You've all been hired to escort a caravan of supplies from the City of Waterdeep to a Dwarven mining operation outside the seaside town of Saltmarsh. The Waterdeep rumor mill has been abuzz with promises of steady, honest, good paying work for those willing to do the physically demanding labor, while whispers flit about garbage strewn alleys and darkened corners of seedy taverns about a quiet town that the regional government all but ignores, making it ripe for exploitation.
After about a ten-day of soaking up whatever information you can before the job begins, you learn that Saltmarsh might be encrusted in sea salt and reek of rotting fish guts, but there is gold aplenty in the coffers of its citizens. For more than a century, the ships of Saltmarsh have worked the rich fishing grounds along the coast. Trade ships from near and far have been using the docks to unload their goods, and lately more ships have come to call as the dwarven mining operation grows. Smuggling has also long been a profitable business here.
The dwarven mining operation promises to bring about a rapid growth in Saltmarsh’s fortunes. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing depends on who you ask. The merchants look forward to more business, but the fishers don’t see how the mines will do anything to enrich their coffers. If anything, they fear that competition for fish will become more ferocious as the town grows.
Now that the stage is set... Let's roll for initiative!
Ariana & Kulogall - You step outside into a beautiful early-autumn morning. Wisps of cirrus clouds hang high in the sky and you feel the sun’s warmth on your skin. You make your way down Waterdhavian streets that are just beginning to stir with life. You head toward the North Gate in the Field Ward, passing a varied group of people including a young human courier scampering by with a large satchel bouncing off her hip, a pair of tired looking City Watchmen, and a Gnomish man setting up a street side stall. You find a trio of wagons near the North Gate and see a Dwarven man dressed in road-worn but quality traveling clothes going from wagon to wagon, checking their loads and the pairs of mules pulling them. He approaches one of the mules harnessed to the middle wagon and strokes its flank. “Alright Daisy, let’s take a look at that hoof.” The Dwarven man then slowly places one of the mule’s rear legs between his legs and bends over at the waist as he gingerly inspects the hoof. “Hmm... Guess that cocky farrier was worth the coin, eh? Looks good.” He releases the leg and stands, placing both meaty hands on his lower back and stretching with a groan. He sees you approaching and says, “Hail, are you one of my escorts?”
Elwyn & Ruby - After double checking your gear one last time, you head out of the simple room you’d been staying in and into the common area. The innkeeper looks up as you enter and says, “Good morning, looks like another beautiful day out.” before continuing to sweep the floor. Having paid for your lodging in advance, you offer a farewell and leave through the front door. You walk for a few blocks, half-paying attention to where you’re going, half-thinking about the job you’ve been hired to do. Suddenly a shadow passes over you and you feel a WHOOSH as a Griffon Rider of the City Watch lands his majestic mount on the sidewalk in front of you. He climbs off the beast and looks anxiously around. Spotting you, he hurries over to you and asks "Excuse me citizens, could you watch my griffon as I use the facilities? I've REALLY gotta go!" and he thrusts the reins in your direction. What do you do?
Wake - It seems the entirety of Waterdeep is already wide awake and about their business by the time you head out into the bustling streets. With a hand on your coin purse, you push through the clogged sidewalks past storefronts and townhouses. You turn a corner onto The High Road to find a chaotic scene before you. A steam-powered carriage seems to have collided with a baker’s stall and cart half-loaded with barrels and crates. A group of City Watchmen have already cordoned off the street and are working to clean up the mess. Another City Watchman is directing everyone to a detour on Copper Street. “C’mon folks, let’s keep it moving.” She says to the crowd of onlookers. What would you like to do?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Well yes, of course good Sir, we'll take good care of your mount while you take care of your...business." Says a young half-elf with brown hair, eyes and a small goatee to match, wearing a green cloak over a white shirt, leather pants and soft boots, a weird looking wand shaped like a tentacle tucked into his belt. "Look Ruby, come closer, it won't bite...I think." He says to his halfling companion. "Did I tell you that story about the griffon that took a dump on the Blackstaff tower...."
Animal handling to keep griffon calm: 9 rolled with advantage hoping for help action from Ruby, otherwise go with first roll.
A tall, fit, young half-elf woman with long wavy ivory hair and short but elven ears makes a sideways glance at the triton beside her with her kind, ice blue eyes. She wears a thin maroon and plum dress that flows a bit in the breeze. She grips her simple dark wood quarterstaff tightly and clears her throat. "Aye, I'm here to help." She glances again at the triton, stands a bit taller, and takes a small step forward. "What's the job?"
Before turning onto The High Road, Wake was trying to remember if there was a shoe shop along the way. Walking around in just cloth wrappings around his feet is getting tiresome.
Good riddance. He thinks to himself. There’s got to be more opportunities out here.
He arrived in Waterdeep about a month ago and was grateful to find employment. Mr. Bostick, the proprietor of the Sleeping Seal Inn, seemed like a generous fellow when he offered Wake an opportunity to work for him. Turned out, after expenses deducted to cover room and board, Wake was walking away with the same 5 gp he arrived in town with.
Sad. Just sad. Your mama raised you better than that. Wake scolded himself.
Wake had been searching for “Help Wanted” signs and perhaps a pair of affordable boots.
But then he saw the accident. Perhaps he could provide aid. He sidesteps those being diverted to Copper Street and calls out to the nearby Watchman.
”Hello there. Is everybody all right? I have some skill in healing, if I can be of assistance…”
Ariana - The Dwarven man wipes his hands on the front of his shirt and fishes for something inside a pouch on his hip, "You mean they didn't tell you when you signed on? Interestin'. Yer a brave lass." He pulls a folded piece of paper and a pair of thick, poorly cared for spectacles from his pouch and places them on his nose as he unfolds the paper. "What's your name miss?" He nods as you tell him your name and says, "Welcome aboard Ariana. You'll be responsible for making sure my mules, my wagons, my supplies, and myself make it to a mine near Saltmarsh, unharmed." He looks you up and down, gaze lingering on your quarterstaff and says, "Have you got any weapons on ye other than that walking stick? Banditry is always a threat outside city walls and our route takes us along the outskirts of the Dreadwood..." He then fidgets with his spectacles, seemingly uncomfortable with having questioned your ability.
Wake - The City Watchman gives you a once over and waves you through. "Sure, we've got wounded and I haven't seen any of our Clerics yet." You hurry over to the scene of the accident and find a male gnome lying on a bystander's cloak next to the wreckage. He's groaning in pain and keeps repeating, "My legs, gods, my legs..." Another City Watchman is nearby, standing in front of an irate human man that is screaming "His legs? I'll break his damn neck! I keep tellin' the Lords that his contraptions do nothing but spew foul gases and take up space in the street, driving away our customers... Now he's wrecked my livelihood!" The City Watchman is attempting to calm/restrain the man when he sees you out of the corner of his eye. "Hey! You there! What're you doing?"
Elwyn - You take the reins and the grateful griffon rider hurries into a nearby storefront. You look at the leather cords in your hand and then at the griffon. It's quite large and its golden yellow eyes are staring intently at you. It yawns and shakes its head, ruffling its feathers before looking around. The griffon suddenly lets out an ear piercing shriek about the same time you hear a horse let out a terrified cry. A horse-drawn carriage has turned the corner onto the street and the horse is now rearing up on its hind legs and crying out in fear of the large griffon straining to get out of your grasp. The griffon pulls in earnest now, trying to get to the horse!
Your Animal Handling check was successful and you manage to calm the beast. How does Elwyn do it?
For the first time this morning, Ariana looks comfortable, a smirk appearing on her face. "Aye. No two-bit bandits are a match for my weapons." She cracks her knuckles. "Your mules and wagons and... whatever will get to Saltmarsh unharmed."
When less attention is being paid to Ariana, she closes her eyes, raises her chin, and takes a deep, slow, meditative breath. She then opens her eyes and glances around for any signs of possible trouble, again gripping her quarterstaff.
Ariana - The Dwarven man's well oiled and braided black beard can't hide his relieved smile as he says, "Darn right, glad to have ye along Ariana. My name is Isadore Ironkettle." Isadore has tan skin and long black hair. He has green eyes and silver rings are braided into his hair and beard. "I'm gonna finish checking the wagons, but you can pick which one you'd like to ride in if ye want." Isadore then turns his attention back to the wagons. There are three wagons and they're all pretty similar from just a cursory glance. The wagons seat two and whoever rides in the first wagon will ride alongside Isadore.
Make a Perception check to see if Ariana notices anything of note.
"Did I mention that griffon's allegedly are very fond of horse meat?" Elwyn says to Ruby just before the horse-drawn carriage turns the corner. Realizing this might spell trouble, Elwyn places himself in view of the horses and offers the griffon some dried meat from his backpack. "Good griffon, don't mind those juicy horses." He says anxiously as the carriage passes by.
