Rhedomar, The Gateway to the Talons has a reputation for devouring the meek, for in this lair of civilization, only the strong survive. Even the heartiest avoid the shadowed streets of Ashfoot, where predators lurk with steel in their fists and murder in their hearts. Because of this, the murky drinking dens of the district bustle with activity after dark. One such den is the Black Ball.
The outside sign flaps on a post next to worn steps going down and has a single black spot painted on it. Inside, the low ceiling is hazed in blue smoke from pipes and fat tallow candles in squat pewter holders. Local patrons are a motley mix of unwashed scoundrels who sit on heavy wooden benches at thick, wine-stained tables. The rabble drink sour wine from leather jacks. Many hold dirks and other weapons under the table eying strangers with wolfish interest. The owner doesn’t forbid squabbles. He just doesn’t want to supply implements that can be used to implicate him in the violence. Hence the leather jacks. No metal cups or glass bottles provided. New comers and foreigners are clustered in small groups in the back. They are not trusted, as are all newcomers to Ashfoot. This is where our group sits. At a table near the wall. It’s a loud and ruckus night, pent up energy from all the rain during the day. Men losing work, spending time drinking instead. One fight already broken out already. Most patrons now keeping their heads down and minding their own business, for the moment....
Thok is measuring people up to see who might be dangerous, useful, desperate. Who could be a spy for Darix, and who clearly isn’t.
Thok is a hulking half orc with greasy, lanky, long black hair. More muscles than most know what to do with, and a speed that doesn’t seem possible on a bulk like his. With a set of gray pants, and black jacket wrapped around a gray shirt, he’s got a go-bag he’s had with him since he had to leave his shop. Most of the money’s gone though, used to buy him some time to get away from Darix’s men closing in.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vonrak stands out in the bar, even though he's barely above waist height on the humans in here. He wears gleaming mithral armour that the light dances over and isclearly wealthy and quite out of place. However, he's either oblivious to the danger this puts him in or doesn't seem to care. He's young (although it's difficult to be sure with a dwarf) and has golden hair which lies in long braids and bright blue eyes. A battleaxe and circular shield are slung over his back.
He surveys the bar, looking for anyone who looks like they may work as a mercenary or hired thug - hoping to find a lead on the slaver Milos, who he's been tracked for the last three months. Perception or investigation roll (they have the same modifier): 22
He speaks to his companions "Spot anyone of interest?" His voice is strong and hearty but also contains a cultivated air of erudition.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Plaugg sits next to Vonrak, who recruited him onto this quest with the promise of an equal share of any spoils, sits quietly taking the scene in and looking at the leather jack in his hand. He notes with a smirk, "the smell of this place didn't seem too promising, but based on the clientele maybe some entertainment will spontaneously break out."
He gets up from his seat and, on the way to the make acquaintance with the barkeep, asks one of the unwashed patrons "hey friend, I forgot, what's the name of the owner again?"
Vonrak scabs the tavern, just about everyone he sees looks like they have sometime in the past or are currently mercenary and or not so legal work.. Just a group of weathered and rugged men and women. There is one fellow in particular that catches his eye. Upon any cursory glance he seems to fit in perfectly. But there is just something that catches Vinrak’s eye. His outfit cleaner, fine leathers dyed black. Dark hooded cloak that hangs down. His posture makes it near impossible to see his features while all the while not looking like he is hiding. This man sits at the end of the bar, nursing his drink.
Plaugg shifts and swims his way through the sea of patrons. He comes across one old and gruff patron. A blue dragon born with one eye, his purple tongue hangs slightly out the side of his mouth like a dog on a hot day. At the mention of being questioned he replies “PISS OFF, outsiders shouldn’t even be welcome up here. What you looking to interrogate is fer? Get your drinks and shove on to the back!” He turns back to his drink, but not before giving a shoulder push to Plaugg.
The outer door opens silently and tiny bare feet are seen on the top of the stairs. A slip of a Halfing girl, a disheveled starveling, scampers down the uneven steps. Straightening her stained threadbare shift, she quickly scans the room and adroitly weaves her way through the crowd. Aptly avoiding the feeble groping of sodden patrons as she passes. With the agility of an alley cat, she slips under a bench and crawls to the opposite end to peer up from between Thok’s feet. She whispers “Oh, please... please help me”. “The bad men are coming”.
Vonrak eyes Plaugg's exploits with the dragborn with mild amusement before his eyes settle on the hooded figure. He was about to nudge his companions to tell them about what he's spotted when the small child appears between Thok's feet. Vonrak waits for Thok to respond, but keeps a watchful eye on the other patrons - this could be a distraction, trick or scam and he's on the look out for anyone showing interest in the party. His instinct is to help the child, but the past few years have taught him hard lessons not to take everything at face value. He puts his hand on his coin purse and shifts his weight so he has easy access to his weapons if necessary.
((If a roll is necessary for any of this, then please go ahead))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Plaugg continues to spin with the momentum of the shove to his shoulder to face the dragonborn and say "oh come now good friend, it's been a while but surely you recognize me from past performances when I passed through town! I'm here to provide some entertainment on this rainy night, alas, I must admit I'm not too bright and don't remember the barkeep's name"
Deception 21
then with a wink and a chuckle, "ha ha, maybe if ya had two good eyes you'd remember me better. Perhaps your ears will help you in a bit." he gives the dragonborn a nod and continues to make his way to the bar.
The patrons get back to their business as the Dragonborn is done staring down Plaugg. Seemingly accepting the lie or not caring enough to pursue it further..
At the bar, when Plaugg catches the eye of the owner, he leans in with a broad smile and an outstretched hand. "It's been a few years good friend! I'm glad to be passing through Ashfoot again. I must say it keeps you alert and your blood pumping. Hopefully you've been well and prosperous. What do you say to some musical diversons on this rainy evening to soothe these savage beasts? Shall I set up and play?"
What’s presumed to be the owner. A fast walking and talking human male. Bald head and a 5 o clock shadow. Wearing a stained white shirt and a black vest that hangs over his half apron. Working hard to keep the drinks flowing and keeping an eye on all the patrons. He yells back at Plaugg “Sorry mate, don’t need any of that stuff here my friend. Distracts from the normal ambiance!” Just then two other patrons begin yelling and singing their own drinking song before one passes out in the floor.
The little girl takes Thok’s inaction to get rid of her as a sign and he can hear a small whisper float out from under his cloak. “Thank you.”
The outer door bangs open and 10 dark-robed, silent specters glide on woven sandals down the stairs. Their pale, shaved, vulture-like heads bob as they fan out, lining the wall and blocking the stairs. They slowly scan the tavern. Their scarred, swollen-knuckled hands clutch knobby, wooden cudgels. A cloud of disquiet descends on the patrons. The weighty tension is broken as the door above bangs open again and a brawny dwarven bully slowly descends half-way down the stairwell. He wears a woven leather jerkin and steel cap. In his left hand he holds a chipped, wooden shield whose painted standard is so faded and stained that it’s impossible to determine the original design. In his gloved right hand he holds a long-bladed sword. From his belt dangles a worn leather thong attached to a wicked looking crossbow. His bushy beard twitches as he chews his scarred lips with broken black teeth. Then he stops and smiles at Thok. With a voice like grating granite, he rumbles “Anyone who doesn’t want their skull split, get down on the floor.”. As the black robed men begin to manhandle the crowd into compliance, the dwarf bellows, “Find the girl!”
The previously rowdy group of drunkards and others of hardened professions all begin to drop and hit the deck like flies at the command of the dwarf.
Avrick, who up to this point had been asleep in his chair groggily wakes up “Oh, balls...” Avrick drops his hood showing his horns and his pale red face and his two different eyes, one a cold white and the other a fiery amber he whispers a short incantation and casts bless targeting himself, Thok, and Vornak. ”Why do I get the feeling this is about to go down hill fast?” Avrick will tighten his quiver on his back, ready to summon his bow at a moments notice
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
Vonrak stares at the dwarf with a steady gaze. Without breaking eye contact he takes his shield and battelaxe off of his back and holds them ready. He speaks slowly and deliberately. "Vonrak Hammerstone will not grovel on the floor like a dog. I have no quarrel with you - yet. You do not need to die this day. You may search for this 'girl' you speak of, but you will not hinder or harass me or my companions."
Although his gaze is fixed on the dwarf, Vonrak's peripheral vision is tracking as many of the specters as possible, ready to react to any aggressive movement.
