Virtoris noticeably yawns at the man, already bored with the thugs and their obviously outlandish claims.
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"Yes!" Pumping his fist in the air as the thug falls down in laughter, Kestrell hears a shout about a blue magic using freak. Kestrell turns toward this shout.
Kestrell casts Minor Illusion and creates a slightly smaller (to fit in a 5' cube) version of A'ro made out of cubes next to the real A'ro.
"They are multiplying, run!" Kestrell shouts at the singed thug.
"Yes!" Pumping his fist in the air as the thug falls down in laughter, Kestrell hears a shout about a blue magic using freak. Kestrell turns toward this shout.
Kestrell casts Minor Illusion and creates a slightly smaller (to fit in a 5' cube) version of A'ro made out of cubes next to the real A'ro.
"They are multiplying, run!" Kestrell shouts at the singed thug.
'As Kestrell ennacts the spell, conjuring a somewhat blocky duplicate of A'ro besides the genasi and calling out very convincingly to frighten these bullies away, the smaller of the two men threatening A'ro starts to shake his head back-and-forth in seeming shock or denial, then turns and bolts for the tavern's door, calling back fearfully to his bigger ally,'
"The...there... THERE'S MORE OF 'EM, BRANNIN! An they killed Gaut - KILLED HIM! I... I AIN'T dying here."
"Get BACK here you coward! I'll gut you MYSELF if you..."
'But the muscle bound man's words trail off as he sees the domino effect that the other man's desertion on his remaining allies, with both of the two men facing Kay throwing down their daggers with defeated looks upon their faces, their eyes flickering fearfully towards the sprawled body of Gaut. Looking around to see the numerous raised hands and unfriendly eyes, including those of the large cook that they'd often tease who has emerged from the kitchen, fixed on him, Brannin spits at the wounded A'ro's feet and tosses his mace down on the table with a resounding *THUMP*.'
"Fine... you win, THIS time, freaks. But i'll get my..."
'Brannin doesn't get to finish his sentence however, before a load *WHIRRRRR THWACK* noise fills the common room and the thug falls, crashing into A'ro's table, before hitting the floor unconscious. Wrapped around the man's neck and head is a thick black cord with weighted balls at either end... balls that apparently struck the man's skull with enough force to knock him out instantly.
Everyone in the tavern turns to see four Wardens enter the room, their familiar brown and grey leather armour and half-bowl hemets unmistakable, even to the mostly half-drunk assembly. All are now clutching short swords and bucklers in hand, and Kay sees that one of the them is the young guard she noticed earlier who was sent for help. The largest of the four, an almost featureless man with bark-rough skin of a deep brown and shoulders the width of a cart, steps forward and calls out in a voice remanescent of tumbling boulders,'
"I'm Cove Warden Golm for those who don't know me. This business here is DONE! Anyone holding a drawn weapon by a ten count will answer to me. Now, someone better start giving me some answers here, or I'm going to have to see how many of you we can squash into a cell before measuring you up for a new rope collar.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
'Startled by the Wardens entrance, Kestrell looks over at the big Warden as he speaks. Kestrell let's Minor Illusion go in a way that all the blocks seem to tumble down and disapear into the floor.'
'Viol in hand, but at his side, Kestrell begins to walk over to the Wardens, sidestepping around the bodies on the floor and chairs strewn all over the tavern. As he passes Kay he whispers':"Are you OK?"
'Kestrell stops next to Kay and shouts to the Wardens, looking at the largest one':
"It's about time you showed up Warden Golm! And we certainly don't want those heavy balls of yours hitting us in the face, so hopefully the trouble is over! These...animals..."
'Kestrell points to the remaining thugs'
"...attacked this woman in the cloak right here and those blue gentlemen over there! They were yelling about taking their jobs and hating blue magic users, they probably drank too much, sure, but then they drew their weapons and assaulted these patrons!"
Vaken hears the warden shouting and sticks his head out to see what he'd missed. As he look around the common room he was amazed at all the bodies lying on the floor. He really needed to stop getting so wrapped up in his thoughts. He softly closes the door and then a moment later re-opens it with mop and bucket in hand. He walks over to the biggest pool of blood and starts mopping next to a dead body.
'Kay blanches at the sight of the Wardens. Great, more lawful types. She tugs an oily rag out of one of the pouches on her belt and wipes her shortswords clean hastily, muttering and looking up apologetically at Golm, but unable to sheath her blades until they are clean. She looks at Kestrell blankly when he asks her if she's okay, then turns from him. She makes sure her hood is all the way back with a tug on her cloak and then slowly finds a place where there isn't blood on the floor to kneel with her hands raised above her head.'
"My apologies Cove Warden, but this man has the right of it. Those brutes were assaulting innocents and the rest of us couldn't stand idle. I must say I wish we could've met under better circumstances."
'She can't stop looking at Gaut's pale and lifeless face. The eyes she thinks they've already darkened. She does her best to hold back her tears.'
Vaken hears the warden shouting and sticks his head out to see what he'd missed. As he look around the common room he was amazed at all the bodies lying on the floor. He really needed to stop getting so wrapped up in his thoughts. He softly closes the door and then a moment later re-opens it with mop and bucket in hand. He walks over to the biggest pool of blood and starts mopping next to a dead body.