You focus your attention on your breath and find clarity of mind. When you open your eyes and turn your attention to your surroundings, you see and hear the usual sights and sounds one would find in a large city. A pair of City Watchmen complaining to one another nearby "Ugh, stuck in the Field Ward again...", a family of Tieflings in fine clothing stepping into a luxurious carriage, and as you walk past the wagons, something else catches your eye. A bit of rust on the ground beneath the second wagon. You peek under it and see that the front axel is very nearly rusted through. You don't think it'll make it much further than the City Gate in its current state.
Ariana stands, pushes her hair out of her face, and eyes the dwarf. "Isadore! There's a problem here with your wagon. You'll want to fix this up before we head out or we'll be stranded on the road."
Feeling confident that she's already made a difference, she selects the wagon that doesn't have the axel issue and isn't the one Isadore will be in, and rests in the wagon, keeping an eye on passersby. She reaches into one of her pockets,
and strokes the head of her pet mouse Wesley. Such a good little boy, she thinks. She feeds him a crumb from another of her pockets.
Wake - The City Watchman gives you a once over and waves you through. "Sure, we've got wounded and I haven't seen any of our Clerics yet." You hurry over to the scene of the accident and find a male gnome lying on a bystander's cloak next to the wreckage. He's groaning in pain and keeps repeating, "My legs, gods, my legs..." Another City Watchman is nearby, standing in front of an irate human man that is screaming "His legs? I'll break his damn neck! I keep tellin' the Lords that his contraptions do nothing but spew foul gases and take up space in the street, driving away our customers... Now he's wrecked my livelihood!" The City Watchman is attempting to calm/restrain the man when he sees you out of the corner of his eye. "Hey! You there! What're you doing?"
As Wake rushes to the broken gnome’s side, he answers the Watchman without looking at him.
”I’ve come to render medical aid!”
Wake drops down to kneel beside the gnome, and with a reassuring smile, attempts to triage and ascertain the damages.
”Don’t worry. We’ll get you right as rain as soon as possible.”He says to comfort the patient.
You've all been hired to escort a caravan of supplies from the City of Waterdeep to a Dwarven mining operation outside the seaside town of Saltmarsh. The Waterdeep rumor mill has been abuzz with promises of steady, honest, good paying work for those willing to do the physically demanding labor, while whispers flit about garbage strewn alleys and darkened corners of seedy taverns about a quiet town that the regional government all but ignores, making it ripe for exploitation.
After about a ten-day of soaking up whatever information you can before the job begins, you learn that Saltmarsh might be encrusted in sea salt and reek of rotting fish guts, but there is gold aplenty in the coffers of its citizens. For more than a century, the ships of Saltmarsh have worked the rich fishing grounds along the coast. Trade ships from near and far have been using the docks to unload their goods, and lately more ships have come to call as the dwarven mining operation grows. Smuggling has also long been a profitable business here.
The dwarven mining operation promises to bring about a rapid growth in Saltmarsh’s fortunes. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing depends on who you ask. The merchants look forward to more business, but the fishers don’t see how the mines will do anything to enrich their coffers. If anything, they fear that competition for fish will become more ferocious as the town grows.
Now that the stage is set... Let's roll for initiative!
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Elwyn initiative:8
Ruby´s intiative: 14
Kulogall initiative: 16
Wake’s initiative: 7
Wilhorn Dustwater | Halfling, Lightfoot | Sorcerer, Divine Soul 2 / Warlock, Celestial 2 | Warriors, LMoP (NathanAscher -DM)
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
Ariana's initiative: 17
Ariana & Kulogall - You step outside into a beautiful early-autumn morning. Wisps of cirrus clouds hang high in the sky and you feel the sun’s warmth on your skin. You make your way down Waterdhavian streets that are just beginning to stir with life. You head toward the North Gate in the Field Ward, passing a varied group of people including a young human courier scampering by with a large satchel bouncing off her hip, a pair of tired looking City Watchmen, and a Gnomish man setting up a street side stall. You find a trio of wagons near the North Gate and see a Dwarven man dressed in road-worn but quality traveling clothes going from wagon to wagon, checking their loads and the pairs of mules pulling them. He approaches one of the mules harnessed to the middle wagon and strokes its flank. “Alright Daisy, let’s take a look at that hoof.” The Dwarven man then slowly places one of the mule’s rear legs between his legs and bends over at the waist as he gingerly inspects the hoof. “Hmm... Guess that cocky farrier was worth the coin, eh? Looks good.” He releases the leg and stands, placing both meaty hands on his lower back and stretching with a groan. He sees you approaching and says, “Hail, are you one of my escorts?”
