After resting, Escobert would lead the group to the mess hall with a hearty breakfast available for all (especially a hungry gnome!). Nighthill is at the head table with other captains and he motions to the party over.
He says, "I know I have already asked so much of you, but if you can locate the raiders’ camp and find out certain information, I will pay you 250 gp apiece as a reward. I want to know where the camp is sited, how many raiders are there, who their leaders are, what’s motivating these attacks, and where they plan to strike next. If you recover valuables that were stolen from the town, I would like them returned, and I can see if I can provide a reward for anything you find."
Kirari listens quietly to Escobert's request and offer of the reward. It seems like a fine offer and hoping to hear her group mates agree to the terms, she speaks up. "That sounds very agreeable sir. Might I ask one thing though? I am a skilled Cartographer but find myself lacking a little in those supplies. Perhaps you would spare some parchment and I can draw more detailed maps of our findings for you?"
Cale stabs a slice of apple delicately with a small knife and raises it in salute to Escobert: "The town is in need and we're your heroes; it would be wrong of us to say no. I am in a similar position to my imposing friend here; I am skilled in the art of disguise but lost my supplies on the road to Greenest and would appreciate access to a disguise kit if possible?"
Cale pops the apple slice into his mouth and chews for a moment before asking his second question: "Oh and to clarify; rescued valuables are to be exchanged at market value?"
The professor wakes feeling every muscle in his body screaming at him. He hobbled to the mess hall and gingerly sits at the table. He listens to Escobert address the adventurers and doesn’t even consider himself to be included. He nods to the group and says “This sounds like a good opportunity for you youngsters. I was happy to help you all and think Escobert here has picked the right group.” He turns to Escobert and continues “They’re young and could use some seasoning but they’re a talented lot for sure.” He then returns to his meal and listens to the conversation.
Kirari raises an eyebrow and looks over at the Professor obviously aching from the night before and grins. Putting on her best Professor voice, "Now what we have here is a soldier a bit out of shape but I'm not hearing the call to pronounce him yet, so I'd say a more upright stance, a regimen of early morning exercises and a proper hearty diet of roast beef with some pickled cabbage, onions and beans to get you moving. That'll suffice for a musical program to follow to get your spirits up." She says losing her imitating in a laugh then on to a more serious expression. "I'd say old man that you've got some hero'ing to do and we can't have you sitting here resting with the old women. You said yourself we're still a bit green and can use all the guidance you can give us."
@DM
Separately Kirari will find a moment to seek out a local herbalist or medicinal sort to see what they have for pain relievers as she's no doubt he's got his struggles in his later years.
Travis stands quietly during these discussions, clearly mulling something over in his mind. As the situation with the professor becomes more clear to him, he waits for a moment of quiet then clears his throat. "Yesterday was a learning experience for us all," he says. "Professor Thaddeus's advice was crucial in the duel. I am not certain I could have won without his advice and encouragement. I would be more comfortable with him at our side in whatever is to come."
He pauses for a moment, meeting Thaddeus's eyes with his own and giving a strong nod. "You will be accompanying us, won't you?" he asks. Oddly, there seems to be an undercurrent of irritation in Travis, as if something is bothering him.
Cale does a double-take at Thaddeus's comments, excluding himself from joining the party on the next leg of their adventure.
"No Prof, sorry - you have to earn your retirement. Your advice so far has been valuable and I like having valuable things around me. Besides, we might get chased by something big - I only need to outrun one other person if that happens and I reckon I can beat you in a flat 100"
He says the last comment with a wink and pours the old man a drink to have with his breakfast.
Escobert says, "It sounds like we all need to call on ye once again, professor!" and pats him on the back. He turns to Kiari and quickly scribbles out a note. He hands it to her and says, "Yes, we should have some parchment down in the quartermaster's office from when we were doing supply inventory. Just show that note to the quartermaster's aide, and we should have a few sheets as well as a disguise kit for your rogue." Looking at the group, he says, "Ye each may take one item from our quartermaster, and just hand over the note." (OCC: Any player can pick up one thing from the Adventuring Gear list in Chapter 5 of PHB from the quartermaster with Escobert's note)
@Kiari
The quartermaster may have some herbs or know where to find someone, but you can feel free to explore the keep, too.
The professor accepts the drink from Cale and rests his hands on it a moment as he considers his response.
