For those of you interviewing with Rohuzar: He mentions the Red Band; this was also listed on the flyer. You would be aware this is a mercenary company that operates up and down the Breitvasser valley. The have a reputation as well-organized and perform good work... in return for good coin. They are distinguished by a bright red or crimson streak painted on their helms or shoulder armor, or embroidered on the cloaks of their spellcasters. You may have also heard rumors that in the past, the groups reputation was not as savory.
The Red Band has been in operation more or less constantly for nearly 200 years. But over that time is has seen very different incarnations. Originating as a mercenary guild for orc settlers in the Easton - Lordstown trade corridor, they ran afoul of a similar dwarven guild and both were declared outlaws when their fighting became too intense. Re-emerging in Bluffton some years later, the Red Band grew to great prominence in the years before the Breach, and in its aftermath when they hired on to fight for Vigor I's cause. They learned the lessons of that success too well and focused much of their efforts working directly for lords and nobles in the years that followed. This was lucrative for a time, but when those political factions power waned, the Red Band's reputation took a hit and they became seen as partisans and assassins. Their membership dropped greatly until they were seldom heard from and ceased to be a factor in the industry. The present incarnation of the Red Band is back on the rise, recruiting field teams of 3-6 soldiers while taking care to limit their exposure to political winds and diversifying their operations. The Red Band advertises themselves as a 'jack of all trades' outfit... with the skills to provide personal bodyguards, guard caravans and shipments, engage in recovery operations, and even deal with rogue beasts and monsters.
As Grugga takes his seat, the elven barkeep slides a fresh mug of stout to the human customer who took issue at the orc's entrance. "None of that now, Wendel," he says in a friendly tone, but loud enough for all to hear. "All who wish to rest and refresh themselves are welcome at my tables."
He leans closer to 'Wendel' and adds, less loudly Perception DC 18:
"Don't cause me any trouble. That's a guild meeting, there. I won't have you spoiling good business for me. This is my tavern and I'll serve the prince of the nine hells Himself if I like, provided He lays the coin down up front. If you have any more opinions, share them with the bottom of that mug."
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
The gnome turns his head in the direction the elf indicated before turning back to the bar tender.
"Most appreciated.", he says with a smile.
He walks over to the group of people gather at the orc’s table. He then announced his presence by clearing his throat loudly enough to be heard.
"Pardon my interruption, gentlemen. Which one of you would happen to be Rohuzar? Ah! But where are my manners? I am Leelan Dapper. Scholar, Aspiring author and Adventurer. At your service."
He reaches out his hand for Rohuzar to grab, whichever one the these people it might be.
Rohuzar stands up to shake Leelan’s hand and gestures to sit.
“Leelan”he says slowly sounding out the name. “Rohuzar. Tell me your skills. Why I should hire?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Guilim shrugs a bit as he goes to sit at the table, making sure to grab a chair that has a few ladder like steps on it so he can sit at the table properly. As he gathers the chair he makes sure to bring his halberd over, leaning it carefully against the wall. He will reach into his armor and pull out a coin purse that was obviously in a pocket that was sown into his clothing.
As Guilim sits down at the other table with him Aubrey mentions what he knows of the Red Band (The spoiler information in post #21). If Guilim seems interested he also shares what he overheard the barkeep whisper. "So what can I get you to drink my friend? As it seems we are going to be working together I thought perhaps we could get to know each other while we wait for Rohuzar to finish his interviews." Aubrey says to the halfling with a smile.
Rohuzar stands up to shake Leelan’s hand and gestures to sit.
“Leelan”he says slowly sounding out the name. “Rohuzar. Tell me your skills. Why I should hire?”
As he was invited to, he sat across the table from Rohuzar
"My friend, you will not find another like me. Of that, you can be certain. I have spent many years studying all sorts of creatures of my homeland and have recorded a vast amount of knowledge that would prove indispensable to a company such as yours. Travelling with you and your companions would help me further my studies of the oddities of this world we live in.", Leelan declared with confidence.
Rohuzar pauses and nods. “Knowing a thing is good. Reduce risk. But some risk is from people… sometimes other adventure companies.” His gaze is boring into you, although not unforgiving as he writes notes. “Think on this. I have seen people like you before. Clever. Long talk soon. Hired if you vant.”
With a nod towards the others getting a drink, he shuffles his papers to get a clean form.
He looks up and gestures towards Grugga to come forward. “I never see one of you up close before. Tell me vhat you do for my team.”
Guilim nods as he listens to what Aubrey knows about them, having head of them but only vaguely. While his lessons had gotten him a bit of books smarts almost of it had been focused on combat. As he is asked if he wants a drink he will look through the offered drinks before turning to the human. "Whatever you order is fine with me."
Rohuzar pauses and nods. “Knowing a thing is good. Reduce risk. But some risk is from people… sometimes other adventure companies.” His gaze is boring into you, although not unforgiving as he writes notes. “Think on this. I have seen people like you before. Clever. Long talk soon. Hired if you vant.”
As if he only heard the second part, Leelan cracks a big smile.
"Splendid. I assure you, you will not be disappointed."
"Excellent." Aubrey says to Guilim and walks over to the bar, ordering a glass of Holy Dwarf Riesling for the halfling. While waiting for the glass to be poured Aubrey notices and takes a quick peek at the notice board for any jobs that could be interesting to his new team.
After paying for the wine Aubrey returns to Guilim, hands him the glass of wine and finds his place at the table. "Now tell me, who´s that former employer you mentioned? Another mercenary company I suppose?" He asks the halfling, smiling curiously while leaning back and taking a sip of his wine.
Leaving his massive invention on the floor, Grugga steps forward placing the hiring poster flat on the table as he arrives at it.
"I am Grugga of Raven's Hill, an artificer. And it would be easier to show you what that means, if you'd allow a demonstration." He speaks with a slight lisp and slurred "S"'s typical of northern Pentwater, but he speaks slowly as to be understood.
From out of one of the bulging pockets sewn into his sleeves he fishes a small unadorned metal cube, about 3 inches in dimension. It has a delicate crank handle and a wooden paddlewheel protruding from one of the faces. "This is one of the first inventions I was ever shown." He begins turning the crank, spinning the paddlewheel faster and faster. At first nothing happens, then the box begins to hum and vibrate after a few seconds. "It's perfectly safe, see." After another moment the paddlewheel kicks out an effervescent green mist, which Grugga inhales deeply. "Watch that cut on your arm." He orders, as he puts the box close to Rohuzar's face.
If Rohuzar breathes in the mist,
The cut on his arm will begin to rapidly "scab" over with purplish gems. The gems can be easily scratched off and the wound underneath is completely healed.
"In addition to my creations, I'm proficient in every type of weapon, though I only brought my little axe to the Empire because I wasn't expecting to be fighting, and I speak Dwarven, Elvish and Orcish fluently. And once that's finished..." He gestures to the metal frame he was sitting on "... well, that'll change warfare."
((edit: Grugga uses both his spell slots for the demonstration))
As Aubrey takes another stemless wineglass filled with Riesling from the barkeep, he turns his attention to the notice board near the main double doors. 3 young human men, clad in clean and shining chainmail and with blue sashes around their waists stand before the board. One, blond and with the kind of self assured confidence only possessed by those possessed of youth, good looks and coin, reaches up and snatches a posting off of the board. “This’ll do for now. Maybe we’ll hit up the wharf tomorrow and see what kind of trouble we can find there.”. He leads his companions back out in the alley before the doors swing closed.
Examining the board, Aubrey notes the cork board has to it pinned dozens of small scraps of paper, some of them messages from friends to one another, some advertisements or notices of persons seeking to purchase particular goods. The left half of the board, however, is where the interesting items can be found… bounties and wanted posters, requests for aid, parties seeking to hire swords for protection… yes, Aubrey might want to share this with the rest of the group when the conversation turns to finding work. (*see group PM)
Meanwhile, while Rohuzar continues his interviews, an early dinner crowd begins to slowly filter in. Among them are a pair of entertainers. Teenage by their looks, a red haired dwarf boy in common clothes drags a chair near the patio overlooking the market square and sets to tuning his lute. His companion, a raven haired elven girl in a baggy oversized shirt and long pants, opens her pack and pulls out bracelets and straps with small bronze bells and begins affixing them to her arms and legs.
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
Guilim takes the offered wine, taking a few seconds to remember how the more well to do members of the Hook and Axe would drink from it. After a bit though he shrugs and starts to sip at it slowly. "I served with an independent group for a short time but then they were assimilated into the Hook and Axe. So for the last several years I served with them."
"So you are a veteran warrior then, splendid. It is a mighty weapon you carry Guilim, I wouldn´t want to be on the other side of it." Aubrey says and chuckles. "I haven´t been into battle myself, but I think I will be able to contribute anyway, mainly in other areas though I admit." He pauses briefly."So, is this your first time in Bardstown Guilim?" Aubrey then asks the halfling warrior.
Rohuzar takes a tentative sniff of the green mist, and notes the healing wound. “Strong. Grugga” he says it slow, writing as he goes. “Be careful here. Red Band not like mixing politics with money.” Rohuzar eyes the bigger contraption curiously, but doesn’t say anything. “Come. Ve talk to your new comrades.”
“Everyone. I verk for Red Band. I vill give money for you to paint red stripe on helmet, cloak, or armor. I verk for Red Band, but you verk for me. Ve are in this for money. Anyone gets in the vay of the money should find other job. Ve all grow old and fat. Ja?”
To be clear, I fully expect people to make the choices, not for Rohuzar to run ramshod over people
"I passed this way once before but that was as a child. Haven't been this way since I came here to look for work." Guilim said before he paused to look over to the others that were coming to join them. He nodded at what was said and decide to simply buy a red cloak as he did not want to mess with his armor having to be repainted over time.
"Red, excellent." Aubrey exclaimed, hoping his new unique haute couture red coat would suffice. "I´m looking forward to working with you all, and getting to know you of course, but may I now direct your attention to that notice board." He says to the others, motioning towards the main double doors. "Perhaps we will find our first mission right there." He adds after finishing up his glass of Riesling.
Leelan looked the other members of his new band and tried to gauge their impression of their new "boss". The orc did seem to have a strong presence. Also, his demand for a change of their accoutrement wasn’t too outlandish.
Leelan raised a hand. "I assure you that I will not interfere with our endeavours. And while monetary compensation is appreciated, the thrill of adventure and discovery is payment enough. Gold would be a welcome extra. And as for the red stripe…", the gnome waved his hand around, casting minor illusion to change the color of his beret to red. "maybe this will suffice in the meantime of me finding an actual red beret. Would that be agreeable?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
12, 13
As patrons continue to trickle in, the dwarf and elf duet begin their performance. The dwarf plays his lute seated near the patio while his companion accompanied him, dancing in a frenetic, whirling fashion while jingling her many bells more or less in tune with his playing. The performance is competent but not overly compelling, and other than one instrumental performance of the popular “Cats Come Home” that got a few at the bar to sing along, they mostly fade into the background noise accumulating inside 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
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For those of you interviewing with Rohuzar: He mentions the Red Band; this was also listed on the flyer. You would be aware this is a mercenary company that operates up and down the Breitvasser valley. The have a reputation as well-organized and perform good work... in return for good coin. They are distinguished by a bright red or crimson streak painted on their helms or shoulder armor, or embroidered on the cloaks of their spellcasters. You may have also heard rumors that in the past, the groups reputation was not as savory.
For more details, History DC 16:
The Red Band has been in operation more or less constantly for nearly 200 years. But over that time is has seen very different incarnations. Originating as a mercenary guild for orc settlers in the Easton - Lordstown trade corridor, they ran afoul of a similar dwarven guild and both were declared outlaws when their fighting became too intense. Re-emerging in Bluffton some years later, the Red Band grew to great prominence in the years before the Breach, and in its aftermath when they hired on to fight for Vigor I's cause. They learned the lessons of that success too well and focused much of their efforts working directly for lords and nobles in the years that followed. This was lucrative for a time, but when those political factions power waned, the Red Band's reputation took a hit and they became seen as partisans and assassins. Their membership dropped greatly until they were seldom heard from and ceased to be a factor in the industry. The present incarnation of the Red Band is back on the rise, recruiting field teams of 3-6 soldiers while taking care to limit their exposure to political winds and diversifying their operations. The Red Band advertises themselves as a 'jack of all trades' outfit... with the skills to provide personal bodyguards, guard caravans and shipments, engage in recovery operations, and even deal with rogue beasts and monsters.
As Grugga takes his seat, the elven barkeep slides a fresh mug of stout to the human customer who took issue at the orc's entrance. "None of that now, Wendel," he says in a friendly tone, but loud enough for all to hear. "All who wish to rest and refresh themselves are welcome at my tables."
He leans closer to 'Wendel' and adds, less loudly Perception DC 18:
"Don't cause me any trouble. That's a guild meeting, there. I won't have you spoiling good business for me. This is my tavern and I'll serve the prince of the nine hells Himself if I like, provided He lays the coin down up front. If you have any more opinions, share them with the bottom of that mug."
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 strains his ears to try to hear what the barkeep whispers without looking like he's listening in.
Perception: 18
...but years in loud workshops have taken their toll, and he can't hear it over his tinnitus
He also racks his brain for anything he's heard about the Red Band.
History: 12
...but he can't remember hearing anything about them more than a little general information in passing.
Aubrey history regarding the Red Band:19 and perception hearing what the elven barkeep whispers:24
Rohuzar stands up to shake Leelan’s hand and gestures to sit.
“Leelan” he says slowly sounding out the name. “Rohuzar. Tell me your skills. Why I should hire?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Guilim shrugs a bit as he goes to sit at the table, making sure to grab a chair that has a few ladder like steps on it so he can sit at the table properly. As he gathers the chair he makes sure to bring his halberd over, leaning it carefully against the wall. He will reach into his armor and pull out a coin purse that was obviously in a pocket that was sown into his clothing.
History: 8
As Guilim sits down at the other table with him Aubrey mentions what he knows of the Red Band (The spoiler information in post #21). If Guilim seems interested he also shares what he overheard the barkeep whisper.
"So what can I get you to drink my friend? As it seems we are going to be working together I thought perhaps we could get to know each other while we wait for Rohuzar to finish his interviews." Aubrey says to the halfling with a smile.
As he was invited to, he sat across the table from Rohuzar
"My friend, you will not find another like me. Of that, you can be certain. I have spent many years studying all sorts of creatures of my homeland and have recorded a vast amount of knowledge that would prove indispensable to a company such as yours. Travelling with you and your companions would help me further my studies of the oddities of this world we live in.", Leelan declared with confidence.
History check: 24
Perception check: 14
Rohuzar pauses and nods. “Knowing a thing is good. Reduce risk. But some risk is from people… sometimes other adventure companies.” His gaze is boring into you, although not unforgiving as he writes notes. “Think on this. I have seen people like you before. Clever. Long talk soon. Hired if you vant.”
With a nod towards the others getting a drink, he shuffles his papers to get a clean form.
He looks up and gestures towards Grugga to come forward. “I never see one of you up close before. Tell me vhat you do for my team.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Guilim nods as he listens to what Aubrey knows about them, having head of them but only vaguely. While his lessons had gotten him a bit of books smarts almost of it had been focused on combat. As he is asked if he wants a drink he will look through the offered drinks before turning to the human. "Whatever you order is fine with me."
As if he only heard the second part, Leelan cracks a big smile.
"Splendid. I assure you, you will not be disappointed."
"Excellent." Aubrey says to Guilim and walks over to the bar, ordering a glass of Holy Dwarf Riesling for the halfling. While waiting for the glass to be poured Aubrey notices and takes a quick peek at the notice board for any jobs that could be interesting to his new team.
After paying for the wine Aubrey returns to Guilim, hands him the glass of wine and finds his place at the table. "Now tell me, who´s that former employer you mentioned? Another mercenary company I suppose?" He asks the halfling, smiling curiously while leaning back and taking a sip of his wine.
Leaving his massive invention on the floor, Grugga steps forward placing the hiring poster flat on the table as he arrives at it.
"I am Grugga of Raven's Hill, an artificer. And it would be easier to show you what that means, if you'd allow a demonstration." He speaks with a slight lisp and slurred "S"'s typical of northern Pentwater, but he speaks slowly as to be understood.
From out of one of the bulging pockets sewn into his sleeves he fishes a small unadorned metal cube, about 3 inches in dimension. It has a delicate crank handle and a wooden paddlewheel protruding from one of the faces. "This is one of the first inventions I was ever shown." He begins turning the crank, spinning the paddlewheel faster and faster. At first nothing happens, then the box begins to hum and vibrate after a few seconds. "It's perfectly safe, see." After another moment the paddlewheel kicks out an effervescent green mist, which Grugga inhales deeply. "Watch that cut on your arm." He orders, as he puts the box close to Rohuzar's face.
If Rohuzar breathes in the mist,
The cut on his arm will begin to rapidly "scab" over with purplish gems. The gems can be easily scratched off and the wound underneath is completely healed.
"In addition to my creations, I'm proficient in every type of weapon, though I only brought my little axe to the Empire because I wasn't expecting to be fighting, and I speak Dwarven, Elvish and Orcish fluently. And once that's finished..." He gestures to the metal frame he was sitting on "... well, that'll change warfare."
((edit: Grugga uses both his spell slots for the demonstration))
As Aubrey takes another stemless wineglass filled with Riesling from the barkeep, he turns his attention to the notice board near the main double doors. 3 young human men, clad in clean and shining chainmail and with blue sashes around their waists stand before the board. One, blond and with the kind of self assured confidence only possessed by those possessed of youth, good looks and coin, reaches up and snatches a posting off of the board. “This’ll do for now. Maybe we’ll hit up the wharf tomorrow and see what kind of trouble we can find there.”. He leads his companions back out in the alley before the doors swing closed.
Examining the board, Aubrey notes the cork board has to it pinned dozens of small scraps of paper, some of them messages from friends to one another, some advertisements or notices of persons seeking to purchase particular goods. The left half of the board, however, is where the interesting items can be found… bounties and wanted posters, requests for aid, parties seeking to hire swords for protection… yes, Aubrey might want to share this with the rest of the group when the conversation turns to finding work. (*see group PM)
Meanwhile, while Rohuzar continues his interviews, an early dinner crowd begins to slowly filter in. Among them are a pair of entertainers. Teenage by their looks, a red haired dwarf boy in common clothes drags a chair near the patio overlooking the market square and sets to tuning his lute. His companion, a raven haired elven girl in a baggy oversized shirt and long pants, opens her pack and pulls out bracelets and straps with small bronze bells and begins affixing them to her arms and legs.
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
Guilim takes the offered wine, taking a few seconds to remember how the more well to do members of the Hook and Axe would drink from it. After a bit though he shrugs and starts to sip at it slowly. "I served with an independent group for a short time but then they were assimilated into the Hook and Axe. So for the last several years I served with them."
"So you are a veteran warrior then, splendid. It is a mighty weapon you carry Guilim, I wouldn´t want to be on the other side of it." Aubrey says and chuckles. "I haven´t been into battle myself, but I think I will be able to contribute anyway, mainly in other areas though I admit." He pauses briefly. "So, is this your first time in Bardstown Guilim?" Aubrey then asks the halfling warrior.
Rohuzar takes a tentative sniff of the green mist, and notes the healing wound. “Strong. Grugga” he says it slow, writing as he goes. “Be careful here. Red Band not like mixing politics with money.” Rohuzar eyes the bigger contraption curiously, but doesn’t say anything. “Come. Ve talk to your new comrades.”
“Everyone. I verk for Red Band. I vill give money for you to paint red stripe on helmet, cloak, or armor. I verk for Red Band, but you verk for me. Ve are in this for money. Anyone gets in the vay of the money should find other job. Ve all grow old and fat. Ja?”
To be clear, I fully expect people to make the choices, not for Rohuzar to run ramshod over people
Paladin - warforged - orange
"I passed this way once before but that was as a child. Haven't been this way since I came here to look for work." Guilim said before he paused to look over to the others that were coming to join them. He nodded at what was said and decide to simply buy a red cloak as he did not want to mess with his armor having to be repainted over time.
"Red, excellent." Aubrey exclaimed, hoping his new unique haute couture red coat would suffice. "I´m looking forward to working with you all, and getting to know you of course, but may I now direct your attention to that notice board." He says to the others, motioning towards the main double doors. "Perhaps we will find our first mission right there." He adds after finishing up his glass of Riesling.
Leelan looked the other members of his new band and tried to gauge their impression of their new "boss". The orc did seem to have a strong presence. Also, his demand for a change of their accoutrement wasn’t too outlandish.
Leelan raised a hand. "I assure you that I will not interfere with our endeavours. And while monetary compensation is appreciated, the thrill of adventure and discovery is payment enough. Gold would be a welcome extra. And as for the red stripe…", the gnome waved his hand around, casting minor illusion to change the color of his beret to red. "maybe this will suffice in the meantime of me finding an actual red beret. Would that be agreeable?"
12, 13
As patrons continue to trickle in, the dwarf and elf duet begin their performance. The dwarf plays his lute seated near the patio while his companion accompanied him, dancing in a frenetic, whirling fashion while jingling her many bells more or less in tune with his playing. The performance is competent but not overly compelling, and other than one instrumental performance of the popular “Cats Come Home” that got a few at the bar to sing along, they mostly fade into the background noise accumulating inside 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