This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Trolkarl's spell is wide of the mark.
Crow spends a bonus action studying his opponent and succeeds his Insight check (6) vs the Imp's Deception check (5). He draws and attacks with his rapier 22 inflicting 8 piercing damage to the Imp.
You find yourselves enjoying yet another excellent meal prepared by Yillow Jadeheart at the Slumbering Dragon hostelry in Granitestead. The trials of the Feywild hags and the dragon Balefoliumnax are behind you. The pouches hang heavier from your belts with the gold acquired from the treasures found in the hag's lair. Puzzles remain from your previous adventures. Days and nights are spent poring over the books and items you do not yet know the full provenance or importance of. The curiously mispelled book, Loccating the Tomb found in the freshly bloody backpack among the hill giant's treasures stands out. Trolkarl and Starker are able to discover that depressing both "C" characters in the title releases the catch of a tiny, secret compartment in the front cover. A slip of parchment with a map fragment drawn on it is found inside. (( Map Fragment 2 can be found searching for items ))
Belgger Granitethew has come to visit with you multiple times. You begin to suspect that his interest in you is not what brings him to the Slumbering Dragon with such frequency. His eyes follow Yillow at all times when she is in the room.
While poring over the texts one night after another discussion with the advisors to Lord Granitethew your table is approached by an older human man. He is wearing the clothes of a merchant. You notice his approach as he brings a large bottle of elven Evermead with him to address you, "Good gentlemen! I beg you pardon for my intrusion upon your evening. My hope is to engage with you in discussion about curiosities and rarities. I offer a bottle to share in recompense for your time." As he says this he sets the bottle down on the table and draws a chair from a neighboring table with his foot and then sits.
"My name is Halind Saltwell. I am a trader in many things residing in Waterdeep," then pulls a document from his cloak and carefully unfolds it showing the seal of Waterdeep and his license as a trader. "My travels have brought me here in search of interesting items to stock my shop in the City of Splendors. Pardon my gaining information about you, but you are somewhat celebrities here in Granitestead," he uncorks the bottle of Evermead and begins to pour out six cups. The seventh, in front of him he fills last. Raising his glass he offers a toast, "To the Liberators of the Doomed!" With this he takes a healthy draught of the Evermead. "By Tymora I am blessed to have come across a case of this in the mountains." He looks around the table and continues, "Again, forgive my knowledge, but it is how I survive in the world to learn and know things. I am told you have recently acquired a tome of sorts in your adventures freeing those poor souls from their captivity, and certain doom, at the hands of the orcs and a filthy giant. This is the very kind of thing that I seek out to stock my shelves with. Are you interested in discussing an exchange for this book of any kind?"
“Master Saltwell, thank you for your kind offer. Alas, we have no tome in our possession that we are desirous of dispensing with. It is most curious that you would inquire about something about which we have not made any public statements regarding a sale. Might you be willing to discuss why you believe we have something you want to buy?”
Starker moves to the bar passing behind Saltwell. While behind him, Starker catches the eye of party members and frowns increduously and shakes his head.
Coming back from the bar he asks Saltwell of possible common acquaintances in Waterdeep, such as Master Mage Charletin and his apprentice Philemina Sturlup and how things were in Waterdeep when he was last there.
Halind smiles over his cup of Evermead at Hoid's remarks. You can tell he considers his response before offering it, "Well said, good dwarf. I offer two points of contrast to your statement." He takes another small sip of the Evermead, "Firstly, everything, and I mean everything, is for sale. Please trust someone who has been doing well in this business for quite some time." He looks Hoid in the eyes, "Everything is for sale." Breaking eye contact, he smiles to the rest of the group with another sip of the Evermead, "Secondly, I have found that knowing what will become available on the market BEFORE the market becomes aware is best for business. Too many competitors muddy the waters and make things confusing for all involved."
Starker returns to the table and queries Halind about mutual connections in Waterdeep. A small frown creases his mouth and forehead as he seems to think, "No, sadly. I do not have the pleasure of their acquaintances. It is a very big city. Perhaps you know Gilbard Havenow, or, Hamind Trollstump?" (( You don't ))
“Master Saltwell, I commend you on your ability to spout many words without answering my question. A great skill indeed, particularly when dealing with a potential customer that is easily distracted. I ask you again, and kindly, might you be willing to discuss why you believe we have something you want to buy? I tend to ask simple questions that can be answered with a yes or no. This is one of those questions.”
Halind gives a half-smile to Hoid, "We are both experienced in the ways of the world. You have been something of a celebrity here lately. Clearly Lord Granitethew favors you for rescuing his cousin. People talk." He then addresses all of you as he stands, "I appreciate your time and listening to my interests. I will be in town for another day and then moving on. You can find me at the Mellow Monk if you change your minds." He then departs and leaves the tavern through the front door.
Yillow and a helper arrive with plates for all of you and platters of roasted trout, fennel and garlic puree and roasted cabbage. It all smells wonderful. She tilts her head after all is laid out, "Odd fellow that one. Must have some elvish blood in him with those eyes." She then turns to return to the kitchen.
Thinking about it, you realize his eyes did appear a bit elven with yellow and purple highlights coloring his blue eyes.
Elvish looks... hmm... another mystery like the stranger near the manticore den. We may want to at least ask where he could be found if we ever go to Waterdeep.
Then thinking a moment, Trolkarl smiles and jokes trying to lighten the mood again
He did say everything is for sale. Considering how the gods and fate seem to conspire against us when it comes to finding your enchanted armor, Hoid. Perhaps Halind might just be the answer to your dreams. Let's head over to the Mellow Monk and see about an order for some weightless plate mail.
Trolkarl's spell is wide of the mark.
Crow spends a bonus action studying his opponent and succeeds his Insight check (6) vs the Imp's Deception check (5). He draws and attacks with his rapier 22 inflicting 8 piercing damage to the Imp.
Crow's rapier pierces the imp's chest. There is a gout of ichor and the imp slides off of the rapier, lifeless. It's body falls into the chasm below.
Crow flies over closer to the rest of you.
As he flies overhead you hear him say quietly, "Oh S H I T !!"
Hoid to act.
Hoid moves and uses dash to get to his indicated position (moved through twice).
Done.
Gneuman to act.
You find yourselves enjoying yet another excellent meal prepared by Yillow Jadeheart at the Slumbering Dragon hostelry in Granitestead. The trials of the Feywild hags and the dragon Balefoliumnax are behind you. The pouches hang heavier from your belts with the gold acquired from the treasures found in the hag's lair. Puzzles remain from your previous adventures. Days and nights are spent poring over the books and items you do not yet know the full provenance or importance of. The curiously mispelled book, Loccating the Tomb found in the freshly bloody backpack among the hill giant's treasures stands out. Trolkarl and Starker are able to discover that depressing both "C" characters in the title releases the catch of a tiny, secret compartment in the front cover. A slip of parchment with a map fragment drawn on it is found inside. (( Map Fragment 2 can be found searching for items ))
Belgger Granitethew has come to visit with you multiple times. You begin to suspect that his interest in you is not what brings him to the Slumbering Dragon with such frequency. His eyes follow Yillow at all times when she is in the room.
While poring over the texts one night after another discussion with the advisors to Lord Granitethew your table is approached by an older human man. He is wearing the clothes of a merchant. You notice his approach as he brings a large bottle of elven Evermead with him to address you, "Good gentlemen! I beg you pardon for my intrusion upon your evening. My hope is to engage with you in discussion about curiosities and rarities. I offer a bottle to share in recompense for your time." As he says this he sets the bottle down on the table and draws a chair from a neighboring table with his foot and then sits.
"My name is Halind Saltwell. I am a trader in many things residing in Waterdeep," then pulls a document from his cloak and carefully unfolds it showing the seal of Waterdeep and his license as a trader. "My travels have brought me here in search of interesting items to stock my shop in the City of Splendors. Pardon my gaining information about you, but you are somewhat celebrities here in Granitestead," he uncorks the bottle of Evermead and begins to pour out six cups. The seventh, in front of him he fills last. Raising his glass he offers a toast, "To the Liberators of the Doomed!" With this he takes a healthy draught of the Evermead. "By Tymora I am blessed to have come across a case of this in the mountains." He looks around the table and continues, "Again, forgive my knowledge, but it is how I survive in the world to learn and know things. I am told you have recently acquired a tome of sorts in your adventures freeing those poor souls from their captivity, and certain doom, at the hands of the orcs and a filthy giant. This is the very kind of thing that I seek out to stock my shelves with. Are you interested in discussing an exchange for this book of any kind?"
“Master Saltwell, thank you for your kind offer. Alas, we have no tome in our possession that we are desirous of dispensing with. It is most curious that you would inquire about something about which we have not made any public statements regarding a sale. Might you be willing to discuss why you believe we have something you want to buy?”
Starker moves to the bar passing behind Saltwell. While behind him, Starker catches the eye of party members and frowns increduously and shakes his head.
Coming back from the bar he asks Saltwell of possible common acquaintances in Waterdeep, such as Master Mage Charletin and his apprentice Philemina Sturlup and how things were in Waterdeep when he was last there.
(ooc: Charletin is real, Sturlup made up)
Halind smiles over his cup of Evermead at Hoid's remarks. You can tell he considers his response before offering it, "Well said, good dwarf. I offer two points of contrast to your statement." He takes another small sip of the Evermead, "Firstly, everything, and I mean everything, is for sale. Please trust someone who has been doing well in this business for quite some time." He looks Hoid in the eyes, "Everything is for sale." Breaking eye contact, he smiles to the rest of the group with another sip of the Evermead, "Secondly, I have found that knowing what will become available on the market BEFORE the market becomes aware is best for business. Too many competitors muddy the waters and make things confusing for all involved."
Starker returns to the table and queries Halind about mutual connections in Waterdeep. A small frown creases his mouth and forehead as he seems to think, "No, sadly. I do not have the pleasure of their acquaintances. It is a very big city. Perhaps you know Gilbard Havenow, or, Hamind Trollstump?" (( You don't ))
“Master Saltwell, I commend you on your ability to spout many words without answering my question. A great skill indeed, particularly when dealing with a potential customer that is easily distracted. I ask you again, and kindly, might you be willing to discuss why you believe we have something you want to buy? I tend to ask simple questions that can be answered with a yes or no. This is one of those questions.”
No, as you say, it is a large city.
Halind gives a half-smile to Hoid, "We are both experienced in the ways of the world. You have been something of a celebrity here lately. Clearly Lord Granitethew favors you for rescuing his cousin. People talk." He then addresses all of you as he stands, "I appreciate your time and listening to my interests. I will be in town for another day and then moving on. You can find me at the Mellow Monk if you change your minds." He then departs and leaves the tavern through the front door.
Yillow and a helper arrive with plates for all of you and platters of roasted trout, fennel and garlic puree and roasted cabbage. It all smells wonderful. She tilts her head after all is laid out, "Odd fellow that one. Must have some elvish blood in him with those eyes." She then turns to return to the kitchen.
Thinking about it, you realize his eyes did appear a bit elven with yellow and purple highlights coloring his blue eyes.
"I don't trust him, nor the drink." he lowers his voice "I suspect he might be part of the arcane brotherhood."
Starker; “His clothes were suspiciously well made, and he seemed to me to be likely much younger and more spry than he was trying to make us believe.”
Should we have Ajax follow him? Gneuman looks for Ajax.
Elvish looks... hmm... another mystery like the stranger near the manticore den. We may want to at least ask where he could be found if we ever go to Waterdeep.
Then thinking a moment, Trolkarl smiles and jokes trying to lighten the mood again
He did say everything is for sale. Considering how the gods and fate seem to conspire against us when it comes to finding your enchanted armor, Hoid. Perhaps Halind might just be the answer to your dreams. Let's head over to the Mellow Monk and see about an order for some weightless plate mail.
/plans?
Other than finding a +3 Armored Personnel Unit
That would explain how he knew we had the journal, he saw us kill and loot the Manticore.
Coule be his backpack. No one else claimed it or claimed knowing the owner back at the box canyon, I think?
Correct