Bründir beamed a smile to the marquis. It took everything he had to keep his decorum and not give Vark a friendly nudge. "Ye've got our word, Ma'am. Th' Morrigan' 'ave been found an' rooted out before. We know they keep close an' don' hire many. First run-in was a bunch of bandits, starvin' kids an' convicts, who got roped in fer money. Hopin' it's more o' th' same." With a gracious bow, he turned and left the arcane ring.
He met with Seid and Val on the edge of the ritual chamber, "Come on, we've gotta go back fer Hurrig, an' I've got some gifts fer Ringrut an' my ma. Val, it's like goin' back t'that bandit fort, but we're gonna catch the scaly ***** this time."
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
The journey home begins a little awkwardly in the morning, Jex drives the cart in his usual Jolly manner, but the tension in the air is palpable. As they stop for a break, Jex pulls up near a tree stump and ties off the mule. He gives Thurston a nod before jumping up on the drivers seat like a stage.
"Friends, I feel we need to clear the air." He clears his throat. "For our part, Thurston and I would like to apologise for our attitude. We were rash and confrontational, and that is not helpful to anyone. For that, and our promise to be more understanding and compassionate going forwards, we would ask for openness regarding any future communication from Matthew before it is acted on, and for that matter, any other mysterious strangers. I would also personally like to ask for a little more trust." He looks pointedly at Seid. "I have done everything I can to be upfront and honest with you all, including in telling you that I do not usually operate that way. I have shown you my wagon and my closest companions in the world and shared with you all parts of my past I never have before. If you have issues or doubts, ask about them now for I am confident I have given you no reason to harbour them. From there, perhaps we can move on? "
He holds out his hands in an open gesture, inviting comments or questions.
"Yes" intercedes the potent voice of the Norscan. " My words could have been rash. Please forgive me. I trust you Vark " he turns to Seid " And I trust you, your abilites and judgment Seid. I wasn't doubting you, and I am sorry that I could have given you that feeling. I do not trust that Matthew tough, and all things coming from him should be treated really careful. I fear a trap in what he has show you, but I do really hope that your giant friend is alive and well Vark. As soon as we get rid of the dragonborn sisters and the threat they pose to our new home we could go up that mountain and check on him. " he offers his hand " Do we have a deal?"
Bründir lounged on a grass patch while Jex and Thurston made their announcements. None of the prior arguments had specifically involved him, though he acted as mediator and voice of heavy-handed objectivity. When all was said, he smiled and pulled a corner of his traveling cloak over his face, "Aye, ye're fine by me. Do us a favor, though, an' start workin' with Seid more'n pokin' fer secrets. Could do ye both some good."
The dwarf was most concerned about what was coming back with them in Jex's wagon. Inside were several crates bought by his own initiative to spark trade with Sheercleft. For years, he knew trade caravans came from dwarven and human settlements, but nothing from elves. Sure, they come now and again, but never frequently or consistently. He couldn't afford to sponsor the caravan of goods needed to help the whole city, so he figured he'd start small. A tasting of Elvish tastes, delivered to Ringrut's tavern, and examined by Brynja's worldly scrutiny, may get locals excited enough to try these new things. With any luck, more trade meant more money for the city. So, with his small supply of drinks, nuts, meats, and herbs, he tipped his toes into the world of trade and commerce.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Vark is visibly surprised by the act of goodwill, more on Jex's part than Thurston. He shakes the paladin's hand. "It's... it's ok. I was acting rash too when I used the card. I- I don't want you guys to think I'm under Matthew's sway and that I just go along with whatever he tells me... I don't fully trust him either... he's just very useful. But I promise to be more upfront about it, c-consult the group and... yeah. Thank you." He turns to Jex now and there is clearly a little more pain and bitterness attached. "I appreciate your apology too, Jex. But you... y-y-your problem is that you can be so condescending. That night several days ago in Sheercleft.... you talk as if you know exactly what I'm thinking, or exactly what Matthew is trying to do, when really I'm the only one who's ever spoken to him. You just.. you make assumptions and act like they're the end all be all and... it makes it impossible to have a conversation. It's infuriating. I don't really care if you're 'acting' more understanding and compassionate. I want you to actually take my feelings and opinions and and knowledge on the matter seriously." he nods as if quite satisfied that he has gotten what he needs to off of his chest.
"Ha!" Thurston slaps Jex back, moving him a little bit " The boy is no longer a boy! Good!! It is settled then. Come friends. Sit around the fire. Let's drink ale, talk and make plans. We have a keep to storm and plan how to catch three sneaky dragonborn sisters. We know that they can turn invisible when cornered. We need to secure the land and we have a score to settle... "
Jex nods and offers his own hand to Vark. "I am sorry my friend. I never wanted to condescend, just to make you see the need to stay. I know I did it in a way that hurt you though, and that is not a thing friends should do."
"Finally somebody makes sense. Eat, drink, then go hunt some dragon-devils." Bründir hops up, secures his things, and rejoins the wagon.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Val smiles as the group finally seems to be mending their distrust and broken friendship. She did not know what happened in the mines, but when they had come back there had been this strange rift that had nearly broken the seams of this tenuous group. She says nothing, allowing the mistrust to disappear, looking forward to night of drinking mead and celebration!
Seid stops short and frowns, clearly caught off-guard by Jex's disarming apology, even moreso than the paladin's. Thurston was a straight forward man, but the elf... He tried to read into it, but... he was just exhausted and wanted dearly to be able to trust these people. He pushed aside the cautionary tale growing about the elf, keeping it close to the chest, but out of sight as he nods. "I would also like to apologize for not consulting with the rest of the group before giving Vark the approval to use such a gift. Thank you, both of you, for recognizing that we did not mean to be reckless and I also recognize that you were just very weary of said gifts. We should definitely work together as a group and not individuals with their own agendas." He smiles genuinely as Vark and Jex seem to be making amends. "Let us enjoy some of this fine elven mead. First round on me??"
The journey home is damp, but blessedly peaceful, and, late on the evening of the third day, Jex's wagon finally rolls back into Sheercleft. The villagers are clearly pleased to see their heroes return, and soon Dorno, Hurrig, Brynja and Ringrut have all come out to meet them.
Jex leaps off the cart and extends a warm arm in friendship to the welcoming party.
"Friends, so good to see you. So much to tell, so much we have learned and so much we have achieved. Business will be arriving soon, we must make temporary preparations for visiting merchant accommodations and meeting places and reopen the market immediately. And, I have secured funds to begin building the defences for the town. We should sit down today and determine where and what we are to build. How goes the construction of my orphanage? And your temple Hurrig?"
Hurrig seeing the wagon make its way into the town center, he makes his way out to greet his friends. “Oy! I hope your trip was good!” Moving closer he approaches Jex, “Everything is going well with the constructions. I was hoping to travel to Khaz a Grungon to do the same. We need to open some trade routes.”
Turning to the entire party and whoever else is present. “I want to hold a small service for the people we’ve lost in the battles.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Bründir makes his way to Ringrut and Brynja first, "Good t'be home. Elves're friends now, an' Hyranatar's nice too, but th' ground's too soft down there. Brought some things back, too. I been thinkin', they've got some good food there, some we don' have 'ere. Some 'ere'd love what they've got, so I brought some back. Few crates in th' wagon've got tastes of Hyranatar to try. If people like it, maybe we get more?"
Hurrig's proposal immediately catches the dwarf's attention, "Yes! Yes, an' yes a dozen more. Sheercleft's a red-headed step-bastard, so far as neighbors care, so we need to stick together. Ev'ryone who calls it home is fam'ly t'the rest. Do what ye need, an' le'me know if ye need help."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
"A service would be a good way to draw the community together, and to mark a fresh beginning. We will need to grow the population. We must send words to the dwarven strongholds, seek an architect and open trade lines. If you wish to go Hurrig, we could perhaps venture together, but maybe a messenger will suffice? We will be needed here to plan, and to protect the city should the Morrigan fall on us again."
Jex unhiches the mule from the wagon as he speaks, letting him free to graze and ease the aches in his muscles.
"I have secured funds enough to build what we will need to begin with, and have most of a plan to raise the rest through business. We only need decide precisely what is required."
“I got a plan to prepare for the Morrigan. “ says Thurston “ let’s go to that fortress of them. Infiltrate ir and kill them all. Their forces will spread to the winds like leaves on a thunderstorm.” The jovial time of the Norscan makes it seems easy.
Jex gives a smile. "That could work. But." He pauses walking up behind the Norscan. "Did Thor travel into the depths to slay the serpent? No! He dragged it to the surface where it would not have the upper hand. Let us follow his his wisdom. Show his patience. Draw them out to somewhere we will have the high ground and control of the field."
"You speak as a true follower of Thor my friend!! " exclaims Thurston " I thank Him for bringing us together!! Now... What would we use as bait?! Do we raid the basilisk farm again?!"
Val pipes in. "Don't forget that they have retaken their outpost in hills. Perhaps we could kill all their people there and the basilisk camp. That might be enough to draw some of them out?"
“It- it seems like a good place to start at least. Even if we can’t lure them out... if we start with their outposts then we’re eliminating any reinforcements or places they could run to.” Vark adds. “I f-feel like there’s no way all of them would be lured out anyway, we’ll probably still have to go to the fortress.”
"As much as I like all...this," Bründir gestures to the collective group planning, "Does anyone remember th' mines an' farm? We had'em cornered, then they up'n vanished! Bet you fer ev'ry camp an' foothold 'ere, they've got another a hundred miles away. Suppose we send word out, dwarves, elves, an' humans, an' we all circle 'round'em, what then?" The dwarf pauses for a moment, letting the situation play out in the mind, "We storm the castle, banners an' all, smash the gates, make fer their holes, an' find'em empty. They up an' flew like some birds 'fore a cat."
Bründir turns a moment back to Brynja, "Best we bring this somewhere more private. Maybe ol' Quinton's office? Need paper an' maps if we got'em. Ringrut, any chance we can get somethin' too? I think this'll take a while. I can pay now if ye can send it over."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
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Bründir beamed a smile to the marquis. It took everything he had to keep his decorum and not give Vark a friendly nudge. "Ye've got our word, Ma'am. Th' Morrigan' 'ave been found an' rooted out before. We know they keep close an' don' hire many. First run-in was a bunch of bandits, starvin' kids an' convicts, who got roped in fer money. Hopin' it's more o' th' same." With a gracious bow, he turned and left the arcane ring.
He met with Seid and Val on the edge of the ritual chamber, "Come on, we've gotta go back fer Hurrig, an' I've got some gifts fer Ringrut an' my ma. Val, it's like goin' back t'that bandit fort, but we're gonna catch the scaly ***** this time."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
The journey home begins a little awkwardly in the morning, Jex drives the cart in his usual Jolly manner, but the tension in the air is palpable. As they stop for a break, Jex pulls up near a tree stump and ties off the mule. He gives Thurston a nod before jumping up on the drivers seat like a stage.
"Friends, I feel we need to clear the air." He clears his throat. "For our part, Thurston and I would like to apologise for our attitude. We were rash and confrontational, and that is not helpful to anyone. For that, and our promise to be more understanding and compassionate going forwards, we would ask for openness regarding any future communication from Matthew before it is acted on, and for that matter, any other mysterious strangers. I would also personally like to ask for a little more trust." He looks pointedly at Seid. "I have done everything I can to be upfront and honest with you all, including in telling you that I do not usually operate that way. I have shown you my wagon and my closest companions in the world and shared with you all parts of my past I never have before. If you have issues or doubts, ask about them now for I am confident I have given you no reason to harbour them. From there, perhaps we can move on? "
He holds out his hands in an open gesture, inviting comments or questions.
"Yes" intercedes the potent voice of the Norscan. " My words could have been rash. Please forgive me. I trust you Vark " he turns to Seid " And I trust you, your abilites and judgment Seid. I wasn't doubting you, and I am sorry that I could have given you that feeling. I do not trust that Matthew tough, and all things coming from him should be treated really careful. I fear a trap in what he has show you, but I do really hope that your giant friend is alive and well Vark. As soon as we get rid of the dragonborn sisters and the threat they pose to our new home we could go up that mountain and check on him. " he offers his hand " Do we have a deal?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Bründir lounged on a grass patch while Jex and Thurston made their announcements. None of the prior arguments had specifically involved him, though he acted as mediator and voice of heavy-handed objectivity. When all was said, he smiled and pulled a corner of his traveling cloak over his face, "Aye, ye're fine by me. Do us a favor, though, an' start workin' with Seid more'n pokin' fer secrets. Could do ye both some good."
The dwarf was most concerned about what was coming back with them in Jex's wagon. Inside were several crates bought by his own initiative to spark trade with Sheercleft. For years, he knew trade caravans came from dwarven and human settlements, but nothing from elves. Sure, they come now and again, but never frequently or consistently. He couldn't afford to sponsor the caravan of goods needed to help the whole city, so he figured he'd start small. A tasting of Elvish tastes, delivered to Ringrut's tavern, and examined by Brynja's worldly scrutiny, may get locals excited enough to try these new things. With any luck, more trade meant more money for the city. So, with his small supply of drinks, nuts, meats, and herbs, he tipped his toes into the world of trade and commerce.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Vark is visibly surprised by the act of goodwill, more on Jex's part than Thurston. He shakes the paladin's hand. "It's... it's ok. I was acting rash too when I used the card. I- I don't want you guys to think I'm under Matthew's sway and that I just go along with whatever he tells me... I don't fully trust him either... he's just very useful. But I promise to be more upfront about it, c-consult the group and... yeah. Thank you." He turns to Jex now and there is clearly a little more pain and bitterness attached. "I appreciate your apology too, Jex. But you... y-y-your problem is that you can be so condescending. That night several days ago in Sheercleft.... you talk as if you know exactly what I'm thinking, or exactly what Matthew is trying to do, when really I'm the only one who's ever spoken to him. You just.. you make assumptions and act like they're the end all be all and... it makes it impossible to have a conversation. It's infuriating. I don't really care if you're 'acting' more understanding and compassionate. I want you to actually take my feelings and opinions and and knowledge on the matter seriously." he nods as if quite satisfied that he has gotten what he needs to off of his chest.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"Ha!" Thurston slaps Jex back, moving him a little bit " The boy is no longer a boy! Good!! It is settled then. Come friends. Sit around the fire. Let's drink ale, talk and make plans. We have a keep to storm and plan how to catch three sneaky dragonborn sisters. We know that they can turn invisible when cornered. We need to secure the land and we have a score to settle... "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Jex nods and offers his own hand to Vark. "I am sorry my friend. I never wanted to condescend, just to make you see the need to stay. I know I did it in a way that hurt you though, and that is not a thing friends should do."
"Finally somebody makes sense. Eat, drink, then go hunt some dragon-devils." Bründir hops up, secures his things, and rejoins the wagon.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Val smiles as the group finally seems to be mending their distrust and broken friendship. She did not know what happened in the mines, but when they had come back there had been this strange rift that had nearly broken the seams of this tenuous group. She says nothing, allowing the mistrust to disappear, looking forward to night of drinking mead and celebration!
Seid stops short and frowns, clearly caught off-guard by Jex's disarming apology, even moreso than the paladin's. Thurston was a straight forward man, but the elf... He tried to read into it, but... he was just exhausted and wanted dearly to be able to trust these people. He pushed aside the cautionary tale growing about the elf, keeping it close to the chest, but out of sight as he nods. "I would also like to apologize for not consulting with the rest of the group before giving Vark the approval to use such a gift. Thank you, both of you, for recognizing that we did not mean to be reckless and I also recognize that you were just very weary of said gifts. We should definitely work together as a group and not individuals with their own agendas." He smiles genuinely as Vark and Jex seem to be making amends. "Let us enjoy some of this fine elven mead. First round on me??"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
The journey home is damp, but blessedly peaceful, and, late on the evening of the third day, Jex's wagon finally rolls back into Sheercleft. The villagers are clearly pleased to see their heroes return, and soon Dorno, Hurrig, Brynja and Ringrut have all come out to meet them.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Jex leaps off the cart and extends a warm arm in friendship to the welcoming party.
"Friends, so good to see you. So much to tell, so much we have learned and so much we have achieved. Business will be arriving soon, we must make temporary preparations for visiting merchant accommodations and meeting places and reopen the market immediately. And, I have secured funds to begin building the defences for the town. We should sit down today and determine where and what we are to build. How goes the construction of my orphanage? And your temple Hurrig?"
Hurrig seeing the wagon make its way into the town center, he makes his way out to greet his friends. “Oy! I hope your trip was good!” Moving closer he approaches Jex, “Everything is going well with the constructions. I was hoping to travel to Khaz a Grungon to do the same. We need to open some trade routes.”
Turning to the entire party and whoever else is present. “I want to hold a small service for the people we’ve lost in the battles.”
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Iznik Sylnithas - Half Drow Blood Hunter Level 2 Precipice of Voids
Bründir makes his way to Ringrut and Brynja first, "Good t'be home. Elves're friends now, an' Hyranatar's nice too, but th' ground's too soft down there. Brought some things back, too. I been thinkin', they've got some good food there, some we don' have 'ere. Some 'ere'd love what they've got, so I brought some back. Few crates in th' wagon've got tastes of Hyranatar to try. If people like it, maybe we get more?"
Hurrig's proposal immediately catches the dwarf's attention, "Yes! Yes, an' yes a dozen more. Sheercleft's a red-headed step-bastard, so far as neighbors care, so we need to stick together. Ev'ryone who calls it home is fam'ly t'the rest. Do what ye need, an' le'me know if ye need help."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
"A service would be a good way to draw the community together, and to mark a fresh beginning. We will need to grow the population. We must send words to the dwarven strongholds, seek an architect and open trade lines. If you wish to go Hurrig, we could perhaps venture together, but maybe a messenger will suffice? We will be needed here to plan, and to protect the city should the Morrigan fall on us again."
Jex unhiches the mule from the wagon as he speaks, letting him free to graze and ease the aches in his muscles.
"I have secured funds enough to build what we will need to begin with, and have most of a plan to raise the rest through business. We only need decide precisely what is required."
“I got a plan to prepare for the Morrigan. “ says Thurston “ let’s go to that fortress of them. Infiltrate ir and kill them all. Their forces will spread to the winds like leaves on a thunderstorm.” The jovial time of the Norscan makes it seems easy.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Jex gives a smile. "That could work. But." He pauses walking up behind the Norscan. "Did Thor travel into the depths to slay the serpent? No! He dragged it to the surface where it would not have the upper hand. Let us follow his his wisdom. Show his patience. Draw them out to somewhere we will have the high ground and control of the field."
"You speak as a true follower of Thor my friend!! " exclaims Thurston " I thank Him for bringing us together!! Now... What would we use as bait?! Do we raid the basilisk farm again?!"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Val pipes in. "Don't forget that they have retaken their outpost in hills. Perhaps we could kill all their people there and the basilisk camp. That might be enough to draw some of them out?"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
“It- it seems like a good place to start at least. Even if we can’t lure them out... if we start with their outposts then we’re eliminating any reinforcements or places they could run to.” Vark adds. “I f-feel like there’s no way all of them would be lured out anyway, we’ll probably still have to go to the fortress.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"As much as I like all...this," Bründir gestures to the collective group planning, "Does anyone remember th' mines an' farm? We had'em cornered, then they up'n vanished! Bet you fer ev'ry camp an' foothold 'ere, they've got another a hundred miles away. Suppose we send word out, dwarves, elves, an' humans, an' we all circle 'round'em, what then?" The dwarf pauses for a moment, letting the situation play out in the mind, "We storm the castle, banners an' all, smash the gates, make fer their holes, an' find'em empty. They up an' flew like some birds 'fore a cat."
Bründir turns a moment back to Brynja, "Best we bring this somewhere more private. Maybe ol' Quinton's office? Need paper an' maps if we got'em. Ringrut, any chance we can get somethin' too? I think this'll take a while. I can pay now if ye can send it over."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero