She shakes her head slightly as she feels that he is exaggerating how much gold he can actually pay for some reason. He is fairly well known or at least his book is and completing this successfully would get their name out there a little more.
" Volo, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Zyllee, this is Hugo and our gnome friend is called Callan. You have our attention. As Hugo asked.... Do you have any leads to where he might be?"
Callan cocks his head. Volo? Oh right, the monster guide writer.
Time to correct the author on his assumptions. After all the three of them have no experience in tracking people down. He would be better off hiring real experts.
He is just about to explain this when Hugo speaks up. The gnome looks at The Bard with a raised eyebrow. Did the young man know something he didn't?
All right then, I guess we'll see where this goes. The artificer waits for the answers to the questions posed.
"Excellent!" Volo exclaims. He hands each of you a pouch filled with 10 dragons, then begins providing details of what transpired.
"My friend Floon is a handsome young human man in his early thirties. He has wavy red-blonde hair and was dressed in a princely garb the last time I saw him. Two nights ago, Floon and I were drinking and merrymaking down at the Skewered Dragon in the Dock Ward. I know, I know, not the most reputable area, but it can be fun as long as you're careful. We drank and gambled for a few hours then I left him there to go back home. That was the last I heard from him, and I fear for the worst. I can't help but feel guilty for leaving him alone. I suggest you all head down to the Dock Ward and the Skewered Dragon first to start your search. I'll be waiting here at the Yawning Portal. Well...as soon as they get back to business at any rate. I wish you three the best of luck. I pray that he is still alive."
Hugo starts to look a little bit skeptical and folds his arms. "Ok Mister, three questions. One, did you go ask at the Skewered Dragon yet? Two, what about the City Watch? Three, can I get a copy of that book of yours?" He perks up a bit regarding the last question and flashes a smile.
Responding to Hugo's queries, Volo says, "Well my good Hugo, you see, the Dock Ward is a dangerous area of the city, second only to the Field Ward. Even the City Watch barely patrol that area and as such it's become a rather popular area for gang members, miscreants, and all sorts of ne'er-do-wells. It's quite a sad area too, rife with poverty. I thought it best that I not go back down there myself with what's been going on lately and instead hire some brave young adventurers to go in my stead!"
Regarding the book, he says, "If you manage to find my friend, then of course you can have a copy! It may take me a while to procure another copy, but why not!" He laughs heartily
Callan blinks at the money, so, apparently they're doing this. Well then, the least they could do is start things off on the right foot. "Can you tell us anything else about the night in question? Where was your friend headed after you left him? Did he say anything that stood out? And what about the visit itself? Did anything odd occur?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zylee takes the pouch with a grin. She opens it up and weighs the coins in her hands. Satisfied that it is 10 dragons they join her other pouch of gold. She then pays more heed to what Volo and her friends are saying. The young Maskarran watches to make sure he isnt twisting the details.
" So...what does he do to earn money? Does he have anyone that would wish him harm? Has he spoken of being fearful about anything recently?" She purses her lips as she awaits his answer.
Insight: 18
I'll use her passive insight like before if thats ok. If not i have this roll ready.
"I'm afraid I don't have too many more details on what he did afterwards. I find it equally likely for him to either continue socializing at the bar, perhaps even flirting with other patrons or he could have begun walking back home shortly after I left. Nothing odd really happened, that's the thing. We just had some fun and chatted about life, relationships, and the usual you know," Volo says as he answers the questions.
"If it helps, Floon is charming....but not especially bright. He's currently unemployed and spends most of his time drinking and carousing really. Before that, he used to work as an escort. Now however, he managed to get a windfall and no longer needs to work. And so he doesn't. He despises the idea of working for a living. It might seem like I'm painting a negative view of him but he's actually very nice and fun to be around. He has a way with words and can be goofy at times."
