With an agile twirl, Zyllith grabbed a mug of the golden ale from the young woman serving them, flashing her a confident wink as she did so, before quickly taking in the drink to her lips. After a refreshing gulp or two she motioned back towards the innkeeper, not shy about bragging the group's status, "Oy tha's a bloody gorgeous tastin' brew ye' got 'ere! Truly a lovely elixar what evar pass me lips. As fer us, we be adventurer's grand! Brought forth onna quest by tha' mighty dragons 'emselves what soar through tha' skies. Aye tha's right, we be the Dragon's Aces! An' we come ta' this grand tavern, ta' drink this grand ale, and bring forth news ta one who lives 'ere."
"I knew you'd like it!" the heavy bearded innkeeper says with a smile. "Most everyone 'round here does!"
"The Dragon Aces, eh"? A fine name for an adventuring party, 'specially the way you say it with your inflections that tell me you've come from afar. I seen more than a few sword-swingers come through here. Heard lots o' names. Some better'n others, and I'll be truthful, yours is better'n than most. You say that you're on a quest given by actual dragons? Pray tell, what sort of quest may that be, if I my be so inclined to ask? Maybe I can help you find this person."
"Ay, thank ye kindly, luv. Rather fond of tha' name meself, as ye can imagine. As for our quest, 'twould involve a mess o' giants, but tha's not why we come 'ere for this fine day. We be lookin' fer a lad by tha' name o' Miros. Were told by folk around 'ere we'd as like ta' find him at this establishment. Or 'least find his trail."
A surprised look crosses the innkeeper's thickly bearded face. With all that hair, you see it mostly in his eyes and the fact that he immediately stops doing what he was doing, which was pouring another mug of ale from the tap. He looks at you and says, "Well, you found him, alright. I'm Miros. What news could you possibly have for me, and who sent it?" he asks with a highly curious tone.
The halfling that's been performing was in between songs, but he suddenly puts his lute down and looks over at the bearded man, obvious curious to see how this conversation plays out.
Belkas returns to himself in time to catch the conversation with the man who is apparently Miros. He decides to keep quiet and let Zyllith deliver the bad news. Belkas will let the others know about the contents of the woman's books at a more appropriate time.
Zyllith looked back at the rest of the party who were clearly looking to her to deliver the news. With that she turned back towards Miros, her face more serious then it was a moment ago, "Wishin' we were bringin' ye' better news at tha'. Sadly tha's no' tha' case 'ere. We come from Nightstone. Recently they suffered an attack from giants, with goblins and orcs tryin' ta' pick at tha' leftovers soon after. We were able to save many o' them folks, but some were too late for. There was an orphan o' sorts left behind, what we come 'ere ta' unite wit' them closest family." The tiefling motions her hand back towards Arisa, and the winged cat in her arms.
Miros listens and tries to comprehend what Zyllith is telling him. He seems a little confused at first, not quite understanding the significance of the tressym, but assuming that you make it clear that his parents are now dead, he reacts by sitting down and letting out a heavy sigh that's mixed with both sadness and anger. "Do you know what happened? Was it giants, goblins or orcs?"
Upon hearing this, the halfling performer walks over to the big man, sets down his lute and puts his hand on Miros's shoulder to console him. "A toast for the Xelbrins, whom I, admittedly, have never met, but must be splendid folk indeed to have sired such a magnificent friend and patron."
He then picks up his lute and plays a respectful, somber tune on the instrument.
Belkas looks at the innkeeper and says, "Miros, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Your parents were killed during the giant attack on Nightstone. I understand it was a quick death and that they were together at the end. I know that no words can help in a time like this, but it was evident that the other villagers deeply cared for them, and they will not be forgotten."
arisa holds up the tressrym and says “we are so sorry to bring this sad news, but we do have this little one who I am sure would like a home with family”
Upon hearing that his parents were killed by giants, Miros flies into a brief, but fearful rage, smashing a few plates and mugs, before slumping down and sobbing. It takes him awhile to regain his composure. The halfling, who has introduced himself as Oren Yogilby, remains by his side, doing his best to console his large furry-faced friend.
