Jubilation fills the evening air in the normally staid town of Trunau, for it is the twelfth birthday of the Chief Defender’s youngest daughter, Ruby, and the townsfolk have been preparing all day for the ceremony and festivities to follow. A throng of spectators has amassed at the town Commons; the buzz of the crowd subsides as the weathered town leader, Halgra of the Blackened Blades, takes the stage and begins to speak.
“Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony. It is always a great privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they come of age.” Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated dagger hanging from a silver chain. “But tonight is a special occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than my youngest daughter.” Once again, Halgra pauses, but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her. “Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family—even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty. Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?” Ruby—dusky skinned, black haired, and painfully shy—nods her head in response to her mother’s question. “If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut—here, here, and here.” Halgra demonstrates which arteries to sever while Ruby watches. When she is finished, Halgra sheathes the hopeknife and places the necklace around Ruby’s neck before turning back to address the crowd. “Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community! Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood! Trunau forever!” The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in unison, signaling the end of the ceremony.
Once Halgra is finished with the presentation, the townsfolk waste no time getting to the more light-hearted activities of the evening. Games are played, food is eaten, drinks are drunk. Eventually, Kurst and Rodrik Grath, brothers who serve together in Trunau’s militia, announce that it is time for the tug-of-war. It is a time-honored tradition, wherein the hopeknife recipient chooses several champions from amongst the gathered crowd to aid her in defeating the militia in a game of physical strength. The shy girl observes the crowd and, in turn, asks each of you to be her champions.
Describe yourself as the young girl walks up to you.
Lia is a white-haired half-elf maiden, slender and agile. She wears a set of leather armor over her knee-length tunic. A rapier is sheathed at one hip, with a shortbow and quiver over her shoulder. She has emerald eyes that twinkle with amusement as the girl walks up to pick Lia as one of her champions. She gives Tine an amused glance, clearly indicating how foolish she thinks the young girl to be in picking Lia as one of her tug-a-war picks. She sighs though, giving the young woman a nod of acceptance. "Not much brawn here, but I'll give it a go." She says in a mellodic voice.
"I'd be honored to be your champion," Metzger says to the girl. "I don't have much in terms of braun as well, but I can lend some aid." Metzger is a 5'5 wood elf with short brown hair, brown skin and gray eyes. He's donned in leathers that appeared singed in various areas with etchings of small flames up and down the sides. On his belt he carries a scimitar and strapped to his back is a shield with flame embossed on the front.
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I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
The human woman known as Eira Fletcher gives a bit of a smirk as she's selected by the young girl to be 'champion' in the tug of war. She remembered fondly her own Hopeknife ceremony in town years before, and was more than pleased to see the tradition continuing strong in today's youth. She'll drop to a knee as the girl approaches, scruffing up her hair with a smile on her cheeks. "Of course, Ruby." She'll steal a glance at the other two: Metzger and Lia. "What you two lack in brawn, hopefully you make up for in wits!" she'll say with a chuckle.
Eira stands just over an average height of 5'8", with a messy ponytail holding her brown hair up and out of her face. She has youthful features, tanned skin, and a strong build. Normally, you all have probably seen her around town in militia garb: a green tunic, as well as a standard-issue longsword and shield. However, now, she's got an outfit more apt for a birthday celebration. A light dressing of freckles dot her face, as well as a single, deep scar that runs down her cheek.
The 5’5” half-elf just finishes her drink quickly. Her green eyes take in the group and the she gives a huge grin as she moves pats Lia on the back “If Lia’s going to help then count me in.” her voice soft and light fell on ears in a peaceful and warm way.
She just begins to pull her long red hair into a ponytail letting two strands fall framing her pale face and the sea of freckles that ran in a row from one cheek to the other. She just rolls up the sleeves on her white blouse. Her hands moving to rest on the strap of the lute that hangs on her back. From the natural resting position, it was clear the woman was more use to unstrapping the lute, then drawing the rapier that rested awkwardly at her side. It was clear the woman was more of a performer from her clothes. Of course, anyone who visited the tavern also knew of the great entertainer Tine, either from her voice or her looks.
"Alright then, let's have a clean fight," Rodrik Grath, a handsome man with short, brown hair and a goatee, says with a wink. His brother, Kurst, lines up behind him, as do three members of the town's militia. "Eira, have you turned on us?" he asks, laughing.