Zyllee nods at this. " That helps us quite a bit Volo. At least we have something good to work with. I have no more questions guys. I am satisfied with his answers. We can begin whenever you two are ready. " She smiles roguishly at them.
She shrugs and relaxes while waiting for her friends to be finished questioning him
"I believe that's all I have for now. Good luck to you all, young adventurers!" Volo proclaims, attempting to inspire the group. He respectfully removes his hat and bows, then goes on his way.
Hugo calls out "ok....by the way, I love your hat!"
When Volo leaves Hugo seems thoroughly amused and excited. "HA! Get a load of this guy, huh? Like we'd believe he's THE Volo, like on the book." Hugo feels the weight of the gold in his hand and tosses the small pouch up and down once just to hear the sound of the coins. "Solid outfit though, I'll give him that. Easiest ten gold anyone has ever made, I'd say! He just assumed we are adventurers because we're outside the Portal? Sure pal, fine by me. Right place, right time, I guess. What'ya think? He sends us down there and they just take the money back off of us along with anything else 'adventurers' would have of value for an easy profit? No thanks!"
Hugo looks back at the disaster that is Durnan's place and calms down a bit considering the sad scene there. "Ah well, I guess we best not be seen here for a few days if this 'Volo' is going to be looking for us." He stops and thinks. "Actually, I've been working on a new costume. Perhaps I'll get it finished tonight and see you all tomorrow, eh? I think you'll like it! Enjoy your easy money!" At that he tosses his pouch up one more time and smiles before starting to depart towards the area of the city where he normally finds a place to sleep.
Hugo walks 15 feet away from Callan and Zyllee and turns to smile and wave but stops and says "what?"
She watches him with a surprised look. " Hugo, are you seriously not wanting to help this guy? That is an elaborate scheme you concocted to rob 3 people that probably dont have 10 dragons to their name before he gave it to us. This might be something we can get into. Solving problems and mysteries for clients. It's not a good way to build a reputation by taking the deposit and running. " She shakes her head.
Zyllee watches him depart with an excited look on her face. She begins speaking once he is out of earshot. " This is a good opportunity for us guys. This friend of his came into a lot of money. He dresses like he is a prince and gets drunk in a very seedy area by himself once this Volo leaves. Not the sharpest guy obviously. It's pretty simple to guess what happened. He shouldnt be too difficult to track considering how much he was out of place. "
She runs her hands through her long whitish tresses. " I'm really good at reading people to see if they are telling the truth. He was being honest about the whole thing except for one part. Volo seemed a little off when promising us 100 dragons each upon finding his friend. As if he didn't have that much and was exaggerating. Maybe he expects his friend to pay the part he can't in the event we find him alive. " She shrugs. " It's something to consider at any rate. I still feel good about it. 10 dragons is a lot of money and he will pay us some more at least if we succeed. I'm confident we can sort this out fairly soon. " She reaches up with a thin wire and pulls her hair into a ponytail while listening to her friends.
Hugo looks confused and slowly walks back to Zyllee and Callan. "You really believe him?" He thinks for a moment. "You sure Zyllee? This is dangerous stuff? You do always find a way to stay out of trouble though, don't you?" He looks at Callan, too. "Ahhh, fine, if you really believe him, I'm not going to let you two go to the Dock Ward without me. Careful, if we keep this up, and live to tell about it I suppose, we might just be adventurers soon after all! Hmmm, just give me a minute..."
Hugo grabs his stuff and dashes into the shadows around a nearby corner or alley. A minute or two later an elf of similar stature and hair color returns but is missing Hugo's most distinct drow characteristics, has a totally different haircut, looks a bit more like an adult and is wearing considerable nicer and cleaner clothing. "Good evening young adventurers! I am Maximillian Mercutio Eovaldi, adventurer and performer extraordinaire! Did I hear of an adventure brewing? Perhaps someone in need of a daring rescue? If so, it seems I arrived in Waterdeep just in time as Maximillian is your man!" He takes a bow and then poses to show off his pristine clothing. Stepping in closer to his two friends Hugo whispers "this wasn't quite ready yet, but under the circumstances, what do you think? Can't have some goons from the Dock Ward tracing the drow boy back to his poor mother and family, especially if they see some of my new tricks!"
Returning to his performance of his new persona, 'Maximillian' announces aloud. "You know, it's a rare honor, but if we three are to adventure together, you may call me Max. Only my very good friends call me Max, mind you! Well, shall we? No time to waste!" Hugo is having way too much fun, although he does sneak one more look at the Yawning Portal before they depart and has to try to hide the sadness around the night's events.
Zylee looks at the stranger coming up to them with furrowed brow. " Is this..?" , she begins to ask Callen before Max begins to speak. She is trying to work out what she is experiencimg when the strange half- elf confides in them. " Hugo! It is you. This is amazing! You had me fooled for a moment. " She speaks quietly while saying this.
After Hugo resumes his Max persona she laughs. " It is most kind of you to offer your services to escort us. I can not help but accept Max. I will feel much safer just knowing that you are there. " She winks at Callen.
Callan looks at Hugo with surprise and disappointment as the half drow apparently intends to simply take the man's money and leave. He is grateful when Zylee manages to talk him out of it.
The gnome breaks out into a grin once more when Max reveals himself. This would be interesting, "Well now, aren't you full of surprises! This should be fun. Circe says she wasn't fooled for a moment, but I think she's just being, well, Circe." In response to that comment, the gnome's familiar reaches one paw up to his leg, and very deliberately extends a single claw to dig through the leggings and into the flesh underneath.
Wincing, Callan waves her away, "We took Mr Volo's money, so the least we can do is honestly give it a go. If we can find something, great, if not, it shouldn't cost us anything save a few evenings. Shall we then?"
The three of you make your way down to the Dock Ward. 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.
Circe, the sassy tressym, is less than thrilled to be here. Her nose crinkles and she sneezes. She begins encircling Callan like some sort of feline shark.
“You know I’m a meowntain cat, Callan. First you bring me to this crowded city, and now to this smelly place. It smells like poo, Callan. And there’s water everywhere,” she communicates telepathically in a disgusted tone. “You owe me for this you know. My nose is very sensitive.”
She seems upset.
By now, you aren’t far from The Skewered Dragon, but you notice one nearby shop that’s still open and that stands out from the others. It has a deep purple facade, and in its window hangs a stuffed beholder. Above the door hangs a sign whose elaborate letters spell out “Old Xoblob Shop.”
Callan trundles along, talking aloud to Circe, in spite of the telepathic link making it not necessary. "I know Circe, I smell it too. Believe it or not there are some people who live in places like this their whole lives. Hey, maybe we could get you a little scented kerchief to wear? Would that help?"
Then the gnome spots the stuffed beholder, "Ooh! Lets go see! I've never seen an eye tyrant up close!"
The gnome picks up the pace, making straight for the strange shop.
Circe says, "That meowght help, something smells good coming from that shop."
As the gnome reaches the door and windows and peers inside, he notices that a cloud of lavender-scented purple smoke trails out of the shop’s open door. Every wall inside is painted purple, and every dusty knickknack on the shelves is dyed a deep violet. The hairless old gnome sitting cross-legged on the counter wears plum-colored robes. His cheeks are decorated with nine purple face-painted eyes.
The gnome lowers a pipe and exhales a cloud of lavender smoke before raising a hand. “Hail and well met! Come browse the shelves of the most curious curiosity shop in the world!”
Zyllee looks over at Max and shrugs. " I guess we might as well see what they have to offer. Besides, we might find some useful information here. She follows Callan into the store. " Wow. This is pretty amazing. " Her jaw drops open as she takes in all that the store has to offer.
She shakes her head slightly as she feels that he is exaggerating how much gold he can actually pay for some reason. He is fairly well known or at least his book is and completing this successfully would get their name out there a little more.
" Volo, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Zyllee, this is Hugo and our gnome friend is called Callan. You have our attention. As Hugo asked.... Do you have any leads to where he might be?"
Callan cocks his head. Volo? Oh right, the monster guide writer.
Time to correct the author on his assumptions. After all the three of them have no experience in tracking people down. He would be better off hiring real experts.
He is just about to explain this when Hugo speaks up. The gnome looks at The Bard with a raised eyebrow. Did the young man know something he didn't?
All right then, I guess we'll see where this goes. The artificer waits for the answers to the questions posed.
"Excellent!" Volo exclaims. He hands each of you a pouch filled with 10 dragons, then begins providing details of what transpired.
"My friend Floon is a handsome young human man in his early thirties. He has wavy red-blonde hair and was dressed in a princely garb the last time I saw him. Two nights ago, Floon and I were drinking and merrymaking down at the Skewered Dragon in the Dock Ward. I know, I know, not the most reputable area, but it can be fun as long as you're careful. We drank and gambled for a few hours then I left him there to go back home. That was the last I heard from him, and I fear for the worst. I can't help but feel guilty for leaving him alone. I suggest you all head down to the Dock Ward and the Skewered Dragon first to start your search. I'll be waiting here at the Yawning Portal. Well...as soon as they get back to business at any rate. I wish you three the best of luck. I pray that he is still alive."
Hugo starts to look a little bit skeptical and folds his arms. "Ok Mister, three questions. One, did you go ask at the Skewered Dragon yet? Two, what about the City Watch? Three, can I get a copy of that book of yours?" He perks up a bit regarding the last question and flashes a smile.
Responding to Hugo's queries, Volo says, "Well my good Hugo, you see, the Dock Ward is a dangerous area of the city, second only to the Field Ward. Even the City Watch barely patrol that area and as such it's become a rather popular area for gang members, miscreants, and all sorts of ne'er-do-wells. It's quite a sad area too, rife with poverty. I thought it best that I not go back down there myself with what's been going on lately and instead hire some brave young adventurers to go in my stead!"
Regarding the book, he says, "If you manage to find my friend, then of course you can have a copy! It may take me a while to procure another copy, but why not!" He laughs heartily
Callan blinks at the money, so, apparently they're doing this. Well then, the least they could do is start things off on the right foot. "Can you tell us anything else about the night in question? Where was your friend headed after you left him? Did he say anything that stood out? And what about the visit itself? Did anything odd occur?"
Zylee takes the pouch with a grin. She opens it up and weighs the coins in her hands. Satisfied that it is 10 dragons they join her other pouch of gold. She then pays more heed to what Volo and her friends are saying. The young Maskarran watches to make sure he isnt twisting the details.
" So...what does he do to earn money? Does he have anyone that would wish him harm? Has he spoken of being fearful about anything recently?" She purses her lips as she awaits his answer.
Insight: 18
I'll use her passive insight like before if thats ok. If not i have this roll ready.
"I'm afraid I don't have too many more details on what he did afterwards. I find it equally likely for him to either continue socializing at the bar, perhaps even flirting with other patrons or he could have begun walking back home shortly after I left. Nothing odd really happened, that's the thing. We just had some fun and chatted about life, relationships, and the usual you know," Volo says as he answers the questions.
"If it helps, Floon is charming....but not especially bright. He's currently unemployed and spends most of his time drinking and carousing really. Before that, he used to work as an escort. Now however, he managed to get a windfall and no longer needs to work. And so he doesn't. He despises the idea of working for a living. It might seem like I'm painting a negative view of him but he's actually very nice and fun to be around. He has a way with words and can be goofy at times."
Zyllee nods at this. " That helps us quite a bit Volo. At least we have something good to work with. I have no more questions guys. I am satisfied with his answers. We can begin whenever you two are ready. " She smiles roguishly at them.
She shrugs and relaxes while waiting for her friends to be finished questioning him
Callan nods, "All right then, sounds like we need to get down to that bar and ask around to make real headway. Is there anything else we should know?"
"I believe that's all I have for now. Good luck to you all, young adventurers!" Volo proclaims, attempting to inspire the group. He respectfully removes his hat and bows, then goes on his way.
Hugo calls out "ok....by the way, I love your hat!"
When Volo leaves Hugo seems thoroughly amused and excited. "HA! Get a load of this guy, huh? Like we'd believe he's THE Volo, like on the book." Hugo feels the weight of the gold in his hand and tosses the small pouch up and down once just to hear the sound of the coins. "Solid outfit though, I'll give him that. Easiest ten gold anyone has ever made, I'd say! He just assumed we are adventurers because we're outside the Portal? Sure pal, fine by me. Right place, right time, I guess. What'ya think? He sends us down there and they just take the money back off of us along with anything else 'adventurers' would have of value for an easy profit? No thanks!"
Hugo looks back at the disaster that is Durnan's place and calms down a bit considering the sad scene there. "Ah well, I guess we best not be seen here for a few days if this 'Volo' is going to be looking for us." He stops and thinks. "Actually, I've been working on a new costume. Perhaps I'll get it finished tonight and see you all tomorrow, eh? I think you'll like it! Enjoy your easy money!" At that he tosses his pouch up one more time and smiles before starting to depart towards the area of the city where he normally finds a place to sleep.
Hugo walks 15 feet away from Callan and Zyllee and turns to smile and wave but stops and says "what?"
She watches him with a surprised look. " Hugo, are you seriously not wanting to help this guy? That is an elaborate scheme you concocted to rob 3 people that probably dont have 10 dragons to their name before he gave it to us. This might be something we can get into. Solving problems and mysteries for clients. It's not a good way to build a reputation by taking the deposit and running. " She shakes her head.
Zyllee watches him depart with an excited look on her face. She begins speaking once he is out of earshot. " This is a good opportunity for us guys. This friend of his came into a lot of money. He dresses like he is a prince and gets drunk in a very seedy area by himself once this Volo leaves. Not the sharpest guy obviously. It's pretty simple to guess what happened. He shouldnt be too difficult to track considering how much he was out of place. "
She runs her hands through her long whitish tresses. " I'm really good at reading people to see if they are telling the truth. He was being honest about the whole thing except for one part. Volo seemed a little off when promising us 100 dragons each upon finding his friend. As if he didn't have that much and was exaggerating. Maybe he expects his friend to pay the part he can't in the event we find him alive. " She shrugs. " It's something to consider at any rate. I still feel good about it. 10 dragons is a lot of money and he will pay us some more at least if we succeed. I'm confident we can sort this out fairly soon. " She reaches up with a thin wire and pulls her hair into a ponytail while listening to her friends.
Hugo looks confused and slowly walks back to Zyllee and Callan. "You really believe him?" He thinks for a moment. "You sure Zyllee? This is dangerous stuff? You do always find a way to stay out of trouble though, don't you?" He looks at Callan, too. "Ahhh, fine, if you really believe him, I'm not going to let you two go to the Dock Ward without me. Careful, if we keep this up, and live to tell about it I suppose, we might just be adventurers soon after all! Hmmm, just give me a minute..."
Hugo grabs his stuff and dashes into the shadows around a nearby corner or alley. A minute or two later an elf of similar stature and hair color returns but is missing Hugo's most distinct drow characteristics, has a totally different haircut, looks a bit more like an adult and is wearing considerable nicer and cleaner clothing. "Good evening young adventurers! I am Maximillian Mercutio Eovaldi, adventurer and performer extraordinaire! Did I hear of an adventure brewing? Perhaps someone in need of a daring rescue? If so, it seems I arrived in Waterdeep just in time as Maximillian is your man!" He takes a bow and then poses to show off his pristine clothing. Stepping in closer to his two friends Hugo whispers "this wasn't quite ready yet, but under the circumstances, what do you think? Can't have some goons from the Dock Ward tracing the drow boy back to his poor mother and family, especially if they see some of my new tricks!"
Returning to his performance of his new persona, 'Maximillian' announces aloud. "You know, it's a rare honor, but if we three are to adventure together, you may call me Max. Only my very good friends call me Max, mind you! Well, shall we? No time to waste!" Hugo is having way too much fun, although he does sneak one more look at the Yawning Portal before they depart and has to try to hide the sadness around the night's events.
(OOC Slot for Disguise Self)
Zylee looks at the stranger coming up to them with furrowed brow. " Is this..?" , she begins to ask Callen before Max begins to speak. She is trying to work out what she is experiencimg when the strange half- elf confides in them. " Hugo! It is you. This is amazing! You had me fooled for a moment. " She speaks quietly while saying this.
After Hugo resumes his Max persona she laughs. " It is most kind of you to offer your services to escort us. I can not help but accept Max. I will feel much safer just knowing that you are there. " She winks at Callen.
Callan looks at Hugo with surprise and disappointment as the half drow apparently intends to simply take the man's money and leave. He is grateful when Zylee manages to talk him out of it.
The gnome breaks out into a grin once more when Max reveals himself. This would be interesting, "Well now, aren't you full of surprises! This should be fun. Circe says she wasn't fooled for a moment, but I think she's just being, well, Circe." In response to that comment, the gnome's familiar reaches one paw up to his leg, and very deliberately extends a single claw to dig through the leggings and into the flesh underneath.
Wincing, Callan waves her away, "We took Mr Volo's money, so the least we can do is honestly give it a go. If we can find something, great, if not, it shouldn't cost us anything save a few evenings. Shall we then?"
The three of you make your way down to the Dock Ward. 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.
Circe, the sassy tressym, is less than thrilled to be here. Her nose crinkles and she sneezes. She begins encircling Callan like some sort of feline shark.
“You know I’m a meowntain cat, Callan. First you bring me to this crowded city, and now to this smelly place. It smells like poo, Callan. And there’s water everywhere,” she communicates telepathically in a disgusted tone. “You owe me for this you know. My nose is very sensitive.”
She seems upset.
By now, you aren’t far from The Skewered Dragon, but you notice one nearby shop that’s still open and that stands out from the others. It has a deep purple facade, and in its window hangs a stuffed beholder. Above the door hangs a sign whose elaborate letters spell out “Old Xoblob Shop.”
What do you do?
Callan trundles along, talking aloud to Circe, in spite of the telepathic link making it not necessary. "I know Circe, I smell it too. Believe it or not there are some people who live in places like this their whole lives. Hey, maybe we could get you a little scented kerchief to wear? Would that help?"
Then the gnome spots the stuffed beholder, "Ooh! Lets go see! I've never seen an eye tyrant up close!"
The gnome picks up the pace, making straight for the strange shop.
Circe says, "That meowght help, something smells good coming from that shop."
As the gnome reaches the door and windows and peers inside, he notices that a cloud of lavender-scented purple smoke trails out of the shop’s open door. Every wall inside is painted purple, and every dusty knickknack on the shelves is dyed a deep violet. The hairless old gnome sitting cross-legged on the counter wears plum-colored robes. His cheeks are decorated with nine purple face-painted eyes.
The gnome lowers a pipe and exhales a cloud of lavender smoke before raising a hand. “Hail and well met! Come browse the shelves of the most curious curiosity shop in the world!”
Zyllee looks over at Max and shrugs. " I guess we might as well see what they have to offer. Besides, we might find some useful information here. She follows Callan into the store. " Wow. This is pretty amazing. " Her jaw drops open as she takes in all that the store has to offer.