Elwyn & Ruby - After double checking your gear one last time, you head out of the simple room you’d been staying in and into the common area. The innkeeper looks up as you enter and says, “Good morning, looks like another beautiful day out.” before continuing to sweep the floor. Having paid for your lodging in advance, you offer a farewell and leave through the front door. You walk for a few blocks, half-paying attention to where you’re going, half-thinking about the job you’ve been hired to do. Suddenly a shadow passes over you and you feel a WHOOSH as a Griffon Rider of the City Watch lands his majestic mount on the sidewalk in front of you. He climbs off the beast and looks anxiously around. Spotting you, he hurries over to you and asks "Excuse me citizens, could you watch my griffon as I use the facilities? I've REALLY gotta go!" and he thrusts the reins in your direction. What do you do?
Wake - It seems the entirety of Waterdeep is already wide awake and about their business by the time you head out into the bustling streets. With a hand on your coin purse, you push through the clogged sidewalks past storefronts and townhouses. You turn a corner onto The High Road to find a chaotic scene before you. A steam-powered carriage seems to have collided with a baker’s stall and cart half-loaded with barrels and crates. A group of City Watchmen have already cordoned off the street and are working to clean up the mess. Another City Watchman is directing everyone to a detour on Copper Street. “C’mon folks, let’s keep it moving.” She says to the crowd of onlookers. What would you like to do?
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
"Well yes, of course good Sir, we'll take good care of your mount while you take care of your...business." Says a young half-elf with brown hair, eyes and a small goatee to match, wearing a green cloak over a white shirt, leather pants and soft boots, a weird looking wand shaped like a tentacle tucked into his belt. "Look Ruby, come closer, it won't bite...I think." He says to his halfling companion. "Did I tell you that story about the griffon that took a dump on the Blackstaff tower...."
Animal handling to keep griffon calm: 9 rolled with advantage hoping for help action from Ruby, otherwise go with first roll.
A tall, fit, young half-elf woman with long wavy ivory hair and short but elven ears makes a sideways glance at the triton beside her with her kind, ice blue eyes. She wears a thin maroon and plum dress that flows a bit in the breeze. She grips her simple dark wood quarterstaff tightly and clears her throat. "Aye, I'm here to help." She glances again at the triton, stands a bit taller, and takes a small step forward. "What's the job?"
Before turning onto The High Road, Wake was trying to remember if there was a shoe shop along the way. Walking around in just cloth wrappings around his feet is getting tiresome.
Good riddance. He thinks to himself. There’s got to be more opportunities out here.
He arrived in Waterdeep about a month ago and was grateful to find employment. Mr. Bostick, the proprietor of the Sleeping Seal Inn, seemed like a generous fellow when he offered Wake an opportunity to work for him. Turned out, after expenses deducted to cover room and board, Wake was walking away with the same 5 gp he arrived in town with.
Sad. Just sad. Your mama raised you better than that. Wake scolded himself.
Wake had been searching for “Help Wanted” signs and perhaps a pair of affordable boots.
But then he saw the accident. Perhaps he could provide aid. He sidesteps those being diverted to Copper Street and calls out to the nearby Watchman.
”Hello there. Is everybody all right? I have some skill in healing, if I can be of assistance…”
Wilhorn Dustwater | Halfling, Lightfoot | Sorcerer, Divine Soul 2 / Warlock, Celestial 2 | Warriors, LMoP (NathanAscher -DM)
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
Ariana - The Dwarven man wipes his hands on the front of his shirt and fishes for something inside a pouch on his hip, "You mean they didn't tell you when you signed on? Interestin'. Yer a brave lass." He pulls a folded piece of paper and a pair of thick, poorly cared for spectacles from his pouch and places them on his nose as he unfolds the paper. "What's your name miss?" He nods as you tell him your name and says, "Welcome aboard Ariana. You'll be responsible for making sure my mules, my wagons, my supplies, and myself make it to a mine near Saltmarsh, unharmed." He looks you up and down, gaze lingering on your quarterstaff and says, "Have you got any weapons on ye other than that walking stick? Banditry is always a threat outside city walls and our route takes us along the outskirts of the Dreadwood..." He then fidgets with his spectacles, seemingly uncomfortable with having questioned your ability.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Wake - The City Watchman gives you a once over and waves you through. "Sure, we've got wounded and I haven't seen any of our Clerics yet." You hurry over to the scene of the accident and find a male gnome lying on a bystander's cloak next to the wreckage. He's groaning in pain and keeps repeating, "My legs, gods, my legs..." Another City Watchman is nearby, standing in front of an irate human man that is screaming "His legs? I'll break his damn neck! I keep tellin' the Lords that his contraptions do nothing but spew foul gases and take up space in the street, driving away our customers... Now he's wrecked my livelihood!" The City Watchman is attempting to calm/restrain the man when he sees you out of the corner of his eye. "Hey! You there! What're you doing?"
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Elwyn - You take the reins and the grateful griffon rider hurries into a nearby storefront. You look at the leather cords in your hand and then at the griffon. It's quite large and its golden yellow eyes are staring intently at you. It yawns and shakes its head, ruffling its feathers before looking around. The griffon suddenly lets out an ear piercing shriek about the same time you hear a horse let out a terrified cry. A horse-drawn carriage has turned the corner onto the street and the horse is now rearing up on its hind legs and crying out in fear of the large griffon straining to get out of your grasp. The griffon pulls in earnest now, trying to get to the horse!
Your Animal Handling check was successful and you manage to calm the beast. How does Elwyn do it?
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
For the first time this morning, Ariana looks comfortable, a smirk appearing on her face. "Aye. No two-bit bandits are a match for my weapons." She cracks her knuckles. "Your mules and wagons and... whatever will get to Saltmarsh unharmed."
When less attention is being paid to Ariana, she closes her eyes, raises her chin, and takes a deep, slow, meditative breath. She then opens her eyes and glances around for any signs of possible trouble, again gripping her quarterstaff.
Ariana - The Dwarven man's well oiled and braided black beard can't hide his relieved smile as he says, "Darn right, glad to have ye along Ariana. My name is Isadore Ironkettle." Isadore has tan skin and long black hair. He has green eyes and silver rings are braided into his hair and beard. "I'm gonna finish checking the wagons, but you can pick which one you'd like to ride in if ye want." Isadore then turns his attention back to the wagons. There are three wagons and they're all pretty similar from just a cursory glance. The wagons seat two and whoever rides in the first wagon will ride alongside Isadore.
Make a Perception check to see if Ariana notices anything of note.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
"Did I mention that griffon's allegedly are very fond of horse meat?" Elwyn says to Ruby just before the horse-drawn carriage turns the corner. Realizing this might spell trouble, Elwyn places himself in view of the horses and offers the griffon some dried meat from his backpack. "Good griffon, don't mind those juicy horses." He says anxiously as the carriage passes by.
Perception: 19
Ariana -
You focus your attention on your breath and find clarity of mind. When you open your eyes and turn your attention to your surroundings, you see and hear the usual sights and sounds one would find in a large city. A pair of City Watchmen complaining to one another nearby "Ugh, stuck in the Field Ward again...", a family of Tieflings in fine clothing stepping into a luxurious carriage, and as you walk past the wagons, something else catches your eye. A bit of rust on the ground beneath the second wagon. You peek under it and see that the front axel is very nearly rusted through. You don't think it'll make it much further than the City Gate in its current state.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Ariana stands, pushes her hair out of her face, and eyes the dwarf. "Isadore! There's a problem here with your wagon. You'll want to fix this up before we head out or we'll be stranded on the road."
Feeling confident that she's already made a difference, she selects the wagon that doesn't have the axel issue and isn't the one Isadore will be in, and rests in the wagon, keeping an eye on passersby. She reaches into one of her pockets,
and strokes the head of her pet mouse Wesley. Such a good little boy, she thinks. She feeds him a crumb from another of her pockets.
As Wake rushes to the broken gnome’s side, he answers the Watchman without looking at him.
”I’ve come to render medical aid!”
Wake drops down to kneel beside the gnome, and with a reassuring smile, attempts to triage and ascertain the damages.
”Don’t worry. We’ll get you right as rain as soon as possible.” He says to comfort the patient.
Wilhorn Dustwater | Halfling, Lightfoot | Sorcerer, Divine Soul 2 / Warlock, Celestial 2 | Warriors, LMoP (NathanAscher -DM)
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams