The city of Waterdeep, the Crown of the North, is alive with the hum of countless voices, the clatter of hooves on cobblestones, and the distant crash of waves against the harbor. This great metropolis thrives on trade, ambition, and secrets lurking beneath its grand facades.
Tonight, your story begins in the Yawning Portal, one of the most famous taverns in all of Faerûn. The massive common room is filled with the scent of ale and roasting meat, the air thick with warmth and conversation. A crowd has gathered around the enormous open well at the center of the tavern—the legendary entrance to Undermountain, the vast dungeon sprawling beneath the city.
The usual faces are here—Jalester Silvermane, the ever-watchful agent of the Open Lord, sharing quiet words with a patron. Bonnie, the cheerful barmaid, weaves through the crowd with practiced ease. By the fire, Threestrings plucks at his lute, offering soft melodies between bursts of lively chatter. Yagra Stonefist, the formidable half-orc, leans against the bar, grinning at some private joke. At a nearby table, Meloon Wardragon regales listeners with tales of past adventures, his laugh booming over the din. Obaya Uday, the priestess from Chult, watches the room with an amused gaze, her golden jewelry glinting in the firelight. And behind the bar, the ever-stoic Durnan, proprietor of the Yawning Portal, polishes a mug, keeping a careful eye on the patrons.
It is here, among friendly faces and the ever-present thrill of adventure, that your tale begins.
Making his way into the bar, a nimble halfling with a dark cloak. The young man’s name is somewhat of a misnomer, as Ryder Bright is anything but bright, with his face shadowed and his disposition strangely hardened for a person so young. His belt is strapped with two daggers, and he carries an unstrung shortbow. He’s trailing a member of the city watch, and his eyes dart around the tavern. In this quick glance, he has instinctively pinpointed all of the valuables in the room, but controls himself and takes none of them. As he passes, you hear him whisper, “No! You’re not doing this again! You’re stronger than this.” and he moves over to the proprietor, whom he knows quite well. Before he began crossing the lines set forth in Waterdeep’s law, he had made friends with Durnan, and hoped that their friendship still stood. He orders a drink and begins sipping, eyes darting around the tavern.
Bjorn bjornson, a human in his 40's with no distinguishing features, then sits next to Rydar, ordering water, or any nonalcoholic drink available. Drunkenness and spears do not mix well.
On the opposite side of the Tavern sits Abishai. He sips at some mulled wine while studying a book opened on the table before him. His robes, a scarlet color, denote him as a student of the arcane arts. His elven heritage is evident by the way in which he carries himself in addition to his physical features. He was scheduled to meet his old friend Obaya here. Spotting her glinting jewelry in the firelight, Abishai waves before saying, "Ah, there you are old friend." She had agreed to help Abishai get to know the city. He had read many stories about this city and it's famous portal to the Underdark, but hands on experience was what Abishai yearned for. That, and to increase his magical talents in practical ways.
Abishai gazes up from his book to look around when he spots a cloaked halfling sitting next to a member of the city watch. Abishai pulls in his coin purse a bit closer and wonders at the pair momentarily before returning to the conversation with Obaya.
As Obaya and Abishai talk, suddenly, the cloaked figure is standing beside him. You don't notice his approach, and he sits beside you. "Well, you're certainly not a normal person, you seem like a wizard. What's your purpose in being here? It wouldn't happen to be an adventure, would it?" You notice his eyes never seem to stay in one place, constantly darting around the room. He pulls out a deck of cards and begins shuffling them. "Do you want to see something cool?" He says, flipping over the top card to reveal an Ace of Spades. Then he deals a hand of five cards from the top of the deck, before flipping over the top card to reveal the same Ace of Spades. He flips over the hand and none of the cards are an Ace of Spades. (Sleight of Hand: 20+5=25. Make a DC 25 Perception or Insight check to discern how the trick is performed, if you wish.)
A flash of annoyance washes over Abishai's facial expression as the halfling interrupts his conversation with Obaya. He instinctively checks to ensure his gold purse is still firmly tied to his belt hidden within his robes.
"Do you want to see something cool?" He says, flipping over the top card to reveal an Ace of Spades. Then he deals a hand of five cards from the top of the deck, before flipping over the top card to reveal the same Ace of Spades. He flips over the hand and none of the cards are an Ace of Spades. (Sleight of Hand: 20+5=25. Make a DC 25 Perception or Insight check to discern how the trick is performed, if you wish.)
"I suppose."Abishai agrees, clearly uninterested in card games. "Interesting." He says as the trick concludes. Though his tone suggests anything but. He notes the halfling constantly scanning the room. "Are you expecting someone? What was your name again? I'm Abishai." His tone softens as he introduces himself to the cloaked halfling as he remembers his masters last lesson, before releasing him from the apprenticeship. 'Be kind to others. Elves have a bad reputation for acting haughty and condescending. You don't want to add to this stigma.' It seemed like such a useless lesson at the time, but self reflection was telling Abishai it was a lesson he still needed to learn.
[Despite having an excellent eye for tricks, the halfling manages to hide it from you.]
"My name is Ryder. I'm not expecting anyone, it's just... Well the truth is... I'm watching for people I know. Most people I know aren't very happy with me. You see, I used to be a... well, kleptomaniac would probably be the best way to describe it. I was good, but the city watch was better. I just got out of prison." He pockets the cards and places his hands, very deliberately, palms down on the table. He's clearly showing that he doesn't plan to rob you. He glances around and says, "I'm planning on joining an adventure, I'm hoping it might help me break my... habits. I figure the first step is being open with people. I flick the cards from the bottom of the deck, see?" He says, showing you how he uses his ring finger to flick the cards from the bottom of the deck as he pretends to deal the cards.
*Note, we need to keep what happens to rp, not much story advancement since people aren't here.
"Still not in chains, Ryder? Either the Watch is getting soft, or you’re getting lucky."
Nearby, Bjorn, a City Guard, accepts his own drink with a quiet nod, keeping an eye on the usual troublemaker.
Across the room, Obaya Uday brightens at the sight of Abishai, greeting him warmly as they slip into conversation.
A sudden ringing of the bell cuts through the noise and Ryder's performance. A group of adventurers stands at the edge of the great well, drawing cheers from the crowd. But hesitation sets in—their most cautious member steps forward, words are exchanged, and the bell falls silent.
Groans of disappointment echo through the tavern as Durnan shakes his head. "Gods take me, not another bunch of storytellers. Either go down or sit your arses back at your table."
The energy lulls for a moment, then surges back into revelry.
Josef looking around the tavern, spots Obaya seemingly engaged with a small group, not uncommon for her considering. He approaches and waits for her, To the Merchant's Friend, the sound of clinking coins is as a hymn, the murmur of trade a prayer.
A young man with red hair cut short, parted on the left side and wavy. He keeps a light beard and mustache dressed in fine clothes, black pants, calf high black boots, a white stylized shirt and black broadcloth vest, topped off with a red long jacket.
Ryder's immediate impression of the man is that he would be an easy target, but he quickly dismisses the thought. He stands up, offers his hand to the merchant, and says, "Hello there. My name is Ryder. I assume you, like us, are looking for an adventure? Well then, help us look!" The admissions he'd given to the elven mage seem to have lightened his face, and he allows himself to smile. When Durnan says he's not in chains, he grins and says, "I was for a while. After 5 years they said I could get out on 40 lashes or stay for another 4 years. I took the lashes. Hopefully I'm out for good."
Intrigued by the commotion, Abishai stands up for a moment to watch the group near the well. When it's clear they don't intend to descend, he sits back down a bit disappointed. He thinks to himself, 'I hope I find a group able to take on the challenges that lie beneath our feet.'
Abishai clears his throat and motions Obaya to the newcomer as he notices him waiting for her. "Seems I'm not the only one desperate for your attention, Obaya."
As the barkeep, Durnan, speaks to Ryder, Abishai thinks to himself, 'I'm not surprised.' He checks his gold pouch one more time just to make sure. 'Yep, still there, good.' He sips some more of his wine as Ryder responds to Durnan. "40 lashes! How are you still alive?"Abishai asks after choking on his drink, clearly surprised by the claim. Coughing up some of the wine in the process.
Bjorn watches all of this from his seat in the tavern. Even though it's technically his "off" period, he still retains an open eye for anyone who seeks to break the law. He nods at Ryder seemingly making a friend with Abishai. Despite his old friend Duran being a bit upset at the arrival of noisy adventurers, he knows Duran perfers quiet, so remains as such.
Limping into the Yawning Portal, Murgen glances around. Yagra would be here somewhere he figured. As he slowly makes his way to the bar, his old battle injury slowing him down, he glances around the room. A smile tugs at the corners for the drow's lips seeing the adventurers turn from the well. How many times had members of the company descended down there to retrieve an overzealous noble? Of course Murgen had never gone down, that job was reserved for only the most skill members of the company, but oh the stories he had heard. Absentmindedly, Murgen thumbs the binding of the heavy book he carries slung under his cloak.
As the he sidles up to the bar, Murgen, shrugs off the maroon hood of his cloak to and tussles his short white hair. As he waits for Durnan to finish dealing with the strange looking crew next to him, Murgen begins tracing the multitude of scars across his face, lost in thought. Upon hearing the halfling mention lashing, Murgen glances over startled, his left hand unconsciously dropping to a small crossbow on his hip. Realizing that the small thief was talking about being whipped in prison and not about a close run in with a priestess of the lady of spiders, he relaxes. Sensing a break in the conversation, Murgen waves to Durnan, "You haven't seen Yagra by any chance? She was supposed to meet for a drink so I could pick her head for stories about some of the company. While I am waiting, could I snag a stein of Darklake Stout if it is back? If not just a mug of ale."
Ryder's immediate impression of the man is that he would be an easy target, but he quickly dismisses the thought. He stands up, offers his hand to the merchant, and says, "Hello there. My name is Ryder. I assume you, like us, are looking for an adventure? Well then, help us look!" The admissions he'd given to the elven mage seem to have lightened his face, and he allows himself to smile. When Durnan says he's not in chains, he grins and says, "I was for a while. After 5 years they said I could get out on 40 lashes or stay for another 4 years. I took the lashes. Hopefully I'm out for good."
Josef offers a hand to the young handling, good greetings master Ryder, fortune smile on you. I am Josef. Adventure you seek? Why here in the city of splendor there's adventure around every corner, he gazes toward the well in the center of the room, or right under your feet. as he looks back from the well he spies guard Bjorn, a friend of his brothers, smiles and waves at the man.
Bjorn recognizes the little brother of one of his watchmates, and waves back. He looks between his friend Durnan and Morgan, vaugly wondering what connection they have.
After Josef joined Obaya and Abishai, the conversation carried on, filled with knowing smiles and talk of fortunes and adventure. Meanwhile, Durnan poured Murgen his requested drink, sliding the mug across the bar with practiced ease. The rest of the tavern carried on in its usual chaos—Ryder and Josef exchanged greetings, Bjorn observed the room in his quiet way, and Yagra, having left the bar earlier, sat alone at a table, eating and drinking in silence.
Then—a shout tore through the noise.
“Ya pig! Like killin’ me mates, does ya?”
A tattooed, bald-headed man threw a wild punch at Yagra, his four companions standing close behind, ready to pounce. The half-orc cracked her knuckles, let out a deep roar, and lunged.
Before anyone could see the first blow land, the crowd swarmed around them, cheering, jeering, and placing bets.
Ryder Bright, his eyes sharpening into focus, nimbly dashes over to the crowd. Using his *Halfling Nimbleness, he moves easily through the crowd to the front, where the fighting is happening. When the half-orc collides with her foe, and (if) the other four companions join in, Ryder will take a Utilize action to scatter his bag of **ball bearings all over the ground where they are fighting. His hope is to hopefully interrupt the fight before it gets going, but he has unslung his shortbow and holds it ready, in case the ball bearings fail.
*You can move through the space of any creature that is a size larger than you, but you can’t stop in the same space.
**As a Utilize action, you can spill Ball Bearings from their pouch. They spread to cover a level, 10-foot-square area within 10 feet of yourself. A creature that enters this area for the first time on a turn must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or have the Prone condition.
Hearing a fight, Murgen glances over ready to enjoy some entertainment. As he realizes Yagra is the one getting jumped and that the odds are decidedly not in her favor, he sets his mug down and with surprising nimbleness due to his limp, rushes in to her aid. He pushes his way towards the front of the crowd, trying to keep an eye on what is going on through the mess of people. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the halfling slip past him and nods to himself. At least I'm not the only one rushing to help.
The city of Waterdeep, the Crown of the North, is alive with the hum of countless voices, the clatter of hooves on cobblestones, and the distant crash of waves against the harbor. This great metropolis thrives on trade, ambition, and secrets lurking beneath its grand facades.
Tonight, your story begins in the Yawning Portal, one of the most famous taverns in all of Faerûn. The massive common room is filled with the scent of ale and roasting meat, the air thick with warmth and conversation. A crowd has gathered around the enormous open well at the center of the tavern—the legendary entrance to Undermountain, the vast dungeon sprawling beneath the city.
The usual faces are here—Jalester Silvermane, the ever-watchful agent of the Open Lord, sharing quiet words with a patron. Bonnie, the cheerful barmaid, weaves through the crowd with practiced ease. By the fire, Threestrings plucks at his lute, offering soft melodies between bursts of lively chatter. Yagra Stonefist, the formidable half-orc, leans against the bar, grinning at some private joke. At a nearby table, Meloon Wardragon regales listeners with tales of past adventures, his laugh booming over the din. Obaya Uday, the priestess from Chult, watches the room with an amused gaze, her golden jewelry glinting in the firelight. And behind the bar, the ever-stoic Durnan, proprietor of the Yawning Portal, polishes a mug, keeping a careful eye on the patrons.
It is here, among friendly faces and the ever-present thrill of adventure, that your tale begins.
Making his way into the bar, a nimble halfling with a dark cloak. The young man’s name is somewhat of a misnomer, as Ryder Bright is anything but bright, with his face shadowed and his disposition strangely hardened for a person so young. His belt is strapped with two daggers, and he carries an unstrung shortbow. He’s trailing a member of the city watch, and his eyes dart around the tavern. In this quick glance, he has instinctively pinpointed all of the valuables in the room, but controls himself and takes none of them. As he passes, you hear him whisper, “No! You’re not doing this again! You’re stronger than this.” and he moves over to the proprietor, whom he knows quite well. Before he began crossing the lines set forth in Waterdeep’s law, he had made friends with Durnan, and hoped that their friendship still stood. He orders a drink and begins sipping, eyes darting around the tavern.
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
"Indeed" the city watchmember says.
Bjorn bjornson, a human in his 40's with no distinguishing features, then sits next to Rydar, ordering water, or any nonalcoholic drink available. Drunkenness and spears do not mix well.
On the opposite side of the Tavern sits Abishai. He sips at some mulled wine while studying a book opened on the table before him. His robes, a scarlet color, denote him as a student of the arcane arts. His elven heritage is evident by the way in which he carries himself in addition to his physical features. He was scheduled to meet his old friend Obaya here. Spotting her glinting jewelry in the firelight, Abishai waves before saying, "Ah, there you are old friend." She had agreed to help Abishai get to know the city. He had read many stories about this city and it's famous portal to the Underdark, but hands on experience was what Abishai yearned for. That, and to increase his magical talents in practical ways.
Abishai gazes up from his book to look around when he spots a cloaked halfling sitting next to a member of the city watch. Abishai pulls in his coin purse a bit closer and wonders at the pair momentarily before returning to the conversation with Obaya.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
As Obaya and Abishai talk, suddenly, the cloaked figure is standing beside him. You don't notice his approach, and he sits beside you. "Well, you're certainly not a normal person, you seem like a wizard. What's your purpose in being here? It wouldn't happen to be an adventure, would it?" You notice his eyes never seem to stay in one place, constantly darting around the room. He pulls out a deck of cards and begins shuffling them. "Do you want to see something cool?" He says, flipping over the top card to reveal an Ace of Spades. Then he deals a hand of five cards from the top of the deck, before flipping over the top card to reveal the same Ace of Spades. He flips over the hand and none of the cards are an Ace of Spades. (Sleight of Hand: 20+5=25. Make a DC 25 Perception or Insight check to discern how the trick is performed, if you wish.)
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
A flash of annoyance washes over Abishai's facial expression as the halfling interrupts his conversation with Obaya. He instinctively checks to ensure his gold purse is still firmly tied to his belt hidden within his robes.
Satisfied he hasn't been robbed, Abishai asks, "And what gave me away?" Not really interested in hearing the answer, as he already knows.
"Actually, yes. I'm here to join a group of adventurers. You wouldn't happen to know any, would you?"
"I suppose." Abishai agrees, clearly uninterested in card games. "Interesting." He says as the trick concludes. Though his tone suggests anything but. He notes the halfling constantly scanning the room. "Are you expecting someone? What was your name again? I'm Abishai." His tone softens as he introduces himself to the cloaked halfling as he remembers his masters last lesson, before releasing him from the apprenticeship. 'Be kind to others. Elves have a bad reputation for acting haughty and condescending. You don't want to add to this stigma.' It seemed like such a useless lesson at the time, but self reflection was telling Abishai it was a lesson he still needed to learn.
Perception: 18
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
[Despite having an excellent eye for tricks, the halfling manages to hide it from you.]
"My name is Ryder. I'm not expecting anyone, it's just... Well the truth is... I'm watching for people I know. Most people I know aren't very happy with me. You see, I used to be a... well, kleptomaniac would probably be the best way to describe it. I was good, but the city watch was better. I just got out of prison." He pockets the cards and places his hands, very deliberately, palms down on the table. He's clearly showing that he doesn't plan to rob you. He glances around and says, "I'm planning on joining an adventure, I'm hoping it might help me break my... habits. I figure the first step is being open with people. I flick the cards from the bottom of the deck, see?" He says, showing you how he uses his ring finger to flick the cards from the bottom of the deck as he pretends to deal the cards.
*Note, we need to keep what happens to rp, not much story advancement since people aren't here.
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
"Still not in chains, Ryder? Either the Watch is getting soft, or you’re getting lucky."
Nearby, Bjorn, a City Guard, accepts his own drink with a quiet nod, keeping an eye on the usual troublemaker.
Across the room, Obaya Uday brightens at the sight of Abishai, greeting him warmly as they slip into conversation.
A sudden ringing of the bell cuts through the noise and Ryder's performance. A group of adventurers stands at the edge of the great well, drawing cheers from the crowd. But hesitation sets in—their most cautious member steps forward, words are exchanged, and the bell falls silent.
Groans of disappointment echo through the tavern as Durnan shakes his head. "Gods take me, not another bunch of storytellers. Either go down or sit your arses back at your table."
The energy lulls for a moment, then surges back into revelry.
Josef looking around the tavern, spots Obaya seemingly engaged with a small group, not uncommon for her considering. He approaches and waits for her, To the Merchant's Friend, the sound of clinking coins is as a hymn, the murmur of trade a prayer.
A young man with red hair cut short, parted on the left side and wavy. He keeps a light beard and mustache dressed in fine clothes, black pants, calf high black boots, a white stylized shirt and black broadcloth vest, topped off with a red long jacket.
Ryder's immediate impression of the man is that he would be an easy target, but he quickly dismisses the thought. He stands up, offers his hand to the merchant, and says, "Hello there. My name is Ryder. I assume you, like us, are looking for an adventure? Well then, help us look!" The admissions he'd given to the elven mage seem to have lightened his face, and he allows himself to smile. When Durnan says he's not in chains, he grins and says, "I was for a while. After 5 years they said I could get out on 40 lashes or stay for another 4 years. I took the lashes. Hopefully I'm out for good."
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
Intrigued by the commotion, Abishai stands up for a moment to watch the group near the well. When it's clear they don't intend to descend, he sits back down a bit disappointed. He thinks to himself, 'I hope I find a group able to take on the challenges that lie beneath our feet.'
Abishai clears his throat and motions Obaya to the newcomer as he notices him waiting for her. "Seems I'm not the only one desperate for your attention, Obaya."
As the barkeep, Durnan, speaks to Ryder, Abishai thinks to himself, 'I'm not surprised.' He checks his gold pouch one more time just to make sure. 'Yep, still there, good.' He sips some more of his wine as Ryder responds to Durnan. "40 lashes! How are you still alive?" Abishai asks after choking on his drink, clearly surprised by the claim. Coughing up some of the wine in the process.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Bjorn watches all of this from his seat in the tavern. Even though it's technically his "off" period, he still retains an open eye for anyone who seeks to break the law. He nods at Ryder seemingly making a friend with Abishai. Despite his old friend Duran being a bit upset at the arrival of noisy adventurers, he knows Duran perfers quiet, so remains as such.
Limping into the Yawning Portal, Murgen glances around. Yagra would be here somewhere he figured. As he slowly makes his way to the bar, his old battle injury slowing him down, he glances around the room. A smile tugs at the corners for the drow's lips seeing the adventurers turn from the well. How many times had members of the company descended down there to retrieve an overzealous noble? Of course Murgen had never gone down, that job was reserved for only the most skill members of the company, but oh the stories he had heard. Absentmindedly, Murgen thumbs the binding of the heavy book he carries slung under his cloak.
As the he sidles up to the bar, Murgen, shrugs off the maroon hood of his cloak to and tussles his short white hair. As he waits for Durnan to finish dealing with the strange looking crew next to him, Murgen begins tracing the multitude of scars across his face, lost in thought. Upon hearing the halfling mention lashing, Murgen glances over startled, his left hand unconsciously dropping to a small crossbow on his hip. Realizing that the small thief was talking about being whipped in prison and not about a close run in with a priestess of the lady of spiders, he relaxes. Sensing a break in the conversation, Murgen waves to Durnan, "You haven't seen Yagra by any chance? She was supposed to meet for a drink so I could pick her head for stories about some of the company. While I am waiting, could I snag a stein of Darklake Stout if it is back? If not just a mug of ale."
Josef offers a hand to the young handling, good greetings master Ryder, fortune smile on you. I am Josef. Adventure you seek? Why here in the city of splendor there's adventure around every corner, he gazes toward the well in the center of the room, or right under your feet. as he looks back from the well he spies guard Bjorn, a friend of his brothers, smiles and waves at the man.
Bjorn recognizes the little brother of one of his watchmates, and waves back. He looks between his friend Durnan and Morgan, vaugly wondering what connection they have.
After Josef joined Obaya and Abishai, the conversation carried on, filled with knowing smiles and talk of fortunes and adventure. Meanwhile, Durnan poured Murgen his requested drink, sliding the mug across the bar with practiced ease. The rest of the tavern carried on in its usual chaos—Ryder and Josef exchanged greetings, Bjorn observed the room in his quiet way, and Yagra, having left the bar earlier, sat alone at a table, eating and drinking in silence.
Then—a shout tore through the noise.
“Ya pig! Like killin’ me mates, does ya?”
A tattooed, bald-headed man threw a wild punch at Yagra, his four companions standing close behind, ready to pounce. The half-orc cracked her knuckles, let out a deep roar, and lunged.
Before anyone could see the first blow land, the crowd swarmed around them, cheering, jeering, and placing bets.
What do you do?
Ryder Bright, his eyes sharpening into focus, nimbly dashes over to the crowd. Using his *Halfling Nimbleness, he moves easily through the crowd to the front, where the fighting is happening. When the half-orc collides with her foe, and (if) the other four companions join in, Ryder will take a Utilize action to scatter his bag of **ball bearings all over the ground where they are fighting. His hope is to hopefully interrupt the fight before it gets going, but he has unslung his shortbow and holds it ready, in case the ball bearings fail.
*You can move through the space of any creature that is a size larger than you, but you can’t stop in the same space.
**As a Utilize action, you can spill Ball Bearings from their pouch. They spread to cover a level, 10-foot-square area within 10 feet of yourself. A creature that enters this area for the first time on a turn must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or have the Prone condition.
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
Hearing a fight, Murgen glances over ready to enjoy some entertainment. As he realizes Yagra is the one getting jumped and that the odds are decidedly not in her favor, he sets his mug down and with surprising nimbleness due to his limp, rushes in to her aid. He pushes his way towards the front of the crowd, trying to keep an eye on what is going on through the mess of people. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the halfling slip past him and nods to himself. At least I'm not the only one rushing to help.
(if you guys are intending to join let's go ahead and roll initiative))
Map will be up if you go through your character sheet but it-s ok if you only use this as a reference