'As Vaken walks out from around the bar onto the common room floor with mop and bucket in hand, he sees that the two nearest bodies on the floor are not bleeding at all, though from the smell of it, the dark haired one with the purplish face and blood-shot eyes appears to have made a different kind of mess.
The larger figure Vaken recognises as Brannin, one of the town's rum refinery workers and a regular at the Pirate. Vaken remembers him most for the constant insults and harrassment that the man seemed to delight in inflicting upon the cook or anyone else that the bully thought wouldn't retaliate. Now he lies at the feet of the white haired, blue skinned guy with the staff, and actually looks like he may still be alive, though his body is somewhat burned and blasted, and he has a strange looking weapon made of rope and iron balls wrapped about his neck and head.
About fifteen feet away from the unconscious man, however, lies another one of the Pirate's regulars, Gaut. An unrepentant bully like his friend Brannin, word around the tavern (as least from what Vaken heard second-hand from Beril and Lorana) was that Gaut had once worked for the Ambersap family, as a ferrier in Dubol Karindah's stables, at least until he'd offended the lady herself and been thrown out of the estate. Vaken couldn't say that he was surprised to see the man lying there clutching at his open belly in a spreading puddle of his own blood. He'd always been the type to go out of his way to make the lives of others miserable, so no surprise that someone should one day repay the favour... with interest, apparently.
Halfway through mopping up the pool of blood, the goliath realises that he's fallen into his own musings again. Looking up from his work, he realises that he's standing pretty much directly in the middle of the room... and in the middle of a lot more than that, by the tense faces all around. Apart from the Captain and his officers, and the various sailors all about the place, Vaken most notices the grim visage of Cove Warden Golm, whom he'd learned from experience wasn't a cruel man or a bully, but also wasn't someone that you'd want to displease. There'd been 3 hangings in the town since Vaken had arrived, one condemed a horse thief, one a rapist and the other a foiled ship saboteur - and Golm had presided dispassionately over the deaths of them all.
Just looking at the man's small coal black eyes amidst that stone-crag face sends a cold shiver down Vaken's spine.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
A'ro just grips his side feeling his injuries as the adrenaline wears off. He walks over to Gaut and spits on him and then shouts "****IN' PIECE OF SHIT! IT WASN'T WORTH YOUR LIFE!"
With that he takes a deep breath and walks back to the bar raising his hand slowly and grimacing "Vergil, a round of rum for me and these fine people." he says motioning to everyone who helped against Gaut and his thugs"It's the least I can do for them." He just sits at the bar nursing his drink when it comes.
He just looked over to Unawalyn and Kay"Thanks, nows the time to sign up for a position if you want one, especially after that display."
Una slaps the top of the bar, and points at A'ro"That is a good idea."
she turns to walk towards the table with the captain, swaying and drunkenly humming shanties, as if the faight hadn't happened. but she stops at Kay, dropping into a a squat next to her"HEY. thanks for that. That was pretty brave." una turns her head letting out a loud belch then looks back to kay "you are a good person." Una gives kay a smile and stands up to looks towards Golm then gestures toward the table where captain Aubrey is sitting"Do you mind if i move over to them or do you need to ask me qustio...." Her face goes blank for a moment as she becomes perfectly still, seems to swallow something then just looks around with a smile on her face, all the while thinking to herself "shit did i just vomit in my mouth?"
A'ro just grips his side feeling his injuries as the adrenaline wears off. He walks over to Gaut and spits on him and then shouts "****IN' PIECE OF SHIT! IT WASN'T WORTH YOUR LIFE!"
With that he takes a deep breath and walks back to the bar raising his hand slowly and grimacing "Vergil, a round of rum for me and these fine people." he says motioning to everyone who helped against Gaut and his thugs"It's the least I can do for them." He just sits at the bar nursing his drink when it comes.
He just looked over to Unawalyn and Kay"Thanks, nows the time to sign up for a position if you want one, especially after that display."
'No sooner has the Cove Warden finished his demand that someone give an accounting for the recent battle, than the wounded white-haired genasi walks over to Gaut's corpse, spits on it and then begins to berate the dead man with a loud profanity-laden tirade. The heavy-set head of law enforcement in Rumbottom just watches, eyes narrowed, as the man completely ignores Golm's directive, and indeed the presence of the Wardens entirely, to instead walk over to take a stool at the bar facing Vergil with his back to the Cove Warden, ordering drinks for himself and two of the other potential suspects in this matter.
It is not until A'ro turns to off-handedly to speak to the blood spattered young woman, who is standing over the body of one of the two dead men, about hiring on to the Shark's crew that he catches the mostly grim, and a few darkly amused, stares turned his way. The grimmest, darkest stare (by a considerable measure) is that of the Cove Warden himself, who utters not a word.'
Una slaps the top of the bar, and points at A'ro"That is a good idea."
she turns to walk towards the table with the captain, swaying and drunkenly humming shanties, as if the faight hadn't happened. but she stops at Kay, dropping into a a squat next to her"HEY. thanks for that. That was pretty brave." una turns her head letting out a loud belch then looks back to kay "you are a good person." Una gives kay a smile and stands up to looks towards Golm then gestures toward the table where captain Aubrey is sitting"Do you mind if i move over to them or do you need to ask me qustio...." Her face goes blank for a moment as she becomes perfectly still, seems to swallow something then just looks around with a smile on her face, all the while thinking to herself "shit did i just vomit in my mouth?"
'The Cove Warden's unwavering gaze then shifts to the tall tanned woman who likewise ignores his demand. She instead walks over and speaks to both the genasi and the blood drenched young woman with the striking orange eyes.
Eventually she acknowledges the Wardens' presence, but appears to show little respect to the law of the town, which seems to cause the three younger wardens standing with Golm some discomfort, as they shift from foot-to-foot, blades and shields still gripped tightly in hand, their eyes flickering back-and-forth between the apparent suspects and their leader. The glowering Cove Warden simply stares at the tatooed woman, almost staring through her, but does not bother to respond to her choked-off half-question..
It's at this point that the large half-orc Warden with the mohawk, who had remained behind while her comrade went for aid, stands up from the table in the corner behind the newly arrived Wardens, and strides forward to stand at Golm's side. Her large meaty hand rises to point accusingly at Unawalyn, before shifting across to point at the dead man with the crushed thoat,'
"She's the one who killed that man over there. I saw it - two quick bare-handed strikes, lightning fast, and he fell choking out the last of his life right at her feet."
'The Cove Warden's eyes move thoughtfully, meticulously from the watchwoman back to Unawalyn, then down to the dead man with the anchor tatoo. Still he says nothing.'
'Startled by the Wardens entrance, Kestrell looks over at the big Warden as he speaks. Kestrell let's Minor Illusion go in a way that all the blocks seem to tumble down and disapear into the floor.'
'Viol in hand, but at his side, Kestrell begins to walk over to the Wardens, sidestepping around the bodies on the floor and chairs strewn all over the tavern. As he passes Kay he whispers':"Are you OK?"
'Kestrell stops next to Kay and shouts to the Wardens, looking at the largest one':
"It's about time you showed up Warden Golm! And we certainly don't want those heavy balls of yours hitting us in the face, so hopefully the trouble is over! These...animals..."
'Kestrell points to the remaining thugs'
"...attacked this woman in the cloak right here and those blue gentlemen over there! They were yelling about taking their jobs and hating blue magic users, they probably drank too much, sure, but then they drew their weapons and assaulted these patrons!"
'As Kestrell moves towards the Wardens to stand at Kay's side, all four of the junior watch members raise their weapons in warning, relaxing only slightly when the bard stops to shout at them from ten feet away. As Kestrell mentions the bolos, the half-orc guard glances down involuntarily at the Cove Warden's belt where two more of the unorthodox weapons are visible.
Golm for the most part listens attentively to the bard's tale, though if he is swayed initially by Kestrell's smooth words, he doesn't show it. Instead, once the bard has finished giving his version of events, the Cove Warden looks at the Warden who was present during the battle, an unspoken question passing between the watch leader and his subordinate. The half-orc Warden says in response,'
"Ahh, those dead one's went over to the table where that one with the staff and her with the face-tatoo were sitting, but from what I saw it was the girl who started the fight itself, as she threw something at that gutted one, drew her blades and then threatened those two and their friends. That was when those men pulled their weapons, the rest of this lot (indicates the other combatants who assisted Kay) came rushing in and all hell broke loose."
'However, looking over at the charasmatic bard who had just spoken so eloquently, the half-orc seems to pause in her statement, before continuing,'
"Least that's what looked like happened... though to be sure, I was some distance away waiting for assistance to arrive after I'd asked Beatrice to go bring you here."
'Golm, still not speaking, just studies Kestrell with his piercing gaze throughout the younger Warden's report.'
[OOC] Golm's insight check 23 assisted by the junior Warden.
As Kay speaks in support of Kestrell's version of events, the bard may roll another persuasion check and take either that number or the one previously rolled (advantage via Kay's assistance).
'Kay blanches at the sight of the Wardens. Great, more lawful types. She tugs an oily rag out of one of the pouches on her belt and wipes her shortswords clean hastily, muttering and looking up apologetically at Golm, but unable to sheath her blades until they are clean. She looks at Kestrell blankly when he asks her if she's okay, then turns from him. She makes sure her hood is all the way back with a tug on her cloak and then slowly finds a place where there isn't blood on the floor to kneel with her hands raised above her head.'
"My apologies Cove Warden, but this man has the right of it. Those brutes were assaulting innocents and the rest of us couldn't stand idle. I must say I wish we could've met under better circumstances."
'She can't stop looking at Gaut's pale and lifeless face. The eyes she thinks they've already darkened. She does her best to hold back her tears.'
'Following the bard's articulate delivery of his version of events, Kay speaks out in support of Kestrell's retellling... though not before she has taken some time to wipe down her blades before sheathing them. Golm's nostrils seem to flare ever so slightly while he calmly watches the rogue clean her weapons.
When Kay gets to the part about innocents, one of the Cove Warden's eyebrows rises ever-so-slightly, as his gaze moves away from the lithe young woman to take-in (once again) the rest of the murder suspects. He seems to be deliberating something... and the few seconds that he waits to speak seem to hang between the occupants of the tavern like an ongoing crushing weight.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
A'ro took a deep breath calming himself down as he turned his attention to the Cove Warden.
"Sir, excuse me - I had to calm myself before talking to you so I wouldn't say anything stupid." He points to Gaut and the other fallen "That one lost out on a job to me. Being drunk he decided to try and call me out, talking about how he was going to mess me up and might even leave me alive. His men even alluded to doing something worst with my female friend there. He kept throwing racial slurs at me, that is why I just yelled at him. Holding a grudge on someone for being different isn't worth getting yourself killed. The girl even gave them a warning and told them they were drunk, she tried to expertly diffuse the situation before even drawing her blades. Unfortunately, they persisted, knowing what would happen. She defended herself, as did we all." with that he just took a swig from his mug.
He then points to Unalawyn "Hell the one that came at her, was one of the ones threatening to, and I quote, ""keep your interesting friend here good company." after they had implied that she was a whore and that I was a "blue freak"..." He looked down for a moment as he recalled the racial slurs, although a confident man it clearly struck some nerve with him.
Vaken continues to clean while listening to everyone's stories. He's stunned by all he missed in such a short time. He says a silent prayer to Kuliak that his captain and the newly hired crew all get out of this alive.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Captian, hello," Virtoris the Blue walks over and bows his head to the Captain of the Wardens. "I say it with me own eyes I did, that large man down there started it and then some. Said he was going to kill the girl and the lad here. I couldn't stand idle as these men outnumbered these two, I know all too well when one talks like a pirate; when they act like a pirate... I give an accurate account. Me dad is Remy Fishflower. He spoke highly of ye and yer Wardens, show ye the utmost respect, ser. These men were in the wrong, their actions brought upon what they got. I stand by me word, as a Fishflowerson."
Virt points at the body on the ground, as he's talking. An open palm outward facing. I am no threat, not to these fine men, Virt thinks to himself. What would dad say if I end up in the clink my first full day alone? I'm to make a difference, not become a convict.
"These men and women aren't here to cause trouble, ser. We're here to hunt pirates. And all those who associate with the bastards who **** and pillage our homes. Who hurt our friends and families. Who spat in the face of the Law. I am sorry that it turned to this, but these men brought it upon themselves. I swear is true. I wish there was another way, ser."
Insight to see if my words softened the Captain up a bit. 3
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
((OOG Wow, I just realized the word that rhymes with ape and starts with R is censored on this site. I can't say that I mind that. They really do try to keep it safe for all of us on here! :) ))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"Captian, hello," Virtoris the Blue walks over and bows his head to the Captain of the Wardens. "I say it with me own eyes I did, that large man down there started it and then some. Said he was going to kill the girl and the lad here. I couldn't stand idle as these men outnumbered these two, I know all too well when one talks like a pirate; when they act like a pirate... I give an accurate account. Me dad is Remy Fishflower. He spoke highly of ye and yer Wardens, show ye the utmost respect, ser. These men were in the wrong, their actions brought upon what they got. I stand by me word, as a Fishflowerson."
Virt points at the body on the ground, as he's talking. An open palm outward facing. I am no threat, not to these fine men, Virt thinks to himself. What would dad say if I end up in the clink my first full day alone? I'm to make a difference, not become a convict.
"These men and women aren't here to cause trouble, ser. We're here to hunt pirates. And all those who associate with the bastards who **** and pillage our homes. Who hurt our friends and families. Who spat in the face of the Law. I am sorry that it turned to this, but these men brought it upon themselves. I swear is true. I wish there was another way, ser."
Insight to see if my words softened the Captain up a bit. 16
'The Cove Warden's gaze hovers on the large cook who upon noticing the intimidating man's steely gaze merely goes about his work, mopping up Gaut's dissapating life's-blood, before dragging the man's corpse towards the tavern's door and out to Vergil's drunk cart beyond. The glowering figure gives a slight nod, as though finding something proper and in keeping with the hard law-keeper's expectations.
Golm slowly opens his mouth to speak when the strange tall, bald headed man with dark blue skin speaks up, moving forward from the table of gnome's to respectfully address the Wardens'. The four younger watch members all nod their heads at this one's seeming deference for the law and those who enforce it in these oft-brutal lands. Virt finishes his appeal and, while noticing no softening in the visage of the Cove Warden, does periceve a second ever-so-brief nod from the boulder-like watch officer, who again seems about to speak when the adult gnome who Virtroris was speaking with pipes in while avidly waving his hands in support in Virt's direction,'
"Tis true, it is, it genuinely is, Cove Warden. All that this fine lad 'ere says is true. Met Remy Fishflower me'self and he ain't a man to raise no lier, no sir'e bob. An I ain't neither, as ye be knowin', or me names not Yentil Burleyworth! It was Brennin, Gaut and their thug friends who started it, like always they be lookin' to. These ones was just protec'n theirselves!'
'While Golm listens to the gnome's words, Virt sees the first sign of impatience from the man, an ever-so-subtle tapping of the left foot, as he raises a wide shovel-like hand and speaks, his level stare sweeping back-and-forth to take in all who spoke and more besides, before resting on Unawalyn,'
"The time for testimony is done. Gaut and his buzzard'meat friend Dank are known troublemakers, as is that fool Brannin, this is true. By all accounts, they seemed to have brought most of this down on themselves. Fine - the rest of you are free to do as you please... even you - though you killed a man in my town who at the time wasn't trying to kill you, and you'd normally swing for that. But Sharn here says that they moved to harrass you and your friend first, so I'll consider it 'excessive self-defence' and be done with it."
'The Warden's cold stare passes over most in the tavern... before it comes to rest squarely on Gaut's slayer - the thin young human woman standing less than twenty feet away. Golm's already deep voice drops a couple of octaves, sounding like granite-on-granite,'
"But you - Sharn says that you drew steel first and threatened these men, including Gaut who you gutted like a fish, when you had no clear reason or need to. We can't have that in this town... not in MY town. Take her - and if any of these others move to stop you, take them to and they'll share the gibbet beside her!"
'Three of the younger Wardens move forward to take custody of Kay, comming up beside the clearly shocked girl to place manacles on her wrists. The noise level in the Pirate rises noticably as people all across the room express their thoughts and feelings on the matter, jeering, cheering or otherwise calling out... though none move to physically intercede or show overt resistance to Golm or his followers.'
[OOC] Everyone may take one full-round action at this point if they wish, though we are not in combat and no initiative roll is necessary.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
'Kay hasn't been paying attention to the world around her, instead focused on the eyes of the dead man. The voices and and shouting and goings on are blurred and dampened by the sound of her heart beating in her ear drums. She stares into Gaut's cold foggy eyes and blood drained face and shudders. She keeps staring at the dead man as the huge man drags his body and his bloodless stare is all the sees even after he has been removed from the room.'
'It isn't until the manacles are already about her wrists that she comes to, a dazed and confused look on her face. No less than you deservechides the voice in her head did you really think you would ever make something of yourself? You were born nothing, and that is all you will ever be. There is no struggle or defiance from her, no more words, no tears. Kay looks at the ground utterly defeated, and (other than refusing to speak) follows the wardens' every direction.'
"Then ye should arrest me too. I cou'd saved dat man, tis true. I have the magics to do so. He threatened her life, heard the words me'self. She drew steel, but what he promised was much worse." Virtoris the Blue said to the Wardens before continuing, "I will not stop ye from exacting yer justice. But this lass here, she is willing to put her life on the line fighting pirates on the Shore Shark. Let her become me ward. I will then take responsibility fer all her actions. Don't let a soul become lost in another dungeon, to find it's way to the darkness. We need all the help we can get hunting down them bastards on the seas."
What are you doing, Virty? He thought to himself. Scared, but sure that the light in this world would prevail.
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
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Virtoris noticeably yawns at the man, already bored with the thugs and their obviously outlandish claims.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"Yes!" Pumping his fist in the air as the thug falls down in laughter, Kestrell hears a shout about a blue magic using freak. Kestrell turns toward this shout.
Kestrell casts Minor Illusion and creates a slightly smaller (to fit in a 5' cube) version of A'ro made out of cubes next to the real A'ro.
"They are multiplying, run!" Kestrell shouts at the singed thug.
Deception: 11
'As Kestrell ennacts the spell, conjuring a somewhat blocky duplicate of A'ro besides the genasi and calling out very convincingly to frighten these bullies away, the smaller of the two men threatening A'ro starts to shake his head back-and-forth in seeming shock or denial, then turns and bolts for the tavern's door, calling back fearfully to his bigger ally,'
"The...there... THERE'S MORE OF 'EM, BRANNIN! An they killed Gaut - KILLED HIM! I... I AIN'T dying here."
"Get BACK here you coward! I'll gut you MYSELF if you..."
'But the muscle bound man's words trail off as he sees the domino effect that the other man's desertion on his remaining allies, with both of the two men facing Kay throwing down their daggers with defeated looks upon their faces, their eyes flickering fearfully towards the sprawled body of Gaut. Looking around to see the numerous raised hands and unfriendly eyes, including those of the large cook that they'd often tease who has emerged from the kitchen, fixed on him, Brannin spits at the wounded A'ro's feet and tosses his mace down on the table with a resounding *THUMP*.'
"Fine... you win, THIS time, freaks. But i'll get my..."
'Brannin doesn't get to finish his sentence however, before a load *WHIRRRRR THWACK* noise fills the common room and the thug falls, crashing into A'ro's table, before hitting the floor unconscious. Wrapped around the man's neck and head is a thick black cord with weighted balls at either end... balls that apparently struck the man's skull with enough force to knock him out instantly.
Everyone in the tavern turns to see four Wardens enter the room, their familiar brown and grey leather armour and half-bowl hemets unmistakable, even to the mostly half-drunk assembly. All are now clutching short swords and bucklers in hand, and Kay sees that one of the them is the young guard she noticed earlier who was sent for help. The largest of the four, an almost featureless man with bark-rough skin of a deep brown and shoulders the width of a cart, steps forward and calls out in a voice remanescent of tumbling boulders,'
"I'm Cove Warden Golm for those who don't know me. This business here is DONE! Anyone holding a drawn weapon by a ten count will answer to me. Now, someone better start giving me some answers here, or I'm going to have to see how many of you we can squash into a cell before measuring you up for a new rope collar.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
'Startled by the Wardens entrance, Kestrell looks over at the big Warden as he speaks. Kestrell let's Minor Illusion go in a way that all the blocks seem to tumble down and disapear into the floor.'
'Viol in hand, but at his side, Kestrell begins to walk over to the Wardens, sidestepping around the bodies on the floor and chairs strewn all over the tavern. As he passes Kay he whispers': "Are you OK?"
'Kestrell stops next to Kay and shouts to the Wardens, looking at the largest one':
"It's about time you showed up Warden Golm! And we certainly don't want those heavy balls of yours hitting us in the face, so hopefully the trouble is over! These...animals..."
'Kestrell points to the remaining thugs'
"...attacked this woman in the cloak right here and those blue gentlemen over there! They were yelling about taking their jobs and hating blue magic users, they probably drank too much, sure, but then they drew their weapons and assaulted these patrons!"
persuasion: 18
persuasion: 9
Vaken hears the warden shouting and sticks his head out to see what he'd missed. As he look around the common room he was amazed at all the bodies lying on the floor. He really needed to stop getting so wrapped up in his thoughts. He softly closes the door and then a moment later re-opens it with mop and bucket in hand. He walks over to the biggest pool of blood and starts mopping next to a dead body.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
'Kay blanches at the sight of the Wardens. Great, more lawful types. She tugs an oily rag out of one of the pouches on her belt and wipes her shortswords clean hastily, muttering and looking up apologetically at Golm, but unable to sheath her blades until they are clean. She looks at Kestrell blankly when he asks her if she's okay, then turns from him. She makes sure her hood is all the way back with a tug on her cloak and then slowly finds a place where there isn't blood on the floor to kneel with her hands raised above her head.'
"My apologies Cove Warden, but this man has the right of it. Those brutes were assaulting innocents and the rest of us couldn't stand idle. I must say I wish we could've met under better circumstances."
'She can't stop looking at Gaut's pale and lifeless face. The eyes she thinks they've already darkened. She does her best to hold back her tears.'
~♡~
'As Vaken walks out from around the bar onto the common room floor with mop and bucket in hand, he sees that the two nearest bodies on the floor are not bleeding at all, though from the smell of it, the dark haired one with the purplish face and blood-shot eyes appears to have made a different kind of mess.
The larger figure Vaken recognises as Brannin, one of the town's rum refinery workers and a regular at the Pirate. Vaken remembers him most for the constant insults and harrassment that the man seemed to delight in inflicting upon the cook or anyone else that the bully thought wouldn't retaliate. Now he lies at the feet of the white haired, blue skinned guy with the staff, and actually looks like he may still be alive, though his body is somewhat burned and blasted, and he has a strange looking weapon made of rope and iron balls wrapped about his neck and head.
About fifteen feet away from the unconscious man, however, lies another one of the Pirate's regulars, Gaut. An unrepentant bully like his friend Brannin, word around the tavern (as least from what Vaken heard second-hand from Beril and Lorana) was that Gaut had once worked for the Ambersap family, as a ferrier in Dubol Karindah's stables, at least until he'd offended the lady herself and been thrown out of the estate. Vaken couldn't say that he was surprised to see the man lying there clutching at his open belly in a spreading puddle of his own blood. He'd always been the type to go out of his way to make the lives of others miserable, so no surprise that someone should one day repay the favour... with interest, apparently.
Halfway through mopping up the pool of blood, the goliath realises that he's fallen into his own musings again. Looking up from his work, he realises that he's standing pretty much directly in the middle of the room... and in the middle of a lot more than that, by the tense faces all around. Apart from the Captain and his officers, and the various sailors all about the place, Vaken most notices the grim visage of Cove Warden Golm, whom he'd learned from experience wasn't a cruel man or a bully, but also wasn't someone that you'd want to displease. There'd been 3 hangings in the town since Vaken had arrived, one condemed a horse thief, one a rapist and the other a foiled ship saboteur - and Golm had presided dispassionately over the deaths of them all.
Just looking at the man's small coal black eyes amidst that stone-crag face sends a cold shiver down Vaken's spine.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
A'ro just grips his side feeling his injuries as the adrenaline wears off. He walks over to Gaut and spits on him and then shouts "****IN' PIECE OF SHIT! IT WASN'T WORTH YOUR LIFE!"
With that he takes a deep breath and walks back to the bar raising his hand slowly and grimacing "Vergil, a round of rum for me and these fine people." he says motioning to everyone who helped against Gaut and his thugs "It's the least I can do for them." He just sits at the bar nursing his drink when it comes.
He just looked over to Unawalyn and Kay"Thanks, nows the time to sign up for a position if you want one, especially after that display."
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Dangerous Designs - Kaelen Stoneshard - Minotaur Cleric (War Domain) Lv. 2 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Una slaps the top of the bar, and points at A'ro "That is a good idea."
she turns to walk towards the table with the captain, swaying and drunkenly humming shanties, as if the faight hadn't happened. but she stops at Kay, dropping into a a squat next to her "HEY. thanks for that. That was pretty brave."
una turns her head letting out a loud belch then looks back to kay
"you are a good person."
Una gives kay a smile and stands up to looks towards Golm then gestures toward the table where captain Aubrey is sitting "Do you mind if i move over to them or do you need to ask me qustio...." Her face goes blank for a moment as she becomes perfectly still, seems to swallow something then just looks around with a smile on her face, all the while thinking to herself "shit did i just vomit in my mouth?"
'No sooner has the Cove Warden finished his demand that someone give an accounting for the recent battle, than the wounded white-haired genasi walks over to Gaut's corpse, spits on it and then begins to berate the dead man with a loud profanity-laden tirade. The heavy-set head of law enforcement in Rumbottom just watches, eyes narrowed, as the man completely ignores Golm's directive, and indeed the presence of the Wardens entirely, to instead walk over to take a stool at the bar facing Vergil with his back to the Cove Warden, ordering drinks for himself and two of the other potential suspects in this matter.
It is not until A'ro turns to off-handedly to speak to the blood spattered young woman, who is standing over the body of one of the two dead men, about hiring on to the Shark's crew that he catches the mostly grim, and a few darkly amused, stares turned his way. The grimmest, darkest stare (by a considerable measure) is that of the Cove Warden himself, who utters not a word.'
'The Cove Warden's unwavering gaze then shifts to the tall tanned woman who likewise ignores his demand. She instead walks over and speaks to both the genasi and the blood drenched young woman with the striking orange eyes.
Eventually she acknowledges the Wardens' presence, but appears to show little respect to the law of the town, which seems to cause the three younger wardens standing with Golm some discomfort, as they shift from foot-to-foot, blades and shields still gripped tightly in hand, their eyes flickering back-and-forth between the apparent suspects and their leader. The glowering Cove Warden simply stares at the tatooed woman, almost staring through her, but does not bother to respond to her choked-off half-question..
It's at this point that the large half-orc Warden with the mohawk, who had remained behind while her comrade went for aid, stands up from the table in the corner behind the newly arrived Wardens, and strides forward to stand at Golm's side. Her large meaty hand rises to point accusingly at Unawalyn, before shifting across to point at the dead man with the crushed thoat,'
"She's the one who killed that man over there. I saw it - two quick bare-handed strikes, lightning fast, and he fell choking out the last of his life right at her feet."
'The Cove Warden's eyes move thoughtfully, meticulously from the watchwoman back to Unawalyn, then down to the dead man with the anchor tatoo. Still he says nothing.'
'As Kestrell moves towards the Wardens to stand at Kay's side, all four of the junior watch members raise their weapons in warning, relaxing only slightly when the bard stops to shout at them from ten feet away. As Kestrell mentions the bolos, the half-orc guard glances down involuntarily at the Cove Warden's belt where two more of the unorthodox weapons are visible.
Golm for the most part listens attentively to the bard's tale, though if he is swayed initially by Kestrell's smooth words, he doesn't show it. Instead, once the bard has finished giving his version of events, the Cove Warden looks at the Warden who was present during the battle, an unspoken question passing between the watch leader and his subordinate. The half-orc Warden says in response,'
"Ahh, those dead one's went over to the table where that one with the staff and her with the face-tatoo were sitting, but from what I saw it was the girl who started the fight itself, as she threw something at that gutted one, drew her blades and then threatened those two and their friends. That was when those men pulled their weapons, the rest of this lot (indicates the other combatants who assisted Kay) came rushing in and all hell broke loose."
'However, looking over at the charasmatic bard who had just spoken so eloquently, the half-orc seems to pause in her statement, before continuing,'
"Least that's what looked like happened... though to be sure, I was some distance away waiting for assistance to arrive after I'd asked Beatrice to go bring you here."
'Golm, still not speaking, just studies Kestrell with his piercing gaze throughout the younger Warden's report.'
[OOC] Golm's insight check 23 assisted by the junior Warden.
As Kay speaks in support of Kestrell's version of events, the bard may roll another persuasion check and take either that number or the one previously rolled (advantage via Kay's assistance).
'Following the bard's articulate delivery of his version of events, Kay speaks out in support of Kestrell's retellling... though not before she has taken some time to wipe down her blades before sheathing them. Golm's nostrils seem to flare ever so slightly while he calmly watches the rogue clean her weapons.
When Kay gets to the part about innocents, one of the Cove Warden's eyebrows rises ever-so-slightly, as his gaze moves away from the lithe young woman to take-in (once again) the rest of the murder suspects. He seems to be deliberating something... and the few seconds that he waits to speak seem to hang between the occupants of the tavern like an ongoing crushing weight.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
A'ro took a deep breath calming himself down as he turned his attention to the Cove Warden.
"Sir, excuse me - I had to calm myself before talking to you so I wouldn't say anything stupid." He points to Gaut and the other fallen "That one lost out on a job to me. Being drunk he decided to try and call me out, talking about how he was going to mess me up and might even leave me alive. His men even alluded to doing something worst with my female friend there. He kept throwing racial slurs at me, that is why I just yelled at him. Holding a grudge on someone for being different isn't worth getting yourself killed. The girl even gave them a warning and told them they were drunk, she tried to expertly diffuse the situation before even drawing her blades. Unfortunately, they persisted, knowing what would happen. She defended herself, as did we all." with that he just took a swig from his mug.
He then points to Unalawyn "Hell the one that came at her, was one of the ones threatening to, and I quote, ""keep your interesting friend here good company." after they had implied that she was a whore and that I was a "blue freak"..." He looked down for a moment as he recalled the racial slurs, although a confident man it clearly struck some nerve with him.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Dangerous Designs - Kaelen Stoneshard - Minotaur Cleric (War Domain) Lv. 2 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Vaken continues to clean while listening to everyone's stories. He's stunned by all he missed in such a short time. He says a silent prayer to Kuliak that his captain and the newly hired crew all get out of this alive.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
"Captian, hello," Virtoris the Blue walks over and bows his head to the Captain of the Wardens. "I say it with me own eyes I did, that large man down there started it and then some. Said he was going to kill the girl and the lad here. I couldn't stand idle as these men outnumbered these two, I know all too well when one talks like a pirate; when they act like a pirate... I give an accurate account. Me dad is Remy Fishflower. He spoke highly of ye and yer Wardens, show ye the utmost respect, ser. These men were in the wrong, their actions brought upon what they got. I stand by me word, as a Fishflowerson."
Virt points at the body on the ground, as he's talking. An open palm outward facing. I am no threat, not to these fine men, Virt thinks to himself. What would dad say if I end up in the clink my first full day alone? I'm to make a difference, not become a convict.
"These men and women aren't here to cause trouble, ser. We're here to hunt pirates. And all those who associate with the bastards who **** and pillage our homes. Who hurt our friends and families. Who spat in the face of the Law. I am sorry that it turned to this, but these men brought it upon themselves. I swear is true. I wish there was another way, ser."
Insight to see if my words softened the Captain up a bit. 3
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
((OOG Wow, I just realized the word that rhymes with ape and starts with R is censored on this site. I can't say that I mind that. They really do try to keep it safe for all of us on here! :) ))
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
'The Cove Warden's gaze hovers on the large cook who upon noticing the intimidating man's steely gaze merely goes about his work, mopping up Gaut's dissapating life's-blood, before dragging the man's corpse towards the tavern's door and out to Vergil's drunk cart beyond. The glowering figure gives a slight nod, as though finding something proper and in keeping with the hard law-keeper's expectations.
Golm slowly opens his mouth to speak when the strange tall, bald headed man with dark blue skin speaks up, moving forward from the table of gnome's to respectfully address the Wardens'. The four younger watch members all nod their heads at this one's seeming deference for the law and those who enforce it in these oft-brutal lands. Virt finishes his appeal and, while noticing no softening in the visage of the Cove Warden, does periceve a second ever-so-brief nod from the boulder-like watch officer, who again seems about to speak when the adult gnome who Virtroris was speaking with pipes in while avidly waving his hands in support in Virt's direction,'
"Tis true, it is, it genuinely is, Cove Warden. All that this fine lad 'ere says is true. Met Remy Fishflower me'self and he ain't a man to raise no lier, no sir'e bob. An I ain't neither, as ye be knowin', or me names not Yentil Burleyworth! It was Brennin, Gaut and their thug friends who started it, like always they be lookin' to. These ones was just protec'n theirselves!'
'While Golm listens to the gnome's words, Virt sees the first sign of impatience from the man, an ever-so-subtle tapping of the left foot, as he raises a wide shovel-like hand and speaks, his level stare sweeping back-and-forth to take in all who spoke and more besides, before resting on Unawalyn,'
"The time for testimony is done. Gaut and his buzzard'meat friend Dank are known troublemakers, as is that fool Brannin, this is true. By all accounts, they seemed to have brought most of this down on themselves. Fine - the rest of you are free to do as you please... even you - though you killed a man in my town who at the time wasn't trying to kill you, and you'd normally swing for that. But Sharn here says that they moved to harrass you and your friend first, so I'll consider it 'excessive self-defence' and be done with it."
'The Warden's cold stare passes over most in the tavern... before it comes to rest squarely on Gaut's slayer - the thin young human woman standing less than twenty feet away. Golm's already deep voice drops a couple of octaves, sounding like granite-on-granite,'
"But you - Sharn says that you drew steel first and threatened these men, including Gaut who you gutted like a fish, when you had no clear reason or need to. We can't have that in this town... not in MY town. Take her - and if any of these others move to stop you, take them to and they'll share the gibbet beside her!"
'Three of the younger Wardens move forward to take custody of Kay, comming up beside the clearly shocked girl to place manacles on her wrists. The noise level in the Pirate rises noticably as people all across the room express their thoughts and feelings on the matter, jeering, cheering or otherwise calling out... though none move to physically intercede or show overt resistance to Golm or his followers.'
[OOC] Everyone may take one full-round action at this point if they wish, though we are not in combat and no initiative roll is necessary.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
'Kay hasn't been paying attention to the world around her, instead focused on the eyes of the dead man. The voices and and shouting and goings on are blurred and dampened by the sound of her heart beating in her ear drums. She stares into Gaut's cold foggy eyes and blood drained face and shudders. She keeps staring at the dead man as the huge man drags his body and his bloodless stare is all the sees even after he has been removed from the room.'
'It isn't until the manacles are already about her wrists that she comes to, a dazed and confused look on her face. No less than you deserve chides the voice in her head did you really think you would ever make something of yourself? You were born nothing, and that is all you will ever be. There is no struggle or defiance from her, no more words, no tears. Kay looks at the ground utterly defeated, and (other than refusing to speak) follows the wardens' every direction.'
~♡~
"Then ye should arrest me too. I cou'd saved dat man, tis true. I have the magics to do so. He threatened her life, heard the words me'self. She drew steel, but what he promised was much worse." Virtoris the Blue said to the Wardens before continuing, "I will not stop ye from exacting yer justice. But this lass here, she is willing to put her life on the line fighting pirates on the Shore Shark. Let her become me ward. I will then take responsibility fer all her actions. Don't let a soul become lost in another dungeon, to find it's way to the darkness. We need all the help we can get hunting down them bastards on the seas."
What are you doing, Virty? He thought to himself. Scared, but sure that the light in this world would prevail.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
Vaken looks to the captain with a question in his eyes. He will save the woman, but it would come better if someone in authority stepped in first.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
'Kestrell raises his Viol and plays a short snippet from a solemn tune, giving Virtoris some bardic inspiration.'
"Aye Captain. You have it right. But look at the size of her vs Gaut. She needs all the steel she has just to make it an even fight with that brute."
[OOC] Virtoris 1d6 to add to an ability check, attack roll or saving throw.
((OOG Thanks homie! 😁))
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest