Nyx is very interested in the tarot cards. Unlike the cubes with markings, these seem to have religious significance. They move forward to take a closer look.
Rahima notices Nyx taking an interest in the cards. "You are an uncommon sight in this city. Do you have a connection with card reading? Or would you like a reading yourself? I love its beauty and simplicity. Really, the symbolism of these cards crosses all cultural and spiritual boundaries to create a uniquely personal experience."
Nyx nods. "Ja, Ich would like a reading. Perhaps this will explain mein appearance here in this alien plane."
"Ok, here we go." Rahima mixes the cards. "With your left hand, choose three cards. The first one is your past, the second one is the present and the third one points to your future." Rahima turns each card over as she explains them. She makes sure that she has Nyx's full attention.
"In your past, we have the fool. The Fool represents folly, extravagance, even carelessness, but with a certain innocence that brings bliss and exaltation of someone living in the moment. The Fool’s “come what may” attitude allows them to be open to every possibility and act with judgment, experimenting, and trying each opportunity that presents itself." Rahima pauses, making sure she is not overwhelming Nyx.
"As I see this, you were trying to find some new and exciting opportunities in your life. You were following your heart and took a leap of faith! This usually is step one on an important journey, so listen to what the Universe is telling you, and don’t hesitate to be bold!
She waits again, lets the words sink in. "Here, in your presence, is the Ace of Pentacles. This is a very positive card. It may feel to you, that this is not right, that this card is not in the right place. But looking back, you will recognise its value. There is a strong sense of stability and long-term success found in that card. This usually highlights a particularly effective relationship team, a friendship, where each person will make the other not only happier but also stronger together than they might be apart." Again, she takes time, explains some of the phrases in more detail to the fairy and makes sure, they understand. "Finally, on a more spiritual or mental point of view, the Ace of Pentacles can highlight a state of great felicity and contentment. A mind driven by this card is free from the chronic emptiness or sense of meaninglessness. You have purpose!"
Then she comes to the third card. "Again, the Chariot is a very positive card. It means your life is moving forward and you're making progress. But it also signifies a long road ahead. Where the Fool was striding forward because he was candid and naïve, the chariot card moves forward through sheer force of will and determination. You want to be fearless and take risks. This card is a high risk, high reward card, but with high risk, there can be a great loss. So be prepared. Once the Fool has defined their values and the kind of person they want to be, they must try to fit into the world both by changing themselves and changing the world around them."
Then Rahimi adds a warning: "However, one of the downsides of the Chariot card is that it can lead to excessive pride sometimes, propping you up for a fall if you don’t keep your eyes wide open and fairly objective when you think about yourself."
Rahimi lets out a big breath. "I know this was a lot. It will become clear with time. It is clear to me, that you're with friends and the cards say you're on the right path. Keep flying."
Nyx is completely spellbound by the cards. The fool does indeed strike a powerful message. When Nyx flew to the heavens to put themselves between light and shadow, did they think of the consequences? No, they were only in the moment, not considering the consequences or nature of such an event. Perhaps this was an unconscious leap of faith.
The ace of pentacles is also pregnant with meaniing. Nyx finds themselves surrounded by new beings, some of which have proven very welcoming to this stranger despite no reason. Perhaps this is a sign too, perhaps they should be helped as Nyx was helped?
The warning of the chariot makes Nyx take pause. Great loss? What loss could be greater than the loss of their home plane? But then again, perhaps this is just the fool talking. Only a fool would think they know true loss, as loss is as boundless and vast as the oceans.
Nyx thanks the fortune teller, and considers the meaning carefully.
When Alysatakes a little time to think about the history of Elturel, where she had been on two previous assignments, she remembers that the "Hellriders", paladins who have sworn oaths to defend Elturel, were so-named long ago when they descended into the Nine Hells on horseback to fight devils.
In between drinks, Alysa will share her knowledge of the Hellriders to the group.
“Very well I understand, I’ll make sure to watch for bystanders. Do we have an description of the assailants that are coming?” Bryce will take another glass of water and something light to snack on while they wait.
”Yes, I heard of them as well though not in great detail. Hmm it can’t be a coincidence that the spirit of the tavern sings songs about Elturel and the Hell Riders.”
When the discussions between the others cool off a bit, Jhasso goes standing by the fireplace, using magical tricks (Control Flames) to make the fire change shape.
The afternoon drifts into the evening. The tavern fills up, the conversations get louder and the beer flows.
You and your new companions have some drinks together and find some interesting conversations between yourselves. Hal is on edge, watching the door, and almost lets loose on an old grandpa wearing an eye patch. But realises his mistake and his spell fizzles out between his fingers. Jhasso also seems nervous, shaping the fire repeatedly in ship and parrot-like shapes. Nyx sits with Alysa at the bar, discussing the cards, the weather and the city. Bryce is ready. His training with the Watch kicks in and he always has an eye on the door, no matter what goes on around him.
Then, suddenly, eight motley humans saunter into the tavern. The leader is a brawny man with a cloudy right eye, a cruel sneer, and a pirate’s swagger. The others are an unsavory, rowdy bunch who act as if they own the place.
“We’re looking for an old friend of ours,” says the dead-eyed man. He sniffs the air. “Goes by the name ‘Tarina,’ or so I’m told. Loves to cheat at Baldur’s Bones.”
With the words of the spirit’s song still echoing in his head, Hal subconsciously scanned his memories and everything he had read over the years about the Nine Hells and finally came to the conclusion that he really didn’t like Devils.
‘Elturel. Now that’s a cause worth fighting for. Fame. Fortune. Redemption. ‘
‘More like instant fiery death. Still…I can only imagine the artifacts that are waiting to be recovered there…’
His reverie was interrupted suddenly by a loud-mouthed pirate and Hal openly sighed.
Walking straight up to the man, Hal smiled and took a second to figure out which eye to look before addressing him.
“Nice to meet you Mr. one-eye. I’m Halril Kane. Thank you for informing us…and this entire establishment, that Tarina is a cheat and despised by such upstanding citizens such as yourself. You see, I’m with the, um, gambling regulation section of the Flaming Fist. As an officer, I’m authorized to reimburse you for any inconveniences that you may have encountered.”
Pulling out the 6sp Hal held it out to the pirate and leaned in, lowering his voice.
“You fit the description of another supposed vagrant, but I can tell you’re a man with more common sense than the average patron of this tavern. Please take this and leave a little richer and I’ll...”
Scanning the room, Hal spotted the half-Orc that was teasing him earlier at the bar.
“I’ll tell my partner, that rather large and muscular half-Orc there at the bar, that you’ll steer clear of this tavern for a few weeks, while we punish Tarina and deal with this unfortunate misunderstanding on your involvement here.”
Stepping back, Hal smiled even more so and casually put his hand behind his back, and on to the hilt of his ax.
Nyx looks up from the cards at the table, and sees Hal standing and confronting a clearly aggressive individual. They notice Hal's hand on the hilt of his axe. Nyx doesn't understand the nuance of the pirates and Tarina , but is prepared to assist Hal. Nyx thanks Rahima, and flies to a dark corner of the bar, up on the wall near the rafters.
The other pirates stop checking out the patrons and finishing random drinks and taking food from people's plates. They haven't ever seen such brazenness towards their leader and watch intently for his response.
The pirate looks down on Hal, then starts laughing. He laughs so hard, slapping his thighs and holding his belly, that he gets a hick-up. "Gambling Regulation!! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...... this is the best joke I ever heard. Offering me 6 SP! Ha, ha, ha, ha!!!" He stops to take his breath back.
"Move over, elf. You made my day, but I have business to conduct here."
And he simply walks past Hal towards the bar. "Anyone in here can tell me where Tarina is? I'll pay a beer to the good soul who has the answer!"
A couple of patrons are quick to point towards the stairs.
Jhasso uses the same magical trick to make the fireplace brighter.
He almost feels the resurfacing of emotion.
Almost.
"This man would like to ask this pirate what would happen if the business collides with this group's business. Maybe a pirate is a better pirate if he leaves this establishment. "
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alysa stands close to Jhasso and tries grabs the arm of the pirate Athletics: 21
"I think what these gentlemen are saying, is that this is your first and only warning. Be gone and never come back. This city does not welcome pirates" Intimidation: 16
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Athletics to avoid Alysa's arm grab: 12
"Ooooh, this is how you want to play this? Tarina is worth that much to you? She's a cheat and a thief. But enough talking. You've all made a mistake!"
With a quick wave of his hand, the pirate captain sends in his troops to fight you.
Watching the events transpire Bryce sighs as he just got his snack to eat, “Well, guess it wasn’t meant to be..” Getting up from his table Bryce will join the fray.
With a surge of magic and adrenaline, Hal pulled his ax free of his belt and took aim at the leader of the pirates.
“Rude. And if there is one thing that the gambling Regulation Sect will not tolerate is rudeness. Didn’t your mother teach you some basic manners?”
Feeling a malice that was not completely his own, Hal’s vision became hyper-focused on the pirate and strange symbols seemingly laced in and around his target.
Swinging his ax in an arc over his shoulder, Hal connected with the pirate’s shoulder and felt magic envelop the scoundrel in a shimmering wave.
“Now give me back my 6 silver and I wouldn’t try moving if I were you. On second thought, move. Please.”
OOC:
Attack with a battleaxe, using booming blade
Bonus action, hexblade’s curse on the pirate captain.
Even though the Pirate Captain ordered the attack, he is caught off guard by these unimpressive people in front of him. The ax and the quaterstaff find the target. However, this fight looks still strongly to be in the pirates' favour.
Nyx sees a large number of pirates, and realize that their companions might get swarmed. From the corner, Nyx casts Sleep, trying to give the others more time to act. They move their fingers, and a small shower of golden glitter falls down on the pirates, sending some of them dreaming about the twilight realm. Nyx then flies into the cubby behind them (E4 room), hovering near the ceiling.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The pirates have never seen anything more beautiful in their lives. In awe, they stare up to the ceiling, and three of them sink to the floor into a deep and peaceful sleep.
The unaffected pirates take a half-second to marvel at the golden glitter, but then realise that they're here to do something else.
Attacks pirates:
One Pirate (blue) moves in on Nyx, trying to attack them with his scimitar: 11 for damage 2 He only causes a small scratch, the fairy flying close to the rafters confusing the attacker. Another one (yellow) tries to attack Alysa: 16 for damage 4 and misses completely. A third (green) comes for Hal: 14 for damage 2 and gets a good thrust past his defences. The fourth pirate (orange) tries to get to Tarina and dashes up the stairs. However, navigating his sleeping friends slows him down just a little.
Then the Pirate Captain finally pulls out his daggers and attacks Jhasso twice: 12 for damage 6 22 for damage 5
But he completely misses. Maybe these simple idiots are not so easily muted as he thought?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alysa stands strong in front of her foe. "Attacking an officer of the Flaming Fist is punishable by death. You could have walked away, but death it is". With a swing of her shield, she tries to knock down the captain pirate. Athletics (to knock prone):8
Seeing that the muscular half-orc is also in the room, Alysa adds with a smile "Whaul, The Fist will give you 10gp if you join us. I'am sure you'd like some exercise!" (bonus action?) Persuasion: 18
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The pirate captain tries to resist the push. Athletics 9
The half-orc laughs at Alysa's suggestion: "Whaul Nightley likes his pet. Would have helped without money. But with money, even better!" He laughs and winks at Hal.
initiative: Whaul Nightley 16
Whaul gets up from his seat at the bar and pulls out his mace. He wants to make sure Hal's ok and attacks the pirate who just hurt Hal twice with his mace:
15 for damage 5 24 for damage 8
The pirate the half-orc attacked sinks to the floor, mortally wounded.
Bryce seeing one trying to go up stairs follows him up moving all his speed. There he confronts the pirate “Excuse me?! Sir, have you thought about Diplomacy?” Bryce swing his mace twice non lethally once as a bonus action then again as his action!
Nyx is completely spellbound by the cards. The fool does indeed strike a powerful message. When Nyx flew to the heavens to put themselves between light and shadow, did they think of the consequences? No, they were only in the moment, not considering the consequences or nature of such an event. Perhaps this was an unconscious leap of faith.
The ace of pentacles is also pregnant with meaniing. Nyx finds themselves surrounded by new beings, some of which have proven very welcoming to this stranger despite no reason. Perhaps this is a sign too, perhaps they should be helped as Nyx was helped?
The warning of the chariot makes Nyx take pause. Great loss? What loss could be greater than the loss of their home plane? But then again, perhaps this is just the fool talking. Only a fool would think they know true loss, as loss is as boundless and vast as the oceans.
Nyx thanks the fortune teller, and considers the meaning carefully.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
In between drinks, Alysa will share her knowledge of the Hellriders to the group.
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
“Very well I understand, I’ll make sure to watch for bystanders. Do we have an description of the assailants that are coming?” Bryce will take another glass of water and something light to snack on while they wait.
”Yes, I heard of them as well though not in great detail. Hmm it can’t be a coincidence that the spirit of the tavern sings songs about Elturel and the Hell Riders.”
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiAWhen the discussions between the others cool off a bit, Jhasso goes standing by the fireplace, using magical tricks (Control Flames) to make the fire change shape.
The afternoon drifts into the evening. The tavern fills up, the conversations get louder and the beer flows.
You and your new companions have some drinks together and find some interesting conversations between yourselves. Hal is on edge, watching the door, and almost lets loose on an old grandpa wearing an eye patch. But realises his mistake and his spell fizzles out between his fingers. Jhasso also seems nervous, shaping the fire repeatedly in ship and parrot-like shapes. Nyx sits with Alysa at the bar, discussing the cards, the weather and the city. Bryce is ready. His training with the Watch kicks in and he always has an eye on the door, no matter what goes on around him.
Then, suddenly, eight motley humans saunter into the tavern. The leader is a brawny man with a cloudy right eye, a cruel sneer, and a pirate’s swagger. The others are an unsavory, rowdy bunch who act as if they own the place.
“We’re looking for an old friend of ours,” says the dead-eyed man. He sniffs the air. “Goes by the name ‘Tarina,’ or so I’m told. Loves to cheat at Baldur’s Bones.”
With the words of the spirit’s song still echoing in his head, Hal subconsciously scanned his memories and everything he had read over the years about the Nine Hells and finally came to the conclusion that he really didn’t like Devils.
‘Elturel. Now that’s a cause worth fighting for. Fame. Fortune. Redemption. ‘
‘More like instant fiery death. Still…I can only imagine the artifacts that are waiting to be recovered there…’
His reverie was interrupted suddenly by a loud-mouthed pirate and Hal openly sighed.
Walking straight up to the man, Hal smiled and took a second to figure out which eye to look before addressing him.
“Nice to meet you Mr. one-eye. I’m Halril Kane. Thank you for informing us…and this entire establishment, that Tarina is a cheat and despised by such upstanding citizens such as yourself. You see, I’m with the, um, gambling regulation section of the Flaming Fist. As an officer, I’m authorized to reimburse you for any inconveniences that you may have encountered.”
Pulling out the 6sp Hal held it out to the pirate and leaned in, lowering his voice.
“You fit the description of another supposed vagrant, but I can tell you’re a man with more common sense than the average patron of this tavern. Please take this and leave a little richer and I’ll...”
Scanning the room, Hal spotted the half-Orc that was teasing him earlier at the bar.
“I’ll tell my partner, that rather large and muscular half-Orc there at the bar, that you’ll steer clear of this tavern for a few weeks, while we punish Tarina and deal with this unfortunate misunderstanding on your involvement here.”
Stepping back, Hal smiled even more so and casually put his hand behind his back, and on to the hilt of his ax.
Nyx looks up from the cards at the table, and sees Hal standing and confronting a clearly aggressive individual. They notice Hal's hand on the hilt of his axe. Nyx doesn't understand the nuance of the pirates and Tarina , but is prepared to assist Hal. Nyx thanks Rahima, and flies to a dark corner of the bar, up on the wall near the rafters.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
The other pirates stop checking out the patrons and finishing random drinks and taking food from people's plates. They haven't ever seen such brazenness towards their leader and watch intently for his response.
The pirate looks down on Hal, then starts laughing. He laughs so hard, slapping his thighs and holding his belly, that he gets a hick-up. "Gambling Regulation!! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...... this is the best joke I ever heard. Offering me 6 SP! Ha, ha, ha, ha!!!" He stops to take his breath back.
"Move over, elf. You made my day, but I have business to conduct here."
And he simply walks past Hal towards the bar. "Anyone in here can tell me where Tarina is? I'll pay a beer to the good soul who has the answer!"
A couple of patrons are quick to point towards the stairs.
Jhasso uses the same magical trick to make the fireplace brighter.
He almost feels the resurfacing of emotion.
Almost.
"This man would like to ask this pirate what would happen if the business collides with this group's business. Maybe a pirate is a better pirate if he leaves this establishment. "
Alysa stands close to Jhasso and tries grabs the arm of the pirate
Athletics: 21
"I think what these gentlemen are saying, is that this is your first and only warning. Be gone and never come back. This city does not welcome pirates"
Intimidation: 16
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Athletics to avoid Alysa's arm grab: 12
"Ooooh, this is how you want to play this? Tarina is worth that much to you? She's a cheat and a thief. But enough talking. You've all made a mistake!"
With a quick wave of his hand, the pirate captain sends in his troops to fight you.
Watching the events transpire Bryce sighs as he just got his snack to eat, “Well, guess it wasn’t meant to be..” Getting up from his table Bryce will join the fray.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiAWith a surge of magic and adrenaline, Hal pulled his ax free of his belt and took aim at the leader of the pirates.
“Rude. And if there is one thing that the gambling Regulation Sect will not tolerate is rudeness. Didn’t your mother teach you some basic manners?”
Feeling a malice that was not completely his own, Hal’s vision became hyper-focused on the pirate and strange symbols seemingly laced in and around his target.
Swinging his ax in an arc over his shoulder, Hal connected with the pirate’s shoulder and felt magic envelop the scoundrel in a shimmering wave.
“Now give me back my 6 silver and I wouldn’t try moving if I were you. On second thought, move. Please.”
OOC:
Attack with a battleaxe, using booming blade
Bonus action, hexblade’s curse on the pirate captain.
Jhasso quickly whispers a druidic word, waving the quarterstaff, which he then uses to hit the pirate boss.
Even though the Pirate Captain ordered the attack, he is caught off guard by these unimpressive people in front of him. The ax and the quaterstaff find the target. However, this fight looks still strongly to be in the pirates' favour.
Hal (10/10) > Jhasso (9/9) > Nyx (11/9) > Pirates (1-7) > Pirate Captain (17 dmg) > Bryce (10/10) > Alysa (15/13)
Nyx sees a large number of pirates, and realize that their companions might get swarmed. From the corner, Nyx casts Sleep, trying to give the others more time to act. They move their fingers, and a small shower of golden glitter falls down on the pirates, sending some of them dreaming about the twilight realm. Nyx then flies into the cubby behind them (E4 room), hovering near the ceiling.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
The pirates have never seen anything more beautiful in their lives. In awe, they stare up to the ceiling, and three of them sink to the floor into a deep and peaceful sleep.
The unaffected pirates take a half-second to marvel at the golden glitter, but then realise that they're here to do something else.
Attacks pirates:
One Pirate (blue) moves in on Nyx, trying to attack them with his scimitar: 11 for damage 2 He only causes a small scratch, the fairy flying close to the rafters confusing the attacker.
Another one (yellow) tries to attack Alysa: 16 for damage 4 and misses completely.
A third (green) comes for Hal: 14 for damage 2 and gets a good thrust past his defences.
The fourth pirate (orange) tries to get to Tarina and dashes up the stairs. However, navigating his sleeping friends slows him down just a little.
Then the Pirate Captain finally pulls out his daggers and attacks Jhasso twice:
12 for damage 6
22 for damage 5
But he completely misses. Maybe these simple idiots are not so easily muted as he thought?
Hal (5/10) > Jhasso (9/9) > Nyx (8/9) > Pirates (1-3 sleeping/blue/orange/green/yellow) > Pirate Captain (17 dmg) > Bryce (10/10) > Alysa (15/13)
Alysa stands strong in front of her foe. "Attacking an officer of the Flaming Fist is punishable by death. You could have walked away, but death it is". With a swing of her shield, she tries to knock down the captain pirate.
Athletics (to knock prone): 8
Seeing that the muscular half-orc is also in the room, Alysa adds with a smile "Whaul, The Fist will give you 10gp if you join us. I'am sure you'd like some exercise!"
(bonus action?) Persuasion: 18
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
The pirate captain tries to resist the push. Athletics 9
The half-orc laughs at Alysa's suggestion: "Whaul Nightley likes his pet. Would have helped without money. But with money, even better!" He laughs and winks at Hal.
initiative: Whaul Nightley 16
Whaul gets up from his seat at the bar and pulls out his mace. He wants to make sure Hal's ok and attacks the pirate who just hurt Hal twice with his mace:
15 for damage 5
24 for damage 8
The pirate the half-orc attacked sinks to the floor, mortally wounded.
Hal (5/10) > Jhasso (9/9) > Nyx (8/9) > Pirates (1-3 sleeping/blue/orange/
green/yellow) > Pirate Captain (17 dmg) > Bryce (10/10) > Whaul Nightley (16/16) > Alysa (15/13)Bryce seeing one trying to go up stairs follows him up moving all his speed. There he confronts the pirate “Excuse me?! Sir, have you thought about Diplomacy?” Bryce swing his mace twice non lethally once as a bonus action then again as his action!
Attack1: 12 for 6 non lethal bludgeoning damage!
Attack2: 18 for 7 non lethal bludgeoning damage!
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA