"Nice to make your acquaintance Arkon, I am Valeria, but you can call me Val if you prefer."The young red-haired lady says with a curious smile to the massive goliath at her side.
She then listens to the others, taking note of the pridefulness of some. These were not people who were used to taking orders it seemed. There was nothing wrong with pride though, it was just that it could easily turn quite foolish, and more importantly dangerous, if left unchecked.
The young red-haired lady takes in the captain's instructions. As a patriar she had still heard of the dark deeds of the followers of the Dead Three, and while her family had long since taken protective measures there had been some loss of trade due to their evil machinations in the past. She accepts her copper badge and pockets it, smiling to herself as she thought about what her father should say when he saw it. She herself wasn't here for the gold but she would certainly find some pleasant way to spend it as the deed was done and the mission was completed.
She watches as the dwarf with the outrageous hair marches off and shrugs, hurrying after him. "Well, you are not wrong, but I think you got the order a bit mixed up there Arkon." She says with a soft laugh to the goliath. "Reverse it and you will find this mission will run much smoother."She adds patting his arm. She herself never been around much in these parts of the city but who hadn't heard of the Elfsong Tavern. She almost skips along with excitement to keep up with the others.
"Ehm, pardon me, Zim was it? Might I suggest neither waving badges nor arms at that tavern. While you will likely be the one to do much of the actual killing later on, I might be able to establish contact with this Tarina and convince her to cooperate, without the more brutish tactics of the regular Flaming Fists I mean." She says to the dwarf with a pleasant smile. "Just a thought." She adds, falling back alongside the goliath, under whose shadow she would most likely find shelter when things eventually turned ugly.
Zim's strides are swift but he has time to chat. “Arkon you say? Though it was ages ago, my apologies for Nedeheim. I've never met a stone giant before. Since i spent my life killing spider drow from the underdark, I haven't traveled much of the surface. You seen good company so I'm glad to be in the ranks with you. "
He turns to the Artificer, offering a firm nod."Nice to meet you, Gorin. If you’ve heard of my friend Iirikos Stoneshoulder, the master artisan, then you know what true dwarven craftsmanship is all about.There’s nothing quite like it, stone and steel worked with precision, forged with heart.”
Zim catches his eyes lingering on the worn edges of the orc’s spellbook, curiosity sparking in his gaze. He lifts his chin slightly and addresses the orc with genuine interest. “So, Durak, you’re an arcanist, huh? What’s that like?”There’s no edge to his question, just the straightforward curiosity of a warrior who knows steel and stone far better than magic.
"What have I gotten myself in to this time?" he asked no one in particular as Sarris prepared his Druidcraft -- hands weaving something in the air before him as he spoke a few choice words in an unknown language -- forming a 5 foot cube of choice skunk scent into the crowd.
Zim turns his gaze to Sarris, the silent Ranger-Druid, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, with a knowing shake of his head, he offers a faint smile. “I’ve no quarrel with elves in the ranks.”His voice is firm, without hesitation.“Stand behind me, and I’ll be your shield.”
She watches as the dwarf with the outrageous hair marches off and shrugs, hurrying after him."Well, you are not wrong, but I think you got the order a bit mixed up there Arkon."She says with a soft laugh to the goliath. "Reverse it and you will find this mission will run much smoother."She adds patting his arm. She herself never been around much in these parts of the city but who hadn't heard of the Elfsong Tavern. She almost skips along with excitement to keep up with the others.
"Ehm, pardon me, Zim was it? Might I suggest neither waving badges nor arms at that tavern. While you will likely be the one to do much of the actual killing later on, I might be able to establish contact with this Tarina and convince her to cooperate, without the more brutish tactics of the regular Flaming Fists I mean." She says to the dwarf with a pleasant smile."Just a thought." She adds, falling back alongside the goliath, under whose shadow she would most likely find shelter when things eventually turned ugly.
Zim's eyes linger on Valeria, his gaze softened by a knowing smile. His tempered with reassurance. “Of course, young one. Don’t ye worry, I know how to lead, and I know how to follow.” He raises his morning star and taps it gently against his dwarven shield. The sound rings out, clear and true, like a bell tuned to perfect pitch. The resonance seems to hang in the air for a moment, a promise forged of steel and resolve. 🛡️⚒️
Arkon listens to the chatter around him, his stone-like features breaking into a faint smile as each companion introduces themselves. He glances at Valeria when she pats his arm, her laugh light and cheerful. “Reverse it, huh?" He rumbles, his deep voice more thoughtful than teasing. Her energy is contagious, and he’s intrigued by her confidence despite her smaller frame.
When Zim mentions Nedeheim, Arkon nods slowly, his expression serious as he tries to remember what he's heard of it (History 12). “What’s done is done. Glad to have you at my side now.” He claps the dwarf lightly on the shoulder, though the force is enough to make an ordinary man stumble. He looks at the others, his gray eyes scanning the group, noting their varied skills and strengths. Some don’t look like fighters, but that doesn’t bother him—he knows not all battles are won with brute force...just all of his are.
Durak pockets the badge and lingers behind. "Captain Zodge can you describe Tarina and what do you mean she has dangerous friends? Is she part of some gang or something else?"
When Zim mentions Nedeheim, Arkon nods slowly, his expression serious as he tries to remember what he's heard of it (History 12).
(Wouldn't be able to know about it, due to Nedeheim being a southern kingdom. Arkon, to which I assume, is a northerner since he's from a tribe so I'd say your best assumption was that it was a tribe's name.)
Durak pockets the badge and lingers behind. "Captain Zodge can you describe Tarina and what do you mean she has dangerous friends? Is she part of some gang or something else?"
"She's a human woman with short red hair. You can spot her out by her black bandana she wears on her head. And as I said, she's a spy. She has variety of connections and I'd prefer her not to use them against us. We've already our hands full with the city panicking over Elturiel, the refugees, and cultists."
The party heads for Elfsong tavern, to which they find it busier than normally. Then again, looking at the patrons, it seemed most of them are refugees, drowning their sorrows in ale. A half elf mans the bar, busily going between those at the bar. Staff supplies the tables at the taproom with meal and ale, coming to and from the kitchen. A variety of patrons sit and talk among each other. A trio of halflings drunkenly cheer for themselves, something about recently buying their dream home, only for the city to be doomed. An aged gnome sits by himself, his table a mess of books and scrolls. A tiefling lounges in the smokeroom, igniting a hookah and taking a pipe while others in the room do the same.
Zim’s eyes sweep across the room, searching eagerly for a familiar face, a comrade from the mines, a fellow soldier, or even a drinking companion from days gone by. The din of the tavern, the clink of mugs, and the low murmur of conversation stir something in his chest, a longing for a connection. Finding none, his eagerness fades just a notch, but his determination holds steady. Without hesitation, he steps to one of the servers and places a few coppers on their tray, “A mug of your Darkbrew,” he says, his voice gruff but warm.
"Well yes, reverse the order of the parts of the mission you just mentioned Arkon, that is, first we find Tarina who will hopefully tell us where we can find that lair, then we go there and then kill the bad ones we find there, and I'm sure you will excel at the last part Arkon." The young red-haired lady says with an amused smile, giving the massive and heavily armed goliath another quick glance. Admittedly she found herself even looking forward to see the goliath in combat, he seemed to be a formidable champion, if somewhat slow, but that too could be an asset, to her.
As the squad of deputized Flaming Fists arrives at the Elfsong, the redhead quickly adjusts her dress and hair to look slightly less patriarish, then checking on the handbag attached to her belt where her tiny invisible companion diligently watches over and guards her coin and her newly acquired Flaming Fist deputy badge. Finally she applies some perfume to herself, something discreet rosy-scented, but enough to be captivating even at a place like this. It is with some excitement she then enters the tavern to find their contact.
Assuming Durak had shared what he learned about Tarina, the redhead discreetly scans the interior for anyone fitting her description. Otherwise she would make her way over to the bar to order something nice to drink and let the bartender have a good tip in golden coin for sharing what he knew about Tarina and her whereabouts.
Perception if needed: 23 Persuasion if needed: 25 Another roll if perfume gives advantage: 7
Gorin thinks others will be better in finding Tarina so he joins Zim at the bar
"A Gold one for me please" he says "So, Zim, you didn't like how the flaming fist treated the common people there, did you? Any particiular reason?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"grandpa" Salkur, deep gnome artificer/sorcerer: Spiderwrangler's Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Artificer/cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volcano Genasi Artificer: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Artificer: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Blue Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): The adventure at Hope's End
Gorin thinks others will be better in finding Tarina so he joins Zim at the bar
"A Gold one for me please" he says "So, Zim, you didn't like how the flaming fist treated the common people there, did you? Any particular reason?"
Zim answers Gorin by raising his mug high, the Darkbrew nearly sloshing out, “Hear, hear! To the common people."
His words stir something in the hearts of patrons and they begin to chant,
To the common folk, who work the land So we can share THIS pint, in hand
The ale hall seems to erupt in cheers and one patron falls out of his chair. Zim gets a look in his eye and continues to toast,
"To the workers, laborers, those who toil, who fell trees and then raise our homes," "Who carve stones, then build bridges," "Who mine ore, to craft the instruments of war." "Aye, to the folks who break their own backs and yet so often bear the burden of the world’s injustices.”
His eyes glint with a fierce determination, the weight of his words settling over the room like a steady drumbeat.
“And may the day come when those who truly sow the seeds of injustice are the ones to pay the price.”
He lifts his mug a even higher, his voice rumbles with conviction. “I’ll toast to that.” He finishes his mug and then gets a worried look on his face. "Wait. we're on the job." He quickly turns to the drunk man sitting to the right, "Do you know a wee lass who goes by the name Tarina?"
Arkon nods slowly at Valeria’s explanation, her words making sense in their simple, straightforward way. “Ah, right. Find Tarina, find the lair, then kill the bad ones,” he repeats, his voice like grinding stone. A faint smile touches his lips as she mentions his role in the latter part. “I’ll be ready for that.”
As they step into the Elfsong Tavern, Arkon ducks slightly under the doorframe, his massive frame a sharp contrast to Valeria’s delicate dress and demeanor. The tavern’s lively hum of voices quiets briefly as some patrons notice the towering goliath entering alongside the well-dressed red-haired lady. Arkon is used to the stares and doesn’t react, his stoic expression fixed as he surveys the room.
Arkon stays close to Valeria, his imposing presence acting as a silent deterrent to anyone who might consider bothering her. While she scans the room for Tarina or chats up the bartender, Arkon folds his arms across his chest and leans slightly against a beam, keeping an eye on the patrons.
"Let me know if you need me to move someone,” he says quietly to Valeria, his tone casual but leaving no doubt that he means it. To him, this kind of quiet support is just as important as swinging his weapons in a fight—it’s all part of keeping his companions safe.
"Aye, to us, the common folk"he says look around, happy to see many refugees that apparently were let in. But sad about the many that are still outside the gates.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"grandpa" Salkur, deep gnome artificer/sorcerer: Spiderwrangler's Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Artificer/cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volcano Genasi Artificer: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Artificer: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Blue Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): The adventure at Hope's End
Sarris is a bit more 'on guard' inside this packed tavern. He prefers open lands and a lot less body to body contact; especially these unwashed, common refugees. The high elves would never had let something like this wash upon their towers and boughs.
Paying particular attention to the edges of the room and who is watching whom, Sarris will slowly make an outer circuit of the main room - noting if there are any side rooms for more 'private' drinking and meeting.
Taking note of where the rest of the deputees end up inside the Elfsong tavern, the redhead then smiles up at the goliath at her side. "No moving needed at this moment Arkon, but thank you for the offer, it might just be required before we leave this place though so I appreciate you staying conveniently nearby." She says, suppressing a sudden urge to ask the goliath to relocate the rather unpleasant smelling refugee beside her at the bar. She preferred the mission to run smoothly though so she deicided to ignore the foul scent almost drowning out her own expensive perfume. "What will you have to drink Arkon? Their largest ale I would imagine?" She then asks the goliath with a small smile while waiting for the attention of the half-elf at the bar. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of friends this Tarina had but hopefully they wouldn't interfere with her collecting the simple information they needed. What could possibly go wrong inside a tavern...
Arkon chuckles softly at Valeria’s comment. “Extra big, extra strong. You know me well already, Val,” he replies, a faint grin breaking his normally stoic expression. He casts a glance at the row of mugs and tankards behind the bar, his eyes landing on the largest one. “That one looks like it might do the job. If not, I’ll take two.”
He shifts slightly, standing tall and keeping an eye on the tavern while staying close enough to hear Valeria’s exchange with the bartender. His presence alone seems to discourage any unruly behavior from the patrons nearby, their conversations quieting as they notice the towering goliath.
“I’ll cover yours if you want,”he adds, looking down at Valeria. “Least I can do, since you’re handling the talking.”
The tavern has a few redheads but none with a black bandana. Walking along the edge of the room, there are mostly just a few booths to give a bit of privacy, the lounge with the smokers, and a private dining room currently locked. The bartender charges 5 silver per drink, but only a single silver for refills.
(Will update currency once interaction with the barkeep is done.)
The barkeep tilts his head, "If you're looking for Tarina, she's playing on the floor up. Think she's playing a round with Whaul and Rahima right now." The barkeep points to the stairs.
(To whomever goes up first)
The second floor of the tavern is a bit more vacant. These folk were not here to drink away their worries but here to enjoy their time. A collective groan catches your attention as you turn to one of the game tables. Seated at the head is a red headed woman with a bandana tied around her head.
"It's alright, I'm a generous person. I'll let you all cry and pay at the same time." she teases as she collects her winnings.
"Third time she's managed to get dead set on 21. Luck's on her side tonight!" a half orc laughs as he readies himself for another round.
"Oh you just wait, my astral projections already divined that fate is destined for me!" a woman in robes somewhat desperately puts in her bet.
"Let's start with one big guy." Valeria says with a soft laugh and order up taverns largest ale and one glass of their best wine if there is such a thing available, placing an extra golden coin on the counter for the information just provided, giving the barkeep a quick grateful smile. She then looks around the taproom to discreetly motion for the other deputees that she and Arkon was heading upstairs.
Going up the stairs she pondered how to make contact. She recalled several novels with contacts being made in places like this. She smiles to herself as she spots the redhead with the bandana. The woman looked so confident, and Valeria immediately took I liking to her outfit, perhaps she would have time to shop for one like that before venturing into that lair of the Dead Three? She glances back to make sure Arkon was with her. Hopefully this exchange would run without problems but better safe than sorry.
With her wine gracefully held, Valeria approaches the contact, stopping behind her for a moment to give the others around the table a quick smile before leaning in to whisper in the ear of her contact. "Pardon me Tarina, don't want to disturb your lucky streak here dear but we have been sent by Captain Zodge to collect some quick information on the whereabouts of a certain lair of the Dead Three. Just give us some directions and you will be able to go right back to winning without any unnecessary interference."
Persuasion to make Tarina comply and give up the information: 24 Another roll if the fact that towering behind Valeria is a massive goliath should be considered helpful for Tarina to make up her mind about giving up the information, resulting in advantage on the roll: 20
Meanwhile a tiny invisible creature hidden in Valeria's handbag peeks out and keeps it's eyes open for potential threats. Perception: 9
"Oh no, please, I would be next to useless if I can't at least buy you a drink for your appreciated protection."The young red-haired lady tells the massive goliath beside her. "And any talking I will be allowed on this mission will be my genuine pleasure and would be nothing to thank me for." She adds with a soft laugh. "Now come, let's find our contact and hope this will run smoothly."
"Nice to make your acquaintance Arkon, I am Valeria, but you can call me Val if you prefer." The young red-haired lady says with a curious smile to the massive goliath at her side.
She then listens to the others, taking note of the pridefulness of some. These were not people who were used to taking orders it seemed. There was nothing wrong with pride though, it was just that it could easily turn quite foolish, and more importantly dangerous, if left unchecked.
The young red-haired lady takes in the captain's instructions. As a patriar she had still heard of the dark deeds of the followers of the Dead Three, and while her family had long since taken protective measures there had been some loss of trade due to their evil machinations in the past. She accepts her copper badge and pockets it, smiling to herself as she thought about what her father should say when he saw it. She herself wasn't here for the gold but she would certainly find some pleasant way to spend it as the deed was done and the mission was completed.
She watches as the dwarf with the outrageous hair marches off and shrugs, hurrying after him. "Well, you are not wrong, but I think you got the order a bit mixed up there Arkon." She says with a soft laugh to the goliath. "Reverse it and you will find this mission will run much smoother." She adds patting his arm. She herself never been around much in these parts of the city but who hadn't heard of the Elfsong Tavern. She almost skips along with excitement to keep up with the others.
"Ehm, pardon me, Zim was it? Might I suggest neither waving badges nor arms at that tavern. While you will likely be the one to do much of the actual killing later on, I might be able to establish contact with this Tarina and convince her to cooperate, without the more brutish tactics of the regular Flaming Fists I mean." She says to the dwarf with a pleasant smile. "Just a thought." She adds, falling back alongside the goliath, under whose shadow she would most likely find shelter when things eventually turned ugly.
Zim's strides are swift but he has time to chat. “Arkon you say? Though it was ages ago, my apologies for Nedeheim. I've never met a stone giant before. Since i spent my life killing spider drow from the underdark, I haven't traveled much of the surface. You seen good company so I'm glad to be in the ranks with you. "
He turns to the Artificer, offering a firm nod. "Nice to meet you, Gorin. If you’ve heard of my friend Iirikos Stoneshoulder, the master artisan, then you know what true dwarven craftsmanship is all about. There’s nothing quite like it, stone and steel worked with precision, forged with heart.”
Zim catches his eyes lingering on the worn edges of the orc’s spellbook, curiosity sparking in his gaze. He lifts his chin slightly and addresses the orc with genuine interest. “So, Durak, you’re an arcanist, huh? What’s that like?” There’s no edge to his question, just the straightforward curiosity of a warrior who knows steel and stone far better than magic.
Zim turns his gaze to Sarris, the silent Ranger-Druid, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, with a knowing shake of his head, he offers a faint smile. “I’ve no quarrel with elves in the ranks.” His voice is firm, without hesitation. “Stand behind me, and I’ll be your shield.”
Zim's eyes linger on Valeria, his gaze softened by a knowing smile. His tempered with reassurance. “Of course, young one. Don’t ye worry, I know how to lead, and I know how to follow.” He raises his morning star and taps it gently against his dwarven shield. The sound rings out, clear and true, like a bell tuned to perfect pitch. The resonance seems to hang in the air for a moment, a promise forged of steel and resolve. 🛡️⚒️
Zim Eaglecleft, Fighter 1 (Farmer Dwarf), Descent into Avernus (Hardcore)
Arkon listens to the chatter around him, his stone-like features breaking into a faint smile as each companion introduces themselves. He glances at Valeria when she pats his arm, her laugh light and cheerful. “Reverse it, huh?" He rumbles, his deep voice more thoughtful than teasing. Her energy is contagious, and he’s intrigued by her confidence despite her smaller frame.
When Zim mentions Nedeheim, Arkon nods slowly, his expression serious as he tries to remember what he's heard of it (History 12). “What’s done is done. Glad to have you at my side now.” He claps the dwarf lightly on the shoulder, though the force is enough to make an ordinary man stumble. He looks at the others, his gray eyes scanning the group, noting their varied skills and strengths. Some don’t look like fighters, but that doesn’t bother him—he knows not all battles are won with brute force...just all of his are.
A bit sick atm. Sorry if replies are slow.
Durak pockets the badge and lingers behind. "Captain Zodge can you describe Tarina and what do you mean she has dangerous friends? Is she part of some gang or something else?"
(Wouldn't be able to know about it, due to Nedeheim being a southern kingdom. Arkon, to which I assume, is a northerner since he's from a tribe so I'd say your best assumption was that it was a tribe's name.)
"She's a human woman with short red hair. You can spot her out by her black bandana she wears on her head. And as I said, she's a spy. She has variety of connections and I'd prefer her not to use them against us. We've already our hands full with the city panicking over Elturiel, the refugees, and cultists."
Durak "Appreciate the details" he then turns to hurry up and catch up with the others as they walk to the tavern.
The party heads for Elfsong tavern, to which they find it busier than normally. Then again, looking at the patrons, it seemed most of them are refugees, drowning their sorrows in ale. A half elf mans the bar, busily going between those at the bar. Staff supplies the tables at the taproom with meal and ale, coming to and from the kitchen. A variety of patrons sit and talk among each other. A trio of halflings drunkenly cheer for themselves, something about recently buying their dream home, only for the city to be doomed. An aged gnome sits by himself, his table a mess of books and scrolls. A tiefling lounges in the smokeroom, igniting a hookah and taking a pipe while others in the room do the same.
Zim’s eyes sweep across the room, searching eagerly for a familiar face, a comrade from the mines, a fellow soldier, or even a drinking companion from days gone by. The din of the tavern, the clink of mugs, and the low murmur of conversation stir something in his chest, a longing for a connection. Finding none, his eagerness fades just a notch, but his determination holds steady. Without hesitation, he steps to one of the servers and places a few coppers on their tray, “A mug of your Darkbrew,” he says, his voice gruff but warm.
Zim Eaglecleft, Fighter 1 (Farmer Dwarf), Descent into Avernus (Hardcore)
"Well yes, reverse the order of the parts of the mission you just mentioned Arkon, that is, first we find Tarina who will hopefully tell us where we can find that lair, then we go there and then kill the bad ones we find there, and I'm sure you will excel at the last part Arkon." The young red-haired lady says with an amused smile, giving the massive and heavily armed goliath another quick glance. Admittedly she found herself even looking forward to see the goliath in combat, he seemed to be a formidable champion, if somewhat slow, but that too could be an asset, to her.
As the squad of deputized Flaming Fists arrives at the Elfsong, the redhead quickly adjusts her dress and hair to look slightly less patriarish, then checking on the handbag attached to her belt where her tiny invisible companion diligently watches over and guards her coin and her newly acquired Flaming Fist deputy badge. Finally she applies some perfume to herself, something discreet rosy-scented, but enough to be captivating even at a place like this. It is with some excitement she then enters the tavern to find their contact.
Assuming Durak had shared what he learned about Tarina, the redhead discreetly scans the interior for anyone fitting her description. Otherwise she would make her way over to the bar to order something nice to drink and let the bartender have a good tip in golden coin for sharing what he knew about Tarina and her whereabouts.
Perception if needed: 23
Persuasion if needed: 25 Another roll if perfume gives advantage: 7
Gorin thinks others will be better in finding Tarina so he joins Zim at the bar
"A Gold one for me please" he says "So, Zim, you didn't like how the flaming fist treated the common people there, did you? Any particiular reason?"
"grandpa" Salkur, deep gnome artificer/sorcerer: Spiderwrangler's Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Artificer/cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volcano Genasi Artificer: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Artificer: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Blue Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): The adventure at Hope's End
Zim answers Gorin by raising his mug high, the Darkbrew nearly sloshing out, “Hear, hear! To the common people."
His words stir something in the hearts of patrons and they begin to chant,
To the common folk, who work the land
So we can share THIS pint, in hand
The ale hall seems to erupt in cheers and one patron falls out of his chair. Zim gets a look in his eye and continues to toast,
"To the workers, laborers, those who toil, who fell trees and then raise our homes,"
"Who carve stones, then build bridges,"
"Who mine ore, to craft the instruments of war."
"Aye, to the folks who break their own backs and yet so often bear the burden of the world’s injustices.”
His eyes glint with a fierce determination, the weight of his words settling over the room like a steady drumbeat.
“And may the day come when those who truly sow the seeds of injustice are the ones to pay the price.”
He lifts his mug a even higher, his voice rumbles with conviction. “I’ll toast to that.” He finishes his mug and then gets a worried look on his face. "Wait. we're on the job." He quickly turns to the drunk man sitting to the right, "Do you know a wee lass who goes by the name Tarina?"
Gather Information 2+1
Zim Eaglecleft, Fighter 1 (Farmer Dwarf), Descent into Avernus (Hardcore)
Arkon nods slowly at Valeria’s explanation, her words making sense in their simple, straightforward way. “Ah, right. Find Tarina, find the lair, then kill the bad ones,” he repeats, his voice like grinding stone. A faint smile touches his lips as she mentions his role in the latter part. “I’ll be ready for that.”
As they step into the Elfsong Tavern, Arkon ducks slightly under the doorframe, his massive frame a sharp contrast to Valeria’s delicate dress and demeanor. The tavern’s lively hum of voices quiets briefly as some patrons notice the towering goliath entering alongside the well-dressed red-haired lady. Arkon is used to the stares and doesn’t react, his stoic expression fixed as he surveys the room.
Arkon stays close to Valeria, his imposing presence acting as a silent deterrent to anyone who might consider bothering her. While she scans the room for Tarina or chats up the bartender, Arkon folds his arms across his chest and leans slightly against a beam, keeping an eye on the patrons.
"Let me know if you need me to move someone,” he says quietly to Valeria, his tone casual but leaving no doubt that he means it. To him, this kind of quiet support is just as important as swinging his weapons in a fight—it’s all part of keeping his companions safe.
A bit sick atm. Sorry if replies are slow.
"Aye, to us, the common folk" he says look around, happy to see many refugees that apparently were let in. But sad about the many that are still outside the gates.
"grandpa" Salkur, deep gnome artificer/sorcerer: Spiderwrangler's Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Artificer/cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volcano Genasi Artificer: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Artificer: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Blue Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): The adventure at Hope's End
Passive Perception: 15
Sarris is a bit more 'on guard' inside this packed tavern. He prefers open lands and a lot less body to body contact; especially these unwashed, common refugees. The high elves would never had let something like this wash upon their towers and boughs.
Paying particular attention to the edges of the room and who is watching whom, Sarris will slowly make an outer circuit of the main room - noting if there are any side rooms for more 'private' drinking and meeting.
Taking note of where the rest of the deputees end up inside the Elfsong tavern, the redhead then smiles up at the goliath at her side. "No moving needed at this moment Arkon, but thank you for the offer, it might just be required before we leave this place though so I appreciate you staying conveniently nearby." She says, suppressing a sudden urge to ask the goliath to relocate the rather unpleasant smelling refugee beside her at the bar. She preferred the mission to run smoothly though so she deicided to ignore the foul scent almost drowning out her own expensive perfume. "What will you have to drink Arkon? Their largest ale I would imagine?" She then asks the goliath with a small smile while waiting for the attention of the half-elf at the bar. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of friends this Tarina had but hopefully they wouldn't interfere with her collecting the simple information they needed. What could possibly go wrong inside a tavern...
Arkon chuckles softly at Valeria’s comment. “Extra big, extra strong. You know me well already, Val,” he replies, a faint grin breaking his normally stoic expression. He casts a glance at the row of mugs and tankards behind the bar, his eyes landing on the largest one. “That one looks like it might do the job. If not, I’ll take two.”
He shifts slightly, standing tall and keeping an eye on the tavern while staying close enough to hear Valeria’s exchange with the bartender. His presence alone seems to discourage any unruly behavior from the patrons nearby, their conversations quieting as they notice the towering goliath.
“I’ll cover yours if you want,” he adds, looking down at Valeria. “Least I can do, since you’re handling the talking.”
A bit sick atm. Sorry if replies are slow.
The tavern has a few redheads but none with a black bandana. Walking along the edge of the room, there are mostly just a few booths to give a bit of privacy, the lounge with the smokers, and a private dining room currently locked. The bartender charges 5 silver per drink, but only a single silver for refills.
(Will update currency once interaction with the barkeep is done.)
The barkeep tilts his head, "If you're looking for Tarina, she's playing on the floor up. Think she's playing a round with Whaul and Rahima right now." The barkeep points to the stairs.
(To whomever goes up first)
The second floor of the tavern is a bit more vacant. These folk were not here to drink away their worries but here to enjoy their time. A collective groan catches your attention as you turn to one of the game tables. Seated at the head is a red headed woman with a bandana tied around her head.
"It's alright, I'm a generous person. I'll let you all cry and pay at the same time." she teases as she collects her winnings.
"Third time she's managed to get dead set on 21. Luck's on her side tonight!" a half orc laughs as he readies himself for another round.
"Oh you just wait, my astral projections already divined that fate is destined for me!" a woman in robes somewhat desperately puts in her bet.
"Let's start with one big guy." Valeria says with a soft laugh and order up taverns largest ale and one glass of their best wine if there is such a thing available, placing an extra golden coin on the counter for the information just provided, giving the barkeep a quick grateful smile. She then looks around the taproom to discreetly motion for the other deputees that she and Arkon was heading upstairs.
Going up the stairs she pondered how to make contact. She recalled several novels with contacts being made in places like this. She smiles to herself as she spots the redhead with the bandana. The woman looked so confident, and Valeria immediately took I liking to her outfit, perhaps she would have time to shop for one like that before venturing into that lair of the Dead Three? She glances back to make sure Arkon was with her. Hopefully this exchange would run without problems but better safe than sorry.
With her wine gracefully held, Valeria approaches the contact, stopping behind her for a moment to give the others around the table a quick smile before leaning in to whisper in the ear of her contact. "Pardon me Tarina, don't want to disturb your lucky streak here dear but we have been sent by Captain Zodge to collect some quick information on the whereabouts of a certain lair of the Dead Three. Just give us some directions and you will be able to go right back to winning without any unnecessary interference."
Persuasion to make Tarina comply and give up the information: 24
Another roll if the fact that towering behind Valeria is a massive goliath should be considered helpful for Tarina to make up her mind about giving up the information, resulting in advantage on the roll: 20
Meanwhile a tiny invisible creature hidden in Valeria's handbag peeks out and keeps it's eyes open for potential threats.
Perception: 9
Earlier back at the bar
"Oh no, please, I would be next to useless if I can't at least buy you a drink for your appreciated protection." The young red-haired lady tells the massive goliath beside her. "And any talking I will be allowed on this mission will be my genuine pleasure and would be nothing to thank me for." She adds with a soft laugh. "Now come, let's find our contact and hope this will run smoothly."
Zim catches up and overhears Valeria's proposal. "I'm with her." Zim says, trying not to interfere too much, himself, with the recruitment of Tarina.
Zim will also scan around the room for hidden figures, anything out of place, any surprises. Perception 22
Zim Eaglecleft, Fighter 1 (Farmer Dwarf), Descent into Avernus (Hardcore)