After a dangerous and frankly deadly adventure involving an angry tribe of kobolds, Callan, Zyllee, and Hugo are relieved to almost be back in Waterdeep. As the three of you make your way towards the enormous city from the south gate, the first thing you see are the great walls surrounding it. Above you, the Griffon Cavalry can be seen patrolling the skies. No one enters Waterdeep via land or sky without first being seen by their watchful eyes.
It is nearly dusk, and the sky is painted in a beautiful palette of oranges and purples as the sun sets. It’s spring time, and a light fog begins to settle as day shifts to night. The three of you make your way through the Trade Way, passing by the City Guard at their post at Zundbridge. You have nothing to fear here. This is your home.
Waterdeep is no village led by hidebound hierarchs or petty fiefdom ruled by the whim of a warlord. No, it is a city of laws molded by Tyr’s spirit of justice. If you ever had cause to come before the Masked Lords or the Open Lord herself, you could rest assured that if your cause be just, justice would be done. However, you know that if you found yourself in the wrong, that though it might take time to weigh that wrong on Tyr’s scales, that his hammer would fall — and it would be wielded by Waterdeep with a vengeance.
Once you are safely walking the streets, the three of you eventually make your way towards an old hangout spot. The famous tavern that adventurers love known as the Yawning Portal. It’s run by a retired adventurer named Durnan whom Zyllee is good friends with. As you continue making your way through the streets, you pass by a couple of members of the City Watch. Not to be confused with the City Guard, who protect the borders, the City Watch protects the streets of Waterdeep and act under the authority of the Open Lord, Lady Laeral Silverhand herself.
Despite the day nearing into night, there is a bewildering melee of wagons, carts, horse and pony riders, carriages, and buggies surging through the city’s major thoroughfares. Eventually you reach the Castle Ward, passing through Waterdeep Way, and down towards the Yawning Portal on Rainrun Street. You make your way inside and finally start to unwind a bit.
You sit around a sturdy wooden table lit by a brightly burning candle and littered with plates cleared of food and half-drained tankards. The sounds of gamblers yelling and drunken adventurers singing bawdy songs nearly drown out the off-key strumming of a young bard three tables over. A bard that Hugo knows well, a socially awkward human bard whom everyone simply calls Threestrings. Then, all the noise is eclipsed by a shout: “Ya pig! Like killin’ me mates, does ya?” Then a seven-foot-tall half-orc is hit by a wild, swinging punch from a male human whose shaved head is covered with eye-shaped tattoos. Four other humans stand behind him, ready to jump into the fray. The half-orc cracks her knuckles, roars, and leaps at the tattooed figure — but before you can see if blood is drawn, a crowd of spectators clusters around the brawl.
What do you do? Also, please introduce yourselves and what you look like.
A cheery Hugo smiles and nods at Threestrings but then whispers to Zyllee as they sit down "oof, I've been trying to help him, but...ugh." "I even offered to let him try my lute!"
The young half-drow stashes the flimsy leather he had called armor during their adventure, his first of any kind really, and pulls his jacket out from his satchel. The lad is thus adorned in his typical dirty gray pantaloons, long socks that would have once been described as white, and what would have been a fairly nice, black dress jacket complete with lapels if years of wear had not rendered it more of a worn gray, with loose threads and holes as it's defining features. The half-drow's white hair, almost colorless eyes and the black skin around them are hard to hide, but here at the Yawning Portal at least he is amongst friends as well as intriguing strangers and thus does not dwell on his station.
As a fight breaks out Hugo quickly moves to the bar and climbs up to get a view, the expected grumble about it from Durnan minor with the fight a greater concern for him. "Ah calm down old man, I've got silver for you tonight!" Hugo chuckles slightly at his relationship with the barkeep and slaps a few coins down on the bar. Receiving a brew, the would-be bard raises his mug and yells "Oy, if I had any coin, it would be on Yagra!"
A sense of wonder fills Zyllee as they reenter the great city that is her home. That mission was more than what they had anticipated but they had succeeded relatively unscathed. The pretty moon elf draws a lot of looks as the three of them travel along. Her long silvery locks flow loosely down towards her lower back. Piercing green eyes that are flecked with gold survey her surroundings Her ankle length black dress covers most of her but hints at some curves underneath. The moon elf's skin is pale with a bluish tint. The dress isnt of the latest fashion but is better than what she wore in the recent past. Knee length boots make her stand a little taller than her usual 5'8". A large pouch tied at her waist holds her adventuring gear including her supple leather armor and a black full face mask made of silk
Hearing Hugo whisper regarding the struggling bard a melodious , rich sounding laugh overcomes her. She replies in like manner, " Im afraid that you have failed my friend. There is no hope for this one .
She smiles in greeting to Durnan as they enter the inn. Relaxing for a moment she relaxes more. " This is so nice. Always proper to celebrate after a job well done. " Her speech pattern blends in with those around them. Barely any trace of a elven delivery is evident. Taking a drink of the ale before her, she jumps up as the fight erupts. She moves into the crowd a little to view the fight apparently. Her real purpose is to see if anyone has a tithe of coins that needs to be collected for her god Mask. She will only liberate the funds if it is a sure thing since she respects Durnan and doesnt wish to draw his ire.
Callan winces, "I hate to say it, but I agree with Zylee, I'm not sure the broken lute is the main issue."
The gnome is relatively tall for his kind, not that most members of other races would notice. His face is fairly narrow and angular, a feature pronounced even further by the neat little goatee protruding from his chin. As usual, he's dressed in a thick leather jerkin, spotted with burn marks and cuts from his craft. He claims its to save time, as he's liable to pull out his latest project and start messing with it given the chance.
He's sitting on one of the tallest stools the Inn has, and is drinking a bit of elven wine from a goblet. A relatively poor vintage, but it'l do. He winces as a winged figure drops onto his back and digs into his shoulders. The winged cat settles in and perches on top of the small gnome as if that was his purpose in life. "Fine, Circe, Fine, I'll ask. Hey Bonnie? Any chance you have some cream back there available?"
Turning back to his friends he says, "Anyways, I'm sorry the finder's take for that job wasn't as large as we'd hoped. They gave me something for the historical value of the scrolls themselves, but the process described just wasn't as valuable as rumor suggested. Still, its better than nothing."
Durnan has been drying what appears to be a whiskey glass with a towel as the brawl breaks out. He looks annoyed at Hugo, but has more pressing concerns at the moment as the tavern brawl turns serious.
In the crowd, Zyllee notices with her keen elven eyes a nice looking pouch on the belt of one of the onlookers. He looks like the wealthy sort and seems busy watching the brawl intently.
Circe's ears perk up as the word cream is uttered. She knows. Unfortunately, Bonnie seems a bit pre-occupied, "Just a bit, hun," she replies to her gnome friend. "I fear we've gots ourselves a downright situation here today!"
Meanwhile, the towering half-orc woman grins as she pummels the bald human man repeatedly in the chest. She doesn't even try to dodge his retaliatory strikes, instead choosing to take the hits and letting the pain fuel her anger.
"Is that all you've got, weakling?! Pathetic, and you call yourself a man," she growls.
Eventually, she manages to knock the bald man unconscious, though she now looks heavily injured after taking multiple hits from all five of the men. The other four step in to finish her off and eventually manage to do so...or so they think. Suddenly, her eyes fly open and she yells out a tremendous warcry as she seems to have somehow resuscitated herself with sheer force of will and anger. The half orc lands a solid kick and sends one of the four men flying. Unfortunately for her, the others are there to bring her down again and begin kicking her body when she falls.
At this point Durnan has had enough and reaches his hand below the bar table. He looks at the men with a death glare and points toward the door. “Out!” he snarls. The men, terrified of the man's wrath, flee with their unconscious brethren out from the tavern.
All seems quiet for a moment. But that quiet is very quickly interrupted. Durnan simply sighs and curses, "Damnit, what now!?"
Suddenly, shouts of alarm suddenly ring out as a hulking creature climbs up out of the shaft in the middle of the taproom — a monster with warty green skin, a tangled nest of wiry black hair, a long, carrot-shaped nose, and bloodshot eyes. As it bares its yellow teeth and howls, you can see that a half-dozen bat-like creatures are attached to its body, with three more circling above it like flies. Everyone in the tavern reacts in fear except for the barkeep, Durnan, who shouts, “TROLL!”
Kyllee you may attempt a Sleight of hand check if you wish to try and snag the pouch during the brawl.
And now for the magical, immortal words of Dungeons and Dragons: Everyone roll initiative.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Noticing the fat pouch, Zyllee grins. He looked very prosperous and could easily afford his tithe to Mask. She moves up close behind him to ready her attempt. She studies the pouch for a moment. If it is loosely attached she will attempt to pull it free. if it looks like he would notice that then she will accidentally bump into him while removing the pouch. Zyllee will pocket it and move away casually.
Upon hearing the alarm raised and seeing the troll clamber out she looks to her friends and prepares her next move mentally. She moves to a sheltered spot for her next action.
Her actions after her pickpocket attempt are subject to change depending on if she was detected or not.
Startled, Callan drops his goblet, and Circe takes to the air. "Oh hells" The gnome rolls off of his and under the table, the closest thing to cover he can see from the stirges. Those things would suck him dry in a tenth of the time as anyone else! Nope, nope, not gonna mess with that. "Stirges! they suck blood, don't let them near!"
Instead, he starts fiddling with cranking his crossbow, and points an odd looking tube at the troll with his free hand. A stream of dark liquid shoots out and splatters all over the troll's feet and the floor around it.
Initiative 23 Troll needs to make a DC 13 dex save vs falling prone due to the Grease spell.
Hugo watches the fight from atop the bar, his ale sloshing over the top of his mug. "Hey, no fair! Five is a bit much! Four maybe, but not five!" His demeanor gets more serious as Yagra is beaten unconscious. He says more softly "Yagra..." out of concern for his fellow Yawning Portal regular, wishing he could do something for her.
As the troll emerges and Durnan yells Hugo is shocked and frozen atop the bar. He simply remarks "well, this is a first!" before acting.
Callan acts first as he rushes in a panic underneath a table. The grease underneath the troll is successful and the troll slips and crashes to the ground with a loud thud. Some of the braver patrons beat on the troll with swords and hammers, taking advantage of the prone target. One of them even manages to stab the troll in the eye, dealing the creature a significant wound.
Before the troll appeared, Kyllee managed to steal the pouch from the wealthy-looking man. However, she took off around the edge of the bar for cover as soon as things got nasty.
The troll manages to lift itself up slowly. It howls out in pain and moves out of the grease to begin ruthlessly attacking the patrons. It slashes at one of them and cuts him clean in two. Then, it bites another man's head off completely. You notice now that the half dozen stirges surrounding the troll have been sucking it's blood the whole time. However, the troll's natural regeneration kicks in and it begins to heal some of its wounds.
Durnan pulls out an enormous, impressive-looking greatsword and leaps clean over the bar landing right in front of the troll. He moves swiftly and expertly. This is clearly a man who has fought many battles. He slashes four times at the troll, bringing the ugly creature to its knees. It snarls at him as it coughs up blood, but it isn't quite ready to go down just yet.
Hugo stands atop the bar, flabbergasted and stunned by the carnage he has just witnessed. After gathering his wits, he casts a spell and a silent orange flame appears all around the troll. Meanwhile, the six stirges atop the troll appear to have had their fill and retreat down the well. The other three stirges go after any patron they see. Two of them kill two separate commoners, draining them of their blood completely, leaving husks on the ground. The last one goes after Threestrings and begins sucking his blood. The bard cries out in pain, but he is still alive for now.
Kyllee you have a 20 gold pouch. Troll is looking really bloodied and there are three stirges left.
EDIT: Kyllee I realized that I never asked for actions for round 1. If you would like to take your action retroactively, I can retcon this post. I screwed up so hit me up in Discord if you have questions and sorry. Still new to this PbP thing.
(Still round 1 per Seath since Hugo did not take an action.)
"Shit, shit, shit!" exclaims Hugo to himself from atop the bar as the troll starts obliterating people. Hugo is about to panic but sees that Callan has taken action and, despite several personal reasons not to use his newfound magic in this place, decides to risk it. He rubs a bit of fleece inside the sleeve of his jacket, makes a small hand gesture and mumbles a word in Sylvan that he did not even know a week earlier. Suddenly a massive fifteen foot cube of what looks like aggressively swirling fire surrounds the troll and narrowly separates it from Durnan. Only the bottom of the cube shape is open as Hugo's illusion invites the troll to retreat to the safety of the well. "Stupid" Hugo thinks to himself, knowing his effort is a weak one because anyone close can tell there is no heat coming from what would otherwise be an impressive conjuring of flame, if only it was real.
Callan decides to vacate the immediate area, being rather closer to the troll than he'd like. Dashing off to under another table, he shoots at the troll
Moving up to under the small table by the bard and shooting. Attack: 13 Damage: 6
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The moon elf looks at the troll in great alarm. She knew many people could be hurt or killed here. She looks at the downed half-orc knowing she coukd be a huge asset in this battle. She gestures towards the fallen half-orc and shadows dart into her, healing some of her wounds. Zyllee then concentrates on a space a short distance from the troll and a perfect duplicate of her appears. She grins and then jumps behind the bar seeking a place to hide.
After finding relative safety she peeks over the bar. Zylee wills the image to move and it moves into contact with the vile creature. The duplicate's hand reaches forward trying to pour negative energy into its chest. She then ducks back down again as she command her image to step away from the troll.
2 turns of action per Seath
Turn 1 bonus action healing word: 6
Turn 1 action: invoke duplicity to create perfect image of herself about ten feet from the troll.
Turn 2 bonus action: Move image into contact with troll then back away.
Turn 2 action: spell attack through image with inflict wounds: 23
Callan scurries in a panic to another table as bodies fall near him and fires a bolt at the troll. Unfortunately, it isn't powerful enough to pierce through the monster's thick hide. Yagra, having been picked up by Kyllee's healing word, coughs as she stands. Still bloodied by the tavern brawl, she quickly makes note of the current situation and decides to take care of the rampant stirges terrorizing the patrons. Letting out a bestial roar, she charges towards the stirges and manages to crush two of them with her bare hands.
The divine duplicate's hand radiates with a dark negative energy as it moves in to try and touch the troll, but the monster is so bewildered and panicky that it manages to dodge out of the way of her touch attack. The troll roars out in pain and frustration.
The other patrons of the bar flee the scene in a panic and make their way to the far side of the tavern if they can. Threestrings in particular flees from the stirge in terror after feeling its sting.
The troll's wounds begin to heal up once more, but it's still bewildered by the illusory flames surrounding it. It looks down the well to flee, but looks hesitant to go back down due to the threat of more stirges. Now, backed to a corner and with few options, the monster lashes out at Kyllee's duplicate. Its claws pass right through the illusory flames and the illusory elf. The troll stands there and looks very confused. It tried to bite Durnan, but the expert fighter dodges out of the way before sinking his greatsword deep into the troll's chest, causing green blood to coat both his blade and the tavern floor.
The troll collapses to the ground and Durnan yells out, "HUGO! There's lamp oil behind the bar! Cover the troll in it and light it on fire if you can before it regenerates. I'm going to take care of this last bloodsucker." He dashes over and cuts the final stirge in half. It makes a popping noise then releases a torrent of blood to the ground.
All stirges down and the troll is down until it begins regenerating again. It is currently Hugo's turn in the round.
Hugo tries to hide the fact that it was he who conjured the large fiery illusion and watches a duplicate of Zyllee appear. He turns to look at her true self hiding behind the bar with a look of amazement and gives her a wide smile in appreciation of the fact that his friend has wonderful secrets similar to his own newfound ones.
Hearing Durnan call out Hugo is brought back to the situation at hand and says "oh, right!" The young lad reaches over the bar and grabs the lamp. He hesitates for a fraction of a second because it is not lit and he is still keeping his magic a secret, but whispers a word of Sylvan at it and snaps his fingers to light the lamp anyhow, hoping no one by Zyllee sees him. Leaping from the bar the half-elf dashes over towards the troll and smashes the lit oil lantern over it from a few feet away before retreating a few steps. He surveys the room to look for danger and see if Threestrings is ok.
As the battle winds to a close, and the troll’s body burns beneath the flames, Durnan solemnly looks down towards the ground. It is evident on his face that this is not the first time he has witnessed such gruesome death at the hand of monsters. The stoic man stands quietly for a moment, gripping his greatsword that’s still dripping with blood. Eventually he pulls aside a chair and sits down, laying down his sword and covering his face with his hands, “If only I reacted faster…” he says, clearly guilty that he wasn’t able to protect his loyal customers. He slams his fist into the table HARD, leaving a sizeable crack in the wood.
“Bonnie, go out and bring the City Watch for me would you?” he asks of the young waitress. “I’ll try to get in contact with some people from the Spires of the Morning.”
He looks to the three of you and simply nods, “You fought well. I fear something is stirring in Undermountain. Again...”
Eventually, the City Watch arrive along with a group of male human priests led by one female, blonde-haired paladin from the church of the Morning Lord. They take away the dead while the City Watch begin speaking to Durnan to get details of what happened. The entire tavern is evacuated for the moment as they begin their investigation of the scene.
Hugo will note that his buddy Threestrings is mostly okay, though he does have a wound on his neck from one of the stirges that attacked him. The half-orc woman, Yagra, is also currently being aided by a couple of the priests due to her significant injuries.
The three of you are standing outside now, taking all of this in, when a man who had witnessed the whole thing approaches you. "You be adventurers, am I right? I saw what you did in there and I could really use your help. Would you hear me out?”
Initiative has ended. The man who approached you looks something like this:
A bit of Zyllee's magic having been revealed, Hugo goes to check on her after burning the troll and snaps his fingers close to his chest so that only she can see. The huge cube of illusory fire is gone with the snap and Hugo winks at his friend. He still wears a huge grin regarding the fact that he and the moon elf have revealed their magic to one another as he revels in the excitement of what they might be able to do together with such talents.
Hugo thinks of trying to console Durnan but doesn't really know what to say. "Ah, well, ah, I didn't really do much, just what you told me to. YOU saved everyone else, Durnan!"
Outside Hugo remarks to Callan "hey was that you with that greasy-stuff?""That was brilliant! I almost laughed when the troll fell down right away, but then, um...yeah..."
When questioned by a stranger the half-drow says "Ah, yeah, of course we're adventurers!" He grabs the lapels on his jacket with both hands to try to look strong and proud. When the man looks over at Callan for even a second Hugo looks over at Zyllee and gives her a look and a big shrug as if to say "not really, but why not hear him out?"
Callan nods in response to Hugo's question, "Thanks, and yeah, its a useful trick. I've found that in many cases it doesn't matter how big something is if it can't keep its grip or footing. It really is too bad we didn't know that ugly thing was coming, that bit of grease might've stopped it from getting out of the well at all and killing those poor people."
When approached, the gnome says,"What seems to be the trouble?"
Zyllee's eyes are wide as she realizes that Hugo was behind the flames. He was more than a street performer it seems. She smiles at him.
Hearing Durnan's praise she turns to him. " Thanks, Durnan Ive tried to pick up things from talking to you. Im just sorry that some didnt make it. "
Zyllee studies the newcomer after he speaks. She looks for any hint of deception. When glancing at the others she sees Hugo indicating that he wants to play along. " We do some work for hire sometimes. What do you have in mind?"
The figure who approached you strokes his mustache, adjusts his floppy hat, and tightens his scarf. “Volothamp Geddarm, chronicler, wizard, and celebrity, at your service. But my friends just call me Volo. You may have heard of my famous work, Volo's Guide to Monsters, yes? *Ehem*, at any rate, 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."
The man's tone changes to one of sadness as he speaks that last sentence and as he continues on.
“My friend’s name is Floon Blagmaar. He’s got more beauty than brains I'm afraid, 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?”
Zyllee, I will just use your passive insight for this. You think he is being truthful for the most part. He is honest about who he is and about his friend having been kidnapped or worse. But you do think that he is stretching the truth a bit on how much he can pay for some reason. You aren't sure why since he seems friendly and honest otherwise.
Note: When Volo refers to paying you in "dragons" that is what gold is called in Waterdeep since it has an image of a gold dragon head on it. Hence, Waterdeep Dragon Heist.
Hugo's eyes go wide as he recognizes the name Volo, even if he only knows him from the book title. The curious young bard had eyed the book through shop windows several times in recent weeks. Somehow his eyes grow even larger at mention of ten dragons now and a hundred later, although he tries to hide that reaction from Volo once again if possible, keeping it between him, Zyllee and Callan. Knowing he, and probably his friends too, would be in way over his head with this quest but having zero intentions of turning down at least the ten gold up front, Hugo says "but of course!" "That's just the kind of thing we do, after all! Luckily you caught us during a brief break between jobs." After pausing for a moment he does ask with less confidence "ahhh, where would we start, exactly?"
After a dangerous and frankly deadly adventure involving an angry tribe of kobolds, Callan, Zyllee, and Hugo are relieved to almost be back in Waterdeep. As the three of you make your way towards the enormous city from the south gate, the first thing you see are the great walls surrounding it. Above you, the Griffon Cavalry can be seen patrolling the skies. No one enters Waterdeep via land or sky without first being seen by their watchful eyes.
It is nearly dusk, and the sky is painted in a beautiful palette of oranges and purples as the sun sets. It’s spring time, and a light fog begins to settle as day shifts to night. The three of you make your way through the Trade Way, passing by the City Guard at their post at Zundbridge. You have nothing to fear here. This is your home.
Waterdeep is no village led by hidebound hierarchs or petty fiefdom ruled by the whim of a warlord. No, it is a city of laws molded by Tyr’s spirit of justice. If you ever had cause to come before the Masked Lords or the Open Lord herself, you could rest assured that if your cause be just, justice would be done. However, you know that if you found yourself in the wrong, that though it might take time to weigh that wrong on Tyr’s scales, that his hammer would fall — and it would be wielded by Waterdeep with a vengeance.
Once you are safely walking the streets, the three of you eventually make your way towards an old hangout spot. The famous tavern that adventurers love known as the Yawning Portal. It’s run by a retired adventurer named Durnan whom Zyllee is good friends with. As you continue making your way through the streets, you pass by a couple of members of the City Watch. Not to be confused with the City Guard, who protect the borders, the City Watch protects the streets of Waterdeep and act under the authority of the Open Lord, Lady Laeral Silverhand herself.
Despite the day nearing into night, there is a bewildering melee of wagons, carts, horse and pony riders, carriages, and buggies surging through the city’s major thoroughfares. Eventually you reach the Castle Ward, passing through Waterdeep Way, and down towards the Yawning Portal on Rainrun Street. You make your way inside and finally start to unwind a bit.
You sit around a sturdy wooden table lit by a brightly burning candle and littered with plates cleared of food and half-drained tankards. The sounds of gamblers yelling and drunken adventurers singing bawdy songs nearly drown out the off-key strumming of a young bard three tables over. A bard that Hugo knows well, a socially awkward human bard whom everyone simply calls Threestrings.
Then, all the noise is eclipsed by a shout: “Ya pig! Like killin’ me mates, does ya?” Then a seven-foot-tall half-orc is hit by a wild, swinging punch from a male human whose shaved head is covered with eye-shaped tattoos. Four other humans stand behind him, ready to jump into the fray. The half-orc cracks her knuckles, roars, and leaps at the tattooed figure — but before you can see if blood is drawn, a crowd of spectators clusters around the brawl.
What do you do? Also, please introduce yourselves and what you look like.
A cheery Hugo smiles and nods at Threestrings but then whispers to Zyllee as they sit down "oof, I've been trying to help him, but...ugh." "I even offered to let him try my lute!"
The young half-drow stashes the flimsy leather he had called armor during their adventure, his first of any kind really, and pulls his jacket out from his satchel. The lad is thus adorned in his typical dirty gray pantaloons, long socks that would have once been described as white, and what would have been a fairly nice, black dress jacket complete with lapels if years of wear had not rendered it more of a worn gray, with loose threads and holes as it's defining features. The half-drow's white hair, almost colorless eyes and the black skin around them are hard to hide, but here at the Yawning Portal at least he is amongst friends as well as intriguing strangers and thus does not dwell on his station.
As a fight breaks out Hugo quickly moves to the bar and climbs up to get a view, the expected grumble about it from Durnan minor with the fight a greater concern for him. "Ah calm down old man, I've got silver for you tonight!" Hugo chuckles slightly at his relationship with the barkeep and slaps a few coins down on the bar. Receiving a brew, the would-be bard raises his mug and yells "Oy, if I had any coin, it would be on Yagra!"
A sense of wonder fills Zyllee as they reenter the great city that is her home. That mission was more than what they had anticipated but they had succeeded relatively unscathed. The pretty moon elf draws a lot of looks as the three of them travel along. Her long silvery locks flow loosely down towards her lower back. Piercing green eyes that are flecked with gold survey her surroundings Her ankle length black dress covers most of her but hints at some curves underneath. The moon elf's skin is pale with a bluish tint. The dress isnt of the latest fashion but is better than what she wore in the recent past. Knee length boots make her stand a little taller than her usual 5'8". A large pouch tied at her waist holds her adventuring gear including her supple leather armor and a black full face mask made of silk
Hearing Hugo whisper regarding the struggling bard a melodious , rich sounding laugh overcomes her. She replies in like manner, " Im afraid that you have failed my friend. There is no hope for this one .
She smiles in greeting to Durnan as they enter the inn. Relaxing for a moment she relaxes more. " This is so nice. Always proper to celebrate after a job well done. " Her speech pattern blends in with those around them. Barely any trace of a elven delivery is evident. Taking a drink of the ale before her, she jumps up as the fight erupts. She moves into the crowd a little to view the fight apparently. Her real purpose is to see if anyone has a tithe of coins that needs to be collected for her god Mask. She will only liberate the funds if it is a sure thing since she respects Durnan and doesnt wish to draw his ire.
Callan winces, "I hate to say it, but I agree with Zylee, I'm not sure the broken lute is the main issue."
The gnome is relatively tall for his kind, not that most members of other races would notice. His face is fairly narrow and angular, a feature pronounced even further by the neat little goatee protruding from his chin. As usual, he's dressed in a thick leather jerkin, spotted with burn marks and cuts from his craft. He claims its to save time, as he's liable to pull out his latest project and start messing with it given the chance.
He's sitting on one of the tallest stools the Inn has, and is drinking a bit of elven wine from a goblet. A relatively poor vintage, but it'l do. He winces as a winged figure drops onto his back and digs into his shoulders. The winged cat settles in and perches on top of the small gnome as if that was his purpose in life. "Fine, Circe, Fine, I'll ask. Hey Bonnie? Any chance you have some cream back there available?"
Turning back to his friends he says, "Anyways, I'm sorry the finder's take for that job wasn't as large as we'd hoped. They gave me something for the historical value of the scrolls themselves, but the process described just wasn't as valuable as rumor suggested. Still, its better than nothing."
Durnan has been drying what appears to be a whiskey glass with a towel as the brawl breaks out. He looks annoyed at Hugo, but has more pressing concerns at the moment as the tavern brawl turns serious.
In the crowd, Zyllee notices with her keen elven eyes a nice looking pouch on the belt of one of the onlookers. He looks like the wealthy sort and seems busy watching the brawl intently.
Circe's ears perk up as the word cream is uttered. She knows. Unfortunately, Bonnie seems a bit pre-occupied, "Just a bit, hun," she replies to her gnome friend. "I fear we've gots ourselves a downright situation here today!"
Meanwhile, the towering half-orc woman grins as she pummels the bald human man repeatedly in the chest. She doesn't even try to dodge his retaliatory strikes, instead choosing to take the hits and letting the pain fuel her anger.
"Is that all you've got, weakling?! Pathetic, and you call yourself a man," she growls.
Eventually, she manages to knock the bald man unconscious, though she now looks heavily injured after taking multiple hits from all five of the men. The other four step in to finish her off and eventually manage to do so...or so they think. Suddenly, her eyes fly open and she yells out a tremendous warcry as she seems to have somehow resuscitated herself with sheer force of will and anger. The half orc lands a solid kick and sends one of the four men flying. Unfortunately for her, the others are there to bring her down again and begin kicking her body when she falls.
At this point Durnan has had enough and reaches his hand below the bar table. He looks at the men with a death glare and points toward the door. “Out!” he snarls. The men, terrified of the man's wrath, flee with their unconscious brethren out from the tavern.
All seems quiet for a moment. But that quiet is very quickly interrupted. Durnan simply sighs and curses, "Damnit, what now!?"
Suddenly, shouts of alarm suddenly ring out as a hulking creature climbs up out of the shaft in the middle of the taproom — a monster with warty green skin, a tangled nest of wiry black hair, a long, carrot-shaped nose, and bloodshot eyes. As it bares its yellow teeth and howls, you can see that a half-dozen bat-like creatures are attached to its body, with three more circling above it like flies. Everyone in the tavern reacts in fear except for the barkeep, Durnan, who shouts, “TROLL!”
Kyllee you may attempt a Sleight of hand check if you wish to try and snag the pouch during the brawl.
And now for the magical, immortal words of Dungeons and Dragons: Everyone roll initiative.
Noticing the fat pouch, Zyllee grins. He looked very prosperous and could easily afford his tithe to Mask. She moves up close behind him to ready her attempt. She studies the pouch for a moment. If it is loosely attached she will attempt to pull it free. if it looks like he would notice that then she will accidentally bump into him while removing the pouch. Zyllee will pocket it and move away casually.
Upon hearing the alarm raised and seeing the troll clamber out she looks to her friends and prepares her next move mentally. She moves to a sheltered spot for her next action.
Her actions after her pickpocket attempt are subject to change depending on if she was detected or not.
Sleight of hand: 21
Initiative: 13
Startled, Callan drops his goblet, and Circe takes to the air. "Oh hells" The gnome rolls off of his and under the table, the closest thing to cover he can see from the stirges. Those things would suck him dry in a tenth of the time as anyone else! Nope, nope, not gonna mess with that. "Stirges! they suck blood, don't let them near!"
Instead, he starts fiddling with cranking his crossbow, and points an odd looking tube at the troll with his free hand. A stream of dark liquid shoots out and splatters all over the troll's feet and the floor around it.
Initiative 23
Troll needs to make a DC 13 dex save vs falling prone due to the Grease spell.
Hugo watches the fight from atop the bar, his ale sloshing over the top of his mug. "Hey, no fair! Five is a bit much! Four maybe, but not five!" His demeanor gets more serious as Yagra is beaten unconscious. He says more softly "Yagra..." out of concern for his fellow Yawning Portal regular, wishing he could do something for her.
As the troll emerges and Durnan yells Hugo is shocked and frozen atop the bar. He simply remarks "well, this is a first!" before acting.
Initiative: 6
Callan acts first as he rushes in a panic underneath a table. The grease underneath the troll is successful and the troll slips and crashes to the ground with a loud thud. Some of the braver patrons beat on the troll with swords and hammers, taking advantage of the prone target. One of them even manages to stab the troll in the eye, dealing the creature a significant wound.
Before the troll appeared, Kyllee managed to steal the pouch from the wealthy-looking man. However, she took off around the edge of the bar for cover as soon as things got nasty.
The troll manages to lift itself up slowly. It howls out in pain and moves out of the grease to begin ruthlessly attacking the patrons. It slashes at one of them and cuts him clean in two. Then, it bites another man's head off completely. You notice now that the half dozen stirges surrounding the troll have been sucking it's blood the whole time. However, the troll's natural regeneration kicks in and it begins to heal some of its wounds.
Durnan pulls out an enormous, impressive-looking greatsword and leaps clean over the bar landing right in front of the troll. He moves swiftly and expertly. This is clearly a man who has fought many battles. He slashes four times at the troll, bringing the ugly creature to its knees. It snarls at him as it coughs up blood, but it isn't quite ready to go down just yet.
Hugo stands atop the bar, flabbergasted and stunned by the carnage he has just witnessed. After gathering his wits, he casts a spell and a silent orange flame appears all around the troll. Meanwhile, the six stirges atop the troll appear to have had their fill and retreat down the well. The other three stirges go after any patron they see. Two of them kill two separate commoners, draining them of their blood completely, leaving husks on the ground. The last one goes after Threestrings and begins sucking his blood. The bard cries out in pain, but he is still alive for now.
Kyllee you have a 20 gold pouch. Troll is looking really bloodied and there are three stirges left.
EDIT: Kyllee I realized that I never asked for actions for round 1. If you would like to take your action retroactively, I can retcon this post. I screwed up so hit me up in Discord if you have questions and sorry. Still new to this PbP thing.
Initiative Order
--
End of Round 1 Map
--
(Still round 1 per Seath since Hugo did not take an action.)
"Shit, shit, shit!" exclaims Hugo to himself from atop the bar as the troll starts obliterating people. Hugo is about to panic but sees that Callan has taken action and, despite several personal reasons not to use his newfound magic in this place, decides to risk it. He rubs a bit of fleece inside the sleeve of his jacket, makes a small hand gesture and mumbles a word in Sylvan that he did not even know a week earlier. Suddenly a massive fifteen foot cube of what looks like aggressively swirling fire surrounds the troll and narrowly separates it from Durnan. Only the bottom of the cube shape is open as Hugo's illusion invites the troll to retreat to the safety of the well. "Stupid" Hugo thinks to himself, knowing his effort is a weak one because anyone close can tell there is no heat coming from what would otherwise be an impressive conjuring of flame, if only it was real.
-----> Silent Image <-----
Callan decides to vacate the immediate area, being rather closer to the troll than he'd like. Dashing off to under another table, he shoots at the troll
Moving up to under the small table by the bard and shooting. Attack: 13 Damage: 6
The moon elf looks at the troll in great alarm. She knew many people could be hurt or killed here. She looks at the downed half-orc knowing she coukd be a huge asset in this battle. She gestures towards the fallen half-orc and shadows dart into her, healing some of her wounds. Zyllee then concentrates on a space a short distance from the troll and a perfect duplicate of her appears. She grins and then jumps behind the bar seeking a place to hide.
After finding relative safety she peeks over the bar. Zylee wills the image to move and it moves into contact with the vile creature. The duplicate's hand reaches forward trying to pour negative energy into its chest. She then ducks back down again as she command her image to step away from the troll.
2 turns of action per Seath
Turn 1 bonus action healing word: 6
Turn 1 action: invoke duplicity to create perfect image of herself about ten feet from the troll.
Turn 2 bonus action: Move image into contact with troll then back away.
Turn 2 action: spell attack through image with inflict wounds: 23
Inflict wounds damage: 13
Callan scurries in a panic to another table as bodies fall near him and fires a bolt at the troll. Unfortunately, it isn't powerful enough to pierce through the monster's thick hide. Yagra, having been picked up by Kyllee's healing word, coughs as she stands. Still bloodied by the tavern brawl, she quickly makes note of the current situation and decides to take care of the rampant stirges terrorizing the patrons. Letting out a bestial roar, she charges towards the stirges and manages to crush two of them with her bare hands.
The divine duplicate's hand radiates with a dark negative energy as it moves in to try and touch the troll, but the monster is so bewildered and panicky that it manages to dodge out of the way of her touch attack. The troll roars out in pain and frustration.
The other patrons of the bar flee the scene in a panic and make their way to the far side of the tavern if they can. Threestrings in particular flees from the stirge in terror after feeling its sting.
The troll's wounds begin to heal up once more, but it's still bewildered by the illusory flames surrounding it. It looks down the well to flee, but looks hesitant to go back down due to the threat of more stirges. Now, backed to a corner and with few options, the monster lashes out at Kyllee's duplicate. Its claws pass right through the illusory flames and the illusory elf. The troll stands there and looks very confused. It tried to bite Durnan, but the expert fighter dodges out of the way before sinking his greatsword deep into the troll's chest, causing green blood to coat both his blade and the tavern floor.
The troll collapses to the ground and Durnan yells out, "HUGO! There's lamp oil behind the bar! Cover the troll in it and light it on fire if you can before it regenerates. I'm going to take care of this last bloodsucker." He dashes over and cuts the final stirge in half. It makes a popping noise then releases a torrent of blood to the ground.
All stirges down and the troll is down until it begins regenerating again. It is currently Hugo's turn in the round.
Current Map:
Hugo tries to hide the fact that it was he who conjured the large fiery illusion and watches a duplicate of Zyllee appear. He turns to look at her true self hiding behind the bar with a look of amazement and gives her a wide smile in appreciation of the fact that his friend has wonderful secrets similar to his own newfound ones.
Hearing Durnan call out Hugo is brought back to the situation at hand and says "oh, right!" The young lad reaches over the bar and grabs the lamp. He hesitates for a fraction of a second because it is not lit and he is still keeping his magic a secret, but whispers a word of Sylvan at it and snaps his fingers to light the lamp anyhow, hoping no one by Zyllee sees him. Leaping from the bar the half-elf dashes over towards the troll and smashes the lit oil lantern over it from a few feet away before retreating a few steps. He surveys the room to look for danger and see if Threestrings is ok.
As the battle winds to a close, and the troll’s body burns beneath the flames, Durnan solemnly looks down towards the ground. It is evident on his face that this is not the first time he has witnessed such gruesome death at the hand of monsters. The stoic man stands quietly for a moment, gripping his greatsword that’s still dripping with blood. Eventually he pulls aside a chair and sits down, laying down his sword and covering his face with his hands, “If only I reacted faster…” he says, clearly guilty that he wasn’t able to protect his loyal customers. He slams his fist into the table HARD, leaving a sizeable crack in the wood.
“Bonnie, go out and bring the City Watch for me would you?” he asks of the young waitress. “I’ll try to get in contact with some people from the Spires of the Morning.”
He looks to the three of you and simply nods, “You fought well. I fear something is stirring in Undermountain. Again...”
Eventually, the City Watch arrive along with a group of male human priests led by one female, blonde-haired paladin from the church of the Morning Lord. They take away the dead while the City Watch begin speaking to Durnan to get details of what happened. The entire tavern is evacuated for the moment as they begin their investigation of the scene.
Hugo will note that his buddy Threestrings is mostly okay, though he does have a wound on his neck from one of the stirges that attacked him. The half-orc woman, Yagra, is also currently being aided by a couple of the priests due to her significant injuries.
The three of you are standing outside now, taking all of this in, when a man who had witnessed the whole thing approaches you. "You be adventurers, am I right? I saw what you did in there and I could really use your help. Would you hear me out?”
Initiative has ended. The man who approached you looks something like this:
A bit of Zyllee's magic having been revealed, Hugo goes to check on her after burning the troll and snaps his fingers close to his chest so that only she can see. The huge cube of illusory fire is gone with the snap and Hugo winks at his friend. He still wears a huge grin regarding the fact that he and the moon elf have revealed their magic to one another as he revels in the excitement of what they might be able to do together with such talents.
Hugo thinks of trying to console Durnan but doesn't really know what to say. "Ah, well, ah, I didn't really do much, just what you told me to. YOU saved everyone else, Durnan!"
Outside Hugo remarks to Callan "hey was that you with that greasy-stuff?" "That was brilliant! I almost laughed when the troll fell down right away, but then, um...yeah..."
When questioned by a stranger the half-drow says "Ah, yeah, of course we're adventurers!" He grabs the lapels on his jacket with both hands to try to look strong and proud. When the man looks over at Callan for even a second Hugo looks over at Zyllee and gives her a look and a big shrug as if to say "not really, but why not hear him out?"
Callan nods in response to Hugo's question, "Thanks, and yeah, its a useful trick. I've found that in many cases it doesn't matter how big something is if it can't keep its grip or footing. It really is too bad we didn't know that ugly thing was coming, that bit of grease might've stopped it from getting out of the well at all and killing those poor people."
When approached, the gnome says, "What seems to be the trouble?"
Zyllee's eyes are wide as she realizes that Hugo was behind the flames. He was more than a street performer it seems. She smiles at him.
Hearing Durnan's praise she turns to him. " Thanks, Durnan Ive tried to pick up things from talking to you. Im just sorry that some didnt make it. "
Zyllee studies the newcomer after he speaks. She looks for any hint of deception. When glancing at the others she sees Hugo indicating that he wants to play along. " We do some work for hire sometimes. What do you have in mind?"
Zyllee insight: 18
The figure who approached you strokes his mustache, adjusts his floppy hat, and tightens his scarf. “Volothamp Geddarm, chronicler, wizard, and celebrity, at your service. But my friends just call me Volo. You may have heard of my famous work, Volo's Guide to Monsters, yes? *Ehem*, at any rate, 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."
The man's tone changes to one of sadness as he speaks that last sentence and as he continues on.
“My friend’s name is Floon Blagmaar. He’s got more beauty than brains I'm afraid, 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?”
Zyllee, I will just use your passive insight for this. You think he is being truthful for the most part. He is honest about who he is and about his friend having been kidnapped or worse. But you do think that he is stretching the truth a bit on how much he can pay for some reason. You aren't sure why since he seems friendly and honest otherwise.
Note: When Volo refers to paying you in "dragons" that is what gold is called in Waterdeep since it has an image of a gold dragon head on it. Hence, Waterdeep Dragon Heist.
Hugo's eyes go wide as he recognizes the name Volo, even if he only knows him from the book title. The curious young bard had eyed the book through shop windows several times in recent weeks. Somehow his eyes grow even larger at mention of ten dragons now and a hundred later, although he tries to hide that reaction from Volo once again if possible, keeping it between him, Zyllee and Callan. Knowing he, and probably his friends too, would be in way over his head with this quest but having zero intentions of turning down at least the ten gold up front, Hugo says "but of course!" "That's just the kind of thing we do, after all! Luckily you caught us during a brief break between jobs." After pausing for a moment he does ask with less confidence "ahhh, where would we start, exactly?"