What lies beyond the Trackless Sea in the world of Toril has always perplexed the citizens of Neverwinter. Rumors have it that great undiscovered continents with untold wealth lie there, but many dismiss them as fireside tales. As with many rumors and tales, a grain of truth is always present. The continent of Austrilis lies in this perilous sea with a great many countries. One such country is the Country of Comstalia. King Lacerca currently rules the country from the tallest mountain in the center of the country, Unus Mons, in the city Rexstalia. Four lords rule below him over the four major cities: Lord Nesteris rules the port city of Norstalia, Lord Eura rules the city of Eastalia, Lord Salari rules the city of Southstalia and Lord Waxston rules the city of Westalia.
The evening sun is slowly setting in Northalia. The crisp breeze off the northern sea blows in over the port striking Emse on her pale cheeks. “I hate the cold.” she thought to herself “If only that didn’t happen, I would never have had to feel this frigid air.” She folded her arms and bundled herself tighter and tighter, fighting to keep the warmth from fleeing her body. “I need to find a place to stay again. Somewhere that has a working fireplace this time.” She mumbled under her breath as she continued to wander the streets of this unknown town.
She hadn’t been here long, arriving only just last week in haste. She needed a new beginning, and she would not hesitate this time. She packed what she had left in Westalia and fled to Northalia. She thought being an adventure would be a great calling for her. She always had magic growing up and now was the time to reap the rewards of her gifts. In the previous in, the innkeeper spoke of a well-traveled tavern and inn around this area of town called the ‘Nauseous Narwhal’. A real disgusting name, but apparently all the seafarers love to go and spend their money there. She could definitely use the coin and maybe, just maybe, she could find a true adventure. Something that could distract, if only for a moment, from her nightmares...
Esme's thoughts continued on as she rounded the last street corner and found herself at the Nauseous Narwhal. From the outside it looks cheerful, enchanting and delightful. Clay bricks and well-crafted wooden beams make up most of the building's outer structure. It's impossible to see through the small, curtained windows, but the energy and excitement from within can be felt outside.
As she enters the tavern through the thick, wooden door, she is welcomed by a feeling of comfort and dancing people. The bartender is engaged in a conversation, but still manages to welcome you with a wink.
It's as lovely inside as it is on the outside. Rounded, wooden beams support the upper floor and the fans attached to them. The walls are covered in photographs of personal achievements, all related to the nearby mountain. Some of people who reached the summit, others simply of happy people..
The tavern itself is packed. Passing traders seem to be the primary clientele here, which could be seen as a bad sign, though you're sure it's not. Several long tables are occupied as are the other, smaller tables. Everyone here seems to be people who clearly enjoy each other's company, though they seem to be strangers who have met here. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied. She glances at one of the open stools and thinks "Well I have to start somewhere" and moves to the bar to grab the seat.
Esme did hear rumors about this tavern from the innkeeper, supposedly it's famous for something, but she can't remember what for. She looks to her left to see a vulnerably elderly male human. He is medium sized and thin with green eyes and tan skin. On his face he has a crooked scar along the jaw. She then looks to her right to see a middle aged female human. She is really short and fat, and has brown eyes with light skin and poofy hazel hair.
As she sits down, the bartender approaches Esme. He is a young adult male human who has light skin and is a bit skinny. Looking to his face she notices that he has amber eyes and a well-groomed mustache. As Esme finishes pulling her stool into the bar he looks at her and says "Evening miss, our special tonight is the boiled mutton and mushrooms with a tankard of bitter for 7 copper. What would you like me to start ya with?"
The bartender grabs a rag from behind the bar and quickly wipes off the area in front of Esme and says "Hmm we don't have any warm ale at the moment but could I interest you in a nice warm cherry wine? The cherries are from the fields of Eastalia and have been aged for 4 years!" He says with a large smile on his face
Esme says to the bartender, let me think about what I would like to drink and she waits for the bartender to walk off. Esme then turns to the elderly man next to her and asks him about the Nauseous Narwhal..."what is this place?" and "what drinks would you recommend?" Also, asking information about the bartender
The man next to Esme turns to her and looks surprised that she is talking to him. He reaches back and grabs his drink and says "Miss, if I were you, I would only get frog skewers and the bitter stout. I know the cook Ralmo and he does the best grilling in town." He then takes a quick drink of his beer and points at the bartender and says "Now him, you gotta watch out for him. He is always trying to sell their leftover stock and pawn it off as something that it is not. He normally tries that with the wine." He leans back chuckling a bit. "Tells the people that it is made from cherries. Everyone knows that wine is made from grapes!" The man slaps his knee while continuing to laugh to himself.
He slowly regains his composure and holds out his hand saying "Excuse my outburst, I am Aevan. Aevan Shaw. Pleasure to meet you."
Esme shakes Aevan's hand and introduces herself. She thanks him for the advice. When the bartender comes back to see Esme again, Esme orders frog skewers and the bitter stout. Esme then turns back to Aevan and asks him what is there to do around here?
Aevan leans back in his chair and lets out a sigh. He looks at his drink for a second then turns to Aevan and says "Oh there be plenty to do around here if you have the right tools. I used to be a fighter for the militia until old age finally caught up to me. Recently, a group of mercenaries called the Dark Riders have been terrorizing the city ever since someone raided their cargo ship. I think their frustration of getting robbed has turned them to targeting the innocent people around here way too much."
Aevan picks up his drink and takes a drink. He sets the drink down and says "You look like you are an adventurer. I think it is about time someone stands up for the people around here. A blacksmith friend of mine just got robbed by a group of the Dark Riders. The local guard won't do anything about it due to a "lack of evidence" but I know it is them. He saw their cloak emblems when they were running away with his items. Would you like to team up and get his wares back? I am sure he will compensate you for your actions." Aevan finishes his sentence and pauses for a second before saying "But you have to promise me. Please don't tell my wife Savannia. She will kill me if she finds out I am fighting again after I retired."
Esme studies Aevan and determines that he is telling the truth about what he just said. Especially the part about his wife. She must be the devil with how fearful he sounded when he said it.
This is the type of adventure that Esme has been waiting for. She can have an adventure and help people in need. She can be a hero and escape her dark past... However, as interested in this adventure of righting wrongs, Esme also doesn't want to jump to conclusions that the Dark Riders are responsible. Esme says to Aevan "Are you SURE that they were responsible? What is your plan?" Esme expresses concerns about the danger of going against a group like the Dark Riders.
Aevan says to Esme "Ralmo told me it was the Dark Riders, but getting more information is probably a good place to start. Ralmo's place is not too far from here, but I am sure he has already gone to sleep tonight. Why don't we meet up there tomorrow mornin' at Ralmo's place? Then we can talk to him and his apprentice about what happened the other day." Aevan finishes his drink and puts some coins on the bar in front of him. He then stands up, stretches and says "Thank you for the evening Esme, but I need to get home before the miss, misses me too much. I shall see you tomorrow."
With a simple half-bow, Aevan turns and heads towards the entrance of the bar, weaving through the tables and people. Esme then sees him depart the tavern, entering into the frigid dark night.
The bartender returns and offers Esme her drink and her bitter stout. Before turning around to serve another patron.
OOC: Esme needs to find a place to rest tonight. Most taverns function as inns as well.
Esme eats her bitter stout and drinks her drink. She pays for her drink and food leaving a good tip as well.Then Esme leaves the tavern looking for the innkeeper. Knowing that she will need a place to rest tonight.
As Esme pays her 8 copper for her food and begins to leave, the bartender says "Ma'am, if you need a place to stay, we have rooms available for 5 silver a night. If you are interested go, through the back door and you can speak to Miss Anne. She will get you set right up!"
Esme paid for her food and thanked the bartender for the food and drink. Esme also says that she will ask the innkeeper about a room. Esme walks through the backdoor looking for Miss Anne.
Esme walks out the bar area and follows a hallway for about 10 feet until it opens up into another room. There is a small counter with a middle aged woman with pale skin and red hair, standing reading a book. Esme approaches her and she closes her book and says "Good evening ma'am. A room is 5 sp for a night. Once you pay here you can follow the stairs up to the right, and your room will be up there. Please be out of the room by noon tomorrow, unless you plan on paying for multiple nights."
OOC: If you wish to transition to the next day, just say you pay the fee then got to your room to sleep. I will then advance the story to you going to meet Aevan (the man at the bar) at Ralmo's (the blacksmith that got robbed) place the next morning. Unless you don't want to do that of course.
Esme thanks her for the offer and pays the 5 sp for one night. Esme falls asleep. The next morning, Esme leaves her room before the noon deadline and is looking to meet up with Aevan.
The next morning, Esme exits the Nauseous Narwhal and heads towards the location of the Ralmo the blacksmith. It is a cold, brisk morning, and there are not many people out on the streets. She heads to the south and rounds a few corners until she see a building with a sign in front saying "Ralmo's Smithing" below that hangs another sign that says "Closed". Turning to the two story building she sees a door with a window on either side. Inside the right window, she sees Aevan sitting down talking to someone she has not seen before.
What lies beyond the Trackless Sea in the world of Toril has always perplexed the citizens of Neverwinter. Rumors have it that great undiscovered continents with untold wealth lie there, but many dismiss them as fireside tales. As with many rumors and tales, a grain of truth is always present. The continent of Austrilis lies in this perilous sea with a great many countries. One such country is the Country of Comstalia. King Lacerca currently rules the country from the tallest mountain in the center of the country, Unus Mons, in the city Rexstalia. Four lords rule below him over the four major cities: Lord Nesteris rules the port city of Norstalia, Lord Eura rules the city of Eastalia, Lord Salari rules the city of Southstalia and Lord Waxston rules the city of Westalia.
The evening sun is slowly setting in Northalia. The crisp breeze off the northern sea blows in over the port striking Emse on her pale cheeks. “I hate the cold.” she thought to herself “If only that didn’t happen, I would never have had to feel this frigid air.” She folded her arms and bundled herself tighter and tighter, fighting to keep the warmth from fleeing her body. “I need to find a place to stay again. Somewhere that has a working fireplace this time.” She mumbled under her breath as she continued to wander the streets of this unknown town.
She hadn’t been here long, arriving only just last week in haste. She needed a new beginning, and she would not hesitate this time. She packed what she had left in Westalia and fled to Northalia. She thought being an adventure would be a great calling for her. She always had magic growing up and now was the time to reap the rewards of her gifts. In the previous in, the innkeeper spoke of a well-traveled tavern and inn around this area of town called the ‘Nauseous Narwhal’. A real disgusting name, but apparently all the seafarers love to go and spend their money there. She could definitely use the coin and maybe, just maybe, she could find a true adventure. Something that could distract, if only for a moment, from her nightmares...
Esme's thoughts continued on as she rounded the last street corner and found herself at the Nauseous Narwhal. From the outside it looks cheerful, enchanting and delightful. Clay bricks and well-crafted wooden beams make up most of the building's outer structure. It's impossible to see through the small, curtained windows, but the energy and excitement from within can be felt outside.
As she enters the tavern through the thick, wooden door, she is welcomed by a feeling of comfort and dancing people. The bartender is engaged in a conversation, but still manages to welcome you with a wink.
It's as lovely inside as it is on the outside. Rounded, wooden beams support the upper floor and the fans attached to them. The walls are covered in photographs of personal achievements, all related to the nearby mountain. Some of people who reached the summit, others simply of happy people..
The tavern itself is packed. Passing traders seem to be the primary clientele here, which could be seen as a bad sign, though you're sure it's not. Several long tables are occupied as are the other, smaller tables. Everyone here seems to be people who clearly enjoy each other's company, though they seem to be strangers who have met here. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied. She glances at one of the open stools and thinks "Well I have to start somewhere" and moves to the bar to grab the seat.
Esme did hear rumors about this tavern from the innkeeper, supposedly it's famous for something, but she can't remember what for. She looks to her left to see a vulnerably elderly male human. He is medium sized and thin with green eyes and tan skin. On his face he has a crooked scar along the jaw. She then looks to her right to see a middle aged female human. She is really short and fat, and has brown eyes with light skin and poofy hazel hair.
As she sits down, the bartender approaches Esme. He is a young adult male human who has light skin and is a bit skinny. Looking to his face she notices that he has amber eyes and a well-groomed mustache. As Esme finishes pulling her stool into the bar he looks at her and says "Evening miss, our special tonight is the boiled mutton and mushrooms with a tankard of bitter for 7 copper. What would you like me to start ya with?"
Esme says to the bartender "I am thirsty, but also a bit cold. Can I get a warm cup of ale?"
The bartender grabs a rag from behind the bar and quickly wipes off the area in front of Esme and says "Hmm we don't have any warm ale at the moment but could I interest you in a nice warm cherry wine? The cherries are from the fields of Eastalia and have been aged for 4 years!" He says with a large smile on his face
Esme thinks something is off. She would like to do an insight check on the bartender.17
Esme looks at the bartender and notices that his smile is a bit too large to for everything he said to be truthful. He is definitely hiding something.
Esme says to the bartender, let me think about what I would like to drink and she waits for the bartender to walk off. Esme then turns to the elderly man next to her and asks him about the Nauseous Narwhal..."what is this place?" and "what drinks would you recommend?" Also, asking information about the bartender
The man next to Esme turns to her and looks surprised that she is talking to him. He reaches back and grabs his drink and says "Miss, if I were you, I would only get frog skewers and the bitter stout. I know the cook Ralmo and he does the best grilling in town." He then takes a quick drink of his beer and points at the bartender and says "Now him, you gotta watch out for him. He is always trying to sell their leftover stock and pawn it off as something that it is not. He normally tries that with the wine." He leans back chuckling a bit. "Tells the people that it is made from cherries. Everyone knows that wine is made from grapes!" The man slaps his knee while continuing to laugh to himself.
He slowly regains his composure and holds out his hand saying "Excuse my outburst, I am Aevan. Aevan Shaw. Pleasure to meet you."
Esme shakes Aevan's hand and introduces herself. She thanks him for the advice. When the bartender comes back to see Esme again, Esme orders frog skewers and the bitter stout. Esme then turns back to Aevan and asks him what is there to do around here?
Aevan leans back in his chair and lets out a sigh. He looks at his drink for a second then turns to Aevan and says "Oh there be plenty to do around here if you have the right tools. I used to be a fighter for the militia until old age finally caught up to me. Recently, a group of mercenaries called the Dark Riders have been terrorizing the city ever since someone raided their cargo ship. I think their frustration of getting robbed has turned them to targeting the innocent people around here way too much."
Aevan picks up his drink and takes a drink. He sets the drink down and says "You look like you are an adventurer. I think it is about time someone stands up for the people around here. A blacksmith friend of mine just got robbed by a group of the Dark Riders. The local guard won't do anything about it due to a "lack of evidence" but I know it is them. He saw their cloak emblems when they were running away with his items. Would you like to team up and get his wares back? I am sure he will compensate you for your actions." Aevan finishes his sentence and pauses for a second before saying "But you have to promise me. Please don't tell my wife Savannia. She will kill me if she finds out I am fighting again after I retired."
Insight check 24
Esme studies Aevan and determines that he is telling the truth about what he just said. Especially the part about his wife. She must be the devil with how fearful he sounded when he said it.
This is the type of adventure that Esme has been waiting for. She can have an adventure and help people in need. She can be a hero and escape her dark past... However, as interested in this adventure of righting wrongs, Esme also doesn't want to jump to conclusions that the Dark Riders are responsible. Esme says to Aevan "Are you SURE that they were responsible? What is your plan?" Esme expresses concerns about the danger of going against a group like the Dark Riders.
Aevan says to Esme "Ralmo told me it was the Dark Riders, but getting more information is probably a good place to start. Ralmo's place is not too far from here, but I am sure he has already gone to sleep tonight. Why don't we meet up there tomorrow mornin' at Ralmo's place? Then we can talk to him and his apprentice about what happened the other day." Aevan finishes his drink and puts some coins on the bar in front of him. He then stands up, stretches and says "Thank you for the evening Esme, but I need to get home before the miss, misses me too much. I shall see you tomorrow."
With a simple half-bow, Aevan turns and heads towards the entrance of the bar, weaving through the tables and people. Esme then sees him depart the tavern, entering into the frigid dark night.
The bartender returns and offers Esme her drink and her bitter stout. Before turning around to serve another patron.
OOC: Esme needs to find a place to rest tonight. Most taverns function as inns as well.
Esme eats her bitter stout and drinks her drink. She pays for her drink and food leaving a good tip as well.Then Esme leaves the tavern looking for the innkeeper. Knowing that she will need a place to rest tonight.
As Esme pays her 8 copper for her food and begins to leave, the bartender says "Ma'am, if you need a place to stay, we have rooms available for 5 silver a night. If you are interested go, through the back door and you can speak to Miss Anne. She will get you set right up!"
Esme paid for her food and thanked the bartender for the food and drink. Esme also says that she will ask the innkeeper about a room. Esme walks through the backdoor looking for Miss Anne.
Esme walks out the bar area and follows a hallway for about 10 feet until it opens up into another room. There is a small counter with a middle aged woman with pale skin and red hair, standing reading a book. Esme approaches her and she closes her book and says "Good evening ma'am. A room is 5 sp for a night. Once you pay here you can follow the stairs up to the right, and your room will be up there. Please be out of the room by noon tomorrow, unless you plan on paying for multiple nights."
OOC: If you wish to transition to the next day, just say you pay the fee then got to your room to sleep. I will then advance the story to you going to meet Aevan (the man at the bar) at Ralmo's (the blacksmith that got robbed) place the next morning. Unless you don't want to do that of course.
Esme thanks her for the offer and pays the 5 sp for one night. Esme falls asleep. The next morning, Esme leaves her room before the noon deadline and is looking to meet up with Aevan.
The next morning, Esme exits the Nauseous Narwhal and heads towards the location of the Ralmo the blacksmith. It is a cold, brisk morning, and there are not many people out on the streets. She heads to the south and rounds a few corners until she see a building with a sign in front saying "Ralmo's Smithing" below that hangs another sign that says "Closed". Turning to the two story building she sees a door with a window on either side. Inside the right window, she sees Aevan sitting down talking to someone she has not seen before.
Esme slowly walks over to where they are sitting. She listens to their conversation.
Stealth roll: 15
Perception: 3