Lady SwiftArrow notices Asmodean looking her way while she converses with Tolben, the inn keeper.
After she finishes conversing with Tolben she wanders over to speak with Asmodean. Perhaps Asmodean is drawn to her radiant beauty!. Oh... probably not. No one could say she was beautiful. Pretty maybe, but not beautiful. So... maybe he has some interesting gossip. After all, traveling muscians go to all sorts of places.
If he really is the master musician he claims to be, he would be in high demand. Many people would stop and talk and probably tell tales, hoping their tale would become a legendary bard's song.
For those who might want to look at other D&D related stuff:
One song from from a fantasy story spread over 5 albums by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5kLxQGbRYg. You might want to track down some of the other songs from the albums - or even listen to the whole saga
Interesting warforged characters that could make an appearance in our saga - but probably won't (too many of them and not in character with out story), but fun! http://dndspeak.com/2019/06/100-bard-songs/
One of the flaws in "round the table" D&D was that characters knew when another character was passing the DM messages. If FV is up to it, I think messages to him might work better. That way, all other characters are unaware, as they should be. You can get to messages from a drop-down on the account mane at each post. FV, thoughts?
Roll and intimidation check to force the dm into messages 😀
A, playing with messages, but it also depends on how the characters choose to progress.We'll give it a go. For now, I will continue to work in a way that allows for the separate groups. Assume if I am messaging you, then there is nothing for you in the main thread just yet. I’ll subtly let you know when you meet up with other characters.
This thread is currently Naivara, Virran and Stig, who have met up on the way into town. Others are elsewhere, so assume all replies in messages until otherwise indicated.
Barthen looks at the three adventurers, then shakes his head. The half-orc appears to be day-dream, with bits of spittle running from his left cheek, while the other two have been staring blankly at him for minutes. “Look, I don't mean t’ be rude, but yer all just gawking at me like I was an ogre. I seriously dunno where Gundren's gone, and that's somethin' that bothers me. Much more, granted, than you three standing there like some ugly granite gargoyles. Nights'a comin', so unless you plan on helping me unload?” Barthen pauses for effect... “I didna think so. Then maybe ye should follow the road ‘round to the Stonehill Inn. Good enough accommodation, and music tonight. If I hear anythin', I know where ta find ya. Likewise, tell me the moment you know more yerselves.”
Without further ado, Barthen shuffles past carrying crates from the cart. You are all but forgotten now... but the awkwardness increases the longer you all stand there.
BrandywiseBattlebanes's option seems like a good one for one-on-one PMs. Certainly makes it possible to speak directly with one player without the other's knowing. The private chat seems to work for multiple recipients in a similar way. I guess at the end of the day it's what works best for the DM time management- and complications-of-the-game-wise. I'm sure we'll all get the hang of it as we go along. Those of us who are not evil or / and chaotic in real life or as game characters can stick with not reading the spoilers. But some of us are evil (or chaotic) and just can't help ourselves. Every secret brings us an advantage - maybe.
Stig takes Barthen's not so subtle hint and, gesturing down the road, says to Naivara and Virran, "Well if your offer for company still stands shall we make our way to the inn and see if this bard is as good as he thinks?"
You wander the short distance further into town, much relieved, at least for Virran and Naivara, to be free of the cart and its contents. You make a mental note of the smithy on your right, just across and down from Barthen's store. The telltale features of a smithy are common the world round.
A few other houses and the like fill the spaces between, but with a quick calculation you realise it is no more than an couple of hundred feet down the road to the town square. 'Square' being a polite term for the large dirt space surrounded by the handful of official-looking buildings. Lionshield Coster lies on the far side of the square with its blue lion emblem just visible in the light. Near to it, you see what might be the Townmaster's Hall, but the entrance lies around the corner unseen, and so unproven.
As you move further into the town square, you cast your gaze again to the right. No more than 20 feet off to your side is a small temple-like building which appears of pay homage to the Lady Who Smiles, Lady Tymora. Interestingly, two figures hover about the shrine: one on knees praying, the other standing slight back watching the worship. Easily visible, as if by intention, are the weapons of this individual. A soft murmuring of conversation floats over to you, and despite the visible weaponry, you sense no threat of danger.
Beyond the Shrine, another 50 feet or so, is a large, open green space you can only assume is the Town Green.
The sound of many voices, happy-yet-subdued- draws your attention to a large, newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers. The common room, what from you can see through the windows, is filled with locals nursing mugs of ale or cider, all of them eyeing the performer with growing anticipation. Looks like you have made the opening act, but you are not sure of accommodation, judging by the crowd of locals inside.
Watching Virrun blend into the throng, Stig commandeered what may have been the last two vacant seats for himself and Naivara and ordered himself an ale and Naivara's drink of choice from a passing barmaid.
Stig then turned back to his elven companion and said, "Sounds to me like you've had some kind of adventure delivering that wagon, not to mention talk of a missing friend, a mysterious Wave Echo Cave and something about a spider. I reckon it'd be an interesting tale if you're willing to share it. Of course I don't mean to pry, just sounds much more dramatic than the walking I've been doing for the past couple of weeks. Although the flora and fauna are lovely in these parts."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Naivara nods at Stig in appreciation for the drink. She takes a big gulp and breathes a sigh of relief, appreciating the sweet taste of the wine and the vibrancy of the crowd after a long few days.
”Ah, Stig, Ye couldn’t dream of the events that have transpired for us over the last few days. We left the city of Neverwinter a team of 5, on what seemed a simple quest to deliver the goods cart to this here town of Phandalin. This was asked of us by Gundren Rockseeker, the job offering a meagre 10 GP per person. Gundren travelled about a day ahead of us, to make preparations here in Phandalin. However, it seems he never arrived in this town. We came to a stop along the Triboar Trail, as we noticed two dead horses just off the trail. We began to investigate, but were ambushed by four filthy goblins. We managed to overcome them quite easily, but quickly began to sense there was something more going on and our travels had been anticipated.
“Upon investigation, we discovered Gundren’s empty map case and a trail, looking like bodies had been dragged beyond the path. Following the trail led us to a goblin hideout, which led to an unexpected test of our wits and some intense battle. We completely overcame the hideout. We rescued a near-dead Sildar, who was being held captive. Gundren was no longer in the cave. We managed to discover that Gundren, along with all his belongings, had been taken to Cragmore Castle.
”The goblins did not give us much else, except a vague mention of the “Black Spider” and this “Wave Echo Cave” that Gundren and his brothers recently rediscovered. Oh, and a few bruises. Virran acted to take them out completely, before we got a lot of information and that seemed to divide our team beyond repair.
”We then moved to fulfill our promise of delivering the cart to this here town, finding ye along the path.
“I sense that our journey is just beginning. Perhaps we will seek out Gundren’s brothers, who are supposed to be camped just outside this town. Perhaps we will attempt to find this Cragmore Castle and try to rescue Gundren. There is much to learn. The rogue is strong, but I’m hesitant to continue with him alone. Considering the strength of those goblins, I sense there may be tougher battles ahead. And what is to gain?
“The legend of “Wave Echo Cave” promises powerful magic if we were able to find it and restart the forge. But do we risk everything for this?
Naivara takes one long last swig of her drink and orders a second round for she and Stig.
”So that’s it. Who knows what the next few days will hold?
”Tell me, Stig, what brings you to Phandalin?”
Naivara feels an innate trust for this strange dwarf, however, after the events of the last few days she decides she had better keep her wits about her. Insight check: 18
Your guard drops somewhat around the presence of Stig, realising his calling as a Cleric of Marthammor Duin likely ingratiates him to your plight... Marthammor Duin being a patron of adventure and the lost and all. You sense no evil or malicious intent from Stig, in fact he exudes an aura of good.
Virran flips a coin to Tolbin, the innkeeper, then pats him on the shoulder on the way past while deftly fingering a replacement gold coin from unsuspecting innkeeper’s pockets with his other hand. A free evening of entertainment to be had, maybe even a profit!
It is impossible to hide, given the lighting and the tavern folk’s curiosity as you enter. As you attempt a stealthy entrance, the looks of the villagers sent many eyebrows lifting. Maybe Virran was another performer? In hindsight, this was effective anyway, as they ignored Virran as he finds a relatively quiet corner and settles against the wall. After surveying the room and watching the throng, Virran is certain that all merrymakers, bar a few of the adventuring types, are unlikely to have much beyond few coppers.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Naivara described her recent travels, Stig noticed their silent observer's interest in their conversation.
"God's truth that's some journey, considering you were simply trying to deliver some supplies", he said whilst maintaining a subtle eye on the eavesdropper.
