This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ord views the priest's actions (Arcana 18) and frowns, "Amaunator's light guide us from this darkness."
As the sun elf and mysterious figure speak, Ord visibly pales. He knows only too well from his books the dangers of a lich's tower. He steels himself, "Too many lights have already been extinguished. Lord Barsavi would have braved the darkness, no matter the peril.”
Ord pales and stutters a bit, “I shall enter the tower and retrieve the spell book.”
The sun elf seems to simply ignore Salazar as she continues speaking: "Well then. I guess that you three shall be the ones of fame and fortune in the eyes of the nobility. After all this curse seems to be affecting many of the noble families, from the Moonstar, to Thann, to Talmost, to Bloodstar, even the Roaringhorns - forgive me as most of my knowledge is based in Waterdeep - have a plethora of afflicted among them, after all of their wizardly exploits a couple or two have died before. I'm sure that anyone who manages to undo the curse will be seen as a hero in the eyes of these houses." She says this loudly enough for Salazar to hear, but seems to be speaking towards the group of people who have already agreed.
Lesley looks confused, "Yes, ma'am, we just discussed this. We already agreed to come with you?" It dawns on Lesley what she is trying to do as the Roaringhorn walks away, "Oh. Oh! Of course, yes, this curse will most definitely cause untold amounts of damage. Surely even the Roaringhorns would be in terrible danger as many would see this as an opportunity to seize power! Those at home would be in the most danger, with no doubt!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Salazar's knuckles go white on the grip of his sword, but still he proceeds out the door. Noting his family just down the hallway, he approaches his uncle and father, who appear to be whispering furiously.
"Lord Uncle, Father, please forgive my intrusion," Salazar begins, "but I have just heard distressing news and need speak with you."
Lord Roaringhorn turns, raises his hand to stall Romero's protest, and gives a wan smile. "Hmm. Salazar. Still as impatient as a springtime yearling. Your time away has not changed your impetuous attitude for the better, it seems. What troubles you?"
Salazar hisses his worry like steam from a boiler. "Does the Highharper speak true? Has this sickness truly spread to Amphail? Has it afflicted House Roaringhorn? Who, Lord Uncle? Who?"
"Calm down, son," Romero says in an understanding tone, but with an expression that is obviously pained at the lack of decorum. "I assure you, Remalia Haventree is known to our house through her associations with your Uncle Zelraun, and she does speak true." Salazar's father places a hand on his shoulder with a reassuring grasp. "Your mother and brothers, all of their wives and children, are all well. However, 2 of your mother's sisters, and a few of the staff in Amphail and Waterdeep have all begun to show the effects of this malady." Salazar sits down hard on the bench behind him, shock evident on his features. Romero nods to his brother, and they sit, flanking Salazar as they continue to speak quietly. "Perhaps worse, notable members of other Amphailian Houses are afflicted. We've delayed this year's Shieldmeet and transition of the village's Wardership from Ilzimmer to Alcathra because that family has made extensive use of their cleric's abilities in the past. I don't know what to make of it. This situation is unprecedented and threatens to decimate the village, perhaps even endangering our position in the Lord's Alliance." "Why didn't you tell me any of this yesterday?" Salazar mumbles. "We were unsure how you'd take it," Romero admits. "We didn't want you running back to Amphail when you are needed elsewhere and we do need you, son. Your brothers have all moved from Waterdeep to Amphail. They care for the stock on our ranch as well as three others. They're spread thin and it's going to get worse if someone doesn't help our friends and allies." "Rubbish luck. I said it," Salazar murmurs ruefully. He makes eye contact with his father and asks with resignation, "You already have my things from the Purple Wyrm Inn and I'm packed to go, aren't I?" "I knew you'd understand. I don't even have to ask, do I?" The Highlord's question is rhetorical.
Five minutes later, Salazar opens the door to the room and returns, dressed to go to war. "By the ghost of Amphail the Just, you'd better not get me eaten by a zombie, Paulo."
"Excellent! Ord, grab the scribing tools, this will be a most informative experience!" Lesley says with a shift of his glasses and a straightening of his vest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The masked person seems (you can't really tell because of the mask) surprised by some of your speed and eagerness to answer them, while annoyed at the noble for not realizing the stakes of this quest. Nevertheless, as you are all gathered they continue in a raspy voice. "At 2000 *COUGH* hours tonight, there shall be a ship called The Diviner on the docks of *COUGH*. It is a keelboat southward bound towards Cloakwood. It is manned by *PAUSE* Callbrax a... tricky halfling, but trustworthynonetheless."They then pause and take a deep raspy breath, only to then continue: "He knows how to work the vessel and is to be your *COUGH* captain. It should only be a three-day journey, and you should arrive at a *COUGH* sea cave connected to the tower. Remallia will then blow her *COUGH* horn, and with that, you all shall enter the cellar. It is imperative *PAUSE* that you move as quickly as possible, for the longer we spend fighting *COUGH* someone of the Duchess' caliber... the more casualties there shall be. The sooner that you get the *COUGH* spellbook, the sooner we can end the skirmish. Now once you have found the tome, you are to return to the Diviner. Once there, *ANOTHER DEEP BREATH* Callbrax shall be able to activate a short-range teleport to teleport both you all and the phylactery to me. Are there any more questions?" They then begin to pant and gasp for air, as if they had just run an incredibly long distance. Remallia then goes over to check on them, while also looking at you all expectantly.
Seeing that her ally isn't in the state to answer this question Remalia fills in for her. "Well Lesley, the spellbook shall be destroyed, most likely with a powerful dispelling, after we gain what we need from Zaldara. That way we can ensure that a great evil does not permeate our lands." She nods, hoping that this is a sufficient answer before returning her focus to the masked figure who is constantly coughing.
Lesley frowns a little bit, "I see, a disappointing result, but I can understand your reasoning. Delving a Lich's tower should still be an expectional experience regardless!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The masked person seems (you can't really tell because of the mask) surprised by some of your speed and eagerness to answer them, while annoyed at the noble for not realizing the stakes of this quest. Nevertheless, as you are all gathered they continue in a raspy voice.
17 ((Insight on if Masked individual is perturbed, or faking))
Will there be a way to contact you while we are in the cellar? How will you know once we have spell book? And what if we can't find it? How long should we look? If we remain too long, the lich will prevail and come for us.
I promise not to let you get eaten by a zombie if you promise to bring your maul, in case there are skeletons. You know how those things freak me out. Anyways, the Diviner? I've not heard of her, though, I suppose that's not a point against her by any means... How many masts does she have, two or three? It's unlikely you'd hire a galleon four master for a small this.
“A Maul!? Those are for tournament combat against a combatant in plate armor! Of course I do not have a Maul!”He hesitates a moment and in a very quiet voice, asks,“You’re not suggesting we’ll face skeletons in plate armor, are you? Oh, this is rubbish luck!”
The bugbear's ears twitch, "Very possible. Given the nature of lichs' experiments, strange undead are always a possibility. A maul would likely be suggested due to the er... efficiency of the weapon on brittle targets."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The sun elf looks towards Ord and says sadly: "I apologize, but we have used all of our sending stones on other members of the force. Nevertheless, Callbrax shall be your contact for this mission. Once you get the spellbook you shall simply join together in a teleport with Callbrax and come to the battlefield, at which point I should be able to force Zaldara to call off her forces. If you cannot find it, then I suppose that all of this mission shall be for naught... I dearly hope you can find it. As for time, we should be able to hold her and her forces off for maybe... three hours at most? Even then... I am unsure if we can last that long, so you certainly should not get anywhere close to that time." She then looks around towards all of you. "Is that sufficient? As for The Diviner, I believe it has... two? maybe three masts? I am unsure of the exact configuration, but all you need to know is that it shall get you there on time." She then returns to caring for her friend.
Salazar walks to the door. "Galdfrey? Galdfrey." He listens. "Yes, I know father's retainers are under instruction to no longer communicate with me, but this is important and is vital to the task he's given me." A pause. "Yes, we'll consider this an errand for him by proxy. Always the stickler..."
He listens, "Well never mind that. They're telling me I need a maul," Salazar drops to a whisper. "but I haven't the coin. ... Yes, I HAVE been THAT frivolous. Take this and meet us at the..." The young man's exasperation grows. "What was that boat called? I'm not asking you. It was, Ah, The Diviner! Meet us at The Diviner in an hour with a club or... hmm see if you can talk someone into selling you a flail for such a pittance. Bring me the change if there is any, that platinum is practically my very last coin, but this does seem to be an emergency." A muffled phrase from beyond the door. "No, thank you, Galdfrey! I am truly sorry to hear of your sister's plight. Tell mother I send all my best?"
Salazar returns to the room. "What else shall we require? Conjuration of a bunny from my chapeau? I hope not, for I haven't a gold regal anywhere about my person, much less a brace of hares.
Heeding the answers of the sun elf & his bugbear acquaintance, the obviously nervous dandy nods in agreement. "Let's be on our way. My father's man is more efficient than ever warranted. I'd wager he's at the ship in 30 minutes with exactly what I requested."
Ord breathes deeply and steadies himself, "Yes, let's go. Before my senses return and I run screaming for the hills." He kisses the brass pendant, in the shape of an ornate sun and mutters a prayer.
The retainer runs off eagerly after hearing of Salazar's plight, trying to find a merchant in town willing to sell a good flail for no less than a platinum. As the heroes depart, the masked person waves goodbye to them, which from their coughing bent over position, seems more like an accidental sign of "go away". Meanwhile, Haventree, while still caring for the masked one remarks: "Do what you must before you leave heroes. We should hopefully draw away from most of her defenses, but Liches are known to create powerful safeguards..."
What we're going to do now is something called cooperative roleplaying. In this, one person shall make a post that details the occurrences over the next couple hours in preparation for the adventure. Please communicate to this person your character's traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws, but in the end, the choice of what your character does is up to them. The first person to take part in this is going to be Salazar, good luck! If you have any questions about how this works, feel free to ask.
Salazar steps out of the building into foggy night air. "Paulo, did you hear that? I almost think she taunted us!"he exclaims, renewing his whine that was so conspicuously absent within earshot of the Harper. "I heard no taunt, not to my ears," Paulo says with a placating air, aware that Salazar was often touchy over being contradicted. "She called us "heroes" when she knows very well that she has coerced individuals of minimal experience and questionable martial prowess and is sending us to guard them! And likely to our dooms in an eternity of undeath, in the process." He pauses only as long at is takes him to inhale, "and sending us after... after what? A book made of Human flesh? I don't understand what affair this invasion is of mine or how my wandering some tower as an animated corpse helps my aunts in the least." Salazar's incredulity is honestly more comical than offensive because even the least insightful rube can see he thinks far too much of himself and is complaining just to give voice to his anxiety.
Lesley clears his throat. "Ah, You may lack context enough to see the importance of the subtle detail, but the High Harper did not specify human flesh, my noble friend. If it is connected to the basis of this withering curse or can give us insights into source of same, the value is indeterminable. In fact, it could be posited that a lich's phylactery is so dear as to be created with a desire for longevity. And, given that a more durable creature than a human would make a more suitable hide..."
"Yes! a giant or a troll," Ord interjects. "A Dragon if one could be sourced conveniently. This seems quite plausible! Hmm. This is an excellent question, Lesley! We must consider this if we are to identify the item quickly while in the basement of the tower."
Salazar groans. With a too thick coating of sarcasm, he says, "Sourced conveniently?! Oh,Thank you, Professors. I'd almost forgotten why lessons were so boring that I decided to instead drink myself into a stupor for a year." "You want to speak of taunts and insults, Sally? That is most unfair to our new friends," Paulo chides, "I have heard many stories and seen many strange things in my days aboard the Orchid and abroad. It would not do to dismiss our academic friends' understanding of the arcane. Also, I rather like being called a Hero. Would make my mother proud."
Salazar groans. "Well, I don't know how much more preparation I require, as Galdfrey has collected my things, and I've just turned over all but my last five gold stallions for him to fetch a flail." "When you have need of it, you will thank me, Sal, and I will remind you of the ridiculous whining!" Paulo promises. After digging into his pack, Salazar pulls out a nearly empty pouch of crushed velvet, looking inside. "As I said! Five! So little, I don't even bother to convert them to local currency, and what's this?" Paulo rolls his eyes apologetically, and motions that the academic pair may proceed ahead of them on the walk into the city proper.
Nose in his bag and oblivious to any around him, Salazar sees none of this. "I thought it might be platinum, but no. Looks like I have a Waterdhavian harbor moon in the bottom of my purse, too." Salazar sighs dejectedly. "An individual of my station should not be aware of the bottom of his purse."
Ord looks at the whiny noble curiously as he moves past."Such carrying on about such mundane worries! You are aware that much of this city would eat for a month or more for the "pittance" in your purse? Besides, the berth aboard the Diviner almost assuredly provides meals, so it is other provisions and necessities that we must focus on, though I do not ken what they may be, nor their scarcity."
Paulo nods, thankful for the assist. "Yes, a fine meal is in order, as well as a good wine. I'm sure if we dine at the Purple Wyrm, I can charm the serving lass there again into adding it to Romero's account, eh, Sally? After we can follow our friends on a stroll around the markets, looking for pretty girls," and then with a bit more stress on the next words, "waiting patiently while they acquire holy water and grasshopper legs and all the little things they need to do their magics!"
"An excellent proposition, Paulo, however, I do not require any part of a cricket or grasshopper or any insect of the Orthoptera order," Lesley informs with a smile. Assuming an instrutional tone, he explains, "A sufficiently practiced wizard may use an object of arcane significance as a focus for spells with material requirements. There are a number of suitable categories of foci, I favor this crystal." The bugbear tugs at the bottom of his violet vest, straightening it so that the crystal hanging around his neck is more visible. "I believe my colleague here, even at the rank of Awakened, may employ the holy symbol of his deity in a similar fashion."Ord nods, then uses a corner of his garment to clean a fleck of mud from the bronze sun that signifies his devotion to Amaunator.
After checking in with the City Guard at the entrance for which Baldur's Gate is named, Salazar sets back on his dour complaint, oblivious to his companions' hints. "Wonderful. Of all the paladins and healers running around, they draft for us a cleric of a dead Netherese sun god. You and Ord here can talk all day about ancient places and things that only the lore hounds care for, Paulo."
Ord gives Salazar a withering scowl, and, quite fed up with the hangdog expression and the inconsiderate discussion, makes eye contact with Lesley. A single nod of his head is all it takes to indicate, perhaps take the next cross street and we give it a rest?
"Precisely correct, Ord, my friend." Lesley looks to the human lads and gives a cheerful wave. "Paulo, Salazar, enjoy your meal. I will accompany our cleric to the temple of Lathander while he gathers his belongings and seeks advice from the brotherhood. We will fetch a few items that I, too require, then perhaps look for a bit of information in the library. DO not be concerned. I will make every effort not to become engrossed in a book until after we meet you aboard the Diviner and it casts off at Eighth Bell. I hope to find you in better spirits then."He looks pointedly at Paulo, who acknowledges the conjurer's intentional use of sailing terminology with a wry smile. In an impromptu language of signs, the pirate-turned-scholar-turned-adventure-hound indicates that he will bring Salazar around to the task at hand.
"Yes, exactly! You hear that! "casts off!" We'll get you speaking like a man that's been on a ship someday, too, Sally-ol'-pal!" Slowing a pace he reaches forward and takes his friend's shoulders in a firm grip, encouraging him by kneading his shoulders the way trainers often did with the bareknuckled gladiators in the arenas in Calimshan. "You hang in there. We'll get you a good meal and out of this drizzle. A glass of wine and a song and I'll wear you down. By the time I'm done with you, you'll be happy to go. I'll even get you to learn port form starboard, this time. I will!" Paulo crows triumphantly.
You all eventually make it to the docks. The night has arrived at the metropolis of Baldur's Gate. As the sun sets and the moon rises you all make your respective journey to the docks. However, when you make it to the location where The Diviner is supposed to be located, you're confused. For all you see is a ruined and dilapidated boat, it's clearly been abandoned for some time. This cannot be the boat that you're supposed to take, can it? It is then when you notice the name, mostly worn away it reads: "The Diviner" so it seems like you're in the right place when BOO!a cry shakes you out of your reverie as you whirl around and you see a halfling rolling on the floor laughing. He's dressed in a sailor's garb, but you also see several magical trinkets around him. In between laughs, he cries out, pointing towards all of you: "HAH! You... hahah should've seen yer faces hahaha! Eyes wide as hahahaha dinner plates! Hahahaha! Oh... hah well then." He promptly gets up off the floor and brushes himself off. "Well... anyway. Halloo there, I'm Callbrax. I assume you're the strike team that Haventree formed." He then gestures behind you in the direction of the ship: "And that right there is me pride n' joy. The Diviner. What a beauty she is. Er... wait. Here, I'll allow for you to see through the mirage." He waves his hand in arcane gestures as the age seems to vanish from the ship and it looks pristine. The halfling then quickly jogs off and runs up the gangplank and motions for you to follow. However, everyone has walked up the gangplank except one. As Salazar walks up to it he suddenly feels it vanish from under him as he falls into the water below. With a great big splash, the halfling can hardly contain himself as he breaks down with laughter. Eventually, during his torrent of laughter, he waves towards Salazar as Salazar is strangely brought right back onto the deck and subsequently (through a couple of prestidigitation) dried. And with that, you set off!
We're now going to do another (albeit shorter) cooperative roleplay. The first day will be done by Paulo, the second by Lesley, and the final by Ord. Describe each day of your ship travel along with what the group is doing. If you want to know about Callbrax here he is:
Personality Traits: I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions when humor is inappropriate. Nobody can stay angry at me for long since I can defuse any amount of tension. Ideal: Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress. Bonds: I'll always remember my first ship (The Diviner). Flaws: I have trouble trusting my allies (normally I work alone).
Ord views the priest's actions (Arcana 18) and frowns, "Amaunator's light guide us from this darkness."
As the sun elf and mysterious figure speak, Ord visibly pales. He knows only too well from his books the dangers of a lich's tower. He steels himself, "Too many lights have already been extinguished. Lord Barsavi would have braved the darkness, no matter the peril.”
Ord pales and stutters a bit, “I shall enter the tower and retrieve the spell book.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Salazar's knuckles go white on the grip of his sword, but still he proceeds out the door. Noting his family just down the hallway, he approaches his uncle and father, who appear to be whispering furiously.
"Lord Uncle, Father, please forgive my intrusion," Salazar begins, "but I have just heard distressing news and need speak with you."
Lord Roaringhorn turns, raises his hand to stall Romero's protest, and gives a wan smile. "Hmm. Salazar. Still as impatient as a springtime yearling. Your time away has not changed your impetuous attitude for the better, it seems. What troubles you?"
Salazar hisses his worry like steam from a boiler. "Does the Highharper speak true? Has this sickness truly spread to Amphail? Has it afflicted House Roaringhorn? Who, Lord Uncle? Who?"
"Calm down, son," Romero says in an understanding tone, but with an expression that is obviously pained at the lack of decorum. "I assure you, Remalia Haventree is known to our house through her associations with your Uncle Zelraun, and she does speak true." Salazar's father places a hand on his shoulder with a reassuring grasp.
"Your mother and brothers, all of their wives and children, are all well. However, 2 of your mother's sisters, and a few of the staff in Amphail and Waterdeep have all begun to show the effects of this malady." Salazar sits down hard on the bench behind him, shock evident on his features. Romero nods to his brother, and they sit, flanking Salazar as they continue to speak quietly.
"Perhaps worse, notable members of other Amphailian Houses are afflicted. We've delayed this year's Shieldmeet and transition of the village's Wardership from Ilzimmer to Alcathra because that family has made extensive use of their cleric's abilities in the past. I don't know what to make of it. This situation is unprecedented and threatens to decimate the village, perhaps even endangering our position in the Lord's Alliance."
"Why didn't you tell me any of this yesterday?" Salazar mumbles.
"We were unsure how you'd take it," Romero admits. "We didn't want you running back to Amphail when you are needed elsewhere and we do need you, son. Your brothers have all moved from Waterdeep to Amphail. They care for the stock on our ranch as well as three others. They're spread thin and it's going to get worse if someone doesn't help our friends and allies."
"Rubbish luck. I said it," Salazar murmurs ruefully. He makes eye contact with his father and asks with resignation, "You already have my things from the Purple Wyrm Inn and I'm packed to go, aren't I?"
"I knew you'd understand. I don't even have to ask, do I?" The Highlord's question is rhetorical.
Five minutes later, Salazar opens the door to the room and returns, dressed to go to war.
"By the ghost of Amphail the Just, you'd better not get me eaten by a zombie, Paulo."
"Excellent! Ord, grab the scribing tools, this will be a most informative experience!" Lesley says with a shift of his glasses and a straightening of his vest.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The masked person seems (you can't really tell because of the mask) surprised by some of your speed and eagerness to answer them, while annoyed at the noble for not realizing the stakes of this quest. Nevertheless, as you are all gathered they continue in a raspy voice. "At 2000 *COUGH* hours tonight, there shall be a ship called The Diviner on the docks of *COUGH*. It is a keelboat southward bound towards Cloakwood. It is manned by *PAUSE* Callbrax a... tricky halfling, but trustworthy nonetheless." They then pause and take a deep raspy breath, only to then continue: "He knows how to work the vessel and is to be your *COUGH* captain. It should only be a three-day journey, and you should arrive at a *COUGH* sea cave connected to the tower. Remallia will then blow her *COUGH* horn, and with that, you all shall enter the cellar. It is imperative *PAUSE* that you move as quickly as possible, for the longer we spend fighting *COUGH* someone of the Duchess' caliber... the more casualties there shall be. The sooner that you get the *COUGH* spellbook, the sooner we can end the skirmish. Now once you have found the tome, you are to return to the Diviner. Once there, *ANOTHER DEEP BREATH* Callbrax shall be able to activate a short-range teleport to teleport both you all and the phylactery to me. Are there any more questions?" They then begin to pant and gasp for air, as if they had just run an incredibly long distance. Remallia then goes over to check on them, while also looking at you all expectantly.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Lesley raises his hand, "I have one. Upon our retrieval of the spellbook and it's safe delivery into your hands. What will happen to it?"
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Seeing that her ally isn't in the state to answer this question Remalia fills in for her. "Well Lesley, the spellbook shall be destroyed, most likely with a powerful dispelling, after we gain what we need from Zaldara. That way we can ensure that a great evil does not permeate our lands." She nods, hoping that this is a sufficient answer before returning her focus to the masked figure who is constantly coughing.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Lesley frowns a little bit, "I see, a disappointing result, but I can understand your reasoning. Delving a Lich's tower should still be an expectional experience regardless!"
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
<<Salazar has no further questions.>>
Will there be a way to contact you while we are in the cellar? How will you know once we have spell book? And what if we can't find it? How long should we look? If we remain too long, the lich will prevail and come for us.
Paulo's brows knit together in concern
I promise not to let you get eaten by a zombie if you promise to bring your maul, in case there are skeletons. You know how those things freak me out. Anyways, the Diviner? I've not heard of her, though, I suppose that's not a point against her by any means... How many masts does she have, two or three? It's unlikely you'd hire a galleon four master for a small this.
“A Maul!? Those are for tournament combat against a combatant in plate armor! Of course I do not have a Maul!”He hesitates a moment and in a very quiet voice, asks, “You’re not suggesting we’ll face skeletons in plate armor, are you? Oh, this is rubbish luck!”
The bugbear's ears twitch, "Very possible. Given the nature of lichs' experiments, strange undead are always a possibility. A maul would likely be suggested due to the er... efficiency of the weapon on brittle targets."
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The sun elf looks towards Ord and says sadly: "I apologize, but we have used all of our sending stones on other members of the force. Nevertheless, Callbrax shall be your contact for this mission. Once you get the spellbook you shall simply join together in a teleport with Callbrax and come to the battlefield, at which point I should be able to force Zaldara to call off her forces. If you cannot find it, then I suppose that all of this mission shall be for naught... I dearly hope you can find it. As for time, we should be able to hold her and her forces off for maybe... three hours at most? Even then... I am unsure if we can last that long, so you certainly should not get anywhere close to that time." She then looks around towards all of you. "Is that sufficient? As for The Diviner, I believe it has... two? maybe three masts? I am unsure of the exact configuration, but all you need to know is that it shall get you there on time." She then returns to caring for her friend.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Lesley nods, "Then time is of the essence. We need to move quickly, gentlemen!" Lesley straightens his vest readies to leave.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Salazar walks to the door. "Galdfrey? Galdfrey." He listens. "Yes, I know father's retainers are under instruction to no longer communicate with me, but this is important and is vital to the task he's given me." A pause. "Yes, we'll consider this an errand for him by proxy. Always the stickler..."
He listens, "Well never mind that. They're telling me I need a maul," Salazar drops to a whisper. "but I haven't the coin. ... Yes, I HAVE been THAT frivolous. Take this and meet us at the..." The young man's exasperation grows. "What was that boat called? I'm not asking you. It was, Ah, The Diviner! Meet us at The Diviner in an hour with a club or... hmm see if you can talk someone into selling you a flail for such a pittance. Bring me the change if there is any, that platinum is practically my very last coin, but this does seem to be an emergency."
A muffled phrase from beyond the door.
"No, thank you, Galdfrey! I am truly sorry to hear of your sister's plight. Tell mother I send all my best?"
Salazar returns to the room. "What else shall we require? Conjuration of a bunny from my chapeau? I hope not, for I haven't a gold regal anywhere about my person, much less a brace of hares.
Heeding the answers of the sun elf & his bugbear acquaintance, the obviously nervous dandy nods in agreement. "Let's be on our way. My father's man is more efficient than ever warranted. I'd wager he's at the ship in 30 minutes with exactly what I requested."
Ord breathes deeply and steadies himself, "Yes, let's go. Before my senses return and I run screaming for the hills." He kisses the brass pendant, in the shape of an ornate sun and mutters a prayer.
The retainer runs off eagerly after hearing of Salazar's plight, trying to find a merchant in town willing to sell a good flail for no less than a platinum. As the heroes depart, the masked person waves goodbye to them, which from their coughing bent over position, seems more like an accidental sign of "go away". Meanwhile, Haventree, while still caring for the masked one remarks: "Do what you must before you leave heroes. We should hopefully draw away from most of her defenses, but Liches are known to create powerful safeguards..."
What we're going to do now is something called cooperative roleplaying. In this, one person shall make a post that details the occurrences over the next couple hours in preparation for the adventure. Please communicate to this person your character's traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws, but in the end, the choice of what your character does is up to them. The first person to take part in this is going to be Salazar, good luck! If you have any questions about how this works, feel free to ask.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Salazar steps out of the building into foggy night air. "Paulo, did you hear that? I almost think she taunted us!" he exclaims, renewing his whine that was so conspicuously absent within earshot of the Harper.
"I heard no taunt, not to my ears," Paulo says with a placating air, aware that Salazar was often touchy over being contradicted.
"She called us "heroes" when she knows very well that she has coerced individuals of minimal experience and questionable martial prowess and is sending us to guard them! And likely to our dooms in an eternity of undeath, in the process." He pauses only as long at is takes him to inhale, "and sending us after... after what? A book made of Human flesh? I don't understand what affair this invasion is of mine or how my wandering some tower as an animated corpse helps my aunts in the least." Salazar's incredulity is honestly more comical than offensive because even the least insightful rube can see he thinks far too much of himself and is complaining just to give voice to his anxiety.
Lesley clears his throat. "Ah, You may lack context enough to see the importance of the subtle detail, but the High Harper did not specify human flesh, my noble friend. If it is connected to the basis of this withering curse or can give us insights into source of same, the value is indeterminable. In fact, it could be posited that a lich's phylactery is so dear as to be created with a desire for longevity. And, given that a more durable creature than a human would make a more suitable hide..."
"Yes! a giant or a troll," Ord interjects. "A Dragon if one could be sourced conveniently. This seems quite plausible! Hmm. This is an excellent question, Lesley! We must consider this if we are to identify the item quickly while in the basement of the tower."
Salazar groans. With a too thick coating of sarcasm, he says, "Sourced conveniently?! Oh,Thank you, Professors. I'd almost forgotten why lessons were so boring that I decided to instead drink myself into a stupor for a year."
"You want to speak of taunts and insults, Sally? That is most unfair to our new friends," Paulo chides, "I have heard many stories and seen many strange things in my days aboard the Orchid and abroad. It would not do to dismiss our academic friends' understanding of the arcane. Also, I rather like being called a Hero. Would make my mother proud."
Salazar groans. "Well, I don't know how much more preparation I require, as Galdfrey has collected my things, and I've just turned over all but my last five gold stallions for him to fetch a flail."
"When you have need of it, you will thank me, Sal, and I will remind you of the ridiculous whining!" Paulo promises.
After digging into his pack, Salazar pulls out a nearly empty pouch of crushed velvet, looking inside. "As I said! Five! So little, I don't even bother to convert them to local currency, and what's this?" Paulo rolls his eyes apologetically, and motions that the academic pair may proceed ahead of them on the walk into the city proper.
Nose in his bag and oblivious to any around him, Salazar sees none of this. "I thought it might be platinum, but no. Looks like I have a Waterdhavian harbor moon in the bottom of my purse, too." Salazar sighs dejectedly. "An individual of my station should not be aware of the bottom of his purse."
Ord looks at the whiny noble curiously as he moves past. "Such carrying on about such mundane worries! You are aware that much of this city would eat for a month or more for the "pittance" in your purse? Besides, the berth aboard the Diviner almost assuredly provides meals, so it is other provisions and necessities that we must focus on, though I do not ken what they may be, nor their scarcity."
Paulo nods, thankful for the assist. "Yes, a fine meal is in order, as well as a good wine. I'm sure if we dine at the Purple Wyrm, I can charm the serving lass there again into adding it to Romero's account, eh, Sally? After we can follow our friends on a stroll around the markets, looking for pretty girls," and then with a bit more stress on the next words, "waiting patiently while they acquire holy water and grasshopper legs and all the little things they need to do their magics!"
"An excellent proposition, Paulo, however, I do not require any part of a cricket or grasshopper or any insect of the Orthoptera order," Lesley informs with a smile. Assuming an instrutional tone, he explains, "A sufficiently practiced wizard may use an object of arcane significance as a focus for spells with material requirements. There are a number of suitable categories of foci, I favor this crystal." The bugbear tugs at the bottom of his violet vest, straightening it so that the crystal hanging around his neck is more visible. "I believe my colleague here, even at the rank of Awakened, may employ the holy symbol of his deity in a similar fashion." Ord nods, then uses a corner of his garment to clean a fleck of mud from the bronze sun that signifies his devotion to Amaunator.
After checking in with the City Guard at the entrance for which Baldur's Gate is named, Salazar sets back on his dour complaint, oblivious to his companions' hints.
"Wonderful. Of all the paladins and healers running around, they draft for us a cleric of a dead Netherese sun god. You and Ord here can talk all day about ancient places and things that only the lore hounds care for, Paulo."
Ord gives Salazar a withering scowl, and, quite fed up with the hangdog expression and the inconsiderate discussion, makes eye contact with Lesley. A single nod of his head is all it takes to indicate, perhaps take the next cross street and we give it a rest?
"Precisely correct, Ord, my friend." Lesley looks to the human lads and gives a cheerful wave. "Paulo, Salazar, enjoy your meal. I will accompany our cleric to the temple of Lathander while he gathers his belongings and seeks advice from the brotherhood. We will fetch a few items that I, too require, then perhaps look for a bit of information in the library. DO not be concerned. I will make every effort not to become engrossed in a book until after we meet you aboard the Diviner and it casts off at Eighth Bell. I hope to find you in better spirits then." He looks pointedly at Paulo, who acknowledges the conjurer's intentional use of sailing terminology with a wry smile. In an impromptu language of signs, the pirate-turned-scholar-turned-adventure-hound indicates that he will bring Salazar around to the task at hand.
"Yes, exactly! You hear that! "casts off!" We'll get you speaking like a man that's been on a ship someday, too, Sally-ol'-pal!" Slowing a pace he reaches forward and takes his friend's shoulders in a firm grip, encouraging him by kneading his shoulders the way trainers often did with the bareknuckled gladiators in the arenas in Calimshan. "You hang in there. We'll get you a good meal and out of this drizzle. A glass of wine and a song and I'll wear you down. By the time I'm done with you, you'll be happy to go. I'll even get you to learn port form starboard, this time. I will!" Paulo crows triumphantly.
Part 2: A Tranquil Journey
Day 16, 2000 hours
You all eventually make it to the docks. The night has arrived at the metropolis of Baldur's Gate. As the sun sets and the moon rises you all make your respective journey to the docks. However, when you make it to the location where The Diviner is supposed to be located, you're confused. For all you see is a ruined and dilapidated boat, it's clearly been abandoned for some time. This cannot be the boat that you're supposed to take, can it? It is then when you notice the name, mostly worn away it reads: "The Diviner" so it seems like you're in the right place when BOO! a cry shakes you out of your reverie as you whirl around and you see a halfling rolling on the floor laughing. He's dressed in a sailor's garb, but you also see several magical trinkets around him. In between laughs, he cries out, pointing towards all of you: "HAH! You... hahah should've seen yer faces hahaha! Eyes wide as hahahaha dinner plates! Hahahaha! Oh... hah well then." He promptly gets up off the floor and brushes himself off. "Well... anyway. Halloo there, I'm Callbrax. I assume you're the strike team that Haventree formed." He then gestures behind you in the direction of the ship: "And that right there is me pride n' joy. The Diviner. What a beauty she is. Er... wait. Here, I'll allow for you to see through the mirage." He waves his hand in arcane gestures as the age seems to vanish from the ship and it looks pristine. The halfling then quickly jogs off and runs up the gangplank and motions for you to follow. However, everyone has walked up the gangplank except one. As Salazar walks up to it he suddenly feels it vanish from under him as he falls into the water below. With a great big splash, the halfling can hardly contain himself as he breaks down with laughter. Eventually, during his torrent of laughter, he waves towards Salazar as Salazar is strangely brought right back onto the deck and subsequently (through a couple of prestidigitation) dried. And with that, you set off!
We're now going to do another (albeit shorter) cooperative roleplay. The first day will be done by Paulo, the second by Lesley, and the final by Ord. Describe each day of your ship travel along with what the group is doing. If you want to know about Callbrax here he is:
Personality Traits: I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions when humor is inappropriate. Nobody can stay angry at me for long since I can defuse any amount of tension.
Ideal: Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress.
Bonds: I'll always remember my first ship (The Diviner).
Flaws: I have trouble trusting my allies (normally I work alone).
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3