As the escort continues along the way, the party hardly notices as Pettilaen slips out of the wagon and tumbles into tall grass along the edge of the road. Just before he sneaks out, he whispers to Zina in Gnommish, "If they ask, tell them I'll meet them at the temple in a few hours. I'm going on an adventure." He begins making his way towards the elven ranger's corpses he noticed with Gaia previously, hoping for some more coin. He didn't think about how he'd still keep in touch with the party moving away. But he never liked plans anyway. Little did he notice Zina's snake following closely behind him. If he did, he'd think she was almost worried about him...
"If they ask, tell them I'll meet them at the temple in a few hours. I'm going on an adventure," Pettilaen whispered to her before rolling off the cart and into the tall grass.
"D'arvit Pettilaen," Zina swore under her breath. "Remember how well your last adventure worked out?" The illusionist placed her hand in her pocket, allowing Mirage to snake his way into her hand. Listen, friend, she spoke telepathically to the tiny poisonous snake. I need you to follow the annoying other gnome. Stay out of sight as much as you can.
No! I am not worried about him, she responded to Mirage's thoughts inside her head. Now come on, stay safe Mirage.
She gently dropped the snake to the ground, allowing it to slither behind Pettilaen. If they got too far apart, she would be forced to follow. But for now, she could close her own eyes and see through her snake's.
Portia feels quite comfortable with this crew and admires the fact that the envoy is probably the lead guard instead of the finely dressed fellow in the middle. All six look ready and able to fight. Not even the clothing seemed off. Everyone appeared to be dressed in clothes and armor that fit them with professional crafting.
She suddenly looks in the back of the wagon and smirks because Pettilaen is gone probably chased by a snake per the way Zina appeared to be linked to her familiar. She looks off to the east and then back toward the city. There weren't a lot of landmarks in this flat open land north of the city, but she figures they had to be near where the elven rangers had met their demise. At this point she did not care what Pettilaen was up to. He'd make it back because she did not think he would go poke a half-ogre alone.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
After seeing the "nudge nudge wink wink" from Pettilaen, Bullden tries to strike up a conversation with the envoy that has the Flaming Fist tatoo. I am not calling out the tattoo but trying to make vague references about the mercenary group that might get him talking. Trying to learn what they know about the boy or the attacks in the area.
((My understanding is Bullden is still on the wagon helping escort the wares and the envoys back to Beregost))
((rolled 13 on perception so doubt I noticed that the gnomes are missing))
The man with the tattoo replies only that his affiliation with the Flaming Fist was a long time past. His body language and subsequent silence imply he's not interested in further conversation.
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PBP "Beregost Blues" - Dungeon Master of Gnome Slaying +5
The group arrives in Beregost and escorts the diplomatic retinue to the Song of the Morning Temple. The diplomat, indeed the man who rode on the first horse dressed as an escorting guard, writes a writ of coin in the name of Elturgard and gives it to Portia. It can be redeemed at the coin changers in Baldur's Gate for 250 GP.
He agrees that it would be extremely helpful if the group could track down Baradwulf, the golden-skinned genasi pirate, and potentially return him to either Elturel or Beregost for questioning. They are especially interested in what Baradwulf intended to do with Master Kennet. Was he to be held for ransom? Sold to slavers?
Given everything they have learned, they expect he headed in the direction of Baldur's Gate...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PBP "Beregost Blues" - Dungeon Master of Gnome Slaying +5
Portia takes the writ. "Thank you. We will do our best to find anything out. I had the same suspicion of where he might go." She pauses. "We could get there faster if we had mounts considering the speed of gnomes and dwarves walking and Baradwulf has a full day's head start."
She tucks the writ safely away. She is not sure what concession she would get, but at least she had a good excuse for mounts.
While waiting for an answer, her brain is already planning on how to do this. She wonders when Pettilaen would be back with what he found in his little excursion. Both gnomes annoyed and amused her. At least, if they weren't always sticking with the group, they were staying on task. They really didn't have time to do much about all the crazy beasts coming from the south if they even wanted a chance of catching Baradwulf. Maybe she could work in an extra job as a courier to insight the Flaming Fist to up their presence in the area by taking a message to them in Baldur's Gate for the city. At least, if the envoy would not help her get horses, maybe the city would.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Portia works to round the party back together telling them they can acquire funds in Baldur's Gate and have mounts to get them there more quickly.
To Bullden, "Use your Flaming Fist connections further, to see if we can work as couriers with a message for further help from Baldur's Gate if they haven't sent one already. Maybe they have some knowledge of Baradwulf here, but I have a feeling, we should be asking that in Baldur's Gate where we think he is already heading per what I have managed to learn."
To Pettilaen, "What did you find out on your excursion?" She does not appear annoyed at all and seems highly interested in what he did find. "Zina, you can add in what you know to that because I am sure you had your snake follow."
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PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Pettilaen arrives just under an hour of the escort and wagon, carrying a host of weaponry. He smiles sheepishly, fully expecting Portia to be upset at his sudden disappearance. As soon as he sees her, he blurts out, "Portia! I know you'll be mad that I disappeared so quickly and stealthily.... though you really should be impressed at my skills. I found the elven ranger's corpses hiding in the grass. Uhh... thinking I could find answers, I went to investigate, but instead found all of their weapons! They're were definitely killed by half-ogres. Which leads me to my next part." He takes in a deep breath, having used all of his air to say that. "THEN. I went to to the half-ogre camp. It was very brave of me! The place was spooky, and I swear I saw ghosts out of the corner of my eyes! Didn't stick around for too long, since they didn't have any valuables... I mean intel. They seemed to head east, towards the Sharp Teeth Woods. And I think that's abo... Oh! Get this. I found a snake crawling up my leg! I grabbed the thing and threw it as far as I could! And now I'm here!" He smiles proudly, displaying the weaponry. "Seven elvish daggers, two longbows, complete with doeskin quivers and a bundle of arrows each. Also a longsword and a shortsword... but they don't seem to be from the same ranger. Maybe they're magical?!"
Zina was on edge the entire time she and Mirage were apart. Almost an hour later, Pettilaen finally arrived, with her snake not far behind. She only half listened as the rogue recounted his adventure, sure that Mirage would be a much more reliable narrator. Just as the other gnome finished telling his story, the illusionist felt a familiar form slither up her leg. She reached down and picked up the little green snake, holding him up to her face to make sure he was alright. He threw you? Oh, you poor thing, she cooed mentally. I know, I know. Don't worry, we'll get back at him and the glorified chicken later.
"For someone who thinks they're so clever, you can be a right idiot sometimes," she spoke in gnommish to Pettilaen. Zina didn't want Portia to make her apologize or something. Switching to common, she addressed the whole group as she pocketed her snake. "I think we should head off toward Baldur's Gate and see if we can find the genasi. Maybe we'll even be able to squeeze a little more gold out of House Kennet if we find him."
Bullden goes to the local chapter of the Flaming Fists and uses his background feature to find out if there are any jobs between here and Balder's Gate. Also looking to pick up some information on Baradwulf.
There's not much in the way of a Flaming Fist "chapter" in Beregost, at least not since the political coup in the Gate that caused the mercenary company to take full control of the city. They recalled all of their capable members to assist with security in the city until further notice. Still, there's an old man at a desk in faded Flaming Fist regalia whose job is to take messages and relay them.
His name is Bergin, as it turns out, and he's got a small list of tasks to offer for anyone in Beregost interested in working for the Flaming Fist:
There's an open bounty on goblins and kobolds, but you guys know about that one already.
There's a new contract marked with a skull (Bergin says that means it's TOO dangerous) offering 10 GP per half-ogre head collected in the Beregost area. You might have anticipated that one, too.
There's a job to escort minor prisoners who're being transported from Beregost to the Gate in the morning. They need up to 10 capable guards and are paying 1 GP each on successful delivery.
There are a couple merchants in Beregost looking to make the trip to the Gate and are interested, due to recent events, in hiring additional security. Rate would need to be discussed directly with the merchants. If interested, Bergin can give names and where they can be found.
As for Baradwulf, those who THINK they have information about him just recite to you what you already know. It's likely the rumors that came back with you guys are the only reason those in Beregost even know about him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PBP "Beregost Blues" - Dungeon Master of Gnome Slaying +5
Portia realizes that magic probably already connected the two places, but maybe Bullden could find some other job to mix into the mission that won't delay them. Maybe through the communication they might get info of Baradwulf. She sighed realizing she had not thought of that. She turned her attention to the excited gnome.
"Maybe they are magic. I have no way myself of figuring that out, but you being a user of magic might be able to work out a way to know that."
She smiles, but then gets a perplexed look and turns her gaze to Zina. "You sent your familiar and are waiting for it to come back?" She knew Zina had looked like Pettilaen did when seeing through his owl's eyes around the time she had noticed Pettilaen was gone from the wagon. "And I agree we head for Baldur's Gate as soon as Bullden is back from talking to the Flaming Fist for any other information or even a job that coincides with the mission." She leans down close to Zina and whispers, "We'll find your familiar, too." Well, she hoped they could knowing it had to be small and ground based for travel.
She straightens and says, "We have mounts for each of us to help us save time. They are being prepared now since we have a half day to head north. I'm going to get a light, fast lunch and then grab my gear that I never unpacked thankfully. Bullden won't be gone long."
She looks at Zina again hoping the snake Pettilaen threw had not been her familiar. She has the sneaky suspicion it was. She does not believe in coincidences and snakes did not tend to crawl up the leg of anyone not staying still for long.
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PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Bullden thanks Bergin for the info and tells him he will be back in a few minutes to after discussing these options with his team. Which he then informs the group of the 4 choices and suggests we go with option 4 helping the merchants and look for goblins along the way.
"For someone who thinks they're so clever, you can be a right idiot sometimes," she spoke in gnommish to Pettilaen. How dare she call me an idiot?! But Pettilaen wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of attention. Turning the Portia, "I hope they're magic! I could sell them for so much. Speaking of which... I have some merchandise to sell, if you don't mind me." Pettilaen heads off to go sell his hard-earned treasure.
He returns with a smile on his face just as Bullden reports. "They sure do love elven weapons in this city... What's this? A job to do with some merchants? A chance to earn even more gold? This day just keeps getting better and better! I've never had so much gold in all of my life! Let's track these merchants down and make some more gold!"
(The group opts to talk first to Orst, a trader hauling masonry stone, and heads to Feldepost's Inn to find him...)
Feldepost's Inn is an older structure, dimly lit and decorated in dark-stained wood and red velvet. The mood is somber and a large sign adorns one wall reading, "Absolutely no bards!"
First impression, it seems like the patrons are at least as old as the structure... Lots of elder locals having muted discussions over stiff drinks. A quick glance behind the bar reveals they deal mostly in pure spirit with only a small keg of ale and a few bottles of wine on hand.
Second impression, the existing patrons aren't too fond of your arrival.
A rotund dwarf with long hair growing out of his head like a bush sits upon (envelopes) a stool at the bar, his ruby-red nose buried deep in a pint glass of whiskey. He's the only dwarf in the place...
Bullden heads up to the bar and orders a beer from the small keg. He downs the first and orders a second. When he gets the second drink he asks if Orst's around and mentions that Bergin sent him here about an escort mission. Figured us dwarves gotta help each other when we can.
Portia feels like she walked into the temple library only it is dark and drinks are allowed. She watches the dwarf down two ales and ask for Orst while sitting quietly in a chair by the door. Like really quiet since who wants to disturb their elders sober let alone while drinking even if it is just after lunch time! Hmm, maybe that was worse than in the evening time. She winds up smirking a little at her thought.
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PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
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As the escort continues along the way, the party hardly notices as Pettilaen slips out of the wagon and tumbles into tall grass along the edge of the road. Just before he sneaks out, he whispers to Zina in Gnommish, "If they ask, tell them I'll meet them at the temple in a few hours. I'm going on an adventure." He begins making his way towards the elven ranger's corpses he noticed with Gaia previously, hoping for some more coin. He didn't think about how he'd still keep in touch with the party moving away. But he never liked plans anyway. Little did he notice Zina's snake following closely behind him. If he did, he'd think she was almost worried about him...
OOC: Rolled a 22 for Stealth.
"If they ask, tell them I'll meet them at the temple in a few hours. I'm going on an adventure," Pettilaen whispered to her before rolling off the cart and into the tall grass.
"D'arvit Pettilaen," Zina swore under her breath. "Remember how well your last adventure worked out?" The illusionist placed her hand in her pocket, allowing Mirage to snake his way into her hand. Listen, friend, she spoke telepathically to the tiny poisonous snake. I need you to follow the annoying other gnome. Stay out of sight as much as you can.
No! I am not worried about him, she responded to Mirage's thoughts inside her head. Now come on, stay safe Mirage.
She gently dropped the snake to the ground, allowing it to slither behind Pettilaen. If they got too far apart, she would be forced to follow. But for now, she could close her own eyes and see through her snake's.
((OOC: Mirage had an 18 for stealth.))
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Portia feels quite comfortable with this crew and admires the fact that the envoy is probably the lead guard instead of the finely dressed fellow in the middle. All six look ready and able to fight. Not even the clothing seemed off. Everyone appeared to be dressed in clothes and armor that fit them with professional crafting.
She suddenly looks in the back of the wagon and smirks because Pettilaen is gone probably chased by a snake per the way Zina appeared to be linked to her familiar. She looks off to the east and then back toward the city. There weren't a lot of landmarks in this flat open land north of the city, but she figures they had to be near where the elven rangers had met their demise. At this point she did not care what Pettilaen was up to. He'd make it back because she did not think he would go poke a half-ogre alone.
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
After seeing the "nudge nudge wink wink" from Pettilaen, Bullden tries to strike up a conversation with the envoy that has the Flaming Fist tatoo. I am not calling out the tattoo but trying to make vague references about the mercenary group that might get him talking. Trying to learn what they know about the boy or the attacks in the area.
((My understanding is Bullden is still on the wagon helping escort the wares and the envoys back to Beregost))
((rolled 13 on perception so doubt I noticed that the gnomes are missing))
The man with the tattoo replies only that his affiliation with the Flaming Fist was a long time past. His body language and subsequent silence imply he's not interested in further conversation.
The group arrives in Beregost and escorts the diplomatic retinue to the Song of the Morning Temple. The diplomat, indeed the man who rode on the first horse dressed as an escorting guard, writes a writ of coin in the name of Elturgard and gives it to Portia. It can be redeemed at the coin changers in Baldur's Gate for 250 GP.
He agrees that it would be extremely helpful if the group could track down Baradwulf, the golden-skinned genasi pirate, and potentially return him to either Elturel or Beregost for questioning. They are especially interested in what Baradwulf intended to do with Master Kennet. Was he to be held for ransom? Sold to slavers?
Given everything they have learned, they expect he headed in the direction of Baldur's Gate...
Portia takes the writ. "Thank you. We will do our best to find anything out. I had the same suspicion of where he might go." She pauses. "We could get there faster if we had mounts considering the speed of gnomes and dwarves walking and Baradwulf has a full day's head start."
She tucks the writ safely away. She is not sure what concession she would get, but at least she had a good excuse for mounts.
While waiting for an answer, her brain is already planning on how to do this. She wonders when Pettilaen would be back with what he found in his little excursion. Both gnomes annoyed and amused her. At least, if they weren't always sticking with the group, they were staying on task. They really didn't have time to do much about all the crazy beasts coming from the south if they even wanted a chance of catching Baradwulf. Maybe she could work in an extra job as a courier to insight the Flaming Fist to up their presence in the area by taking a message to them in Baldur's Gate for the city. At least, if the envoy would not help her get horses, maybe the city would.
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Between the temple, the city, the Flaming Fist connection, and the representatives from Elturgard, acquiring horses and ponies is not difficult.
Portia works to round the party back together telling them they can acquire funds in Baldur's Gate and have mounts to get them there more quickly.
To Bullden, "Use your Flaming Fist connections further, to see if we can work as couriers with a message for further help from Baldur's Gate if they haven't sent one already. Maybe they have some knowledge of Baradwulf here, but I have a feeling, we should be asking that in Baldur's Gate where we think he is already heading per what I have managed to learn."
To Pettilaen, "What did you find out on your excursion?" She does not appear annoyed at all and seems highly interested in what he did find. "Zina, you can add in what you know to that because I am sure you had your snake follow."
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Pettilaen arrives just under an hour of the escort and wagon, carrying a host of weaponry. He smiles sheepishly, fully expecting Portia to be upset at his sudden disappearance. As soon as he sees her, he blurts out, "Portia! I know you'll be mad that I disappeared so quickly and stealthily.... though you really should be impressed at my skills. I found the elven ranger's corpses hiding in the grass. Uhh... thinking I could find answers, I went to investigate, but instead found all of their weapons! They're were definitely killed by half-ogres. Which leads me to my next part." He takes in a deep breath, having used all of his air to say that. "THEN. I went to to the half-ogre camp. It was very brave of me! The place was spooky, and I swear I saw ghosts out of the corner of my eyes! Didn't stick around for too long, since they didn't have any valuables... I mean intel. They seemed to head east, towards the Sharp Teeth Woods. And I think that's abo... Oh! Get this. I found a snake crawling up my leg! I grabbed the thing and threw it as far as I could! And now I'm here!" He smiles proudly, displaying the weaponry. "Seven elvish daggers, two longbows, complete with doeskin quivers and a bundle of arrows each. Also a longsword and a shortsword... but they don't seem to be from the same ranger. Maybe they're magical?!"
Zina was on edge the entire time she and Mirage were apart. Almost an hour later, Pettilaen finally arrived, with her snake not far behind. She only half listened as the rogue recounted his adventure, sure that Mirage would be a much more reliable narrator. Just as the other gnome finished telling his story, the illusionist felt a familiar form slither up her leg. She reached down and picked up the little green snake, holding him up to her face to make sure he was alright. He threw you? Oh, you poor thing, she cooed mentally. I know, I know. Don't worry, we'll get back at him and the glorified chicken later.
"For someone who thinks they're so clever, you can be a right idiot sometimes," she spoke in gnommish to Pettilaen. Zina didn't want Portia to make her apologize or something. Switching to common, she addressed the whole group as she pocketed her snake. "I think we should head off toward Baldur's Gate and see if we can find the genasi. Maybe we'll even be able to squeeze a little more gold out of House Kennet if we find him."
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Bullden goes to the local chapter of the Flaming Fists and uses his background feature to find out if there are any jobs between here and Balder's Gate. Also looking to pick up some information on Baradwulf.
There's not much in the way of a Flaming Fist "chapter" in Beregost, at least not since the political coup in the Gate that caused the mercenary company to take full control of the city. They recalled all of their capable members to assist with security in the city until further notice. Still, there's an old man at a desk in faded Flaming Fist regalia whose job is to take messages and relay them.
His name is Bergin, as it turns out, and he's got a small list of tasks to offer for anyone in Beregost interested in working for the Flaming Fist:
As for Baradwulf, those who THINK they have information about him just recite to you what you already know. It's likely the rumors that came back with you guys are the only reason those in Beregost even know about him.
Portia realizes that magic probably already connected the two places, but maybe Bullden could find some other job to mix into the mission that won't delay them. Maybe through the communication they might get info of Baradwulf. She sighed realizing she had not thought of that. She turned her attention to the excited gnome.
"Maybe they are magic. I have no way myself of figuring that out, but you being a user of magic might be able to work out a way to know that."
She smiles, but then gets a perplexed look and turns her gaze to Zina. "You sent your familiar and are waiting for it to come back?" She knew Zina had looked like Pettilaen did when seeing through his owl's eyes around the time she had noticed Pettilaen was gone from the wagon. "And I agree we head for Baldur's Gate as soon as Bullden is back from talking to the Flaming Fist for any other information or even a job that coincides with the mission." She leans down close to Zina and whispers, "We'll find your familiar, too." Well, she hoped they could knowing it had to be small and ground based for travel.
She straightens and says, "We have mounts for each of us to help us save time. They are being prepared now since we have a half day to head north. I'm going to get a light, fast lunch and then grab my gear that I never unpacked thankfully. Bullden won't be gone long."
She looks at Zina again hoping the snake Pettilaen threw had not been her familiar. She has the sneaky suspicion it was. She does not believe in coincidences and snakes did not tend to crawl up the leg of anyone not staying still for long.
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Bullden thanks Bergin for the info and tells him he will be back in a few minutes to after discussing these options with his team. Which he then informs the group of the 4 choices and suggests we go with option 4 helping the merchants and look for goblins along the way.
"For someone who thinks they're so clever, you can be a right idiot sometimes," she spoke in gnommish to Pettilaen. How dare she call me an idiot?! But Pettilaen wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of attention. Turning the Portia, "I hope they're magic! I could sell them for so much. Speaking of which... I have some merchandise to sell, if you don't mind me." Pettilaen heads off to go sell his hard-earned treasure.
He returns with a smile on his face just as Bullden reports. "They sure do love elven weapons in this city... What's this? A job to do with some merchants? A chance to earn even more gold? This day just keeps getting better and better! I've never had so much gold in all of my life! Let's track these merchants down and make some more gold!"
(The group opts to talk first to Orst, a trader hauling masonry stone, and heads to Feldepost's Inn to find him...)
Feldepost's Inn is an older structure, dimly lit and decorated in dark-stained wood and red velvet. The mood is somber and a large sign adorns one wall reading, "Absolutely no bards!"
First impression, it seems like the patrons are at least as old as the structure... Lots of elder locals having muted discussions over stiff drinks. A quick glance behind the bar reveals they deal mostly in pure spirit with only a small keg of ale and a few bottles of wine on hand.
Second impression, the existing patrons aren't too fond of your arrival.
A rotund dwarf with long hair growing out of his head like a bush sits upon (envelopes) a stool at the bar, his ruby-red nose buried deep in a pint glass of whiskey. He's the only dwarf in the place...
Bullden heads up to the bar and orders a beer from the small keg. He downs the first and orders a second. When he gets the second drink he asks if Orst's around and mentions that Bergin sent him here about an escort mission. Figured us dwarves gotta help each other when we can.
The barkeep eyes you a long moment, then nods his head toward the fat dwarf a few seats down.
Portia feels like she walked into the temple library only it is dark and drinks are allowed. She watches the dwarf down two ales and ask for Orst while sitting quietly in a chair by the door. Like really quiet since who wants to disturb their elders sober let alone while drinking even if it is just after lunch time! Hmm, maybe that was worse than in the evening time. She winds up smirking a little at her thought.
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard