Tristan took the offered ale but didn’t immediately drink. His mind was already elsewhere, focused on his mission. He gave Thorne a nod of acknowledgment, his expression still serious. “Glad to help,” he said quietly. “But there’s something I need to ask you both.”
He leaned forward slightly, looking between Thorne and the bartender.“I’m searching for a young man named Kaelen. His sister, Elira, came to me earlier, worried he’s gotten himself into trouble. Have either of you heard that name or seen anyone matching his description?” His tone was earnest, concern lacing his words. “Elira said he’s been missing for days. She fears the worst.”
Tristan’s gaze shifted from Thorne to the bartender, hoping someone might have information that could help him track down Kaelen.
After seeing the gold coins as the man disappears into the night, Thorne checks his own belongings to see if any was his. He then goes over and grabs the fallen dagger, then sits at a barstool a mug of ale and offers one to Tristan and Thruimar (free from bartender). Then sees the musician is staring at them, being the only ones remaining in the tavern, and waves him over and orders him an ale also. To Tristan he says, "Thank you for your help there. That could've gone a lot worse had you not stepped in." And to Thruimar, "And I saw you were ready to step in as well. I appreciate it, cheers".
OOC - If needed for gold check and/or dagger check: Investigation 20 (16+4)
(OOC: Sorry for being off for a while, that might happen more. Will try to notify you all beforehand.)
The dagger is a curved blade, almost resembling a slithering snake, with a dark wood hilt. A carving on the hilt is barely visible, but with Thorne's trained eyes, he can see a human skull surrounded in a diamond by four long bones.
Looking at the table and through his gold, Thorne does not think that he has any missing gold, but looking at his fellow players, he thinks that all of their stacks look a bit shorter.
The bartender hands you four ales that taste of exotic spice and heavy amounts of alcohol. "Thanks," he whispers as he drops them on the table.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
Thorne and the rest of the players at the table collect their belongings. With a wave to Thorne the armed men shuffle off back to their residences. Thorne shows the dagger to the others and the bartender, specifically pointing out the skull carving to see if any of them recognize it.
OOC - does anyone recognize the symbol or the dagger (DM: stats or need to take to store to be identified is fine too)
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
Tristan took the offered ale but didn’t immediately drink. His mind was already elsewhere, focused on his mission. He gave Thorne a nod of acknowledgment, his expression still serious. “Glad to help,” he said quietly. “But there’s something I need to ask you both.”
He leaned forward slightly, looking between Thorne and the bartender.“I’m searching for a young man named Kaelen. His sister, Elira, came to me earlier, worried he’s gotten himself into trouble. Have either of you heard that name or seen anyone matching his description?” His tone was earnest, concern lacing his words. “Elira said he’s been missing for days. She fears the worst.”
Tristan’s gaze shifted from Thorne to the bartender, hoping someone might have information that could help him track down Kaelen.
The bartender rubs his beard. "Kaelen...Kaelen. I've heard the name, but I don't recall in what context. I'll look around to return the favor, but there's no guarantee I'll find him."
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
After seeing the gold coins as the man disappears into the night, Thorne checks his own belongings to see if any was his. He then goes over and grabs the fallen dagger, then sits at a barstool a mug of ale and offers one to Tristan and Thruimar (free from bartender). Then sees the musician is staring at them, being the only ones remaining in the tavern, and waves him over and orders him an ale also. To Tristan he says, "Thank you for your help there. That could've gone a lot worse had you not stepped in." And to Thruimar, "And I saw you were ready to step in as well. I appreciate it, cheers".
OOC - If needed for gold check and/or dagger check: Investigation 20 (16+4)
The bartender, after whispering something to Tristan, turns to Thorne again. "That's a criminal symbol of some sort." Taking the dagger from your hands, he examines it more closely. "Interesting. The bones seem similar to the symbol of Yalex (god of dark magic & death), but in his symbol, there are only three bones surrounding the skull. Perhaps it is someone's variation of the symbol?" Looking at it again, he tells you, "I know a good oddities shop, Norrell's. It's up in the East District (the middle-class district of Dracor, mainly comprised of artisans). He grabs a slip of paper, scribbling a message (Hello, Mr. Norrell, these folks are looking for identification. Please help them! - Sigurd) before handing it to you.
(OOC: BTW sorry about the poll, looking it up it turns out you can't delete them :/)
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
OOC : no worries about the poll, minor inconvenience that has no impact on anything lol.
IC: Thorne pockets the dagger and the note, finishes his drink, and turns to the others.
Well, I’m going to go get this blade identified. That man came after me, not any of you, so you do not need to join me, but I would gladly accept your company if you are willing.
"Sure" Ozymandias replies, "How about we check it out, and then head over to these ruins." (Points to the sketch that the bartender gave him.) "I'm looking for information, and I'll bet that many of us here could use an alliance."
"Sure" Ozymandias replies, "How about we check it out, and then head over to these ruins." (Points to the sketch that the bartender gave him.) "I'm looking for information, and I'll bet that many of us here could use an alliance."
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
Tristan nodded as the bartender spoke, his thoughts already racing. "Thank you, friend. Any lead helps." He said appreciating the bartender's willingness to help, even with little to go on.
When the conversation shifted to the dagger, Tristan's brow furrowed as he studied the blade. His fingers brushed over the symbol, tracing the bones carefully. "Yalex...," he muttered under his breath, the name carrying a weight that unsettled him. "Dark magic and death, not the kind of company anyone should be keeping."
As he stared at the dagger, the twisted symbol sent a chill down his spine. Tristan knew well the dangers of the god's influence. Yalex's followers were rarely to be trifled with, and their meddling often left ruin in their wake.
Turning the blade over in his hands, Tristan’s gaze hardened. He thought back to his studies, his time spent in quiet reflection and prayer, trying to recall what he had learned about Yalex and the twisted variations of his mark.
He felt a heaviness in his heart as he continued to contemplate the symbol. Answers would come, but he feared what they might reveal.
Thurimar stops, his face pales, "Yalex, Yalex, Yalex.." he mutters, "Their cult destroyed my tower of wizardry...they are masters of corruption too." He shuffles in his seat clearly uncomfortable, "I have a deep feeling, one so dark it taints my heart, that..the individual you're searching for.. might be related to the cult in this city." Thurimar processes what he just said, then his face hardens, "Thorne, Tristan, Ozymandias would you by chance be interested in pursuing these criminals, they that plant seeds of discordance in our society must be taken out at the root, then as a strengthened group we can take on other pursuits that might be, well, important." Thurimar stands up from his seat now resolute to take on this challenge, "So what do you say?"
Thorne: It is well into the night, let's return to our beds and meet at Norrell's oddities shop in the morning. From there we may discover more information about this dagger, such as why the symbol has been altered. Thurimar, I will join you in taking down this cult if they are truly responsible for the acts done here tonight.
"Allright, that sounds like a solid plan. I think I see the beginnings of a team here." "Let's all meet tomorrow morning at Norrell's around 4 AM. After we check it out, we'll look for any leads about this cult. If we can't find anything about them, we'll head over to the ruins."
Thurimar nods, "Thank you", in an elegant gesture he gets up and strides away into the starry night, seemingly unphased, yet in his heart he knew chaos was going to ensue.
Tristan nodded as the bartender spoke, his thoughts already racing. "Thank you, friend. Any lead helps." He said appreciating the bartender's willingness to help, even with little to go on.
When the conversation shifted to the dagger, Tristan's brow furrowed as he studied the blade. His fingers brushed over the symbol, tracing the bones carefully. "Yalex...," he muttered under his breath, the name carrying a weight that unsettled him. "Dark magic and death, not the kind of company anyone should be keeping."
As he stared at the dagger, the twisted symbol sent a chill down his spine. Tristan knew well the dangers of the god's influence. Yalex's followers were rarely to be trifled with, and their meddling often left ruin in their wake.
Turning the blade over in his hands, Tristan’s gaze hardened. He thought back to his studies, his time spent in quiet reflection and prayer, trying to recall what he had learned about Yalex and the twisted variations of his mark.
He felt a heaviness in his heart as he continued to contemplate the symbol. Answers would come, but he feared what they might reveal.
