You've each found yourselves in Shadowdale, a beautiful small town surrounded by farms and striving in the shadow of Old Skull. Now you stand in the only inn in town, Old Skull Inn, where it's standing room only. The barkeep has been busy pouring ales, the two barmaids running back and forth from this table and that one, to the kitchen and back. It took you a little while to get a mug of something to drink and when you did, you're not sure it was exactly what you ordered. But its good.
Each of you have found your way to a separate corner of the taproom when you notice there, in the middle of the room, a table with a handful of halflings at it. They've been singing and dancing on it for most of the night, the pints of ale looking monstrous in their tiny little hands. You hear one of them, think his name was Maurie, Marry, Skippin, it's hard to tell, stand and tell the others that it might be time to move on for the night. As they make their way to the door you each make a run for one of the chairs. Strangely enough you all get to the table at the same time, quickly pulling a chair out and having a seat.
One of the individuals rushing to the now vacant table is copper haired wood elf dressed in studded leather armor and a deep green cloak. A pair of blades hang at the elf's belt. Smiling at the others who had the same idea as him, the elf says, "Busy night in here, eh? Since it looks like we'll be sharing the table, I suppose I ought to introduce myself. I'm Sylvantras. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
“Mathias Knoble, very pleased to meet you. It’s a great honor to make the acquaintance of a well equipped woodsman such as yourself. Well met to you as well!” A dark skinned, curly haired human with smiling eyes and a whisper of a mustache warmly says. He is attired in fine clothes of purple and cream, carrying a rosewood shawm in one hand, a colorful boomerang tucked in his belt. You might even notice the hint of a cologne as he slides into a seat.
"Well met, Mathias."Taking note of the instrument in the man's hand and the colorful clothing, Sylvantras asks of Mathias, "A traveling minstrel, I presume? I don't make it to town often myself, but don't recall seeing you the last time I was here."
“It’s true the Dales are not my home but as a true Joybringer (follower of Lliira) I play the music that unites us all. Are the Dales your home, what brought you here tonight Sylvantras? More importantly, do you sing dance or play music?” Mathias has a big smile on his face he rests his chin on his fist waiting for your response.
At this moment a barmaid stops at your table with a wooden plate containing a hot loaf of freshly baked sour bread, cubes of various local cheeses, a small clay container of honey butter and another of what looks to be a local jam, Sylvantras will remember this being called sour grass jelly, a rich sweet tasting jelly with a sour after bite.
Hey sugars, da kitchen ain't got a lot left for the night. I can bring you each some stew or veggie soup. As she speaks she sets down a piece of cheap looking parchment on the table, it has a few food and drink stains on it. She waits to see if you may want to order.
Sylvantras is about to answer Mathias's questions when the barmaid arrives. "Oh, sour grass jelly!" he says excitedly, "I haven't had any of that in quiet some time. Mathias, if you haven't had this before, you really need to try it...although if it is your first time you might want to put some of the honey butter on the bread first, it can have quite a sour after taste."
Turning his attention back to the barmaid, the ranger says, "I'll have the stew and another ale please."
Sylvantras waits for Mathias to make his order before returning to the previous conversation. "I do call the Dalelands home, the forest southeast of here in particular. I've come to Shadowdale to pick up the few provisions I might need beyond those that I hunt or forage for myself. Since I made the trip here, I figured I'd stay the night and partake of some of the niceties that aren't so common to me."
Regarding the final question, Sylvantras offers an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid that other than a few childhood songs and religious hymns, my musical skills are sorely lacking."he says before adding,"I'm always willing to learn something new though."
"Well Shadowdale is blessed with beauty. Truth be told you are reason enough for a favorable mention in the scoundrel Volo's Guide to the Dales. Your smiles worth gold to me." Mathias holds out a gold piece for the barmaid, "If you need any help you let me know."
Mathias thinks a minute raises his shawm to his lips and begins a popular tune, "The Barmaid will Swoon"starts quiet and gets louder as any patrons recognize and perhaps join in.
Performance 19. 🌹
Mathias is very impressed as Marion joins in the song with a time honored dance (of battle stance).
*Encouraging song grants 2 allies heroic inspiration... so Sylvantras and Marion. With DM's approval...
I've run this for a party of three characters. It was a barbarian, a life domain cleric, and a sorcerer (who cast Sleep straight away). With that party composition, they won without much trouble. https://100001****/
It could go poorly with bad party composition (or some lucky rolls by the rats), but a fourth character will make that much less likely.
"Marion, of the Elderwood." This wood elf has nut-brown skin and straight black hair braided into a crown atop her head. She moves quickly with a grace that most cats would envy as she bobs in a quarter curtsy. Her studded leather armor shifts slightly, revealing flashes of dark green and brown clothing underneath and a glowing holly leaf holy symbol on a choker around her neck. A scimitar and shortsword ride easily in cross-draw holsters on either hip and a sturdy shepherd's rod peaks over her right shoulder. Her clothes are well-crafted with beautiful detail but rustic, as if a reminder that some places still practice the old ways.Her mahogany brown eyes dart quickly around the room, taking in every detail before coming to rest on the stained menu between them. "Just tap water for me, please."
She nods to Sylvantras "Greetings, Cousin!" and then at Mathias "Good even, kind sir. I neither dance nor sing well, though I love to do either." as he plays she twirls and lunges in what could be generously be called a "dance" although 'kata' might be more suited to the performance. (Performance 17)
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Old school AD&D player, now learning to be a better DM dad
"Well met, cousin." Sylvantras returns with a smile as he sits back and enjoys Mathias's music and Marion's flowing elven battle stances. It was no wonder why one of the most famous of the elven fighting forms was known as Bladesinging.
Once the song and dance conclude Mathias will slather on bread some honeyed butter and another with sour grass jelly, indulging in the unique taste of the jelly. “Oh quite nice and yes there is the sour finish, still very good. That was also a wonderful dance Marion, I only hope it brought you joy. It certainly did for me! Look here dragon’s breath cheese I think, do I dare? Yes yes I do.” Mathias pops a cube of cheese followed immediately by his mug of crisp apple ale, so excellent.
The barmaid returns with the food and drink as you all ordered, she sets the bowl of stew down partially on the piece of paper she left on the table. She smiles politely and opens her mouth to speak just as the sound of a mug being knocked over comes from another table. She rolls her eyes and mutters something under her breath, please excuse me a moment. Yanking a rag from her belt she turns, heading to clean up the mess.
Sylvantras as you reach for your stew you notice words written on the paper
Your favorite craft brewery needs your help. Wizards Tower Brewers has an rat problem, a big rat problem. Seeking hardy group of adventurers to rid our storage room rats. Please see brew master Glowkindle upon arrival to discuss fee and reward.
The ranger offers a nod and smile of thanks to the barmaid as she brings the meal. Taking note of the paper stuck under his bowl, Sylvantras pulls the paper from under his bowl and reads it.
"Hmmph, either of you interested in a small job?" he asks his tablemates, presenting the paper to them. "Any of you know where Wizard Tower Brewers is? Rats can't be that difficult to deal with, even if they are of the giant variety."
“I for one would volunteer for this task, as rats suck the joy from nearly everyone they cross, and I would be remiss not to rectify such a circumstance on behalf of my lady of Joy Lliira.” Mathias says a little too loud, he is kind of a lightweight and downing two ales and nursing a third has him a little loosened up (more than normal).
As you spend more time at the table discussing adventures past and hopes for ones to come, singing and drinking, the locals have slowly started to filter out and head home. In what feels like no time the rather large crowd is down to only a couple if tables and a couple of patrons at the bar.
The barkeep approaches your table, you can tell the evening has taken it's toll on him, he looks exhausted. Gents, thank you for your patronage this evening and your patience with the staff. We'll be closing the tavern room shortly. We have a common room that you're more than welcome to stay the night in for free, it's first come first serve, no bunks just find a free spot on the floor. If you'd rather have a private room then I've only got one left, the caravan bunk room. Sleeps four in stacked bunks (think bunk beds) has two locking storage trunks, a small writing desk and chair, and one shared chamber pot. Oh, and a locking door. The whole room for five silver, for a gold we'll have you breakfast back here when you wake.
He spies the advertisement from Glowkindle on the table, you folks thinking about helping Glowie out with his rat problem?
“Yes we’re agreed, we’re gonna help clear out the vermin for Glowie. Also here’s a gold a locking door and breakfast sounds perfect. Goodnight.” Mathias waits to be pointed in the direction of the caravan bunk room.
"Seems simple enough, and making a bit of extra coin is never a bad thing."Sylvantras admits to barkeeps question while sliding five silver over to Mathias. "At least let me split that cost with you. It's been a while since I've slept in a bed...could be a nice change."
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You've each found yourselves in Shadowdale, a beautiful small town surrounded by farms and striving in the shadow of Old Skull. Now you stand in the only inn in town, Old Skull Inn, where it's standing room only. The barkeep has been busy pouring ales, the two barmaids running back and forth from this table and that one, to the kitchen and back. It took you a little while to get a mug of something to drink and when you did, you're not sure it was exactly what you ordered. But its good.
Each of you have found your way to a separate corner of the taproom when you notice there, in the middle of the room, a table with a handful of halflings at it. They've been singing and dancing on it for most of the night, the pints of ale looking monstrous in their tiny little hands. You hear one of them, think his name was Maurie, Marry, Skippin, it's hard to tell, stand and tell the others that it might be time to move on for the night. As they make their way to the door you each make a run for one of the chairs. Strangely enough you all get to the table at the same time, quickly pulling a chair out and having a seat.
One of the individuals rushing to the now vacant table is copper haired wood elf dressed in studded leather armor and a deep green cloak. A pair of blades hang at the elf's belt. Smiling at the others who had the same idea as him, the elf says, "Busy night in here, eh? Since it looks like we'll be sharing the table, I suppose I ought to introduce myself. I'm Sylvantras. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
“Mathias Knoble, very pleased to meet you. It’s a great honor to make the acquaintance of a well equipped woodsman such as yourself. Well met to you as well!” A dark skinned, curly haired human with smiling eyes and a whisper of a mustache warmly says. He is attired in fine clothes of purple and cream, carrying a rosewood shawm in one hand, a colorful boomerang tucked in his belt. You might even notice the hint of a cologne as he slides into a seat.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
"Well met, Mathias." Taking note of the instrument in the man's hand and the colorful clothing, Sylvantras asks of Mathias, "A traveling minstrel, I presume? I don't make it to town often myself, but don't recall seeing you the last time I was here."
“It’s true the Dales are not my home but as a true Joybringer (follower of Lliira) I play the music that unites us all. Are the Dales your home, what brought you here tonight Sylvantras? More importantly, do you sing dance or play music?” Mathias has a big smile on his face he rests his chin on his fist waiting for your response.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
At this moment a barmaid stops at your table with a wooden plate containing a hot loaf of freshly baked sour bread, cubes of various local cheeses, a small clay container of honey butter and another of what looks to be a local jam, Sylvantras will remember this being called sour grass jelly, a rich sweet tasting jelly with a sour after bite.
Hey sugars, da kitchen ain't got a lot left for the night. I can bring you each some stew or veggie soup. As she speaks she sets down a piece of cheap looking parchment on the table, it has a few food and drink stains on it. She waits to see if you may want to order.
Sylvantras is about to answer Mathias's questions when the barmaid arrives. "Oh, sour grass jelly!" he says excitedly, "I haven't had any of that in quiet some time. Mathias, if you haven't had this before, you really need to try it...although if it is your first time you might want to put some of the honey butter on the bread first, it can have quite a sour after taste."
Turning his attention back to the barmaid, the ranger says, "I'll have the stew and another ale please."
Sylvantras waits for Mathias to make his order before returning to the previous conversation. "I do call the Dalelands home, the forest southeast of here in particular. I've come to Shadowdale to pick up the few provisions I might need beyond those that I hunt or forage for myself. Since I made the trip here, I figured I'd stay the night and partake of some of the niceties that aren't so common to me."
Regarding the final question, Sylvantras offers an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid that other than a few childhood songs and religious hymns, my musical skills are sorely lacking." he says before adding, "I'm always willing to learn something new though."
"Well Shadowdale is blessed with beauty. Truth be told you are reason enough for a favorable mention in the scoundrel Volo's Guide to the Dales. Your smiles worth gold to me." Mathias holds out a gold piece for the barmaid, "If you need any help you let me know."
Mathias thinks a minute raises his shawm to his lips and begins a popular tune, "The Barmaid will Swoon" starts quiet and gets louder as any patrons recognize and perhaps join in.
Performance 19. 🌹
Mathias is very impressed as Marion joins in the song with a time honored dance (of battle stance).
*Encouraging song grants 2 allies heroic inspiration... so Sylvantras and Marion. With DM's approval...
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
I've run this for a party of three characters. It was a barbarian, a life domain cleric, and a sorcerer (who cast Sleep straight away). With that party composition, they won without much trouble. https://100001****/
It could go poorly with bad party composition (or some lucky rolls by the rats), but a fourth character will make that much less likely.
"Marion, of the Elderwood." This wood elf has nut-brown skin and straight black hair braided into a crown atop her head. She moves quickly with a grace that most cats would envy as she bobs in a quarter curtsy. Her studded leather armor shifts slightly, revealing flashes of dark green and brown clothing underneath and a glowing holly leaf holy symbol on a choker around her neck. A scimitar and shortsword ride easily in cross-draw holsters on either hip and a sturdy shepherd's rod peaks over her right shoulder. Her clothes are well-crafted with beautiful detail but rustic, as if a reminder that some places still practice the old ways.Her mahogany brown eyes dart quickly around the room, taking in every detail before coming to rest on the stained menu between them. "Just tap water for me, please."
She nods to Sylvantras "Greetings, Cousin!" and then at Mathias "Good even, kind sir. I neither dance nor sing well, though I love to do either." as he plays she twirls and lunges in what could be generously be called a "dance" although 'kata' might be more suited to the performance. (Performance 17)
Old school AD&D player, now learning to be a better DM dad
"Well met, cousin." Sylvantras returns with a smile as he sits back and enjoys Mathias's music and Marion's flowing elven battle stances. It was no wonder why one of the most famous of the elven fighting forms was known as Bladesinging.
Once the song and dance conclude Mathias will slather on bread some honeyed butter and another with sour grass jelly, indulging in the unique taste of the jelly. “Oh quite nice and yes there is the sour finish, still very good. That was also a wonderful dance Marion, I only hope it brought you joy. It certainly did for me! Look here dragon’s breath cheese I think, do I dare? Yes yes I do.”
Mathias pops a cube of cheese followed immediately by his mug of crisp apple ale, so excellent.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
The barmaid returns with the food and drink as you all ordered, she sets the bowl of stew down partially on the piece of paper she left on the table. She smiles politely and opens her mouth to speak just as the sound of a mug being knocked over comes from another table. She rolls her eyes and mutters something under her breath, please excuse me a moment. Yanking a rag from her belt she turns, heading to clean up the mess.
Sylvantras as you reach for your stew you notice words written on the paper
Your favorite craft brewery needs your help. Wizards Tower Brewers has an rat problem, a big rat problem. Seeking hardy group of adventurers to rid our storage room rats. Please see brew master Glowkindle upon arrival to discuss fee and reward.
Wizards Tower Brewers, the coldest ale around!
The ranger offers a nod and smile of thanks to the barmaid as she brings the meal. Taking note of the paper stuck under his bowl, Sylvantras pulls the paper from under his bowl and reads it.
"Hmmph, either of you interested in a small job?" he asks his tablemates, presenting the paper to them. "Any of you know where Wizard Tower Brewers is? Rats can't be that difficult to deal with, even if they are of the giant variety."
“I for one would volunteer for this task, as rats suck the joy from nearly everyone they cross, and I would be remiss not to rectify such a circumstance on behalf of my lady of Joy Lliira.” Mathias says a little too loud, he is kind of a lightweight and downing two ales and nursing a third has him a little loosened up (more than normal).
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
"I can do no less" says Marion, "Rats are creatures of darkness, and may well lead me to the next clue to the shadowy figure infiltrating our forest"
Old school AD&D player, now learning to be a better DM dad
As you spend more time at the table discussing adventures past and hopes for ones to come, singing and drinking, the locals have slowly started to filter out and head home. In what feels like no time the rather large crowd is down to only a couple if tables and a couple of patrons at the bar.
The barkeep approaches your table, you can tell the evening has taken it's toll on him, he looks exhausted. Gents, thank you for your patronage this evening and your patience with the staff. We'll be closing the tavern room shortly. We have a common room that you're more than welcome to stay the night in for free, it's first come first serve, no bunks just find a free spot on the floor. If you'd rather have a private room then I've only got one left, the caravan bunk room. Sleeps four in stacked bunks (think bunk beds) has two locking storage trunks, a small writing desk and chair, and one shared chamber pot. Oh, and a locking door. The whole room for five silver, for a gold we'll have you breakfast back here when you wake.
He spies the advertisement from Glowkindle on the table, you folks thinking about helping Glowie out with his rat problem?
“Yes we’re agreed, we’re gonna help clear out the vermin for Glowie. Also here’s a gold a locking door and breakfast sounds perfect. Goodnight.” Mathias waits to be pointed in the direction of the caravan bunk room.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
"Seems simple enough, and making a bit of extra coin is never a bad thing." Sylvantras admits to barkeeps question while sliding five silver over to Mathias. "At least let me split that cost with you. It's been a while since I've slept in a bed...could be a nice change."