Zale's mug falls off the table as she puts both hands on her head. "Noooooooo, go awaaaaay.... I don't want yer bloody crown. (loud snore) I'm a bloody ppppirate, I'eeeee don't be a queeen. No, serrrrrieeee." She makes a wobbly shooing motion as she starts to slide sideways in her chair. "Now juusssst leeeeeave me be....yeeeeh, slimy Kobold. I ain't no queeen. I just wanna kill the bloody dragon. Wazzziz name again?" She slides completely off the chair and her body thumps onto the floor. She continues to mumble but the rest is inaudible.
Zeminny looks around the table with squinty eyes….” Yer awl spinning roun tooooo fasht…did eye win?” He trails off as he slumps deep into the chair, holding on as the world spins around him
Concerned that the crocodile might attack before escaping, Calvin tries a different tactic. He calls on the natural energies in the world and pulls them into his body. He then channels it around his body until he wildshapes into a crocodile.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
"From the very beginning!" Eric laughs "may the best dwarf win!"
CON save: dirty 20 (15 + 5)
Both contestants empty their kegs at the same time. Ontharr laughs and wants to pat Eric on the back, but it looks like they're giving each other a manly hug. That illusion is broken when they both fall sideways.
It is decided that there is a draw. Everyone is helped up as best as possible and an attempt is made to sober them up a bit. For the participants there is water with citrus fruits and enough to eat (for everyone).
'Well, good thing he, at least, is sober...'thinks Khessa, inviting him to sit at her side: "It seems the contest is about to end any time soon... But I can not bet on how many will still be able to report coherently our news, after".
Hmmm... don't worry. Ontharr will be fine before sunset. What happend at the camp anyway?
Khessa starts to report: "As we reached the camp, we found it practically abandoned. Most of the Camp forces had gone; heading west, judging by the traks. Apparently, they had left the day of your escape. The cave was still occupied by some members of the Cult, including Cyanwrath and Mondath - and there were some dragon eggs almost ready to hatch, so the two remained probably because they wanted to protect them. But they met their end by our hand, instead".
"We also fully cleared the cave," explains the blonde arcane warrior "eliminating practically all cultists - only a handful of followers managed to escape us - so the threat posed by the Camp is no more. We even assigned the cave to King Eek (you know of him, don't you?), earning him the help of a powerful guardian, so that in the immediate future it would not be possible for any new hostile forces to occupy it. Given the situation, even the dragon eggs were entrusted to him".
"It is worth mentioning that in the cave there was also a shrine of Tiamat," continues the tall adventuress "so it is possible that there may be a machination of the dragon queen herself behind the latest events. We found some clues about where the forces of the Cult should have gone to carry out their plans A simple map of the Greenfields area, showing the villages the cult attacked and looted, with an arrow sketched in from the Greenfields toward the west and the town of Beregost on the Trade Way , where the arrow turns north. Plus, we found a sheet of paper that is covered with numerals in columns and contains the note 'Everything must be freighted north to Naerytar. Rezmir allowed us to keep some pearls, a ring, and a handful of small stones'. Last but not least, we managed to take a prisoner to Greenest".
"After examining the map" concludes Khessa "and questioning the prisoner, Escobert and Nighthill came to the conclusion that the treasure looted from Greenfields is headed north on the Trade Way, hidden in unmarked freight wagons that are part of the regular merchant traffic of that well-traveled road. The wagons were heading west to pick up the Coast Way road, where they would turn north to Beregost and Baldur's Gate. Lots of news as you hear - so we wasted no time in coming to inform you. The cult must be planning something big - and unpleasant for sure. They must be stopped".
"But I doubt" the blonde arcane warrior tries to play down with a joke "that they will allow themselves to be persuaded to settle the matter with a drinking or arm wrestling contest - in which I see that we would have an undeniable advantage. I guess, unfortunately, we will have to use other means".
Leosin let's that sink in for a minute before he replies: That's most concerning... I didn't expect the cultists to make any sudden changes in their plans or mode of operation. Rezmir knew I was investigating the Cult. Maybe she saw it as a sign that the cult’s whole plan has been compromised? Anyway, they have a headstart, but a ship should have no problem catching up... I need to discuss this with others of my order... and Frume... when he sobers up... Where are you staying?
Concerned that the crocodile might attack before escaping, Calvin tries a different tactic. He calls on the natural energies in the world and pulls them into his body. He then channels it around his body until he wildshapes into a crocodile.
The big Crocodile looks around to see what's going on. Percention: 14
It sees Crococalvin with Nixi. Nixi looks like a nice snack, but since there's already another Crocodile he decides to swim through the rock instead. Investigating it further and playing until it gets bored.
Leosin let's that sink in for a minute before he replies: That's most concerning... I didn't expect the cultists to make any sudden changes in their plans or mode of operation. Rezmir knew I was investigating the Cult. Maybe she saw it as a sign that the cult’s whole plan has been compromised? Anyway, they have a headstart, but a ship should have no problem catching up... I need to discuss this with others of my order... and Frume... when he sobers up... Where are you staying?
"We'll look for an inn, I guess..." Khessa meditates. "We've just arrived... Do you have a place to recommend? We left the horses at the Savanna Stables; do you know Savanna? That woman is hard to miss, you should have seen her... Do you know if she has rooms to offer also? Unless the Order of the Gauntlet itself wants to host us, that is".
Leosin let's that sink in for a minute before he replies: That's most concerning... I didn't expect the cultists to make any sudden changes in their plans or mode of operation. Rezmir knew I was investigating the Cult. Maybe she saw it as a sign that the cult’s whole plan has been compromised? Anyway, they have a headstart, but a ship should have no problem catching up... I need to discuss this with others of my order... and Frume... when he sobers up... Where are you staying?
"We'll look for an inn, I guess..." Khessa meditates. "We've just arrived... Do you have a place to recommend? We left the horses at the Savanna Stables; do you know Savanna? That woman is hard to miss, you should have seen her... Do you know if she has rooms to offer also? Unless the Order of the Gauntlet itself wants to host us, that is".
Savanna is... a great woman. I'm sure may have a place for you to sleep. It would be more comfortable to stay here at "A Pair of Black Antlers". I'm sure something can be arranged, unless you all want private rooms?
"No need for private rooms," Khessa answers "we camped together so many nights... Whatever you can offer will be good for us, I'm sure".
Very well, let's see what can be arranged. Leosin goes to talk to some people and soon enough some of the order's troopers pick up your "fallen" comrades. Kriv, Zeminny and Eric are brought to a large simple room with 6 beds and unceremoniously tossed in their beds. You and queen Zale get a room next to it. It's smaller but nicer. Only 2 beds, Zale is gently placed in one of them.
Ontharr Frume is spashed with some water. He drinks some water with citrus fruits and dozes off again. Two troopers help him to his private room. On the way out Frume is conscious enough to grab a fried chicken leg and sleep-eat it on the way.
Very well, let's see what can be arranged. Leosin goes to talk to some people and soon enough some of the order's troopers pick up your "fallen" comrades. Kriv, Zeminny and Eric are brought to a large simple room with 6 beds and unceremoniously tossed in their beds. You and queen Zale get a room next to it. It's smaller but nicer. Only 2 beds, Zale is gently placed in one of them.
Ontharr Frume is spashed with some water. He drinks some water with citrus fruits and dozes off again. Two troopers help him to his private room. On the way out Frume is conscious enough to grab a fried chicken leg and sleep-eat it on the way.
"Thank you so much guys!" Khessa smiles brightly "Can I just ask you for one more bed? You know, my friend Nixi, the gnome who didn't take part in the competitions and who at some point left... sooner or later she'll come back... and she'll need rest too..."
The blonde arcane warrior helps bring in the extra bed if her request is granted.
The tall adventuress, when she finally finds herself in the room with only the drunken rebel-queen Zale sleeping and Anator flitting between the four walls, finds herself assailed by sad thoughts.
Onthar Frume is definitely a strong and resilient warrior. Surely, few evil people would dare try to harm innocent people if he were there to defend them. And he also seems to have a cheerful and jovial disposition. Instinctively, she should like him.
Nevertheless...
Nevertheless, Khessa imagines herself, if she had managed to escape when her village was razed, if the headquarters of this 'order' had been nearby. She imagines herself as she enters the headquarters in a hurry, with tears in her eyes and terror in her heart, when her brother had just been killed and her family enslaved. The young Khessa would have looked around and…? And the valiant paladin, potentially so strong, brave and valiant, perhaps able to change things, to vanquish the raiders, or at least to free someone, or at least to avenge someone... He, her greatest hope, satisfied with the competitions won and completely drunk, he would have been unable to bring any help.
The blonde arcane warrior has never been the type to expect everyone to behave in a considered and regulated manner... far from it.
However...
However, the young Khessa would have been very disappointed, if things had turned out that way. And this makes the current Khessa very sad.
'What do you think, Anator?' the blonde arcane warrior tries to have a telepathic chat with her brother 'Am I judging this order too harshly? Maybe they only do this because evil hasn't struck here, so they think that patrolling the surroundings, or even just being ready to intervene, is superfluous? But if they really believed it, what's the point of continuing to be an order? They could dissolve the order and continue to be mere playmates or drinking companions...'
'Is Leosin trusting the right people, Anator?' keeps worrying the tall adventuress 'Or is he letting himself be blinded by his friendship with this really nice guy... And, by the way, for heaven's sake, it's a good thing that he's nice - but we (and other people), right now, don't need sympathy only...'
'What you say?' listens to the reply in her mind Khessa 'Ah, yes, you have always been more kind-hearted than I... Yes, my brother, perhaps you are right. No one is all black or all white. Let's give him a chance to show what he can do for us and for everyone. Thanks Anator and... yes, don't worry, Nixi will be back soon. Why didn't you go with her if you cared so much?'
'What?' the blonde arcane warrior can't help but smile 'Because otherwise who would I have to talk to now?' she calls the bat to her and strokes it gently 'Thank you. Nixi is lucky to have... someone like you who loves her. Yes, sure, yes; I'm convinced she will soon realize that'.
Up to the DM to decide, it would be lovely even if both of them will collapse :D
Zale's mug falls off the table as she puts both hands on her head. "Noooooooo, go awaaaaay.... I don't want yer bloody crown. (loud snore) I'm a bloody ppppirate, I'eeeee don't be a queeen. No, serrrrrieeee." She makes a wobbly shooing motion as she starts to slide sideways in her chair. "Now juusssst leeeeeave me be....yeeeeh, slimy Kobold. I ain't no queeen. I just wanna kill the bloody dragon. Wazzziz name again?" She slides completely off the chair and her body thumps onto the floor. She continues to mumble but the rest is inaudible.
Zeminny looks around the table with squinty eyes….” Yer awl spinning roun tooooo fasht…did eye win?” He trails off as he slumps deep into the chair, holding on as the world spins around him
Concerned that the crocodile might attack before escaping, Calvin tries a different tactic. He calls on the natural energies in the world and pulls them into his body. He then channels it around his body until he wildshapes into a crocodile.
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Both contestants empty their kegs at the same time. Ontharr laughs and wants to pat Eric on the back, but it looks like they're giving each other a manly hug. That illusion is broken when they both fall sideways.
It is decided that there is a draw. Everyone is helped up as best as possible and an attempt is made to sober them up a bit. For the participants there is water with citrus fruits and enough to eat (for everyone).
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Leosin let's that sink in for a minute before he replies: That's most concerning... I didn't expect the cultists to make any sudden changes in their plans or mode of operation. Rezmir knew I was investigating the Cult. Maybe she saw it as a sign that the cult’s whole plan has been compromised? Anyway, they have a headstart, but a ship should have no problem catching up... I need to discuss this with others of my order... and Frume... when he sobers up... Where are you staying?
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
The big Crocodile looks around to see what's going on. Percention: 14
It sees Crococalvin with Nixi. Nixi looks like a nice snack, but since there's already another Crocodile he decides to swim through the rock instead. Investigating it further and playing until it gets bored.
[Good call!]
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
"We'll look for an inn, I guess..." Khessa meditates. "We've just arrived... Do you have a place to recommend? We left the horses at the Savanna Stables; do you know Savanna? That woman is hard to miss, you should have seen her... Do you know if she has rooms to offer also? Unless the Order of the Gauntlet itself wants to host us, that is".
Eric is face down on the table, snoring and still holding his pint
Savanna is... a great woman. I'm sure may have a place for you to sleep. It would be more comfortable to stay here at "A Pair of Black Antlers". I'm sure something can be arranged, unless you all want private rooms?
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
"No need for private rooms," Khessa answers "we camped together so many nights... Whatever you can offer will be good for us, I'm sure".
With the danger now seemingly passed, Calvin turns to Nixi and begins to gesture with his long snout.
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
"Zzzzzz ....Zzzzzzzz"
Very well, let's see what can be arranged. Leosin goes to talk to some people and soon enough some of the order's troopers pick up your "fallen" comrades. Kriv, Zeminny and Eric are brought to a large simple room with 6 beds and unceremoniously tossed in their beds. You and queen Zale get a room next to it. It's smaller but nicer. Only 2 beds, Zale is gently placed in one of them.
Ontharr Frume is spashed with some water. He drinks some water with citrus fruits and dozes off again. Two troopers help him to his private room. On the way out Frume is conscious enough to grab a fried chicken leg and sleep-eat it on the way.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
"Thank you so much guys!" Khessa smiles brightly "Can I just ask you for one more bed? You know, my friend Nixi, the gnome who didn't take part in the competitions and who at some point left... sooner or later she'll come back... and she'll need rest too..."
The blonde arcane warrior helps bring in the extra bed if her request is granted.
The tall adventuress, when she finally finds herself in the room with only the drunken rebel-queen Zale sleeping and Anator flitting between the four walls, finds herself assailed by sad thoughts.
Onthar Frume is definitely a strong and resilient warrior. Surely, few evil people would dare try to harm innocent people if he were there to defend them. And he also seems to have a cheerful and jovial disposition. Instinctively, she should like him.
Nevertheless...
Nevertheless, Khessa imagines herself, if she had managed to escape when her village was razed, if the headquarters of this 'order' had been nearby. She imagines herself as she enters the headquarters in a hurry, with tears in her eyes and terror in her heart, when her brother had just been killed and her family enslaved. The young Khessa would have looked around and…? And the valiant paladin, potentially so strong, brave and valiant, perhaps able to change things, to vanquish the raiders, or at least to free someone, or at least to avenge someone... He, her greatest hope, satisfied with the competitions won and completely drunk, he would have been unable to bring any help.
The blonde arcane warrior has never been the type to expect everyone to behave in a considered and regulated manner... far from it.
However...
However, the young Khessa would have been very disappointed, if things had turned out that way. And this makes the current Khessa very sad.
'What do you think, Anator?' the blonde arcane warrior tries to have a telepathic chat with her brother 'Am I judging this order too harshly? Maybe they only do this because evil hasn't struck here, so they think that patrolling the surroundings, or even just being ready to intervene, is superfluous? But if they really believed it, what's the point of continuing to be an order? They could dissolve the order and continue to be mere playmates or drinking companions...'
'Is Leosin trusting the right people, Anator?' keeps worrying the tall adventuress 'Or is he letting himself be blinded by his friendship with this really nice guy... And, by the way, for heaven's sake, it's a good thing that he's nice - but we (and other people), right now, don't need sympathy only...'
'What you say?' listens to the reply in her mind Khessa 'Ah, yes, you have always been more kind-hearted than I... Yes, my brother, perhaps you are right. No one is all black or all white. Let's give him a chance to show what he can do for us and for everyone. Thanks Anator and... yes, don't worry, Nixi will be back soon. Why didn't you go with her if you cared so much?'
'What?' the blonde arcane warrior can't help but smile 'Because otherwise who would I have to talk to now?' she calls the bat to her and strokes it gently 'Thank you. Nixi is lucky to have... someone like you who loves her. Yes, sure, yes; I'm convinced she will soon realize that'.
Two troopers drag one of the beds from the other room and place it in girl's room with Khessa's help. It's a thight fit, but it works.
[[Fast forward to Nixi's and Calvin's retun?]]
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
[[Works for me]]
Fine for me. Eric is snoring in his drool
Works for me.
Zeminny is counting the spinning sheep