You have only heard of mutated symbols of Yalex being used once- among secretive duergar cults of Yalex to the north. These cults were known for their tendency to destroy cities by tunneling from underground, and, once having taken over the city, sacrificing everyone in massive bonfires to their god.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
As Tristan examined the dagger further, the mutated symbol began to stir an old memory. He had only come across something like this once before, during his studies of ancient threats and dark cults. His fingers tightened around the hilt, and he spoke quietly, more to himself than to anyone else.
“I’ve seen this variation before… or at least, I’ve read about it. It’s tied to the duergar cults of Yalex, far to the north.” He paused, the weight of the realization sinking in. “Those cults are... dangerous. They’re known for burrowing under cities, destroying them from beneath, and then offering mass sacrifices to Yalex. They burn entire populations in twisted ceremonies. If this symbol belongs to them, then whatever is happening here could be far worse than we thought.”
Tristan looked at Thorne and Sigurd, the gravity of the situation clear in his voice. Tristan’s eyes narrowed as Thurimar mentioned his story. The wizard’s words echoed in his mind—corruption, destruction, and the cult that had taken so much from him. Tristan couldn’t shake the weight of Thurimar’s story. He turned the dagger over in his hands again, the symbol of Yalex glinting ominously in the lantern light. The implications of their situation were grim, but Tristan felt his resolve solidify.
“These are no mere criminals,”Tristan said, voice low and serious. “If this is truly connected to Yalex’s cult, then we’re dealing with something far more dangerous. I can’t sit by and let them spread their darkness here. I will help. This evil must be stopped before it grows beyond our reach. I’m with you as well. We’ll root out these cultists together.”
As a plan for the next day was suggested, Tristan nodded in agreement. "Norrell’s shop at 4 AM, then we’ll track down whatever leads we can. This isn't just a dagger. It's a warning—and we can't ignore it."
He glanced once more at the mutated symbol of Yalex on the dagger, feeling the weight of what lay ahead. The road to justice would not be an easy one, but for the safety of the city and to honor the fallen, he knew he had to act. With that he picked up the drink and finished it before heading to pray and sleep.
OOC - we can fast forward to meeting at the shop if DM doesn’t have something that happens overnight and assuming the shop is open at 4am 😂. Otherwise we just meet whenever the shop opens.
A drizzle of cold rain falls throughout the early morning, the sky dark with clouds, ominous above the cobblestone streets. The only others outside at this hour in the East District are artisans working early or those leaving the city, shoving hands into overcoat pockets and bundling up to protect themselves from the cold. You four meet outside Norrell's shop, using directions the bartender gave you last night.
The building is a comfortable two-story brick house, similar to most of the dwellings here. On the slightly cracked front window, Norrell's is painted in bright yellow letters. Inside, you can see a small shop, with a large oak desk serving as a counter. Shelves are scattered around the room, holding items from bookshelves to potions to caged beasts. A small staircase leads up to a second-floor hallway, holding several wooden doors, reinforced with metal bands. Hurrying around the room inside is a small, hunchbacked old man, with wiry joints, a long gray beard, and wire-thin glasses perched on the tip of his nose. Looking at a grandfather clock and then at the window, he gestures to you. "Come in!"
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
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Tristan took the offered ale but didn’t immediately drink. His mind was already elsewhere, focused on his mission. He gave Thorne a nod of acknowledgment, his expression still serious. “Glad to help,” he said quietly. “But there’s something I need to ask you both.”
He leaned forward slightly, looking between Thorne and the bartender. “I’m searching for a young man named Kaelen. His sister, Elira, came to me earlier, worried he’s gotten himself into trouble. Have either of you heard that name or seen anyone matching his description?” His tone was earnest, concern lacing his words. “Elira said he’s been missing for days. She fears the worst.”
Tristan’s gaze shifted from Thorne to the bartender, hoping someone might have information that could help him track down Kaelen.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
OOC - can we remove the poll now? Makes it difficult to see the page navigation buttons on mobile
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/134539601
(OOC: Sorry for being off for a while, that might happen more. Will try to notify you all beforehand.)
The dagger is a curved blade, almost resembling a slithering snake, with a dark wood hilt. A carving on the hilt is barely visible, but with Thorne's trained eyes, he can see a human skull surrounded in a diamond by four long bones.
Looking at the table and through his gold, Thorne does not think that he has any missing gold, but looking at his fellow players, he thinks that all of their stacks look a bit shorter.
The bartender hands you four ales that taste of exotic spice and heavy amounts of alcohol. "Thanks," he whispers as he drops them on the table.
DM: Westeros - A D&D Homebrew Campaign
Please use with caution. Batteries not included.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
Thorne and the rest of the players at the table collect their belongings. With a wave to Thorne the armed men shuffle off back to their residences. Thorne shows the dagger to the others and the bartender, specifically pointing out the skull carving to see if any of them recognize it.
OOC - does anyone recognize the symbol or the dagger (DM: stats or need to take to store to be identified is fine too)
(OOC: uhhh will try)
DM: Westeros - A D&D Homebrew Campaign
Please use with caution. Batteries not included.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
The bartender rubs his beard. "Kaelen...Kaelen. I've heard the name, but I don't recall in what context. I'll look around to return the favor, but there's no guarantee I'll find him."
DM: Westeros - A D&D Homebrew Campaign
Please use with caution. Batteries not included.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
The bartender, after whispering something to Tristan, turns to Thorne again. "That's a criminal symbol of some sort." Taking the dagger from your hands, he examines it more closely. "Interesting. The bones seem similar to the symbol of Yalex (god of dark magic & death), but in his symbol, there are only three bones surrounding the skull. Perhaps it is someone's variation of the symbol?" Looking at it again, he tells you, "I know a good oddities shop, Norrell's. It's up in the East District (the middle-class district of Dracor, mainly comprised of artisans). He grabs a slip of paper, scribbling a message (Hello, Mr. Norrell, these folks are looking for identification. Please help them! - Sigurd) before handing it to you.
(OOC: BTW sorry about the poll, looking it up it turns out you can't delete them :/)
DM: Westeros - A D&D Homebrew Campaign
Please use with caution. Batteries not included.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
OOC : no worries about the poll, minor inconvenience that has no impact on anything lol.
IC: Thorne pockets the dagger and the note, finishes his drink, and turns to the others.
Well, I’m going to go get this blade identified. That man came after me, not any of you, so you do not need to join me, but I would gladly accept your company if you are willing.
"Sure" Ozymandias replies, "How about we check it out, and then head over to these ruins." (Points to the sketch that the bartender gave him.) "I'm looking for information, and I'll bet that many of us here could use an alliance."
OOC: What time of day is it?
(OOC: It's between 9 and 10 PM)
DM: Westeros - A D&D Homebrew Campaign
Please use with caution. Batteries not included.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
Tristan nodded as the bartender spoke, his thoughts already racing. "Thank you, friend. Any lead helps." He said appreciating the bartender's willingness to help, even with little to go on.
When the conversation shifted to the dagger, Tristan's brow furrowed as he studied the blade. His fingers brushed over the symbol, tracing the bones carefully. "Yalex...," he muttered under his breath, the name carrying a weight that unsettled him. "Dark magic and death, not the kind of company anyone should be keeping."
As he stared at the dagger, the twisted symbol sent a chill down his spine. Tristan knew well the dangers of the god's influence. Yalex's followers were rarely to be trifled with, and their meddling often left ruin in their wake.
Turning the blade over in his hands, Tristan’s gaze hardened. He thought back to his studies, his time spent in quiet reflection and prayer, trying to recall what he had learned about Yalex and the twisted variations of his mark.
He felt a heaviness in his heart as he continued to contemplate the symbol. Answers would come, but he feared what they might reveal.
OOC:
religion 24 (nat20+4)
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Thurimar stops, his face pales, "Yalex, Yalex, Yalex.." he mutters, "Their cult destroyed my tower of wizardry...they are masters of corruption too." He shuffles in his seat clearly uncomfortable, "I have a deep feeling, one so dark it taints my heart, that..the individual you're searching for.. might be related to the cult in this city." Thurimar processes what he just said, then his face hardens, "Thorne, Tristan, Ozymandias would you by chance be interested in pursuing these criminals, they that plant seeds of discordance in our society must be taken out at the root, then as a strengthened group we can take on other pursuits that might be, well, important." Thurimar stands up from his seat now resolute to take on this challenge, "So what do you say?"
Thorne: It is well into the night, let's return to our beds and meet at Norrell's oddities shop in the morning. From there we may discover more information about this dagger, such as why the symbol has been altered. Thurimar, I will join you in taking down this cult if they are truly responsible for the acts done here tonight.
"Allright, that sounds like a solid plan. I think I see the beginnings of a team here." "Let's all meet tomorrow morning at Norrell's around 4 AM. After we check it out, we'll look for any leads about this cult. If we can't find anything about them, we'll head over to the ruins."
Thurimar nods, "Thank you", in an elegant gesture he gets up and strides away into the starry night, seemingly unphased, yet in his heart he knew chaos was going to ensue.
(OOC: nice rolls)
You have only heard of mutated symbols of Yalex being used once- among secretive duergar cults of Yalex to the north. These cults were known for their tendency to destroy cities by tunneling from underground, and, once having taken over the city, sacrificing everyone in massive bonfires to their god.
DM: Westeros - A D&D Homebrew Campaign
Please use with caution. Batteries not included.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax
As Tristan examined the dagger further, the mutated symbol began to stir an old memory. He had only come across something like this once before, during his studies of ancient threats and dark cults. His fingers tightened around the hilt, and he spoke quietly, more to himself than to anyone else.
“I’ve seen this variation before… or at least, I’ve read about it. It’s tied to the duergar cults of Yalex, far to the north.” He paused, the weight of the realization sinking in. “Those cults are... dangerous. They’re known for burrowing under cities, destroying them from beneath, and then offering mass sacrifices to Yalex. They burn entire populations in twisted ceremonies. If this symbol belongs to them, then whatever is happening here could be far worse than we thought.”
Tristan looked at Thorne and Sigurd, the gravity of the situation clear in his voice. Tristan’s eyes narrowed as Thurimar mentioned his story. The wizard’s words echoed in his mind—corruption, destruction, and the cult that had taken so much from him. Tristan couldn’t shake the weight of Thurimar’s story. He turned the dagger over in his hands again, the symbol of Yalex glinting ominously in the lantern light. The implications of their situation were grim, but Tristan felt his resolve solidify.
“These are no mere criminals,” Tristan said, voice low and serious. “If this is truly connected to Yalex’s cult, then we’re dealing with something far more dangerous. I can’t sit by and let them spread their darkness here. I will help. This evil must be stopped before it grows beyond our reach. I’m with you as well. We’ll root out these cultists together.”
As a plan for the next day was suggested, Tristan nodded in agreement. "Norrell’s shop at 4 AM, then we’ll track down whatever leads we can. This isn't just a dagger. It's a warning—and we can't ignore it."
He glanced once more at the mutated symbol of Yalex on the dagger, feeling the weight of what lay ahead. The road to justice would not be an easy one, but for the safety of the city and to honor the fallen, he knew he had to act. With that he picked up the drink and finished it before heading to pray and sleep.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
OOC - we can fast forward to meeting at the shop if DM doesn’t have something that happens overnight and assuming the shop is open at 4am 😂. Otherwise we just meet whenever the shop opens.
(OOC: Yep, I'll skip ahead.)
A drizzle of cold rain falls throughout the early morning, the sky dark with clouds, ominous above the cobblestone streets. The only others outside at this hour in the East District are artisans working early or those leaving the city, shoving hands into overcoat pockets and bundling up to protect themselves from the cold. You four meet outside Norrell's shop, using directions the bartender gave you last night.
The building is a comfortable two-story brick house, similar to most of the dwellings here. On the slightly cracked front window, Norrell's is painted in bright yellow letters. Inside, you can see a small shop, with a large oak desk serving as a counter. Shelves are scattered around the room, holding items from bookshelves to potions to caged beasts. A small staircase leads up to a second-floor hallway, holding several wooden doors, reinforced with metal bands. Hurrying around the room inside is a small, hunchbacked old man, with wiry joints, a long gray beard, and wire-thin glasses perched on the tip of his nose. Looking at a grandfather clock and then at the window, he gestures to you. "Come in!"
DM: Westeros - A D&D Homebrew Campaign
Please use with caution. Batteries not included.
"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - Gary Gygax