Zera savors the tea, And enjoys the beauty of the room. She thinks about how ironic it is that she would be here, of all places, as a guest, after her former life of petty crime in the under-city. Fate seemed to be smiling on her… she hoped it would hold up.
she rises and gives a bow to Vajara as the wizard enters, and then sits again, trying to hide her obvious exhaustion. “It was a long climb! We found him in a hospitable state. He said to tell you, and I quote- ‘Evil’s twin hides its face for now. Expect that to change before winter’s end’ I’m afraid we don’t know more about what it means, and he didn’t explain. Hopefully it is useful. He also said some thing about the best way to win is to avoid a fight.” Zera smiles.
Friar Xavier fidgets uncomfortably, then says, "Blackstaff, I know you called me that we might take up this task for you, however, ultimately, it was Zera and the others who convinced Hlam to give us an answer to your question." He looks down, "I am sorry that my service failed you. I am trying, but just as Ober Pascal found, I tend to disappoint in the execution of my duties. "
Vajra, sits a moment with her tea cup in her hands. She nods to Zera a silent thank you for the message.
"Friar Ambergrain. I did not call you because you were the strongest or the most hardy. I called you to serve your friends. As such, I really called all of you. Did you serve your companions?"
Xavier looks up, "Veil's calm presence reassured me in the climb. I was tired after the climb and feared my exhaustion would lead me to present myself poorly. I knew that Zera was used to charming against the odds as an entertainer, so I prayed that Ilmater would guide her. He favored her and Amotal provided encouragement. In the end, I suppose we all did our part."
The Blackstaff smiles and puts down her cup. She looks at each of the party before answering. "Precisely so. Some say that the Blackstaff rules the city. Others say it is the Lords of Waterdeep. Some say the Blackstaff's might protects the city. No one person can rule or protect or guide. We are always stronger together. Hlam's warning is of one who seeks power alone. Fortunately, we are not alone. The Gray Hands work to protect the city. I shall communicate Hlam's message to them, that they may be wary." She smiles even more warmly, "I shall also commend all of you to them. Who knows? Maybe someday you will like to serve in the Gray Hands. I invite you to join. I shall keep an eye on you. Should you need further assistance, you may call upon me, but do know, you already have among the four of you all you need to succeed."
She then rises. "It is late, and I must prepare this evening's lesson. Should you desire to stay for dinner, you may remain here. I shall have them bring it in, but I am afraid, I must leave you to it."
((All gain 1 point of renown with the Gray Hands))
Amotal looks to the others to see what they want to do. He is relaxed in his chair, finishing the last of his tea, and is a much more vibrant orange than he previously had been.
Friar Xavier thanks the Blackstaff, "By Ilmater's grace, if we may be of assistance, it will be our pleasure to serve Waterdeep, the Grey Hands and the Blackstaff. As for dinner, thank you as well. You wouldn't happen to have any cheese?"
Vajra laughs and says, "Oh yes, I shall make sure some cheese is included. The apprentices with Kitchen duty will serve dinner at sunset."
She turns and leaves saying, "It was good to meet all of you, I shall call upon you again - and I shall be watching you."
----
The adventurers make themselves comfortable waiting for dinner. Occasionally an apprentice pops in, refills the teapot, and replenishes the biscuits.
----
As the sun goes down another apprentice comes in and set the dining table.
Places set, candles lit, the adventurers take their seats at the table.
The courses then come:
An herbal aperitif, poured into water glasses and mixed with cold water forms swirling opalescent clouds of shimmering greens, golds, oranges and browns. To each its taste is reminiscent of their favorite season. This is served with dark rye crisps, a creamy goat cheese (the adventurers wonder if it is from Hlam's goats), and a bright, tart marmalade.
This is followed by a small, but fresh salad with vegetables that are not usual to find this time of year (possibly magically sourced from the tower garden). The salad is accompanied by an excellent ale.
The main course is served: a choice of rabbit or aubergine stew, with hearty bread and glasses of red wine.
Finally, the adventurers are served small tortes and digestifs of coffee or bitters. Those that wish it are offered some satisfying pipeweed.
Satisfied, proud and content, the adventurers appreciate this meal.
An herbal aperitif, poured into water glasses and mixed with cold water forms swirling opalescent clouds of shimmering greens, golds, oranges and browns. To each its taste is reminiscent of their favorite season. This is served with dark rye crisps, a creamy goat cheese (the adventurers wonder if it is from Hlam's goats), and a bright, tart marmalade.
The aperitif is...confusing tasting for Amotal, who has no favorite season and all of them are his favorite at the same time. As he drinks it, the color of his skin, hair, and clothing rapidly and randomly shifts between green, gold, orange, and blue, before returning to orange with a tinge of green at the tips of his extremities.
This is followed by a small, but fresh salad with vegetables that are not usual to find this time of year (possibly magically sourced from the tower garden). The salad is accompanied by an excellent ale.
He adds one handful of berries to his salad, and enjoys it immensely. He offers berries to the rest of the group as well.
The main course is served: a choice of rabbit or aubergine stew, with hearty bread and glasses of red wine.
Amotal enjoys the stew and bread. He opts for the rabbit stew, but it appears to be a hard decision.
Finally, the adventurers are served small tortes and digestifs of coffee or bitters. Those that wish it are offered some satisfying pipeweed.
He enjoys the dessert and coffee, and relaxes in the chair. The areas that had been green return to a rich, warm orange.
"So, what now?" he asks as everyone finishes. "Should we return to the manor?"
Zera savors everything, but particularly enjoys the rabbit, and ens the meal with a smile. She says “I’m far to tired to sing, although a meal like that inspires me. That was by far the best meal of my life.. . Let’s head back to the manor, I think I can just make it!”
Veil digs in, clearly approving of the food as well. Her ears remain flat to her head though, signalling her anxiousness at being in the wizard's tower. She eats the food readily enough though and stands by her companions until they are ready to leave this place.
The party eventually leaves Blackstaff Tower, thanking the apprentice who sees them out and sending their thanks again to Vajra.
The apprentice guides them out of the courtyard and hails a hire-coach for them. "You will want to take a coach back I imagine in this late hour. The Blackstaff would not want your repast to put you in danger." Upon learning the destination of the party, the driver thanks the apprentice for the silver Shards that are proffered and invites the party to board the coach.
"Ah, come on in, we'll git ye to Trollskull Alley safe 'nd sound."
The hire-coach rolls up Sword Street outside of Blackstaff Tower. It turns right on Calamastyr Lane and then merges with the still-bustling traffic in the late hours around The Market in Castle Ward. As they take the northern Trader's Way around this famed locale where reportedly anything can be bought or sold - for the right price, they see between the bordering houses, the lights, the crammed merchant stalls. The coach continues, turning left (north) onto The High Road. It passes or is passed by private carriages as well as the towering drays which frequent the North-South boulevards. While not able to see from their level the passengers on the top platform of the drays, they see the myriad of faces sitting inside the lower level of the drays as they pass. Party-goers laughing in anticipation or remembrance of frivolities of this night, workers making their way home from a long day or a late shift, youth huddled together in conspiratorial showiness.
The journey on The High Road takes them the six or seven blocks north to Saerdoun Street in the North Ward This now familiar street feels almost cozy as the coach rolls the short two blocks and pulls up outside of Trollskull manor.
"Thank you for the ride." Veil says to the driver, smiling friendily at them as she hands over a gold coin as a tip. "Please let your friends know the tavern here is open for business." She strides out, her tail twitching excitedly as she heads back into what has become home for her.
Zera smiles weakly at the carriage-driver and stumbles a bit as she enters the manor. Giving her goodnights to all, she heads to her room and much needed rest.