He recognizes the ribbing from Kirari and Cale for what it is, the gallows humor of soldiers and comrades who have fought together. Far from being offended, he feels honored to be included in the camaraderie.
”You don’t know what you ask of me. Your tales are beginning and your future is wide open and bright as the dawn, while my tale is ending and my days are closing as the sun sets.” He takes a drink and sets the cup down again before continuing.
”But perhaps my tale is one that ends with a bang. Perhaps my tale’s ending is as a support and influence for your start?” He looks at Cale, Kirari, Inglenook, Escobert, and Travis each in turn to gauge their sincerity. Seeing something that settles it he nods.
”So be it! You don’t know what you ask of me and of yourselves but I will accept. What you ask is for me to live my last days as I wanted to when I was a child. To seek adventure and fortune. Though my body is old and feeble it may be as you say Kirari, an exercise regimen and hard times may toughen this old man yet.” And he winks and smiles at the half-orc for her earlier joke.
”What you also don’t understand… is that you’re asking a lot of yourselves by having me join you.” And he smiles wickedly at the plans already forming.”I shall push you to train as hard as you ever have before, and then push you more. I will teach you every scrap, secret, tip, and tactic in the art of combat and martial arts that I know. If you want me along then I am going to make sure you’re more capable than any I have ever trained because I won’t have any of you damn fools getting yourselves killed if I can do anything about it. By keeping you at the top of your form… maybe you’ll be able to keep this old fool alive in return.” He picks up the cup and drains it before slamming it down and turning to Escobert.
“If I am to join then I have to ask, are you sure you can’t make a better offer to my friends and I? 250 gold each is a fine place to start our negotiations but let us not forget that my friends here have already rescued the people of this keep by brave action and deeds. With all due respect, I make that much for a month of teaching from the local lords and you’re asking us now to risk our lives for who knows how long chasing an enemy who employs a dragon?! Surely Nighthill and the town can afford to help us more?”
Kirari grins as the others give varying reasons why the Professor needed to continue with them enjoying the comradery but concerned about Travis expression. She leans forward towards him and whispers, "Everything ok? You look troubled. I wasn't too hard on the ole guy was I? I'll check in with a local healer before we leave and pick up a couple 'remedies', I'm sure they'll have something useful."
Then as Thaddeus starts to speak, she quiets listening to his vigor and strength coming through in his voice. Yes, she could learn so much from this one and in return our skill and endurance could keep him safe for many years to come. Was that a little negotiating she heard as his speech tailed off? She turns to watch for Escobert's response.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Travis listens to the professor's pitch for a greater reward, and the others can see him nodding slowly in agreement. He seems about to say something when Kirari whispers to him. He nods a little more obviously at that. "I am troubled by something..." he says quietly, looking between Thaddeus and Escobert.
Then he clears his throat. "Escobert, Professor Thaddeus is right. The reward you offer, while not insubstantial, falls short of what we have earned. I for one bested a fierce foe in one-on-one combat, yet it was a fight with no true material prize for me and I might argue precious little gratitude shown by the people of this keep. A greater 'pay day' is in order, I believe, as my friend and mentor here suggests."
Kirari thanks Escobert for the note and looks at the others. "If I may be excused, I have something to quickly attend to. Might I meet you all in the barracks in a bit?"
Escobert turns to the professor and tilts his head, not sure if he is being sarcastic, but hearing Travis' plea, he goes, "Well, I better fetch Nighthill!"
After Escobert walks to the front of the mess hall, he motions Nighthill to come over to the group. As they both walk over, they chat back and forth.
Reaching the party, Nighthill says, "I wish I could pay you more, and you have all done so much for us." Moving to Travis he says, "I wish you would reconsider and carry the town shield as the champion of Greenest. For the rest of you, let me see about this note." He adds some additional words to Kiari's note and signs below Escobert. "You may now all select up to three things from the quartermaster, and I have signed that you may all have 100sp each as your reward for saving Greenest. You must understand, most all of what was valuable and not in the keep was surely taken last night, so this is the most I can give you without completely emptying the treasury."
(OOC: Players may each select up to three items from PHB chapter 5, but the items each must be valued at 50gp or less, which would include armor, weapons, and other adventuring gear. If Travis takes the shield, he may take three more things. If Kiari and Cale want to keep their original requests, they may each get two more things now.)
The professor smiles broadly, “Thank you Nighthill… that is very helpful. We do need to gear up for this mission you’re sending us on.”
He then turns towards his new friends at the table with a grim expression. “Well, it seems like we’ll be traveling together for a time. I am not a soldier or mercenary but it seems that I must become an adventurer. Kirari’s suggestion was a good one. I’m going to start instituting some trainings and lessons on proper form, strategy, and observations. To be clear, I am now adopting all of you as pupils and I have a lot to teach you all.” He looks everyone dead in the eyes with an intense stare.
”Why don’t we start by discussing that little scuffle yesterday?” He then reaches back in his pack and takes out his textbook and begins thumbing through the pages. “Ah here we are, Let’s review some of my notes from yesterday.” He then gestures towards Travis “Travis, you did well yesterday. You did better than anyone could have hoped in fact.” And he smiles a moment before returning to his grim expression. “You did very well… and were lucky to get by that Dragonborn alive. I think you’re smart enough to realize it too.”
At the shocked looks and protests from some of the others at the table he shouts in response. “Shut your gods damned mouths and listen!!” He waves a hand and in the middle of the table an image of the Dragonborn appears with his greatsword, hulking muscles, and armor. (Minor illusion cantrip) “This was your foe and he should have taken your head from your shoulders! I don’t say this to demean or belittle your achievement but to prove a point. Luck saved you yesterday. If I were to watch that battle again I’d put money on the Dragonborn 9 times out of 10.”
He then waves his hand again and the image changes to a scale representation of Travis squaring off against the Dragonborn. “Look here! That beast was bigger than you, had more armor, more reach, more strength, and more skill than Travis. Can anyone remember at what point the fighter showed his superior skill?” When there is no response he continues, “Of course not, you haven’t been trained to see what I see yet. You don’t have the years of experience observing and researching martial fighting. It was right here!” Again he waves a hand and the image changes to the moment when the Dragonborn unleashed two quick slashes. Although the image doesn’t move, he quickly releases the first image and then recasts with a wave so a second image replaces it and shows the second of the two quick attacks. “It was here. The Dragonborn unleashed two quick strikes, faster than Travis could react.”
He looks at Travis “I bet you learned something from that… but I’d bet all my gold that you couldn’t match that yesterday. What’s worse, is that he did it multiple times as well. You’re only alive today because he somehow missed all of those attacks. I don’t know if you were just born lucky Travis or if that Dragonborn was overconfident and saw you as too weak to bother with… but you’re lucky to be alive.”
He then resets the minor image and starts to break down aspects of the fight. He starts with the footwork of the combatants and moves on to their grips on the weapon. He analyzes small details and reviews the good and bad of both of their form and attacks taking 10+ minutes to impart tips and strategies for everyone.
Cale watches, dumbfounded, as Thaddeus embarks on his lecture. Once or twice he starts to interject with a quip but is deterred by the professor's turn of pace or pre-emptive admonishments; the guy has clearly had his share of awkward pupils before. He even holds back from breaking the awkward silence with a "Yeah Trav, what were you playing at?", tempting as it is. The fighter didn't put a foot wrong in Cale's eyes and won against all odds, but the Prof is right - he sees things that the rest have never even heard of.
As much as he remains determined to elevate his own position and standing, Cale knows that he will need help and support to get there. This group have an array of skills and powers, and this Greenest gig fell into their laps with the promise of riches, maybe even some social standing. This is his path now.
At an opportune moment he addresses their new benefactor/client: "Thank you Lord Nightill, my team and I will make our preparations as soon as we have the kit and intel that we need. As well as the disguise kit, I would request a set of sturdier, studded armour and a bag of caltrops"
To Escobert and his colleagues, Cale says "Any idea what direction they went in, any clues at all?"
Kirari leans back and observes as the Professor falls quickly into his role as their mentor happy to see that he's no longer hesitating to stay with group. Then displays pop up and she is intrigued by the things he's noticed in the short battle that hadn't even occurred to her.
She grins over at Travis, still curious at what was bothering him, but patting him on the shoulder. "Yes, you'll make a fine soldier some day!" Giving him a look to say he'd done alright.
"Meet back at the barracks in a couple hours? We should head out soon." She's off to the Quartermaster's then a couple of errands.
@DM
for brevity, she will inquire at the quartermaster's about an herbalist or local alchemist that might be able to assist with medicinals and then be back to the group at the barracks. Still sorting out what she's selecting in the form of supplies, but will message when I do.
Travis nods at the better offer from Nighthill. "All right,"he says. "I will carry the shield of Greenrest, though you must admit my own served quite well yesterday, did it not?"
He sits listening to the professor's thoughts on the previous day's duel, nodding at some points and shaking his head at others. When the professor is finished, he clears his throat.
"You make some excellent points, and I am certain that good fortune was indeed on my side yesterday,"he says. "Yet there are different sorts of skills that affect the outcome of a battle. Some may be more 'flashy' than others, such as his double attacks. Others, such as knowing every last inch of your armor, are less obvious to an observer. Once one has donned the mail, taken up sword and shield, and fought a less illusory foe, one understands such things.
"That said, I do believe I learned a great deal from the fight itself--oh and of course your lessons, too. I am glad to have you with us Professor and look forward to further talks."
With that Travis rises, steps back, draws his sword (ensuring all are at a safe distance) and makes a sudden slash, followed by an almost blindingly quick backhand slash.
"Now let us see what gear may aid us in our next quest."
OOC: Playing with the idea of Action Surge gained on leveling up. Going to see what gear I might take.
The professor nods at Travis “Of course you are right. There is more to a fight than flashy moves and special attacks. In fact I’ve always believed that fights are won on the training grounds. Wearing and being comfortable in your armor like a second skin and wielding your sword and shield as if they are a part of your arm… that takes hours and hours of practice and can mean the difference between life and death.”
He reaches out and clasps Travis on the shoulder “I meant what I said after the fight. You have the makings of a great warrior and fighter and you did better than anyone else could have. But you’re still green as grass and have a lot to learn before you realize that potential. Don’t let a single victory go to your head.”
The professor nods to Nighthill and says “Would we be able to purchase additional necessities from your quartermaster?”
After resting, Escobert would lead the group to the mess hall with a hearty breakfast available for all (especially a hungry gnome!). Nighthill is at the head table with other captains and he motions to the party over.
He says, "I know I have already asked so much of you, but if you can locate the raiders’ camp and find out certain information, I will pay you 250 gp apiece as a reward. I want to know where the camp is sited, how many raiders are there, who their leaders are, what’s motivating these attacks, and where they plan to strike next. If you recover valuables that were stolen from the town, I would like them returned, and I can see if I can provide a reward for anything you find."
What do you say, adventurers?
Kirari listens quietly to Escobert's request and offer of the reward. It seems like a fine offer and hoping to hear her group mates agree to the terms, she speaks up. "That sounds very agreeable sir. Might I ask one thing though? I am a skilled Cartographer but find myself lacking a little in those supplies. Perhaps you would spare some parchment and I can draw more detailed maps of our findings for you?"
Cale stabs a slice of apple delicately with a small knife and raises it in salute to Escobert: "The town is in need and we're your heroes; it would be wrong of us to say no. I am in a similar position to my imposing friend here; I am skilled in the art of disguise but lost my supplies on the road to Greenest and would appreciate access to a disguise kit if possible?"
Cale pops the apple slice into his mouth and chews for a moment before asking his second question: "Oh and to clarify; rescued valuables are to be exchanged at market value?"
(OOC: Long rest?)
The professor wakes feeling every muscle in his body screaming at him. He hobbled to the mess hall and gingerly sits at the table. He listens to Escobert address the adventurers and doesn’t even consider himself to be included. He nods to the group and says “This sounds like a good opportunity for you youngsters. I was happy to help you all and think Escobert here has picked the right group.” He turns to Escobert and continues “They’re young and could use some seasoning but they’re a talented lot for sure.” He then returns to his meal and listens to the conversation.
Noob
Kirari raises an eyebrow and looks over at the Professor obviously aching from the night before and grins. Putting on her best Professor voice, "Now what we have here is a soldier a bit out of shape but I'm not hearing the call to pronounce him yet, so I'd say a more upright stance, a regimen of early morning exercises and a proper hearty diet of roast beef with some pickled cabbage, onions and beans to get you moving. That'll suffice for a musical program to follow to get your spirits up." She says losing her imitating in a laugh then on to a more serious expression. "I'd say old man that you've got some hero'ing to do and we can't have you sitting here resting with the old women. You said yourself we're still a bit green and can use all the guidance you can give us."
@DM
Separately Kirari will find a moment to seek out a local herbalist or medicinal sort to see what they have for pain relievers as she's no doubt he's got his struggles in his later years.
Travis stands quietly during these discussions, clearly mulling something over in his mind. As the situation with the professor becomes more clear to him, he waits for a moment of quiet then clears his throat. "Yesterday was a learning experience for us all," he says. "Professor Thaddeus's advice was crucial in the duel. I am not certain I could have won without his advice and encouragement. I would be more comfortable with him at our side in whatever is to come."
He pauses for a moment, meeting Thaddeus's eyes with his own and giving a strong nod. "You will be accompanying us, won't you?" he asks. Oddly, there seems to be an undercurrent of irritation in Travis, as if something is bothering him.
Cale does a double-take at Thaddeus's comments, excluding himself from joining the party on the next leg of their adventure.
"No Prof, sorry - you have to earn your retirement. Your advice so far has been valuable and I like having valuable things around me. Besides, we might get chased by something big - I only need to outrun one other person if that happens and I reckon I can beat you in a flat 100"
He says the last comment with a wink and pours the old man a drink to have with his breakfast.
Escobert says, "It sounds like we all need to call on ye once again, professor!" and pats him on the back. He turns to Kiari and quickly scribbles out a note. He hands it to her and says, "Yes, we should have some parchment down in the quartermaster's office from when we were doing supply inventory. Just show that note to the quartermaster's aide, and we should have a few sheets as well as a disguise kit for your rogue." Looking at the group, he says, "Ye each may take one item from our quartermaster, and just hand over the note." (OCC: Any player can pick up one thing from the Adventuring Gear list in Chapter 5 of PHB from the quartermaster with Escobert's note)
@Kiari
The quartermaster may have some herbs or know where to find someone, but you can feel free to explore the keep, too.
The professor accepts the drink from Cale and rests his hands on it a moment as he considers his response.
He recognizes the ribbing from Kirari and Cale for what it is, the gallows humor of soldiers and comrades who have fought together. Far from being offended, he feels honored to be included in the camaraderie.
”You don’t know what you ask of me. Your tales are beginning and your future is wide open and bright as the dawn, while my tale is ending and my days are closing as the sun sets.” He takes a drink and sets the cup down again before continuing.
”But perhaps my tale is one that ends with a bang. Perhaps my tale’s ending is as a support and influence for your start?” He looks at Cale, Kirari, Inglenook, Escobert, and Travis each in turn to gauge their sincerity. Seeing something that settles it he nods.
”So be it! You don’t know what you ask of me and of yourselves but I will accept. What you ask is for me to live my last days as I wanted to when I was a child. To seek adventure and fortune. Though my body is old and feeble it may be as you say Kirari, an exercise regimen and hard times may toughen this old man yet.” And he winks and smiles at the half-orc for her earlier joke.
”What you also don’t understand… is that you’re asking a lot of yourselves by having me join you.” And he smiles wickedly at the plans already forming.”I shall push you to train as hard as you ever have before, and then push you more. I will teach you every scrap, secret, tip, and tactic in the art of combat and martial arts that I know. If you want me along then I am going to make sure you’re more capable than any I have ever trained because I won’t have any of you damn fools getting yourselves killed if I can do anything about it. By keeping you at the top of your form… maybe you’ll be able to keep this old fool alive in return.” He picks up the cup and drains it before slamming it down and turning to Escobert.
“If I am to join then I have to ask, are you sure you can’t make a better offer to my friends and I? 250 gold each is a fine place to start our negotiations but let us not forget that my friends here have already rescued the people of this keep by brave action and deeds. With all due respect, I make that much for a month of teaching from the local lords and you’re asking us now to risk our lives for who knows how long chasing an enemy who employs a dragon?! Surely Nighthill and the town can afford to help us more?”
6 Persuasion
Noob
Kirari grins as the others give varying reasons why the Professor needed to continue with them enjoying the comradery but concerned about Travis expression. She leans forward towards him and whispers, "Everything ok? You look troubled. I wasn't too hard on the ole guy was I? I'll check in with a local healer before we leave and pick up a couple 'remedies', I'm sure they'll have something useful."
Then as Thaddeus starts to speak, she quiets listening to his vigor and strength coming through in his voice. Yes, she could learn so much from this one and in return our skill and endurance could keep him safe for many years to come. Was that a little negotiating she heard as his speech tailed off? She turns to watch for Escobert's response.
Travis listens to the professor's pitch for a greater reward, and the others can see him nodding slowly in agreement. He seems about to say something when Kirari whispers to him. He nods a little more obviously at that. "I am troubled by something..." he says quietly, looking between Thaddeus and Escobert.
Then he clears his throat. "Escobert, Professor Thaddeus is right. The reward you offer, while not insubstantial, falls short of what we have earned. I for one bested a fierce foe in one-on-one combat, yet it was a fight with no true material prize for me and I might argue precious little gratitude shown by the people of this keep. A greater 'pay day' is in order, I believe, as my friend and mentor here suggests."
Persuasion 10
Kirari thanks Escobert for the note and looks at the others. "If I may be excused, I have something to quickly attend to. Might I meet you all in the barracks in a bit?"
The professor holds a hand up for Kirari to wait a moment. He is waiting for Escobert’s response as he has something to say to the group.
Noob
Kirari pauses, nods and reseats herself.
Escobert turns to the professor and tilts his head, not sure if he is being sarcastic, but hearing Travis' plea, he goes, "Well, I better fetch Nighthill!"
After Escobert walks to the front of the mess hall, he motions Nighthill to come over to the group. As they both walk over, they chat back and forth.
Reaching the party, Nighthill says, "I wish I could pay you more, and you have all done so much for us." Moving to Travis he says, "I wish you would reconsider and carry the town shield as the champion of Greenest. For the rest of you, let me see about this note." He adds some additional words to Kiari's note and signs below Escobert. "You may now all select up to three things from the quartermaster, and I have signed that you may all have 100sp each as your reward for saving Greenest. You must understand, most all of what was valuable and not in the keep was surely taken last night, so this is the most I can give you without completely emptying the treasury."
(OOC: Players may each select up to three items from PHB chapter 5, but the items each must be valued at 50gp or less, which would include armor, weapons, and other adventuring gear. If Travis takes the shield, he may take three more things. If Kiari and Cale want to keep their original requests, they may each get two more things now.)
The professor smiles broadly, “Thank you Nighthill… that is very helpful. We do need to gear up for this mission you’re sending us on.”
He then turns towards his new friends at the table with a grim expression. “Well, it seems like we’ll be traveling together for a time. I am not a soldier or mercenary but it seems that I must become an adventurer. Kirari’s suggestion was a good one. I’m going to start instituting some trainings and lessons on proper form, strategy, and observations. To be clear, I am now adopting all of you as pupils and I have a lot to teach you all.” He looks everyone dead in the eyes with an intense stare.
”Why don’t we start by discussing that little scuffle yesterday?” He then reaches back in his pack and takes out his textbook and begins thumbing through the pages. “Ah here we are, Let’s review some of my notes from yesterday.” He then gestures towards Travis “Travis, you did well yesterday. You did better than anyone could have hoped in fact.” And he smiles a moment before returning to his grim expression. “You did very well… and were lucky to get by that Dragonborn alive. I think you’re smart enough to realize it too.”
At the shocked looks and protests from some of the others at the table he shouts in response. “Shut your gods damned mouths and listen!!” He waves a hand and in the middle of the table an image of the Dragonborn appears with his greatsword, hulking muscles, and armor. (Minor illusion cantrip) “This was your foe and he should have taken your head from your shoulders! I don’t say this to demean or belittle your achievement but to prove a point. Luck saved you yesterday. If I were to watch that battle again I’d put money on the Dragonborn 9 times out of 10.”
He then waves his hand again and the image changes to a scale representation of Travis squaring off against the Dragonborn. “Look here! That beast was bigger than you, had more armor, more reach, more strength, and more skill than Travis. Can anyone remember at what point the fighter showed his superior skill?” When there is no response he continues, “Of course not, you haven’t been trained to see what I see yet. You don’t have the years of experience observing and researching martial fighting. It was right here!” Again he waves a hand and the image changes to the moment when the Dragonborn unleashed two quick slashes. Although the image doesn’t move, he quickly releases the first image and then recasts with a wave so a second image replaces it and shows the second of the two quick attacks. “It was here. The Dragonborn unleashed two quick strikes, faster than Travis could react.”
He looks at Travis “I bet you learned something from that… but I’d bet all my gold that you couldn’t match that yesterday. What’s worse, is that he did it multiple times as well. You’re only alive today because he somehow missed all of those attacks. I don’t know if you were just born lucky Travis or if that Dragonborn was overconfident and saw you as too weak to bother with… but you’re lucky to be alive.”
He then resets the minor image and starts to break down aspects of the fight. He starts with the footwork of the combatants and moves on to their grips on the weapon. He analyzes small details and reviews the good and bad of both of their form and attacks taking 10+ minutes to impart tips and strategies for everyone.
(Inspiring Leader feat, everyone gets 5 temporary HP)
Noob
Cale watches, dumbfounded, as Thaddeus embarks on his lecture. Once or twice he starts to interject with a quip but is deterred by the professor's turn of pace or pre-emptive admonishments; the guy has clearly had his share of awkward pupils before. He even holds back from breaking the awkward silence with a "Yeah Trav, what were you playing at?", tempting as it is. The fighter didn't put a foot wrong in Cale's eyes and won against all odds, but the Prof is right - he sees things that the rest have never even heard of.
As much as he remains determined to elevate his own position and standing, Cale knows that he will need help and support to get there. This group have an array of skills and powers, and this Greenest gig fell into their laps with the promise of riches, maybe even some social standing. This is his path now.
At an opportune moment he addresses their new benefactor/client: "Thank you Lord Nightill, my team and I will make our preparations as soon as we have the kit and intel that we need. As well as the disguise kit, I would request a set of sturdier, studded armour and a bag of caltrops"
To Escobert and his colleagues, Cale says "Any idea what direction they went in, any clues at all?"
@althax - thank you
Kirari leans back and observes as the Professor falls quickly into his role as their mentor happy to see that he's no longer hesitating to stay with group. Then displays pop up and she is intrigued by the things he's noticed in the short battle that hadn't even occurred to her.
She grins over at Travis, still curious at what was bothering him, but patting him on the shoulder. "Yes, you'll make a fine soldier some day!" Giving him a look to say he'd done alright.
"Meet back at the barracks in a couple hours? We should head out soon." She's off to the Quartermaster's then a couple of errands.
@DM
for brevity, she will inquire at the quartermaster's about an herbalist or local alchemist that might be able to assist with medicinals and then be back to the group at the barracks. Still sorting out what she's selecting in the form of supplies, but will message when I do.
Travis nods at the better offer from Nighthill. "All right," he says. "I will carry the shield of Greenrest, though you must admit my own served quite well yesterday, did it not?"
He sits listening to the professor's thoughts on the previous day's duel, nodding at some points and shaking his head at others. When the professor is finished, he clears his throat.
"You make some excellent points, and I am certain that good fortune was indeed on my side yesterday," he says. "Yet there are different sorts of skills that affect the outcome of a battle. Some may be more 'flashy' than others, such as his double attacks. Others, such as knowing every last inch of your armor, are less obvious to an observer. Once one has donned the mail, taken up sword and shield, and fought a less illusory foe, one understands such things.
"That said, I do believe I learned a great deal from the fight itself--oh and of course your lessons, too. I am glad to have you with us Professor and look forward to further talks."
With that Travis rises, steps back, draws his sword (ensuring all are at a safe distance) and makes a sudden slash, followed by an almost blindingly quick backhand slash.
"Now let us see what gear may aid us in our next quest."
OOC: Playing with the idea of Action Surge gained on leveling up. Going to see what gear I might take.
The professor nods at Travis “Of course you are right. There is more to a fight than flashy moves and special attacks. In fact I’ve always believed that fights are won on the training grounds. Wearing and being comfortable in your armor like a second skin and wielding your sword and shield as if they are a part of your arm… that takes hours and hours of practice and can mean the difference between life and death.”
He reaches out and clasps Travis on the shoulder “I meant what I said after the fight. You have the makings of a great warrior and fighter and you did better than anyone else could have. But you’re still green as grass and have a lot to learn before you realize that potential. Don’t let a single victory go to your head.”
The professor nods to Nighthill and says “Would we be able to purchase additional necessities from your quartermaster?”
Noob