Most of the other patrons inside the inn look on with an obvious sense of sadness and slight awkwardness, but in time, the mood lightens, when Miros looks up at the tressym and says, "Well, it looks like we're both furry orphans, little brother. I'll be glad to have your company." He takes Rillix in his arms and gives him some gently, but hearty pets. The tressym responds with purring affection.
Oren picks up his Lute again and says, "Enoughsadness, it's time to lighten the mood again. How 'bout you, Naxene, got any requests?" he asks in a slightly flirtatious tone, looking over to the scholarly woman with all the books at her table. "I don't think I have any tunes that feature both giants and dragons, but I do have a few songs with charming halflings beautiful women, if that's of interest?"
The bookish woman replies, without even looking up, "A bit of quiet would be preferable, Mr. Yogilby. My studies are of the utmost importance to the safety of the realms which of course you wouldn't understand, since it has nothing to do with either music or drink."
Oren responds with a slightly embarrassed "sheesh" before asking you all which song you'd like to hear: Netheril's Fall - a song about how the wizard Karsus tried to steal Mystra's godly powers and caused Nethril's nightly floating cities to fall, - or The Grinning Ponies, - a merry tune about a band of halfling outriders who protect caravans and travelers from banditry and masters. Meanwhile, Miros gets back to pouring more goblets of Goldengulp ale.
"I for one, would be interested in hearing Netheril's Fall," says Belkas, watching to see if Naxene reacts at all.
He then takes his mug of ale and enjoys the light flavors of hops and barley.
When the singing has started up, he leans over and quietly tells the others what he saw in the arcane and history books of Naxane, of the wars between the ancient goddesses Chauntea, Shar, and Selûne, resulting in the creation of the sun and the new gods, including Mystra.
Zyllith doesn't seem too interested in the books Naxene was reading at the moment, deciding she'd be better off helping the halfling's efforts to improve the moods of those around her. Turning towards Oren with her charming smile she asks, "Ye know any song wit' pirates in 'em? Heard plenty o' cheery shanties before what love ta' sing with ye'." She moved towards the halfling bard, deciding it would be best to leave Miros to deal with his grief in his own way for now.
Arisa timidly approaches the woman, and says “pardon me madam, but I was concerned about what you said about the safety of the realm- Is something bad going to happen?”
After getting through the many verses of Netheril's Fall, which is a rather epic tale, that's sung in a lighthearted manner, Oren responds to Zyllith with excitement at the mention of pirate songs. "Oooh!! Yes, I'd love to hear some pirate songs, you start one and I'll join in on the choruses and provide the musicalaccompaniment!"
Naxene, who kept her eyes on her books during the entire song, smiles at Arisa with a courteous, but slightly dismissive look.. She replies, "The safety of the realms is always a concern, my dear."
arisa in the break in the music, timidly adds “you see-my companions and I have encountered some bad things- an attack by giants on a quiet village, and we’ve been led to believe there may be a larger plot afoot…”
Zyllith seems to glare at Oren for a moment, though it's clearly done in a playful manner, "Bloody 'ells mate! Yer puttin' me on tha' spot now. I'm nae the sort what talents lay in singing, much better at enjoyin' someone else's performance. Bah, very well then, I'll give it a go 'n hope ye don' end up chasing away patrons as o' result."
Taking a step to give her a bit of room, the tiefling began to tap her boot against the wooden floor of the tavern in a steady beat. As she began to recall her favorite shanty from her distant travels the beat grew stronger. Soon her voice rang out with a cheerful, upbeat tune with a quick tempo and a melody that, for her at least, one could never forget. Even if in the end her talents were somewhat lacking, her enjoyment at least was genuine.
O' woe be ta' any o' ye that come to me a pirate fights wit' tha' freedom ta' race 'cross tha' open sea tho only death awaits us within tha' grasp o' Umberlee till then I'll be a pirate, n' fill me life with gold n' glee
an upright man used ta work all day till taxman said he had to pay instead he found a bottle o' wine an' shoved a dagger in 'is spine
O' woe be ta' any o' ye that come to me a pirate fights wit' tha' freedom ta' race 'cross tha' open sea tho only death awaits us within tha' grasp o' Umberlee till then I'll be a pirate, n' fill me life with gold n' glee
Ol' captain saw her children die with vengance did tha' Thay witch cry 'Cross fallen stars her blade did slay then found a lovely wench ta' lay
O' woe be ta' any o' ye that come to me a pirate fights wit' tha' freedom ta' race 'cross tha' open sea tho only death awaits us within tha' grasp o' Umberlee till then I'll be a pirate, n' fill me life with gold n' glee
Tha' child once cried 'gainst tha' monsters escaped tha poor life through tha waters aboard a ship did fight tha' horror now every navy fears her terror
O' woe be ta' any o' ye that come to me a pirate fights wit' tha' freedom ta' race 'cross tha' open sea tho only death awaits us within tha' grasp o' Umberlee till then I'll be a pirate, n' fill me life with gold n' glee
( Performance - 9+2 = 11 - not sure if Oren helping would give any sort of advantage, but it wouldn't make a difference anyway )
It's apparent that Oren is a pretty good musician, because he picks up the melody and general rhythmic structure of Zyllith's song and provides a very apt accompaniment to her singing. Even though her performance isn't the greatest, at least in her own mind, the combination of her voice and enthusiasm and Oren's lute playing and background humming really help to give the tune its proper sea legs.
Everyone in the inn, even Miros, are quite entertained by this; of course, except for Naxene, who continues to pore over her books and converse with Arisa, warming up slightly to the cleric.
"You are not the only ones. It seems that bad things are everywhere, but what else would you expect from such a lawless land. In time, Lady Silverhand and the other members of the Alliance will bring order to this rough and tumble place, especially since this temple-farm is such a vital resource to the Sword Coast. We cannot afford for it to fall to savages and monsters."
"Where exactly was this attack you witnessed, and what has led you to believe that a larger plot is underfoot?"
"Oh, as you may have heard from the halfling crooner, I am Naxene."
With an agile twirl, Zyllith grabbed a mug of the golden ale from the young woman serving them, flashing her a confident wink as she did so, before quickly taking in the drink to her lips. After a refreshing gulp or two she motioned back towards the innkeeper, not shy about bragging the group's status, "Oy tha's a bloody gorgeous tastin' brew ye' got 'ere! Truly a lovely elixar what evar pass me lips. As fer us, we be adventurer's grand! Brought forth onna quest by tha' mighty dragons 'emselves what soar through tha' skies. Aye tha's right, we be the Dragon's Aces! An' we come ta' this grand tavern, ta' drink this grand ale, and bring forth news ta one who lives 'ere."
"I knew you'd like it!" the heavy bearded innkeeper says with a smile. "Most everyone 'round here does!"
"The Dragon Aces, eh"? A fine name for an adventuring party, 'specially the way you say it with your inflections that tell me you've come from afar. I seen more than a few sword-swingers come through here. Heard lots o' names. Some better'n others, and I'll be truthful, yours is better'n than most. You say that you're on a quest given by actual dragons? Pray tell, what sort of quest may that be, if I my be so inclined to ask? Maybe I can help you find this person."
"Ay, thank ye kindly, luv. Rather fond of tha' name meself, as ye can imagine. As for our quest, 'twould involve a mess o' giants, but tha's not why we come 'ere for this fine day. We be lookin' fer a lad by tha' name o' Miros. Were told by folk around 'ere we'd as like ta' find him at this establishment. Or 'least find his trail."
A surprised look crosses the innkeeper's thickly bearded face. With all that hair, you see it mostly in his eyes and the fact that he immediately stops doing what he was doing, which was pouring another mug of ale from the tap. He looks at you and says, "Well, you found him, alright. I'm Miros. What news could you possibly have for me, and who sent it?" he asks with a highly curious tone.
The halfling that's been performing was in between songs, but he suddenly puts his lute down and looks over at the bearded man, obvious curious to see how this conversation plays out.
Belkas returns to himself in time to catch the conversation with the man who is apparently Miros. He decides to keep quiet and let Zyllith deliver the bad news. Belkas will let the others know about the contents of the woman's books at a more appropriate time.
Arisa looks at the man and at Zyllith, she will help Zylith deliver the news, and holds the winged cat where it can be seen. (Advantage on any checks)
Zyllith looked back at the rest of the party who were clearly looking to her to deliver the news. With that she turned back towards Miros, her face more serious then it was a moment ago, "Wishin' we were bringin' ye' better news at tha'. Sadly tha's no' tha' case 'ere. We come from Nightstone. Recently they suffered an attack from giants, with goblins and orcs tryin' ta' pick at tha' leftovers soon after. We were able to save many o' them folks, but some were too late for. There was an orphan o' sorts left behind, what we come 'ere ta' unite wit' them closest family." The tiefling motions her hand back towards Arisa, and the winged cat in her arms.
Miros listens and tries to comprehend what Zyllith is telling him. He seems a little confused at first, not quite understanding the significance of the tressym, but assuming that you make it clear that his parents are now dead, he reacts by sitting down and letting out a heavy sigh that's mixed with both sadness and anger. "Do you know what happened? Was it giants, goblins or orcs?"
Upon hearing this, the halfling performer walks over to the big man, sets down his lute and puts his hand on Miros's shoulder to console him. "A toast for the Xelbrins, whom I, admittedly, have never met, but must be splendid folk indeed to have sired such a magnificent friend and patron."
He then picks up his lute and plays a respectful, somber tune on the instrument.
Belkas looks at the innkeeper and says, "Miros, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Your parents were killed during the giant attack on Nightstone. I understand it was a quick death and that they were together at the end. I know that no words can help in a time like this, but it was evident that the other villagers deeply cared for them, and they will not be forgotten."
arisa holds up the tressrym and says “we are so sorry to bring this sad news, but we do have this little one who I am sure would like a home with family”
Upon hearing that his parents were killed by giants, Miros flies into a brief, but fearful rage, smashing a few plates and mugs, before slumping down and sobbing. It takes him awhile to regain his composure. The halfling, who has introduced himself as Oren Yogilby, remains by his side, doing his best to console his large furry-faced friend.
Most of the other patrons inside the inn look on with an obvious sense of sadness and slight awkwardness, but in time, the mood lightens, when Miros looks up at the tressym and says, "Well, it looks like we're both furry orphans, little brother. I'll be glad to have your company." He takes Rillix in his arms and gives him some gently, but hearty pets. The tressym responds with purring affection.
Oren picks up his Lute again and says, "Enough sadness, it's time to lighten the mood again. How 'bout you, Naxene, got any requests?" he asks in a slightly flirtatious tone, looking over to the scholarly woman with all the books at her table. "I don't think I have any tunes that feature both giants and dragons, but I do have a few songs with charming halflings beautiful women, if that's of interest?"
The bookish woman replies, without even looking up, "A bit of quiet would be preferable, Mr. Yogilby. My studies are of the utmost importance to the safety of the realms which of course you wouldn't understand, since it has nothing to do with either music or drink."
Oren responds with a slightly embarrassed "sheesh" before asking you all which song you'd like to hear: Netheril's Fall - a song about how the wizard Karsus tried to steal Mystra's godly powers and caused Nethril's nightly floating cities to fall, - or The Grinning Ponies, - a merry tune about a band of halfling outriders who protect caravans and travelers from banditry and masters. Meanwhile, Miros gets back to pouring more goblets of Goldengulp ale.
"I for one, would be interested in hearing Netheril's Fall," says Belkas, watching to see if Naxene reacts at all.
He then takes his mug of ale and enjoys the light flavors of hops and barley.
When the singing has started up, he leans over and quietly tells the others what he saw in the arcane and history books of Naxane, of the wars between the ancient goddesses Chauntea, Shar, and Selûne, resulting in the creation of the sun and the new gods, including Mystra.
Zyllith doesn't seem too interested in the books Naxene was reading at the moment, deciding she'd be better off helping the halfling's efforts to improve the moods of those around her. Turning towards Oren with her charming smile she asks, "Ye know any song wit' pirates in 'em? Heard plenty o' cheery shanties before what love ta' sing with ye'." She moved towards the halfling bard, deciding it would be best to leave Miros to deal with his grief in his own way for now.