The four of you, with Ruby in front, go to one side of the tug-of-war rope, while the militiamen go to the other. A line carved in the floor serves as a marker; whichever team is pulled over that line first loses. Halgra calls out "Ready... go!" and both sides give it their all. I would like everybody to roll an Athletics roll for me.
Tine takes up her position on the rope, trying to place herself closer to the front. She definitely wasn't a good anchor for this type of event. When Halgra called out for them to go she began to pull with all the strength she could muster.
As Lia took up her position behind Tine she leaned forward to whisper into Tine's ear. "Witch of those militia men do you want to bed?" As expected her friend burst out laughing, and Lia joined in. Tine slipped as she laughed though, and didn't give anything to the pull attempt as the shout to go was made. Lia leaned back, but could only grip the rope and pull, not wishing to step on Tine.
OOC: I'm not even gonna wait for the last Athletics check for the results of this. XD
Perhaps they were not ready for the combined might of the militiamen, but whatever the case may be, the town's defenders successfully pull our heroes and the birthday girl 5 feet closer to the line.
"Keep it up, men!" Rodrik calls out.
I'd like one more Athletics check from everyone, please.
"Rodrick, what kind of dutiful militia member would I be if I declined the request of the daughter of the Chief Defender on her own birthday?" Eira retorts with a smirk on her face, before it is wiped cleanly off when the militia men tug her side close to the line. The woman's brow furrows, as she attempts to yank hard to counter them.
Tine just looks at Lia gathering herself "No time for thinking about that. We have to focus on winning for the birthday girl!" she says giving a smile as she tries to dig herself into the ground and pulls on the rope again with her allies.
The militiamen manage to hold their own against the birthday girl and her allies, but Rodrik gives a wink to the team, and suddenly their grip begins to loosen. With very little warning, Rodrik, Kurst, and their allies are suddenly pulled over the line, collapsing in a heap, and a great cheer for Ruby and her champions erupts in the hall.
"Well see, we did it." Lia says with a grin, elbowing Tine in her side playfully. "I knew we could, girl power and all that." She twirls a bit, moving over and giving the birthday-girl a hug. "You are victorious." Lia says as she releases the girl. She adjusts her own good tunic, under her leather armor, glancing to the men as they pick themselves up. She gives Tine a knowing smile, before slipping an arm around the other girl's waist. "So is now the time for that sort of talk?" She whispers in Tine's ear. Her other hand combes her white-blond hair back behind an ear that is slightly pointed, not quite elven, but some elven blood is clearly in Lia.
Eira will give a chuckle, grinning wide at Ruby as the contest is over. At least they put on a good show, and made the young girl feel like a true hero today. She'll steal a glance at Lia and Tine, smirking as they head off to the side to chat amongst themselves. In turn, she'll approach Rodrik and Kurst, moving to shake both of their hands in the aftermath. "So, tell me. Did we actually win?"
"You two have any other plans for the evening, or can I get you both a drink?"
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Alva Elkheart- Human Ranger (1) Eira Fletcher- Human Barbarian (1)
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Jubilation fills the evening air in the normally staid town of Trunau, for it is the twelfth birthday of the Chief Defender’s youngest daughter, Ruby, and the townsfolk have been preparing all day for the ceremony and festivities to follow. A throng of spectators has amassed at the town Commons; the buzz of the crowd subsides as the weathered town leader, Halgra of the Blackened Blades, takes the stage and begins to speak.
“Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony. It is always a great privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they come of age.” Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated dagger hanging from a silver chain. “But tonight is a special occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than my youngest daughter.” Once again, Halgra pauses, but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her. “Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family—even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty. Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?” Ruby—dusky skinned, black haired, and painfully shy—nods her head in response to her mother’s question. “If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut—here, here, and here.” Halgra demonstrates which arteries to sever while Ruby watches. When she is finished, Halgra sheathes the hopeknife and places the necklace around Ruby’s neck before turning back to address the crowd. “Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community! Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood! Trunau forever!” The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in unison, signaling the end of the ceremony.
Once Halgra is finished with the presentation, the townsfolk waste no time getting to the more light-hearted activities of the evening. Games are played, food is eaten, drinks are drunk. Eventually, Kurst and Rodrik Grath, brothers who serve together in Trunau’s militia, announce that it is time for the tug-of-war. It is a time-honored tradition, wherein the hopeknife recipient chooses several champions from amongst the gathered crowd to aid her in defeating the militia in a game of physical strength. The shy girl observes the crowd and, in turn, asks each of you to be her champions.
Describe yourself as the young girl walks up to you.
