Rohuzar nods at the boy, ordering the old leek soup, a bit sourly.
When Aubrey gives the information, he stiffens in surprise. ”That is… Work. Not yet, but soon. A bishop can’t be called away from duties too long. They will hire someone soon. But not someone vith no reputation.”
”I don’t like this job of the girl. Sounds like trouble. Vait for the others. Ve decide between bandits and their job. Must vork quvickly. Reputation: means more gold.”
Grugga sits down, places his backpack-machine next to him, and relaxes. He can't help but order the pot roast and a pint of house stout. "It's a bit expensive considering my funds, but we'll be making fistfuls in no time by the sound of it. Hopefully the other leads have fewer strings attached than ours did." Once his food arrives he begins making small talk between bites. "So Rohuzar. Is this your first time leading a mercenary group? You seem to know what you're doing."
As the four of you sit at the table and wait for the food to arrive and the rest of your group to complete their job search, you notice a lone kobold hop across the square toward the Robust Hound patrons. They carry a stack of flyers and hand one to those customers willing to make eye contact, and otherwise slip them onto tables when the guests are not paying attention. He slips a flyer to one of you, before the serving boy notices him and shoos him away from the customers. They yip something in draconic and hop back in the direction from whence they came.
Looking over the flyer:
Looking for wealth and power? Does the success of your neighbors leave you green with envy? Are you tired of waiting for change to take shape?
Worry no longer!
Philosyphus the Preservationist! Here to help you be your best self! Serving the people of Bardstown, sundown, the first of every month, near the druid's grove!
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Rohuzar nods to Grugga and swallows more soup before responding. “Da. And no. Legatus in the 2nd Legion. Not now. I think I can do better like this. Big money. Less… big heads.” He grumbles a bit towards the end. ”I think… I think ve start small. Get bigger job as ve learn to vork together.”
Guilim orders the soup as well, used to budgeting his money to last between jobs and that was before sending some to his family. "The sooner we start making more gold the better. As it stands I have about half the pay from my last job which is just enough to eat and sleep cheap."
(DM: If either of you have more questions for Lady Shelley we can address those when they come up.)
Lady Eskil excuses you both to await the Red Band's response to her offer. She will provide any provisions you believe you require for this mission under the docks (within reason... max of 25gp and she will want to see receipts). She provides contact information for the most recent witness in the wharf area in case you want to meet with that person or ask them any specific questions.
If the mission is unsuccessful, she will pay each member of your group 10gp for their time.
If you find evidence or make contact with the 'sea people' then you will be rewarded based on the quality of evidence you bring to her... she guarantees a minimum of a 200gp award, and potentially more if you bring back something really spectacular.
You begin to make your way back to rendezvous with the others and report on your findings.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Aubrey nods as Rohuzar and Guilim speak. When the boy returns Aubrey orders the Hot Buffalo Pot Roast and a Turtle King Amber Ale. "So are we going to hunt for goblins or for that lizard man?" Aubrey asks Rohuzar while waiting.
"Yes, it certainly sounds interesting. And I think I have a couple ideas to deal with it already", Eskil answers Leelan's inquiry about his impressions. "I'm sure the others will be interested too", he adds.
Making their way back towards the tavern, Eskil remembers they were told to acquire a red marking for their clothes. He keeps his eyes open for any place that could provide such, should be easy as they are moving through the market district.
For those of you who ordered food, the leek stew is... OK. It has thickened up a bit as its been kept warm throughout the day but its palatable. The hot buffalo roast packs a punch. In addition to the peppers, the sauce has some unusual spices that come on slow but leave you gasping for your drink and make your eyes water. The stout is good, if unremarkable. The Turtle King amber is top notch, and it is served ice cold. They either have an icebox somewhere on premises, or a magical means of cooling this particular drink.
For those of you who sought out red paint or dyes, a small vial of either red paint or red dye set you back 5sp. For Guilim, who noted interest in securing a red cloak, he would have been able to locate one in the market - in the proper size and color - for 2gp.
As the last rays of the sun linger on the horizon and the cast sky over Bardstown into shades of orange and purple, Leelan and Eskil wander back from the east side of town and spot their colleagues gathered at the table outside the Robust Hound.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Grugga beckons the last two Halflings over to the table when he sees them approaching in the market square. "We started without you. Hope you don't mind." Once everyone is here, Grugga says, "I'll start with the bad news. The kidnapping was as we feared; it's tangled up in politics. The girl wanted to leave her parents, but she's underage so we could legally bring her back if we got some sort of writ from an attorney, which would take time and money."
