With fair weather and a light load, you make good time, and you find a very small, rather uncomfortable wayside inn in which to stay for the night. You encounter no other bodies on the road until the next day, when a lone minstrel in a horse-drawn carriage bids you "good day!" before passing the way you came. The minstrel is young, no more than 18, and he sings in a loud voice that sounds as if it hasn't quite broken yet. If asked questions, he tells you that he is looking for a safer settlement, and also one that will "appreciate his talent."
At the end of the next day, your journeys bring you to Olostin's Hold. This fortified keep stands tall in the northwestern reaches of the High Forest, and protects the northern stretch of the Evermoor Way. Here there is a gap between the High Forest and Silverwood, and not all traffic is from civilized folk. Barbarians, orcs, and bandits are always a danger in these parts—not to mention the regular threat of trolls. Still, the small hold of several hundred people is more than capable of defending itself, and could even weather a formidable siege, if need be.
Enclosed within the high walls of Olostin’s Hold is a small village with a market, a smithy, a caravan supplier, an inn called the Headless Troll, and a tavern known as the Flaming Flagon.
(If you have any trading to do, you can do so now!)
Thought it's been sunny these last couple days, the summer rains pick up again with a steady drizzle, as you arrive at Olostin's Hold.
One other thing you learn, almost immediately upon arriving: the lords of the Hold have levied a steep tax due to the recent influx of refugees. And "influx" is an understatement. There are dozens of people sleeping on the ground outside, using anything they can find for meager shelter. Humans and half elves seem to be making up the majority of the homeless here, but there are also a couple halfling families, at least one tiefling, a half orc, and a rarely seen tabaxi.
In order to stay at the inn, the owners are charging 10 gold pieces per person. They apologize profusely, and tell you it's the only way they are able to keep the business running under the heavy tax burden.
Daily Resilience Salve Bonus(To Nirzeg and Derrikoth(if accepted):
Nirz: 11 of Temp HP. Derri: 15 of Temp HP.
A lost in thought Nirzeg hardly batted an eye at the price, or even hesitated to pull out one of the gem's worth 50 gold pieces. "Don't go shitting yerself on our account. Things are ****ed up. We get it. So, will this suffice for all five of us? Or are you charging extra for stabling as well?"Though the words came out nonchalantly, Nirzeg eyes the man in such a way as if "daring" him to try and "steal" more coin off them. As soon as that business has been settled, he turns to the others with a smirk.
"I know some of us are quite eager to put off again sooner than later. But when was the last time any of you ****ers even bathed? I mean really bathed, and not that bullshit cantrip I know some Lazy chuckle****s like to pull out of their assess to get out of a little extra work." He questions and rolls his eyes. "My point is. We take the day to recharge. Maybe hear about the local news. Maybe even Big D can put some local higher ups on the trail that one arsehole of a noble? Not to mention doing some resupplying and so forth? Think on that. I'm gonna hit the streets to settle a few things. Zeek is gonna hang out with the rest of you. So if you need me, just tell him, and he'll be able to find me... Probably." Without really waiting on a word from others, the Zhent took his leave of the Inn. Wickerman is left in charge of keeping an eye on the horse and carriage with strict orders to burn anyone that approach and are not clearly stable hands.
As for the Gith...
Despite the potential dangers involved in the method, Nirzeg keeps his search for a Zhent agent simple. Starting from the local merchants, both visiting and fully installed, and then asking around for mercenaries either hired on or in the area. In both insistence, he starts by looking for tattooes or markings of a winged snake, followed by a follow-up remark or question about particular venues or shadow related topics spoken in certain sequences. While the Zhentarim did possess a benign face to the public in most places, he tried play things cautiously so far away from Waterdeep or other well known outposts for his organization.
Though before beginning the search, he offers the tiefling, one of the Tabaxi, and half-orc the job of searching for the signs, then reporting back to him to help widen his net. In exchange, both would receive enough coin to stay in the local tavern for a tenday. A promise of their potentially being even more in it for them, /if/ the job is done well. Largely in the form
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Astra watches Genevieve perform once again, with the Warforged winning a free room as she usually does, and getting Astra in by claiming that she was a part of her entourage. She thanked Genevieve for getting her a place to sleep for the night, falling asleep with the Warforged watching over her, as she had for several weeks now.
The tavern where Genevieve performs this evening is called the Flaming Flagon. It is the namesake of an actual flagon, which floats in mid-air in the center of the taproom and sheds a sorcerous light.
Those of you who enjoy Genny's performance also see among the crowd two human nobles, whom you recognize from Noanar's Hold. They are the brothers who were on a giant-hunting adventure. They don't seem to recognize you immediately. One is wearing a bandage on his arm, and they are both staring silently into their drinks.
Astra congratulates Genevieve after her performance. Then she notices the nobles. "Hey, I recognize those two men. Derrikoth was losing it when he saw those two guys at Noanar's Hold. They're nobles."
"These are the brothers of the man we found killed by rapier hits, yes?"
Rasa scans the gentlemen, seeing either is carrying a weapon, and if so, if he can determine if any of them match the wounds found on the dead man and dead giant.
Derrikoth looks intensely at the two brothers before nudging both Rasa and Astra and whispering, "Don't let them run away."
Reaching into his pack, he pulls out the signet ring of the eldest brother, keeping it hidden into his fist as he walks over to their table/spot at the bar. He tosses the signet ring in front of the uninjured brother before placing a hand on the hilt of his longsword menacingly and motioning with his head towards the door. He'll step away, giving them a moment to get up, before walking out of the tavern if they look like they're going to follow.
Genevieve was in high spirits after her performance, thanking the crowd for enjoying her set. She walks over to where the group is and thanks them personally too. Then, when Astra points out the nobles, Genny turns to them, just as Derrikoth approaches. "Uh oh..." She mutters then watches him gesture them to the door and leave. She turns to Astra and says, "Can't leave 'em with no extra back up..." then follows behind Rasa.
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\
Smart Zeek watches everything play out with wide-eyed interest from a counter. If it has alerted the miss Githyanki, said alien has yet to make a reappearance. The little furball does at least follow in the wake of others, and eventually takes up purchase among any rafters or unoccupied table to continue observing the situation.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The middle brother, whose name you remember as Marthun, abruptly rises from his seat. He stares at the ring, and then at Derrikoth. He is wearing a bandage just below his shoulder.
“What is the meaning of this?” Asks the youngest brother, Lezryk. “Did you steal this signet ring from our house?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rasa allows the more charismatic of his friends to take the lead on questioning, while he studies the brothers' body language and intonation as they speak, looking for signs of lies, hidden meanings, or deflections.
Rasa can tell that the older brother, Marthun, is frightened...though he is hiding it well. The younger, Lezryk, is obviously a hothead, and all that you get from him is outright, indignant anger.
Derrikoth speaks in a hushed tone, "I believe you're going to need to answer my questions before I answer any of yours. You had a third brother, didn't you?"
Lezryk stiffens. “Ah...I remember you. Noanar’s Hold. Sadly, our brother Rantharl was killed by a hill giant not three days ago. The same hill giant that gave Marthun that wound,” he says, pointing to his brother’s bandaged arm. “We were drinking to his memory.”
“Spiked club,” says Marthun, gesturing to his bandage.
“We have been in mourning these past days,” says Lezryk, “and healing, of course. We intend to finish what we started as soon as my brother is healed enough to fight once more. Now if you’ll excuse us, we would like to be alone.” He pushes back his chair, sweeps back his cape, and heads for the door in a huff.
“Excuse us, sirs, we just have a few more questions,” Genevieve pipes up, shooting a look at Derrikoth. “I understand you’re in mourning, and may your brother rest in peace, but just a couple questions more and we will leave.”
Persuasion (rolled in discord): 17
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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\
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With fair weather and a light load, you make good time, and you find a very small, rather uncomfortable wayside inn in which to stay for the night. You encounter no other bodies on the road until the next day, when a lone minstrel in a horse-drawn carriage bids you "good day!" before passing the way you came. The minstrel is young, no more than 18, and he sings in a loud voice that sounds as if it hasn't quite broken yet. If asked questions, he tells you that he is looking for a safer settlement, and also one that will "appreciate his talent."
At the end of the next day, your journeys bring you to Olostin's Hold. This fortified keep stands tall in the northwestern reaches of the High Forest, and protects the northern stretch of the Evermoor Way. Here there is a gap between the High Forest and Silverwood, and not all traffic is from civilized folk. Barbarians, orcs, and bandits are always a danger in these parts—not to mention the regular threat of trolls. Still, the small hold of several hundred people is more than capable of defending itself, and could even weather a formidable siege, if need be.
Enclosed within the high walls of Olostin’s Hold is a small village with a market, a smithy, a caravan supplier, an inn called the Headless Troll, and a tavern known as the Flaming Flagon.
(If you have any trading to do, you can do so now!)
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Thought it's been sunny these last couple days, the summer rains pick up again with a steady drizzle, as you arrive at Olostin's Hold.
One other thing you learn, almost immediately upon arriving: the lords of the Hold have levied a steep tax due to the recent influx of refugees. And "influx" is an understatement. There are dozens of people sleeping on the ground outside, using anything they can find for meager shelter. Humans and half elves seem to be making up the majority of the homeless here, but there are also a couple halfling families, at least one tiefling, a half orc, and a rarely seen tabaxi.
In order to stay at the inn, the owners are charging 10 gold pieces per person. They apologize profusely, and tell you it's the only way they are able to keep the business running under the heavy tax burden.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Daily Resilience Salve Bonus(To Nirzeg and Derrikoth(if accepted):
Nirz: 11 of Temp HP.
Derri: 15 of Temp HP.
A lost in thought Nirzeg hardly batted an eye at the price, or even hesitated to pull out one of the gem's worth 50 gold pieces. "Don't go shitting yerself on our account. Things are ****ed up. We get it. So, will this suffice for all five of us? Or are you charging extra for stabling as well?" Though the words came out nonchalantly, Nirzeg eyes the man in such a way as if "daring" him to try and "steal" more coin off them. As soon as that business has been settled, he turns to the others with a smirk.
"I know some of us are quite eager to put off again sooner than later. But when was the last time any of you ****ers even bathed? I mean really bathed, and not that bullshit cantrip I know some Lazy chuckle****s like to pull out of their assess to get out of a little extra work." He questions and rolls his eyes. "My point is. We take the day to recharge. Maybe hear about the local news. Maybe even Big D can put some local higher ups on the trail that one arsehole of a noble? Not to mention doing some resupplying and so forth? Think on that. I'm gonna hit the streets to settle a few things. Zeek is gonna hang out with the rest of you. So if you need me, just tell him, and he'll be able to find me... Probably." Without really waiting on a word from others, the Zhent took his leave of the Inn. Wickerman is left in charge of keeping an eye on the horse and carriage with strict orders to burn anyone that approach and are not clearly stable hands.
As for the Gith...
Despite the potential dangers involved in the method, Nirzeg keeps his search for a Zhent agent simple. Starting from the local merchants, both visiting and fully installed, and then asking around for mercenaries either hired on or in the area. In both insistence, he starts by looking for tattooes or markings of a winged snake, followed by a follow-up remark or question about particular venues or shadow related topics spoken in certain sequences. While the Zhentarim did possess a benign face to the public in most places, he tried play things cautiously so far away from Waterdeep or other well known outposts for his organization.
Though before beginning the search, he offers the tiefling, one of the Tabaxi, and half-orc the job of searching for the signs, then reporting back to him to help widen his net. In exchange, both would receive enough coin to stay in the local tavern for a tenday. A promise of their potentially being even more in it for them, /if/ the job is done well. Largely in the form
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Astra watches Genevieve perform once again, with the Warforged winning a free room as she usually does, and getting Astra in by claiming that she was a part of her entourage. She thanked Genevieve for getting her a place to sleep for the night, falling asleep with the Warforged watching over her, as she had for several weeks now.Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
The tavern where Genevieve performs this evening is called the Flaming Flagon. It is the namesake of an actual flagon, which floats in mid-air in the center of the taproom and sheds a sorcerous light.
Those of you who enjoy Genny's performance also see among the crowd two human nobles, whom you recognize from Noanar's Hold. They are the brothers who were on a giant-hunting adventure. They don't seem to recognize you immediately. One is wearing a bandage on his arm, and they are both staring silently into their drinks.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Astra congratulates Genevieve after her performance. Then she notices the nobles. "Hey, I recognize those two men. Derrikoth was losing it when he saw those two guys at Noanar's Hold. They're nobles."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"These are the brothers of the man we found killed by rapier hits, yes?"
Rasa scans the gentlemen, seeing either is carrying a weapon, and if so, if he can determine if any of them match the wounds found on the dead man and dead giant.
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Derrikoth looks intensely at the two brothers before nudging both Rasa and Astra and whispering, "Don't let them run away."
Reaching into his pack, he pulls out the signet ring of the eldest brother, keeping it hidden into his fist as he walks over to their table/spot at the bar. He tosses the signet ring in front of the uninjured brother before placing a hand on the hilt of his longsword menacingly and motioning with his head towards the door. He'll step away, giving them a moment to get up, before walking out of the tavern if they look like they're going to follow.
Intimidation: 14
"Mierda..."
Seeing Derri take such bold action, Rasa prepares to follow him out should things go as the Dragonborn intends.
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Genevieve was in high spirits after her performance, thanking the crowd for enjoying her set. She walks over to where the group is and thanks them personally too. Then, when Astra points out the nobles, Genny turns to them, just as Derrikoth approaches. "Uh oh..." She mutters then watches him gesture them to the door and leave. She turns to Astra and says, "Can't leave 'em with no extra back up..." then follows behind Rasa.
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\
Astra sighs and follows behind Genevieve.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Smart Zeek watches everything play out with wide-eyed interest from a counter. If it has alerted the miss Githyanki, said alien has yet to make a reappearance. The little furball does at least follow in the wake of others, and eventually takes up purchase among any rafters or unoccupied table to continue observing the situation.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The middle brother, whose name you remember as Marthun, abruptly rises from his seat. He stares at the ring, and then at Derrikoth. He is wearing a bandage just below his shoulder.
“What is the meaning of this?” Asks the youngest brother, Lezryk. “Did you steal this signet ring from our house?”
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Rasa allows the more charismatic of his friends to take the lead on questioning, while he studies the brothers' body language and intonation as they speak, looking for signs of lies, hidden meanings, or deflections.
INSIGHT CHECK: 21
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Rasa can tell that the older brother, Marthun, is frightened...though he is hiding it well. The younger, Lezryk, is obviously a hothead, and all that you get from him is outright, indignant anger.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Derrikoth speaks in a hushed tone, "I believe you're going to need to answer my questions before I answer any of yours. You had a third brother, didn't you?"
Lezryk stiffens. “Ah...I remember you. Noanar’s Hold. Sadly, our brother Rantharl was killed by a hill giant not three days ago. The same hill giant that gave Marthun that wound,” he says, pointing to his brother’s bandaged arm. “We were drinking to his memory.”
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Derrikoth nods in "agreement," tightening his grip on his longsword, "Tragic. I must ask, what kind of weapon did this hill giant carry?"
“Spiked club,” says Marthun, gesturing to his bandage.
“We have been in mourning these past days,” says Lezryk, “and healing, of course. We intend to finish what we started as soon as my brother is healed enough to fight once more. Now if you’ll excuse us, we would like to be alone.” He pushes back his chair, sweeps back his cape, and heads for the door in a huff.
Marthun follows, less huffy.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
“Excuse us, sirs, we just have a few more questions,” Genevieve pipes up, shooting a look at Derrikoth. “I understand you’re in mourning, and may your brother rest in peace, but just a couple questions more and we will leave.”
Persuasion (rolled in discord): 17
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\