Elfsong Tavern is just straight down the road and towards the left in the Lower City from the Basilisk Gate. For those of you who live here, you have heard of this tavern before. From time to time, the disembodied voice of a female elf fills the tavern with a melancholy song, giving the establishment its name. The ballad isn’t loud enough to disrupt conversation, but most patrons stop speaking when the elfsong begins, then resume only after it ends. Many customers frequent the tavern in the hopes of hearing it. Those who speak Elvish can understand the lyrics, which lament an unnamed lover lost at sea. No one is sure how the spirit came to haunt the tavern, just as no one can predict when it will sing again.
NOTE:No wise person walks the streets of Baldur’s Gate or enters one of its taverns without a weapon or an armed escort. Anyone who has lived in the city for more than a tenday knows this from experience. Taverns might appear safe at a glance, but they are among the most dangerous places in Baldur’s Gate — full of alcohol, tempting coin, and unscrupulous people. Volothamp Geddarm, a notorious raconteur known for his tavern reviews, encapsulates his Baldur’s Gate experience as “hard on the stomach, especially when someone sticks a knife in there.” Customers are expected to look after themselves when fights break out, and one shouldn’t expect any help or sympathy from the Flaming Fist. Tavern murders are common, and usually end with the poor victim being dragged away and either left in an alley (to be picked clean by urchins, then eaten by rats) or tossed in the harbor.
E1 - THE TAPROOM
Alan Alyth, the owner, tends bar while two young human men named Falten and Yimiur take orders, deliver drinks and food to tables, and joke with the clientele. Flanking the entrance are two bouncers: a suit of animated armor called Klank and a gruff female half-ogre named Skoona. From what you know about Baldur's Gate, they will protect the employees and Alan, but not the customers, should a fight break out.
Well-armed patrons huddle around tables in the main room and in private booths. Three padded chairs are angled toward a fireplace on the east wall, underneath the creaky wooden staircase that climbs to the second floor. A drunk is passed out on the couch against the north wall. Next to the couch sits a wooden sea chest that contains an assortment of games (Dragonchess boards, well-used decks of Three-Dragon Ante cards, and so on).
Allynna makes sure a dagger is visible at her side as she moves, and her crystal pulses a faint red, warning everyone of its magical potential. She makes sure the others have some kind of weapon visible as well. It's a shame I don't have the time to change into the Nightingale-or to explain that to the others. She walks into the Elfsong, fairly confident that people here won't recognize her face, so she holds her head high and confident. "Nobody do anything stupid and reckless, and we'll be fine," she murmurs to the others.
Having absorbed this information, Jill sets Corrin down. "Ok. This is a bad place with bad people. Let us put our mean faces on, not start any trouble, but if anyone tries to hurt us, stab them like Madame Amelia taught you." Jill turns back to Amelia with a thumbs up and a little smile after she finished giving instructions, as if saying 'I did good, right?'
Meep is a little overwhelmed by all the rambunctious people around, and sticks closer to the large people, keeping a hand firmly placed on her pack to make sure no one steals anything off of her. The other free to cast a defensive spell if needed. "So... Who are we talking to?"
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Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
For a moment, it was silent in the tavern as when you all walked in, all eyes were on you. Then, after a few moments, everyone went back to their business.
"We are looking for a woman named Tarina."Misha said to Meep, scanning the room slowly.
Like a walking tank, Misha glared at the patrons with a "don't mess with us" visage.
"Nope! I learned makeup all on my own, but I used my mama as a test subject a lot of the time. She doesn't use a lot of makeup, she says she only really used lipstick to impress my dad, so I started to collect them in hopes that one day my dad will come back if I put a bunch of different colors on her." Corrin laughs sheepishly. "Though, I've been getting really distracted... Maybe since we're here I can put some on her after her fight!"
Upon receiving the badge, she beams brightly and pins it in the middle of her chest, then Amelia comes in and adjusts it to her right breast to mirror her mothers. She pouts a little bit, but it is soon wiped away when Jill let's her ride on her shoulders, even giving a quick wave to the handsome man who was now tagging along with them. When given a moment, Amelia ends up introducing herself and her daughter to Yoska. "Nice to meetcha. Name's Amelia, the little tiefling on Jill's shoulders is Corrin, my daughter. She would properly introduce herself but... she's a little occupied." She gives the man a firm handshake and gets to moving.
Now:
Amelia nods at Jill in approval, glad that the other had taken Corrin off her shoulders at an appropriate time. The tiefling rushes to her mother's side automatically and reaches for her hand. The older woman gives everyone in the tavern a mama bear look, especially those whose eyes linger on Corrin.
