Your home village of Bramble has fallen on hard times. An orc raid burned its farmland and many of its homes and buildings. Villagers rallied to rebuild, but with so much time and resources going towards rebuilding, its prime exports of flint from the mine and squab from the farms have decreased. Times are hard, and the village has recruited the five of you, nicknamed The Quote Unquote Fantastic, to venture out and secure gold for the village.
You head west for Neverwinter to find work as adventurers, with little experience but equipment, skills, and a lead on work.
You find room and board at an establishment with a reputation as a haven for the discreet and well-behaved, and well-known as a place for novice adventurers to find work—Madame Freona's Tea Kettle. Madame Freona, a stout and officious halfling who runs the establishment with her five daughters, has proven an excellent hostess.
The Tea Kettle is crowded this evening, as the evenfeast meal has brought many hungry patrons. A young halfling woman called Blaizette, obviously one of Freona’s daughters, wears a blue kerchief and acts as your server for the meal. She manages to keep a smile despite the busy night.
Take this opportunity to describe yourselves and interact as Blaizette submits your order.
Ashton Fox is a stout halfling with dark hair and eyes and a constant scowl on his face. He wears dark leathers over rust-colored clothing. A set of sheathed daggers hangs from a belt strapped to his torso. He has pulled out a piece of stale bread from his pocket and gnaws at it as he waits for his meal. He listens to the conversation of his party without comment for now.
Kristofferson Silverfox is a young halfling with longish silver hair and large, kind eyes. He wears a khaki cowl and carries a quarterstaff. He is comfortable with the silence at the table amid the din of the restaurant.
"Well, I for one am ready for a hearty meal after those rations we were eating on the road, what say you?" Badger says in his deep, kind, noble voice. Clive Badger is a large, muscular half-orc in heavy chainmail covering his dark navy clothing. He carries a battle-axe and shield. His face is weather-worn but kind, with welcoming eyes that betray a sense of intelligence and wisdom.
Without waiting for a response, he continues, "It would be a fortunate turn if we were to be employed right out from our first night here, what with Bramble in so need of our help and support. I sure hope things are going well back home while we're away."
"We've left things in good hands. We must worry only about that which we can control," K says in his easy tenor. He holds his hands close together, just the fingertips touching in a seemingly meditative pose. His movements are slight, yet he seems fully aware of his surroundings.
Blaizette returns with your meals. Just as she leaves your table, a muscular human male with gray hair and a scar across his face wearing heavy armor sits in your open chair.
"Just act normal," he says through clenched teeth, "but listen closely. Everyone’s life might be in danger. My name is Sildar Hallwinter. I am a member of the Lord's Alliance, a group that watches over the happenings in Neverwinter and beyond. I was just told by an associate that a potentially devastating magical object was brought into the Tea Kettle. We don’t know what it looks like or who has it, but I need your help in finding it. Could you split up and talk to anyone who looks suspicious, and find out if they are in possession of a powerful item? Do not let anyone know what you are doing, for the possessor of the item might set it off if he or she knows we are aware."
Ash's eyes go wide and he can't hide the excitement from his face. It's happening! He's part of something!
With a cool tone of nonchalance, he says, "Yeah, we could probably help you out. What's in it for us?" Then after a beat, "Other than, you know, not dying with everyone in here if we don't help?"
Sildar chuckles at Ash's response. "The continuing to live part should be motivation enough, but I'll buy the magical artifact from you for twice its going rate, if that suits you. If you're able to avoid much harm to people and property, I'll throw in a magical item of my own."
He turns to Badger. "I can only share that it is a magical item; I have no further understanding, unfortunately. Use your wits and guile and I'm sure you'll do fine. In the meantime, I'll be chatting with our patron Ms. Freona to plan for, well, contingencies..." He trails off, hoping not to offend by his implication.
"Thank you, sir. We'll do our best for this mission." K turns to Ash and Badger. "Shall we split up and seek out some casual conversation with diners, then meet up to discuss?"
Badger hesitates, looking at Ash. "Um, sure, yes. That's sounds like a fine plan, Kristofferson." He looks around for the least threatening, perhaps friendliest diner. "Why don't you start there, Ash." He looks for the sketchiest diner who looks like they might be hiding something. Confident in his persuasive skills and intuition, he says, "I'll start there. K, you take that table, maybe?" He points to another rather nonthreatening table. He suddenly feels the weight of being the elder in a party with two very young adults.
Badger looks around, but whether it's the bustle of the busy tavern or his own anxiety, he isn't able to make out very good details about the diners. Before leaving with Blaizette to find Freona, Sildar does point out six tables in particular that he noticed upon entering and encourages you to start with them.
(Mechanically, you'll all be heading to random tables. We'll resolve each table in order rather than trying to keep time parallel, and in the order of Badger's assignments.)
Ash approaches table 6 (rolled in your character sheet).
Three halflings dressed in bright motley colors dine at the bar. They talk loudly, but in a language that is unrecognizable... to most. Ash, because you know thieves cant, as you approach, you overhear the following snippet of conversation:
"...has some coin in those fine pockets." (loud laughter)
"Special invitation, Mr Pockets." (loud laughter)
"Big—"
The conversation halts and all three stare at you.
Ash will take the grunt as an invitation and take an open seat at the bar next to them. "So what brings you to the Tea Kettle? Are you from the area?" If there's any kind of free snack like peanuts or something, he'll eat some to show he feels comfortable with them.
One's eyes go wide and the other two look quizzically at each other. They all simultaneously laugh loudly and look back at you, this time with friendlier faces.
Your home village of Bramble has fallen on hard times. An orc raid burned its farmland and many of its homes and buildings. Villagers rallied to rebuild, but with so much time and resources going towards rebuilding, its prime exports of flint from the mine and squab from the farms have decreased. Times are hard, and the village has recruited the five of you, nicknamed The Quote Unquote Fantastic, to venture out and secure gold for the village.
You head west for Neverwinter to find work as adventurers, with little experience but equipment, skills, and a lead on work.
You find room and board at an establishment with a reputation as a haven for the discreet and well-behaved, and well-known as a place for novice adventurers to find work—Madame Freona's Tea Kettle. Madame Freona, a stout and officious halfling who runs the establishment with her five daughters, has proven an excellent hostess.
The Tea Kettle is crowded this evening, as the evenfeast meal has brought many hungry patrons. A young halfling woman called Blaizette, obviously one of Freona’s daughters, wears a blue kerchief and acts as your server for the meal. She manages to keep a smile despite the busy night.
Take this opportunity to describe yourselves and interact as Blaizette submits your order.
Ashton Fox is a stout halfling with dark hair and eyes and a constant scowl on his face. He wears dark leathers over rust-colored clothing. A set of sheathed daggers hangs from a belt strapped to his torso. He has pulled out a piece of stale bread from his pocket and gnaws at it as he waits for his meal. He listens to the conversation of his party without comment for now.
Kristofferson Silverfox is a young halfling with longish silver hair and large, kind eyes. He wears a khaki cowl and carries a quarterstaff. He is comfortable with the silence at the table amid the din of the restaurant.
"Well, I for one am ready for a hearty meal after those rations we were eating on the road, what say you?" Badger says in his deep, kind, noble voice. Clive Badger is a large, muscular half-orc in heavy chainmail covering his dark navy clothing. He carries a battle-axe and shield. His face is weather-worn but kind, with welcoming eyes that betray a sense of intelligence and wisdom.
Without waiting for a response, he continues, "It would be a fortunate turn if we were to be employed right out from our first night here, what with Bramble in so need of our help and support. I sure hope things are going well back home while we're away."
"We've left things in good hands. We must worry only about that which we can control," K says in his easy tenor. He holds his hands close together, just the fingertips touching in a seemingly meditative pose. His movements are slight, yet he seems fully aware of his surroundings.
Blaizette returns with your meals. Just as she leaves your table, a muscular human male with gray hair and a scar across his face wearing heavy armor sits in your open chair.
"Just act normal," he says through clenched teeth, "but listen closely. Everyone’s life might be in danger. My name is Sildar Hallwinter. I am a member of the Lord's Alliance, a group that watches over the happenings in Neverwinter and beyond. I was just told by an associate that a potentially devastating magical object was brought into the Tea Kettle. We don’t know what it looks like or who has it, but I need your help in finding it. Could you split up and talk to anyone who looks suspicious, and find out if they are in possession of a powerful item? Do not let anyone know what you are doing, for the possessor of the item might set it off if he or she knows we are aware."
Ash's eyes go wide and he can't hide the excitement from his face. It's happening! He's part of something!
With a cool tone of nonchalance, he says, "Yeah, we could probably help you out. What's in it for us?" Then after a beat, "Other than, you know, not dying with everyone in here if we don't help?"
Badger responds, "We'd be honored to take this job. Do you have any suspects or information that'll help us succeed?"
Sildar chuckles at Ash's response. "The continuing to live part should be motivation enough, but I'll buy the magical artifact from you for twice its going rate, if that suits you. If you're able to avoid much harm to people and property, I'll throw in a magical item of my own."
He turns to Badger. "I can only share that it is a magical item; I have no further understanding, unfortunately. Use your wits and guile and I'm sure you'll do fine. In the meantime, I'll be chatting with our patron Ms. Freona to plan for, well, contingencies..." He trails off, hoping not to offend by his implication.
"Thank you, sir. We'll do our best for this mission." K turns to Ash and Badger. "Shall we split up and seek out some casual conversation with diners, then meet up to discuss?"
Badger hesitates, looking at Ash. "Um, sure, yes. That's sounds like a fine plan, Kristofferson." He looks around for the least threatening, perhaps friendliest diner. "Why don't you start there, Ash." He looks for the sketchiest diner who looks like they might be hiding something. Confident in his persuasive skills and intuition, he says, "I'll start there. K, you take that table, maybe?" He points to another rather nonthreatening table. He suddenly feels the weight of being the elder in a party with two very young adults.
Perception: 4 (or 8 if I have advantage) (oof!)
Insight: 12
Badger looks around, but whether it's the bustle of the busy tavern or his own anxiety, he isn't able to make out very good details about the diners. Before leaving with Blaizette to find Freona, Sildar does point out six tables in particular that he noticed upon entering and encourages you to start with them.
(Mechanically, you'll all be heading to random tables. We'll resolve each table in order rather than trying to keep time parallel, and in the order of Badger's assignments.)
Ash approaches table 6 (rolled in your character sheet).
Three halflings dressed in bright motley colors dine at the bar. They talk loudly, but in a language that is unrecognizable... to most. Ash, because you know thieves cant, as you approach, you overhear the following snippet of conversation:
"...has some coin in those fine pockets." (loud laughter)
"Special invitation, Mr Pockets." (loud laughter)
"Big—"
The conversation halts and all three stare at you.
Ash smiles wide and says in Halfling, "May I join you?"
Persuasion: 12
One of the motley-dressed halflings grunts. They otherwise remain silent and continue to stare at you.
Ash will take the grunt as an invitation and take an open seat at the bar next to them. "So what brings you to the Tea Kettle? Are you from the area?" If there's any kind of free snack like peanuts or something, he'll eat some to show he feels comfortable with them.
A different motley-dressed halfling grunts. They continue to stare at you.
Ash frowns. He then says in Common, with a wink, "Perhaps you'd be more welcoming to Mr. Pockets?"
One's eyes go wide and the other two look quizzically at each other. They all simultaneously laugh loudly and look back at you, this time with friendlier faces.
"You've amused us! Yes!"
"Amused us! Sly! Surreptitious! Sneaky!"
"We are Tawn, Tane, and Tine!"
"Triplets! Yes?"
"Tumblers! In a traveling show!"
Now Ash's eyes go wide at the sudden burst of friendliness and conversation. He can't help but smile, despite himself.
"Ah-ha, just traveling through then, as entertainers. I'm traveling as well, trying to find magic items of interest."
He watches their reaction for any signs of deceit.
Insight: 6
"Magic!"
"The Arcane!"
"Watch our act! You'll be amazed! Yes?"
"Amaze us! What's your name, friend?"
You see no signs of deceit.