"Far as I understand, most people of the Sword Coast don't travel much farther north than Neverwinter. That's why they call it the Jewel of the North, right?"
Puck sits with his companions and listens to them play while he writes in his notebook, keeping the conversation going but with his eyes fixated down into his book as he scribbles.
"Well, we come from somewhere a bit farther north, past Luskan and the Spine of the World, in the Icewind Dale region. A small village named Felida, in a mountain range a few days travel outside of Bryn Shander, near a peak we call the Shivering Summit. I don't know if there's another name for it--or that it'd be noteworthy enough to feature on even a detailed map of the region. Really, save for few brave traveling merchants willing to make the trek, we didn't really see anyone other than our own kind."
Puck snaps the tip off his quill from pressing too hard. He curses under his breath, and begins to gnaw on the broken tip in an attempt to resharpen it. He spits out some ink, dabs the quill back into his inkwell and gets back to writing.
"Probably not a surprise we'd both be so eager to leave--though most of our kind were happy with the humble day-to-day of Felida."
Puck pauses and scratches his chin for a beat. A bit of inspiration hits his eyes as he looks up; then back to writing.
Zanigur deals a hand while Puck and Kara speak of their homes, conspicuously silent. He completes the flashy move that Kara tried to perform earlier while shuffling.
Puck looks down at his book, and then back up to Zanigur. A smile slowly creeps across his face, and he nods, closing his book with his quill keeping his place. Then he cracks his knuckles and pulls a bit closer to the table.
"So...you figure we'll be going after those goblins that took Gundren? Doesn't look like this place has much in the way of a militia or other rescue group."
Nene listens attentively, her face full of concentration. "So you're a lady... AND a priest? Does that mean... that you had many older siblings? I don't know much of Ilmatar, what is it like being -" she struggles with the new word "Ilmitari?"
When Puck explains about Felida, she nods along and then adds: "We have the fluffiest mountain chicks though! Their feathers are the softest..." She looks dreamy. "I miss my mother and her chickens." After Puck finishes speaking, she smiles again: "Honestly, I had never really thought about leaving until Puck did. I always dreamt of seeing the world, but it just seemed..." she shrugs, "people just don't leave Felida, you know? It seemed impossible. And then Puck went! He just left! And suddenly I thought: hey, I could follow him, I could see the world too!"
To Zanigur, she replies: "I don't know much about any group other than tabaxi and goblins, but I can tell you they always cause trouble. If we don't help that Gundren, things could be very bad. Do you have much experience with goblins?"
Replying to Nene as he plays a hand, Zanigur says, "Not much experience...but enough. Let's just say that they tend to have their own views of...well, pretty much anything. Morality, society, relationships, you name it. In my experience, you only trust a goblin about as far as you can throw him. And I mean that literally."
"I like that, as far as you can throw him!" Nene chuckles. She tries to play the card game, and while she is enjoying herself, she has clearly not understood the rules properly. "Why does Grimm trust them? She was so fierce when she was fighting!"
"Well, to say I am a lady, I am not really a noble... Hrm, I guess actually it's complicated?" Kara wrinkles her nose in thought. Clearly she didn't think of herself as a noble at the very least. "Oh, I could sing the praises of Ilmater all day. The hymn of his compassion is sweet and eternal, and were it not for the Ilmatari, I would probably be some sort of vile rogue!" She laughs heartily at the very idea. "Perhaps after I settle matters here, we could take a look up north at your goblin problem! Visit your mother, pet some chickens, and rehabilitate goblins. Sounds like a right adventure to me."
"With regards to the goblins, I think they have potential to integrate into society. I don't know much of history, but I have a feeling not all goblins are vile little devils,"Kara winks before looking at her hand. "In any case, we need to speak with that wizard our rescued friend mentioned... what was his name again?"
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
When Kara laughs at the idea of her being a rogue, Zanigur smiles weakly, and then quickly makes a play.
“Iarno Albrek,” says Zanigur, in answer to Kara, without looking up from studying his new hand of cards. “Hallwinter thought he might know something about the Cragmaw Castle. We should connect with our friend in the morning.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Alright, here's a question for ya." Puck begins shuffling the deck for the next hand, it being his turn to deal.
"Why are you guys here? Not here as in Phandalin, searching for Gundren. There's enough coin in this job for us to not need another reason." He begins handing cards to the other players. "But why were you looking for the work in the first place? Why aren't you--" Puck nods towards Zanigur "spending nights playing a residency in a Neverwinter Tavern? Why aren't you--" nods towards Kara "off on some crusade in the name of Ilmater?"
The hands are all dealt and Puck inspects his cards. Then he smiles and looks around the table.
"Let's make it a little more interesting. Winner of this hand gets to ask a question of one of the losers--and it has to be answered truthfully. Deal?"
[Shall we each roll 5 d12s, each representing a card (no suits)?]
Zanigur smiles softly and nods. "Well played. I was quite young, but I would say that the eruption of Mount Hotenow was certainly the most hair-raising event I have ever been through. Parents died, village was destroyed, and I generally shut the world out after that. Does that qualify?" The bard smiles again, clears his throat, and sits back to strum a bit on his lute and finish his drink.
"So you grew up in Neverwinter? Sorry to hear that. I was only kicking around town for a few months but I collected some stories from other folks who witnessed the eruption--I can't say I've ever seen anything close to that kind of devastation, apart from the books I've read."
Puck makes a mental note to buy Zanigur his next drink when he finishes his current one.
"If you're willing, I'd love to one day find time to sit down and record your first-hand account--at least as much as you remember. Though I can understand not wanting to retread all that."
While two of Barthen's employees began offloading the wagon of supplies, Barthen goes into the store and comes back out with several small pouches that jingle; one for each of you and inside is the 10gp you were expecting. "The night comes soon, me and my boys can handle this. Mayhaps if be best if you find yourselves some lodging for the night and then come back to see me in the morning. We'll talk some more about Grunden. I reckon there's more to this story."
The group leaves behind the wagon and the supplies, but remembers to bring along the few items they found in Klarq's cavern that belong to Lionshield Coster before making their way to the Stonehill Inn at Sildar's suggestion. Arrangements are made for rooms for the night and Sildar bids you all farewell for the eve as he departs immediately for a cleansing and soft bed after his ordeal. "Tomorrow I shall seek out my friend while you all deal with whatever errands you have. Let us meet back at the Inn at noon. We can swap stories over lunch."
The innkeeper, a short yet friendly human by the name of Toblen Stonehill, informed the group he had five available rooms. Each room runs 5sp and he would be able to get every member a meal for 3sp each for anyone interested. The common room has thinned out due to the lateness of the hour, but there are still three patrons sharing stories and cups at a nearby table, casting glances over at the motley crew now again. There is Toblen keeping an eye on things here and the barmaid Elsa who keeps checking with the group to see if they need anything. Now and again, you catch a glance into the kitchen where it seems another woman seems to be focusing on preparing the meal for the group. Lastly, there's a young boy that hangs around Toblen, based upon their similar looks you assume to be his son.
(either before, or if we're playing cards at the Inn, then right now:)
"You would come visit Felida? That would be awesome! Oh you would love our chickens, they are the nicest ones you will ever meet!" The others study their cards, as does Nene. When they are talking again, she is still staring at her cards in concentration. She does not notice that Puck has already won and keeps touching one card after the other, as if trying to decide which one to choose. Eventually, she grins wide, throws down 2 cards and claims: "I won!! I won!!" Nene beams and looks around, now finally realising that the others have already begun chatting again. Her brow furrows again: "None of my cards match, that means I won, right?"
As they wait for their meal, Nene waves a friendly hello to the kid and asks him what he likes to play.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"Far as I understand, most people of the Sword Coast don't travel much farther north than Neverwinter. That's why they call it the Jewel of the North, right?"
Puck sits with his companions and listens to them play while he writes in his notebook, keeping the conversation going but with his eyes fixated down into his book as he scribbles.
"Well, we come from somewhere a bit farther north, past Luskan and the Spine of the World, in the Icewind Dale region. A small village named Felida, in a mountain range a few days travel outside of Bryn Shander, near a peak we call the Shivering Summit. I don't know if there's another name for it--or that it'd be noteworthy enough to feature on even a detailed map of the region. Really, save for few brave traveling merchants willing to make the trek, we didn't really see anyone other than our own kind."
Puck snaps the tip off his quill from pressing too hard. He curses under his breath, and begins to gnaw on the broken tip in an attempt to resharpen it. He spits out some ink, dabs the quill back into his inkwell and gets back to writing.
"Probably not a surprise we'd both be so eager to leave--though most of our kind were happy with the humble day-to-day of Felida."
Puck pauses and scratches his chin for a beat. A bit of inspiration hits his eyes as he looks up; then back to writing.
"But not me."
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Zanigur deals a hand while Puck and Kara speak of their homes, conspicuously silent. He completes the flashy move that Kara tried to perform earlier while shuffling.
He nods to Puck, as if to ask, you playing?
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Puck looks down at his book, and then back up to Zanigur. A smile slowly creeps across his face, and he nods, closing his book with his quill keeping his place. Then he cracks his knuckles and pulls a bit closer to the table.
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
"Playing with Neverwintan rules, I'm assuming," Zanigur says, dealing 5 cards each.
"So...you figure we'll be going after those goblins that took Gundren? Doesn't look like this place has much in the way of a militia or other rescue group."
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Nene listens attentively, her face full of concentration. "So you're a lady... AND a priest? Does that mean... that you had many older siblings? I don't know much of Ilmatar, what is it like being -" she struggles with the new word "Ilmitari?"
When Puck explains about Felida, she nods along and then adds: "We have the fluffiest mountain chicks though! Their feathers are the softest..." She looks dreamy. "I miss my mother and her chickens." After Puck finishes speaking, she smiles again: "Honestly, I had never really thought about leaving until Puck did. I always dreamt of seeing the world, but it just seemed..." she shrugs, "people just don't leave Felida, you know? It seemed impossible. And then Puck went! He just left! And suddenly I thought: hey, I could follow him, I could see the world too!"
To Zanigur, she replies: "I don't know much about any group other than tabaxi and goblins, but I can tell you they always cause trouble. If we don't help that Gundren, things could be very bad. Do you have much experience with goblins?"
Replying to Nene as he plays a hand, Zanigur says, "Not much experience...but enough. Let's just say that they tend to have their own views of...well, pretty much anything. Morality, society, relationships, you name it. In my experience, you only trust a goblin about as far as you can throw him. And I mean that literally."
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"I guess that means Grimm trusts them the most."
Puck knocks on the table, indicating he checks.
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
"I like that, as far as you can throw him!" Nene chuckles. She tries to play the card game, and while she is enjoying herself, she has clearly not understood the rules properly. "Why does Grimm trust them? She was so fierce when she was fighting!"
"Well, to say I am a lady, I am not really a noble... Hrm, I guess actually it's complicated?" Kara wrinkles her nose in thought. Clearly she didn't think of herself as a noble at the very least. "Oh, I could sing the praises of Ilmater all day. The hymn of his compassion is sweet and eternal, and were it not for the Ilmatari, I would probably be some sort of vile rogue!" She laughs heartily at the very idea. "Perhaps after I settle matters here, we could take a look up north at your goblin problem! Visit your mother, pet some chickens, and rehabilitate goblins. Sounds like a right adventure to me."
"With regards to the goblins, I think they have potential to integrate into society. I don't know much of history, but I have a feeling not all goblins are vile little devils," Kara winks before looking at her hand. "In any case, we need to speak with that wizard our rescued friend mentioned... what was his name again?"
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
When Kara laughs at the idea of her being a rogue, Zanigur smiles weakly, and then quickly makes a play.
“Iarno Albrek,” says Zanigur, in answer to Kara, without looking up from studying his new hand of cards. “Hallwinter thought he might know something about the Cragmaw Castle. We should connect with our friend in the morning.”
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Iarno Albrek" Puck responds in unison with Zanigur, without missing a beat and without looking up from his cards.
Puck raises; a bluff.
Deception Check: 6
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Zanigur calls with a smile...
Wisdom 5
..****y to find Puck’s bluff was actually a better hand than his.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Alright, here's a question for ya." Puck begins shuffling the deck for the next hand, it being his turn to deal.
"Why are you guys here? Not here as in Phandalin, searching for Gundren. There's enough coin in this job for us to not need another reason." He begins handing cards to the other players. "But why were you looking for the work in the first place? Why aren't you--" Puck nods towards Zanigur "spending nights playing a residency in a Neverwinter Tavern? Why aren't you--" nods towards Kara "off on some crusade in the name of Ilmater?"
The hands are all dealt and Puck inspects his cards. Then he smiles and looks around the table.
"Let's make it a little more interesting. Winner of this hand gets to ask a question of one of the losers--and it has to be answered truthfully. Deal?"
[Shall we each roll 5 d12s, each representing a card (no suits)?]
Puck's hand:
7
11
6
12
12
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
“Deal,” Zanigur agrees. “You win, I’ll answer your question!”
(1, 7, 4, 6, 2)
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Puck thinks for a beat, studying his fellow Bard's cool, aloof demeanor.
"What was the time in your life that you were most scared?"
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Zanigur smiles softly and nods. "Well played. I was quite young, but I would say that the eruption of Mount Hotenow was certainly the most hair-raising event I have ever been through. Parents died, village was destroyed, and I generally shut the world out after that. Does that qualify?" The bard smiles again, clears his throat, and sits back to strum a bit on his lute and finish his drink.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"So you grew up in Neverwinter? Sorry to hear that. I was only kicking around town for a few months but I collected some stories from other folks who witnessed the eruption--I can't say I've ever seen anything close to that kind of devastation, apart from the books I've read."
Puck makes a mental note to buy Zanigur his next drink when he finishes his current one.
"If you're willing, I'd love to one day find time to sit down and record your first-hand account--at least as much as you remember. Though I can understand not wanting to retread all that."
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
"I don't mind," says Zanigur, finishing his drink. "It was decades ago...I'm well over it by now."
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
While two of Barthen's employees began offloading the wagon of supplies, Barthen goes into the store and comes back out with several small pouches that jingle; one for each of you and inside is the 10gp you were expecting. "The night comes soon, me and my boys can handle this. Mayhaps if be best if you find yourselves some lodging for the night and then come back to see me in the morning. We'll talk some more about Grunden. I reckon there's more to this story."
The group leaves behind the wagon and the supplies, but remembers to bring along the few items they found in Klarq's cavern that belong to Lionshield Coster before making their way to the Stonehill Inn at Sildar's suggestion. Arrangements are made for rooms for the night and Sildar bids you all farewell for the eve as he departs immediately for a cleansing and soft bed after his ordeal. "Tomorrow I shall seek out my friend while you all deal with whatever errands you have. Let us meet back at the Inn at noon. We can swap stories over lunch."
The innkeeper, a short yet friendly human by the name of Toblen Stonehill, informed the group he had five available rooms. Each room runs 5sp and he would be able to get every member a meal for 3sp each for anyone interested. The common room has thinned out due to the lateness of the hour, but there are still three patrons sharing stories and cups at a nearby table, casting glances over at the motley crew now again. There is Toblen keeping an eye on things here and the barmaid Elsa who keeps checking with the group to see if they need anything. Now and again, you catch a glance into the kitchen where it seems another woman seems to be focusing on preparing the meal for the group. Lastly, there's a young boy that hangs around Toblen, based upon their similar looks you assume to be his son.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
(either before, or if we're playing cards at the Inn, then right now:)
"You would come visit Felida? That would be awesome! Oh you would love our chickens, they are the nicest ones you will ever meet!" The others study their cards, as does Nene. When they are talking again, she is still staring at her cards in concentration. She does not notice that Puck has already won and keeps touching one card after the other, as if trying to decide which one to choose. Eventually, she grins wide, throws down 2 cards and claims: "I won!! I won!!" Nene beams and looks around, now finally realising that the others have already begun chatting again. Her brow furrows again: "None of my cards match, that means I won, right?"
As they wait for their meal, Nene waves a friendly hello to the kid and asks him what he likes to play.