You have all travelled the road together, travelling companions seeking to see the world, sharing the same caravan and stories, such as the wonders of your hometowns, your histories and your homes that your appetite has outgrown, whether great cities or sleepy farm towns. One day, you came upon the village of Oakhurst. The caravan you came with was that of a simple merchant who wanted his supplies guarded along some of the more treacherous roads to this small hamlet. The merchant was also happy to have some company along the way. You all arrived safely in Oakhurst. It has no more than 900 residents, including its outlying farms. The spread is mostly human with a sizable minority of halflings and a scattering of other races. You are in the Ol' Boar Inn. A warm fire dances and crackles in the hearth. It is a comforting contrast to the below freezing temperatures outside. The winter has been harsh in Oakhurst. A strong gale whistles through the windows of the Ol' Boar. The tall and slender half-elf bard named Taliesin Andrelus is about to perform in the common room. The young human wizard, Brom Greenstone sits alone at a table with his quarterstaff leaning against the wall beside him, his nose moving between a large leather covered book and a half eaten trencher of food. The more perceptive will note that he always keeps an eye on the door. A silver dragonborn, Barinn is sitting down with an ale in hand and sharing a drink with his dwarven and human acquaintances Darvek Ironskin and Azar Deepbright. As a dragonborn, Barinn's presence is met with many fearful and concerned stares from the Inn's patrons. Barinn looks over six and a half feet tall. Most of his scales are iridescent silver except for his scales down the front of his neck, chest, and abdomen which are more matte grey. He has a sail on his head positioned like a mohawk, a sail on his chin like a goatee, and two sails just below his horns which are positioned on his temples and point toward his back. His shoulders and back sport a large jet-black outline tattoo depicting Bahamut the Platinum Dragon. He wears a simple blue tunic and tan trousers. Darvek is around 4 feet tall, though not as broad as most dwarves. He has a well-groomed orange beard that reaches down to the middle of his chest. He keeps the hair atop his head short cut. His apparel appears to be leathers, rather than the traditional heavy armour of his kin. Azar, glad his duty escorting the caravan is now over is beginning to let his guard down. Having his ear chewed off by Brom about their mutual homeland around Waterdeep, helped break the ice a little. Azar stands just under six feet and is muscular. He has raven dark hair cut short and the light complexion of a city man. Vercinius Thrax is enjoying himself at the bar after a long day on the road. He towers over most of the patrons and proudly shows off his mighty half-orc phsyhice. His skin has a purple hue but many of his features favor his human side. Some might even call him handsome. He takes a deep swig from his ale but spills much of it as he laughs at a crude joke shouted out by another patron. As he gawfawes he reaches out to slap one of his companions on the back, revealing a bizarre tattoo on his right arm. “That is the greatest tale ever told friend! How did ya ever manage to eat the whole damn thing?!” Thrax loves places like the Ol’Boar, after living so long on his small farm, he appreciates the mix of people he can find at these road stop Inns. Since leaving home he has lazily floated along the trade routes, following the the best jobs he can find... making money where he can, enjoying the good times, and toughing it out during the bad. This was one of the good times so he takes out another coin and orders a stronger brew. He then takes his spot at the bar to look around the rest of the tavern. Taliesin, dressed in his entertainer's clothes and walks to the front of the inn. "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Ol' Boar Inn! Tonight we have a special surprise for you all! My name is Taliesin Andrelus and I am a well known comedian, musician, magician, and entertainer! Tonight however, I will be a comedian for you all!" "To start off, who here has heard of the story about the broken sword?" Everyone in the tavern looks around confused, of course they haven't heard a story about a broken sword. What's so special about the broken sword? "Never mind, it's pointless" says Taliesin. Moving along, Taliesin tells his next joke, "A werebear walks into a bar and says, "I'd like a beer...................... and some nuts." The barkeeper says, "Hey buddy, why the big pause?" "Finally for my last and final joke. Well, I guess it's more of a funny story than a joke, but either way here it is!" "An elf and a dwarf come across a drow in the woods while adventuring. Preparing to attack, they are shocked to find an Efreeti which offers the three each one wish. The dwarf asks for his home hold to be filled with the best defensive weaponry possible. Not to be outdone, the elf asks for his home city to be surrounded by a huge, impenetrable wall, with no crack, crevice or even gate to fully ensure his people's safety. When it comes to the drow's turn, he thinks for a minute. 'How high is this wall?' he asks. 'About 30 feet' replies the Efreeti. 'And it's completely impenetrable?' 'Yes'. Again, the Drow thinks, before finally opening his mouth to declare his wish. 'Fill it with water'" The crowd in the common room begin to roar with laughter and the air is filled with clapping and cheering.
[A mug of ale is four copper pieces so anyone with a drink deduct the required amount from your wealth.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Adventure's I've published on DMs Guild: The Temple of Bhaal - A gothic horror themed "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters. The Palace of Evendur - An ethereal fairy tale "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
Barinn sprays out half half his ale in laughter and pounds the table with his meaty claw. He earnestly excuses himself from Darvek and Azar, and stomps over to the bar. "Two more ales!" he bellows, adding a quiet "please" after a moment of mindfulness. Once the bartender fills the mugs, he scoops them up, lays down a silver and rushes across the room. Brom sees the large dragonborn confidently dash over to him and thrust out a mug. "Why don't you come join us for a drink?" Barinn says with a mouthful of smiling teeth.
Brom looks up at Barinn, smiles, and snaps his book shut. "How could I refuse such a generous offer and that huge smile" Somehow managing to grab all of his gear, his dinner, and Barinnn's offered ale he moves over to the other table and joins Darvek and Azar. "It's a damn sight better in here tonight instead of being on the open road."
Sitting at the table he takes a big gulp of the ale and says, "Thank Selune I have found some good companions at last. It's been along lonely journey. Next round is on me!"
The bar tender is a middle aged human man with dark thinning hair and a handle bar moustache. For his age he still looks lean and strong. He has serious, chiselled features that have a deep look of concentration even when pulling an ale from the tap. He flicks 2 copper pieces across the bar towards the spot that Barinn was just stood. "Change," he says sternly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Adventure's I've published on DMs Guild: The Temple of Bhaal - A gothic horror themed "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters. The Palace of Evendur - An ethereal fairy tale "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
Azar comes to the bartender and smiles a weary smile. "I'd like to order .." he looks back to see that they are now four at the table "Four tankards of ale please and whatever you can serve as food that is worth 2 coppers." he puts a silver piece on the bar.
"Would do I talk to to get a layout of the surroundings ?" He adds fishing for a few coppers pieces and making a show of it, to add in case he likes the answers.
The bartender pours four mugs confidently and slides them across the bar. "Can send over a loaf o' bread for 2 copper. As far as surroundings go, there really aint much to look at. We got the Village Hall, where you'll find Mayor Vurnor Leng. If yer wantin' supplies we got Krowyn's General Store or the Blacksmith's. There's also the shrine and, well, that's just about it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Adventure's I've published on DMs Guild: The Temple of Bhaal - A gothic horror themed "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters. The Palace of Evendur - An ethereal fairy tale "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
Vercinius Thrax bellows out another laugh and slaps his knee as Taleisin finishes his set. He approaches the bard, while raising his glass “Well told my friend! I do always love a good laugh. Would love to hear once you finish the one about the broken sword though... “
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Taliesin makes his way over to the table with Vercinius and explains to him why the story was pointless. It's a broken sword, broken swords are pointless. The whole story about the broken sword is that it's pointless XD
Thrax smiles and nods, "I see, yes... yes.. very uh..." suddenly his eyes widen and Thrax slams his fist on the table as his face brightens with understanding. "ha-HA! POINTLESS! Ah, the sword is bro-hehehe I get it."
He sits down at an open spot at the table with his companions. "These are fine times my friends! We have food in our belly, and drink in our glass! We sit here warm by the fire while the bitter cold bites outside! Fortune smiles upon us!" He raises his glass and drinks deeply.
"I really liked the pause one. I thought you forgot what you were saying there for a moment, ha-ha"
Barinn hears the bartender and sees Azar coming with the next round. "Looks like he beat you to it Brom" he chuckles as he rises from the table and makes his way back to the bar. Picking his two copper off the ground he places his change back on the bar. "A loaf of bread sounds good."
He looks around the room, frowning slightly and turning away when he is met with concerned stares. He listens for anyone talking about someone in need or another potential job.
Ah what a day! Finally some time to sit back and relax. Honestly I'm real happy that escort job went well, would've been a real nuisance if some tried to attack us...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Various patrons flick the odd coin in Taliesin's direction or place them in his hand after the performance. He receives 20 silver pieces." He also recalls, as do you all, from conversations with the merchant Grimfinkel who gave you a short descriptive overview of Oakhurst, that the bartender 's name is Garon.
"Ill fetch yer loaf over to yer table." Garon tells Barinn.
Barinn hears talk among three farmer looking types, two men and a woman, discussing that they don’t graze their stock too far afield these days. They’re frightened by stories of new monsters that maraud by night. From time to time, cattle and people who have gone out alone at night have been found dead the next day, bearing dozens of needle-like wounds. No one has seen the creatures that cause this mayhem, nor do they leave a discernible trail.
"You can hold onto the four silver for your meats and vegetables. Good performance." Garon says to Taliesin waving a hand from across the common room.
Grimfinkel enters the inn at this point after tying off the wagon. He blows out his long moustaches and rubs his hands together to get them warm. He is a tall weather beaten male of perhaps seventy.
Adventure's I've published on DMs Guild: The Temple of Bhaal - A gothic horror themed "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters. The Palace of Evendur - An ethereal fairy tale "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
Brom's cheeks are hurting from all of the smiling and laughter. The last week or so had been one of the best times in his life. Certainly better than the moths just before.
Seeing Grimfinkel come through the door and Azar wave him over made him very happy. It was good to have these more experienced travellers to talk to and learn from. He really hope Grimfinkel would open up and tell a few stories as he sometimes did while they all ate. A man who had been on the road for so many years and had seen so many places sure had a lot of interesting stories. If Brom or his companions had to spot him a few brews to get him to open up he was sure it was coin well spent.
Sure thing .That sounds reasonable enough. Especially in light of keeping the patrons entertained on such a cold night.
Quote from Tyrannosary >> @tomgetsworse can we assume I went up to the innkeeper before I performed and asked him if he'd be willing to give me free room and board if I run a performance to his liking?
You have all travelled the road together, travelling companions seeking to see the world, sharing the same caravan and stories, such as the wonders of your hometowns, your histories and your homes that your appetite has outgrown, whether great cities or sleepy farm towns.
One day, you came upon the village of Oakhurst. The caravan you came with was that of a simple merchant who wanted his supplies guarded along some of the more treacherous roads to this small hamlet. The merchant was also happy to have some company along the way.
You all arrived safely in Oakhurst. It has no more than 900 residents, including its outlying farms. The spread is mostly human with a sizable minority of halflings and a scattering of other races.
You are in the Ol' Boar Inn. A warm fire dances and crackles in the hearth. It is a comforting contrast to the below freezing temperatures outside. The winter has been harsh in Oakhurst. A strong gale whistles through the windows of the Ol' Boar.
The tall and slender half-elf bard named Taliesin Andrelus is about to perform in the common room.
The young human wizard, Brom Greenstone sits alone at a table with his quarterstaff leaning against the wall beside him, his nose moving between a large leather covered book and a half eaten trencher of food. The more perceptive will note that he always keeps an eye on the door.
A silver dragonborn, Barinn is sitting down with an ale in hand and sharing a drink with his dwarven and human acquaintances Darvek Ironskin and Azar Deepbright. As a dragonborn, Barinn's presence is met with many fearful and concerned stares from the Inn's patrons.
Barinn looks over six and a half feet tall. Most of his scales are iridescent silver except for his scales down the front of his neck, chest, and abdomen which are more matte grey. He has a sail on his head positioned like a mohawk, a sail on his chin like a goatee, and two sails just below his horns which are positioned on his temples and point toward his back. His shoulders and back sport a large jet-black outline tattoo depicting Bahamut the Platinum Dragon. He wears a simple blue tunic and tan trousers.
Darvek is around 4 feet tall, though not as broad as most dwarves. He has a well-groomed orange beard that reaches down to the middle of his chest. He keeps the hair atop his head short cut. His apparel appears to be leathers, rather than the traditional heavy armour of his kin.
Azar, glad his duty escorting the caravan is now over is beginning to let his guard down. Having his ear chewed off by Brom about their mutual homeland around Waterdeep, helped break the ice a little. Azar stands just under six feet and is muscular. He has raven dark hair cut short and the light complexion of a city man.
Vercinius Thrax is enjoying himself at the bar after a long day on the road. He towers over most of the patrons and proudly shows off his mighty half-orc phsyhice. His skin has a purple hue but many of his features favor his human side. Some might even call him handsome. He takes a deep swig from his ale but spills much of it as he laughs at a crude joke shouted out by another patron. As he gawfawes he reaches out to slap one of his companions on the back, revealing a bizarre tattoo on his right arm. “That is the greatest tale ever told friend! How did ya ever manage to eat the whole damn thing?!”
Thrax loves places like the Ol’Boar, after living so long on his small farm, he appreciates the mix of people he can find at these road stop Inns. Since leaving home he has lazily floated along the trade routes, following the the best jobs he can find... making money where he can, enjoying the good times, and toughing it out during the bad. This was one of the good times so he takes out another coin and orders a stronger brew. He then takes his spot at the bar to look around the rest of the tavern.
Taliesin, dressed in his entertainer's clothes and walks to the front of the inn.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Ol' Boar Inn! Tonight we have a special surprise for you all! My name is Taliesin Andrelus and I am a well known comedian, musician, magician, and entertainer! Tonight however, I will be a comedian for you all!"
"To start off, who here has heard of the story about the broken sword?"
Everyone in the tavern looks around confused, of course they haven't heard a story about a broken sword. What's so special about the broken sword?
"Never mind, it's pointless" says Taliesin.
Moving along, Taliesin tells his next joke, "A werebear walks into a bar and says, "I'd like a beer...................... and some nuts."
The barkeeper says, "Hey buddy, why the big pause?"
"Finally for my last and final joke. Well, I guess it's more of a funny story than a joke, but either way here it is!"
"An elf and a dwarf come across a drow in the woods while adventuring. Preparing to attack, they are shocked to find an Efreeti which offers the three each one wish. The dwarf asks for his home hold to be filled with the best defensive weaponry possible. Not to be outdone, the elf asks for his home city to be surrounded by a huge, impenetrable wall, with no crack, crevice or even gate to fully ensure his people's safety. When it comes to the drow's turn, he thinks for a minute. 'How high is this wall?' he asks. 'About 30 feet' replies the Efreeti. 'And it's completely impenetrable?'
'Yes'. Again, the Drow thinks, before finally opening his mouth to declare his wish. 'Fill it with water'"
The crowd in the common room begin to roar with laughter and the air is filled with clapping and cheering.
[A mug of ale is four copper pieces so anyone with a drink deduct the required amount from your wealth.]
Adventure's I've published on DMs Guild:
The Temple of Bhaal - A gothic horror themed "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
The Palace of Evendur - An ethereal fairy tale "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
My DnD Play Podcast:
Monday Night Smite: a D&D Play Podcast
Barinn sprays out half half his ale in laughter and pounds the table with his meaty claw. He earnestly excuses himself from Darvek and Azar, and stomps over to the bar. "Two more ales!" he bellows, adding a quiet "please" after a moment of mindfulness. Once the bartender fills the mugs, he scoops them up, lays down a silver and rushes across the room. Brom sees the large dragonborn confidently dash over to him and thrust out a mug. "Why don't you come join us for a drink?" Barinn says with a mouthful of smiling teeth.
Azar smiles at the large dragonborn enthusiasm and looks at Dravek. "I always had a knack to find the rowdiest ones."
Azar looks around to see if anyone is ill or as a wound.
"You want another ?" he says getting up. "I'm going to ask a few things to the bartender see if there is a temple around."
Writing a Story
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/story-lore/27837-magister-reborn-story-thread
Brom looks up at Barinn, smiles, and snaps his book shut. "How could I refuse such a generous offer and that huge smile" Somehow managing to grab all of his gear, his dinner, and Barinnn's offered ale he moves over to the other table and joins Darvek and Azar. "It's a damn sight better in here tonight instead of being on the open road."
Sitting at the table he takes a big gulp of the ale and says, "Thank Selune I have found some good companions at last. It's been along lonely journey. Next round is on me!"
The bar tender is a middle aged human man with dark thinning hair and a handle bar moustache. For his age he still looks lean and strong. He has serious, chiselled features that have a deep look of concentration even when pulling an ale from the tap. He flicks 2 copper pieces across the bar towards the spot that Barinn was just stood.
"Change," he says sternly.
Adventure's I've published on DMs Guild:
The Temple of Bhaal - A gothic horror themed "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
The Palace of Evendur - An ethereal fairy tale "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
My DnD Play Podcast:
Monday Night Smite: a D&D Play Podcast
Azar comes to the bartender and smiles a weary smile. "I'd like to order .." he looks back to see that they are now four at the table "Four tankards of ale please and whatever you can serve as food that is worth 2 coppers." he puts a silver piece on the bar.
"Would do I talk to to get a layout of the surroundings ?" He adds fishing for a few coppers pieces and making a show of it, to add in case he likes the answers.
Writing a Story
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/story-lore/27837-magister-reborn-story-thread
The bartender pours four mugs confidently and slides them across the bar.
"Can send over a loaf o' bread for 2 copper. As far as surroundings go, there really aint much to look at. We got the Village Hall, where you'll find Mayor Vurnor Leng. If yer wantin' supplies we got Krowyn's General Store or the Blacksmith's. There's also the shrine and, well, that's just about it."
Adventure's I've published on DMs Guild:
The Temple of Bhaal - A gothic horror themed "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
The Palace of Evendur - An ethereal fairy tale "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
My DnD Play Podcast:
Monday Night Smite: a D&D Play Podcast
Vercinius Thrax bellows out another laugh and slaps his knee as Taleisin finishes his set. He approaches the bard, while raising his glass “Well told my friend! I do always love a good laugh. Would love to hear once you finish the one about the broken sword though... “
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Ha Ha! No worries my friend! Let's go back and join the others for some merriments before bed.
(Did patrons end up throwing any coins or anything at Taliesin for his performance?)
Taliesin makes his way over to the table with Vercinius and explains to him why the story was pointless. It's a broken sword, broken swords are pointless. The whole story about the broken sword is that it's pointless XD
Thrax smiles and nods, "I see, yes... yes.. very uh..." suddenly his eyes widen and Thrax slams his fist on the table as his face brightens with understanding. "ha-HA! POINTLESS! Ah, the sword is bro-hehehe I get it."
He sits down at an open spot at the table with his companions. "These are fine times my friends! We have food in our belly, and drink in our glass! We sit here warm by the fire while the bitter cold bites outside! Fortune smiles upon us!" He raises his glass and drinks deeply.
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Yes, cheers!
"I really liked the pause one. I thought you forgot what you were saying there for a moment, ha-ha"
Barinn hears the bartender and sees Azar coming with the next round. "Looks like he beat you to it Brom" he chuckles as he rises from the table and makes his way back to the bar. Picking his two copper off the ground he places his change back on the bar. "A loaf of bread sounds good."
He looks around the room, frowning slightly and turning away when he is met with concerned stares. He listens for anyone talking about someone in need or another potential job.
What's the bartenders name?
Hey _________, nice job on the drink! Would you mind bringing me a hot plate of meats and vegetables? Thanks mate!
Ah what a day! Finally some time to sit back and relax. Honestly I'm real happy that escort job went well, would've been a real nuisance if some tried to attack us...
Various patrons flick the odd coin in Taliesin's direction or place them in his hand after the performance. He receives 20 silver pieces." He also recalls, as do you all, from conversations with the merchant Grimfinkel who gave you a short descriptive overview of Oakhurst, that the bartender 's name is Garon.
"Ill fetch yer loaf over to yer table." Garon tells Barinn.
Barinn hears talk among three farmer looking types, two men and a woman, discussing that they don’t graze their stock too far afield these days. They’re frightened by stories of new monsters that maraud by night. From time to time, cattle and people who have gone out alone at night have been found dead the next day, bearing dozens of needle-like wounds. No one has seen the creatures that cause this mayhem, nor do they leave a discernible trail.
"You can hold onto the four silver for your meats and vegetables. Good performance." Garon says to Taliesin waving a hand from across the common room.
Grimfinkel enters the inn at this point after tying off the wagon. He blows out his long moustaches and rubs his hands together to get them warm. He is a tall weather beaten male of perhaps seventy.
Adventure's I've published on DMs Guild:
The Temple of Bhaal - A gothic horror themed "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
The Palace of Evendur - An ethereal fairy tale "one-shot" single session adventure for 1st level characters.
My DnD Play Podcast:
Monday Night Smite: a D&D Play Podcast
Azar waves him over and pulls a chair for him.
"First one on me sir." He says trying to catch the attention of the bartender or a serving girl.
Writing a Story
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/story-lore/27837-magister-reborn-story-thread
Brom's cheeks are hurting from all of the smiling and laughter. The last week or so had been one of the best times in his life. Certainly better than the moths just before.
Seeing Grimfinkel come through the door and Azar wave him over made him very happy. It was good to have these more experienced travellers to talk to and learn from. He really hope Grimfinkel would open up and tell a few stories as he sometimes did while they all ate. A man who had been on the road for so many years and had seen so many places sure had a lot of interesting stories. If Brom or his companions had to spot him a few brews to get him to open up he was sure it was coin well spent.
This was looking to be a good evening.
Sure thing .That sounds reasonable enough. Especially in light of keeping the patrons entertained on such a cold night.
Quote from Tyrannosary >>
@tomgetsworse can we assume I went up to the innkeeper before I performed and asked him if he'd be willing to give me free room and board if I run a performance to his liking?
^just wanted to make sure you didn't forget ;)