just lost this morning's wages.
Tarina rolls her dice:
8 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 2
But her luck has run out it seems: "Oh, I am out for this round." To Hal, she seems surprised.
The other players roll their dice:
shipworker: 15 + 6 + 1 + 1 "I have to bow out too"
half-orc: 8 + 4 + 4 "I'll keep it at that - might finally win a round! You guys should stick around!" He slaps his thighs and laughs loudly.
acolyte of savras: 13 + 6 + 5 "Too bad, this is not my round. Anyways, I would much rather tell this gentleman his fortune!" She looks closely at Bryce. "You remind me of someone. There is something about you. Would you follow me to this other table?"
Alysa sees her 2 silver coins changing hands. She places another 2 silver coins in front of Tamira and says "What about I borrow a bit of your time? We need to talk about something private." She looks at the other persons at the table with eyes and flexes a bit her muscles. "It won't be long, I promise"
She waits until the other players disperse and start her explanation. "Let's cut the chase. Captain Zodge have appointed us to look into a problem with cultists from the Dead Three, lurking around in the street at night. He told us that you would have some information about the location of their lair. Would you be kind enough to give us this information?"
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Grinning at Tarina's change of luck, Hal's smile quickly fades as he watches the loud, half-Orc roll. His mood lifts though as he finishes rolling the rest of his die.
14...3...2...........2! 21!
Looking over at the half-Orc, Hal sizes up his partner in winnings. "Well, would you look at that! It would seem that Tymora smiles on both of us today."
Bryce will nod back, while the others enjoy their gambling Bryce will head towards the priestess “I see you’re a diviner of Savars, I a cleric of Tyr would be honored if you could read my future.” Bryce says with a smile.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiANyx observes the alien game silently, not fully comprehending what the purposes of rolling these marked cubes is.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
"Ha, that's it. I like you, newling. Maybe you stay, become Whaul Nightley's pet? We could always win together?" The half-orc laughs again. And collects half of the winning pot - 6 SP, while pushing the other half towards Hal.
"My name is Rahima Sajiressa, yes, I serve Savras, have, for a very long time. She is fate. And it is fate that I am to be talking to you tonight." The acolyte addresses Bryce, while walking away from the table, where Alysa wants to speak to Tarina alone. Bryce and Rahima sit down at an empty table.
She pulls out her tarot cards and starts the reading. "Concentrate. Concentrate on your past and on your future. Then pull three cards with your left hand, the hand closer to your heart."
She turns them over and explains:
"This is the card that represents your past. It is the five of cups, a card depicting mourning, sadness, disappointment and loss.
The second card is your here and now. It is the two of swords, a card showing that a lack of information, indecision, or fear of potential consequences have led the situation into a stalemate. You're at an impasse. You feel stuck with your life.
Now to the card depicting your future. Ohhhh, the Empress. It is a card representing female energy and motherhood, but also symbolises Mother Nature as a whole. She is the feminine divine and the energy of life that can heal, soothe, and grow. Featured in the Empress card, the shield is an unlikely symbol for a card exhibiting virtues of love and abundance, however. Let me hold the card. Wait. There is something more literal about it. Yes, yes, this is it! You must follow the shield symbol. It will lead you to the answers you seek." She breathes agitatedly. "Go with Tyr, my friend."
The older lady in her religious robe leaves the table immediately, taking Bryce aside. The half-orc takes his time to collect his winnings and keeps joking with Hal, but eventually moves to get another drink. The shipworker is quickly intimidated and walks off, taking his losses, but happy to have been stopped from losing more coins on this day.
Tarina takes a deep breath, addressing Alysa. "Captain Zodge. Yes. We have had some dealings in the past. I am Tarina." She is quiet for a few seconds. "It seems the perfect timing that you show up now. You and your friends seem somewhat handy with your weapons. I could use your help. How about you help me out - and I give you the information you so urgently need?" She waits for your reaction, then continues.
"You see, I have had some quarrels in the past with a group of pirates. Lousy brutes. I have heard a rumour, apparently they're on their way to settle some old score. How about you help me out and take care of them for me. They're meant to arrive within the day. Then you'll get your answer."
"If this man may, he would ask this girl how come she is still here while knowing they are coming."
Tarina looks at the man addressing her. "You know, they are intimidating. But I have been leading them on for a long time. I know my way out of here - and I can also defend myself if need be. But Rahima over there read the cards for me on this matter just this morning, and it said not to worry, a solution would come along - and here you are! So how about you scratch my back and then I'll scratch yours and both of our needs will be taken care of!"
Pirates scum, that is for sure a type that we don't want in Baldur's Gate, thought Alysa to herself. She think she could do two birds - one stone by eliminating a threat for the City and getting some information for her investigation.
"Very well, if we make sure they won't bother you anymore, you give us the information? Are they coming here in this Tavern and when are they arriving ?"
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx is very interested in the tarot cards. Unlike the cubes with markings, these seem to have religious significance. They move forward to take a closer look.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
Amazed at the accuracy of the first card, Bryce sits in silence as Rahima continues his reading. As she gets towards the third card, his future he listens intensely. Making sure to remember everything she’s said so far. “Mother Nature, Feminine divine, and the shield...” He repeats those words in his head “Thank you, Rahima my Tyr bless you and give you his protection.” At that point he would noticed Nyx fluttering around the cards “Interested in my read, small friend? You said it was Nyx right?”
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA