Mavis sighs at the poor girl. She can't help but feel that given the events over the past few months, there might be some truth to her words about an impending doom directed at Phlan. She looks around the room before leaning towards Hana, and lowering her voice "Look Hana, the entire city has been on edge these last couple months, with the Lord Protector's death and martial law declared, the city watch has their hands full right now." Despite her words seeming discouraging, she continues with a slight reassuring smile. "However, I know someone that might be able to help, and I can take you to them if you'd like."
Briez has returned from the kitchens, with a carafe of tea and a full tray of plates. She refills Enzo's cup with steaming tea and sets plates of freshly made wildberry jam on warm biscuits in front of a nearby patron.
“My sisters and I picked the berries ourselves,” says the young halfling woman, sweeping her long black hair out of her face. “Some say the wildberries in this area are—”
The door of the Tea Kettle opens, and a cool draft plays through the room as bright sunlight outside casts a long shadow on the floor of the tavern. A tall, dour-looking human glances around, and his sallow expression finally settles on the trestle table.
As he walks toward the table he removes his tall black hat to reveal a balding pate. “I apologize for disturbing you,” he says in a deep, monotone voice, appearing to address this half of the room as opposed to any one person. “I am looking for adventurers for hire, and I seek expertise for a small matter.”
"My name is Brother Keefe, and I am Keeper of the Dead, the overseer of all permanent residents of the Valhingen Graveyard.”
Enzo accepts the tea gratefully and begins to drink it as the newcomer enters and introduces himself.
"And what seems to be the matter you seek help with, Brother Keefe? Something a little more dire than the local constables can deal with, if you need adventurers. I currently find myself with ample free time, so I'm inclined to help, regardless of the situation, but please, enlighten us."
Brother Keefe says "Valhingen Graveyard is under the care of the Most Solemn Order of the Silent Shroud. Evidence has been brought forth to our order that one of our long-standing residents may not have been human, but rather a polymorphed dragon. Our information is rather ambiguous, but as Keeper of the Dead any disinterment activities are under my purview. I am hoping to hire four or five skillful individuals to assist in my inspection of a particular mausoleum on our grounds."
Token’s ears twitch as soon as he hears the words “adventurers for hire”. This might just be the big score he was looking for. Though he hated to cut a conversation abruptly, he was aware of the murmurs being exchanged between the other patrons and may lose this opportunity if he did not act fast. “Apologies, Miss Evara. I’d love to continue this conversation again but it looks like fate’s callin’ and I gotta answer. I’ll make sure to review the contents of this here pamphlet!” he says.
Token sets the spoon onto his plate and with the pamphlet in hand, hops off his chair and slings his longbow over his shoulder, listening to Brother Keefe’s words intently as he does so. He scuttles towards Brother Keefe and says “How do ye, sir? The name’s Token Telltail and I would like to offer my services to help you with yer current conundrum.”
"I have no reason to believe the initial inspection will present any danger. The story seems rather far-fetched, as the mausoleum is too small to contain a dragon, but I have a duty to investigate. I'm offering 50 gold pieces each to assist with the investigation and apply whatever skills may be required. If an inspection of the site reveals a danger to the Order or our residents, we can offer an additional 50 gold pieces each to any adventurers who can head it off and restore the calm and safety of Valhingen Graveyard, as well as a spell scroll of Protection From Evil and Good."
Hearing the replies behind him, Token sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. He had neglected another’s story in order to further his own. Surely the heroes of Seigan’s stories, as well as Seigan himself, would not have acted so brashly or selfishly and would have admonished the Harengon for his behavior had they been present.
Token turns around to face Evara. “I er… Apologies, Miss Evara. I’ve acted rudely while you were attemptin’ to share the grace of yer lord and savior. If th’ offer still stands, I would still wish to learn more about Garl Glittergold. Perhaps we can continue our conversin’ as we’re accompanyin’ Brother Keefe, if it so pleases you,”
Valde was eating calmly and trying to enjoy the sound of chattering around him. When Brother Keefe introduced himself, Valde decided to not miss this opportunity. He finished quickly, cleaned himself as best as he could with a handkerchief and stood up to reach Keefe. He looked at the small group that is forming and got up close. Valde tries to get noticed by Keefe by saying:" I'm up for this. If we can form a group, the better." In a voice just loud enough to be heared by Keefe and the others. Then he introdues himself to Robin and Token:" Hi, my name is Valde. Glad to meet you". Valde says this smiling and friendly ad possible. There's some legitimate good intent but it's noticable that he lacks experience in this sort of thing. It's like he learned just recently how to engage city people. He doesn't know if this is the right time for this, so he goes for a handshake with them.
Enzo looks around at the motley crew gathered close to the man. "Seems you've found the brave souls you were looking for. And then some. Alas, I've neglected to introduce myself to you and these sundry others. Allow me to remedy that."
He swirls his dark cape around him with a flourish as he bows to everyone gathered near, "Enzo, youngest son of the noble House of Ballantine, from Hillsfar. May we be well met upon the road."
Token turns to the two newcomers who have presented themselves. He smiles at the man in fur coats and shakes his hand. Could this be a fellow friend of the wilds?
Token then nods toward the noble in acknowledgement. “Pleasure t’ make yer acquaintances, Mister Valde and Mister Enzo. As well as you, fellow stranger.” addressing the human next to him. “I hope we all can get along t’gether.”
Token then turns back to Brother Keefe. “Looks like the five of us are ready t’ assist ya, although…” Token’s ears point slightly in the direction of Hana and Mavis. “Sounds like those two over yonder wish t’ join us as well. Somethin’ bout dragons and bones and whatnot. While you’ve mentioned four t’ five adventurers were needed, I don’t suppose you could make a few exceptions? After all, extra hands make light work. Of course, that also depends on whether they wish t’ accept yer deal.”
Mavis resists the fighter instinct and guard training to not flip Hana over a table for grabbing her arm. After listening to the conversations amongst Keefe and the other patrons of the common room, Mavis turns to Hana, looking down at her arm, then looking back at her, whilst giving her a gentle yet firm raise of her eyebrow, signifying courteously to let go of her arm. "Could this perhaps have anything to do with the dragon in your vision?" Mavis says to Hana.
Hana quickly notices Mavis hard glance at her hand and lets go of her. She wasnt used to people, maybe she was too familiar with her. Mavis did look like a hard person to deal with. But overall, Hana's excitement was taking over her rational mind. At first, she thought she would have to expend the day looking for clues which may or may not lead somewhere. Now she had the perfect place to start. She raised her hand.
"We will help too! The more the merrier." Then she notices just how many people are willing to join.
Probably something common when you enter a tavern and shout for adventurers.
Brother Keefe's stern expression becomes thoughtful for a few seconds. "I believe our coffers can accommodate that. If there is trouble the additional hands may be useful. If you would kindly follow me, we can begin."
Without waiting for a response, the Keeper of the Dead pivots abruptly and walks out the door into the brightly-lit morning.
Those of you from Phlan or who have been in town for a while would know Valhingen Graveyard is on the opposite side of the city and will take approximately 45 minutes to walk. You have plenty of time to continue conversations if you'd like.
For those interested, here's a link to a map of the city. Any from Phlan would know each of these locations. You're currently in East Phlan, a relatively new neighborhood to the east of the main city, outside the walls. You'll be walking from there into the walled Nobles Quarter, then across the Stojanow river onto Valjevo Isle, the walled island that contains the city proper, then across a bridge at to the west to the massive Valhingen Graveyard.
Token gawks at the city sights and buildings while mindlessly addressing Brother Keefe. “Appreciate the compromise, Brother Keefe. I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of this situation.” Token says.
After taking a moment to recollect himself and regain focus on the objective, Token faces the rest of the party. ”Since we don’t know much about each other, it might be in our best interest t’ share our strengths in order t’ better help one another durin’ our tasks. If y’ don’t feel comfortable doin’ so, that’s fine if y’ wish t’ protect yer privacy.”
“Don’t seem fair to ask without offerin’, so I could start. Once again, th’ name’s Token Telltail and i’ve been huntin’ in the wilds fer as long as I can remember with a very keen ear. Troublemakers ‘r bone dragos, if there’s somethin’ out there harassin’ the dead, I’ll be keepin’ a close ear open an’ ready for ‘em. I’m also pretty good with a bow if it comes down t’ a fight.”
Evara’s eyes light up with excitement at the prospect of talking about Garl. She slowly (as if asking for permission) brings her hand towards your shoulder saying “I can’t wait to tell you more about Garl and his grace and wonderful sense of humor and all of the joy and relief he can bring to your life. It will be my honor to discuss further once our journey has started.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Mavis sighs at the poor girl. She can't help but feel that given the events over the past few months, there might be some truth to her words about an impending doom directed at Phlan. She looks around the room before leaning towards Hana, and lowering her voice "Look Hana, the entire city has been on edge these last couple months, with the Lord Protector's death and martial law declared, the city watch has their hands full right now." Despite her words seeming discouraging, she continues with a slight reassuring smile. "However, I know someone that might be able to help, and I can take you to them if you'd like."
Hana nods immediately. She focus completely in Mavis' words.
"I see. I didnt know things were this dire." She bows to Mavis to apologize for asking her. "Oh, I would love to meet them. Anything to help."
Hana smiles and waits for Mavis to lead the way.
Briez has returned from the kitchens, with a carafe of tea and a full tray of plates. She refills Enzo's cup with steaming tea and sets plates of freshly made wildberry jam on warm biscuits in front of a nearby patron.
“My sisters and I picked the berries ourselves,” says the young halfling woman, sweeping her long black hair out of her face. “Some say the wildberries in this area are—”
The door of the Tea Kettle opens, and a cool draft plays through the room as bright sunlight outside casts a long shadow on the floor of the tavern. A tall, dour-looking human glances around, and his sallow expression finally settles on the trestle table.
As he walks toward the table he removes his tall black hat to reveal a balding pate. “I apologize for disturbing you,” he says in a deep, monotone voice, appearing to address this half of the room as opposed to any one person. “I am looking for adventurers for hire, and I seek expertise for a small matter.”
"My name is Brother Keefe, and I am Keeper of the Dead, the overseer of all permanent residents of the Valhingen Graveyard.”
Mavis nods at Hana, then takes one last look around the room, before nodding her head in the direction of the door, as she makes her way outside.
Enzo accepts the tea gratefully and begins to drink it as the newcomer enters and introduces himself.
"And what seems to be the matter you seek help with, Brother Keefe? Something a little more dire than the local constables can deal with, if you need adventurers. I currently find myself with ample free time, so I'm inclined to help, regardless of the situation, but please, enlighten us."
Enzo Ballantine - Shadow Sorcerer
Brother Keefe says "Valhingen Graveyard is under the care of the Most Solemn Order of the Silent Shroud. Evidence has been brought forth to our order that one of our long-standing residents may not have been human, but rather a polymorphed dragon. Our information is rather ambiguous, but as Keeper of the Dead any disinterment activities are under my purview. I am hoping to hire four or five skillful individuals to assist in my inspection of a particular mausoleum on our grounds."
Hana slows down to listen to the newcomer and as soon as she listens something of a dragon, she grabs Mavis arm.
"Hey, did you listen? They want to inspect a mausoleum because there may be a dragon involved. Should we join them?"
Token’s ears twitch as soon as he hears the words “adventurers for hire”. This might just be the big score he was looking for. Though he hated to cut a conversation abruptly, he was aware of the murmurs being exchanged between the other patrons and may lose this opportunity if he did not act fast. “Apologies, Miss Evara. I’d love to continue this conversation again but it looks like fate’s callin’ and I gotta answer. I’ll make sure to review the contents of this here pamphlet!” he says.
Token sets the spoon onto his plate and with the pamphlet in hand, hops off his chair and slings his longbow over his shoulder, listening to Brother Keefe’s words intently as he does so. He scuttles towards Brother Keefe and says “How do ye, sir? The name’s Token Telltail and I would like to offer my services to help you with yer current conundrum.”
Evara jitters with excitement and exclaims “this must be what Garl has intended. Brother Keefe I would be honored to aid you in your quest.”
"I have no reason to believe the initial inspection will present any danger. The story seems rather far-fetched, as the mausoleum is too small to contain a dragon, but I have a duty to investigate. I'm offering 50 gold pieces each to assist with the investigation and apply whatever skills may be required. If an inspection of the site reveals a danger to the Order or our residents, we can offer an additional 50 gold pieces each to any adventurers who can head it off and restore the calm and safety of Valhingen Graveyard, as well as a spell scroll of Protection From Evil and Good."
Hearing the replies behind him, Token sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. He had neglected another’s story in order to further his own. Surely the heroes of Seigan’s stories, as well as Seigan himself, would not have acted so brashly or selfishly and would have admonished the Harengon for his behavior had they been present.
Token turns around to face Evara. “I er… Apologies, Miss Evara. I’ve acted rudely while you were attemptin’ to share the grace of yer lord and savior. If th’ offer still stands, I would still wish to learn more about Garl Glittergold. Perhaps we can continue our conversin’ as we’re accompanyin’ Brother Keefe, if it so pleases you,”
Valde was eating calmly and trying to enjoy the sound of chattering around him. When Brother Keefe introduced himself, Valde decided to not miss this opportunity. He finished quickly, cleaned himself as best as he could with a handkerchief and stood up to reach Keefe. He looked at the small group that is forming and got up close. Valde tries to get noticed by Keefe by saying:" I'm up for this. If we can form a group, the better." In a voice just loud enough to be heared by Keefe and the others. Then he introdues himself to Robin and Token:" Hi, my name is Valde. Glad to meet you". Valde says this smiling and friendly ad possible. There's some legitimate good intent but it's noticable that he lacks experience in this sort of thing. It's like he learned just recently how to engage city people. He doesn't know if this is the right time for this, so he goes for a handshake with them.
Enzo looks around at the motley crew gathered close to the man. "Seems you've found the brave souls you were looking for. And then some. Alas, I've neglected to introduce myself to you and these sundry others. Allow me to remedy that."
He swirls his dark cape around him with a flourish as he bows to everyone gathered near, "Enzo, youngest son of the noble House of Ballantine, from Hillsfar. May we be well met upon the road."
Enzo Ballantine - Shadow Sorcerer
Token turns to the two newcomers who have presented themselves. He smiles at the man in fur coats and shakes his hand. Could this be a fellow friend of the wilds?
Token then nods toward the noble in acknowledgement. “Pleasure t’ make yer acquaintances, Mister Valde and Mister Enzo. As well as you, fellow stranger.” addressing the human next to him. “I hope we all can get along t’gether.”
Token then turns back to Brother Keefe. “Looks like the five of us are ready t’ assist ya, although…” Token’s ears point slightly in the direction of Hana and Mavis. “Sounds like those two over yonder wish t’ join us as well. Somethin’ bout dragons and bones and whatnot. While you’ve mentioned four t’ five adventurers were needed, I don’t suppose you could make a few exceptions? After all, extra hands make light work. Of course, that also depends on whether they wish t’ accept yer deal.”
Mavis resists the fighter instinct and guard training to not flip Hana over a table for grabbing her arm. After listening to the conversations amongst Keefe and the other patrons of the common room, Mavis turns to Hana, looking down at her arm, then looking back at her, whilst giving her a gentle yet firm raise of her eyebrow, signifying courteously to let go of her arm. "Could this perhaps have anything to do with the dragon in your vision?" Mavis says to Hana.
Hana quickly notices Mavis hard glance at her hand and lets go of her. She wasnt used to people, maybe she was too familiar with her. Mavis did look like a hard person to deal with. But overall, Hana's excitement was taking over her rational mind. At first, she thought she would have to expend the day looking for clues which may or may not lead somewhere. Now she had the perfect place to start. She raised her hand.
"We will help too! The more the merrier." Then she notices just how many people are willing to join.
Probably something common when you enter a tavern and shout for adventurers.
Brother Keefe's stern expression becomes thoughtful for a few seconds. "I believe our coffers can accommodate that. If there is trouble the additional hands may be useful. If you would kindly follow me, we can begin."
Without waiting for a response, the Keeper of the Dead pivots abruptly and walks out the door into the brightly-lit morning.
Those of you from Phlan or who have been in town for a while would know Valhingen Graveyard is on the opposite side of the city and will take approximately 45 minutes to walk. You have plenty of time to continue conversations if you'd like.
For those interested, here's a link to a map of the city. Any from Phlan would know each of these locations. You're currently in East Phlan, a relatively new neighborhood to the east of the main city, outside the walls. You'll be walking from there into the walled Nobles Quarter, then across the Stojanow river onto Valjevo Isle, the walled island that contains the city proper, then across a bridge at to the west to the massive Valhingen Graveyard.
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fgquc0e8fm4q51.png
Token gawks at the city sights and buildings while mindlessly addressing Brother Keefe. “Appreciate the compromise, Brother Keefe. I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of this situation.” Token says.
After taking a moment to recollect himself and regain focus on the objective, Token faces the rest of the party. ”Since we don’t know much about each other, it might be in our best interest t’ share our strengths in order t’ better help one another durin’ our tasks. If y’ don’t feel comfortable doin’ so, that’s fine if y’ wish t’ protect yer privacy.”
“Don’t seem fair to ask without offerin’, so I could start. Once again, th’ name’s Token Telltail and i’ve been huntin’ in the wilds fer as long as I can remember with a very keen ear. Troublemakers ‘r bone dragos, if there’s somethin’ out there harassin’ the dead, I’ll be keepin’ a close ear open an’ ready for ‘em. I’m also pretty good with a bow if it comes down t’ a fight.”
Evara’s eyes light up with excitement at the prospect of talking about Garl. She slowly (as if asking for permission) brings her hand towards your shoulder saying “I can’t wait to tell you more about Garl and his grace and wonderful sense of humor and all of the joy and relief he can bring to your life. It will be my honor to discuss further once our journey has started.”