This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“I’m not entirely sure that much comes to mind.” — the Sorcerer responded in an almost whisper, pensively, scouring his mind as he did — “I don’t typically delve into regions with names quite so… on the nose.”
(Rolling history and religion just in case, and to save some time. Feel free to disregard otherwise: Religion: 9 & History: 17)
“In my experience.” — Morgan now piped up, his voice raising to more assertive, audible levels — “The Undead don’t typically distinguish between high and low society. And the greater powers, such as those from the Outer Planes and the Fair Folk, may be drawn to… value, but don’t typically lump together scholars, mages and actors.”
“Strange events do occur, but in my experience, the simplest answers are often the most likely.” — the white haired individual paused, measuring his words carefully — “Has a ransom been demanded?”
Another pause, this one longer. “Conversely… have there been rumours of… revolution? Or an emerging faction, perhaps looking to make a point… or put on a display?”
"The whole thing makes me..." Ozus considers his words, absentmindedly fiddling with his bow. "Uneasy. The possibility of undead targets is not something we should discount out of hand. They may not have much in the way of agency, but they are useful tools for those with the power to use them. As for those taken, the pale one" He nods at Morgan "is right in suggesting that those professions are strange to see together, but they do have one commonality. Knowledge."
"Scholars seek tangible knowledge, that which they can catalogue, and predict. Mages seek the intangible, attempting to bring order to a chaotic system in order to make impossibilities into reality. And Artists... well we connect the two. We embrace the chaos, taking that which is, and that which never was, using it to create something wholly new, that which could be."
He goes silent for a moment, as though lost in a memory, before snapping back to the present. "Bringing all three spheres of knowledge together can create wonders and terrors alike. Such potential should be cut from the hands of any who would dare puppet peoples corpses. That which is dead should remain as such."
Khessa ponders all the ideas offered by the diverse and enterprising group... "In fact, 'Neverdeath Graveyard' seems almost a bizarre oxymoron... A 'Graveyard' should contain plenty of 'death'... so 'neverdeath' would almost seem like the negation of a graveyard. Maybe Tristan and Morgan are right and that undead are involved".
"And Ozus is right too, pointing out that knowledge seems at first glance to be the common element. Knowledge of the Planes, for two of the elements. Knowledge of history or religion, for another. And maybe knowledge of the highest social circles, for another" the blonde arcane warrior continues. "Even if I don't understand, then, why not kidnap members of the House of Knowledge itself. Perhaps they are too difficult a target for now? Perhaps they will be a future target? However," she sighs "given the preponderance of the 'Planes' element, it could very well be a threat from another dimension, as Naero notes".
"Well... I doubt that staying here to meditate for much longer will provide us with certainties..." the tall adventuress seems eager to get into action "We have advanced interesting hypotheses - and we will do well to keep them in mind - but our main lead to finding Eldon Keyword, Indrina Lamsensettle, Sarcelle Malinosh and Umberto Noblin remains Neverdeath Graveyard. We should head there without wasting time. We do not know what intentions those who kidnapped them have. And whether these intentions can change over time. Let's go there and... with a bit of luck, we will be able to bring them home safe and sound - and perhaps in the meantime also gather further clues as to what is happening".
”Fair enough, Khessa. I left my kit on my steed, as I was expecting a dinner party tonight, but if the situation is dire, I will go at once to prepare,” responds Tristan, appearing to be ready to leave the gathering almost as soon as he has arrived.
Larry sits there, slowly shaking his head as the others speculate. "If there was a ransom demand, I think Lord Neverember would have mentioned it. So, I think the word abductions is more accurate than kidnappings, based on what we know so far. Abducting, or kidnapping, four people with these sorts of connections and the specialized skills mentioned earlier in such a short time frame suggests a capable, organized effort. Undead as shock troops are possible, but I wouldn't expect much on that line. Necromancers like to use those toys too much, and there would probably have been some sign of them relating to the abductions. Not much better to do than go find out, of course. But . . .. At least two of us are not in kit, as the invitation didn't indicate full kit would be acceptable, let alone desired. Also there's the bit about running around a graveyard looking for undead and clues in the dark. Pick the conditions for battle, don't let your opponent pick them. I know I see things much better in daylight and am less likely to destroy clues before I see them. A glowing blade, torch, or lantern is better than nothing, but not as good as simple sunlight."
Obviously, the guy in courtly clothing with two small weapons on his belt is counting himself as one of the two without his kit at hand. He doesn't seem upset about the idea of going to the graveyard to search in the dark, just displeased.
"Some of us stay prepared to do our jobs." Ozus says, his gaze shifting to Larry. "Hesitation gets people killed. The sooner we act, the sooner the threat is neutralized. But..." He lets out a reluctant sigh. "There's little point in going in half-cocked. Do what you need to prepare, I'll scout the area around the mausoleum. See what I can see. Any who wish it is welcome to join me."
Obviously, the guy in courtly clothing with two small weapons on his belt is counting himself as one of the two without his kit at hand. He doesn't seem upset about the idea of going to the graveyard to search in the dark, just displeased.
(It's actually morning, so not dark for quite some time yet)
Neverember spreads his arms again. Yet another display of why I chose such a powerful, experienced group. No ransoms were given, and no reasons or evidence left behind. There are of course some undead that wander the graveyard, but nothing that warriors of your caliber can't handle. I thank you all for your services, and pray I see you again soon with good news in tow.
With that, he steps around the desk and opens the door for you, bowing you out, and clearly dismissing you to the job he summoned you for.
(It's now mid-morning, so there is plenty of time for scouting, kitting, prepping, buying/selling, etc. before you head off to the graveyard)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Khessa winks at the Lord reassuringly as she takes her leave. 'Of course I'll do everything I can to bring your friends back alive, Dagult! You can count on me. After what you helped me do, you can always count on me' she wants to tell him - but she's convinced he can figure it out on his own.
With a firm step, the blonde arcane warrior reaches Ozus' side: "Who could resist a little company before a visit to a cemetery? I'll go with you to take a look around the area around the mausoleum. And my brother Anator will be happy to stretch his wings too - I bet he can't wait to help us".
Given her familiarity with Neverwinter, the tall adventuress probably knows the exact location of this cemetery... so she explains the route to those who need time, then leads Ozus (and anyone else who joins the preliminary reconnaissance) to their destination.
Putting away the small journal in which he has written the names and a few small notes on the abducted people, Tristan stands and says, “I will take my leave then, Lord Neverember.”
Making his way to the stables, Tristan says to Morgan and anyone else who walks with them, “I will go by the temple and pick up some holy water vials, change into my kit, then grab some quick nourishment on the way to the graveyard…Perhaps those of us not doing the initial scouting should meet at the entrance about midday?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"So." Ozus begins as Khessa leads the way. "Dagult. How does one get on a first name basis with such an... esteemed individual? I imagine its quite the story."
Khessa smiles at Ozus and replies: "Oh, the story is probably less interesting than you think... I'm on good terms with Dagult simply because I've 'worked' around here for a long time - so we've gotten to know each other and come to appreciate each other. It probably would have happened the same to you," she shurgs "if the circumstances had been the same".
"I'm usually more interested in the common folk than the nobility - probably because I was born into a humble cabbage farming family," the blonde arcane warrior reflects and remembers. "Usually, the nobility doesn't impress me much. No noble lifted a finger, long ago, when the drow razed Twardens, my village, and enslaved all the inhabitants - with the sole exception of those they murdered instead".
"When I escaped the Underdark, freeing myself from drow slavery, I arrived here without a family, without a home, without a purpose in life... I decided to put the skills I had developed during my escape to good use" the tall adventuress continues. "I began my career as an adventuress - partly for lack of better prospects, partly to prevent, when possible, that what had happened to me would happen to others. I survived. I succeeded. Then, in time, I found myself hired by Dagult himself. Evidently, he learned that he could count on me, when he entrusted me with some useful task to save or protect the common folk".
"And at the same time, I learned to know a little about the man behind the Lord" Khessa's blue eyes shine with esteem as she recalls. "It seems to me that he is doing what he can for the well-being and safety of the people of Neverwinter. Plus, even more important, he was the first to help me when I arranged my return to the Underdark to reclaim my family. I'll be forever grateful to him for that. He is probably the closest thing I have to a friend among the nobility".
"But if Dagult has now also hired you for this task that is so close to his heart," the blonde arcane warrior now looks at her interlocutor curiously "you too must have had your share of 'interesting experiences'".
Bidding Neverember a semi-formal goodbye, though offering no great words of assurance, Arcas too made his way towards the stables with his newfound companions.
Thinking better of intruding in what appeared to be a private conversation, Morgan allowed the lady and masked male their time, before lightly tapping on his chest, covered only by simple clothing, with the tip of his cane — "It has been nice getting to meet you all, and I appreciate your emphasis on swiftness. But I too, find myself a little unprotected at the moment. And my experience lends itself best to matters where time... isn't quite so pressing. So I fear I won't be of tremendous use as first on the scene."
Briefly turning to Tristan, Morgan added — "Since we know to expect the Undead, regardless of the culprits' identities, a trip to the temple sounds like a grand idea. I'll be tagging along, I think, and those of you who wish to join will be more than welcome." — he spoke, facing the rest of the party as best he could as he addressed them.
"For everyone else. Will Midday at Neverdeath's gates work for everyone, for our little rendezvous?" — echoing the Paladin's words, to both show he agreed, and reiterate their importance, Arcas then smiled and lightly swayed his shoulders and hips, visibly amused by the graveyard's name.
"My teenage self would have loved that sentence." — he mumbled, between chuckles, mostly to himself.
"I provide services the Lord had need of a few times before. Though I must admit, this is the first time he's asked me to be part of a group. Most of my clients require a certain level of discretion when it comes to what I do for them. I rather prefer it that way. Helps maximize the kinds of job I'm offered. As for interesting experiences..."
Ozus trails off, his head cocked in consideration. "There's little I can tell I'm afraid. My memories only extend back about a year, maybe closer to two now. The decade before that is blank, like an empty canvas."
Ozus looks at Morgan. "I took you for a wielder of the arcane. It's not exactly plate armor, but if you like I could provide you some extra protection."
Naero knew when he was being dismissed. He rises from his kneeling position and moves swiftly to the door. Overhearing chat of either attending a temple or the Graveyard he chooses the latter. "...they should stay dead...defile nature....damned" he mumbles incoherently as he crosses the room. Once he's caught up with Ozus and Khessa he politely asks "May I join you? Buildings dedicated to deities hold no interest for me."
He deliberately slows his natural pace as he walks beside those heading to the graveyard, listening intently to the stories told.
Larry travels with neither group, needing to return to his rooms and gird his loins. He moves with purpose, but given the tasks and rendezvous the others have set, without special urgency. He lays his new, fancy outfit across his bed, taking the time to prevent damage form mishandling, but not to fully store it, choosing instead to ensure he is prepared for multiple days chasing through tunnels, and wherever they might lead.
As soon as he has finished gathering and donning his things, he heads to Neverdeath, stopping as he gets close to purchase some hot street food, knowing he might not see anything that isn't cold and out of his pack for a while. He reaches the gate and settles in to wait for the others to arrive. He briefly considers scouting the graveyard a bit, but he knows a group started that before he even reached his gear. Insulting the others by demonstrating he thinks they are incompetent as scouts would NOT be a good way to start this working relationship.
Reaching the stables, Tristan goes to a stall where his steed waits. It is a bison the size of a warhorse, and bears an elaborate saddle made for intense mounted combat. The bisonas bears multuple weapons, one of which Tristan straps to his waist—a Longsword, by the looks of the scabbard.
Tristan mounts his steed effortlessly and prepares to head out. “Until midday,” he says to those companions not joining him, then he heads to the temple.
(Buying a pouch and three vials of holy water, donning his armor, topping up his rations and water, then buying hot food to munch on as he approaches the graveyard).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Ozus looks at Morgan. "I took you for a wielder of the arcane. It's not exactly plate armor, but if you like I could provide you some extra protection."
"What can I say? I'm a man of mystery." — with a friendly smile across his lips, the wispy man shot a cheeky wink over to the masked individual, twirling his staff between his fingers.
"As for your offer, I suspect I know what you're referring to." — Arcas paused, and nodded in appreciation — "Thank you, truly, and I mean no disrespect, but I'll pass. Superstitions, old habits and rituals are meaningful in my line of work, you see and... I've gotten rather attached to mine."
Politely bidding his temporary goodbyes to the newfound party, the frail-looking individual moved with oddly light steps into one of the stables. Mounting an entirely black Riding Horse, far less impressive than the enormous bison, Morgan too rode for the temple alongside the Paladin.
[Looking to purchase three vials of Holy Water (25 gp each according to the 2024 phb), and if possible two Healing Potions (50 gp each, according to the 2024 phb). After that, he'll be donning his Breastplate and Sentinel Shield, and heading for the Graveyard. PS: Appreciate it, Nixie! But the Breastplate offers better AC, and then there's the shield. Morgan wouldn't know Ozus had the invocation, so passing it up felt like the polite thing to do.]
(All purchases are possible, Neverwinter has a market area you can get pretty much anything...for a price. Purchases are the same as PHB, food costs are 2 sp.)
The group not going to scout enjoy a semi-relaxing morning with nothing especially special happening before heading to the graveyard.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Ozus shrugs. "It's your life. Don't apologize to me." He reaches into his pack, as though checking to make sure something was still there, but he does not take anything out. "I do understand the importance of rituals. Patterns have power."
The day warms considerably, the chill in the air dissipating as midday approaches. Girded up, the party meets again at the gates of the Neverdeath Graveyard.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
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“I’m not entirely sure that much comes to mind.” — the Sorcerer responded in an almost whisper, pensively, scouring his mind as he did — “I don’t typically delve into regions with names quite so… on the nose.”
(Rolling history and religion just in case, and to save some time. Feel free to disregard otherwise: Religion: 9 & History: 17)
“In my experience.” — Morgan now piped up, his voice raising to more assertive, audible levels — “The Undead don’t typically distinguish between high and low society. And the greater powers, such as those from the Outer Planes and the Fair Folk, may be drawn to… value, but don’t typically lump together scholars, mages and actors.”
“Strange events do occur, but in my experience, the simplest answers are often the most likely.” — the white haired individual paused, measuring his words carefully — “Has a ransom been demanded?”
Another pause, this one longer. “Conversely… have there been rumours of… revolution? Or an emerging faction, perhaps looking to make a point… or put on a display?”
"The whole thing makes me..." Ozus considers his words, absentmindedly fiddling with his bow. "Uneasy. The possibility of undead targets is not something we should discount out of hand. They may not have much in the way of agency, but they are useful tools for those with the power to use them. As for those taken, the pale one" He nods at Morgan "is right in suggesting that those professions are strange to see together, but they do have one commonality. Knowledge."
"Scholars seek tangible knowledge, that which they can catalogue, and predict. Mages seek the intangible, attempting to bring order to a chaotic system in order to make impossibilities into reality. And Artists... well we connect the two. We embrace the chaos, taking that which is, and that which never was, using it to create something wholly new, that which could be."
He goes silent for a moment, as though lost in a memory, before snapping back to the present. "Bringing all three spheres of knowledge together can create wonders and terrors alike. Such potential should be cut from the hands of any who would dare puppet peoples corpses. That which is dead should remain as such."
Khessa ponders all the ideas offered by the diverse and enterprising group... "In fact, 'Neverdeath Graveyard' seems almost a bizarre oxymoron... A 'Graveyard' should contain plenty of 'death'... so 'neverdeath' would almost seem like the negation of a graveyard. Maybe Tristan and Morgan are right and that undead are involved".
"And Ozus is right too, pointing out that knowledge seems at first glance to be the common element. Knowledge of the Planes, for two of the elements. Knowledge of history or religion, for another. And maybe knowledge of the highest social circles, for another" the blonde arcane warrior continues. "Even if I don't understand, then, why not kidnap members of the House of Knowledge itself. Perhaps they are too difficult a target for now? Perhaps they will be a future target? However," she sighs "given the preponderance of the 'Planes' element, it could very well be a threat from another dimension, as Naero notes".
"Well... I doubt that staying here to meditate for much longer will provide us with certainties..." the tall adventuress seems eager to get into action "We have advanced interesting hypotheses - and we will do well to keep them in mind - but our main lead to finding Eldon Keyword, Indrina Lamsensettle, Sarcelle Malinosh and Umberto Noblin remains Neverdeath Graveyard. We should head there without wasting time. We do not know what intentions those who kidnapped them have. And whether these intentions can change over time. Let's go there and... with a bit of luck, we will be able to bring them home safe and sound - and perhaps in the meantime also gather further clues as to what is happening".
Tristan:
”Fair enough, Khessa. I left my kit on my steed, as I was expecting a dinner party tonight, but if the situation is dire, I will go at once to prepare,” responds Tristan, appearing to be ready to leave the gathering almost as soon as he has arrived.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Larry sits there, slowly shaking his head as the others speculate. "If there was a ransom demand, I think Lord Neverember would have mentioned it. So, I think the word abductions is more accurate than kidnappings, based on what we know so far. Abducting, or kidnapping, four people with these sorts of connections and the specialized skills mentioned earlier in such a short time frame suggests a capable, organized effort. Undead as shock troops are possible, but I wouldn't expect much on that line. Necromancers like to use those toys too much, and there would probably have been some sign of them relating to the abductions. Not much better to do than go find out, of course. But . . .. At least two of us are not in kit, as the invitation didn't indicate full kit would be acceptable, let alone desired. Also there's the bit about running around a graveyard looking for undead and clues in the dark. Pick the conditions for battle, don't let your opponent pick them. I know I see things much better in daylight and am less likely to destroy clues before I see them. A glowing blade, torch, or lantern is better than nothing, but not as good as simple sunlight."
Obviously, the guy in courtly clothing with two small weapons on his belt is counting himself as one of the two without his kit at hand. He doesn't seem upset about the idea of going to the graveyard to search in the dark, just displeased.
"Some of us stay prepared to do our jobs." Ozus says, his gaze shifting to Larry. "Hesitation gets people killed. The sooner we act, the sooner the threat is neutralized. But..." He lets out a reluctant sigh. "There's little point in going in half-cocked. Do what you need to prepare, I'll scout the area around the mausoleum. See what I can see. Any who wish it is welcome to join me."
(You know where the graveyard is and that it exists you think...that's about it)
(It's actually morning, so not dark for quite some time yet)
Neverember spreads his arms again. Yet another display of why I chose such a powerful, experienced group. No ransoms were given, and no reasons or evidence left behind. There are of course some undead that wander the graveyard, but nothing that warriors of your caliber can't handle. I thank you all for your services, and pray I see you again soon with good news in tow.
With that, he steps around the desk and opens the door for you, bowing you out, and clearly dismissing you to the job he summoned you for.
(It's now mid-morning, so there is plenty of time for scouting, kitting, prepping, buying/selling, etc. before you head off to the graveyard)
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Khessa winks at the Lord reassuringly as she takes her leave. 'Of course I'll do everything I can to bring your friends back alive, Dagult! You can count on me. After what you helped me do, you can always count on me' she wants to tell him - but she's convinced he can figure it out on his own.
With a firm step, the blonde arcane warrior reaches Ozus' side: "Who could resist a little company before a visit to a cemetery? I'll go with you to take a look around the area around the mausoleum. And my brother Anator will be happy to stretch his wings too - I bet he can't wait to help us".
Given her familiarity with Neverwinter, the tall adventuress probably knows the exact location of this cemetery... so she explains the route to those who need time, then leads Ozus (and anyone else who joins the preliminary reconnaissance) to their destination.
Tristan:
Putting away the small journal in which he has written the names and a few small notes on the abducted people, Tristan stands and says, “I will take my leave then, Lord Neverember.”
Making his way to the stables, Tristan says to Morgan and anyone else who walks with them, “I will go by the temple and pick up some holy water vials, change into my kit, then grab some quick nourishment on the way to the graveyard…Perhaps those of us not doing the initial scouting should meet at the entrance about midday?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"So." Ozus begins as Khessa leads the way. "Dagult. How does one get on a first name basis with such an... esteemed individual? I imagine its quite the story."
Khessa smiles at Ozus and replies: "Oh, the story is probably less interesting than you think... I'm on good terms with Dagult simply because I've 'worked' around here for a long time - so we've gotten to know each other and come to appreciate each other. It probably would have happened the same to you," she shurgs "if the circumstances had been the same".
"I'm usually more interested in the common folk than the nobility - probably because I was born into a humble cabbage farming family," the blonde arcane warrior reflects and remembers. "Usually, the nobility doesn't impress me much. No noble lifted a finger, long ago, when the drow razed Twardens, my village, and enslaved all the inhabitants - with the sole exception of those they murdered instead".
"When I escaped the Underdark, freeing myself from drow slavery, I arrived here without a family, without a home, without a purpose in life... I decided to put the skills I had developed during my escape to good use" the tall adventuress continues. "I began my career as an adventuress - partly for lack of better prospects, partly to prevent, when possible, that what had happened to me would happen to others. I survived. I succeeded. Then, in time, I found myself hired by Dagult himself. Evidently, he learned that he could count on me, when he entrusted me with some useful task to save or protect the common folk".
"And at the same time, I learned to know a little about the man behind the Lord" Khessa's blue eyes shine with esteem as she recalls. "It seems to me that he is doing what he can for the well-being and safety of the people of Neverwinter. Plus, even more important, he was the first to help me when I arranged my return to the Underdark to reclaim my family. I'll be forever grateful to him for that. He is probably the closest thing I have to a friend among the nobility".
"But if Dagult has now also hired you for this task that is so close to his heart," the blonde arcane warrior now looks at her interlocutor curiously "you too must have had your share of 'interesting experiences'".
Bidding Neverember a semi-formal goodbye, though offering no great words of assurance, Arcas too made his way towards the stables with his newfound companions.
Thinking better of intruding in what appeared to be a private conversation, Morgan allowed the lady and masked male their time, before lightly tapping on his chest, covered only by simple clothing, with the tip of his cane — "It has been nice getting to meet you all, and I appreciate your emphasis on swiftness. But I too, find myself a little unprotected at the moment. And my experience lends itself best to matters where time... isn't quite so pressing. So I fear I won't be of tremendous use as first on the scene."
Briefly turning to Tristan, Morgan added — "Since we know to expect the Undead, regardless of the culprits' identities, a trip to the temple sounds like a grand idea. I'll be tagging along, I think, and those of you who wish to join will be more than welcome." — he spoke, facing the rest of the party as best he could as he addressed them.
"For everyone else. Will Midday at Neverdeath's gates work for everyone, for our little rendezvous?" — echoing the Paladin's words, to both show he agreed, and reiterate their importance, Arcas then smiled and lightly swayed his shoulders and hips, visibly amused by the graveyard's name.
"My teenage self would have loved that sentence." — he mumbled, between chuckles, mostly to himself.
"I provide services the Lord had need of a few times before. Though I must admit, this is the first time he's asked me to be part of a group. Most of my clients require a certain level of discretion when it comes to what I do for them. I rather prefer it that way. Helps maximize the kinds of job I'm offered. As for interesting experiences..."
Ozus trails off, his head cocked in consideration. "There's little I can tell I'm afraid. My memories only extend back about a year, maybe closer to two now. The decade before that is blank, like an empty canvas."
Ozus looks at Morgan. "I took you for a wielder of the arcane. It's not exactly plate armor, but if you like I could provide you some extra protection."
Naero
Naero knew when he was being dismissed. He rises from his kneeling position and moves swiftly to the door. Overhearing chat of either attending a temple or the Graveyard he chooses the latter. "...they should stay dead...defile nature....damned" he mumbles incoherently as he crosses the room. Once he's caught up with Ozus and Khessa he politely asks "May I join you? Buildings dedicated to deities hold no interest for me."
He deliberately slows his natural pace as he walks beside those heading to the graveyard, listening intently to the stories told.
"Midday at the gates to Neverdeath, then."
Larry travels with neither group, needing to return to his rooms and gird his loins. He moves with purpose, but given the tasks and rendezvous the others have set, without special urgency. He lays his new, fancy outfit across his bed, taking the time to prevent damage form mishandling, but not to fully store it, choosing instead to ensure he is prepared for multiple days chasing through tunnels, and wherever they might lead.
As soon as he has finished gathering and donning his things, he heads to Neverdeath, stopping as he gets close to purchase some hot street food, knowing he might not see anything that isn't cold and out of his pack for a while. He reaches the gate and settles in to wait for the others to arrive. He briefly considers scouting the graveyard a bit, but he knows a group started that before he even reached his gear. Insulting the others by demonstrating he thinks they are incompetent as scouts would NOT be a good way to start this working relationship.
Tristan:
Reaching the stables, Tristan goes to a stall where his steed waits. It is a bison the size of a warhorse, and bears an elaborate saddle made for intense mounted combat. The bisonas bears multuple weapons, one of which Tristan straps to his waist—a Longsword, by the looks of the scabbard.
Tristan mounts his steed effortlessly and prepares to head out. “Until midday,” he says to those companions not joining him, then he heads to the temple.
(Buying a pouch and three vials of holy water, donning his armor, topping up his rations and water, then buying hot food to munch on as he approaches the graveyard).
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"What can I say? I'm a man of mystery." — with a friendly smile across his lips, the wispy man shot a cheeky wink over to the masked individual, twirling his staff between his fingers.
"As for your offer, I suspect I know what you're referring to." — Arcas paused, and nodded in appreciation — "Thank you, truly, and I mean no disrespect, but I'll pass. Superstitions, old habits and rituals are meaningful in my line of work, you see and... I've gotten rather attached to mine."
Politely bidding his temporary goodbyes to the newfound party, the frail-looking individual moved with oddly light steps into one of the stables. Mounting an entirely black Riding Horse, far less impressive than the enormous bison, Morgan too rode for the temple alongside the Paladin.
[Looking to purchase three vials of Holy Water (25 gp each according to the 2024 phb), and if possible two Healing Potions (50 gp each, according to the 2024 phb). After that, he'll be donning his Breastplate and Sentinel Shield, and heading for the Graveyard.
PS: Appreciate it, Nixie! But the Breastplate offers better AC, and then there's the shield. Morgan wouldn't know Ozus had the invocation, so passing it up felt like the polite thing to do.]
(All purchases are possible, Neverwinter has a market area you can get pretty much anything...for a price. Purchases are the same as PHB, food costs are 2 sp.)
The group not going to scout enjoy a semi-relaxing morning with nothing especially special happening before heading to the graveyard.
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Ozus shrugs. "It's your life. Don't apologize to me." He reaches into his pack, as though checking to make sure something was still there, but he does not take anything out. "I do understand the importance of rituals. Patterns have power."
The day warms considerably, the chill in the air dissipating as midday approaches. Girded up, the party meets again at the gates of the Neverdeath Graveyard.
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.