Arisa timidly approaches the woman, and says “pardon me madam, but I was concerned about what you said about the safety of the realm- Is something bad going to happen?”
After getting through the many verses of Netheril's Fall, which is a rather epic tale, that's sung in a lighthearted manner, Oren responds to Zyllith with excitement at the mention of pirate songs. "Oooh!! Yes, I'd love to hear some pirate songs, you start one and I'll join in on the choruses and provide the musical accompaniment!"
Naxene, who kept her eyes on her books during the entire song, smiles at Arisa with a courteous, but slightly dismissive look.. She replies, "The safety of the realms is always a concern, my dear."
(Arisa, roll a persuasion check.)
(Not Her strongest skill!)
2 persuasion…
arisa in the break in the music, timidly adds “you see-my companions and I have encountered some bad things- an attack by giants on a quiet village, and we’ve been led to believe there may be a larger plot afoot…”
Zyllith seems to glare at Oren for a moment, though it's clearly done in a playful manner, "Bloody 'ells mate! Yer puttin' me on tha' spot now. I'm nae the sort what talents lay in singing, much better at enjoyin' someone else's performance. Bah, very well then, I'll give it a go 'n hope ye don' end up chasing away patrons as o' result."
Taking a step to give her a bit of room, the tiefling began to tap her boot against the wooden floor of the tavern in a steady beat. As she began to recall her favorite shanty from her distant travels the beat grew stronger. Soon her voice rang out with a cheerful, upbeat tune with a quick tempo and a melody that, for her at least, one could never forget. Even if in the end her talents were somewhat lacking, her enjoyment at least was genuine.
O' woe be ta' any o' ye that come to me
a pirate fights wit' tha' freedom ta' race 'cross tha' open sea
tho only death awaits us within tha' grasp o' Umberlee
till then I'll be a pirate, n' fill me life with gold n' glee
an upright man used ta work all day
till taxman said he had to pay
instead he found a bottle o' wine
an' shoved a dagger in 'is spine
O' woe be ta' any o' ye that come to me
a pirate fights wit' tha' freedom ta' race 'cross tha' open sea
tho only death awaits us within tha' grasp o' Umberlee
till then I'll be a pirate, n' fill me life with gold n' glee
Ol' captain saw her children die
with vengance did tha' Thay witch cry
'Cross fallen stars her blade did slay
then found a lovely wench ta' lay
O' woe be ta' any o' ye that come to me
a pirate fights wit' tha' freedom ta' race 'cross tha' open sea
tho only death awaits us within tha' grasp o' Umberlee
till then I'll be a pirate, n' fill me life with gold n' glee
Tha' child once cried 'gainst tha' monsters
escaped tha poor life through tha waters
aboard a ship did fight tha' horror
now every navy fears her terror
O' woe be ta' any o' ye that come to me
a pirate fights wit' tha' freedom ta' race 'cross tha' open sea
tho only death awaits us within tha' grasp o' Umberlee
till then I'll be a pirate, n' fill me life with gold n' glee
( Performance - 9+2 = 11 - not sure if Oren helping would give any sort of advantage, but it wouldn't make a difference anyway )
(Awesome song!)
It's apparent that Oren is a pretty good musician, because he picks up the melody and general rhythmic structure of Zyllith's song and provides a very apt accompaniment to her singing. Even though her performance isn't the greatest, at least in her own mind, the combination of her voice and enthusiasm and Oren's lute playing and background humming really help to give the tune its proper sea legs.
Everyone in the inn, even Miros, are quite entertained by this; of course, except for Naxene, who continues to pore over her books and converse with Arisa, warming up slightly to the cleric.
"You are not the only ones. It seems that bad things are everywhere, but what else would you expect from such a lawless land. In time, Lady Silverhand and the other members of the Alliance will bring order to this rough and tumble place, especially since this temple-farm is such a vital resource to the Sword Coast. We cannot afford for it to fall to savages and monsters."
"Where exactly was this attack you witnessed, and what has led you to believe that a larger plot is underfoot?"
"Oh, as you may have heard from the halfling crooner, I am Naxene."