After waking up and feeling refreshed he looks around a bit confused. "That was an odd place to take a nap, perhaps I was more tired than I thought I was....." and will give off a residual yawn and look around the tavern. He sees Yagra speaking with his companions and walks up to the mercenary and pokes his finger in her chest.
"The rock may think it has nothing to fear from the water, but in the end the waves will wear the stone down. You can thank us by buying a round....." at that point the strange man in the strange hat appears and he'll follow him off to the table.
The chance to take on a troll was quite enjoyable for Dori, but it was over before he had a chance to really let himself go. Sighing, the goliath planned to retire for the night with his face in another tankard until the strange man approached. "The table looks empty..." Commenting about more than the empty chairs as he walks over to take a seat while waiting for the others to join with.
Pimrick wipes the sweet off of his feathery head. He feels a little bit guilty about killing some guild members but he shakes it off knowing he would do the same thing if his grandfather showed up. "What sort of help do you need?" Pimrick asked the man as he followed him to a table. Thats an ugly hat. Pimrick thought.
As you file around into seats at the table, the man gestures for a round of drinks. "That was quite a display! I think you are just the sort I need". He strokes his mustache, adjusts his floppy hat, and tightens his scarf. “I am Volothamp Geddarm, chronicler, wizard, and celebrity, at your service. You can call me Volo. I'm sure you've heard of me. In any case, I trust you’ve noted the violence in our fair city these past tendays. I haven’t seen so much blood since my last visit to Baldur’s Gate! But now I fear I have misplaced a friend amid this odious malevolence. I am concerned for him, and would like to hire you to locate and retrieve him safely."
“My friend’s name is Floon Blagmaar. He’s got more beauty than brains, and I worry he took a bad way home a couple nights ago and was kidnapped — or worse. If you agree to track him down with all due haste, I can offer you ten dragons apiece now, and I can give you each ten times that when you find Floon. May I prevail upon you in my hour of need?”
Notes: A tenday is the equivalent of a week on Faerun (except a week, not surprisingly, 10 days long). Also Waterdeep has it's own currency and uses a coin called a dragon as an equivalent to a gold coin.
Dori sat hunkered over slightly, shoulders rolled and hands resting atop the edge of the table as he waited for the rounds of drinks he keeps hearing about. “The dragons are a nice offer, but what exactly would we be agreeing to?” The Goliath‘s gaze focused upon Volo, “I don’t mind taking on an impossible task, in fact, I go looking for them, but I’m not much of a tracker. So if you’re promising me there’ll be a few heads to crack, then I’m in.” Extending a hand for the wizard, ”Dori “RockCrusher” Moogri”
Pimrick is convinced immediately that he needs to help as there is nothing more important than friendship. He looks toward his friends, "Let's help this man out".
Gargan spends a moment looking over the deceased Troll before he moves over to the table, listening in to the conversation as he goes. He pauses momentarily as he passes by Cloudfur and whispers to him “Apologies friend, I caught you in my enchantment there.” He then sits down with the others as they listen to Volo introduce himself and make the offer. He looks at Volo intensely as the others speak, nodding in agreement as Dori asks for more information and then turning to Pimrick as he suggests they should assist “I am inclined that way Pimrick, but I agree with Dori here that some more information would be agreeable. Mr Geddarm what might you and Mr Blagmaar have been involved in of late, for I have heard of thee and your exploits make for many the tale!”
"Well .. I don't know if I can promise any heads to crack, but I don't think it likely Floon just wandered off for a two day vacation! I'm sure there's something foul afoot. We are good friends, and two nights ago we met at the Skewered Dragon in the Dock Ward. We shared .. well a number of beverages, some games of chance, and enjoyed some music. I left before he did and that's the last time I saw him. That's probably where I would start .. "
After listening to this Volo fella tell his tale of woe, Cloudfur thinks a few moments before speaking
"So what does this Floon smell like? What did he eat last? Was he wearing a hat? Is it possible he paid a Gelatinous Cube for some back alley favors and is sleeping it off somewhere? I think we need a bit more to go on if we are to find your friend.....or perhaps he just owes you money and is hiding."
He will then lick the side of his staff, contemplate it for a moment and say
"I like this Volo guy....we should help him. What else are we doing any way?" his tail swishes back and forth
Volo looks at Cloudfur, silent for a moment as he processes the situation, then:
“Smells like? Well he... he smells like a person I suppose, because he is one! We had eaten a number of things throughout the night... bread, cheese, some lamb stew. Oh, and ale. A decent amount too. As to what he looks like, well, he’s a fairly handsome fellow a little over 30 years old, reddish blonde hair that’s somewhat long and wavy. He was dressed actually in some rather fine garb (especially for a dock ward pub!), brown pants, white shirt with some frills, blue overcoat. No hat though. Listen Floon can be a bit of an idiot sometimes but he’s not the sort to get wrapped up in any kind of trouble. Keeps to himself. Good lad - I’m sure he’s just found himself in an unlucky situation.”
Sariel collects the money in the container and passes some of it to Threestrings. He winks at him. He heads towards the table and takes out his viol to fine tune it again. As he sits with the others he passes out 7 silver pieces to each of his comrades. "Great job you guys. Most random troll ever." He says smirking with a look of curiosity towards the dead troll.
He listens to Volo and the others conversing. He looks around to see if there are other patrons still in the tavern, and if any are trying to listen in.
Scooping up the 7 silver in one hand, Dori stood up from the table after hearing all that he needed. "If there's nothing else and everyone is in agreement then we should hurry and get going. Two days is a long time to be missing." A look given to the others gathered, whom all seemed willing and eager to help or at least fill up the day "Skewered Dragon in the dock ward. Ive never been, but a bar can't be hard to find. This sounds like a too easy job." Turning back to Volo to see if the man had more to offer, otherwise Dori saw no reason to wait around.
Nodding in agreement Gargan simply says "Sounds like you've got a hire Mr Geddarm." Standing up from his seat and looking to the others he adds "We best make haste and follow after Dori before too many of the wrong heads get cracked!", before turning and following after Dori.
"'Wrong heads' is a subjective observation..." he'll say with a smile and then stand up, walk over to Volo and sniff him once before following after Dori.
Once outside - if he can find a patch of dirt somewhere - he'll kneel down dig a small hole in the dirt, place one of the silver coins in it, cover it up and say a prayer to Silvanus for allowing them to triumph over the troll and draw an oak leaf in the dirt with a claw.
Sariel: The tavern is still full of patrons but as far as you can tell they are all going about their own business. You get a few glances from various patrons as they engage in conversation, but it's probably just as they discuss the recent brawl. None would be close enough to listen in. When speaking to Volo though, you do feel like you aren't getting the whole truth. He does seem to be genuinely upfront and concerned about Floon and his situation, but you noticed a distinct lack of eye contact when he was talking about payment. He does give each of you a small pouch with 10 dragons in it. 60 gold isn't exactly a pitance so he must have money coming from somewhere .. but 600 gold is a bit next level.
The link below contains a high-res map of Waterdeep that you can use to navigate. The Yawning Portal is in the Trades Ward, just off Soothsayer's Way between Cook Street and Gut Alley. The Skewered Dragon is in the south end of the Dock Ward, facing an alley in between Fillet Lane and Net Street, around the corner from Zastrow Street.
(I have plenty of time to post all day, so don't feel like I'm rushing the campaign or anything. I try to not make direct choices, leaving things pretty vague to what I will eventually do in case anyone still has something they want to do... Like question Volo further)
Typically taking someone's word at face value, Dori had no reason to suspect Volo of hiding anything. Most people that try deceiving the goliath find out the hard way he's not the most reasonable person when he finds them later.
Not knowing where the skewered dragon was didn't mean Dori didn't know where the dock ward was. He'd plan on cutting across Gut Alley and heading south on Snail Street. "Anyone been to the skewered dragon before? Know a faster path or perhaps a scenic route we just can't pass up?"
Pimrick knew exactly where the skewered dragon was. He had heard fellow dock workers talking about it although he had never been there himself. "I can take us there." He said confidently, "Assuming everyone else agrees." he followed looking around the group.
(OOC - like Eremis - I too can post frequently throughout the typical work day as I sit in front of a computer all day long - and I try not to over post on important decisions - just random non-sequitur banter etc - if it gets annoying just let me know and I can dial it back :) )
Volo reassures the group that the payment promised will be waiting for them.
"I'm just waiting for the latest royalty payments from my book Volo's guide to Monsters you see. I'm sure you've heard of it - it's a top seller! I'm working on a new follow-up called Volo’s Guide to Spirits and Specters. It has great promise although it's off to a bit of a slow start. Anyway time is of the essence here so I hope you're ok with me splitting up payment like this - besides I think it wouldn't be reasonable for me to pay everything up front either!"
With the group feeling a desire to help and noting the obvious urgency, you take Volo at his word, leave the Portal and start moving towards the the Skewered Dragon.
The Dock Ward is notoriously the seediest, poorest and most dangerous area in Waterdeep, full of transients and scum that come from the constant flow of ships in and out of the harbour. Sailors and workers from the boats come to shore for little more than drinking, women and shenanigans.
The distinction between the trades and dock wards is quite noticeable. Tall, densely packed tenements leave most of the neighborhood in shadow at ground level. Most of the streetlamps have had their glass smashed and their candles stolen, and the smells of salt air and excrement linger as you pass by rows of run-down buildings.
As you turn a corner, you find yourselves on a street that has been cordoned off by the City Watch. Lying on the cobblestones are a half-dozen corpses, seemingly the victims of some terrible skirmish. Watch officers have disarmed and arrested three blood-drenched humans and are in the midst of questioning witnesses. One of the officers sees you. “Get on,” she says. “Nothing to see here.”
Cloudfur
After waking up and feeling refreshed he looks around a bit confused. "That was an odd place to take a nap, perhaps I was more tired than I thought I was....." and will give off a residual yawn and look around the tavern. He sees Yagra speaking with his companions and walks up to the mercenary and pokes his finger in her chest.
"The rock may think it has nothing to fear from the water, but in the end the waves will wear the stone down. You can thank us by buying a round....." at that point the strange man in the strange hat appears and he'll follow him off to the table.
Skameros - Bugbear Barbarian - Out of the Abyss - By Kerrec
Follow your Arrow where it Points - Tabaxi Monk - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
Citron Pumpkinfoam - Fairy Monk - Project Point: Team Longsword
The chance to take on a troll was quite enjoyable for Dori, but it was over before he had a chance to really let himself go. Sighing, the goliath planned to retire for the night with his face in another tankard until the strange man approached. "The table looks empty..." Commenting about more than the empty chairs as he walks over to take a seat while waiting for the others to join with.
Pimrick wipes the sweet off of his feathery head. He feels a little bit guilty about killing some guild members but he shakes it off knowing he would do the same thing if his grandfather showed up. "What sort of help do you need?" Pimrick asked the man as he followed him to a table. Thats an ugly hat. Pimrick thought.
As you file around into seats at the table, the man gestures for a round of drinks. "That was quite a display! I think you are just the sort I need". He strokes his mustache, adjusts his floppy hat, and tightens his scarf. “I am Volothamp Geddarm, chronicler, wizard, and celebrity, at your service. You can call me Volo. I'm sure you've heard of me. In any case, I trust you’ve noted the violence in our fair city these past tendays. I haven’t seen so much blood since my last visit to Baldur’s Gate! But now I fear I have misplaced a friend amid this odious malevolence. I am concerned for him, and would like to hire you to locate and retrieve him safely."
“My friend’s name is Floon Blagmaar. He’s got more beauty than brains, and I worry he took a bad way home a couple nights ago and was kidnapped — or worse. If you agree to track him down with all due haste, I can offer you ten dragons apiece now, and I can give you each ten times that when you find Floon. May I prevail upon you in my hour of need?”
Notes: A tenday is the equivalent of a week on Faerun (except a week, not surprisingly, 10 days long). Also Waterdeep has it's own currency and uses a coin called a dragon as an equivalent to a gold coin.
DM - Tanzier's Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Dhara - Tiefling Ranger, Grotto to Glory
Dori sat hunkered over slightly, shoulders rolled and hands resting atop the edge of the table as he waited for the rounds of drinks he keeps hearing about. “The dragons are a nice offer, but what exactly would we be agreeing to?” The Goliath‘s gaze focused upon Volo, “I don’t mind taking on an impossible task, in fact, I go looking for them, but I’m not much of a tracker. So if you’re promising me there’ll be a few heads to crack, then I’m in.” Extending a hand for the wizard, ”Dori “RockCrusher” Moogri”
Pimrick is convinced immediately that he needs to help as there is nothing more important than friendship. He looks toward his friends, "Let's help this man out".
Gargan
Gargan spends a moment looking over the deceased Troll before he moves over to the table, listening in to the conversation as he goes. He pauses momentarily as he passes by Cloudfur and whispers to him “Apologies friend, I caught you in my enchantment there.” He then sits down with the others as they listen to Volo introduce himself and make the offer. He looks at Volo intensely as the others speak, nodding in agreement as Dori asks for more information and then turning to Pimrick as he suggests they should assist “I am inclined that way Pimrick, but I agree with Dori here that some more information would be agreeable. Mr Geddarm what might you and Mr Blagmaar have been involved in of late, for I have heard of thee and your exploits make for many the tale!”
"Well .. I don't know if I can promise any heads to crack, but I don't think it likely Floon just wandered off for a two day vacation! I'm sure there's something foul afoot. We are good friends, and two nights ago we met at the Skewered Dragon in the Dock Ward. We shared .. well a number of beverages, some games of chance, and enjoyed some music. I left before he did and that's the last time I saw him. That's probably where I would start .. "
DM - Tanzier's Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Dhara - Tiefling Ranger, Grotto to Glory
Cloudfur
After listening to this Volo fella tell his tale of woe, Cloudfur thinks a few moments before speaking
"So what does this Floon smell like? What did he eat last? Was he wearing a hat? Is it possible he paid a Gelatinous Cube for some back alley favors and is sleeping it off somewhere? I think we need a bit more to go on if we are to find your friend.....or perhaps he just owes you money and is hiding."
He will then lick the side of his staff, contemplate it for a moment and say
"I like this Volo guy....we should help him. What else are we doing any way?" his tail swishes back and forth
Skameros - Bugbear Barbarian - Out of the Abyss - By Kerrec
Follow your Arrow where it Points - Tabaxi Monk - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
Citron Pumpkinfoam - Fairy Monk - Project Point: Team Longsword
Volo looks at Cloudfur, silent for a moment as he processes the situation, then:
DM - Tanzier's Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Dhara - Tiefling Ranger, Grotto to Glory
Sariel collects the money in the container and passes some of it to Threestrings. He winks at him. He heads towards the table and takes out his viol to fine tune it again. As he sits with the others he passes out 7 silver pieces to each of his comrades. "Great job you guys. Most random troll ever." He says smirking with a look of curiosity towards the dead troll.
He listens to Volo and the others conversing. He looks around to see if there are other patrons still in the tavern, and if any are trying to listen in.
Perception 18
Angiro Zenjin - Level 4 Half Elf Cleric (Life Domain)
Diangar Legna - Level 1 Aasimar Cleric (Tempest Domain)
Xerim Phimm - Level 1 Dragonborn Cleric (War Domain)
Sariel Phyll - Level 1 Wood Elf Cleric (Trickery Domain)
Geord Terran - Level 1 Earth Genasi Cleric (Nature Domain)
Af Brazenell - Level 5 Tiefling Cleric (Light Domain)
Rafell Sylmith - Level 1 Pallid Elf (Twilight Domain)
Scooping up the 7 silver in one hand, Dori stood up from the table after hearing all that he needed. "If there's nothing else and everyone is in agreement then we should hurry and get going. Two days is a long time to be missing." A look given to the others gathered, whom all seemed willing and eager to help or at least fill up the day "Skewered Dragon in the dock ward. Ive never been, but a bar can't be hard to find. This sounds like a too easy job." Turning back to Volo to see if the man had more to offer, otherwise Dori saw no reason to wait around.
Gargan
Nodding in agreement Gargan simply says "Sounds like you've got a hire Mr Geddarm." Standing up from his seat and looking to the others he adds "We best make haste and follow after Dori before too many of the wrong heads get cracked!", before turning and following after Dori.
Cloudfur
"'Wrong heads' is a subjective observation..." he'll say with a smile and then stand up, walk over to Volo and sniff him once before following after Dori.
Once outside - if he can find a patch of dirt somewhere - he'll kneel down dig a small hole in the dirt, place one of the silver coins in it, cover it up and say a prayer to Silvanus for allowing them to triumph over the troll and draw an oak leaf in the dirt with a claw.
Skameros - Bugbear Barbarian - Out of the Abyss - By Kerrec
Follow your Arrow where it Points - Tabaxi Monk - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
Citron Pumpkinfoam - Fairy Monk - Project Point: Team Longsword
Sariel: The tavern is still full of patrons but as far as you can tell they are all going about their own business. You get a few glances from various patrons as they engage in conversation, but it's probably just as they discuss the recent brawl. None would be close enough to listen in. When speaking to Volo though, you do feel like you aren't getting the whole truth. He does seem to be genuinely upfront and concerned about Floon and his situation, but you noticed a distinct lack of eye contact when he was talking about payment. He does give each of you a small pouch with 10 dragons in it. 60 gold isn't exactly a pitance so he must have money coming from somewhere .. but 600 gold is a bit next level.
The link below contains a high-res map of Waterdeep that you can use to navigate. The Yawning Portal is in the Trades Ward, just off Soothsayer's Way between Cook Street and Gut Alley. The Skewered Dragon is in the south end of the Dock Ward, facing an alley in between Fillet Lane and Net Street, around the corner from Zastrow Street.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18-UutfBQG9cuQb2zGJPJmiBhSE2yqXwa
DM - Tanzier's Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Dhara - Tiefling Ranger, Grotto to Glory
(I have plenty of time to post all day, so don't feel like I'm rushing the campaign or anything. I try to not make direct choices, leaving things pretty vague to what I will eventually do in case anyone still has something they want to do... Like question Volo further)
Typically taking someone's word at face value, Dori had no reason to suspect Volo of hiding anything. Most people that try deceiving the goliath find out the hard way he's not the most reasonable person when he finds them later.
Not knowing where the skewered dragon was didn't mean Dori didn't know where the dock ward was. He'd plan on cutting across Gut Alley and heading south on Snail Street. "Anyone been to the skewered dragon before? Know a faster path or perhaps a scenic route we just can't pass up?"
Pimrick knew exactly where the skewered dragon was. He had heard fellow dock workers talking about it although he had never been there himself. "I can take us there." He said confidently, "Assuming everyone else agrees." he followed looking around the group.
(OOC - like Eremis - I too can post frequently throughout the typical work day as I sit in front of a computer all day long - and I try not to over post on important decisions - just random non-sequitur banter etc - if it gets annoying just let me know and I can dial it back :) )
Skameros - Bugbear Barbarian - Out of the Abyss - By Kerrec
Follow your Arrow where it Points - Tabaxi Monk - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
Citron Pumpkinfoam - Fairy Monk - Project Point: Team Longsword
Volo reassures the group that the payment promised will be waiting for them.
DM - Tanzier's Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Dhara - Tiefling Ranger, Grotto to Glory
With the group feeling a desire to help and noting the obvious urgency, you take Volo at his word, leave the Portal and start moving towards the the Skewered Dragon.
DM - Tanzier's Waterdeep Dragon Heist
Dhara - Tiefling Ranger, Grotto to Glory