The waves, they roll, 'neath fickle sun and sky Through sleet and gale, the waves roll on, the waves roll on The waves they roll, 'neath folk who live and die Through calm and storm, the waves roll on, the waves roll on The waves they roll, 'neath gods and heaven's pride Through time and tears, the waves roll on, the waves roll on, The waves roll on, The waves roll on, 'Ware beast and man, the waves roll on." - Ancient sea shanty sung the breadth of the Bitter Shore.
Beware the Biting Wind and Briny Dangers of the Bitter Shore!
The Bitter Shore abuts the Trackless Sea, and is a 400 mile stretch of broken coastland in Faerun's Far North, running Northwest from Luskan, past the rugged Mining city of Fireshear, and up into the Sea of Moving Ice in the continent's frozen Northern tundras. Dotted with little-known mining, whaling and seal hunter communities, and a thousand secret coves and (mostly) deserted inlets, this region of Faerun is home to the tough and hardy, and tends to attract those who are looking for a fresh start or seeking to escape a troubled past. Blasted by snow and ice more than half the year round, contrasted with a brief summer that is as dry and hot as it is short, The Shore is not a recommended destination for the unprepared or those with a timid disposition.
The Northern Trackless Sea, while undoubtedly less traveled than the Southern routes between nefarious Luskan and welcoming Neverwinter, or between Neverwinter and the Jeweled City of Waterdeep, still hosts a brisk trade in precious gems and metal, as well as highly valued Northern animal furs and ivory, ensuring that merchant and trader vessels are not uncommon to these waters. And of course, where wealth brings honest shipping and valuable cargo, less legitimate interests are also bound to arise. The pirates of the North are a largely unsophisticated and brutal lot, but growing numbers over the last century have also given rise to a higher caste of notorious pirates, a brother and sisterhood of wave-riding thieves and murderers flamboyantly self-titled as the Captains of the Accord. The most notorious and dreaded of these greater pirate captains over the last decade is a much feared buccaneer synonymous with bloodshed and villainy - the near mythical pirate known as Captain Fathom, master of the Kraken. To account for the murder and thievery of the Northern pirates, privateers and other pirate hunters have flocked to the region, seeking fame, fortune or perhaps justice for some darstedly deed perpetrated by the heartless buccaneers of The Shore. The acclaimed Freeflag privateers are a loose alliance of (mostly) law abiding captains sailing out of Fireshear who make their careers hunting the ruthless pirates in this region. The most renowned privateer vessel of them all is the Manticore, a heavily armed and modified galley under the sail of one Captain Lyon Redmane.
The inns and taverns along the Fireshear docks, however, only hold berths for seasoned and accomplished sea-dogs. For those seeking to forge a fledgling reputation of note, the smaller communities of the Southern Shore offer plentiful opportunities. And so it is that, in just such a place, a new ship's Captain by the name of Aundrey Farseeker, master of The Shore Shark, has put out a call in the port town of Rumbottom for men and women of skill, courage and loyalty, to crew a newly commissioned ship. The Shark's charter, like that of many vessels in these parts, is to protect honest shipping and anchorage in the waters North of Luskan, and, whenever possible, to bring hard justice to the pirates and other neerdowells who would prey on the local folk and merchant interests along The Shore. The hiring captain's table has been set in port town's largest tavern, the Prancing Pirate, word has spread and the talk along the wharf is that the line of aspiring sailors and brigand hunters is already beginning to grow...
DAY 1: 15th Kythorn 1492DR: The Prancing Pirate Tavern, the Town of Rumbottom
Rumbottom Ahoy!
The small sea-side town of Rumbottom is no scenic holiday destination, but it is one of the liveliest little communities along the Southern reaches of the Bitter Shore. Founded over a hundred and fifty years ago by an enterprising merchant whose vessel had pulled into the small sheltered cove for ship repairs, the town has come to be known for its rich sugar cane fields, molasses refinery and associated rum brewery, as well as being a hospitable stop-over anchorage for ships making the perilous 250 mile voyage between Luskan and Fireshear, or, for those who prefer to avoid the dangerous waters around Luskan, the 450 mile voyage from Neverwinter. The small but well-maintained estate of the local noble family, the Ambersaps, sits atop a steep hill to the town's East, overlooking the sea-side town the family's ancestor founded over a century before, while the long stone lodge of the Cove Warden, base of the small local militia known as the Wardens, is located near the town's Southern gate, facing out towards the old stone bridge that runs across the Saltware River and onto the road leading South towards the distant city of Luskan.
A ten foot tall wooden palisade of sharpened wooden logs encircles the town, open on the Western side where the a hundred and twenty foot long wharf meets the sea, looking out into a pleasant harbour with sufficient anchorage for up to a dozen large ships. The harbour is well protected from the elements, with an expanse of rolling hills rising to the South, while a single long ridge embraces the habour's Northside, ending at a large stone bluff that overlooks the entrie area from a height of two hundred feet or more. Dozens of wood and stone buildings branch out from the centre of the town, where a small market square surrounds an old well. An old chapel and bell-tower, the town's only religious site, sits against the South-East section of wall, overlooking a small picket fence enclosed cemetary. Most of the buildings in the town are single storey and made of sea-weathered logs, with most of the two-storey or stone buildings belonging to business owners or the local noble - the Dubol Kalindrah Ambersap. Eight foot tall double gates of ironbanded oak stand at the town's North and South compass points, usually watched over by two-to-four Wardens. The guarded gates are opened from dawn to dusk, but sealed and barred outside of these hours, requiring the permission of the Cove Warden should untimely visitors request admittance.
The Prancing Pirate's weathered two-storey facade and faded red shingle roof is a welcome sight for those who enter the town proper. Situated just off the wharf, the large inn's gruff dwarven innkeeper has never been known to turn away the coin of a willing customer, and even if the private suites and common room is full (which happens often in the popular establishment), a rough pallet of straw in the stable can usually be had for a few coppers. The inn's oft-swaying sign - a portly pirate swinging from a gallows, surrounded by dancing townsfolk, provides an accurate indication as to how the locals view piracy, smuggling and other capital offences. Justice is always harsh, and often swift, in Rumbottom, with the local Wardens long practiced in erecting a gallows in the townsquare should the Cove Warden announce the need for a hanging. With no townhall to speak of, if a significant matter arises that doesn't require the attention of the Dubol or the Cove Warden, then the floor of the Prancing Pirate's common room will usually serve for the gathering. And so it is with a new ship's commission and the hiring of a crew.
The year is 1492 DR and our story starts during the age known as the Era of Upheaval. It is the fifteenth day of Kythorn and the promise of Spring has just bloomed into the promising warmth of early Summer. The last vestiges of Summer's first day are fast fading into another boisterous evening in Rumbottom. The Prancing Pirate's doors and windows are thrown open to let the salty breeze cool the inn's interior. Flickering lantern light, jaunty accordion music and the raucous din of shouts and laughter spill from the inn onto street, drawing passers-by. Old Dimdin the inn's resident musician and drunk, is sitting on his usual stool atop a raised plaform opposite the bar, his accordian pumping out it's usual cacophany of sailor tunes, while the dwarven innkeep, Vergil, pours drinks and keeps an ever-watchful eye (only having the one) on his patrons, looking for signs of trouble of the wrong sort.
