A chilled, misty night hangs over the industrious mountainside city of Hupperdook, the scent of a recent rain on the air as you walk the muddied path. The nightly festivities have already begun, with the elevated section of the city known as the Idleworks Shelf alight with colorful lanterns and streamers. The distant sounds of music and firecrackers echo from hundreds of feet up the stairs of the mountain. You arrive at the quiet, dark fields of the Assembly Yard, passing massive forges and partially constructed war machines. All the city’s industry has seemingly been abandoned for the night, while the workers of Hupperdook unwind in the celebrations of the upper city.
A cloaked figure slowly approaches the dark and quiet lower tier from the darkness surrounding Hupperdook. Tall and broad-shouldered, the figure enters and moves from shadow to shadow — almost aimlessly — peering in windows and around corners as if looking for something. Every time a particularly loud bit of revelry echos down from the upper tier, the figure's head jerks in that direction.
Dice Maantell is an unusual character. He loves the arcane, which is a little unusual for a Drow Elf. He was given a lantern of revealing that saved his life while he was lost in the wilderness. He has gained great wisdom in his time and is able to use magic artfully. He knows that there are some who would look on a drow with suspicion and walks around with a hood over his head in order to keep the peace.
A 6ft tabaxi fully armored in grayish blue armor makes his way down the main road focused on the tiers above. The only thing distinguishing his large form from the darkness is the bright red scarf and war hammer hanging at his side. Tired from the journey a warm bed and food are the main thing running through this mind.
Isobi's eyes were full of tears - she is home! The noise, the smell, the unique shape of every building, visible even in the darkness - it was so dear, so welcoming... She has not seen Hupperdook for two years, from the moment "Laughing Shark" left the docks and until three ships later she dared to return. Just for a while, little gnome repeated to herself, she could not stay. No, of course she could not, nothing has changed - yet! But it will! Some more money, a bit more time - and she will be able to live here again.
Isobi sighed, adjusted the scarf covering lower part of her face, and walked towards Silver Falls Grove, enjoying every step and fighting the urge to go straight to the Idleworks Shelf. She wanted to see her home, of course, but the sound of music and smell of the real gnomish food was irresistible!
Dornik strides past the Assembly Yard, giving the half completed machines and the abandoned forges a baleful look. Here, all seemed so peaceful, hiding the fact that these Yards give birth to hell during the day. The figure shakes his head and begins towards the sounds of revelry and ale. His broad figure and height mark a startling contrast with his cloak and his graceful step. As he goes, he pulls small chunks of meat out of his pocket, feeding the creature on his shoulder. A pet, perhaps, or a companion.
As he reaches the edge of the festivites, he stops, looking out over the crowd. No, it wouldn't do to go lumbering through the press of gnomes. He could be spotted, or stopped. Best to stick to the shadows and wait.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OOC: Let's keep it random! 1
The cloaked figures stops in its tracks as the tiny form of Isobi begins up the street near her. The figure hesitates, then, pulling its hood down a little further over its eyes, it steps out of the shadows. "Excuse," it says in a voice just loud enough to catch the gnome's attention. The voice is gruff and low, but somehow slightly feminine. It is being issued from a tall (over six foot, but less than that because it is slightly hunched) creature wearing a dirty, brown cloak that covers her body from head to foot so that none of her body is showing. The hood casts a deep shadow, making her face almost invisible. Due to Isobi's short stature and her darkvision, she is pretty sure the creature is a bugbear! "Is Hup-per-dook?" the bugbear continues, enunciating the name of the city very carefully.
(Feel free to introduce yourselves to each other. The celebration is going on in the upper part of the city, so the lower part of the city, where you are right now, is desolate. No need to try and sneak through the city. Once you all are ready, I will advance the adventure. But if you are in need of a bit of direction...)
As the new arrivals look about, a single gnome walks out of his workstation. He wields a broom as he sweeps out his station. A lone gnome that for some reason, is not partaking in the festivities. He doesn't seem to give much attention to the characters arrival as he is more focused on cleaning.
It was kind of unexpected - to get back to the gnome city and yet to immediately bump into a stranger, taller than even a human. Isobi looked up - and made a step back. And another one. She knew, of course, that "bugbear" for decades already did not mean "a mad servant of Bane" but ... well, it was unexpected. All stranger could see is a pair of big round eyes (widened even more for a moment) and a soot black forelock.
Isobi cleared her throat and answered with all the bravery she could master (after all she was at home!) in an unmistakably girly voice "Hupperdook, yes." Then, a bit angry at herself for getting scared so easily and for no reason (truly, why?) she smiled (stranger did not see it though) and added in a friendly tone "Did you come to see festivities? You are in the wrong part of the town then."
She stepped aside, allowing a working gnome do his job. //Any insights for a local why the gnome can ignore a good old tradition and stay home?//
Dornik waits for another moment, watching the festivities from the shadows before turning back the way he came. No need to expose himself quite yet. Wandering back into the lower city while lost in thought, Dornik subconsciously is drawn to the sounds of voices in the otherwise silent night. Turning onto the street with the other figures more on accident than on purpose, he notes the taller cloaked figure and begins to approach before nearly crashing into the shorter personage of Isobi.
A hand quickly shoots out to the wall to steady himself before he takes a step back, giving a small nod to the gnome.”Terribly sorry, little miss. Bit new to these parts, I am, and still getting used to noticing you smaller folk. Didn’t mean to interrupt, not at all. Just couldn’t help but notice most everyone else in this place seems to be up there, partyin’. Guess you could say I’m curious about what you fine folk are doin’ out here in the middle of nowhere.”
At Isobi's question about the festivities, the bugbear turns to look at the upper tier. "Fes-ti-vi-ties?" The head swivels around to look at the gnome again. "Not know." She then turns to watch Dornik approach. Her body instinctively adjusts to face the newcomer head-on. "Raei tell," the bugbear says simply.
Making his way down the through fair Sky finally spies a group huddle together. Turning to them he steps forward and bows slightly “For give this ones intrusion but do any of you know how to ascend to the upper tier? It is this ones first time here.” At six foot he knows he can be a bit intimidating so he bows low to lower tension.
Isobi blinked in surprise: "In the middle of nowhere?! Why, this is Lower Hupperdook, where the work is done. Well, a lot of it. The folks are in Idleworks Shelf now, celebrating the end of the good working day." Most likely not finding understanding on Dornik's face she explained not without a pride: "Gnomes work hard, very hard. But we party even harder! It is a tradition - when you are done with your work, you go and celebrate the time well - meaning productively, for the good of society - spent. If you are new here, you certainly should go and see - and try everything! - for yourself." She even lowered her scarf to reveal a round smiley face. "If you can survive the fuse - you can consider yourself half Hupperdookian."
There’s a small chuckle from Dornik, who rubs the back of his head for a second. “Perhaps I misspoke, miss. I don’t mean to insulate that we’re in the middle of the wilderness or nothin’, I just meant to ask what’s stoppin’ you folks from joinin’ the party up above. After all, I saw it, I did, and it seems most the town is there. And then there’s us four here, and only one of that number seems to be workin’ all that hard.” Hearing the new arrival, he turns to Sky. ”I stand corrected. Us five, then.” He stops to size up the new comer, noting the the large hammer and full armor and subtly shifting in order to stay out of the way of the warrior.
Five?! Isobi looked around - indeed, five. She was too excited and did not noticed at first. And every single one of them from a tall folk. Very tall. But why not? The city is the greatest jewel of the Crown (or so the citizens believed) and she could be a good host and introduce newcomers to the wonders of Hupperdook. Isobi felt happy and wanted to share the feeling with everyone. It's decided then, Silver Falls could wait.
"I was just about to get there. If you wish so, I can show you the way and the most interesting things in Idleworks Shelf. You can join us too, Miss? Missis?" Isobi was not sure what is the correct way to address a bugbear. The only one she ever met was simply called by his name, when someone dared to do so. "I am Isobi," introduced herself little gnome and turned to the "deaf and blind" working gnome: "Would you come with us? It's late already, you could stop your work." Newcomers seemed nice enough but she would feel a bit easier with another of her kind near by.
(I think we got the party mixed up somewhere. You all came in the lower city, not the upper. You all are no where near the party. The upper city is only accessible through the lower. )
The gives Isobi a look over, then glances over to the other four taller arrivals. He gives a shake of his head, "I ain't one for parties, lass, I enjoy work and only work. Though if you're looking for directions I can point you all in the right way. The other folk you're with seem like the adventurer kind, looking for work maybe?"
Dice makes himself known to the group by walking out of the shadows "I don't mean to startle anyone but yes I am looking for work." He lowers his hood realizing that they are all, expect maybe Isobi, new and unique to these parts. "So if this is the where the real work is done maybe I can find someone to speak with. I need employment and don't want a lot of attention. Drow are not always looked on with trust, if you understand. Things are a bit quiet and I thought I would see what I can find with most of the party happening elsewhere." He looks at the others "My name is Dice by the way."
"No, not here!" firmly declared Isobi offended for her city. "Hupperdook does not care who you are as long as you can work and do not make trouble! He can get that work, right?" She turned to the gnome trying to remember, which factory could accept strangers - not every place was designed with the tall folk in mind, somewhere they would simply not fit (literally).
Sky looking a bit awkwardly to the others “Well work would be nice but this one is in need of food, drink, and rest after the journey here. This one would be very honored to be show the way by a local.” Then remembering the social etiquette he keeps forgetting. “This ones name is Sky and is honored to make your acquaintances” nodding to each of them individually.
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A chilled, misty night hangs over the industrious mountainside city of Hupperdook, the scent of a recent rain on the air as you walk the muddied path. The nightly festivities have already begun, with the elevated section of the city known as the Idleworks Shelf alight with colorful lanterns and streamers. The distant sounds of music and firecrackers echo from hundreds of feet up the stairs of the mountain. You arrive at the quiet, dark fields of the Assembly Yard, passing massive forges and partially constructed war machines. All the city’s industry has seemingly been abandoned for the night, while the workers of Hupperdook unwind in the celebrations of the upper city.
A cloaked figure slowly approaches the dark and quiet lower tier from the darkness surrounding Hupperdook. Tall and broad-shouldered, the figure enters and moves from shadow to shadow — almost aimlessly — peering in windows and around corners as if looking for something. Every time a particularly loud bit of revelry echos down from the upper tier, the figure's head jerks in that direction.
Dice Maantell is an unusual character. He loves the arcane, which is a little unusual for a Drow Elf. He was given a lantern of revealing that saved his life while he was lost in the wilderness. He has gained great wisdom in his time and is able to use magic artfully. He knows that there are some who would look on a drow with suspicion and walks around with a hood over his head in order to keep the peace.
Lot's of stuff ...
A 6ft tabaxi fully armored in grayish blue armor makes his way down the main road focused on the tiers above. The only thing distinguishing his large form from the darkness is the bright red scarf and war hammer hanging at his side. Tired from the journey a warm bed and food are the main thing running through this mind.
Isobi's eyes were full of tears - she is home! The noise, the smell, the unique shape of every building, visible even in the darkness - it was so dear, so welcoming... She has not seen Hupperdook for two years, from the moment "Laughing Shark" left the docks and until three ships later she dared to return. Just for a while, little gnome repeated to herself, she could not stay. No, of course she could not, nothing has changed - yet! But it will! Some more money, a bit more time - and she will be able to live here again.
Isobi sighed, adjusted the scarf covering lower part of her face, and walked towards Silver Falls Grove, enjoying every step and fighting the urge to go straight to the Idleworks Shelf. She wanted to see her home, of course, but the sound of music and smell of the real gnomish food was irresistible!
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Dornik strides past the Assembly Yard, giving the half completed machines and the abandoned forges a baleful look. Here, all seemed so peaceful, hiding the fact that these Yards give birth to hell during the day. The figure shakes his head and begins towards the sounds of revelry and ale. His broad figure and height mark a startling contrast with his cloak and his graceful step. As he goes, he pulls small chunks of meat out of his pocket, feeding the creature on his shoulder. A pet, perhaps, or a companion.
As he reaches the edge of the festivites, he stops, looking out over the crowd. No, it wouldn't do to go lumbering through the press of gnomes. He could be spotted, or stopped. Best to stick to the shadows and wait.
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
OOC: Let's keep it random! 1
The cloaked figures stops in its tracks as the tiny form of Isobi begins up the street near her. The figure hesitates, then, pulling its hood down a little further over its eyes, it steps out of the shadows. "Excuse," it says in a voice just loud enough to catch the gnome's attention. The voice is gruff and low, but somehow slightly feminine. It is being issued from a tall (over six foot, but less than that because it is slightly hunched) creature wearing a dirty, brown cloak that covers her body from head to foot so that none of her body is showing. The hood casts a deep shadow, making her face almost invisible. Due to Isobi's short stature and her darkvision, she is pretty sure the creature is a bugbear! "Is Hup-per-dook?" the bugbear continues, enunciating the name of the city very carefully.
(Feel free to introduce yourselves to each other. The celebration is going on in the upper part of the city, so the lower part of the city, where you are right now, is desolate. No need to try and sneak through the city. Once you all are ready, I will advance the adventure. But if you are in need of a bit of direction...)
As the new arrivals look about, a single gnome walks out of his workstation. He wields a broom as he sweeps out his station. A lone gnome that for some reason, is not partaking in the festivities. He doesn't seem to give much attention to the characters arrival as he is more focused on cleaning.
It was kind of unexpected - to get back to the gnome city and yet to immediately bump into a stranger, taller than even a human. Isobi looked up - and made a step back. And another one. She knew, of course, that "bugbear" for decades already did not mean "a mad servant of Bane" but ... well, it was unexpected. All stranger could see is a pair of big round eyes (widened even more for a moment) and a soot black forelock.
Isobi cleared her throat and answered with all the bravery she could master (after all she was at home!) in an unmistakably girly voice "Hupperdook, yes." Then, a bit angry at herself for getting scared so easily and for no reason (truly, why?) she smiled (stranger did not see it though) and added in a friendly tone "Did you come to see festivities? You are in the wrong part of the town then."
She stepped aside, allowing a working gnome do his job. //Any insights for a local why the gnome can ignore a good old tradition and stay home?//
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Dornik waits for another moment, watching the festivities from the shadows before turning back the way he came. No need to expose himself quite yet. Wandering back into the lower city while lost in thought, Dornik subconsciously is drawn to the sounds of voices in the otherwise silent night. Turning onto the street with the other figures more on accident than on purpose, he notes the taller cloaked figure and begins to approach before nearly crashing into the shorter personage of Isobi.
A hand quickly shoots out to the wall to steady himself before he takes a step back, giving a small nod to the gnome. ”Terribly sorry, little miss. Bit new to these parts, I am, and still getting used to noticing you smaller folk. Didn’t mean to interrupt, not at all. Just couldn’t help but notice most everyone else in this place seems to be up there, partyin’. Guess you could say I’m curious about what you fine folk are doin’ out here in the middle of nowhere.”
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
At Isobi's question about the festivities, the bugbear turns to look at the upper tier. "Fes-ti-vi-ties?" The head swivels around to look at the gnome again. "Not know." She then turns to watch Dornik approach. Her body instinctively adjusts to face the newcomer head-on. "Raei tell," the bugbear says simply.
Making his way down the through fair Sky finally spies a group huddle together. Turning to them he steps forward and bows slightly “For give this ones intrusion but do any of you know how to ascend to the upper tier? It is this ones first time here.” At six foot he knows he can be a bit intimidating so he bows low to lower tension.
Isobi blinked in surprise: "In the middle of nowhere?! Why, this is Lower Hupperdook, where the work is done. Well, a lot of it. The folks are in Idleworks Shelf now, celebrating the end of the good working day." Most likely not finding understanding on Dornik's face she explained not without a pride: "Gnomes work hard, very hard. But we party even harder! It is a tradition - when you are done with your work, you go and celebrate the time well - meaning productively, for the good of society - spent. If you are new here, you certainly should go and see - and try everything! - for yourself." She even lowered her scarf to reveal a round smiley face. "If you can survive the fuse - you can consider yourself half Hupperdookian."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
There’s a small chuckle from Dornik, who rubs the back of his head for a second. “Perhaps I misspoke, miss. I don’t mean to insulate that we’re in the middle of the wilderness or nothin’, I just meant to ask what’s stoppin’ you folks from joinin’ the party up above. After all, I saw it, I did, and it seems most the town is there. And then there’s us four here, and only one of that number seems to be workin’ all that hard.” Hearing the new arrival, he turns to Sky. ”I stand corrected. Us five, then.” He stops to size up the new comer, noting the the large hammer and full armor and subtly shifting in order to stay out of the way of the warrior.
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
Five?! Isobi looked around - indeed, five. She was too excited and did not noticed at first. And every single one of them from a tall folk. Very tall. But why not? The city is the greatest jewel of the Crown (or so the citizens believed) and she could be a good host and introduce newcomers to the wonders of Hupperdook. Isobi felt happy and wanted to share the feeling with everyone. It's decided then, Silver Falls could wait.
"I was just about to get there. If you wish so, I can show you the way and the most interesting things in Idleworks Shelf. You can join us too, Miss? Missis?" Isobi was not sure what is the correct way to address a bugbear. The only one she ever met was simply called by his name, when someone dared to do so. "I am Isobi," introduced herself little gnome and turned to the "deaf and blind" working gnome: "Would you come with us? It's late already, you could stop your work." Newcomers seemed nice enough but she would feel a bit easier with another of her kind near by.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(I think we got the party mixed up somewhere. You all came in the lower city, not the upper. You all are no where near the party. The upper city is only accessible through the lower. )
The gives Isobi a look over, then glances over to the other four taller arrivals. He gives a shake of his head, "I ain't one for parties, lass, I enjoy work and only work. Though if you're looking for directions I can point you all in the right way. The other folk you're with seem like the adventurer kind, looking for work maybe?"
Dice makes himself known to the group by walking out of the shadows "I don't mean to startle anyone but yes I am looking for work." He lowers his hood realizing that they are all, expect maybe Isobi, new and unique to these parts. "So if this is the where the real work is done maybe I can find someone to speak with. I need employment and don't want a lot of attention. Drow are not always looked on with trust, if you understand. Things are a bit quiet and I thought I would see what I can find with most of the party happening elsewhere." He looks at the others "My name is Dice by the way."
Lot's of stuff ...
"No, not here!" firmly declared Isobi offended for her city. "Hupperdook does not care who you are as long as you can work and do not make trouble! He can get that work, right?" She turned to the gnome trying to remember, which factory could accept strangers - not every place was designed with the tall folk in mind, somewhere they would simply not fit (literally).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Stealth: 14
Anyone with a passive perception of 17 or higher (and the DM, of course):
The cloaked figure stealthily moves further away from Dice as he reveals himself.
The cloaked figure stands idly by, not contributing to the conversation, her head swiveling as each individual speaks.
Sky looking a bit awkwardly to the others “Well work would be nice but this one is in need of food, drink, and rest after the journey here. This one would be very honored to be show the way by a local.” Then remembering the social etiquette he keeps forgetting. “This ones name is Sky and is honored to make your acquaintances” nodding to each of them individually.