(As I recall her room is on the third floor, with a turret)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Amotal also thanks the driver, and follows the others into the manor. After noticing her stumble, he helps Zera up the stairs unless she says she's alright. Once she's made it to her room, he enters his. Over the bed, his two scimitars are mounted on the wall. He hangs his bow and quiver next to them, and sets his backpack and shortswords to the side of the bed, next to where his armor sits in a chair. He lies awake in the bed for a while, reminiscing about the feywild, before drifting off to sleep.
Season Roll: 7 (1 Spring 2 Summer 3 Autumn 4 Winter 5-6 Autumn 7-8 Current Season (summer))
(OOC: Unless he would obviously have donned it or I specifically say he does, Amotal doesn't wear his armor most of the time, instead leaving it at home.)
Friar Xavier waves to the others and enters via the tavern door rather than the one to the private quarters. He smiles at the few lingering patrons and then goes to help the staff behind the bar. Once the last patrons and staff have left, he walks through the tavern giving it a last check. "Looks like it was a good night.", he says outloud. The bell attached above the bar moves giving a single 'clang'. He opens the hatch behind the bar and climbs into the cellar. There he prepares himself for the evening, says his evening prayers and lies down on the cot he has pulled into an empty area of the cellar.
-------
Morning comes, the Friar awakes early, says his morning prayers and then climbs up. He then begins to prepare a meal for his companions to break their evening fast.
Amotal comes downstairs. His coloration has changed to bright gold overnight, and the green eyes have changed to a sapphire blue. While still the same eladrin, his manner is different than before. Slightly less caring and friendly, more focused and combat-ready. He still has that protective and caring manner, but it is more suppressed and hidden. "Good morning," he says. "What's the plan for today?"
Zera comes bouncing downstairs likean excited child for breakfast, a huge smile on her beautiful face her golden hair up in a ponytail. She seems fully refreshed from a good night’s rest. “Greetings, fellow heroes and honored guests of the BlackStaff! What a day that was yesterday.. I’m so excited to see what happens next. I’ve got som e new songs just bursting in my head but I’ll spare you until after you’ve woken up some.” She laughs.
Veil comes striding in, her tail twiching in amusement. "Well, do we check out another of those messages we recieved, or are we needed here at the tavern for a bit today?"
"Hmmm, indeed. A good question. While we did not run a business per se in the order, we did learn book-keeping. We seem to have made a good initial investment these past few weeks, and have broken even in the ledgers. However, should we wish to make this a bit more of an endeavor to support your quests for the good of the city, we could stand to promote the tavern a bit. I shouldn't think we need to spend all our time at it, but as they taught me in the monastery, Ilmater has given us all talents, even if we don't know it. Miss Zera, I am sure there are things you need to do by day, but perhaps to enchant our patrons with your golden voice some nights - I am sure would draw a crowd. Miss Veil, you seem to know the city quite well. Your idea to spread the word via the hirecoach driver was a good one - perhaps you know other ways to spread the word about our tavern? And Amotal, those gifts of berries you found were delicious and abundant... maybe you can find things our staff might be able to make into treats for our guests? These are merely suggestions by my meager observations of your talents thus far. Certainly if you have others, they are always welcome. Whatever we do however, the monastery has also taught me the value of a schedule... Perhaps if we break the ten-day into two parts, we can make two 5-day schedules and see how things come out at the end of this next ten-day? We can even make plans as to the other quests that have been laid before each of you. Maybe we do one quest per 5-days as well as assorted downtime activities or helping in the tavern?"
((Essentially, the characters should decide for each 5-day, whether they wish to pursue helping the tavern as listed in the OOC thread or some other downtime activity. They can trade off jobs and activities every 5-day.
They then should come to an agreement on which quest they would like to pursue each 5-day either singly or as a group and which members are needed for it e.g. - I do not see the Friar attending the opera in formal attire.
We will then run the quest(s) for the 10day and at the end I shall have all roll for their success in either their downtime activity or their contribution to the taverns running.))
Zera savors the tea, And enjoys the beauty of the room. She thinks about how ironic it is that she would be here, of all places, as a guest, after her former life of petty crime in the under-city. Fate seemed to be smiling on her… she hoped it would hold up.
she rises and gives a bow to Vajara as the wizard enters, and then sits again, trying to hide her obvious exhaustion. “It was a long climb! We found him in a hospitable state. He said to tell you, and I quote- ‘Evil’s twin hides its face for now. Expect that to change before winter’s end’ I’m afraid we don’t know more about what it means, and he didn’t explain. Hopefully it is useful. He also said some thing about the best way to win is to avoid a fight.” Zera smiles.
Friar Xavier fidgets uncomfortably, then says, "Blackstaff, I know you called me that we might take up this task for you, however, ultimately, it was Zera and the others who convinced Hlam to give us an answer to your question." He looks down, "I am sorry that my service failed you. I am trying, but just as Ober Pascal found, I tend to disappoint in the execution of my duties. "
Jhaartael - Circle of Light Team 3, Season 1 | GM - PF2e Adventure set in the Forgotten Realms
Vajra, sits a moment with her tea cup in her hands. She nods to Zera a silent thank you for the message.
"Friar Ambergrain. I did not call you because you were the strongest or the most hardy. I called you to serve your friends. As such, I really called all of you. Did you serve your companions?"
Xavier looks up, "Veil's calm presence reassured me in the climb. I was tired after the climb and feared my exhaustion would lead me to present myself poorly. I knew that Zera was used to charming against the odds as an entertainer, so I prayed that Ilmater would guide her. He favored her and Amotal provided encouragement. In the end, I suppose we all did our part."
The Blackstaff smiles and puts down her cup. She looks at each of the party before answering. "Precisely so. Some say that the Blackstaff rules the city. Others say it is the Lords of Waterdeep. Some say the Blackstaff's might protects the city. No one person can rule or protect or guide. We are always stronger together. Hlam's warning is of one who seeks power alone. Fortunately, we are not alone. The Gray Hands work to protect the city. I shall communicate Hlam's message to them, that they may be wary." She smiles even more warmly, "I shall also commend all of you to them. Who knows? Maybe someday you will like to serve in the Gray Hands. I invite you to join. I shall keep an eye on you. Should you need further assistance, you may call upon me, but do know, you already have among the four of you all you need to succeed."
She then rises. "It is late, and I must prepare this evening's lesson. Should you desire to stay for dinner, you may remain here. I shall have them bring it in, but I am afraid, I must leave you to it."
((All gain 1 point of renown with the Gray Hands))
Jhaartael - Circle of Light Team 3, Season 1 | GM - PF2e Adventure set in the Forgotten Realms
Amotal looks to the others to see what they want to do. He is relaxed in his chair, finishing the last of his tea, and is a much more vibrant orange than he previously had been.
Zera says “Thank you, I would love to stay for dinner, an opportunity I could not pass up!”
"Well, I suppose that settles it," Amotal says. "Thank you for dinner, Ma'am."
"Well, I suppose that settles it," Amotal says. "Thank you for dinner, Ma'am."
Friar Xavier thanks the Blackstaff, "By Ilmater's grace, if we may be of assistance, it will be our pleasure to serve Waterdeep, the Grey Hands and the Blackstaff. As for dinner, thank you as well. You wouldn't happen to have any cheese?"
Vajra laughs and says, "Oh yes, I shall make sure some cheese is included. The apprentices with Kitchen duty will serve dinner at sunset."
She turns and leaves saying, "It was good to meet all of you, I shall call upon you again - and I shall be watching you."
----
The adventurers make themselves comfortable waiting for dinner. Occasionally an apprentice pops in, refills the teapot, and replenishes the biscuits.
----
As the sun goes down another apprentice comes in and set the dining table.
Places set, candles lit, the adventurers take their seats at the table.
The courses then come:
An herbal aperitif, poured into water glasses and mixed with cold water forms swirling opalescent clouds of shimmering greens, golds, oranges and browns. To each its taste is reminiscent of their favorite season. This is served with dark rye crisps, a creamy goat cheese (the adventurers wonder if it is from Hlam's goats), and a bright, tart marmalade.
This is followed by a small, but fresh salad with vegetables that are not usual to find this time of year (possibly magically sourced from the tower garden). The salad is accompanied by an excellent ale.
The main course is served: a choice of rabbit or aubergine stew, with hearty bread and glasses of red wine.
Finally, the adventurers are served small tortes and digestifs of coffee or bitters. Those that wish it are offered some satisfying pipeweed.
Satisfied, proud and content, the adventurers appreciate this meal.
Jhaartael - Circle of Light Team 3, Season 1 | GM - PF2e Adventure set in the Forgotten Realms
He adds one handful of berries to his salad, and enjoys it immensely. He offers berries to the rest of the group as well.
Amotal enjoys the stew and bread. He opts for the rabbit stew, but it appears to be a hard decision.
He enjoys the dessert and coffee, and relaxes in the chair. The areas that had been green return to a rich, warm orange.
"So, what now?" he asks as everyone finishes. "Should we return to the manor?"
Zera savors everything, but particularly enjoys the rabbit, and ens the meal with a smile. She says “I’m far to tired to sing, although a meal like that inspires me. That was by far the best meal of my life.. . Let’s head back to the manor, I think I can just make it!”
Veil digs in, clearly approving of the food as well. Her ears remain flat to her head though, signalling her anxiousness at being in the wizard's tower. She eats the food readily enough though and stands by her companions until they are ready to leave this place.
The party eventually leaves Blackstaff Tower, thanking the apprentice who sees them out and sending their thanks again to Vajra.
The apprentice guides them out of the courtyard and hails a hire-coach for them. "You will want to take a coach back I imagine in this late hour. The Blackstaff would not want your repast to put you in danger." Upon learning the destination of the party, the driver thanks the apprentice for the silver Shards that are proffered and invites the party to board the coach.
"Ah, come on in, we'll git ye to Trollskull Alley safe 'nd sound."
The hire-coach rolls up Sword Street outside of Blackstaff Tower. It turns right on Calamastyr Lane and then merges with the still-bustling traffic in the late hours around The Market in Castle Ward. As they take the northern Trader's Way around this famed locale where reportedly anything can be bought or sold - for the right price, they see between the bordering houses, the lights, the crammed merchant stalls. The coach continues, turning left (north) onto The High Road. It passes or is passed by private carriages as well as the towering drays which frequent the North-South boulevards. While not able to see from their level the passengers on the top platform of the drays, they see the myriad of faces sitting inside the lower level of the drays as they pass. Party-goers laughing in anticipation or remembrance of frivolities of this night, workers making their way home from a long day or a late shift, youth huddled together in conspiratorial showiness.
The journey on The High Road takes them the six or seven blocks north to Saerdoun Street in the North Ward This now familiar street feels almost cozy as the coach rolls the short two blocks and pulls up outside of Trollskull manor.
Jhaartael - Circle of Light Team 3, Season 1 | GM - PF2e Adventure set in the Forgotten Realms
"Thank you for the ride." Veil says to the driver, smiling friendily at them as she hands over a gold coin as a tip. "Please let your friends know the tavern here is open for business." She strides out, her tail twitching excitedly as she heads back into what has become home for her.
Zera smiles weakly at the carriage-driver and stumbles a bit as she enters the manor. Giving her goodnights to all, she heads to her room and much needed rest.
(As I recall her room is on the third floor, with a turret)
Amotal also thanks the driver, and follows the others into the manor. After noticing her stumble, he helps Zera up the stairs unless she says she's alright. Once she's made it to her room, he enters his. Over the bed, his two scimitars are mounted on the wall. He hangs his bow and quiver next to them, and sets his backpack and shortswords to the side of the bed, next to where his armor sits in a chair. He lies awake in the bed for a while, reminiscing about the feywild, before drifting off to sleep.
