"Yuan-ti? And Grung? What is a Grung?" the elf asks with one raised eyebrow and clear academic interest, "Well, great job on the races investigation, you definitely have some leads for us. How would you recommend that we go about this? We can focus our efforts on trying to find out more and eventually dismantle the scheme around the event, or try our hand at undoing it from within the races... or both?"
"IF we want to do this. Probably is smart to have someone inside too.. if someone had a method for it anyway. Even if they aren't actively particpating in something-they are another point of view, and another back up plan. Arguablly it isn't a bad idea to sneak someone in and just have them watch not actively search. Newbies I bet are examined regardless of how we go about it." Ashtear hadn't ordered tonight and ponders the menu, "We might have a slight attention gathering depending on how common private bets on contests are. So, bare in mind that."
Stretching out and glancing at the door hoping none of it followed them, "Either way, we should remember that the races are just a tertiary goal. We have a lot of work to do. Payday is nice, but if we get so involved we lose sight-or even potentially incur something that forces us out of the city or stymie our way back. That is also a concern. We're relatively low key right now--but if we make a splash, and they figure out what we're up to. Fair chance we'll gather good and bad attention for the goal line."
Oranir points at Ashtear and nods, "Yes, I live where we're going with this. So who is the brave soul among us who is riding one of those gigantic reptiles? Are they even accepting new riders at this point? Do they have beasts available?"
Sayax listens to the others in silence as they discuss what is going on at the dinosaur races. He doesn't have a lot to add as this all seems a bit above his head. But when Oranir asks if there is a brave soul to ride one of the giants, he gets a big grin on his face. He looks around to his other friends as he doesn't want to step on anyones toes, but as no one is jumping at the oppotunity, by golly, he will!
"I'll do it!" he says with a bravado even he surprises himself with. "I mean, you're going to have to help me with all the logistics, but if you think it would be good to have one of us in the actual race? Why, let me give it a whirl." he smiles with all his teeth showing at his friends.
Vladimir startles from his reverie, “Did someone mention dinosaur racing? I’d love to participate. Perhaps, I could be your squire, eh Sayax? Now I have a question. That appalling singing woman, does anyone know where I could get a book of her poems?”
As the evening lingers on, the energy and sound inside The Thundering Lizard only grows louder. The bar becomes crowded and the stage is overtaken by a band of musicians. Tables and chairs empty, and the staff begin to clear a space that becomes used as a dance floor as the beat of hand drums fills the space.
(At Kaya's)
Eventually, the group makes their way back to Kaya's House of Repose. It is also near the Red Bazaar, but on a quiet side of the road in a spot prime for travelers who wish to retire to comfort following a long, hot day exploring the port. As before, bouncers guard the entrance but greet you warmly and usher you inside the grand lobby. A host desk, staffed by the same receptionist as before, is situated in the center of the room. The restaurant as less busy than it was earlier, although there are numerous patrons seated at the bar, some of them very finely dressed. Their chatter mingles gently with soft guitar music, creating a sense of comfort. To the west, a spiral staircase leads up toward rooms, a corridor to the east leads to spa rooms, and an archway behind the front desk opens into the restaurant and bar area. "Ah, welcome back," the hostess says to Oranir. "You have brought companions. How may we serve you this evening?"
(The menu of services, and cost, is available in the Discord #library. Actions?)
Oranir eyes the hostess again and immediately blushes when remembering his previous "mask" misunderstanding, "Oh... haha. Hello... again, miss. *ahem* We'll uh... need rooms for me and my companions here..." the elf waves generally on the group's direction, "Rooms and meals for six for..." looking at the others for confirmation, "Two days? Three?"
"Of course, Sir." The receptionist quickly reviews some parchments and takes several notations. "Rates are listed on the schedule, just there. Three rooms, is it? Each room comfortably sleeps two persons, though one can appreciate the enhanced space and privacy of an individual accommodation." She smiles, passing the keys. "Rooms are just up the stairs. The bar is open late to provide food and drink, as you like."
"There we go. Thank you, miss."Oranir picks the keys and nods, keeping one to himself and dangling the others in front of his companions, "I have some resarch to pick back up after reverie, so I'll appreciate the quiet. Rest well you all, tomorrow's steps will get us that much closer to our journey."
Merrick returns from the bar with a mug in one hand and pitcher in the other, both full of crisp tej. He had managed to slip away to the bar between the conversations between Oranir and Ashtear, though now returned with his tasty prizes. He drapes his arms around both Sayax and Vladimir as they offer to participate in the races. Though he was careful, a small globule of tej escapes the mug and onto the shoulder of Vladimir. Merrick pretends not to notice as he speaks up, "Erm, agreed my friends. It would be great, ummmm.. to see your participation in the races."He was both thankful for their volunteering, but also relieved that this would allow him to lay low for a while after the day's events.
"Erm... To our continued success, hm?"He raises the pitcher towards the center of the table and leads the party in a toast.
By the time they arrived at Kaya's, Merrick could feel the weariness in his bones. Some sleep would do the firbolg good, he thought, and would certainly allow for the remaining alcohol from The Thundering Lizard to pass. He let's Oranir do the talking for the group, as he couldn't trust his tongue at the moment. His mind drifted off, thinking about who he might be bunked up with, though returned swiftly at the sound of food. He holds up his index finger and tries to ask his question, "Erm... is the bar food included, ummm... in the rate?"His stomach grumbled involuntarily at the thought of food.
Vladimir takes a key and turns to the receptionist. "Do you know anything of local poets? There is a dwarven woman, who writes rhyming poems of an...um...questionable nature. Quite shocking stuff. I didn't catch her name." Looking around carefully to see if anyone is listening, he asks, "I don't suppose you know where I might find a collection of her works?"
The receptionist blushes at Vladimir's question, but her eyes travel up and down his frame, seeming to enjoy what they see. "I'm afraid I could not say, sir. There are many poets, artists, and musicians who find their way to Chult. We are attractive to many, it seems."
Vladimir's eyes go wide, suddenly understanding the impression he has made. He squeaks, "Thank you" to the receptionist and practically dashes upstairs to his room. When whoever joins him tonight arrives in the room, they find him deep in prayer.
Oranir chortles at Vladimir's reaction and starts following his path towards the rooms "Rest well, friends. Let's hope for good news and an untroubled preparations tomorrow." the elf nods respectfully and head to his room, proceeding to find a cozy spot for reverie and some hours after that get to his table for some research* and then secure some tea for some quiet stargazing.
* Noticed I hadn't added 2 spells due to level up. Magic Missiles and Shield are in there now, guess those never hurt. :)
Merrick raises an arm to his hair and gives the companions a grin. "Erm... Yes Oranir, let's, umm... hope for that." He looked around sheepishly, not wanting to go to a room by himself, and follows Vladimir into his room.
As Vladimir sits in deep prayer, a loud sound suddenly appears from behind him: SKREEEEEEECHHHHHH!
Merrick begins dragging the small couch in the room towards one of the beds. Though luxurious, the bed was obviously built for the average Chultan height, Merrick's tall stature would extend well past the end. This should help, he thought, as he brought the couch to the end of the bed to provide an extension for his legs. SKREEEEECHH!!
Unbeknown to Merrick, the space beneath the couch seldom saw the lightof day, much less a duster or broom. Dirt particles and dust gently wafted into the air, and propelled themselves via the slight breeze in the room. The dust drifted over to Vladimir and began their descent like snow upon the earth, covering the pious paladin in a soft veneer of aged grime and soot.
Satsified with his newly lengthened bed, Merrick scratches himself under his armpit, gives a massive yawn, and collapses into the bed.
Several quiet moments pass, allowing for Vladimir's prayers to continue. Then suddenly, the snoring begins.
Sayax yawns loudly down at the table and figures it is time for him to head up. He grabs one of the keys and finds the room it belongs to. Enjoying the comfort while he can before heading out into the jungle.
"Hummmmmm. Well. I guess that settles that! So sleep, then breakfast, then a proper day of sorting. Honestly, some quite time would be good." As they break off she will ask the service, "What's a Big Patch? Do you know what plays the theater tonight?"
(ultimately. Ashtear will buy her own private room, meals included. gold/silver marked.~ )
Laderan watches as the others disappear to the rooms. He has been unusually quiet and subdued throught the reunion and discussions up to now. As the party start to break apart, he quickly offers to each, "If anyone needs tbings stored ahead of the journey, stick them in a pack and I can dump.. Err, store them safely in my home from home. I think I mentioned, it isn't ready access, so I wouldn't want to be taking your best sword or anything. Rations, Tej, or camp gear I can probably manage to cut down on the number of pack mules we will need."
After the others have retired Laderan sits by himself at the bar, ordering a pitcher of spiced wine, and similar to Ashtear he sets himself up with an all -inclusive room for two nights. He sits at the bar, head hung low over his pitcher, sipping at occassionally as he tries to work out what went so wrong with his plan. He'd just blindly stumbled forward, talking the sense right out of Taban. That was the first probelm, he hadn't really done enough to secure the gold before the fight started, and he'd talked so fast he couldn't back up. No, it had seemed such a clever ruse at the time but when it came to it, all he had acheived was watching Merrick get punched, and then made off with a pouch of gold like a common thief. Well, the gold wasn't all that bad in fairness. There was just no panache to the whole affair. He watched some truly gifted swindlers in his time, people who made things look so easy as they casualy steered their mark exactly where they wanted them. Laderan realised there was a world of difference between himself and those folks that had seemed so easy and confident in themselves.
He looked down at the now empty pitcher, his reverie done with and the rabbitkin now resolved to improve his outlandish bravado. Go big or go home, that's what the folks at the carnival had said. Well, he doubted he could go home, so going big was all he had left.
He retired to the room, and followed his usual routine, wiggling himself into his earing for the few hours he could manage in there. Stowing the trinkets of the day and the items that his colleagues had shared with him. Then he slept.
"Hummmmmm. Well. I guess that settles that! So sleep, then breakfast, then a proper day of sorting. Honestly, some quite time would be good." As they break off she will ask the service, "What's a Big Patch? Do you know what plays the theater tonight?"
The receptionist nods. "Of course." She reaches beneath her desk and reveals a small display case of Kaya's logo patches. "These would be sewn or otherwise attached to your backpacks, luggage, or anything else you so desire. Many travelers take pride in having visited upon us, as our reputation is known far and wide as a destination for those with exotic and refined taste. It is something of a status symbol to display your patronage of our fair establishment, which is far superior to the city's public bathhouse. Why, I have heard tell that theft of patron lockers is on the rise there. Your belongings are much safer with us!"
She looks back toward the restaurant entrance. "Yes, our theater is located off of the main restaurant space. Unfortunately we deeply regret that tonight's performance was refunded to ticket holders. We had booked the performer Vartak, but he did not appear. I understand his last performance was two days ago with Merchant Prince Kwayothé."
---------------------------------------
Kaya's House of Repose lives up to its name that night. The rooms are richly appointed and offer the perfect blend of beauty, elegance, and comfort. The pillow top beds are so thick that you practically sink into them, with fluffy pillows and silken sheets that caress the skin. Laderan might be genuinely torn between the security of his hideaway compared to the comfort of the bedding.
The night passes every so peacefully within Kaya's. Somehow, even the sounds of the busy city streets, streets that never truly sleep, never seem to penetrate the sanctuary of the hotel.
In the morning, you gently stir and open your eyes to the most beautiful golden sunlight, soft but warm, gently filtering through stained glass panels installed above the shuttered windows.
(Actions this morning? A couple of possible investigation hooks above.)
"Yuan-ti? And Grung? What is a Grung?" the elf asks with one raised eyebrow and clear academic interest, "Well, great job on the races investigation, you definitely have some leads for us. How would you recommend that we go about this? We can focus our efforts on trying to find out more and eventually dismantle the scheme around the event, or try our hand at undoing it from within the races... or both?"
Art Portfolio
"IF we want to do this. Probably is smart to have someone inside too.. if someone had a method for it anyway. Even if they aren't actively particpating in something-they are another point of view, and another back up plan. Arguablly it isn't a bad idea to sneak someone in and just have them watch not actively search. Newbies I bet are examined regardless of how we go about it." Ashtear hadn't ordered tonight and ponders the menu, "We might have a slight attention gathering depending on how common private bets on contests are. So, bare in mind that."
Stretching out and glancing at the door hoping none of it followed them, "Either way, we should remember that the races are just a tertiary goal. We have a lot of work to do. Payday is nice, but if we get so involved we lose sight-or even potentially incur something that forces us out of the city or stymie our way back. That is also a concern. We're relatively low key right now--but if we make a splash, and they figure out what we're up to. Fair chance we'll gather good and bad attention for the goal line."
Oranir points at Ashtear and nods, "Yes, I live where we're going with this. So who is the brave soul among us who is riding one of those gigantic reptiles? Are they even accepting new riders at this point? Do they have beasts available?"
Art Portfolio
Sayax listens to the others in silence as they discuss what is going on at the dinosaur races. He doesn't have a lot to add as this all seems a bit above his head. But when Oranir asks if there is a brave soul to ride one of the giants, he gets a big grin on his face. He looks around to his other friends as he doesn't want to step on anyones toes, but as no one is jumping at the oppotunity, by golly, he will!
"I'll do it!" he says with a bravado even he surprises himself with. "I mean, you're going to have to help me with all the logistics, but if you think it would be good to have one of us in the actual race? Why, let me give it a whirl." he smiles with all his teeth showing at his friends.
Vladimir startles from his reverie, “Did someone mention dinosaur racing? I’d love to participate. Perhaps, I could be your squire, eh Sayax? Now I have a question. That appalling singing woman, does anyone know where I could get a book of her poems?”
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
As the evening lingers on, the energy and sound inside The Thundering Lizard only grows louder. The bar becomes crowded and the stage is overtaken by a band of musicians. Tables and chairs empty, and the staff begin to clear a space that becomes used as a dance floor as the beat of hand drums fills the space.
(At Kaya's)
Eventually, the group makes their way back to Kaya's House of Repose. It is also near the Red Bazaar, but on a quiet side of the road in a spot prime for travelers who wish to retire to comfort following a long, hot day exploring the port. As before, bouncers guard the entrance but greet you warmly and usher you inside the grand lobby. A host desk, staffed by the same receptionist as before, is situated in the center of the room. The restaurant as less busy than it was earlier, although there are numerous patrons seated at the bar, some of them very finely dressed. Their chatter mingles gently with soft guitar music, creating a sense of comfort. To the west, a spiral staircase leads up toward rooms, a corridor to the east leads to spa rooms, and an archway behind the front desk opens into the restaurant and bar area. "Ah, welcome back," the hostess says to Oranir. "You have brought companions. How may we serve you this evening?"
(The menu of services, and cost, is available in the Discord #library. Actions?)
Oranir eyes the hostess again and immediately blushes when remembering his previous "mask" misunderstanding, "Oh... haha. Hello... again, miss. *ahem* We'll uh... need rooms for me and my companions here..." the elf waves generally on the group's direction, "Rooms and meals for six for..." looking at the others for confirmation, "Two days? Three?"
Art Portfolio
"Of course, Sir." The receptionist quickly reviews some parchments and takes several notations. "Rates are listed on the schedule, just there. Three rooms, is it? Each room comfortably sleeps two persons, though one can appreciate the enhanced space and privacy of an individual accommodation." She smiles, passing the keys. "Rooms are just up the stairs. The bar is open late to provide food and drink, as you like."
"There we go. Thank you, miss." Oranir picks the keys and nods, keeping one to himself and dangling the others in front of his companions, "I have some resarch to pick back up after reverie, so I'll appreciate the quiet. Rest well you all, tomorrow's steps will get us that much closer to our journey."
Art Portfolio
(Jumping back a bit)
Merrick returns from the bar with a mug in one hand and pitcher in the other, both full of crisp tej. He had managed to slip away to the bar between the conversations between Oranir and Ashtear, though now returned with his tasty prizes. He drapes his arms around both Sayax and Vladimir as they offer to participate in the races. Though he was careful, a small globule of tej escapes the mug and onto the shoulder of Vladimir. Merrick pretends not to notice as he speaks up, "Erm, agreed my friends. It would be great, ummmm.. to see your participation in the races." He was both thankful for their volunteering, but also relieved that this would allow him to lay low for a while after the day's events.
"Erm... To our continued success, hm?" He raises the pitcher towards the center of the table and leads the party in a toast.
By the time they arrived at Kaya's, Merrick could feel the weariness in his bones. Some sleep would do the firbolg good, he thought, and would certainly allow for the remaining alcohol from The Thundering Lizard to pass. He let's Oranir do the talking for the group, as he couldn't trust his tongue at the moment. His mind drifted off, thinking about who he might be bunked up with, though returned swiftly at the sound of food. He holds up his index finger and tries to ask his question, "Erm... is the bar food included, ummm... in the rate?" His stomach grumbled involuntarily at the thought of food.
Vladimir takes a key and turns to the receptionist. "Do you know anything of local poets? There is a dwarven woman, who writes rhyming poems of an...um...questionable nature. Quite shocking stuff. I didn't catch her name." Looking around carefully to see if anyone is listening, he asks, "I don't suppose you know where I might find a collection of her works?"
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
The receptionist blushes at Vladimir's question, but her eyes travel up and down his frame, seeming to enjoy what they see. "I'm afraid I could not say, sir. There are many poets, artists, and musicians who find their way to Chult. We are attractive to many, it seems."
Vladimir's eyes go wide, suddenly understanding the impression he has made. He squeaks, "Thank you" to the receptionist and practically dashes upstairs to his room. When whoever joins him tonight arrives in the room, they find him deep in prayer.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Oranir chortles at Vladimir's reaction and starts following his path towards the rooms "Rest well, friends. Let's hope for good news and an untroubled preparations tomorrow." the elf nods respectfully and head to his room, proceeding to find a cozy spot for reverie and some hours after that get to his table for some research* and then secure some tea for some quiet stargazing.
* Noticed I hadn't added 2 spells due to level up. Magic Missiles and Shield are in there now, guess those never hurt. :)
Art Portfolio
Merrick raises an arm to his hair and gives the companions a grin. "Erm... Yes Oranir, let's, umm... hope for that." He looked around sheepishly, not wanting to go to a room by himself, and follows Vladimir into his room.
As Vladimir sits in deep prayer, a loud sound suddenly appears from behind him: SKREEEEEEECHHHHHH!
Merrick begins dragging the small couch in the room towards one of the beds. Though luxurious, the bed was obviously built for the average Chultan height, Merrick's tall stature would extend well past the end. This should help, he thought, as he brought the couch to the end of the bed to provide an extension for his legs. SKREEEEECHH!!
Unbeknown to Merrick, the space beneath the couch seldom saw the lightof day, much less a duster or broom. Dirt particles and dust gently wafted into the air, and propelled themselves via the slight breeze in the room. The dust drifted over to Vladimir and began their descent like snow upon the earth, covering the pious paladin in a soft veneer of aged grime and soot.
Satsified with his newly lengthened bed, Merrick scratches himself under his armpit, gives a massive yawn, and collapses into the bed.
Several quiet moments pass, allowing for Vladimir's prayers to continue. Then suddenly, the snoring begins.
... ZZZZZ...ZzzZZZZ...hngGGGgghhh...PPhHhhnggbbww...zzzzzZZZzzz...
Vladimir stays up for another hour, praying fervently for his good friend Merrick’s health.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Sayax yawns loudly down at the table and figures it is time for him to head up. He grabs one of the keys and finds the room it belongs to. Enjoying the comfort while he can before heading out into the jungle.
"Hummmmmm. Well. I guess that settles that! So sleep, then breakfast, then a proper day of sorting. Honestly, some quite time would be good." As they break off she will ask the service, "What's a Big Patch? Do you know what plays the theater tonight?"
(ultimately. Ashtear will buy her own private room, meals included. gold/silver marked.~ )
Laderan watches as the others disappear to the rooms. He has been unusually quiet and subdued throught the reunion and discussions up to now. As the party start to break apart, he quickly offers to each, "If anyone needs tbings stored ahead of the journey, stick them in a pack and I can dump.. Err, store them safely in my home from home. I think I mentioned, it isn't ready access, so I wouldn't want to be taking your best sword or anything. Rations, Tej, or camp gear I can probably manage to cut down on the number of pack mules we will need."
After the others have retired Laderan sits by himself at the bar, ordering a pitcher of spiced wine, and similar to Ashtear he sets himself up with an all -inclusive room for two nights. He sits at the bar, head hung low over his pitcher, sipping at occassionally as he tries to work out what went so wrong with his plan. He'd just blindly stumbled forward, talking the sense right out of Taban. That was the first probelm, he hadn't really done enough to secure the gold before the fight started, and he'd talked so fast he couldn't back up. No, it had seemed such a clever ruse at the time but when it came to it, all he had acheived was watching Merrick get punched, and then made off with a pouch of gold like a common thief. Well, the gold wasn't all that bad in fairness. There was just no panache to the whole affair. He watched some truly gifted swindlers in his time, people who made things look so easy as they casualy steered their mark exactly where they wanted them. Laderan realised there was a world of difference between himself and those folks that had seemed so easy and confident in themselves.
He looked down at the now empty pitcher, his reverie done with and the rabbitkin now resolved to improve his outlandish bravado. Go big or go home, that's what the folks at the carnival had said. Well, he doubted he could go home, so going big was all he had left.
He retired to the room, and followed his usual routine, wiggling himself into his earing for the few hours he could manage in there. Stowing the trinkets of the day and the items that his colleagues had shared with him. Then he slept.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
The receptionist nods. "Of course." She reaches beneath her desk and reveals a small display case of Kaya's logo patches. "These would be sewn or otherwise attached to your backpacks, luggage, or anything else you so desire. Many travelers take pride in having visited upon us, as our reputation is known far and wide as a destination for those with exotic and refined taste. It is something of a status symbol to display your patronage of our fair establishment, which is far superior to the city's public bathhouse. Why, I have heard tell that theft of patron lockers is on the rise there. Your belongings are much safer with us!"
She looks back toward the restaurant entrance. "Yes, our theater is located off of the main restaurant space. Unfortunately we deeply regret that tonight's performance was refunded to ticket holders. We had booked the performer Vartak, but he did not appear. I understand his last performance was two days ago with Merchant Prince Kwayothé."
---------------------------------------
Kaya's House of Repose lives up to its name that night. The rooms are richly appointed and offer the perfect blend of beauty, elegance, and comfort. The pillow top beds are so thick that you practically sink into them, with fluffy pillows and silken sheets that caress the skin. Laderan might be genuinely torn between the security of his hideaway compared to the comfort of the bedding.
The night passes every so peacefully within Kaya's. Somehow, even the sounds of the busy city streets, streets that never truly sleep, never seem to penetrate the sanctuary of the hotel.
In the morning, you gently stir and open your eyes to the most beautiful golden sunlight, soft but warm, gently filtering through stained glass panels installed above the shuttered windows.
(Actions this morning? A couple of possible investigation hooks above.)