From one uncomfortable setting to the next. The shear size of Waterdeep makes Maldorn stomach turn. "I was born to live in the woods... Yet, over the last tenday, I have been out at sea and now into the largest urban sprawl this world has ever seen... I'm already ready to leave."
Maldron makes sure Sagitta is as comfortable as he can get and then adds: "Nonetheless, if any of you need company, I'll follow along. None of us should be alone out there for the night. All I need from this place is to restock my supply of tobacco, which is already half way gone..."
Finally he ends with a recommendation: "The ship is likely to be the safest place for us this night. I suggest we all sleep in it."
Erric responds to Grout with a bemused smile, which turns to a bit of concern that he's missed something as he turns away from the conversation. "She was so friendly to me, but why just me?" he mutters to himself. After he talks to Ebokk and gets a bit more of her background that both confirms and refutes his still-unfolding impression of her, and after she stays mostly out of sight for the rest of the voyage to Waterdeep, Erric's starting to surface back into reality a bit and glimmers of skepticism appear in his vision.
Also Erric, over the course of his voyage, has been inspiring members of the crew before they attempt some difficult sailing technique, and especially Ebokk before he's asked to do anything that has to do with navigation, since it seemed like he could use the help. He's really liking harmonizing with the twins and after a few days has committed all their songs to memory, while teaching them some of his favorites.
For DDP:
When Eilikasys departs the ship and kisses him, Erric will hold her hand to his cheek and blurt out, "thank you for being so kind, but I have to ask you something. Why me? I'm not... completely blind. Also I wanted to know what your favorite kind of music was."
Before they are called to row the ship into port, Erric will ask his friends when they are gathered together away from Ebokk, "so have any of you been invited to Eilikasys' quarters to drink wine and chat? She became... quite friendly with me. I didn't really, and still don't, understand what she wanted, and she never really told me. Maybe she told one of you?"
After Maldorn's comments after they dock, Erric smiles.
"Sleeping on the ship is the cheap-- yes the safest option, Maldorn, you are right! I'm going to take a quick walk around the harbor and pick up some rations to keep my happy while we're on the island," Erric says as he departs the ship. "No big shopping for me -- I'm a proud halfling but also a poor one."
Upon departure from the ship, he shows Maldorn where he can find cheaper but quality tobacco a few blocks away from the main drag, with the ease of someone who's spent some time in the city. If Anafrey needs the same guidance for booze, he does the same for her. If Jambiya needs help: not walking in front of a carriage; not spending half a day accidentally tending bar at crappy tavern; avoiding the eyes of someone who would call the city watch on a goblin; preventing her from going sparklefingers at a carnival barker, or any other sort of country mouse/city mouse hijink, Erric's there for her. He also keeps an eye on the pickpockets to keep his friends' belongings secure. (Sleight of hand 19)
Also for DDP:
No matter Eilikasys' response, Erric will, after he gets his friends back to the ship without incident, eventually make his way to a tavern a few blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the harborside and sit down at a familiar table. He will (utilizing the 'criminal contact' feature of his background) look around for the person in Waterdeep he trusted most in his past life, Lin the half-orc bouncer, his contact he still thinks will keep his business quiet. He'll signal the need for a low-stakes but private conversation, and then tell her he's cashing in one of the small favors she and her 'colleagues' owe him from his time as a patsy with their confidence game ring. He'd like to know what he can about Eilikasys, but he does not give any hint about his current job, Ebokk, or the Nightshade. (Deception: 23) He'll say he's returning to the tavern an hour before sunset to hear what she knows or can learn in a halfday. When he exits the tavern he'll take a widely circuitous route to lose any tails, and do the same on his return to the tavern and second exit and route back to the ship to sleep for the night. (Survival: 5)
Choosing via Lucky feat to reroll the survival check: 12
As Eilikasys departs the ship, Anafrey can't help but watch as Eilikasys pauses in front of Erric and looks at him with soft eyes and a slight smile. She places a hand to his cheek and says, "Don't forget to come see me in a few years." She then leans toward him and kisses the halfling's other cheek.
Erric holds her hand to his cheek and says, "Thank you for being so kind, but I have to ask you something. Why me? I'm not ... completely blind. Also I wanted to know what your favorite kind of music was."
The gray-haired gnome continues to smile. "You have a lot of growing up to do, young one. Once day, you'll understand." She then leaves without answering his questions.
Erric:
As Eilikasys departs the ship, she pauses in front of Erric and looks at him with soft eyes and a slight smile. She places a hand to his cheek and says, "Don't forget to come see me in a few years." She then leans toward him and kisses the halfling's other cheek.
Erric holds her hand to his cheek and says, "Thank you for being so kind, but I have to ask you something. Why me? I'm not ... completely blind. Also I wanted to know what your favorite kind of music was."
The gray-haired gnome continues to smile. "You have a lot of growing up to do, young one. Once day, you'll understand." She then leaves without answering his questions.
OOC: I'm OK with doing what Erric has outlined, but I want to make sure no one has any other plans before I start nararating.
OOC2: Maldorn, please make four animal handling rolls.
Anafrey has mild interest in the city but is more interested in picking up a couple of bottles of the strongest alcohol she can find. She stands next to Jambiya and watches her to gauge her interest in the city, and will accompany her if she wishes to explore Waterdeep.
As the boat turns towards shore, Jambiya’s growing excitement is palpable. She starts to sparkle a little, and small seeds caught in the cracks of the planks suddenly pop and bloom as she skips by.
When Mount Waterdeep first comes into view, she spends the next hour staring at it, pointing at little specks in the sky. As the city itself comes clear, she can barely be pulled from the railing.
“Daddy Pops told me all about the Griffon Cavalry! They ride griffons! And they fly around, and they nest up on the mountain, and there’s a huuuuge statue of a Griffon! And if the merchants aren’t careful, they swoop down and snatch up horses, and sometimes take a whole cart with them!”
She's full of stories and half-truths she’s picked up from her fathers or visitors to the tavern.
She listens very attentively to all the admonitions and advice from Bosun Grout, and then shakes it all off. As soon as the plank is set, she’s off the boat, making friends and checking everything out, dragging the unwilling Anafrey with her unwittingly, and taking Erric’s gentle nudges.
She has no plans, and no real needs. Her intent is to sleep aboard the ship, unless something better presents itself. She won’t spend much gold though, she has it, but has a good business sense about her after helping run the inn.
Maldorn responds to Erric's question regarding the gnome lady without hesitation or awareness: "I'm afraid we did not spend too much time talking directly to one another, Peric. Most of the time we exchanged words, you were right there next to us, like on the carriage ride, or at Seldom's tavern. She did not pay me much attention and I repaid her with the same kindness."
Maldorn follows Erric around, excited about re-stocking his tobacco pouch but not much else. Not trusting his instincts in such a large town, Maldorn follows Erric dutifully back to the boat without asking for any additional stops. He looks at his backpack just to ensure his many dried foodstuffs are still in good shape and that his hunting gear is still ready to go. Confirming all of that, he simply waits back at the boat. He is more grumpy than usual.
At Jambiya's comment about Griffins, he simply says: "I wonder what would it take to hunt one of'em down."
Jambiya looks at Maldorn, shocked. "Hunt them down! Master Whitehare!"
As the boat gets close enough to see the Griffon Cavalry wheeling through the sky, and the giant statue at the peak of Mount Waterdeep, Jambiya will take an opportunity to return to Maldorn's side, and pointedly say with a sharp-toothed grin, "I should like to see you try to take one of them down." Then her eyes widen, as she realizes what she just said, "No, I mean, don't try. I don't want to see you eviscerated... or, um, a dead griffon, either. I just... maybe if one attacks you? Then fight it? But..." then she walks away quickly, discomfited.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Over the nine days sailing to Waterdeep, Maldorn has successfully taught Sagitta to pick up a gold piece with its mouth upon command.
Once the Nightshade has been anchored and died down, Eilikasys is the first to descend the plank to the dock. Toothless follows in her wake, carrying a good-sized trunk of her things. She is soon lost in the mob of individuals milling about.
Ebokk follow them, taking his time, and reassuring his new hires that Waterdeep is a beautiful city full of a possibilities. "I pray you won't hold up on the Nightshade all night," he says with a big smile. "See you in the morning." And he is also swallowed up by the crowd.
The four decide to leave the ship, telling Gramps they plan to return to sleep. Lefty walks the plank at about the same time to retrieve some supplies. Maldorn and Anafrey express their desire for tobacco and strong drink, respectively, and Erric says he knows just the places.
Their first stop, the Luxurious Leaf, is only a street away from the docks. Erric hasn't ever been in the shop, but he's heard it praised. As soon as the front door of the small, dimly-lit store is opened, a cloud of strong smells assails the noses of the four travelers. The walls are lined with shelves of bowls — all made from dark wood. A half-orc is leaning against the single support post standing in the center of the space. He leisurely removes a pipe made of red wood from his lips and blows a smoke ring toward the group before smiling and tusky grin. "Good morning," he says a deep, relaxed voice. "Welcome to the Luxurious Leaf. How may I help you?" Jambiya and Erric begin perusing the store as Anafrey pouts in a corner and Maldorn shares a little small talk with the proprietor, who has very strong opinions concerning smoking with a pipe instead of rolling tobacco in paper. After a little time of talking (and Jambiya and Erric suggesting just about every flavor available), the half orc leads the hunter to three options he suggests. "The first is Blackberry Latakia," he says. "It has a sweet, yet sharp flavor, and —" he pauses to breathe in deeply through his wide nose, "many feel like it opens the mind." He walks to another section. "This is Vanilla Cavendish. It's smooth and aromatic." He picks up the bowl and encourages Maldorn to inhale in the scent. "Some claim it loosens the tongue, so you might be careful of that one if that's something that concerns you." He leads Maldorn to a third section. "Aged Perique," he says with a bit of disappointment. "This one is rather popular ... especially with the ... elders. It gives a jolt to the senses." He wrinkles his nose. "It's not my taste, but you might find it useful." Each flavor is one shard (1 sp) for four bowls' worth. One bowl is good for 15 minutes of pipe smoking. Maldorn anticipates being able to get two to four cigarettes per bowl, depending upon how thick he rolls them. The half-orc again attempts to convince Maldorn to invest in a smoking pipe. He has six beautiful pipes for sale, two dragons (2 gp) apiece.
After leaving the Luxurious Leaf, Erric attempts to find a "safe" tavern to visit, but Anafrey drags the group into the nearest place: the Mage's Buttcrack. It's a nice-sized place that looks to be two story from the outside, but there are no stairs in sight after entering. As it isn't quite lunchtime, there are only a few patrons. A couple is enjoying an early meal — the rest an early drink. Everyone seems content to mind their own business and ignores the visitors. After a quick conversation with the rather handsome halfling bartender, Anafrey learns the strongest drink she can buy in bottle form is Fire Wine, a Chessentian export that is a thick, dark, almost black wine made in the Old Empires and named for the fire it creates in one's belly. "It's extremely strong and spicy," the bartender says, "reputed to have medicinal qualities." He places a mug of ale in front of a customer sitting at the bar. "If my memory serves, I have seven bottles in back. How many would you like? They're five shards each."
After leaving the Buttcrack, Erric suggests returning to the boat. He isn't rude about it, but kind of insistent. Maldorn has already said he'll return with no fuss. Anafrey's only out to get booze and keep watch over Jambiya. So, how does Jambiya respond?
"... if we needed to," Maldorn comforts Jambiya, ensuring he means no harm to the majestic winged beasts unless necessary.
Once within the Luxirious Leaf, Maldorn cracks a smile. "Maybe the city is not all bad, after all." His happiness is quickly smeared by what he considers to be quite an annoying salesperson. "I wish you just named the plant strands instead of using this magical sounding gibberish. Of plants, I understand..." He says, failing to convince the half-orc to drop the marketing act.
"Blackberry Latakia... Vanilla Cavendish... Aged Perique... I have no idea what these names are supposed to mean." He looks at Erric in hopes the halfling is more in tune with the current fads. With a "Bah!" the old ranger decides not to think too much about it. "Give me six silver pieces' worth of these whachamecallit bowls in equal amounts. This is giving me a headache already."
(OOC: Maldorn is buying eight bowls of each of the three flavors, for a total of 24 bowls or somewhere between 48 to 96 assorted cigarettes... it was a long trip.)
-> Maldorn's annoyance level (low is bad): 17
The fumes in this place must be getting to Maldorn, as he takes a couple of deep breaths and relaxes a bit. "Alright, Vanilla Cavendish." he refers to the half-orc, already oblivious to the difference between the young salesman's name and that of his product. "Give me your most interesting pipe. I'll give it a try but I am not going to throw my rolling paper out just yet..."
(OOC: Maldorn also buys a pipe, following the connoisseur's recommendation.)
On his way out of the shop, Maldorn whispers to Erric: "Peric, what in the nine hells is a 'shard'?"
"What?! Already?" Jambiya stops in the middle of the road, balling her fists up. "All we've seen is the docks! There's..." and she whirls, her green eyes wide, "The mountain, and the Yawning Portal, and Grumpy Pops told me about a tavern in the lap of a giant statue! And there are all these people, and people are just friends you haven't met yet. And there's a huge park and graveyard, where there are giant trees, in the city, and floating lights, one lady who stopped at the Spring told me about them. Why do we have to go back now?"
Anafrey taps her foot impatiently at the smoke shop while pouting in the corner. As soon as Maldorn has made his purchases, Anafrey grabs Erric by the scruff and Jambiya by the hand and pulls them into the Mage's Buttcrack despite Erric's protest, "No need to look for another tavern, this will do just fine."
Upon speaking with the bartender regarding Chessentian Fire Wine, Anafrey counts on her fingers and then consults her coin purse, slapping 4 gold and five silver on the counter and proclaiming gruffly, "Bring me the lot."
Anafrey is willing to explore the city more with Jambiya if there's time.
While Maldorn is paying the half-orc tobacconist, Erric mutters to Anafrey, "so now on any given day we get to deal with Blackberry Maldorn, Vanilla Maldorn, or Aged Maldorn..."
Erric whispers back to Maldorn's question, "oh, a shard is the preferred standard of currency inside a mage's buttcrack, my friend." He does this with all apparent sincerity.
Erric will offer to show Jambiya (and the others, if they wish) around to a few other sights in Waterdeep, staying away from some of the more overtly dangerous, if not the more seedy areas. (Performance: 23)
Jambiya is much mollified by Erric's willingness to be tour guide, and enjoys whatever he takes her to see, even if it is not on her list. In her wake, bedraggled plants in unloved pots straighten and bloom.
OOC > Now we can go back to the ship, thank you. :)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
When Erric responds to the shard question (Insight: 22)... Maldorn scoffs noticing the jest right away. "I don't know why I even asked you... I gotta instead ask these kinds of things to Jambiya, or even Iceshivers if she is in the right mood."
Maldorn follows the group along for some sightseeing, but constantly reminds them that they "should go back to the boat."
OOC: Maldorn, go ahead and add the different "bowls" to your equipment and subtract the coin. Also, add one smoking pipe. The half-orc recommends a pipe where the stummel — made from some kind of light wood that has a green tinge — and carved to resemble a serpent's head. As Maldorn is looking at it, Sagitta extends toward it from his shoulder and hisses slightly. Jambiya hears the snake say, "Green like me."
OOC2: Anafrey, if you haven't already, go ahead and purchase your wine.
To give her a sense of the city without going too far, and glad for Anafrey and Maldorn's encouragement to return to the boat as soon as possible, Erric hurries the group to a couple nearby sights. Traveling north, the halfling is almost immediately able to point out the head and shoulders of the Honorable Knight, one of the colossal Walking Statues of Waterdeep located in the Trades Ward, which is northeast of the Dock Ward. Erric takes them north on Snail Street and pauses at Shesstra's Street to allow everyone to look eastward for an unobstructed view of the giant statue. He then ushers them further north to the southern most edge of the Castle Ward — to one of his favorite taverns in the whole city, the Yawning Portal. They arrive just a little after midday. As they are about to enter, a tiny halfling with his eyes in a book and not watching where he's going exits, stepping on Erric's toe in the process. The bookworm stops and gives the bard a look of surprise. "Hainard's hairy toes!" he exclaims. "I apologize for my impolite ineptness." He closes the book and quickly gives all four an imaginary hat tip before turning and continuing up the street.
As big as the Yawning Portal looks on the outside, it somehow seems even bigger on the inside. The main room is circular and three stories tall. The second and third floors are open in the center, creating circular balconies. Every table, chair, floor ... everything is arranged to focus on the center of the large room's bottom floor, where the tavern's namesake rests: the huge, gaping hole surrounded by a relatively short stone wall. The amount of sound is almost a cacophony of voices. Despite the time of day, the Portal is crowded. As the group stands and looks around, a burly female dwarf with a head and impressive beard of dark brown hair steps forward. "Welcome to the Yawning Portal," she says brightly. "You all look like this might be your first visit to the Portal." She especially speaks to Jambiya, though the waitress can't help but look a little surprised and slightly disconcerted. "Shall I get you a table? I've heard a group is planning to plummet before too long. One of the upper floors might give you a little better view."
Jambiya is bouncing on her toes. Without even thinking about what she is doing, she responds to the woman in Dwarvish, "I've heard so much about this place, yes, please, a good view would be great!" and she hands her a gold piece. She turns to the others, in Common, "Apparently monsters crawl out of the hole in the ground regularly!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Anafrey is less excited than Jambiya but no less in awe as she looks around what is probably the largest and most luxurious tavern she's ever seen. She also speaks to the dwarven woman in dwarvish covering her mouth slightly to direct her voice away from her companions, "As much as I can get of the strongest ale you have for this," and passes her a gold piece and five silvers as they make their way to the table.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
@DDP: I had already removed the gold. I was just waiting for your confirmation to add to tobacco to Maldorn's inventory.
"This is everything I was afraid of... We'll never go back to that boat now..." Maldorn says as he takes in the Yawning Portal's magnitude and popularity.
While following the dwarven maiden to their table, Maldorn keeps an eye on their surroundings. He has a bad feeling about this place and it shows on his face. He also taps his many pouches and pockets to check if anything is missing...
From one uncomfortable setting to the next. The shear size of Waterdeep makes Maldorn stomach turn. "I was born to live in the woods... Yet, over the last tenday, I have been out at sea and now into the largest urban sprawl this world has ever seen... I'm already ready to leave."
Maldron makes sure Sagitta is as comfortable as he can get and then adds: "Nonetheless, if any of you need company, I'll follow along. None of us should be alone out there for the night. All I need from this place is to restock my supply of tobacco, which is already half way gone..."
Finally he ends with a recommendation: "The ship is likely to be the safest place for us this night. I suggest we all sleep in it."
Erric responds to Grout with a bemused smile, which turns to a bit of concern that he's missed something as he turns away from the conversation. "She was so friendly to me, but why just me?" he mutters to himself. After he talks to Ebokk and gets a bit more of her background that both confirms and refutes his still-unfolding impression of her, and after she stays mostly out of sight for the rest of the voyage to Waterdeep, Erric's starting to surface back into reality a bit and glimmers of skepticism appear in his vision.
Also Erric, over the course of his voyage, has been inspiring members of the crew before they attempt some difficult sailing technique, and especially Ebokk before he's asked to do anything that has to do with navigation, since it seemed like he could use the help. He's really liking harmonizing with the twins and after a few days has committed all their songs to memory, while teaching them some of his favorites.
For DDP:
When Eilikasys departs the ship and kisses him, Erric will hold her hand to his cheek and blurt out, "thank you for being so kind, but I have to ask you something. Why me? I'm not... completely blind. Also I wanted to know what your favorite kind of music was."
Before they are called to row the ship into port, Erric will ask his friends when they are gathered together away from Ebokk, "so have any of you been invited to Eilikasys' quarters to drink wine and chat? She became... quite friendly with me. I didn't really, and still don't, understand what she wanted, and she never really told me. Maybe she told one of you?"
After Maldorn's comments after they dock, Erric smiles.
"Sleeping on the ship is the cheap-- yes the safest option, Maldorn, you are right! I'm going to take a quick walk around the harbor and pick up some rations to keep my happy while we're on the island," Erric says as he departs the ship. "No big shopping for me -- I'm a proud halfling but also a poor one."
Upon departure from the ship, he shows Maldorn where he can find cheaper but quality tobacco a few blocks away from the main drag, with the ease of someone who's spent some time in the city. If Anafrey needs the same guidance for booze, he does the same for her. If Jambiya needs help: not walking in front of a carriage; not spending half a day accidentally tending bar at crappy tavern; avoiding the eyes of someone who would call the city watch on a goblin; preventing her from going sparklefingers at a carnival barker, or any other sort of country mouse/city mouse hijink, Erric's there for her. He also keeps an eye on the pickpockets to keep his friends' belongings secure. (Sleight of hand 19)
Also for DDP:
No matter Eilikasys' response, Erric will, after he gets his friends back to the ship without incident, eventually make his way to a tavern a few blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the harborside and sit down at a familiar table. He will (utilizing the 'criminal contact' feature of his background) look around for the person in Waterdeep he trusted most in his past life, Lin the half-orc bouncer, his contact he still thinks will keep his business quiet. He'll signal the need for a low-stakes but private conversation, and then tell her he's cashing in one of the small favors she and her 'colleagues' owe him from his time as a patsy with their confidence game ring. He'd like to know what he can about Eilikasys, but he does not give any hint about his current job, Ebokk, or the Nightshade. (Deception: 23) He'll say he's returning to the tavern an hour before sunset to hear what she knows or can learn in a halfday. When he exits the tavern he'll take a widely circuitous route to lose any tails, and do the same on his return to the tavern and second exit and route back to the ship to sleep for the night. (Survival: 5)
Choosing via Lucky feat to reroll the survival check: 12
DM only:
1 = yes
Maldorn: 2, Anafreyn: 1, Jambiya: 2, Ebokk: 1
Anafrey:
As Eilikasys departs the ship, Anafrey can't help but watch as Eilikasys pauses in front of Erric and looks at him with soft eyes and a slight smile. She places a hand to his cheek and says, "Don't forget to come see me in a few years." She then leans toward him and kisses the halfling's other cheek.
Erric holds her hand to his cheek and says, "Thank you for being so kind, but I have to ask you something. Why me? I'm not ... completely blind. Also I wanted to know what your favorite kind of music was."
The gray-haired gnome continues to smile. "You have a lot of growing up to do, young one. Once day, you'll understand." She then leaves without answering his questions.
Erric:
As Eilikasys departs the ship, she pauses in front of Erric and looks at him with soft eyes and a slight smile. She places a hand to his cheek and says, "Don't forget to come see me in a few years." She then leans toward him and kisses the halfling's other cheek.
Erric holds her hand to his cheek and says, "Thank you for being so kind, but I have to ask you something. Why me? I'm not ... completely blind. Also I wanted to know what your favorite kind of music was."
The gray-haired gnome continues to smile. "You have a lot of growing up to do, young one. Once day, you'll understand." She then leaves without answering his questions.
OOC: I'm OK with doing what Erric has outlined, but I want to make sure no one has any other plans before I start nararating.
OOC2: Maldorn, please make four animal handling rolls.
Anafrey has mild interest in the city but is more interested in picking up a couple of bottles of the strongest alcohol she can find. She stands next to Jambiya and watches her to gauge her interest in the city, and will accompany her if she wishes to explore Waterdeep.
~♡~
As the boat turns towards shore, Jambiya’s growing excitement is palpable. She starts to sparkle a little, and small seeds caught in the cracks of the planks suddenly pop and bloom as she skips by.
When Mount Waterdeep first comes into view, she spends the next hour staring at it, pointing at little specks in the sky. As the city itself comes clear, she can barely be pulled from the railing.
“Daddy Pops told me all about the Griffon Cavalry! They ride griffons! And they fly around, and they nest up on the mountain, and there’s a huuuuge statue of a Griffon! And if the merchants aren’t careful, they swoop down and snatch up horses, and sometimes take a whole cart with them!”
She's full of stories and half-truths she’s picked up from her fathers or visitors to the tavern.
She listens very attentively to all the admonitions and advice from Bosun Grout, and then shakes it all off. As soon as the plank is set, she’s off the boat, making friends and checking everything out, dragging the unwilling Anafrey with her unwittingly, and taking Erric’s gentle nudges.
She has no plans, and no real needs. Her intent is to sleep aboard the ship, unless something better presents itself. She won’t spend much gold though, she has it, but has a good business sense about her after helping run the inn.
Mostly she’s just wide eyed (but not naive).
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
Maldorn responds to Erric's question regarding the gnome lady without hesitation or awareness: "I'm afraid we did not spend too much time talking directly to one another, Peric. Most of the time we exchanged words, you were right there next to us, like on the carriage ride, or at Seldom's tavern. She did not pay me much attention and I repaid her with the same kindness."
Maldorn follows Erric around, excited about re-stocking his tobacco pouch but not much else. Not trusting his instincts in such a large town, Maldorn follows Erric dutifully back to the boat without asking for any additional stops. He looks at his backpack just to ensure his many dried foodstuffs are still in good shape and that his hunting gear is still ready to go. Confirming all of that, he simply waits back at the boat. He is more grumpy than usual.
At Jambiya's comment about Griffins, he simply says: "I wonder what would it take to hunt one of'em down."
-> Four Animal Handling checks: 25, 16, 13, 7.
@DDP: How much gold for a good amount of tobacco?
OOC: Hey look... I think that's Maldorn's first ever natural 20!
OOC: of course its related to smoking! Maybe he can look into combustion- or fire-based ranged weapons and run the table?
Jambiya looks at Maldorn, shocked. "Hunt them down! Master Whitehare!"
As the boat gets close enough to see the Griffon Cavalry wheeling through the sky, and the giant statue at the peak of Mount Waterdeep, Jambiya will take an opportunity to return to Maldorn's side, and pointedly say with a sharp-toothed grin, "I should like to see you try to take one of them down." Then her eyes widen, as she realizes what she just said, "No, I mean, don't try. I don't want to see you eviscerated... or, um, a dead griffon, either. I just... maybe if one attacks you? Then fight it? But..." then she walks away quickly, discomfited.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
Over the nine days sailing to Waterdeep, Maldorn has successfully taught Sagitta to pick up a gold piece with its mouth upon command.
Once the Nightshade has been anchored and died down, Eilikasys is the first to descend the plank to the dock. Toothless follows in her wake, carrying a good-sized trunk of her things. She is soon lost in the mob of individuals milling about.
Ebokk follow them, taking his time, and reassuring his new hires that Waterdeep is a beautiful city full of a possibilities. "I pray you won't hold up on the Nightshade all night," he says with a big smile. "See you in the morning." And he is also swallowed up by the crowd.
The four decide to leave the ship, telling Gramps they plan to return to sleep. Lefty walks the plank at about the same time to retrieve some supplies. Maldorn and Anafrey express their desire for tobacco and strong drink, respectively, and Erric says he knows just the places.
Their first stop, the Luxurious Leaf, is only a street away from the docks. Erric hasn't ever been in the shop, but he's heard it praised. As soon as the front door of the small, dimly-lit store is opened, a cloud of strong smells assails the noses of the four travelers. The walls are lined with shelves of bowls — all made from dark wood. A half-orc is leaning against the single support post standing in the center of the space. He leisurely removes a pipe made of red wood from his lips and blows a smoke ring toward the group before smiling and tusky grin. "Good morning," he says a deep, relaxed voice. "Welcome to the Luxurious Leaf. How may I help you?" Jambiya and Erric begin perusing the store as Anafrey pouts in a corner and Maldorn shares a little small talk with the proprietor, who has very strong opinions concerning smoking with a pipe instead of rolling tobacco in paper. After a little time of talking (and Jambiya and Erric suggesting just about every flavor available), the half orc leads the hunter to three options he suggests. "The first is Blackberry Latakia," he says. "It has a sweet, yet sharp flavor, and —" he pauses to breathe in deeply through his wide nose, "many feel like it opens the mind." He walks to another section. "This is Vanilla Cavendish. It's smooth and aromatic." He picks up the bowl and encourages Maldorn to inhale in the scent. "Some claim it loosens the tongue, so you might be careful of that one if that's something that concerns you." He leads Maldorn to a third section. "Aged Perique," he says with a bit of disappointment. "This one is rather popular ... especially with the ... elders. It gives a jolt to the senses." He wrinkles his nose. "It's not my taste, but you might find it useful." Each flavor is one shard (1 sp) for four bowls' worth. One bowl is good for 15 minutes of pipe smoking. Maldorn anticipates being able to get two to four cigarettes per bowl, depending upon how thick he rolls them. The half-orc again attempts to convince Maldorn to invest in a smoking pipe. He has six beautiful pipes for sale, two dragons (2 gp) apiece.
After leaving the Luxurious Leaf, Erric attempts to find a "safe" tavern to visit, but Anafrey drags the group into the nearest place: the Mage's Buttcrack. It's a nice-sized place that looks to be two story from the outside, but there are no stairs in sight after entering. As it isn't quite lunchtime, there are only a few patrons. A couple is enjoying an early meal — the rest an early drink. Everyone seems content to mind their own business and ignores the visitors. After a quick conversation with the rather handsome halfling bartender, Anafrey learns the strongest drink she can buy in bottle form is Fire Wine, a Chessentian export that is a thick, dark, almost black wine made in the Old Empires and named for the fire it creates in one's belly. "It's extremely strong and spicy," the bartender says, "reputed to have medicinal qualities." He places a mug of ale in front of a customer sitting at the bar. "If my memory serves, I have seven bottles in back. How many would you like? They're five shards each."
After leaving the Buttcrack, Erric suggests returning to the boat. He isn't rude about it, but kind of insistent. Maldorn has already said he'll return with no fuss. Anafrey's only out to get booze and keep watch over Jambiya. So, how does Jambiya respond?
"... if we needed to," Maldorn comforts Jambiya, ensuring he means no harm to the majestic winged beasts unless necessary.
Once within the Luxirious Leaf, Maldorn cracks a smile. "Maybe the city is not all bad, after all." His happiness is quickly smeared by what he considers to be quite an annoying salesperson. "I wish you just named the plant strands instead of using this magical sounding gibberish. Of plants, I understand..." He says, failing to convince the half-orc to drop the marketing act.
"Blackberry Latakia... Vanilla Cavendish... Aged Perique... I have no idea what these names are supposed to mean." He looks at Erric in hopes the halfling is more in tune with the current fads. With a "Bah!" the old ranger decides not to think too much about it. "Give me six silver pieces' worth of these whachamecallit bowls in equal amounts. This is giving me a headache already."
(OOC: Maldorn is buying eight bowls of each of the three flavors, for a total of 24 bowls or somewhere between 48 to 96 assorted cigarettes... it was a long trip.)
-> Maldorn's annoyance level (low is bad): 17
The fumes in this place must be getting to Maldorn, as he takes a couple of deep breaths and relaxes a bit. "Alright, Vanilla Cavendish." he refers to the half-orc, already oblivious to the difference between the young salesman's name and that of his product. "Give me your most interesting pipe. I'll give it a try but I am not going to throw my rolling paper out just yet..."
(OOC: Maldorn also buys a pipe, following the connoisseur's recommendation.)
On his way out of the shop, Maldorn whispers to Erric: "Peric, what in the nine hells is a 'shard'?"
"What?! Already?" Jambiya stops in the middle of the road, balling her fists up. "All we've seen is the docks! There's..." and she whirls, her green eyes wide, "The mountain, and the Yawning Portal, and Grumpy Pops told me about a tavern in the lap of a giant statue! And there are all these people, and people are just friends you haven't met yet. And there's a huge park and graveyard, where there are giant trees, in the city, and floating lights, one lady who stopped at the Spring told me about them. Why do we have to go back now?"
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
Anafrey taps her foot impatiently at the smoke shop while pouting in the corner. As soon as Maldorn has made his purchases, Anafrey grabs Erric by the scruff and Jambiya by the hand and pulls them into the Mage's Buttcrack despite Erric's protest, "No need to look for another tavern, this will do just fine."
Upon speaking with the bartender regarding Chessentian Fire Wine, Anafrey counts on her fingers and then consults her coin purse, slapping 4 gold and five silver on the counter and proclaiming gruffly, "Bring me the lot."
Anafrey is willing to explore the city more with Jambiya if there's time.
~♡~
While Maldorn is paying the half-orc tobacconist, Erric mutters to Anafrey, "so now on any given day we get to deal with Blackberry Maldorn, Vanilla Maldorn, or Aged Maldorn..."
Erric whispers back to Maldorn's question, "oh, a shard is the preferred standard of currency inside a mage's buttcrack, my friend." He does this with all apparent sincerity.
Erric will offer to show Jambiya (and the others, if they wish) around to a few other sights in Waterdeep, staying away from some of the more overtly dangerous, if not the more seedy areas. (Performance: 23)
Jambiya is much mollified by Erric's willingness to be tour guide, and enjoys whatever he takes her to see, even if it is not on her list. In her wake, bedraggled plants in unloved pots straighten and bloom.
OOC > Now we can go back to the ship, thank you. :)
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
When Erric responds to the shard question (Insight: 22)... Maldorn scoffs noticing the jest right away. "I don't know why I even asked you... I gotta instead ask these kinds of things to Jambiya, or even Iceshivers if she is in the right mood."
Maldorn follows the group along for some sightseeing, but constantly reminds them that they "should go back to the boat."
OOC: Maldorn, go ahead and add the different "bowls" to your equipment and subtract the coin. Also, add one smoking pipe. The half-orc recommends a pipe where the stummel — made from some kind of light wood that has a green tinge — and carved to resemble a serpent's head. As Maldorn is looking at it, Sagitta extends toward it from his shoulder and hisses slightly. Jambiya hears the snake say, "Green like me."
OOC2: Anafrey, if you haven't already, go ahead and purchase your wine.
To give her a sense of the city without going too far, and glad for Anafrey and Maldorn's encouragement to return to the boat as soon as possible, Erric hurries the group to a couple nearby sights. Traveling north, the halfling is almost immediately able to point out the head and shoulders of the Honorable Knight, one of the colossal Walking Statues of Waterdeep located in the Trades Ward, which is northeast of the Dock Ward. Erric takes them north on Snail Street and pauses at Shesstra's Street to allow everyone to look eastward for an unobstructed view of the giant statue. He then ushers them further north to the southern most edge of the Castle Ward — to one of his favorite taverns in the whole city, the Yawning Portal. They arrive just a little after midday. As they are about to enter, a tiny halfling with his eyes in a book and not watching where he's going exits, stepping on Erric's toe in the process. The bookworm stops and gives the bard a look of surprise. "Hainard's hairy toes!" he exclaims. "I apologize for my impolite ineptness." He closes the book and quickly gives all four an imaginary hat tip before turning and continuing up the street.
As big as the Yawning Portal looks on the outside, it somehow seems even bigger on the inside. The main room is circular and three stories tall. The second and third floors are open in the center, creating circular balconies. Every table, chair, floor ... everything is arranged to focus on the center of the large room's bottom floor, where the tavern's namesake rests: the huge, gaping hole surrounded by a relatively short stone wall. The amount of sound is almost a cacophony of voices. Despite the time of day, the Portal is crowded. As the group stands and looks around, a burly female dwarf with a head and impressive beard of dark brown hair steps forward. "Welcome to the Yawning Portal," she says brightly. "You all look like this might be your first visit to the Portal." She especially speaks to Jambiya, though the waitress can't help but look a little surprised and slightly disconcerted. "Shall I get you a table? I've heard a group is planning to plummet before too long. One of the upper floors might give you a little better view."
Jambiya is bouncing on her toes. Without even thinking about what she is doing, she responds to the woman in Dwarvish, "I've heard so much about this place, yes, please, a good view would be great!" and she hands her a gold piece. She turns to the others, in Common, "Apparently monsters crawl out of the hole in the ground regularly!"
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
Anafrey is less excited than Jambiya but no less in awe as she looks around what is probably the largest and most luxurious tavern she's ever seen. She also speaks to the dwarven woman in dwarvish covering her mouth slightly to direct her voice away from her companions, "As much as I can get of the strongest ale you have for this," and passes her a gold piece and five silvers as they make their way to the table.
~♡~
Does Erric recognize the halfling bookworm or see what he was reading (or notice why he stepped on his toe?)? I am guessing not but just in case...
Perception: 2
Using luck to reroll that:: 18
@DDP: I had already removed the gold. I was just waiting for your confirmation to add to tobacco to Maldorn's inventory.
"This is everything I was afraid of... We'll never go back to that boat now..." Maldorn says as he takes in the Yawning Portal's magnitude and popularity.
While following the dwarven maiden to their table, Maldorn keeps an eye on their surroundings. He has a bad feeling about this place and it shows on his face. He also taps his many pouches and pockets to check if anything is missing...
-> Perception: 18