DM:
Reign of Winter I Curse of the Crimson Throne
Hell's Vengeance | Giantslayer
Varisian Hexalogy: Rise of the Runelords
Player:
Lucille Underfoot, lv. 1 Halfling Storm Sorcerer | Janna Farooq, lv. 1 Human Celestial Warlock
I strive to post at least once per day on all my PbPs. I ask my players to do the same.
More active on weekdays than weekends.
Assume all of my characters are gay.
Lia is a white-haired half-elf maiden, slender and agile. She wears a set of leather armor over her knee-length tunic. A rapier is sheathed at one hip, with a shortbow and quiver over her shoulder. She has emerald eyes that twinkle with amusement as the girl walks up to pick Lia as one of her champions. She gives Tine an amused glance, clearly indicating how foolish she thinks the young girl to be in picking Lia as one of her tug-a-war picks. She sighs though, giving the young woman a nod of acceptance. "Not much brawn here, but I'll give it a go." She says in a mellodic voice.
"I'd be honored to be your champion," Metzger says to the girl. "I don't have much in terms of braun as well, but I can lend some aid." Metzger is a 5'5 wood elf with short brown hair, brown skin and gray eyes. He's donned in leathers that appeared singed in various areas with etchings of small flames up and down the sides. On his belt he carries a scimitar and strapped to his back is a shield with flame embossed on the front.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
The human woman known as Eira Fletcher gives a bit of a smirk as she's selected by the young girl to be 'champion' in the tug of war. She remembered fondly her own Hopeknife ceremony in town years before, and was more than pleased to see the tradition continuing strong in today's youth. She'll drop to a knee as the girl approaches, scruffing up her hair with a smile on her cheeks. "Of course, Ruby." She'll steal a glance at the other two: Metzger and Lia. "What you two lack in brawn, hopefully you make up for in wits!" she'll say with a chuckle.
Eira stands just over an average height of 5'8", with a messy ponytail holding her brown hair up and out of her face. She has youthful features, tanned skin, and a strong build. Normally, you all have probably seen her around town in militia garb: a green tunic, as well as a standard-issue longsword and shield. However, now, she's got an outfit more apt for a birthday celebration. A light dressing of freckles dot her face, as well as a single, deep scar that runs down her cheek.
Alva Elkheart - Human Ranger (1)
Eira Fletcher - Human Barbarian (1)
The 5’5” half-elf just finishes her drink quickly. Her green eyes take in the group and the she gives a huge grin as she moves pats Lia on the back “If Lia’s going to help then count me in.” her voice soft and light fell on ears in a peaceful and warm way.
She just begins to pull her long red hair into a ponytail letting two strands fall framing her pale face and the sea of freckles that ran in a row from one cheek to the other. She just rolls up the sleeves on her white blouse. Her hands moving to rest on the strap of the lute that hangs on her back. From the natural resting position, it was clear the woman was more use to unstrapping the lute, then drawing the rapier that rested awkwardly at her side. It was clear the woman was more of a performer from her clothes. Of course, anyone who visited the tavern also knew of the great entertainer Tine, either from her voice or her looks.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
"Alright then, let's have a clean fight," Rodrik Grath, a handsome man with short, brown hair and a goatee, says with a wink. His brother, Kurst, lines up behind him, as do three members of the town's militia. "Eira, have you turned on us?" he asks, laughing.
The four of you, with Ruby in front, go to one side of the tug-of-war rope, while the militiamen go to the other. A line carved in the floor serves as a marker; whichever team is pulled over that line first loses. Halgra calls out "Ready... go!" and both sides give it their all. I would like everybody to roll an Athletics roll for me.
22
8
16
11
21
DM:
Reign of Winter I Curse of the Crimson Throne
Hell's Vengeance | Giantslayer
Varisian Hexalogy: Rise of the Runelords
Player:
Lucille Underfoot, lv. 1 Halfling Storm Sorcerer | Janna Farooq, lv. 1 Human Celestial Warlock
I strive to post at least once per day on all my PbPs. I ask my players to do the same.
More active on weekdays than weekends.
Assume all of my characters are gay.
Tine takes up her position on the rope, trying to place herself closer to the front. She definitely wasn't a good anchor for this type of event. When Halgra called out for them to go she began to pull with all the strength she could muster.
OOC:
Athletics check: 1
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Lia Athletics: 11
As Lia took up her position behind Tine she leaned forward to whisper into Tine's ear. "Witch of those militia men do you want to bed?" As expected her friend burst out laughing, and Lia joined in. Tine slipped as she laughed though, and didn't give anything to the pull attempt as the shout to go was made. Lia leaned back, but could only grip the rope and pull, not wishing to step on Tine.
Metzger will cast Guidance on Eira to help her in this. He'll assume his position and tug as well.
Athletics - 3
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
OOC: I'm not even gonna wait for the last Athletics check for the results of this. XD
Perhaps they were not ready for the combined might of the militiamen, but whatever the case may be, the town's defenders successfully pull our heroes and the birthday girl 5 feet closer to the line.
"Keep it up, men!" Rodrik calls out.
I'd like one more Athletics check from everyone, please.
DM:
Reign of Winter I Curse of the Crimson Throne
Hell's Vengeance | Giantslayer
Varisian Hexalogy: Rise of the Runelords
Player:
Lucille Underfoot, lv. 1 Halfling Storm Sorcerer | Janna Farooq, lv. 1 Human Celestial Warlock
I strive to post at least once per day on all my PbPs. I ask my players to do the same.
More active on weekdays than weekends.
Assume all of my characters are gay.
"Rodrick, what kind of dutiful militia member would I be if I declined the request of the daughter of the Chief Defender on her own birthday?" Eira retorts with a smirk on her face, before it is wiped cleanly off when the militia men tug her side close to the line. The woman's brow furrows, as she attempts to yank hard to counter them.
Athletics: 9
If she can trigger the guidance given by Metzger, she will, to gain an additional 3 to her Athletics roll.
Alva Elkheart - Human Ranger (1)
Eira Fletcher - Human Barbarian (1)
Tine just looks at Lia gathering herself "No time for thinking about that. We have to focus on winning for the birthday girl!" she says giving a smile as she tries to dig herself into the ground and pulls on the rope again with her allies.
OOC:
athletics check: 12
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Metzger continues to try and pull on the rope, imagining himself transforming into a bear.
Athletics - 11
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Lia athletics: 2
Returning Tine's smile, Lia nods and grips the rope tight. She pulls with her entire body, trying to make up for her causing Tine to slip before.
Militiamen Athletics checks:
15
21
9
6
21
DM:
Reign of Winter I Curse of the Crimson Throne
Hell's Vengeance | Giantslayer
Varisian Hexalogy: Rise of the Runelords
Player:
Lucille Underfoot, lv. 1 Halfling Storm Sorcerer | Janna Farooq, lv. 1 Human Celestial Warlock
I strive to post at least once per day on all my PbPs. I ask my players to do the same.
More active on weekdays than weekends.
Assume all of my characters are gay.
The militiamen manage to hold their own against the birthday girl and her allies, but Rodrik gives a wink to the team, and suddenly their grip begins to loosen. With very little warning, Rodrik, Kurst, and their allies are suddenly pulled over the line, collapsing in a heap, and a great cheer for Ruby and her champions erupts in the hall.
DM:
Reign of Winter I Curse of the Crimson Throne
Hell's Vengeance | Giantslayer
Varisian Hexalogy: Rise of the Runelords
Player:
Lucille Underfoot, lv. 1 Halfling Storm Sorcerer | Janna Farooq, lv. 1 Human Celestial Warlock
I strive to post at least once per day on all my PbPs. I ask my players to do the same.
More active on weekdays than weekends.
Assume all of my characters are gay.
"Well see, we did it." Lia says with a grin, elbowing Tine in her side playfully. "I knew we could, girl power and all that." She twirls a bit, moving over and giving the birthday-girl a hug. "You are victorious." Lia says as she releases the girl. She adjusts her own good tunic, under her leather armor, glancing to the men as they pick themselves up. She gives Tine a knowing smile, before slipping an arm around the other girl's waist. "So is now the time for that sort of talk?" She whispers in Tine's ear. Her other hand combes her white-blond hair back behind an ear that is slightly pointed, not quite elven, but some elven blood is clearly in Lia.
Eira will give a chuckle, grinning wide at Ruby as the contest is over. At least they put on a good show, and made the young girl feel like a true hero today. She'll steal a glance at Lia and Tine, smirking as they head off to the side to chat amongst themselves. In turn, she'll approach Rodrik and Kurst, moving to shake both of their hands in the aftermath. "So, tell me. Did we actually win?"
"You two have any other plans for the evening, or can I get you both a drink?"
Alva Elkheart - Human Ranger (1)
Eira Fletcher - Human Barbarian (1)