A well-built handsome young human male, blonde of hair, with a fledgling beard, sporting a long navy trench coat, sits behind a table in the inn's centre, intermittently fidgeting with the small coffer, quill and inkpot, and sheets of parchment that rest on the table before him. A blue-eyed older human woman with weathered features and a sharp stare, wearing much patched leather armour and a green bandana, stands at the young man's right shoulder, while a grizzled grey bearded dwarf in a rusted chainshirt with two handaxes at his belt sits casually to the man's left, alternating between laughing at something the woman says and drinking from a gleaming silver mug. As rumour had it (true for once) a long line of rank-and-file sailors do indeed stand in line before the table, awaiting their turn to apply for admittance to the captain's crew. Looking about the Inn's common room, however, it is apparent that there are many more either waiting for the line to thin down or perhaps looking for some other que to go and stand before the hiring captain. The evening is young yet, after all...
[OOC] The PCs in this campaign are the air genasi sorcerer and master of sail A'ro Gale (Hambergler), the human rogue and sail monkey Kaitlyn Stillwater (abunny), the human bard and navigator Kestrell Season (KestrellKestrell), the aquatic half-elf monk and lookout Unawalyn (wazzupman), the goliath druid and cook Vaken Malukaga (WebGambit) and the vedalken artificer and ships mage Virtoris the Blue (Gmoat).
If rolls for attacks, checks or saves are not displayed in the game thread, they most likely will have been rolled in the DM/player chat thread.
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 handsome (if he does say so himself (and he does!)) young human man, walks into the Prancing Pirate, opening the door harder than needed. He looks around to see if he knows anyone, or to see if anyone notices him. A viol is slung across his back, a dagger and rapier sheathed at his side and well oiled leather armor rests under his traveling cloak and backpack.'
'Kestrell walks up to the bar, and catches the eye of the bartender. '
"Whiskey, please, if you've got it. And perhaps some nuts?"
'Whiskey in hand, he turns to survey the crowd, noticing the long line of people in front of a table. He thinks to himself: "This may be just what I need. I wonder if they have a navigator yet? I'll wait for the line to go down, and then bring them a drink and find out." With that, Kestrell looks around at the rest of the patrons, hoping to meet the eye of a lady or two.'
'A short, slight young woman slips into the Prancing Pirate behind some other patrons who are conversing just inside the entryway. She's wearing dark, plain clothes that are clearly too large for her, and she keeps adjusting the hood of her cloak so that it doesn't cover her eyes. Eventually she throws it back to reveal a head of shoulder length brown hair and a comely face, with strangely orange eyes. She keeps her cloak pulled tightly around her, but her leather armor peeks through from underneath. Her pack is heavily laden, but while everything she wears is worn and weathered, it is all clean an well polished.'
'She skirts the edges of the room, doing her best to appear nonchalant while she has a good look at the layout of the place, possible threats, escape routes, paying special attention to the three gathered behind the table. She approaches the bar and leans her forearms against it. She weighs the purse at her hip and pulls out a silver, twirling it between her fingers idly while she waits for the bartender's attention.'
"How much for watered mull? Something tells me I'll be needing to keep my wits about me this eve."
'After she places her order, she turns and leans with both elbows against the bar. She looks around casually and strafes the trio at the table slowly a few times with her eyes appraising them, and trying not to be obvious about it.'
[ooc] Kay is trying to observe any patterns in behavior, locate people of note, and look for potential escape routes.
'The handsome young bard turns a few heads as he enters, male and female alike. Having drank at the inn before, Kestrell recognises a few familiar salt-weathered faces among the customers and aspiring sailors, but the only one he can put a face to is an old sometimes dock worker by the name of Nubrel, a man who disembarked from the Looking Glass the same day the bard did. Nubrel is sitting at the bar with a larger group of equally burly labourer types, all listening to the biggest one loudly proclaim how he once single-handedly killed an ankheg with naught but a mallet.
Knowing how much it annoys Vergil the innkeeper when someone orders anything but ale or rum, the bard places his order with a smile, to which the ever-cantankerous dwarf mutters as he walks off to pull a bottle of whiskey off the shelf and maybe find some nuts,'
"I swar dis ere a fok'n romtown... yet na ya fukas wanna drunk it! Git ma a mudwata, Vergil. Git ma a wusky, Vergil. An' nuts? Pot ma nuts in dat fok'n dindy's glis sis wat i'l du!"
'Scanning the crowd, Kestrell quickly spots the familiar faces of Vergil's two barmaids - the buxom but no-nonsense Beril and the skittish, but oft-accomodating, pretty young half-elven lass, Lorana. Both appear busy dealing with the ever-increasing crowd, the slight and easily flummoxed Lorana coping a thousand pats on the behind, with the more mature and self-assured Beril dealing out almost half as many face slaps.
The only other women in the room appear to be a lithe leather clad bald woman with coal black skin who has just returned from the captain's table to order a drink at the bar next to Nubrel and his pals, and a young halfling woman sitting besides an almost identical looking male halfling, the pair of them whispering to each other as they glance periodically over at the three figures seated in the centre of the common room.
The only other female appears to be a young gnomish girl, sitting with a teenage gnome male with similar features and an older gnomish man who is almost certainly the pair's father. The gnomes are sitting at a side table, quietly minding their own business, though the girl looks noticeably uncertain about being in such a rough and noisy environment, while the father glances over at the captain's table with curiosity plainly etched on his face.'
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 astutely takes in the large 80 foot long, 50 foot wide room's rather standard decor and furnishing - the fishing nets, crab traps, tridents and poorly painted ocean landscapes that adorn the walls, as well as the grimy glass covered oil lamps, the worn and stained pine tables and chairs and the slightly more impressive long oak bar, behind which stands the seemingly bored, but noticeably watchful, innkeeper.
The black-bearded, brown toothed dwarf looks at Kay as she speaks, cocks an appraising eye, and responds,'
"Ay' at'd be fur brun bits a mug, wif or wifot wata, and I kin't yak nun fer yur wits, bit cap'n pup o'dere is bay'n ' fer yas, 'est til 'is siver rins ot."
Apart from the general hub of activity normal to a dockside tavern, Kay notices a stream of would-be sailors entering the tavern to sign up with the new ship's crew. Easily counting a dozen who've come and gone in the brief time she's been watching, the aspiring sailors line up, give their names, places of origin and residence, and any sailing experience or particular skills they may have.
The young scarcely bearded man in the middle, who is referred to by his companions as Captain Aundrey, speaks little, letting the two clearly more experienced individuals do most of the talking. The woman maintains a steady glower, but alternates between standing with her burly arms crossed across her chest or planting them firmly on her hips. Kay picks up a distinctly protective manner exuding from the woman towards the young man beside her. The dwarf seems to be drinking his fill and playing the part of dutiful assistant, but every now and again Kay catches him wincing or cocking a sceptical eye at some remark that the young captain makes.
Kay skillfully hides her interest, and is almost certain that none of the three catch on to her inquiring gaze.
The woman standing at the Captain's right, identifies herself as First Mate E'strue, and while putting one cocksure sailor in his place, says,'
"Ye though, ye worthless piece of crab dung, may call me GOD! I would tell ye to call me by yer equally worthless mother's name, but I doubt that ye even know who the poxy whore is. And if ye wink at me again, I'll have that eye-lid off. Am I making myself clear? Good - now sign the charter like a good dock-flea and then piss off till the mornin'... when we'll see if yer good for anything more than ballast."
'Addressing a suggestive remark from a different sailor, this one a lithe, bald headed, black skinned woman in tight fetching leathers, the grizzled dwarf, who the First Mate calls Drannick or Drann, responds,'
"Ye 'ave always wanted to do that with a dwarf, have ye? Well, well, I'd say I'm flattered, but by Umberlee's beautiful black soul, I've had more temptin' offers from one-legged corpse haulers. Listen lass, and listen ye well - I ain't here to rub yer belly... or have ye rub mine. I'm here to help the good captain there find some half-decent sailors, or the closest things we can find. THEN me job is to keep said scum in line, all happy and productive like. Help me do that and who knows... maybe ye will be able to use that lotion of yers one day after all."
'The perceptive young woman notices that apart from the West-facing front door, the common room has two other plain wooden doors, one behind the bar along the East wall and one centered in the North wall. One or another of the two barmaids periodically goes through the Northern door, either to bring out more rags, mugs or a mop and bucket. In addition to the doors, a tightly winding banistered stairwell is situated above the bar the room's NE corner, rising both up into a second floor as well as down into what must be some kind of cellar.'
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
"Thanks for the Whiskey, Vergil. It's already got enough kick to it though, I'll pass on your special cocktail!"
'Kestrell catches Nubrel's eye and gives him a nod, then starts to walk over to him. He smiles at Beril as he passes, but can see she's too busy to talk, and winks at Lorana':"You're doing great Lorana! You let me know if any of these characters give you trouble!"
'Kestrell slaps Nubrel on the back.'
"Nubrel! Great to see you, is the Looking Glass back in port? How is my old boss Orryn? Man I've been missing the feel of the waves under me and the wind on my face. It's tough to make a living singing songs out here on dry land."
'The door to the Prancing pirate opens once again. A tall muscular but lean half-elf holds the door open, most of her clean shaven head is hidden by a bandanna that is covered with patterns and symbols that are similar to that tattoos that seem to run across her arms and back , while a single pattern of a thin wave stretches across her face just above the bridge of her nose from on ear to another. her lower half is covered buy long baggy (Mc hammer) pants. her upper half is covered by a simple top that lacks sleaves. Her forearms are wrapped in old dirty looking bandages that work down to her hands. With her short sword hanging from her waist, she makes her way to the bar with a smile and a skip. Placing both her hands on the bar she smiles at the barkeep, who instantly smells alcohol radiating from her.' "tell me you big beutiful man. What is the cheapest piss you have?"
'Vergil moves away towards another customer muttering something darkly under his breath about "kicks, cocks and tails", while Beril is too busy to acknowledge Kestrell's smile, as she's busy explaining to a dreadlocked man with a rich rolling accent that the free drinks are for a limited time only, for one at a time and will be delivered at the pace and in the order that the barmaid decides they should be. Lorana spins away from yet another grasping hand, which costs her one of the drinks on her tray, the glass shattering on the inn floor to much hooting and hollering, as she calls back half-in-jest,'
"Err, thanks, Kes! I think I've got this, though we're a bit busier than usual due to the.. *OUCH*... Ahh, if I were to ask you to kill some of these people... how many do you think you couldmanage?"
'Nubrel smiles at Kestrell over his shoulder, obviously pleased to see the bard.'
"Well, well, look who blew into town upon a timely breeze. Huh? No, best I know the Glass ain't been back here since we disembarked and that Orryn was as much your boss as I was. Everyone knew that you were the main reason we n'eer got lost at sea! And I swear that Captain Thomas short-changed my purse when I left ship.
Ah well, fate has made up for it, I think, seeing as I'm sitting here with some fine new pals and am about to set sail on my next lucrative adventure! What's that you say, you miss the sea? Well of course you do, like any sane man would. I know - you should hire on as a hand with the Shore Shark. That fine chap over there is Captain Aundrey and he and his First Mate and Bosun are promising good coin for honest sweat. Beats begging for scraps with a song, surely? Join up with me, Kestrell, and it'll be just like the old days!!!"
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 hooded figure walks through the doors of Rumtown, his crimson blue skin exposed on his arms from the sleeveless hood. His body is well sculpted from a life on the seas filling various positions. He just looked around as his hand grasped the side of his hood and pulled it down revealing violet eyes and short snow white hair. Across his back rest a quaterstaff and at his side a dagger. Any further inspection would reveal another dagger strapped to his boot. His lips curled into a joyful smile taking in the smell of the air and the sounds of drunkards and shanty's. This was the life for A'ro, the only thing better than alcohol and the sounds of a tavern was the sense of freedom he got from the wind across his face on the open seas.
At first glance A'ro may have come off at first sight as a delicate and charming individual, but his voice held the confidence of a man who'd been working the seas for ages. He just looked at Beril and gave a small wave"Hey Beril, hope no ones pissin' ya off to bad today." His smile took on more playfulness as he walked by Lorana and gave her a wink"How are you today Ms. Lorana? Got a husband yet or can I still be in the running for a fine woman such as you?" Finally, he landed at his desired destination, the bar "Vergil, Ol' Friend - how about two flagons of that amazin' rum you got here. I've got a thirst that could rival a whale."
'The door to the Prancing pirate opens once again. A tall muscular but lean half-elf holds the door open, most of her clean shaven head is hidden by a bandanna that is covered with patterns and symbols that are similar to that tattoos that seem to run across her arms and back , while a single pattern of a thin wave stretches across her face just above the bridge of her nose from on ear to another. her lower half is covered buy long baggy (Mc hammer) pants. her upper half is covered by a simple top that lacks sleaves. Her forearms are wrapped in old dirty looking bandages that work down to her hands. With her short sword hanging from her waist, she makes her way to the bar with a smile and a skip. Placing both her hands on the bar she smiles at the barkeep, who instantly smells alcohol radiating from her.' "tell me you big beutiful man. What is the cheapest piss you have?"
'Vergil squints his one remaining eye, which only emphasises the puckered scar and dirty white orb on the other side of his creased face. It's clear the the dwarf is trying to figure out if he's being made fun of.'
"Bug man? Err... wut? Argh, fok it! Chip piss I kin git ya, wee gurl. Ail or rum? Boat'ter chip, bat da rum'll sta wif ya lunga."
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 hooded figure walks through the doors of Rumtown, his crimson blue skin exposed on his arms from the sleeveless hood. His body is well sculpted from a life on the seas filling various positions. He just looked around as his hand grasped the side of his hood and pulled it down revealing violet eyes and short snow white hair. Across his back rest a quaterstaff and at his side a dagger. Any further inspection would reveal another dagger strapped to his boot. His lips curled into a joyful smile taking in the smell of the air and the sounds of drunkards and shanty's. This was the life for A'ro, the only thing better than alcohol and the sounds of a tavern was the sense of freedom he got from the wind across his face on the open seas.
At first glance A'ro may have come off at first sight as a delicate and charming individual, but his voice held the confidence of a man who'd been working the seas for ages. He just looked at Beril and gave a small wave"Hey Beril, hope no ones pissin' ya off to bad today." His smile took on more playfulness as he walked by Lorana and gave her a wink"How are you today Ms. Lorana? Got a husband yet or can I still be in the running for a fine woman such as you?" Finally, he landed at his desired destination, the bar "Vergil, Ol' Friend - how about two flagons of that amazin' rum you got here. I've got a thirst that could rival a whale."
Both barmaids smile at the exoticly handsome genasi, though Lorana blushes and turns away, while Beril just laughs and says,'
"No more than usual, A'ro you smooth blue bastard. You back in town only to take ship again? Or are you goin' to make good on those loose promises that you keep throwin' poor Lorana's way?"
'Vergil nods in greeting, busy as he is with multiple shouted orders. While he eventually pours the two flagons of rum, he pauses with a mirthless grin before pushing them across the bar, saying,'
"Cap'n's ony bay'n mogs, une at'r timm. Ta flig'ns o' rom ye'll ave to biy yasef... 1 siver a'piss!"
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 smiles looking at Vergil"To help support this fine establishment, I don't mind." he slipped him a gold 'Here, for the other 3 I'll order tonight and last 5 I'll forget to take back to my wallet cause of how drunk I am."He just gave a smile picking up one of the flagons as he began to drink it, looking back to Beril "Trade the sea for Lorana..." He smiled looking back to Lorana and then back to Beril "Sounds like a trade where I make out the better, don't know if the universe would let that happen. Plus it's good work, how else would I support her and the obvious children we would have."He turned back to Lorana still playfully "Think you could put up with a sailor for a husband..." He changed his voice a little to mimic that of a salty sailor to finish the ending, trying to get a laugh "knowin' the sea be his mistress lass'."
'Vergil's one good eye glitters as he snatches the coin from the bar, bites it suspiciously, before pocketing it with a nod, apparently more than satisfied. Lorana, wiping a thin pale hand across her sweaty brow, merely laughs warmly at A'ro, but Beril, always willing to play along with the nicer, well-behaved customers, says,'
"Ahh, of course. It's the universe that won't let a dishonest scoundrel such as yourself make a proper wife out of an honest woman like Lorana. Hear that, sweety? Next time one of these wharf rats falls through on some promise or 'nother, just remember it's not his fault... it's the universe's fault! Ha!!!"
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
'Unawalyn squints and smiles at Virgil, seeming amused by the dwarfs befuddlement she chuckles' "I shall have some rum" 'She wraps her arms around herself for a full body hug'"from experience it also keeps you warm." 'She smiles and looks about the tavern, noticing the blue genasi at the the bar her eyebrows raise in general curiosity and confusion.' "hey um excuse me? Are you blue... or am i very drunk?" 'she spaces out for a moment' "shit i'm sorry that was rude we are strangers. Hi how are you?" 'she pauses with a smile then asks' "are you blue or am I drunk?" 'She squints and rubs her eyes'
Vaken opens the door to the common room and ducks down so he can walk through it. As he straightens he tries to adjust the apron he's wearing. It's clearly not intended to be worn by a goliath but it was all that was available. As he straightens his clothes, he's careful not to drop the tray with three plates of food that he's carrying. The last thing he needs is to give Vergil something else to complain about. Vaken stands straight and walks proud to the captain's table and starts to set the plates of food down in between the various papers on the table. `What do I say?? I need to make a good impression.` he thinks to himself. After his finishes placing the food he looks to the captain and mumbles"I hope you enjoy the meal. If you need anything else, let me know. Anything at all. I'm a hard worker and..."
Vaken realizes he's starting to ramble and shuts his mouth abruptly and turns to walk back into the kitchen. `Stupid! stupid! I need to get out of here and this could be my chance and what do I do? I start rambling.` He looks up and sees Vergil glaring at him. `He knows I'm reaching the end of my rope. I can't stay much longer. Maybe I'll head back South. Luskan wasn't horrible.`
He just smiled at Beril "The most honest dishonest scoundrel you'll ever meet. Anyways, I would think it cruel if the universe corrupted someone as innocent and nice as Lorana by letting a scoundrel like me marry her."
He was about to continue, when the person came over and asked if he was blue. He just smiled "Why can't it be both miss and no need to apologize. I am indeed blue - a tragic tale if I do say so myself. You see I use to have beautiful pale skin and wouldn't you know it I tried holding my breath one day." He pauses taking a swig "Now me mum, tells me "Boy you better breathe or you'll turn blue." and of course I didn't listen being so young. But I held it for over 30 minutes." He just shook his head as a sly smile took his face as he lifted his mug again to his lips again and placed the mug back on the table empty. He held out his hand "Enough though of such tragedies, as the boy who wouldn't breathe. Let's stop being strangers and start being friends, I'm A'ro Gale."
'She gawks and exhales in amazement at the tale of the breath that was held by this A'ro Gale. looking at the floor for a moment she touches the tatoo of the wave that reaches across her face, a brief moment of sadness washes over her then leaves as quickly as it came.' "Well A'ro Gale, I am Unawalyn"'she graps his hand for a firm shake, smiling brightly at him' "Hey. i have an idea" 'she pauses. here eyes close for a moment then pop open.' "We should dance. theres music" she points at the old man with the acordian' "And since we are friends now we can dance, so we shoooould"'she pushes A'ro's shoulder lightly' "I could find a new friend but non of them would be blue or be able to hold there breath for like an hour"
Vaken opens the door to the common room and ducks down so he can walk through it. As he straightens he tries to adjust the apron he's wearing. It's clearly not intended to be worn by a goliath but it was all that was available. As he straightens his clothes, he's careful not to drop the tray with three plates of food that he's carrying. The last thing he needs is to give Vergil something else to complain about. Vaken stands straight and walks proud to the captain's table and starts to set the plates of food down in between the various papers on the table. `What do I say?? I need to make a good impression.` he thinks to himself. After his finishes placing the food he looks to the captain and mumbles"I hope you enjoy the meal. If you need anything else, let me know. Anything at all. I'm a hard worker and..."
Vaken realizes he's starting to ramble and shuts his mouth abruptly and turns to walk back into the kitchen. `Stupid! stupid! I need to get out of here and this could be my chance and what do I do? I start rambling.` He looks up and sees Vergil glaring at him. `He knows I'm reaching the end of my rope. I can't stay much longer. Maybe I'll head back South. Luskan wasn't horrible.`
'The young captain smiles as the goliath places down the plates, but he seems preoccupied with what the dwarf is saying to him at the time,'
"Well, beggin' ye pardon, Captain, I hope that ye don't mind me speakin' me mind, but I can't says that I agree with yer' plan to give those crossbows to the crew ta keep as their own. They should belong to and stay aboard the ship for the purpose they are meant - protectin' the ship! Givin' them to these... fine folk, would be a mistake. Half of'em will lose them or accidently shoot a shipmate while drunk... that's if they dont sell'em outright for coin ta spend on whores!"
'As Vaken pulls away from the table though, he hears a whistle and turns to see the brawny woman toss something in his direction as she reaches down to grab a lamb shank with her other hand. The missile glitters, spinning towards the goliath, as she says,'
"Our thanks, big fella. Dealin' with thieves and liars is hunger-buildin' work, to be sure. And I have to say, this food smells damn fine and better than I'm used to 'board ship."
[OOC] Vaken make a cooking tool prof check and (if he plans to catch the sparkling coin tossed his way) a dex check.
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 chuckled, at least this new person was interesting. He just watched as she touched the tattoo and then took his hand introducing herself. "That does sound like a dun idea - but the night is still early. How about a few more drinks and maybe a story for the story i told you." He just grabbed the next drink and used his foot to pull out the chair next to him "How about, the story of that tattoo? Then we can dance for a bit."
A'ro raise his hand to Virgil"When you get a chance can I get two more of the ale. Give one over to my new friend."
'she hesitates before sitting but takes a seat none the less' "Ok. that seems fair. But this stays between us." ''She leans in close pointing her finger at A'ro, pointing it at him as if it was a knife' "I won't tell people why you are blue and you won't tell people about me. RIGHT THEN." ''Bombastically she claps her hands together and begins to speak, her voice far quieter than before and directing her words completely towards A'ro; "so I'm not just a drunk" 'She starts to unwrap her bandages, still speaking as she does; "I am what pure elves call "Half-bread garbage." 'She smiles as she says it, as if she has heard those words so many times that they have just become a bad joke; "I was raised by sea-elves.Theybelieved that keeping me alive was the right thing to do... none of them really wanted me around though so that complicated things." 'at this point her bandages are off, revealing webbed finger and fin like appendages going up her fore arms; "I am Half sea-elf, the only half breed in my tribe and my tribe had a tradition. when we reached a certain age we would receive a mark that basically described what we were as an individual. this mark."
'She points at the wave that reaches across her face;
"Shows everyone how deep I have to swim before I start drowning. All I was seen as was a weakness."
'she begins to wrap her arms back up, her face expressionless;
Beware the Biting Wind and Briny Dangers of the Bitter Shore!
The Bitter Shore abuts the Trackless Sea, and is a 400 mile stretch of broken coastland in Faerun's Far North, running Northwest from Luskan, past the rugged Mining city of Fireshear, and up into the Sea of Moving Ice in the continent's frozen Northern tundras. Dotted with little-known mining, whaling and seal hunter communities, and a thousand secret coves and (mostly) deserted inlets, this region of Faerun is home to the tough and hardy, and tends to attract those who are looking for a fresh start or seeking to escape a troubled past. Blasted by snow and ice more than half the year round, contrasted with a brief summer that is as dry and hot as it is short, The Shore is not a recommended destination for the unprepared or those with a timid disposition.
The Northern Trackless Sea, while undoubtedly less traveled than the Southern routes between nefarious Luskan and welcoming Neverwinter, or between Neverwinter and the Jeweled City of Waterdeep, still hosts a brisk trade in precious gems and metal, as well as highly valued Northern animal furs and ivory, ensuring that merchant and trader vessels are not uncommon to these waters. And of course, where wealth brings honest shipping and valuable cargo, less legitimate interests are also bound to arise. The pirates of the North are a largely unsophisticated and brutal lot, but growing numbers over the last century have also given rise to a higher caste of notorious pirates, a brother and sisterhood of wave-riding thieves and murderers flamboyantly self-titled as the Captains of the Accord. The most notorious and dreaded of these greater pirate captains over the last decade is a much feared buccaneer synonymous with bloodshed and villainy - the near mythical pirate known as Captain Fathom, master of the Kraken. To account for the murder and thievery of the Northern pirates, privateers and other pirate hunters have flocked to the region, seeking fame, fortune or perhaps justice for some darstedly deed perpetrated by the heartless buccaneers of The Shore. The acclaimed Freeflag privateers are a loose alliance of (mostly) law abiding captains sailing out of Fireshear who make their careers hunting the ruthless pirates in this region. The most renowned privateer vessel of them all is the Manticore, a heavily armed and modified galley under the sail of one Captain Lyon Redmane.
The inns and taverns along the Fireshear docks, however, only hold berths for seasoned and accomplished sea-dogs. For those seeking to forge a fledgling reputation of note, the smaller communities of the Southern Shore offer plentiful opportunities. And so it is that, in just such a place, a new ship's Captain by the name of Aundrey Farseeker, master of The Shore Shark, has put out a call in the port town of Rumbottom for men and women of skill, courage and loyalty, to crew a newly commissioned ship. The Shark's charter, like that of many vessels in these parts, is to protect honest shipping and anchorage in the waters North of Luskan, and, whenever possible, to bring hard justice to the pirates and other neerdowells who would prey on the local folk and merchant interests along The Shore. The hiring captain's table has been set in port town's largest tavern, the Prancing Pirate, word has spread and the talk along the wharf is that the line of aspiring sailors and brigand hunters is already beginning to grow...
DAY 1: 15th Kythorn 1492DR: The Prancing Pirate Tavern, the Town of Rumbottom
Rumbottom Ahoy!
The small sea-side town of Rumbottom is no scenic holiday destination, but it is one of the liveliest little communities along the Southern reaches of the Bitter Shore. Founded over a hundred and fifty years ago by an enterprising merchant whose vessel had pulled into the small sheltered cove for ship repairs, the town has come to be known for its rich sugar cane fields, molasses refinery and associated rum brewery, as well as being a hospitable stop-over anchorage for ships making the perilous 250 mile voyage between Luskan and Fireshear, or, for those who prefer to avoid the dangerous waters around Luskan, the 450 mile voyage from Neverwinter. The small but well-maintained estate of the local noble family, the Ambersaps, sits atop a steep hill to the town's East, overlooking the sea-side town the family's ancestor founded over a century before, while the long stone lodge of the Cove Warden, base of the small local militia known as the Wardens, is located near the town's Southern gate, facing out towards the old stone bridge that runs across the Saltware River and onto the road leading South towards the distant city of Luskan.
A ten foot tall wooden palisade of sharpened wooden logs encircles the town, open on the Western side where the a hundred and twenty foot long wharf meets the sea, looking out into a pleasant harbour with sufficient anchorage for up to a dozen large ships. The harbour is well protected from the elements, with an expanse of rolling hills rising to the South, while a single long ridge embraces the habour's Northside, ending at a large stone bluff that overlooks the entrie area from a height of two hundred feet or more. Dozens of wood and stone buildings branch out from the centre of the town, where a small market square surrounds an old well. An old chapel and bell-tower, the town's only religious site, sits against the South-East section of wall, overlooking a small picket fence enclosed cemetary. Most of the buildings in the town are single storey and made of sea-weathered logs, with most of the two-storey or stone buildings belonging to business owners or the local noble - the Dubol Kalindrah Ambersap. Eight foot tall double gates of ironbanded oak stand at the town's North and South compass points, usually watched over by two-to-four Wardens. The guarded gates are opened from dawn to dusk, but sealed and barred outside of these hours, requiring the permission of the Cove Warden should untimely visitors request admittance.
The Prancing Pirate's weathered two-storey facade and faded red shingle roof is a welcome sight for those who enter the town proper. Situated just off the wharf, the large inn's gruff dwarven innkeeper has never been known to turn away the coin of a willing customer, and even if the private suites and common room is full (which happens often in the popular establishment), a rough pallet of straw in the stable can usually be had for a few coppers. The inn's oft-swaying sign - a portly pirate swinging from a gallows, surrounded by dancing townsfolk, provides an accurate indication as to how the locals view piracy, smuggling and other capital offences. Justice is always harsh, and often swift, in Rumbottom, with the local Wardens long practiced in erecting a gallows in the townsquare should the Cove Warden announce the need for a hanging. With no townhall to speak of, if a significant matter arises that doesn't require the attention of the Dubol or the Cove Warden, then the floor of the Prancing Pirate's common room will usually serve for the gathering. And so it is with a new ship's commission and the hiring of a crew.
The year is 1492 DR and our story starts during the age known as the Era of Upheaval. It is the fifteenth day of Kythorn and the promise of Spring has just bloomed into the promising warmth of early Summer. The last vestiges of Summer's first day are fast fading into another boisterous evening in Rumbottom. The Prancing Pirate's doors and windows are thrown open to let the salty breeze cool the inn's interior. Flickering lantern light, jaunty accordion music and the raucous din of shouts and laughter spill from the inn onto street, drawing passers-by. Old Dimdin the inn's resident musician and drunk, is sitting on his usual stool atop a raised plaform opposite the bar, his accordian pumping out it's usual cacophany of sailor tunes, while the dwarven innkeep, Vergil, pours drinks and keeps an ever-watchful eye (only having the one) on his patrons, looking for signs of trouble of the wrong sort.
A well-built handsome young human male, blonde of hair, with a fledgling beard, sporting a long navy trench coat, sits behind a table in the inn's centre, intermittently fidgeting with the small coffer, quill and inkpot, and sheets of parchment that rest on the table before him. A blue-eyed older human woman with weathered features and a sharp stare, wearing much patched leather armour and a green bandana, stands at the young man's right shoulder, while a grizzled grey bearded dwarf in a rusted chainshirt with two handaxes at his belt sits casually to the man's left, alternating between laughing at something the woman says and drinking from a gleaming silver mug. As rumour had it (true for once) a long line of rank-and-file sailors do indeed stand in line before the table, awaiting their turn to apply for admittance to the captain's crew. Looking about the Inn's common room, however, it is apparent that there are many more either waiting for the line to thin down or perhaps looking for some other que to go and stand before the hiring captain. The evening is young yet, after all...
[OOC] The PCs in this campaign are the air genasi sorcerer and master of sail A'ro Gale (Hambergler), the human rogue and sail monkey Kaitlyn Stillwater (abunny), the human bard and navigator Kestrell Season (KestrellKestrell), the aquatic half-elf monk and lookout Unawalyn (wazzupman), the goliath druid and cook Vaken Malukaga (WebGambit) and the vedalken artificer and ships mage Virtoris the Blue (Gmoat).
If rolls for attacks, checks or saves are not displayed in the game thread, they most likely will have been rolled in the DM/player chat thread.
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 handsome (if he does say so himself (and he does!)) young human man, walks into the Prancing Pirate, opening the door harder than needed. He looks around to see if he knows anyone, or to see if anyone notices him. A viol is slung across his back, a dagger and rapier sheathed at his side and well oiled leather armor rests under his traveling cloak and backpack.'
'Kestrell walks up to the bar, and catches the eye of the bartender. '
"Whiskey, please, if you've got it. And perhaps some nuts?"
'Whiskey in hand, he turns to survey the crowd, noticing the long line of people in front of a table. He thinks to himself: "This may be just what I need. I wonder if they have a navigator yet? I'll wait for the line to go down, and then bring them a drink and find out." With that, Kestrell looks around at the rest of the patrons, hoping to meet the eye of a lady or two.'
Perception: 21
~♡~
'The handsome young bard turns a few heads as he enters, male and female alike. Having drank at the inn before, Kestrell recognises a few familiar salt-weathered faces among the customers and aspiring sailors, but the only one he can put a face to is an old sometimes dock worker by the name of Nubrel, a man who disembarked from the Looking Glass the same day the bard did. Nubrel is sitting at the bar with a larger group of equally burly labourer types, all listening to the biggest one loudly proclaim how he once single-handedly killed an ankheg with naught but a mallet.
Knowing how much it annoys Vergil the innkeeper when someone orders anything but ale or rum, the bard places his order with a smile, to which the ever-cantankerous dwarf mutters as he walks off to pull a bottle of whiskey off the shelf and maybe find some nuts,'
"I swar dis ere a fok'n romtown... yet na ya fukas wanna drunk it! Git ma a mudwata, Vergil. Git ma a wusky, Vergil. An' nuts? Pot ma nuts in dat fok'n dindy's glis sis wat i'l du!"
'Scanning the crowd, Kestrell quickly spots the familiar faces of Vergil's two barmaids - the buxom but no-nonsense Beril and the skittish, but oft-accomodating, pretty young half-elven lass, Lorana. Both appear busy dealing with the ever-increasing crowd, the slight and easily flummoxed Lorana coping a thousand pats on the behind, with the more mature and self-assured Beril dealing out almost half as many face slaps.
The only other women in the room appear to be a lithe leather clad bald woman with coal black skin who has just returned from the captain's table to order a drink at the bar next to Nubrel and his pals, and a young halfling woman sitting besides an almost identical looking male halfling, the pair of them whispering to each other as they glance periodically over at the three figures seated in the centre of the common room.
The only other female appears to be a young gnomish girl, sitting with a teenage gnome male with similar features and an older gnomish man who is almost certainly the pair's father. The gnomes are sitting at a side table, quietly minding their own business, though the girl looks noticeably uncertain about being in such a rough and noisy environment, while the father glances over at the captain's table with curiosity plainly etched on his face.'
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 astutely takes in the large 80 foot long, 50 foot wide room's rather standard decor and furnishing - the fishing nets, crab traps, tridents and poorly painted ocean landscapes that adorn the walls, as well as the grimy glass covered oil lamps, the worn and stained pine tables and chairs and the slightly more impressive long oak bar, behind which stands the seemingly bored, but noticeably watchful, innkeeper.
The black-bearded, brown toothed dwarf looks at Kay as she speaks, cocks an appraising eye, and responds,'
"Ay' at'd be fur brun bits a mug, wif or wifot wata, and I kin't yak nun fer yur wits, bit cap'n pup o'dere is bay'n ' fer yas, 'est til 'is siver rins ot."
Apart from the general hub of activity normal to a dockside tavern, Kay notices a stream of would-be sailors entering the tavern to sign up with the new ship's crew. Easily counting a dozen who've come and gone in the brief time she's been watching, the aspiring sailors line up, give their names, places of origin and residence, and any sailing experience or particular skills they may have.
The young scarcely bearded man in the middle, who is referred to by his companions as Captain Aundrey, speaks little, letting the two clearly more experienced individuals do most of the talking. The woman maintains a steady glower, but alternates between standing with her burly arms crossed across her chest or planting them firmly on her hips. Kay picks up a distinctly protective manner exuding from the woman towards the young man beside her. The dwarf seems to be drinking his fill and playing the part of dutiful assistant, but every now and again Kay catches him wincing or cocking a sceptical eye at some remark that the young captain makes.
Kay skillfully hides her interest, and is almost certain that none of the three catch on to her inquiring gaze.
The woman standing at the Captain's right, identifies herself as First Mate E'strue, and while putting one cocksure sailor in his place, says,'
"Ye though, ye worthless piece of crab dung, may call me GOD! I would tell ye to call me by yer equally worthless mother's name, but I doubt that ye even know who the poxy whore is. And if ye wink at me again, I'll have that eye-lid off. Am I making myself clear? Good - now sign the charter like a good dock-flea and then piss off till the mornin'... when we'll see if yer good for anything more than ballast."
'Addressing a suggestive remark from a different sailor, this one a lithe, bald headed, black skinned woman in tight fetching leathers, the grizzled dwarf, who the First Mate calls Drannick or Drann, responds,'
"Ye 'ave always wanted to do that with a dwarf, have ye? Well, well, I'd say I'm flattered, but by Umberlee's beautiful black soul, I've had more temptin' offers from one-legged corpse haulers. Listen lass, and listen ye well - I ain't here to rub yer belly... or have ye rub mine. I'm here to help the good captain there find some half-decent sailors, or the closest things we can find. THEN me job is to keep said scum in line, all happy and productive like. Help me do that and who knows... maybe ye will be able to use that lotion of yers one day after all."
'The perceptive young woman notices that apart from the West-facing front door, the common room has two other plain wooden doors, one behind the bar along the East wall and one centered in the North wall. One or another of the two barmaids periodically goes through the Northern door, either to bring out more rags, mugs or a mop and bucket. In addition to the doors, a tightly winding banistered stairwell is situated above the bar the room's NE corner, rising both up into a second floor as well as down into what must be some kind of cellar.'
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
"Thanks for the Whiskey, Vergil. It's already got enough kick to it though, I'll pass on your special cocktail!"
'Kestrell catches Nubrel's eye and gives him a nod, then starts to walk over to him. He smiles at Beril as he passes, but can see she's too busy to talk, and winks at Lorana': "You're doing great Lorana! You let me know if any of these characters give you trouble!"
'Kestrell slaps Nubrel on the back.'
"Nubrel! Great to see you, is the Looking Glass back in port? How is my old boss Orryn? Man I've been missing the feel of the waves under me and the wind on my face. It's tough to make a living singing songs out here on dry land."
'The door to the Prancing pirate opens once again. A tall muscular but lean half-elf holds the door open, most of her clean shaven head is hidden by a bandanna that is covered with patterns and symbols that are similar to that tattoos that seem to run across her arms and back , while a single pattern of a thin wave stretches across her face just above the bridge of her nose from on ear to another. her lower half is covered buy long baggy (Mc hammer) pants. her upper half is covered by a simple top that lacks sleaves. Her forearms are wrapped in old dirty looking bandages that work down to her hands. With her short sword hanging from her waist, she makes her way to the bar with a smile and a skip. Placing both her hands on the bar she smiles at the barkeep, who instantly smells alcohol radiating from her.' "tell me you big beutiful man. What is the cheapest piss you have?"
'Vergil moves away towards another customer muttering something darkly under his breath about "kicks, cocks and tails", while Beril is too busy to acknowledge Kestrell's smile, as she's busy explaining to a dreadlocked man with a rich rolling accent that the free drinks are for a limited time only, for one at a time and will be delivered at the pace and in the order that the barmaid decides they should be. Lorana spins away from yet another grasping hand, which costs her one of the drinks on her tray, the glass shattering on the inn floor to much hooting and hollering, as she calls back half-in-jest,'
"Err, thanks, Kes! I think I've got this, though we're a bit busier than usual due to the.. *OUCH*... Ahh, if I were to ask you to kill some of these people... how many do you think you could manage?"
'Nubrel smiles at Kestrell over his shoulder, obviously pleased to see the bard.'
"Well, well, look who blew into town upon a timely breeze. Huh? No, best I know the Glass ain't been back here since we disembarked and that Orryn was as much your boss as I was. Everyone knew that you were the main reason we n'eer got lost at sea! And I swear that Captain Thomas short-changed my purse when I left ship.
Ah well, fate has made up for it, I think, seeing as I'm sitting here with some fine new pals and am about to set sail on my next lucrative adventure! What's that you say, you miss the sea? Well of course you do, like any sane man would. I know - you should hire on as a hand with the Shore Shark. That fine chap over there is Captain Aundrey and he and his First Mate and Bosun are promising good coin for honest sweat. Beats begging for scraps with a song, surely? Join up with me, Kestrell, and it'll be just like the old days!!!"
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 hooded figure walks through the doors of Rumtown, his crimson blue skin exposed on his arms from the sleeveless hood. His body is well sculpted from a life on the seas filling various positions. He just looked around as his hand grasped the side of his hood and pulled it down revealing violet eyes and short snow white hair. Across his back rest a quaterstaff and at his side a dagger. Any further inspection would reveal another dagger strapped to his boot. His lips curled into a joyful smile taking in the smell of the air and the sounds of drunkards and shanty's. This was the life for A'ro, the only thing better than alcohol and the sounds of a tavern was the sense of freedom he got from the wind across his face on the open seas.
At first glance A'ro may have come off at first sight as a delicate and charming individual, but his voice held the confidence of a man who'd been working the seas for ages. He just looked at Beril and gave a small wave"Hey Beril, hope no ones pissin' ya off to bad today." His smile took on more playfulness as he walked by Lorana and gave her a wink "How are you today Ms. Lorana? Got a husband yet or can I still be in the running for a fine woman such as you?" Finally, he landed at his desired destination, the bar "Vergil, Ol' Friend - how about two flagons of that amazin' rum you got here. I've got a thirst that could rival a whale."
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
'Vergil squints his one remaining eye, which only emphasises the puckered scar and dirty white orb on the other side of his creased face. It's clear the the dwarf is trying to figure out if he's being made fun of.'
"Bug man? Err... wut? Argh, fok it! Chip piss I kin git ya, wee gurl. Ail or rum? Boat'ter chip, bat da rum'll sta wif ya lunga."
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
Both barmaids smile at the exoticly handsome genasi, though Lorana blushes and turns away, while Beril just laughs and says,'
"No more than usual, A'ro you smooth blue bastard. You back in town only to take ship again? Or are you goin' to make good on those loose promises that you keep throwin' poor Lorana's way?"
'Vergil nods in greeting, busy as he is with multiple shouted orders. While he eventually pours the two flagons of rum, he pauses with a mirthless grin before pushing them across the bar, saying,'
"Cap'n's ony bay'n mogs, une at'r timm. Ta flig'ns o' rom ye'll ave to biy yasef... 1 siver a'piss!"
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 smiles looking at Vergil"To help support this fine establishment, I don't mind." he slipped him a gold 'Here, for the other 3 I'll order tonight and last 5 I'll forget to take back to my wallet cause of how drunk I am." He just gave a smile picking up one of the flagons as he began to drink it, looking back to Beril "Trade the sea for Lorana..." He smiled looking back to Lorana and then back to Beril "Sounds like a trade where I make out the better, don't know if the universe would let that happen. Plus it's good work, how else would I support her and the obvious children we would have." He turned back to Lorana still playfully "Think you could put up with a sailor for a husband..." He changed his voice a little to mimic that of a salty sailor to finish the ending, trying to get a laugh "knowin' the sea be his mistress lass'."
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
'Vergil's one good eye glitters as he snatches the coin from the bar, bites it suspiciously, before pocketing it with a nod, apparently more than satisfied. Lorana, wiping a thin pale hand across her sweaty brow, merely laughs warmly at A'ro, but Beril, always willing to play along with the nicer, well-behaved customers, says,'
"Ahh, of course. It's the universe that won't let a dishonest scoundrel such as yourself make a proper wife out of an honest woman like Lorana. Hear that, sweety? Next time one of these wharf rats falls through on some promise or 'nother, just remember it's not his fault... it's the universe's fault! Ha!!!"
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
'Unawalyn squints and smiles at Virgil, seeming amused by the dwarfs befuddlement she chuckles' "I shall have some rum" 'She wraps her arms around herself for a full body hug' "from experience it also keeps you warm." 'She smiles and looks about the tavern, noticing the blue genasi at the the bar her eyebrows raise in general curiosity and confusion.' "hey um excuse me? Are you blue... or am i very drunk?" 'she spaces out for a moment' "shit i'm sorry that was rude we are strangers. Hi how are you?" 'she pauses with a smile then asks' "are you blue or am I drunk?" 'She squints and rubs her eyes'
Vaken opens the door to the common room and ducks down so he can walk through it. As he straightens he tries to adjust the apron he's wearing. It's clearly not intended to be worn by a goliath but it was all that was available. As he straightens his clothes, he's careful not to drop the tray with three plates of food that he's carrying. The last thing he needs is to give Vergil something else to complain about. Vaken stands straight and walks proud to the captain's table and starts to set the plates of food down in between the various papers on the table. `What do I say?? I need to make a good impression.` he thinks to himself. After his finishes placing the food he looks to the captain and mumbles "I hope you enjoy the meal. If you need anything else, let me know. Anything at all. I'm a hard worker and..."
Vaken realizes he's starting to ramble and shuts his mouth abruptly and turns to walk back into the kitchen. `Stupid! stupid! I need to get out of here and this could be my chance and what do I do? I start rambling.` He looks up and sees Vergil glaring at him. `He knows I'm reaching the end of my rope. I can't stay much longer. Maybe I'll head back South. Luskan wasn't horrible.`
Cooking check: 16
Dex check: 6
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
He just smiled at Beril "The most honest dishonest scoundrel you'll ever meet. Anyways, I would think it cruel if the universe corrupted someone as innocent and nice as Lorana by letting a scoundrel like me marry her."
He was about to continue, when the person came over and asked if he was blue. He just smiled "Why can't it be both miss and no need to apologize. I am indeed blue - a tragic tale if I do say so myself. You see I use to have beautiful pale skin and wouldn't you know it I tried holding my breath one day." He pauses taking a swig "Now me mum, tells me "Boy you better breathe or you'll turn blue." and of course I didn't listen being so young. But I held it for over 30 minutes." He just shook his head as a sly smile took his face as he lifted his mug again to his lips again and placed the mug back on the table empty. He held out his hand "Enough though of such tragedies, as the boy who wouldn't breathe. Let's stop being strangers and start being friends, I'm A'ro Gale."
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
'She gawks and exhales in amazement at the tale of the breath that was held by this A'ro Gale. looking at the floor for a moment she touches the tatoo of the wave that reaches across her face, a brief moment of sadness washes over her then leaves as quickly as it came.' "Well A'ro Gale, I am Unawalyn" 'she graps his hand for a firm shake, smiling brightly at him' "Hey. i have an idea" 'she pauses. here eyes close for a moment then pop open.' "We should dance. theres music" she points at the old man with the acordian' "And since we are friends now we can dance, so we shoooould" 'she pushes A'ro's shoulder lightly' "I could find a new friend but non of them would be blue or be able to hold there breath for like an hour"
'The young captain smiles as the goliath places down the plates, but he seems preoccupied with what the dwarf is saying to him at the time,'
"Well, beggin' ye pardon, Captain, I hope that ye don't mind me speakin' me mind, but I can't says that I agree with yer' plan to give those crossbows to the crew ta keep as their own. They should belong to and stay aboard the ship for the purpose they are meant - protectin' the ship! Givin' them to these... fine folk, would be a mistake. Half of'em will lose them or accidently shoot a shipmate while drunk... that's if they dont sell'em outright for coin ta spend on whores!"
'As Vaken pulls away from the table though, he hears a whistle and turns to see the brawny woman toss something in his direction as she reaches down to grab a lamb shank with her other hand. The missile glitters, spinning towards the goliath, as she says,'
"Our thanks, big fella. Dealin' with thieves and liars is hunger-buildin' work, to be sure. And I have to say, this food smells damn fine and better than I'm used to 'board ship."
[OOC] Vaken make a cooking tool prof check and (if he plans to catch the sparkling coin tossed his way) a dex check.
Proxy cooking 14 and dex 4 checks for Vaken.
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 chuckled, at least this new person was interesting. He just watched as she touched the tattoo and then took his hand introducing herself. "That does sound like a dun idea - but the night is still early. How about a few more drinks and maybe a story for the story i told you." He just grabbed the next drink and used his foot to pull out the chair next to him "How about, the story of that tattoo? Then we can dance for a bit."
A'ro raise his hand to Virgil"When you get a chance can I get two more of the ale. Give one over to my new friend."
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
'she hesitates before sitting but takes a seat none the less'
"Ok. that seems fair. But this stays between us."
''She leans in close pointing her finger at A'ro, pointing it at him as if it was a knife'
"I won't tell people why you are blue and you won't tell people about me. RIGHT THEN."
''Bombastically she claps her hands together and begins to speak, her voice far quieter than before and directing her words completely towards A'ro;
"so I'm not just a drunk"
'She starts to unwrap her bandages, still speaking as she does;
"I am what pure elves call "Half-bread garbage."
'She smiles as she says it, as if she has heard those words so many times that they have just become a bad joke;
"I was raised by sea-elves.They believed that keeping me alive was the right thing to do... none of them really wanted me around though so that complicated things."
'at this point her bandages are off, revealing webbed finger and fin like appendages going up her fore arms;
"I am Half sea-elf, the only half breed in my tribe and my tribe had a tradition. when we reached a certain age we would receive a mark that basically described what we were as an individual. this mark."
'She points at the wave that reaches across her face;
"Shows everyone how deep I have to swim before I start drowning. All I was seen as was a weakness."
'she begins to wrap her arms back up, her face expressionless;