The guards are armed but do not appear threatening.
Ankita isn't able to pick up on anything out of the ordinary.
The man who let you in turns to the group, taking them in.
"Jesus, look at the bloody size of these two. I don't know much about no Order except you lot seem to have a similar bloody flag to Jolly's. Strange things? Same as everywhere I imagine. Creatures, bad weather, yada yada. Good for business it is! Folks are bloody desperate.
What brings ya to Rivergard Keep? We ... facilitate the river trade, amongst other things. More accurately, what can we do for you, for the right bloody price of course."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
History check re: Rivergard Keep : 5
Olaerys smiles at the man, “What is your name good fellow? Just want to know who we are speaking to … and what this right price is that you mention. We are here investigating our own matters, not really looking to pay anyone. Looking into a missing delegation from Mirabar. Happen to know anything about that? We are just passing through, we are unaware of any toll in this area … please help us out, would you? That’s a good man!” Olaerys subconsciously puts his hand on the handle of his battle axe.
Olaerys has heard of the keep in passing. It was abandoned for many years. It appears as though whoever these people are have moved in and are restoring it.
The 'leader' looks down at Olaerys' hand as he touches his axe. "Are ye a wee bit nervous? Bloody hell. Surely you can see starting a fight here would end very, very poorly for you. I have heard rumblings of this bloody delegation but nothing specific. Anything i've heard came from down river, down Womford way, so perhaps you might want to look there. We can get you a boat, for a price of course. Follow me, we'll discuss it somewhere more bloody comfortable, unless you want to insult us by refusing our hospitality. Me name's Holger by the way". He walks towards the courtyard and motions for you to follow.
(Note: You can check the map on the first page, but Beliard, your destination, is up-river to the north. Womford is down-river, to the south)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Assuming you follow Holger:
6
The area just inside the castle gatehouse consists of a small courtyard of bare dirt and tufts of wiry grass. A stable stands to the east, the gatehouse to the west, and the main yard of the castle lies to the north. The keep occupies the northern corner of the castle yard. Stone stairs near the keep lead up to the top of the wall. You notice considerable population; sentries patrol the top of the keep walls, and the courtyard itself is bustling. Apparently they don't keep things very tidy -- there are 3 giants rats that you can see, which means there are likely more elsewhere.
Holger leads you through the courtyard to a door in the north-west part of the keep.
This room is the great hall of the keep. It is two stories high, with stone stairs on both sides of the room leading up to a stone balcony at the west end of the chamber. Heavy double doors lead east to the castle yard, while two interior doors open to the west. Arrow slits look out to the north and the south.
At the west end of the room, below the balcony, a large wooden chair sits behind a wide table littered with papers and discarded plates. A second table, this one long and furnished with benches, runs down the middle of the hall. The walls are painted in green and blue, decorated with tattered banners showing nautical designs.
"Pardon me Holger, but we wish to go upstream to Beliard. On the boats that you have, can they head up river, are they outfitted with a good number of oars? We are considering our path, we may need to go a different way. Have you been to Beliard? We are not refusing your hospitality, we are enjoying your company and conversation! We are still just plotting our path you see."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Shrek just continues to play the dumb galoot part (which isn't much of a stretch for him....as he's a...dumb galoot). As Holger leads the group into the keep, Shrek's jaw drops in visible awe. Nodding his head in approval to Holger, Shrek lets out an appreciative whistle and grins a wild grin. "Dis where Lord meets folk like Shrek?" as he points to his wide chest.
Ankita nods in agreement with what Olaerys is saying to Holger, and then adds "Would you also have food? I don't have a lot of money but haven't had a good meal in a very long time." she looks hopeful. Hoping this will not only fill her belly, but also appease any suspicions against them.
Hoping to ease Holger's concerns, Randall speaks up for the first time. "We aren't looking for trouble. It's just the unfortunate truth that trouble has been looking for us lately. There are strange happenings afoot and we have found ourselves under attack from unexpected places. Its left us a bit on edge." He pats Olaerys on the shoulder. "We'd be happy to talk about paying for transportation... keeping in mind there's a limit to how much we might pay to cut only a day or so off our walk."
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
"Relax. I was just bloody testing ya. Best lighten up or Jolly'l eat you alive. He's a bit salty Jolly is."
At that he leads you into what appears to be banquet hall (described above). A stout human is bent over the table examing some papers. Beside him is an imposing looking humanoid with a distinctly blue shade of skin. Also in the room are 2 female human soldiers, carrying serrated swords and and shields that appear to be giant crab shells.
"Hey Jolly, i've got some folks for you to meet. They're looking for that delegation from Mirabar we've heard about."
The stout man stands up, revealing himself to be fairly tall. "Who are you. Why are you here." His tone implies command more than question.
"Hello Jolly, good to meet you. My name is Olaerys and these are my fine companions. We are here from Red Larch, on a bit of a quest, you know? All sorts of strange things happening around town there, but we were looking for a delegation from Mirabar, making its way across the Dessarin Valley. We heard they were headed toward the Summit Hall, they were last seen in Beliard, and we are trying to track them down. I used to live in Waterdeep and well, let's say that I learned to knock some sense into people there, but felt that it was not my bag, right? We were looking for this party headed to the Summit to meet with the Knights of Samular, or learn what happened to them. So, good Holger here told us that we could get passage up to Beliard via the river, to save us some time. Is that possible or should we move along? It looks like you are rather busy, don't want to bother you..." Olaerys gives them his best s*&^ eating grin, playing the part of a jolly old chap who just got turned around a bit. He puffs out his chest and smiles at Jolly. As he is talking and looking around the room, he uses his Divine Sense to look for good and evil.
Just as Olaerys is giving his masterful performance, Shrek's stomach growls out loud from hunger. He smiles a sheepish grin of embarrassment, serving as a mild distraction to Help Olaery's with his next roll...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Continuing to stay in the background, to allow him to observe more than he is observed, Melchor keeps careful watch on Jolly and his crew, watching for any sign that things are going downhill - and preparing to cast sleep on the antagonists should it prove necessary... Meanwhile Glimmer keeps watch to make sure he isn't surprised...
The man named Jolly lets Olaerys get about 10 words off before cursing and holding up his hand. "Zip it. Too many words, you give me a headache. You, talk. Use fewer words" and he points to Shrek.
You do not detect the presence of any celestials, fiends or undead, but there is a mild foul scent coming off of Jolly, as if he's been in the presence of such evil that the smell has rubbed off on him.
"That's better. Beliard eh? Holger, we got a ship we could run? What do we say, 10 gold a piece?"
The man who guided to this banquet hall speaks up. "Aye Jolly, that sounds about bloody right. There is a ship out there ready to go now. Shoalar and Pike were bloody outfitting it today."
Jolly nods and speaks again. "50 gp I'd suggest taking it. It can be a very dangerous journey through the Sumber Hills, can't it lads?" Up until now Glimmer has not noticed anything, but Jolly's demeanor and tone, combined with the smirk on some of the other men/women's faces suggest that he might not take no for an answer.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Not the worst offer I've ever heard. 10gp each is a bit steep, no? How about 8gp each, and on the way one you show me how you fashioned those crab-shell shields? I'm something of an armorer myself, but I confess I've never seen anything like those before."
Persuasion: 20
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
Jolly laughs, a deep laugh. "Let's say 10 each, and I let you get off the boat without throwing you over the side. You'll have to get Shoalar to show you the shield. Holger, time for them to leave. You know my terms."
Jolly goes back to studying the mess of papers and maps on the table.
Olaerys nods silently and walks out of the room, with a “Not now” look on his face to his companions. He waits for them all to file back down, thinking his odds with Holger are better than with Jolly. He bides his time, when they walk out, his companions note his grip on his battle axe becomes a little tighter, squeezing. When Holger turns around, he lets go of it.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The guards are armed but do not appear threatening.
Ankita isn't able to pick up on anything out of the ordinary.
The man who let you in turns to the group, taking them in.
"Jesus, look at the bloody size of these two. I don't know much about no Order except you lot seem to have a similar bloody flag to Jolly's. Strange things? Same as everywhere I imagine. Creatures, bad weather, yada yada. Good for business it is! Folks are bloody desperate.
What brings ya to Rivergard Keep? We ... facilitate the river trade, amongst other things. More accurately, what can we do for you, for the right bloody price of course."
History check re: Rivergard Keep : 5
Olaerys smiles at the man, “What is your name good fellow? Just want to know who we are speaking to … and what this right price is that you mention. We are here investigating our own matters, not really looking to pay anyone. Looking into a missing delegation from Mirabar. Happen to know anything about that? We are just passing through, we are unaware of any toll in this area … please help us out, would you? That’s a good man!” Olaerys subconsciously puts his hand on the handle of his battle axe.
Persuasion : 7
2nd roll is he has help from anyone : 13
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ankita steps up with Olaerys and nods empathically, "Yes, looking for the missing delegation" trying her best to assist Olaerys in his persuasion.
Olaerys has heard of the keep in passing. It was abandoned for many years. It appears as though whoever these people are have moved in and are restoring it.
The 'leader' looks down at Olaerys' hand as he touches his axe. "Are ye a wee bit nervous? Bloody hell. Surely you can see starting a fight here would end very, very poorly for you. I have heard rumblings of this bloody delegation but nothing specific. Anything i've heard came from down river, down Womford way, so perhaps you might want to look there. We can get you a boat, for a price of course. Follow me, we'll discuss it somewhere more bloody comfortable, unless you want to insult us by refusing our hospitality. Me name's Holger by the way". He walks towards the courtyard and motions for you to follow.
(Note: You can check the map on the first page, but Beliard, your destination, is up-river to the north. Womford is down-river, to the south)
Assuming you follow Holger:
6
The area just inside the castle gatehouse consists of a small courtyard of bare dirt and tufts of wiry grass. A stable stands to the east, the gatehouse to the west, and the main yard of the castle lies to the north. The keep occupies the northern corner of the castle yard. Stone stairs near the keep lead up to the top of the wall. You notice considerable population; sentries patrol the top of the keep walls, and the courtyard itself is bustling. Apparently they don't keep things very tidy -- there are 3 giants rats that you can see, which means there are likely more elsewhere.
Holger leads you through the courtyard to a door in the north-west part of the keep.
This room is the great hall of the keep. It is two stories high, with stone stairs on both sides of the room leading up to a stone balcony at the west end of the chamber. Heavy double doors lead east to the castle yard, while two interior doors open to the west. Arrow slits look out to the north and the south.
At the west end of the room, below the balcony, a large wooden chair sits behind a wide table littered with papers and discarded plates. A second table, this one long and furnished with benches, runs down the middle of the hall. The walls are painted in green and blue, decorated with tattered banners showing nautical designs.
"Pardon me Holger, but we wish to go upstream to Beliard. On the boats that you have, can they head up river, are they outfitted with a good number of oars? We are considering our path, we may need to go a different way. Have you been to Beliard? We are not refusing your hospitality, we are enjoying your company and conversation! We are still just plotting our path you see."
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Shrek just continues to play the dumb galoot part (which isn't much of a stretch for him....as he's a...dumb galoot). As Holger leads the group into the keep, Shrek's jaw drops in visible awe. Nodding his head in approval to Holger, Shrek lets out an appreciative whistle and grins a wild grin. "Dis where Lord meets folk like Shrek?" as he points to his wide chest.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Ankita nods in agreement with what Olaerys is saying to Holger, and then adds "Would you also have food? I don't have a lot of money but haven't had a good meal in a very long time." she looks hopeful. Hoping this will not only fill her belly, but also appease any suspicions against them.
Hoping to ease Holger's concerns, Randall speaks up for the first time. "We aren't looking for trouble. It's just the unfortunate truth that trouble has been looking for us lately. There are strange happenings afoot and we have found ourselves under attack from unexpected places. Its left us a bit on edge." He pats Olaerys on the shoulder. "We'd be happy to talk about paying for transportation... keeping in mind there's a limit to how much we might pay to cut only a day or so off our walk."
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
"Relax. I was just bloody testing ya. Best lighten up or Jolly'l eat you alive. He's a bit salty Jolly is."
At that he leads you into what appears to be banquet hall (described above). A stout human is bent over the table examing some papers. Beside him is an imposing looking humanoid with a distinctly blue shade of skin. Also in the room are 2 female human soldiers, carrying serrated swords and and shields that appear to be giant crab shells.
"Hey Jolly, i've got some folks for you to meet. They're looking for that delegation from Mirabar we've heard about."
The stout man stands up, revealing himself to be fairly tall. "Who are you. Why are you here." His tone implies command more than question.
"Hello Jolly, good to meet you. My name is Olaerys and these are my fine companions. We are here from Red Larch, on a bit of a quest, you know? All sorts of strange things happening around town there, but we were looking for a delegation from Mirabar, making its way across the Dessarin Valley. We heard they were headed toward the Summit Hall, they were last seen in Beliard, and we are trying to track them down. I used to live in Waterdeep and well, let's say that I learned to knock some sense into people there, but felt that it was not my bag, right? We were looking for this party headed to the Summit to meet with the Knights of Samular, or learn what happened to them. So, good Holger here told us that we could get passage up to Beliard via the river, to save us some time. Is that possible or should we move along? It looks like you are rather busy, don't want to bother you..." Olaerys gives them his best s*&^ eating grin, playing the part of a jolly old chap who just got turned around a bit. He puffs out his chest and smiles at Jolly. As he is talking and looking around the room, he uses his Divine Sense to look for good and evil.
Persuasion : 17
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Just as Olaerys is giving his masterful performance, Shrek's stomach growls out loud from hunger. He smiles a sheepish grin of embarrassment, serving as a mild distraction to Help Olaery's with his next roll...
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Continuing to stay in the background, to allow him to observe more than he is observed, Melchor keeps careful watch on Jolly and his crew, watching for any sign that things are going downhill - and preparing to cast sleep on the antagonists should it prove necessary... Meanwhile Glimmer keeps watch to make sure he isn't surprised...
Insight: 5
The man named Jolly lets Olaerys get about 10 words off before cursing and holding up his hand. "Zip it. Too many words, you give me a headache. You, talk. Use fewer words" and he points to Shrek.
You do not detect the presence of any celestials, fiends or undead, but there is a mild foul scent coming off of Jolly, as if he's been in the presence of such evil that the smell has rubbed off on him.
Shrek gives an ahh-shucks look, jams his finger in an ear and wiggles it around a bit before finally responding “Boss-man rent boat to Beliard?”
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
"That's better. Beliard eh? Holger, we got a ship we could run? What do we say, 10 gold a piece?"
The man who guided to this banquet hall speaks up. "Aye Jolly, that sounds about bloody right. There is a ship out there ready to go now. Shoalar and Pike were bloody outfitting it today."
Jolly nods and speaks again. "50 gp I'd suggest taking it. It can be a very dangerous journey through the Sumber Hills, can't it lads?" Up until now Glimmer has not noticed anything, but Jolly's demeanor and tone, combined with the smirk on some of the other men/women's faces suggest that he might not take no for an answer.
"Not the worst offer I've ever heard. 10gp each is a bit steep, no? How about 8gp each, and on the way one you show me how you fashioned those crab-shell shields? I'm something of an armorer myself, but I confess I've never seen anything like those before."
Persuasion: 20
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
Jolly laughs, a deep laugh. "Let's say 10 each, and I let you get off the boat without throwing you over the side. You'll have to get Shoalar to show you the shield. Holger, time for them to leave. You know my terms."
Jolly goes back to studying the mess of papers and maps on the table.
Olaerys nods silently and walks out of the room, with a “Not now” look on his face to his companions. He waits for them all to file back down, thinking his odds with Holger are better than with Jolly. He bides his time, when they walk out, his companions note his grip on his battle axe becomes a little tighter, squeezing. When Holger turns around, he lets go of it.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
(update coming around 7:30 EST)