Amelia Percep: 17 Corrin Percep: 8
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Looking around the tavern, you can see upstairs someone who fits the description of someone who might be Tarina.
As you all are about to make the connection and tell each other, a ghostly female disembodied voice begins singing a song, filling the tavern in a hauntingly beautiful melody.
ELFSONG
O sing a song of Elturel of water, woods, and hill The sun dawns on her ruddy cliffs and fields green and still. This land of long-abiding joy, home of the strong and brave Renowned by all, across the realms, and never once a slave.
O sing a song of Elturel, when foes are at her door Her fields torn by cloven feet from some infernal shore. Arise the mighty Hellriders, take up your swift, keen swords Then charge into the hellish fray and scatter devil hordes.
O sing a song of Elturel and when the night does fall Sleep safe beneath Companion’s light until the dawn does call. We’re bound by mortal covenant that only ends with death And so we’ll sing of Elturel until our final breath.
The song is so beautiful, it is a few moments before you focus back on reality and come to your senses.
Allynna, you recall Captain Zodge using the term to describe the knights of Elturel. You recalls that the Hellriders were so-named long ago when they descended into the Nine Hells on horseback to fight devils. Most of them never returned. And, you knows that “the Companion” referred to in the song is the name given to the artificial sun that burns over Elturel, protecting the city and its surrounding lands against undead.
Allynna frowns. "Interesting..." she murmurs before glancing at the others and angling her head towards the woman who matches Tarina's description. "She looks like our girl. Shall we?"
Persephone confidently walks into the bar, only to have her confidence dashed once she realized that everyone is staring at them. When the song starts up, Persephone overcomes her stage fright and withers away into the shadows (Stealth: 8).
..****y to stumble and smash into the bar, spilling a customers drink all over themselves. “Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!” she utters as she backs away and rushes to hide behind the giant new member of the group Yoska).
Meep quietly follows behind Misha and Yoska, her eyes darting around curiously, taking in everything from the safety behind the taller people. "Very interesting... Don't see this often back home. Dain would have loved it here."
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Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE..
7
A few patrons push you away as you break a glass, or two, bumping into the bar - and the tavern owner gives you a very annoyed look. You scurry away in shame, and tell yourself internally that you should be more careful lest the DM really **** you over.
Eight motley humans saunter into the tavern. The leader is a brawny man with a cloudy right eye, a cruel sneer, and a pirate’s swagger. The others are an unsavory, rowdy bunch who act as if they own the place. “We’re looking for an old friend of ours,”says the dead-eyed man. He sniffs the air. “Goes by the name ‘Tarina,’ or so I’m told. Loves to cheat at Baldur’s Bones. A mug of ale to whoeva tells me where she's at, eh?”
Several tavern patrons are quick to accept the offer, and point upstairs. From your position in the tavern, you can easily tell this pirate captain doesn’t like to bathe, and his breath smells like rotting fish.
Earlier: Turning from Nok Nok to the parent and child pair, the druid squints at Corrin for half a second prior to nodding and going back to grinning at the pair. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Amelia, and I look forward to working with you two. Though-..." He catches himself, and with an awkward chuckle, simply shakes his head and lets things move on from there.
Instead of surprise or anything akin, when Yoska turned to Meep next, he grins brightly but kept his hands to himself. As if he might already know of Meep's dilemma. "Hm... Hard to say, if I were to be honest. My bloodline is all kinds of muddy due to the actions of my father... Not that I'm complaining, Sugar. Just say'n it like it is. But, if I had to narrow things down just a tid bit at least... hm... I guess its akin to harnessing the primal energies of whatever world I happen to be on. Provided, of course, they're touched just right by it. Otherwise, I gotta dig a bit deeper into myself fer dat."
Present: Seeming Enthralled in just about everything in the tavern, Yoska is quiet and just looking around at everything. It isn't until he felt someone brush past that he truly looks down and around for the first time in a mute. "Hoho! Now where'ja come from little one? 'nd what's got'cha so spooked?" He asks, seeming to have missed or not connected the bar incident with Persophone. And even in the face of some strange negativity in the air about the woman, Yoska perpetual smile dims, but never fully fades away.
ELFSONG TAVERN
Elfsong Tavern is just straight down the road and towards the left in the Lower City from the Basilisk Gate. For those of you who live here, you have heard of this tavern before. From time to time, the disembodied voice of a female elf fills the tavern with a melancholy song, giving the establishment its name. The ballad isn’t loud enough to disrupt conversation, but most patrons stop speaking when the elfsong begins, then resume only after it ends. Many customers frequent the tavern in the hopes of hearing it. Those who speak Elvish can understand the lyrics, which lament an unnamed lover lost at sea. No one is sure how the spirit came to haunt the tavern, just as no one can predict when it will sing again.
NOTE: No wise person walks the streets of Baldur’s Gate or enters one of its taverns without a weapon or an armed escort. Anyone who has lived in the city for more than a tenday knows this from experience. Taverns might appear safe at a glance, but they are among the most dangerous places in Baldur’s Gate — full of alcohol, tempting coin, and unscrupulous people. Volothamp Geddarm, a notorious raconteur known for his tavern reviews, encapsulates his Baldur’s Gate experience as “hard on the stomach, especially when someone sticks a knife in there.” Customers are expected to look after themselves when fights break out, and one shouldn’t expect any help or sympathy from the Flaming Fist. Tavern murders are common, and usually end with the poor victim being dragged away and either left in an alley (to be picked clean by urchins, then eaten by rats) or tossed in the harbor.
E1 - THE TAPROOM
Alan Alyth, the owner, tends bar while two young human men named Falten and Yimiur take orders, deliver drinks and food to tables, and joke with the clientele. Flanking the entrance are two bouncers: a suit of animated armor called Klank and a gruff female half-ogre named Skoona. From what you know about Baldur's Gate, they will protect the employees and Alan, but not the customers, should a fight break out.
Well-armed patrons huddle around tables in the main room and in private booths. Three padded chairs are angled toward a fireplace on the east wall, underneath the creaky wooden staircase that climbs to the second floor. A drunk is passed out on the couch against the north wall. Next to the couch sits a wooden sea chest that contains an assortment of games (Dragonchess boards, well-used decks of Three-Dragon Ante cards, and so on).
What would you like to do?
Allynna makes sure a dagger is visible at her side as she moves, and her crystal pulses a faint red, warning everyone of its magical potential. She makes sure the others have some kind of weapon visible as well. It's a shame I don't have the time to change into the Nightingale-or to explain that to the others. She walks into the Elfsong, fairly confident that people here won't recognize her face, so she holds her head high and confident. "Nobody do anything stupid and reckless, and we'll be fine," she murmurs to the others.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Having absorbed this information, Jill sets Corrin down. "Ok. This is a bad place with bad people. Let us put our mean faces on, not start any trouble, but if anyone tries to hurt us, stab them like Madame Amelia taught you." Jill turns back to Amelia with a thumbs up and a little smile after she finished giving instructions, as if saying 'I did good, right?'
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Overhearing Jill, Nok Nok’s toothy grin changes back to a feral snarl. He glares about like an agitated tomcat ready to slice open the nearest fool.
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Meep is a little overwhelmed by all the rambunctious people around, and sticks closer to the large people, keeping a hand firmly placed on her pack to make sure no one steals anything off of her. The other free to cast a defensive spell if needed. "So... Who are we talking to?"
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
For a moment, it was silent in the tavern as when you all walked in, all eyes were on you. Then, after a few moments, everyone went back to their business.
"We are looking for a woman named Tarina." Misha said to Meep, scanning the room slowly.
Like a walking tank, Misha glared at the patrons with a "don't mess with us" visage.
How about some perception checks?
Perception: 14
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
A little earlier:
"Nope! I learned makeup all on my own, but I used my mama as a test subject a lot of the time. She doesn't use a lot of makeup, she says she only really used lipstick to impress my dad, so I started to collect them in hopes that one day my dad will come back if I put a bunch of different colors on her." Corrin laughs sheepishly. "Though, I've been getting really distracted... Maybe since we're here I can put some on her after her fight!"
Upon receiving the badge, she beams brightly and pins it in the middle of her chest, then Amelia comes in and adjusts it to her right breast to mirror her mothers. She pouts a little bit, but it is soon wiped away when Jill let's her ride on her shoulders, even giving a quick wave to the handsome man who was now tagging along with them. When given a moment, Amelia ends up introducing herself and her daughter to Yoska. "Nice to meetcha. Name's Amelia, the little tiefling on Jill's shoulders is Corrin, my daughter. She would properly introduce herself but... she's a little occupied." She gives the man a firm handshake and gets to moving.
Now:
Amelia nods at Jill in approval, glad that the other had taken Corrin off her shoulders at an appropriate time. The tiefling rushes to her mother's side automatically and reaches for her hand. The older woman gives everyone in the tavern a mama bear look, especially those whose eyes linger on Corrin.