Season Roll: 7 (1 Spring 2 Summer 3 Autumn 4 Winter 5-6 Autumn 7-8 Current Season (summer))
(OOC: Unless he would obviously have donned it or I specifically say he does, Amotal doesn't wear his armor most of the time, instead leaving it at home.)
Friar Xavier waves to the others and enters via the tavern door rather than the one to the private quarters. He smiles at the few lingering patrons and then goes to help the staff behind the bar. Once the last patrons and staff have left, he walks through the tavern giving it a last check. "Looks like it was a good night.", he says outloud. The bell attached above the bar moves giving a single 'clang'. He opens the hatch behind the bar and climbs into the cellar. There he prepares himself for the evening, says his evening prayers and lies down on the cot he has pulled into an empty area of the cellar.
-------
Morning comes, the Friar awakes early, says his morning prayers and then climbs up. He then begins to prepare a meal for his companions to break their evening fast.
Jhaartael - Circle of Light Team 3, Season 1 | GM - PF2e Adventure set in the Forgotten Realms
Amotal comes downstairs. His coloration has changed to bright gold overnight, and the green eyes have changed to a sapphire blue. While still the same eladrin, his manner is different than before. Slightly less caring and friendly, more focused and combat-ready. He still has that protective and caring manner, but it is more suppressed and hidden. "Good morning," he says. "What's the plan for today?"
Zera comes bouncing downstairs likean excited child for breakfast, a huge smile on her beautiful face her golden hair up in a ponytail. She seems fully refreshed from a good night’s rest. “Greetings, fellow heroes and honored guests of the BlackStaff! What a day that was yesterday.. I’m so excited to see what happens next. I’ve got som e new songs just bursting in my head but I’ll spare you until after you’ve woken up some.” She laughs.
Veil comes striding in, her tail twiching in amusement. "Well, do we check out another of those messages we recieved, or are we needed here at the tavern for a bit today?"
"Hmmm, indeed. A good question. While we did not run a business per se in the order, we did learn book-keeping. We seem to have made a good initial investment these past few weeks, and have broken even in the ledgers. However, should we wish to make this a bit more of an endeavor to support your quests for the good of the city, we could stand to promote the tavern a bit. I shouldn't think we need to spend all our time at it, but as they taught me in the monastery, Ilmater has given us all talents, even if we don't know it. Miss Zera, I am sure there are things you need to do by day, but perhaps to enchant our patrons with your golden voice some nights - I am sure would draw a crowd. Miss Veil, you seem to know the city quite well. Your idea to spread the word via the hirecoach driver was a good one - perhaps you know other ways to spread the word about our tavern? And Amotal, those gifts of berries you found were delicious and abundant... maybe you can find things our staff might be able to make into treats for our guests? These are merely suggestions by my meager observations of your talents thus far. Certainly if you have others, they are always welcome. Whatever we do however, the monastery has also taught me the value of a schedule... Perhaps if we break the ten-day into two parts, we can make two 5-day schedules and see how things come out at the end of this next ten-day? We can even make plans as to the other quests that have been laid before each of you. Maybe we do one quest per 5-days as well as assorted downtime activities or helping in the tavern?"
((Essentially, the characters should decide for each 5-day, whether they wish to pursue helping the tavern as listed in the OOC thread or some other downtime activity. They can trade off jobs and activities every 5-day.
They then should come to an agreement on which quest they would like to pursue each 5-day either singly or as a group and which members are needed for it e.g. - I do not see the Friar attending the opera in formal attire.
We will then run the quest(s) for the 10day and at the end I shall have all roll for their success in either their downtime activity or their contribution to the taverns running.))
Jhaartael - Circle of Light Team 3, Season 1 | GM - PF2e Adventure set in the Forgotten Realms