Perception 13
"I myself am but a traveler, out to see the world and help others where I can. I am a bit of an anomaly among my folk, most choosing to base themselves in our traditional caverns or at least within short travel of the mountains they call home. But not I, I've been driven to travel since I was a wee lad. I'm sure you understand completely when I say I have to heed the call. Marthammor Duin gives me small signs and signals from time to time that nudge me this way or that. Or I perhaps I choose to see signs... Either way I often find myself stumbling upon a way to give back or help someone in need, so maybe it is my Lord as often as I think it is. Anyway, it was just such a compulsion that brought me to this fine town. Divine intervention? Who knows?" He said with a wink and a smile.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Naivara smiles. She, too, believes in divine intervention and is beginning to feel that the traveller may be of some use on her team.
”Perhaps you could help us out this evening, Stig. We need information. We need strength in numbers. Where there is fine music, there is gossip. If we are to journey on, we need to ask the right questions. We need to find out what we can about Gundren and his captors. We need to find out the way to Cragmore Castle, or any other information we can find that may aid our decisions. We also need to find the best fighters this town has to offer that may be willing to work alongside us, no matter the atrocities we face. I sense that this may, in turn, lead ye to gain further signs as to where yer travels may lead.
“Tonight, let us listen in on the gossip. Ask questions of those who seem intriguing. Find out who knows the goings on around this town and who may be of some use to us. Hopefully Virran is doing the same.
Naivara eyes Virran across the room and gives a smirk. Standing in a corner in all his stealth, she hopes that this time he will not be wielding his daggers. Hopefully this will be a peaceful night, rewarded in turn by a flood of information.
“I will enquire about accommodations and try to find Sildar. It certainly would be easy to drink away the hours, yet as you say, opportunity should be seized. We shall touch base after a few rounds of the inn. I am truly hopeful that what tonight brings will carry us forward on the right path, one of true adventure. Perhaps we will be able to find the information that will lead us to Gundren, so that we may return him home.”
Naivara sighs a hopeful sigh, and signals the innkeeper. Hopefully there is at least a single room left available amongst this chaos. Persuasion: 10
Lady SwiftArrow notices Asmodean looking her way while she converses with Tolben, the inn keeper.
After she finishes conversing with Tolben she wanders over to speak with Asmodean. Perhaps Asmodean is drawn to her radiant beauty!. Oh... probably not. No one could say she was beautiful. Pretty maybe, but not beautiful. So... maybe he has some interesting gossip. After all, traveling muscians go to all sorts of places.
If he really is the master musician he claims to be, he would be in high demand. Many people would stop and talk and probably tell tales, hoping their tale would become a legendary bard's song.
OOC....
For those who might want to look at other D&D related stuff:
OOC ...
One of the flaws in "round the table" D&D was that characters knew when another character was passing the DM messages. If FV is up to it, I think messages to him might work better. That way, all other characters are unaware, as they should be. You can get to messages from a drop-down on the account mane at each post. FV, thoughts?
To everyone
Roll and intimidation check to force the dm into messages 😀
A, playing with messages, but it also depends on how the characters choose to progress.We'll give it a go. For now, I will continue to work in a way that allows for the separate groups. Assume if I am messaging you, then there is nothing for you in the main thread just yet. I’ll subtly let you know when you meet up with other characters.
This thread is currently Naivara, Virran and Stig, who have met up on the way into town. Others are elsewhere, so assume all replies in messages until otherwise indicated.
Barthen looks at the three adventurers, then shakes his head. The half-orc appears to be day-dream, with bits of spittle running from his left cheek, while the other two have been staring blankly at him for minutes.
“Look, I don't mean t’ be rude, but yer all just gawking at me like I was an ogre. I seriously dunno where Gundren's gone, and that's somethin' that bothers me. Much more, granted, than you three standing there like some ugly granite gargoyles. Nights'a comin', so unless you plan on helping me unload?” Barthen pauses for effect... “I didna think so. Then maybe ye should follow the road ‘round to the Stonehill Inn. Good enough accommodation, and music tonight. If I hear anythin', I know where ta find ya. Likewise, tell me the moment you know more yerselves.”
Without further ado, Barthen shuffles past carrying crates from the cart. You are all but forgotten now... but the awkwardness increases the longer you all stand there.
OOC:
BrandywiseBattlebanes's option seems like a good one for one-on-one PMs. Certainly makes it possible to speak directly with one player without the other's knowing. The private chat seems to work for multiple recipients in a similar way. I guess at the end of the day it's what works best for the DM time management- and complications-of-the-game-wise. I'm sure we'll all get the hang of it as we go along. Those of us who are not evil or / and chaotic in real life or as game characters can stick with not reading the spoilers. But some of us are evil (or chaotic) and just can't help ourselves. Every secret brings us an advantage - maybe.
Stig takes Barthen's not so subtle hint and, gesturing down the road, says to Naivara and Virran, "Well if your offer for company still stands shall we make our way to the inn and see if this bard is as good as he thinks?"
You wander the short distance further into town, much relieved, at least for Virran and Naivara, to be free of the cart and its contents. You make a mental note of the smithy on your right, just across and down from Barthen's store. The telltale features of a smithy are common the world round.
A few other houses and the like fill the spaces between, but with a quick calculation you realise it is no more than an couple of hundred feet down the road to the town square. 'Square' being a polite term for the large dirt space surrounded by the handful of official-looking buildings. Lionshield Coster lies on the far side of the square with its blue lion emblem just visible in the light. Near to it, you see what might be the Townmaster's Hall, but the entrance lies around the corner unseen, and so unproven.
As you move further into the town square, you cast your gaze again to the right. No more than 20 feet off to your side is a small temple-like building which appears of pay homage to the Lady Who Smiles, Lady Tymora. Interestingly, two figures hover about the shrine: one on knees praying, the other standing slight back watching the worship. Easily visible, as if by intention, are the weapons of this individual. A soft murmuring of conversation floats over to you, and despite the visible weaponry, you sense no threat of danger.
Beyond the Shrine, another 50 feet or so, is a large, open green space you can only assume is the Town Green.
The sound of many voices, happy-yet-subdued- draws your attention to a large, newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers. The common room, what from you can see through the windows, is filled with locals nursing mugs of ale or cider, all of them eyeing the performer with growing anticipation. Looks like you have made the opening act, but you are not sure of accommodation, judging by the crowd of locals inside.
[OOC: Apparently, one of the origins of the name Stitt, comes from an alternative to "Smithy" being "Stithy". Just saying.
Virran pulls out his one gold entry fee and steps in.
He says to his companions "Just in Time" and winks at them as he moves in.
As he starts moving through the crowd he keeps his eye out for any loose wallets. During this time he also tries to blend with the crowd.
Stealth (Dex) 17
Perception (Wis) 11
Watching Virrun blend into the throng, Stig commandeered what may have been the last two vacant seats for himself and Naivara and ordered himself an ale and Naivara's drink of choice from a passing barmaid.
Stig then turned back to his elven companion and said, "Sounds to me like you've had some kind of adventure delivering that wagon, not to mention talk of a missing friend, a mysterious Wave Echo Cave and something about a spider. I reckon it'd be an interesting tale if you're willing to share it. Of course I don't mean to pry, just sounds much more dramatic than the walking I've been doing for the past couple of weeks. Although the flora and fauna are lovely in these parts."
From your current position you notice a human female - fresh from the wilds by her appearance - pauses her conversation to hear the response.
Virran, roll a deception and sleight of hand check while you’re at it.
Naivara nods at Stig in appreciation for the drink. She takes a big gulp and breathes a sigh of relief, appreciating the sweet taste of the wine and the vibrancy of the crowd after a long few days.
”Ah, Stig, Ye couldn’t dream of the events that have transpired for us over the last few days. We left the city of Neverwinter a team of 5, on what seemed a simple quest to deliver the goods cart to this here town of Phandalin. This was asked of us by Gundren Rockseeker, the job offering a meagre 10 GP per person. Gundren travelled about a day ahead of us, to make preparations here in Phandalin. However, it seems he never arrived in this town. We came to a stop along the Triboar Trail, as we noticed two dead horses just off the trail. We began to investigate, but were ambushed by four filthy goblins. We managed to overcome them quite easily, but quickly began to sense there was something more going on and our travels had been anticipated.
“Upon investigation, we discovered Gundren’s empty map case and a trail, looking like bodies had been dragged beyond the path. Following the trail led us to a goblin hideout, which led to an unexpected test of our wits and some intense battle. We completely overcame the hideout. We rescued a near-dead Sildar, who was being held captive. Gundren was no longer in the cave. We managed to discover that Gundren, along with all his belongings, had been taken to Cragmore Castle.
”The goblins did not give us much else, except a vague mention of the “Black Spider” and this “Wave Echo Cave” that Gundren and his brothers recently rediscovered. Oh, and a few bruises. Virran acted to take them out completely, before we got a lot of information and that seemed to divide our team beyond repair.
”We then moved to fulfill our promise of delivering the cart to this here town, finding ye along the path.
“I sense that our journey is just beginning. Perhaps we will seek out Gundren’s brothers, who are supposed to be camped just outside this town. Perhaps we will attempt to find this Cragmore Castle and try to rescue Gundren. There is much to learn. The rogue is strong, but I’m hesitant to continue with him alone. Considering the strength of those goblins, I sense there may be tougher battles ahead. And what is to gain?
“The legend of “Wave Echo Cave” promises powerful magic if we were able to find it and restart the forge. But do we risk everything for this?
Naivara takes one long last swig of her drink and orders a second round for she and Stig.
”So that’s it. Who knows what the next few days will hold?
”Tell me, Stig, what brings you to Phandalin?”
Naivara feels an innate trust for this strange dwarf, however, after the events of the last few days she decides she had better keep her wits about her. Insight check: 18
Deception 19
Sleight of hand 23
@Naivara:
Your guard drops somewhat around the presence of Stig, realising his calling as a Cleric of Marthammor Duin likely ingratiates him to your plight... Marthammor Duin being a patron of adventure and the lost and all. You sense no evil or malicious intent from Stig, in fact he exudes an aura of good.
Virran flips a coin to Tolbin, the innkeeper, then pats him on the shoulder on the way past while deftly fingering a replacement gold coin from unsuspecting innkeeper’s pockets with his other hand. A free evening of entertainment to be had, maybe even a profit!
It is impossible to hide, given the lighting and the tavern folk’s curiosity as you enter. As you attempt a stealthy entrance, the looks of the villagers sent many eyebrows lifting. Maybe Virran was another performer? In hindsight, this was effective anyway, as they ignored Virran as he finds a relatively quiet corner and settles against the wall. After surveying the room and watching the throng, Virran is certain that all merrymakers, bar a few of the adventuring types, are unlikely to have much beyond few coppers.
Virran
What would you like to do?
As Naivara described her recent travels, Stig noticed their silent observer's interest in their conversation.
"God's truth that's some journey, considering you were simply trying to deliver some supplies", he said whilst maintaining a subtle eye on the eavesdropper.
Perception 13
"I myself am but a traveler, out to see the world and help others where I can. I am a bit of an anomaly among my folk, most choosing to base themselves in our traditional caverns or at least within short travel of the mountains they call home. But not I, I've been driven to travel since I was a wee lad. I'm sure you understand completely when I say I have to heed the call. Marthammor Duin gives me small signs and signals from time to time that nudge me this way or that. Or I perhaps I choose to see signs... Either way I often find myself stumbling upon a way to give back or help someone in need, so maybe it is my Lord as often as I think it is. Anyway, it was just such a compulsion that brought me to this fine town. Divine intervention? Who knows?" He said with a wink and a smile.
Naivara smiles. She, too, believes in divine intervention and is beginning to feel that the traveller may be of some use on her team.
”Perhaps you could help us out this evening, Stig. We need information. We need strength in numbers. Where there is fine music, there is gossip. If we are to journey on, we need to ask the right questions. We need to find out what we can about Gundren and his captors. We need to find out the way to Cragmore Castle, or any other information we can find that may aid our decisions. We also need to find the best fighters this town has to offer that may be willing to work alongside us, no matter the atrocities we face. I sense that this may, in turn, lead ye to gain further signs as to where yer travels may lead.
“Tonight, let us listen in on the gossip. Ask questions of those who seem intriguing. Find out who knows the goings on around this town and who may be of some use to us. Hopefully Virran is doing the same.
Naivara eyes Virran across the room and gives a smirk. Standing in a corner in all his stealth, she hopes that this time he will not be wielding his daggers. Hopefully this will be a peaceful night, rewarded in turn by a flood of information.
“I will enquire about accommodations and try to find Sildar. It certainly would be easy to drink away the hours, yet as you say, opportunity should be seized. We shall touch base after a few rounds of the inn. I am truly hopeful that what tonight brings will carry us forward on the right path, one of true adventure. Perhaps we will be able to find the information that will lead us to Gundren, so that we may return him home.”
Naivara sighs a hopeful sigh, and signals the innkeeper. Hopefully there is at least a single room left available amongst this chaos. Persuasion: 10
Virran listens in on the adventures for any useful gossip while keeping an eye on the entertainment.