Grugga pauses periodically during this explanation to allow Aubrey to interject his legal expertise, but continues, "Without that writ, if the girl didn't want to return with us we'd look like kidnappers ourselves. The band of performers, who call themselves bards but I have my doubts about that, are holed up in Walder's Rest, which is a strange town in Pentwater. I'm not sure how the locals would treat us there. Still the job looks possible, and the pay is 165 gold total. I hope your searches came up better, though."
As he savors his Hot Buffalo Pot Roast and a Turtle King Amber Ale Aubrey listens and nods when Grugga briefs the others. "Legally it is a sticky mess. Not impossible to complete but I must advice against taking this particular job, for now." Aubrey says when Grugga finishes.
"We looked into the lizard with the bounty on them. They seem to be the leader of a group that is made up of mostly humans with some lizardfolk as well. So it could pose a challenge if we were to get stuck in a fight with to many. The best course of action would be to find the target alone." Guilim says as he joins them, seeming to lament the expenditure of more of his gold.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
10
While you chat about which job to select, across the market square a trio of armored figures are walking into the Turtle King Brewery, which seems to be similarly or perhaps even a bit more crowded than the Robust Hound. Through the twilight and across the square their features are difficult to make out but they look to be a dwarf and two human females... and there is something following along behind them... a marten? A mink? Moments after they push past the swinging doors and disappear into the tavern, a woman's voice calls out, 'The next round is on the Screaming Banshees!' This draws a raucous cheer from inside the Turtle King. And moments later, a figure that had been huddled against the wall in an alley near you six lurches to its feet, steadies itself and then sprints across the market square and into the Turtle King, apparently not one to miss out on a free drink.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Screaming Banshees, another mercenary team I would imagine. Well they won´t compete for any jobs requiring stealth with a name such as that one I presume." Aubrey says smiling and winks to the others.
Rohuzar ponders whether he’s heard of the screaming banshees
history 14
Rohuzar recalls that they are known for being care-free rule-breakers. They have a lot of magic users in the group (the whole crew is maybe 5 or 6 members) and they are prohibited from working jobs within the city due to their tendency for causing lots of collateral damage. So they travel a lot and otherwise take contracts out in the farmlands or just carouse their way through the countryside.
They must be taking the night off in town.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
After having discussed the finer details with their potential employer, Leelan returns with Eskil after having purchased some red dye for his beret. This color is a bit less discret, but if that was the requirement from Rohuzar, he wasn’t going to argue.
Once they arrive at the Robust Hound Inn and Tavern, the pair eventually reunited with the rest of the group and orders the leek stew.
"Apologies for the delay, gentlemen. The employer had quite a bit to explain about this assignement. But I believe this would be an excellent opportunity for a newly-formed group such as ours. At the Blue Orchid, we met with Lady Lucille of House Shelley."
Leelan begins recounting in excruciating detail the meeting with the noble lady. He tells them that she believes the lake north of the city could be the home of a sea-dwelling people. The gnome explains that there have been some contact at night between these sea people and some fishermen at the underside of the docks.
"In brief, our mission would be to investigate the docks, attempt to make contact with these "merfolk" as he refers to them, and bring back substantial evidence of their existence. I personally find this to be a momentous occasion for discovery. Lady Shelley has offered to pay for necessary equipment up to 25 gold pieces. Should this endeavour prove unsuccessful, she will pay each of us 10 gold pieces, but the reward for finding something useful is much more generous. So…what say you, my intrepid companions?"
He turns to Eskil, "Have I forgotten any details, do you think?"
As Leelan mentions the client, Aubrey twitches and listens attentively to the detailed recounting of the meeting with her. "I should mention that House Shelley and House Goldentide are competitors to the trade over the Great Lake. I would hope that will not complicate things, but now you know." He says excusingly as Leelan finishes.
"Then House Goldentide will also know about whatever discoveries are made and House Shelley will front the bill for that work." Grugga answers with a smile in response to Aubrey.
Rohuzar nods at the boy, ordering the old leek soup, a bit sourly.
When Aubrey gives the information, he stiffens in surprise. ”That is… Work. Not yet, but soon. A bishop can’t be called away from duties too long. They will hire someone soon. But not someone vith no reputation.”
”I don’t like this job of the girl. Sounds like trouble. Vait for the others. Ve decide between bandits and their job. Must vork quvickly. Reputation: means more gold.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Grugga sits down, places his backpack-machine next to him, and relaxes. He can't help but order the pot roast and a pint of house stout. "It's a bit expensive considering my funds, but we'll be making fistfuls in no time by the sound of it. Hopefully the other leads have fewer strings attached than ours did." Once his food arrives he begins making small talk between bites. "So Rohuzar. Is this your first time leading a mercenary group? You seem to know what you're doing."
15
As the four of you sit at the table and wait for the food to arrive and the rest of your group to complete their job search, you notice a lone kobold hop across the square toward the Robust Hound patrons. They carry a stack of flyers and hand one to those customers willing to make eye contact, and otherwise slip them onto tables when the guests are not paying attention. He slips a flyer to one of you, before the serving boy notices him and shoos him away from the customers. They yip something in draconic and hop back in the direction from whence they came.
Looking over the flyer:
Looking for wealth and power? Does the success of your neighbors leave you green with envy? Are you tired of waiting for change to take shape?
Worry no longer!
Philosyphus the Preservationist! Here to help you be your best self! Serving the people of Bardstown, sundown, the first of every month, near the druid's grove!
Walk-ins Welcome!
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Rohuzar nods to Grugga and swallows more soup before responding. “Da. And no. Legatus in the 2nd Legion. Not now. I think I can do better like this. Big money. Less… big heads.” He grumbles a bit towards the end. ”I think… I think ve start small. Get bigger job as ve learn to vork together.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Guilim orders the soup as well, used to budgeting his money to last between jobs and that was before sending some to his family. "The sooner we start making more gold the better. As it stands I have about half the pay from my last job which is just enough to eat and sleep cheap."
Leelan and Eskil:
(DM: If either of you have more questions for Lady Shelley we can address those when they come up.)
Lady Eskil excuses you both to await the Red Band's response to her offer. She will provide any provisions you believe you require for this mission under the docks (within reason... max of 25gp and she will want to see receipts). She provides contact information for the most recent witness in the wharf area in case you want to meet with that person or ask them any specific questions.
If the mission is unsuccessful, she will pay each member of your group 10gp for their time.
If you find evidence or make contact with the 'sea people' then you will be rewarded based on the quality of evidence you bring to her... she guarantees a minimum of a 200gp award, and potentially more if you bring back something really spectacular.
You begin to make your way back to rendezvous with the others and report on your findings.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Aubrey nods as Rohuzar and Guilim speak. When the boy returns Aubrey orders the Hot Buffalo Pot Roast and a Turtle King Amber Ale.
"So are we going to hunt for goblins or for that lizard man?" Aubrey asks Rohuzar while waiting.
“Vait for Leelan and Eskil. When they return, then commit to job. Til then, fill out your registration 21b forms.”
Rohuzar picks up his tiny pencil and keeps filling in more information, asking pertinent questions about each of you in turn. (Pms coming)
Paladin - warforged - orange
Leelan and Eskil:
"Yes, it certainly sounds interesting. And I think I have a couple ideas to deal with it already", Eskil answers Leelan's inquiry about his impressions. "I'm sure the others will be interested too", he adds.
Making their way back towards the tavern, Eskil remembers they were told to acquire a red marking for their clothes. He keeps his eyes open for any place that could provide such, should be easy as they are moving through the market district.
For those of you who ordered food, the leek stew is... OK. It has thickened up a bit as its been kept warm throughout the day but its palatable. The hot buffalo roast packs a punch. In addition to the peppers, the sauce has some unusual spices that come on slow but leave you gasping for your drink and make your eyes water. The stout is good, if unremarkable. The Turtle King amber is top notch, and it is served ice cold. They either have an icebox somewhere on premises, or a magical means of cooling this particular drink.
For those of you who sought out red paint or dyes, a small vial of either red paint or red dye set you back 5sp. For Guilim, who noted interest in securing a red cloak, he would have been able to locate one in the market - in the proper size and color - for 2gp.
As the last rays of the sun linger on the horizon and the cast sky over Bardstown into shades of orange and purple, Leelan and Eskil wander back from the east side of town and spot their colleagues gathered at the table outside the Robust Hound.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Grugga beckons the last two Halflings over to the table when he sees them approaching in the market square. "We started without you. Hope you don't mind." Once everyone is here, Grugga says, "I'll start with the bad news. The kidnapping was as we feared; it's tangled up in politics. The girl wanted to leave her parents, but she's underage so we could legally bring her back if we got some sort of writ from an attorney, which would take time and money."
Grugga pauses periodically during this explanation to allow Aubrey to interject his legal expertise, but continues, "Without that writ, if the girl didn't want to return with us we'd look like kidnappers ourselves. The band of performers, who call themselves bards but I have my doubts about that, are holed up in Walder's Rest, which is a strange town in Pentwater. I'm not sure how the locals would treat us there. Still the job looks possible, and the pay is 165 gold total. I hope your searches came up better, though."
As he savors his Hot Buffalo Pot Roast and a Turtle King Amber Ale Aubrey listens and nods when Grugga briefs the others. "Legally it is a sticky mess. Not impossible to complete but I must advice against taking this particular job, for now." Aubrey says when Grugga finishes.
"We looked into the lizard with the bounty on them. They seem to be the leader of a group that is made up of mostly humans with some lizardfolk as well. So it could pose a challenge if we were to get stuck in a fight with to many. The best course of action would be to find the target alone." Guilim says as he joins them, seeming to lament the expenditure of more of his gold.
10
While you chat about which job to select, across the market square a trio of armored figures are walking into the Turtle King Brewery, which seems to be similarly or perhaps even a bit more crowded than the Robust Hound. Through the twilight and across the square their features are difficult to make out but they look to be a dwarf and two human females... and there is something following along behind them... a marten? A mink? Moments after they push past the swinging doors and disappear into the tavern, a woman's voice calls out, 'The next round is on the Screaming Banshees!' This draws a raucous cheer from inside the Turtle King. And moments later, a figure that had been huddled against the wall in an alley near you six lurches to its feet, steadies itself and then sprints across the market square and into the Turtle King, apparently not one to miss out on a free drink.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Screaming Banshees, another mercenary team I would imagine. Well they won´t compete for any jobs requiring stealth with a name such as that one I presume." Aubrey says smiling and winks to the others.
Rohuzar ponders whether he’s heard of the screaming banshees
history 4
Paladin - warforged - orange
Rohuzar recalls that they are known for being care-free rule-breakers. They have a lot of magic users in the group (the whole crew is maybe 5 or 6 members) and they are prohibited from working jobs within the city due to their tendency for causing lots of collateral damage. So they travel a lot and otherwise take contracts out in the farmlands or just carouse their way through the countryside.
They must be taking the night off in town.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
After having discussed the finer details with their potential employer, Leelan returns with Eskil after having purchased some red dye for his beret. This color is a bit less discret, but if that was the requirement from Rohuzar, he wasn’t going to argue.
Once they arrive at the Robust Hound Inn and Tavern, the pair eventually reunited with the rest of the group and orders the leek stew.
"Apologies for the delay, gentlemen. The employer had quite a bit to explain about this assignement. But I believe this would be an excellent opportunity for a newly-formed group such as ours. At the Blue Orchid, we met with Lady Lucille of House Shelley."
Leelan begins recounting in excruciating detail the meeting with the noble lady. He tells them that she believes the lake north of the city could be the home of a sea-dwelling people. The gnome explains that there have been some contact at night between these sea people and some fishermen at the underside of the docks.
"In brief, our mission would be to investigate the docks, attempt to make contact with these "merfolk" as he refers to them, and bring back substantial evidence of their existence. I personally find this to be a momentous occasion for discovery. Lady Shelley has offered to pay for necessary equipment up to 25 gold pieces. Should this endeavour prove unsuccessful, she will pay each of us 10 gold pieces, but the reward for finding something useful is much more generous. So…what say you, my intrepid companions?"
He turns to Eskil, "Have I forgotten any details, do you think?"
As Leelan mentions the client, Aubrey twitches and listens attentively to the detailed recounting of the meeting with her.
"I should mention that House Shelley and House Goldentide are competitors to the trade over the Great Lake. I would hope that will not complicate things, but now you know." He says excusingly as Leelan finishes.
"Then House Goldentide will also know about whatever discoveries are made and House Shelley will front the bill for that work." Grugga answers with a smile in response to Aubrey.