((I'm going to guess this counts as intimidation: 5))
Plaugg shakes his head wondering whether this town's air of aggression and general lack of humor was sucking the charm and luck right out of him when he turns and sees Vonrak staring down a burly dwarf.
"Already? We just got here!" he mutters to himself. "and always violence first with this crew."
He stays still and watches to see how things will unfold. Maybe there will be an opportunity for him to jump in to steer things away from bloodshed.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Vonrak can add a d4 to that from bless) Avrick looks around the room scaling their odds. He begins to laugh.” What? A girl? Are we saying like a small child, because man this is over the top.” Avrick continues to laugh again and leans to take a sip of his drink whilst keeping his other hand under the table still ”I would doubt there is one here, though I have seen a couple of strong looking women come through, then this amount would make sense, I would be scared too. But really, why be so... cumbersome about this. We’re at a bar why not drink and be merry? I mean really, just relax.” Avrick leans back in his chair a bit with his drink Persuasion check: 23 plus bless: 1
The grizzled dwarf walks over towards Avrick, the squish of his leather shoes squeak out with each step. His eyes wides and buggy while his mustache dances with each breath. “Well well we’ll, a drink? Don’t mind if I do.” As he takes a jack from the table and chugs the whole thing, making sure to take as long as possible. The ale cascading down the sides of his mouth. After slamming down the drink he looks to Avrick “Now, you must be new in town... not knowing official business when ya sees it, usually I’d have my men toss ya into the dungeons, or just kill you in the back alley as y’aint worth the time. But I’m feeling particularly generous today.” He looks around the tavern to see the patrons shaking and not making a move “Now please remove yourself from this table as I search for the girl that I witnessed meself to scamper in here. And please bear witness to my men handling others when they talk , OUT OF LINE!” He slams another fist on the table and points to Vonrak. “You three, handle this one... take him outside!” At the order three of the closest hooded figures begin to float over to Vonrak. The dwarf waiting expectantly at Avrick to move.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Rhedomar, The Gateway to the Talons has a reputation for devouring the meek, for in this lair of civilization, only the strong survive. Even the heartiest avoid the shadowed streets of Ashfoot, where predators lurk with steel in their fists and murder in their hearts. Because of this, the murky drinking dens of the district bustle with activity after dark. One such den is the Black Ball.
The outside sign flaps on a post next to worn steps going down and has a single black spot
painted on it. Inside, the low ceiling is hazed in blue smoke from pipes and fat tallow candles in squat pewter holders. Local patrons are a motley mix of unwashed scoundrels who sit on heavy wooden benches at thick, wine-stained tables. The rabble drink sour wine from leather jacks. Many hold dirks and other weapons under the table eying strangers with wolfish interest. The owner doesn’t forbid squabbles. He just doesn’t want to supply implements that can be used to implicate him in the violence. Hence the leather jacks. No metal cups or glass bottles provided. New comers and foreigners are clustered in small groups in the back. They are not trusted, as are all newcomers to Ashfoot. This is where our group sits. At a table near the wall. It’s a loud and ruckus night, pent up energy from all the rain during the day. Men losing work, spending time drinking instead. One fight already broken out already. Most patrons now keeping their heads down and minding their own business, for the moment....
Thok is measuring people up to see who might be dangerous, useful, desperate. Who could be a spy for Darix, and who clearly isn’t.
Thok is a hulking half orc with greasy, lanky, long black hair. More muscles than most know what to do with, and a speed that doesn’t seem possible on a bulk like his. With a set of gray pants, and black jacket wrapped around a gray shirt, he’s got a go-bag he’s had with him since he had to leave his shop. Most of the money’s gone though, used to buy him some time to get away from Darix’s men closing in.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Vonrak stands out in the bar, even though he's barely above waist height on the humans in here. He wears gleaming mithral armour that the light dances over and isclearly wealthy and quite out of place. However, he's either oblivious to the danger this puts him in or doesn't seem to care. He's young (although it's difficult to be sure with a dwarf) and has golden hair which lies in long braids and bright blue eyes. A battleaxe and circular shield are slung over his back.
He surveys the bar, looking for anyone who looks like they may work as a mercenary or hired thug - hoping to find a lead on the slaver Milos, who he's been tracked for the last three months. Perception or investigation roll (they have the same modifier): 22
He speaks to his companions "Spot anyone of interest?" His voice is strong and hearty but also contains a cultivated air of erudition.
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Plaugg sits next to Vonrak, who recruited him onto this quest with the promise of an equal share of any spoils, sits quietly taking the scene in and looking at the leather jack in his hand. He notes with a smirk, "the smell of this place didn't seem too promising, but based on the clientele maybe some entertainment will spontaneously break out."
He gets up from his seat and, on the way to the make acquaintance with the barkeep, asks one of the unwashed patrons "hey friend, I forgot, what's the name of the owner again?"
Persuasion 17
(Ooc haha should have gone for deception. Oops)
Vonrak scabs the tavern, just about everyone he sees looks like they have sometime in the past or are currently mercenary and or not so legal work.. Just a group of weathered and rugged men and women. There is one fellow in particular that catches his eye. Upon any cursory glance he seems to fit in perfectly. But there is just something that catches Vinrak’s eye. His outfit cleaner, fine leathers dyed black. Dark hooded cloak that hangs down. His posture makes it near impossible to see his features while all the while not looking like he is hiding. This man sits at the end of the bar, nursing his drink.
Plaugg shifts and swims his way through the sea of patrons. He comes across one old and gruff patron. A blue dragon born with one eye, his purple tongue hangs slightly out the side of his mouth like a dog on a hot day. At the mention of being questioned he replies “PISS OFF, outsiders shouldn’t even be welcome up here. What you looking to interrogate is fer? Get your drinks and shove on to the back!” He turns back to his drink, but not before giving a shoulder push to Plaugg.
The outer door opens silently and tiny bare feet are seen on the top of the stairs. A slip of a Halfing girl, a disheveled starveling, scampers down the uneven steps. Straightening her stained threadbare shift, she quickly scans the room and adroitly weaves her way through the crowd. Aptly avoiding the feeble groping of sodden patrons as she passes. With the agility of an alley cat, she slips under a bench and crawls to the opposite end to peer up from between Thok’s feet. She whispers “Oh, please... please help me”. “The bad men are coming”.
Vonrak eyes Plaugg's exploits with the dragborn with mild amusement before his eyes settle on the hooded figure. He was about to nudge his companions to tell them about what he's spotted when the small child appears between Thok's feet. Vonrak waits for Thok to respond, but keeps a watchful eye on the other patrons - this could be a distraction, trick or scam and he's on the look out for anyone showing interest in the party. His instinct is to help the child, but the past few years have taught him hard lessons not to take everything at face value. He puts his hand on his coin purse and shifts his weight so he has easy access to his weapons if necessary.
((If a roll is necessary for any of this, then please go ahead))
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Thok doesn’t really consider the implications at this point. He acts, and waits to see what happens, how it may benefit him.
Thok attempts to hide the girl behind him. With his bulk, it shouldn’t be too hard.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Plaugg continues to spin with the momentum of the shove to his shoulder to face the dragonborn and say "oh come now good friend, it's been a while but surely you recognize me from past performances when I passed through town! I'm here to provide some entertainment on this rainy night, alas, I must admit I'm not too bright and don't remember the barkeep's name"
Deception 21
then with a wink and a chuckle, "ha ha, maybe if ya had two good eyes you'd remember me better. Perhaps your ears will help you in a bit." he gives the dragonborn a nod and continues to make his way to the bar.
The patrons get back to their business as the Dragonborn is done staring down Plaugg. Seemingly accepting the lie or not caring enough to pursue it further..
At the bar, when Plaugg catches the eye of the owner, he leans in with a broad smile and an outstretched hand. "It's been a few years good friend! I'm glad to be passing through Ashfoot again. I must say it keeps you alert and your blood pumping. Hopefully you've been well and prosperous. What do you say to some musical diversons on this rainy evening to soothe these savage beasts? Shall I set up and play?"
Persuasion 12
What’s presumed to be the owner. A fast walking and talking human male. Bald head and a 5 o clock shadow. Wearing a stained white shirt and a black vest that hangs over his half apron. Working hard to keep the drinks flowing and keeping an eye on all the patrons. He yells back at Plaugg “Sorry mate, don’t need any of that stuff here my friend. Distracts from the normal ambiance!” Just then two other patrons begin yelling and singing their own drinking song before one passes out in the floor.
The little girl takes Thok’s inaction to get rid of her as a sign and he can hear a small whisper float out from under his cloak. “Thank you.”
The outer door bangs open and 10 dark-robed, silent specters glide on woven sandals down the stairs. Their pale, shaved, vulture-like heads bob as they fan out, lining the wall and blocking the stairs. They slowly scan the tavern. Their scarred, swollen-knuckled hands clutch knobby, wooden cudgels.
A cloud of disquiet descends on the patrons.
The weighty tension is broken as the door above bangs open again and a brawny dwarven bully slowly descends half-way down the stairwell. He wears a woven leather jerkin and steel cap. In his left hand he holds a chipped, wooden shield whose painted standard is so faded and stained that it’s impossible to determine the original design. In his gloved right hand he holds a long-bladed sword. From his belt dangles a worn leather thong attached to a wicked looking crossbow. His bushy beard twitches as he chews his scarred lips with broken black teeth. Then he stops and smiles at Thok. With a voice like grating granite, he rumbles “Anyone who doesn’t want their skull split, get down on the floor.”. As the black robed men begin to manhandle the crowd into compliance, the dwarf bellows, “Find the girl!”
The previously rowdy group of drunkards and others of hardened professions all begin to drop and hit the deck like flies at the command of the dwarf.
What would you like to do?
Thok will continue sitting and having his drink. He whispers, “Hang on tight. The ride is about to get bumpy.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Avrick, who up to this point had been asleep in his chair groggily wakes up “Oh, balls...” Avrick drops his hood showing his horns and his pale red face and his two different eyes, one a cold white and the other a fiery amber he whispers a short incantation and casts bless targeting himself, Thok, and Vornak. ”Why do I get the feeling this is about to go down hill fast?” Avrick will tighten his quiver on his back, ready to summon his bow at a moments notice
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
Vonrak stares at the dwarf with a steady gaze. Without breaking eye contact he takes his shield and battelaxe off of his back and holds them ready. He speaks slowly and deliberately. "Vonrak Hammerstone will not grovel on the floor like a dog. I have no quarrel with you - yet. You do not need to die this day. You may search for this 'girl' you speak of, but you will not hinder or harass me or my companions."
Although his gaze is fixed on the dwarf, Vonrak's peripheral vision is tracking as many of the specters as possible, ready to react to any aggressive movement.
((I'm going to guess this counts as intimidation: 5))
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Plaugg shakes his head wondering whether this town's air of aggression and general lack of humor was sucking the charm and luck right out of him when he turns and sees Vonrak staring down a burly dwarf.
"Already? We just got here!" he mutters to himself. "and always violence first with this crew."
He stays still and watches to see how things will unfold. Maybe there will be an opportunity for him to jump in to steer things away from bloodshed.
(Vonrak can add a d4 to that from bless)
Avrick looks around the room scaling their odds. He begins to laugh.” What? A girl? Are we saying like a small child, because man this is over the top.” Avrick continues to laugh again and leans to take a sip of his drink whilst keeping his other hand under the table still ”I would doubt there is one here, though I have seen a couple of strong looking women come through, then this amount would make sense, I would be scared too. But really, why be so... cumbersome about this. We’re at a bar why not drink and be merry? I mean really, just relax.”
Avrick leans back in his chair a bit with his drink
Persuasion check: 23
plus bless: 1
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
The grizzled dwarf walks over towards Avrick, the squish of his leather shoes squeak out with each step. His eyes wides and buggy while his mustache dances with each breath. “Well well we’ll, a drink? Don’t mind if I do.” As he takes a jack from the table and chugs the whole thing, making sure to take as long as possible. The ale cascading down the sides of his mouth. After slamming down the drink he looks to Avrick “Now, you must be new in town... not knowing official business when ya sees it, usually I’d have my men toss ya into the dungeons, or just kill you in the back alley as y’aint worth the time. But I’m feeling particularly generous today.” He looks around the tavern to see the patrons shaking and not making a move “Now please remove yourself from this table as I search for the girl that I witnessed meself to scamper in here. And please bear witness to my men handling others when they talk , OUT OF LINE!” He slams another fist on the table and points to Vonrak. “You three, handle this one... take him outside!” At the order three of the closest hooded figures begin to float over to Vonrak. The dwarf waiting expectantly at Avrick to move.