Singe stands on his toes, looking across the crowd, "Hey, over there, I think I see a part of our group!" He motions to Woe to follow him, trying to get over to the father and daughter duo. Finally making it to the pair, he clasps his hands, "Ah! More members of Team Red! I presume you're getting a modron?"
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Perrin would put his hands tenderly on the monkey and suddenly his hands start glowing with a radiant energy and the wounds on the monkey begin to close. However, he cannot do anything about the scars. "There you go, little buddy, that should help. That man really wasn't too kind to you. Why don't you come with us for the time being? And here, you already started so you may as well finish it." Perrin will give the monkey the rest of the pie he started. Turning to the others he says "Let's go before the original owner finds us here. It may not be an item on the list but I guess we picked up this little guy for now. Who knows he may he'll come in handy later?" Perrin will move the monkey from his shoulder to his hands and continue walking to their destination as the monkey is eating the remaining part of the pie.
"Indeed we are," Zamar says with a smile. "We were not sure anyone else had access to this part of the city. We knew we were due to meet up soon, so we figured we would give this a try and head back. By the way, I am Zamar Zahuv and this is my daughter Lera. We were all a bit rushed back there at the start and never really had a chance to chat. We have made some progress on our list. We have a four leaf clover bathed, more or less, in Lathander's light, and a Treasure Map. We also have something I suspect none of the other teams have. Information. We went to talk to Needle to see how literal they were going to be with the list. He didn't give a straight answer but let slip the word 'experiment' in reference to Lord Viscardi's hunt. A game is being played here, but I am not sure if we are playing or being played."
Lera adds, "That's why we tried to go see him in his room. He wasn't there. But we know where there is. And we know he won't be there during the bard competition. It might be a good time for someone to sneak in and see if they can get answers."
The High House of Wonders looms ahead in all its glory. As the largest temple in Baldur's Gate it has gained a reputation across Faerun for its oddities and wonders. It's granite walls raise high, pillars dotting the outside in what can only be described as divine architecture. Just as the groups gather, the bells begin to ring marking the 5th hour after the noon bell. Even above the murmurs of the crowd gathered, the clamor of hammer and saw can be heard within.
To the side of the magnificent building, at the Hall of Wonders, the crowd thickens. There, Baldurians seem to be competing in a competition of sorts. A huge device has been built to test the dexterity and strength of visitors to the Hall. With each failure, the crowd roars in applause and laughter. With each success, a trinket is given - one that looks very much like the modrons of Gond's own realm, Mechalus.
The contraption itself is a marvel to behold. Large gears work to twirl huge mallets, flame spews from various locations, a boulder rolls in perpetual motion, and a complete section is completely submerged in a pool of water. Anyone getting through this obstacle course is sure to get the praise and applause of everyone in the crowd.
Singe and Woe both notice Lera and Zamar as they stand, watching the spectacle, while eating their steaming sausages.
Koll regards the monkey riding on Perrin's shoulder and can't but help feel a kinship with him. "You bear scars just like I do, little creature. But they make you stronger. Ilmater blesses those who suffer. A monkey is not quite the same as a monk, but I shall call you Koll Jr."
"Experiment... Well, there's still a competition to win! Shall we go get a modron?" "But the whole experiment thing is way more interesting. Winning is impressing Viscardi, and to me, figuring out this experiment would be more impressive than a simple scavenger hunt." Lera says "Mmmm, let's do both then, but I would get as far as we can before following the frayed words of an overworked gnome." Singe rises to his full height and turns and walks towards the obstacle course. "If the competition is fair, I like our odds. How many other teams have two bards inspiring each other?" he grins. And with that he turns and follows Singe. Woe just nods and winks at Zamar, following the group. "Singe, are you any good with water?" Singe snorts, "I kind of specialize in the antithesis of water" "That's what I thought - but part of that contraption is submerged in water..." Woe turns. "What about you, Lera, do you want to do the test and win us a modron? Then again, flames as well, so you might be able to just walk straight through that?" Singe frowns, "I've never tried. Fire is dangerous you know; I'm not the hardiest."
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"I don't mind giving it a try," Lera agreed to going through the ringer absentmindedly. As she was looking at the obstacle course, a group of adventurers caught her eye. The group of six looked clearly out of place in the Upper City, with one of them holding a modron trinket. The human was ugly, with pockmarked skin, a patchy beard, and dangerous daggers. “Don’t be super obvious, and don’t tell the others yet, but there’s another scavenger hunt group that just won a modron," she said to her father through another message cantrip. She could see Zamar starting to look over, so she quickly amended, "I said be cool."
She had half a dozen ideas whirring around in her head, but none of them were particularly good ones. She doubted that she would have much luck actually going through the obstacle course, but she liked her odds trying to trick the team out of the modron better. You're a part of a team now, remember? Lera thought to herself. And adventurers work with their party.
"Hey! It's Lera. Be cool, this is a spell, you can think a response back to me. There's another group here, one that's already won one of the modrons. Again, be cool, don't look."The sorcerer sent to more messages off in quick succession, one to Singe and one to Woe. Perhaps they could work together to solve this particular problem.
The monkey chitters happily as Perrin's healing touch closes its wounds. With that, it starts taking off its strange vest, dropping it on the ground behind them, before feasting on the rest of the pie offered. When Koll proclaims it's new name as Koll Jr, the monkey gives no indication that it rejects the new nickname. As Shanolia begins to speak, it acts as if it's listening, nodding with each word.
As they walk, Shanolia decides she should explain what happened at the smith shop, and why Flint refused to sell to sell his wares to the group. With a sigh, she steels herself.
"I suppose an explanation is in order, for before."
Perrin raises an eybrow. Sure, he planned on asking the Elf anyway, but he expected them to be more reserved. Taking a breath, she continues.
"Flint used to be a good friend of mine. When I was alone and scared, he took me in and showed me how to survive, taught me everything I know." Shanolia reaches up and gingerly touches her mask, before carrying on. "However, he was still a thief; Unpredictable, with a temper as hot as his forge. When something didn't go his way, he found someone to blame."
"You're who he usually blamed?" Perrin asks solemnly. She nods slowly, keeping her hand on her face.
"After almost twenty years, I'd had enough. I tried to fight back, to prove I wasn't just a scapegoat for mistakes. We fought, and..." Shanolia pauses, unsure if she should tell them the whole story."Some things are better shown than told, just not here; not where the children run free."
Once Shanolia finishes her statement, Koll Jr. chortles loudly, as if trained to laugh on cue. He then immediately continues eating the rest of Perrin's pie.
While Zamar is obviously examining the obstacle course trap by trap and Singe runs off, Woe also decides to leave the Aasimars for a moment. She walks over to the line and asks one of the officials keeping order there: "Hello servant of the temple of Gond, your machine is the most wonderful I have ever seen in my life! The craftsmanship is extraordinary and how elegantly it shows all these 'wanna-be's' that they don't have the skill and the elegance to get throught the obstacles. Beautiful! I wanted to ask you: How much is it to enter the contest? What is the best way to conquer the fire? Is it allowed to try more than once? What's the trick with the water? And how long do you keep this spectacle open into the night? I have a friend who would love to try it! Also, I was wondering, does the Halls of Wonders have modrons for sale and if yes, for how much?" After this string of questions, each'trick'-question quickly followed by a normal, inconspicuous question, Woe just smiles her brightest smile at the woman.
"Hmmm" Singe turns to Zamar, "Unfortunately, I can't help you three through this course. I'm not the quickest individual of our group and magic is clearly not allowed. I do have a few questions for a priest of Gond, so if you'll excuse me, I'll only be a few minutes."He slips through the crowd towards the High House of Wonders.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
The priestess smiled kindly to Woe, a single eyebrow raised at the barrage of questions. "While it is admirable to ask about the course, I am not permitted to help in any form. Those obstacles must be discovered for yourself. As for the other questions you've asked, it is a 4g donation to Gond to enter the course. You may enter up to two times, but you must pay the entry fee each attempt. You must go alone, no teams are allowed. We will only be taking competitors until dark," she said, looking to the sky. "So you'd better hurry. Find your way to Grapip Salgim Wrefan Lanfan..." at this, she pointed to the gnome at the head of the line, taking down notes. "...and give him your information and the entry fee."
The High House of Wonders has a reputation for being open all day, every day. In fact, its been decades since the last time the House's doors have slammed shut. Rigged to close instantly and quickly, the cogs and wheels that surround the doors are made of some of the rarest metals found in Faerun. Singe has been through the House before, as the house stores the largest library in Baldur's Gate. He approaches and enters without resistance and sweeps past the apprentice workshop that makes up the entry chamber. Entering a side hall, he climbs the stairs to the main library on the second floor of the magnificent building. As he approaches the door it opens of its own accord, parting into slots built into the granite walls.
He is met with the massive library that he has almost dubbed his second home during his years of apprenticeship. He spots Seamus almost instantly. As much as the librarian would have liked to be outside watching the contestants, he loved the isolation and quiet of the library more. Seamus wears the robes of Gond loosely, as his age and lack of drive to consume proper meals has left him lean. For a half-orc this makes for an odd sight, but Singe has spent years building a relationship with Seamus so he's learned to accept the man's odd quirks.
"Seamus! My friend!" Singe whispers to half-orc as he walks up to reference desk, "I need your help with finding information about a disease. One that has symptoms of paled skin, drool from the mouth, watering of the eyes, no sweat, inability to control motor functions, bleeding from the ears and dried blood on the nose."
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Woe returns to discuss their plan, but when Singe is still missing, she just stands with Lera and Zamar, trying to figure out what might be happening in the water canyon...
After a while she remembers that he wanted to solve the disease and might be stuck with books for the whole evening. Woe turns to Lera: "I'll go and sign us up. I will compete first and see how far I get... then I'll come back and report to you. Then you can have a go, and your dad and I will support and help you to the best of our abilities. Are you up for it?"
When Lera nods, Woe walks over to the gnome to sign them up.
Seamus blinks. The last time he saw Singe so excitable, the Genasi had learned his first cantrip. Though typically Gond would frown upon texts that deal with magic, the books were essential in developing mechanical counters. Due to the vast amounts of magical books they had gotten through the decades, wizards often sent their apprentices here for their studies. "All books dealing with Pathology are in Row E," he responds. He points a long, shaky finger in the direction Singe should go. "Look for texts that focus on Homeostasis in disease... I think. Shelf GR." He blinks once more, waiting for Singe to run off. That was his favorite part... watching someone eager to learn rush off to learn.
"Thank you Seamus. Also, if you were concerned, I am not dead!" Singe dashes off. His hand travels along the shelves until he reaches shelf GR. "Here we are! GR! What does the largest library in all of Baldur's Gate have to offer?" Singe pulls books off the shelves flipping through, "Emperors Of Medicine, Rectified Venology, Standardization Of Somatology, and The Recovery Of Nosology. These will be good enough, I will need to look at these later." He shelves the books and dashes back outside, making his way back to his friends.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"Only one at a time," the gnome says, looking up from his papers to see both Woe and Lera standing over him. "It will be a 4 dragon donation to the temple to compete." He reaches his hand out for the coin.
Woe takes out 8 GP from her purse and hands it to the gnome. She then stands in line to compete, while Lera heads back to her fathers side to watch.
"Name," the gnome says, halting your progress. He jingles the coin as he waits. "All competitors must understand that the High Hall of Wonders takes no responsibility for any injuries sustained during the course of this exercise. If one were to be injured, priests of Gond are standing by with medicinal herbs and divine healing to assist. In the event of death, dismemberment, or catatonia, the temple of Gond will take you in to their care for further study of medicine and healthcare. Do you accept these terms?"
“Lera, Lera Fiori,” Lera grinned confidently. “And I do accept your terms.”
"Wonderful Lera. I'm sure you'll be just fine. Age?" He scribbles her name down and checks, "Accepts Terms"
"Woe Yeth Norvyre. I accept the terms. What do you need my age for?" Woe squirms, not wanting to tell her age.
"For statistics, of course," the gnome responds. He writes Woe's name down and checks, "Accepts Terms."
"17," Lera quickly replies.
He writes Lera's age down along the same line as her name. "Do you represent any Lord, Patriar, or Guild?" He asks.
Lera hesitated. “Can I give you an answer after I go through the course?”
"I can write 'none' if that is what you prefer," he responds.
“Well, if I do really well I want to honor my house... but if I don’t do well...”
The gnome sighs. "Some Lords, Patriars and Guilds have pre-purchased slots in this event. It is merely a formality." The gnome writes "none" along affiliations. He turns back to Woe. "Any refusal to provide the information asked will result in an immediate disqualification," he says. "Would you prefer to withdraw your name from this competition?" He looks at the small line forming behind the two potential entrants.
“I’m so sorry," Lera said, stepping to the side. I’m going to get out of your way, and then Woe is going to take a turn and then... I’m sorry.”
"All good, I am 49 years of age. Let's get going with this. Oh, no affiliation," Woe said.
The gnome nods. "Very well!" He smiles and gestures for Woe to continue through. The clink of coin is heard as he places the coins into the chest-slot.
Woe steps up to the course. There's a general quiet in the crowd as she does. Suddenly, music begins to play. Stepping forward on a platform three feet wide, she sees the first obstacle ahead of her. Giant mallets that look to be made from heavy wrought iron swing like pendulums. There's a series of five of them, all with their own rhythm. As promised, Zamar's music matches the rhythm perfectly.
Woe stands on the platform. Walking up the steps, she didn't feel anything, no emotions, no fear. But when she looks at the mallets, they do look very big and intimidating... she closes her eyes, and listens to the beat that Zamar is playing... then her whole body starts to move slowly to the tune, and she actually starts dancing. With her eyes almost closed she dances on her toes, moves elegantly and eyecatchingly. Then she moves forward and weaves in between the mallets...
As she steps forward, a mallet swings. She can feel the air as it breezes past her. She immediately step forward again, a little off-beat. Her heart skips a beat as she feels the second mallet brush against her back. Instinctively, she step forward forgetting the beat completely, and a mallet hits her hard in the body. She stumbles forward trying to keep her balance, but ends up falling squarely off the platform.
A priest of Gond rushes up to her and begins to assess the damage. He takes measurements of the impact area, the angle of her fall, and tallies it all on a parchment. Finally, he utters a prayer to Gond and the blessing he's bestowed upon the contraption and heals your poor fallen ally.
Woe gets up. Pats down her trousers to remove the dust, nods to the priest and with a fire-red face returns to the group...
"Well, that went..... as to be expected, really..." She says.
Lera gulped. She was going to be up much sooner than she had expected. The sorceress looked at her dad nervously, giving him a quick hug for luck. “Any words of inspiration, pops?”
”There once was a girl named Lera
Who had to face her fear-a
Through mallets and fire
She knew she’d aspire
To bring that modron back over here-a.”
Zamar pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Lera took a deep breath before stepping up to the plate, knowing she had the strength of her father and new friends behind her.
Group 1
Singe stands on his toes, looking across the crowd, "Hey, over there, I think I see a part of our group!" He motions to Woe to follow him, trying to get over to the father and daughter duo. Finally making it to the pair, he clasps his hands, "Ah! More members of Team Red! I presume you're getting a modron?"
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Group 2
Perrin would put his hands tenderly on the monkey and suddenly his hands start glowing with a radiant energy and the wounds on the monkey begin to close. However, he cannot do anything about the scars. "There you go, little buddy, that should help. That man really wasn't too kind to you. Why don't you come with us for the time being? And here, you already started so you may as well finish it." Perrin will give the monkey the rest of the pie he started. Turning to the others he says "Let's go before the original owner finds us here. It may not be an item on the list but I guess we picked up this little guy for now. Who knows he may he'll come in handy later?" Perrin will move the monkey from his shoulder to his hands and continue walking to their destination as the monkey is eating the remaining part of the pie.
Group 3 - With Group 1
"Indeed we are," Zamar says with a smile. "We were not sure anyone else had access to this part of the city. We knew we were due to meet up soon, so we figured we would give this a try and head back. By the way, I am Zamar Zahuv and this is my daughter Lera. We were all a bit rushed back there at the start and never really had a chance to chat. We have made some progress on our list. We have a four leaf clover bathed, more or less, in Lathander's light, and a Treasure Map. We also have something I suspect none of the other teams have. Information. We went to talk to Needle to see how literal they were going to be with the list. He didn't give a straight answer but let slip the word 'experiment' in reference to Lord Viscardi's hunt. A game is being played here, but I am not sure if we are playing or being played."
Lera adds, "That's why we tried to go see him in his room. He wasn't there. But we know where there is. And we know he won't be there during the bard competition. It might be a good time for someone to sneak in and see if they can get answers."
Zamar Zahuv - Level 4 Aasimar Bard in Whispers of Dissent
Golos - Level 1 Halfling Barbarian in Night's Dark Terror
Jerrok Flametongue - Level 6 Human Barbarian in Zendikar - Whispers of the Aeons
R'thr Ka'ri - Level 5 Paladin in The Adventures of Bubbles (every other Wednesday)
Johnathan Moonspeaker - Level 6 Druid in Web of Lies (every other Friday)
DM of Something Wicked This Way Comes - D&D Modernverse (every other Tuesday)
Groups 1 and 3
The High House of Wonders looms ahead in all its glory. As the largest temple in Baldur's Gate it has gained a reputation across Faerun for its oddities and wonders. It's granite walls raise high, pillars dotting the outside in what can only be described as divine architecture. Just as the groups gather, the bells begin to ring marking the 5th hour after the noon bell. Even above the murmurs of the crowd gathered, the clamor of hammer and saw can be heard within.
To the side of the magnificent building, at the Hall of Wonders, the crowd thickens. There, Baldurians seem to be competing in a competition of sorts. A huge device has been built to test the dexterity and strength of visitors to the Hall. With each failure, the crowd roars in applause and laughter. With each success, a trinket is given - one that looks very much like the modrons of Gond's own realm, Mechalus.
The contraption itself is a marvel to behold. Large gears work to twirl huge mallets, flame spews from various locations, a boulder rolls in perpetual motion, and a complete section is completely submerged in a pool of water. Anyone getting through this obstacle course is sure to get the praise and applause of everyone in the crowd.
Singe and Woe both notice Lera and Zamar as they stand, watching the spectacle, while eating their steaming sausages.
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Group 2
Koll regards the monkey riding on Perrin's shoulder and can't but help feel a kinship with him. "You bear scars just like I do, little creature. But they make you stronger. Ilmater blesses those who suffer. A monkey is not quite the same as a monk, but I shall call you Koll Jr."
Group 1 and 3
"Experiment... Well, there's still a competition to win! Shall we go get a modron?"
"But the whole experiment thing is way more interesting. Winning is impressing Viscardi, and to me, figuring out this experiment would be more impressive than a simple scavenger hunt." Lera says
"Mmmm, let's do both then, but I would get as far as we can before following the frayed words of an overworked gnome." Singe rises to his full height and turns and walks towards the obstacle course.
"If the competition is fair, I like our odds. How many other teams have two bards inspiring each other?" he grins. And with that he turns and follows Singe.
Woe just nods and winks at Zamar, following the group. "Singe, are you any good with water?"
Singe snorts, "I kind of specialize in the antithesis of water"
"That's what I thought - but part of that contraption is submerged in water..." Woe turns. "What about you, Lera, do you want to do the test and win us a modron? Then again, flames as well, so you might be able to just walk straight through that?"
Singe frowns, "I've never tried. Fire is dangerous you know; I'm not the hardiest."
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Group 1 and 3
"I don't mind giving it a try," Lera agreed to going through the ringer absentmindedly. As she was looking at the obstacle course, a group of adventurers caught her eye. The group of six looked clearly out of place in the Upper City, with one of them holding a modron trinket. The human was ugly, with pockmarked skin, a patchy beard, and dangerous daggers. “Don’t be super obvious, and don’t tell the others yet, but there’s another scavenger hunt group that just won a modron," she said to her father through another message cantrip. She could see Zamar starting to look over, so she quickly amended, "I said be cool."
She had half a dozen ideas whirring around in her head, but none of them were particularly good ones. She doubted that she would have much luck actually going through the obstacle course, but she liked her odds trying to trick the team out of the modron better. You're a part of a team now, remember? Lera thought to herself. And adventurers work with their party.
"Hey! It's Lera. Be cool, this is a spell, you can think a response back to me. There's another group here, one that's already won one of the modrons. Again, be cool, don't look." The sorcerer sent to more messages off in quick succession, one to Singe and one to Woe. Perhaps they could work together to solve this particular problem.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Group 2
The monkey chitters happily as Perrin's healing touch closes its wounds. With that, it starts taking off its strange vest, dropping it on the ground behind them, before feasting on the rest of the pie offered. When Koll proclaims it's new name as Koll Jr, the monkey gives no indication that it rejects the new nickname. As Shanolia begins to speak, it acts as if it's listening, nodding with each word.
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Group 2
As they walk, Shanolia decides she should explain what happened at the smith shop, and why Flint refused to sell to sell his wares to the group. With a sigh, she steels herself.
"I suppose an explanation is in order, for before."
Perrin raises an eybrow. Sure, he planned on asking the Elf anyway, but he expected them to be more reserved. Taking a breath, she continues.
"Flint used to be a good friend of mine. When I was alone and scared, he took me in and showed me how to survive, taught me everything I know." Shanolia reaches up and gingerly touches her mask, before carrying on. "However, he was still a thief; Unpredictable, with a temper as hot as his forge. When something didn't go his way, he found someone to blame."
"You're who he usually blamed?" Perrin asks solemnly. She nods slowly, keeping her hand on her face.
"After almost twenty years, I'd had enough. I tried to fight back, to prove I wasn't just a scapegoat for mistakes. We fought, and..." Shanolia pauses, unsure if she should tell them the whole story. "Some things are better shown than told, just not here; not where the children run free."
Once Shanolia finishes her statement, Koll Jr. chortles loudly, as if trained to laugh on cue. He then immediately continues eating the rest of Perrin's pie.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Group 1 and 3
While Zamar is obviously examining the obstacle course trap by trap and Singe runs off, Woe also decides to leave the Aasimars for a moment. She walks over to the line and asks one of the officials keeping order there: "Hello servant of the temple of Gond, your machine is the most wonderful I have ever seen in my life! The craftsmanship is extraordinary and how elegantly it shows all these 'wanna-be's' that they don't have the skill and the elegance to get throught the obstacles. Beautiful! I wanted to ask you: How much is it to enter the contest? What is the best way to conquer the fire? Is it allowed to try more than once? What's the trick with the water? And how long do you keep this spectacle open into the night? I have a friend who would love to try it! Also, I was wondering, does the Halls of Wonders have modrons for sale and if yes, for how much?" After this string of questions, each'trick'-question quickly followed by a normal, inconspicuous question, Woe just smiles her brightest smile at the woman.
persuasion to get the answers: 18
Group 1 and 3
"Hmmm" Singe turns to Zamar, "Unfortunately, I can't help you three through this course. I'm not the quickest individual of our group and magic is clearly not allowed. I do have a few questions for a priest of Gond, so if you'll excuse me, I'll only be a few minutes." He slips through the crowd towards the High House of Wonders.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
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The priestess smiled kindly to Woe, a single eyebrow raised at the barrage of questions. "While it is admirable to ask about the course, I am not permitted to help in any form. Those obstacles must be discovered for yourself. As for the other questions you've asked, it is a 4g donation to Gond to enter the course. You may enter up to two times, but you must pay the entry fee each attempt. You must go alone, no teams are allowed. We will only be taking competitors until dark," she said, looking to the sky. "So you'd better hurry. Find your way to Grapip Salgim Wrefan Lanfan..." at this, she pointed to the gnome at the head of the line, taking down notes. "...and give him your information and the entry fee."
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Group 1 and 3 (Solo Singe)
The High House of Wonders has a reputation for being open all day, every day. In fact, its been decades since the last time the House's doors have slammed shut. Rigged to close instantly and quickly, the cogs and wheels that surround the doors are made of some of the rarest metals found in Faerun. Singe has been through the House before, as the house stores the largest library in Baldur's Gate. He approaches and enters without resistance and sweeps past the apprentice workshop that makes up the entry chamber. Entering a side hall, he climbs the stairs to the main library on the second floor of the magnificent building. As he approaches the door it opens of its own accord, parting into slots built into the granite walls.
He is met with the massive library that he has almost dubbed his second home during his years of apprenticeship. He spots Seamus almost instantly. As much as the librarian would have liked to be outside watching the contestants, he loved the isolation and quiet of the library more. Seamus wears the robes of Gond loosely, as his age and lack of drive to consume proper meals has left him lean. For a half-orc this makes for an odd sight, but Singe has spent years building a relationship with Seamus so he's learned to accept the man's odd quirks.
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Solo Singe
"Seamus! My friend!" Singe whispers to half-orc as he walks up to reference desk, "I need your help with finding information about a disease. One that has symptoms of paled skin, drool from the mouth, watering of the eyes, no sweat, inability to control motor functions, bleeding from the ears and dried blood on the nose."
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Group 1 + Woe: team contraption concertation
Woe returns to discuss their plan, but when Singe is still missing, she just stands with Lera and Zamar, trying to figure out what might be happening in the water canyon...
After a while she remembers that he wanted to solve the disease and might be stuck with books for the whole evening. Woe turns to Lera: "I'll go and sign us up. I will compete first and see how far I get... then I'll come back and report to you. Then you can have a go, and your dad and I will support and help you to the best of our abilities. Are you up for it?"
When Lera nods, Woe walks over to the gnome to sign them up.
Solo Singe
Seamus blinks. The last time he saw Singe so excitable, the Genasi had learned his first cantrip. Though typically Gond would frown upon texts that deal with magic, the books were essential in developing mechanical counters. Due to the vast amounts of magical books they had gotten through the decades, wizards often sent their apprentices here for their studies. "All books dealing with Pathology are in Row E," he responds. He points a long, shaky finger in the direction Singe should go. "Look for texts that focus on Homeostasis in disease... I think. Shelf GR." He blinks once more, waiting for Singe to run off. That was his favorite part... watching someone eager to learn rush off to learn.
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Solo Singe
"Thank you Seamus. Also, if you were concerned, I am not dead!" Singe dashes off. His hand travels along the shelves until he reaches shelf GR. "Here we are! GR! What does the largest library in all of Baldur's Gate have to offer?" Singe pulls books off the shelves flipping through, "Emperors Of Medicine, Rectified Venology, Standardization Of Somatology, and The Recovery Of Nosology. These will be good enough, I will need to look at these later." He shelves the books and dashes back outside, making his way back to his friends.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
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InsidersGroup 1 + 3
"Only one at a time," the gnome says, looking up from his papers to see both Woe and Lera standing over him. "It will be a 4 dragon donation to the temple to compete." He reaches his hand out for the coin.
Woe takes out 8 GP from her purse and hands it to the gnome. She then stands in line to compete, while Lera heads back to her fathers side to watch.
"Name," the gnome says, halting your progress. He jingles the coin as he waits. "All competitors must understand that the High Hall of Wonders takes no responsibility for any injuries sustained during the course of this exercise. If one were to be injured, priests of Gond are standing by with medicinal herbs and divine healing to assist. In the event of death, dismemberment, or catatonia, the temple of Gond will take you in to their care for further study of medicine and healthcare. Do you accept these terms?"
“Lera, Lera Fiori,” Lera grinned confidently. “And I do accept your terms.”
"Wonderful Lera. I'm sure you'll be just fine. Age?" He scribbles her name down and checks, "Accepts Terms"
"Woe Yeth Norvyre. I accept the terms. What do you need my age for?" Woe squirms, not wanting to tell her age.
"For statistics, of course," the gnome responds. He writes Woe's name down and checks, "Accepts Terms."
"17," Lera quickly replies.
He writes Lera's age down along the same line as her name. "Do you represent any Lord, Patriar, or Guild?" He asks.
Lera hesitated. “Can I give you an answer after I go through the course?”
"I can write 'none' if that is what you prefer," he responds.
“Well, if I do really well I want to honor my house... but if I don’t do well...”
The gnome sighs. "Some Lords, Patriars and Guilds have pre-purchased slots in this event. It is merely a formality." The gnome writes "none" along affiliations.
He turns back to Woe. "Any refusal to provide the information asked will result in an immediate disqualification," he says. "Would you prefer to withdraw your name from this competition?" He looks at the small line forming behind the two potential entrants.
“I’m so sorry," Lera said, stepping to the side. I’m going to get out of your way, and then Woe is going to take a turn and then... I’m sorry.”
"All good, I am 49 years of age. Let's get going with this. Oh, no affiliation," Woe said.
The gnome nods. "Very well!" He smiles and gestures for Woe to continue through. The clink of coin is heard as he places the coins into the chest-slot.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Woe steps up to the course. There's a general quiet in the crowd as she does. Suddenly, music begins to play. Stepping forward on a platform three feet wide, she sees the first obstacle ahead of her. Giant mallets that look to be made from heavy wrought iron swing like pendulums. There's a series of five of them, all with their own rhythm. As promised, Zamar's music matches the rhythm perfectly.
Woe stands on the platform. Walking up the steps, she didn't feel anything, no emotions, no fear. But when she looks at the mallets, they do look very big and intimidating... she closes her eyes, and listens to the beat that Zamar is playing... then her whole body starts to move slowly to the tune, and she actually starts dancing. With her eyes almost closed she dances on her toes, moves elegantly and eyecatchingly. Then she moves forward and weaves in between the mallets...
As she steps forward, a mallet swings. She can feel the air as it breezes past her. She immediately step forward again, a little off-beat. Her heart skips a beat as she feels the second mallet brush against her back. Instinctively, she step forward forgetting the beat completely, and a mallet hits her hard in the body. She stumbles forward trying to keep her balance, but ends up falling squarely off the platform.
A priest of Gond rushes up to her and begins to assess the damage. He takes measurements of the impact area, the angle of her fall, and tallies it all on a parchment. Finally, he utters a prayer to Gond and the blessing he's bestowed upon the contraption and heals your poor fallen ally.
Woe gets up. Pats down her trousers to remove the dust, nods to the priest and with a fire-red face returns to the group...
"Well, that went..... as to be expected, really..." She says.
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Lera gulped. She was going to be up much sooner than she had expected. The sorceress looked at her dad nervously, giving him a quick hug for luck. “Any words of inspiration, pops?”
”There once was a girl named Lera
Who had to face her fear-a
Through mallets and fire
She knew she’d aspire
To bring that modron back over here-a.”
Zamar pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Lera took a deep breath before stepping up to the plate, knowing she had the strength of her father and new friends behind her.
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