Amelia Percep: 17
Corrin Percep: 8
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Allynna smiles and introduces herself to Yoska quietly on the walk to the Elfsong. "I'm Allynna, nice to meet you."
Perception: 19
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Looking around the tavern, you can see upstairs someone who fits the description of someone who might be Tarina.
As you all are about to make the connection and tell each other, a ghostly female disembodied voice begins singing a song, filling the tavern in a hauntingly beautiful melody.
ELFSONG
O sing a song of Elturel of water, woods, and hill
The sun dawns on her ruddy cliffs and fields green and still.
This land of long-abiding joy, home of the strong and brave
Renowned by all, across the realms, and never once a slave.
O sing a song of Elturel, when foes are at her door
Her fields torn by cloven feet from some infernal shore.
Arise the mighty Hellriders, take up your swift, keen swords
Then charge into the hellish fray and scatter devil hordes.
O sing a song of Elturel and when the night does fall
Sleep safe beneath Companion’s light until the dawn does call.
We’re bound by mortal covenant that only ends with death
And so we’ll sing of Elturel until our final breath.
The song is so beautiful, it is a few moments before you focus back on reality and come to your senses.
DC15 Intelligence (History) check: ?????
DC 20 Intelligence (History) check : ?????
History: 1
Yup, taking Luck.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
History: 20
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Allynna, you recall Captain Zodge using the term to describe the knights of Elturel. You recalls that the Hellriders were so-named long ago when they descended into the Nine Hells on horseback to fight devils. Most of them never returned. And, you knows that “the Companion” referred to in the song is the name given to the artificial sun that burns over Elturel, protecting the city and its surrounding lands against undead.
Allynna frowns. "Interesting..." she murmurs before glancing at the others and angling her head towards the woman who matches Tarina's description. "She looks like our girl. Shall we?"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Sure."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Persephone confidently walks into the bar, only to have her confidence dashed once she realized that everyone is staring at them. When the song starts up, Persephone overcomes her stage fright and withers away into the shadows (Stealth: 8).
..****y to stumble and smash into the bar, spilling a customers drink all over themselves. “Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!” she utters as she backs away and rushes to hide behind the giant new member of the group Yoska).
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Jill looks at Persephone stumble about and flatly says "I've never met this woman before in my entire life."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Meep quietly follows behind Misha and Yoska, her eyes darting around curiously, taking in everything from the safety behind the taller people. "Very interesting... Don't see this often back home. Dain would have loved it here."
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE..
7
A few patrons push you away as you break a glass, or two, bumping into the bar - and the tavern owner gives you a very annoyed look. You scurry away in shame, and tell yourself internally that you should be more careful lest the DM really **** you over.
Eight motley humans saunter into the tavern. The leader is a brawny man with a cloudy right eye, a cruel sneer, and a pirate’s swagger. The others are an unsavory, rowdy bunch who act as if they own the place. “We’re looking for an old friend of ours,” says the dead-eyed man. He sniffs the air. “Goes by the name ‘Tarina,’ or so I’m told. Loves to cheat at Baldur’s Bones. A mug of ale to whoeva tells me where she's at, eh?”
Several tavern patrons are quick to accept the offer, and point upstairs. From your position in the tavern, you can easily tell this pirate captain doesn’t like to bathe, and his breath smells like rotting fish.
Earlier:
Turning from Nok Nok to the parent and child pair, the druid squints at Corrin for half a second prior to nodding and going back to grinning at the pair. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Amelia, and I look forward to working with you two. Though-..." He catches himself, and with an awkward chuckle, simply shakes his head and lets things move on from there.
Instead of surprise or anything akin, when Yoska turned to Meep next, he grins brightly but kept his hands to himself. As if he might already know of Meep's dilemma. "Hm... Hard to say, if I were to be honest. My bloodline is all kinds of muddy due to the actions of my father... Not that I'm complaining, Sugar. Just say'n it like it is. But, if I had to narrow things down just a tid bit at least... hm... I guess its akin to harnessing the primal energies of whatever world I happen to be on. Provided, of course, they're touched just right by it. Otherwise, I gotta dig a bit deeper into myself fer dat."
Present:
Seeming Enthralled in just about everything in the tavern, Yoska is quiet and just looking around at everything. It isn't until he felt someone brush past that he truly looks down and around for the first time in a mute. "Hoho! Now where'ja come from little one? 'nd what's got'cha so spooked?" He asks, seeming to have missed or not connected the bar incident with Persophone. And even in the face of some strange negativity in the air about the woman, Yoska perpetual smile dims, but never fully fades away.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.