As soon and Zale is placed on the bed she rolls over and puts the pillow on top of her head. Her dreams seem to have shifted as she is now weeping rather than growling. Muffled sniffles come from beneath the pillows. "I'm ssssooorry. I didn't knnnnow! Just doin' me job." Siffle, "I have to find that bloody Leeeeennnnnyyy. Avenge me famillly. Ye can kill me afffterrrrr."
Late in the evening, after you've all returned and sobered up a bit, one of Frume's squires is sent to summon you to a private room in the tavern. Frume’s squire shows you to this private space and closes the door when he leaves. Waiting for you in the room are the broad-shouldered human paladin, the monk Leosin, and many pitchers of dark red wine. The paladin’s face wears a serious expression, unlike its usual open countenance (and is seemly unbothered by any sort of hangover).
My friends, we have important business to discuss. At this point, you know almost as much about it as we do, and thanks to you, we know twice as much today as we did a tenday ago. Something rotten is afoot. We have no formal organization to oppose these rascals—not yet anyway. We’re working on that. And we need people like you, who know how and when to fight, and how and when to keep their heads down and observe. We can’t promise you anything except long days filled with danger and stress—but what could be better than that, eh?
My friends, we have important business to discuss. At this point, you know almost as much about it as we do, and thanks to you, we know twice as much today as we did a tenday ago. Something rotten is afoot. We have no formal organization to oppose these rascals—not yet anyway. We’re working on that. And we need people like you, who know how and when to fight, and how and when to keep their heads down and observe. We can’t promise you anything except long days filled with danger and stress—but what could be better than that, eh?
Khessa, a little perplexed, fixes her blue eyes on those of the paladin and replies: "Onthar, dear, we have come here to inform you of the Cult's activities and quite ready to oppose the Cult… because we all have experienced firsthand how evil and dangerous the Cult can be. And now are you asking if we are still willing to oppose the Cult? Sure, of course yes we are, I think none of us have changed idea during the day. Go on and explain what your plan is and don't worry too much about danger and stress".
Calvin thinks for a moment, "Well, I wouldn't turn down some support in my research in lizards if you could provide that support. Although, I am determined to see an end of this Cult"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Zale rises far later than she normally does. She leaves her bed disheveled, sheets hanging off, and a good amount of drool on the pillow. It's been a LONG time since she had that much to drink.
Shuffling down the stairs, she makes her way over to the table where her companions are meeting. She looks tired, dark purple bags show clearly under her yellow-flecked blue eyes. Her nightmares had been...odd tonight. Likely the result of her drunken mind, though luckily, none were like THAT dream. No, these had run more along the lines of her being crowned queen of the kobolds, and then paraded around the forgotten realms on a litter carried by hundreds of the little vermin with Eek sitting by her side decorating her with all kinds of gaudy trinkets, while trying to get her to drink some weird red liquid. She shivers at the thought of it. Yuck.
After downing a few cups of water, she looks a bit better. Her eyes a bit brighter and her expression intent as she listens to what the paladin has to say. Once the man is finished and Khessa says her peice. The dragonborn speaks up. "So long as it gives me the chance to strike at the bloody cult and learn more about that blasted blue worm then I'm in."
"No need to say I'm in. But you must keep going in making these beers of yours. I'll be damn if I turn my back to a man who stood up to me in a drinking contest!" the dwarf laughs
Ontharr Frume's serious expression makes places for a little smile. It seems you are exactly the people I thought you were! With a look at Kesha he adds: You'd be surprised how righteous some people can be just for coin. But not you fortunately!
We, along with a handful of other concerned leaders and scholars along the Sword Coast, are in the early stages of organizing against the Cult of the Dragon. Leosin's faction, the Harpers, are already on board. In the past, the cult was more active to the east and it was focused on creating dracoliches. Its shift to the Sword Coast and new emphasis on living dragons and on Tiamat are cause for concern. The cult is on the move and it’s up to something big; the Order of the Gauntlet and the Harperswant to thwart the cult’s plans.
The druid raises an interesting point. Support... well... We have permission to offer you, individually, the chance to join our factions!
[[META: Factions unlocked! A some points during the campaign the characters can join a faction. Characters don’t need to join a faction, but there are advantages to doing so and no real drawbacks.]]
"If you ask me, I would be honored to join the order of Gauntlet! You share the very same hospitality of my folks." the dwarf is a bit sobered up already... he thinks: "after all it's been a long time he has lost everything he cared about and for once he has started to see this bunch of adventurer around as a sort of a new family... the organization may help to rebuild the community he has lost somehow, or at least a piece of it". "I'll rise my shield under your flag Ontharr, you'll keep you're beer flowing, do we have a deal?"
"Joining the Harpes or the Order of the Gauntlet?" meditates Khessa, a little surprised "It's an honor, to receive such a proposal; do you really think that I, a self-taught adventurer who until not too long ago knew more about cabbages than about weapons or spells, could be so useful to you? However (demonstrating how many things I still don't know and have to learn) what is the difference between these two organizations? Oh, and above all..." the blonde arcane warrior suddenly has an idea "if one day I had to organize an expedition trough the Underdark to free people enslaved by the drow, which of the two organizations would be able to help me more?" (and by the light in the back of her attentive blue eyes it's clear that the answer is very important to her...)
“What are these factions?” Kriv wanders in the room, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
Leosin: The Harpers are dedicated to furthering equality and justice and to keeping power out of the hands of those who don’t deserve it. We are loosely organized; agents are allowed wide freedom of action.
Ontharr: My order shares many of the Harpers’ principles, but we are very different. The Order of the Gauntlet emphasizes faith, vigilance, and constant struggle against threats of evil. Many of our members are clerics and paladins, but the order welcomes anyone who shares our ideals. We are distinctly more structured and hierarchical than the Harpers.
Leosin: Harpers can be recognized by our symbol: a silver harp nestled between the horns of a crescent moon. Some people wear the symbol openly, and others keep it concealed. I wear mine as a medallion around my neck when I'm certain that I'm not heading into a potential captive situation—sometimes openly and sometimes tucked away.
Ontharr: Members of the Order of the Gauntlet wear their holy symbols openly. The order’s universal symbol is a gauntlet grasping a sword by the blade.
Ontharr Frume shows his right-handed gauntlet of Torm. He wears the order's symbol on a pendant around his neck, hidden below his flowing beard.
Ontharr explains: Many paladins and clerics of Tyr, Helm, Moradin, Torm, and Hoar have joined us, seeing it as—finally!—a way of making common cause against the evils abroad in the world. The Order of the Gauntlet is ready to lash out the moment evil acts, and not a moment before. When evil breaks laws, agreements, or commonly accepted codes of conduct, the Gauntlet strikes hard and fast, without waiting for the blessings of distant temples or the permission of rulers. Evil must be met in the field and smashed, or it will swiftly overcome all.
Leosin feels like he has to add something for the Harpers: The Harpers are an old organization that has risen, been shattered, and risen again several times. Its longevity and resilience are largely due to its decentralized, grassroots, secretive nature, and the near-autonomy of many of its members. The Harpers have “cells” and lone operatives throughout Faerûn, although they interact and share information with one another from time to time as needs warrant. The Harpers' ideology is noble, and its members pride themselves on their integrity and incorruptibility. Harpers do not seek power or glory, only fair and equal treatment for all.
"If you ask me, I would be honored to join the order of Gauntlet! You share the very same hospitality of my folks." the dwarf is a bit sobered up already... he thinks: "after all it's been a long time he has lost everything he cared about and for once he has started to see this bunch of adventurer around as a sort of a new family... the organization may help to rebuild the community he has lost somehow, or at least a piece of it". "I'll rise my shield under your flag Ontharr, you'll keep you're beer flowing, do we have a deal?"
We have a deal my friend! The Order of the Gauntlet is a dedicated, tightly knit group of like-minded individuals driven by religious zeal or a finely honed sense of justice. Friendship and camaraderie are important to members of the Order of the Gauntlet, and we share a trust and a bond normally reserved for siblings. Like highly motivated soldiers, members of the Order of the Gauntlet seek to become the best at what they do and look forward to testing their mettle. There are few, if any, “lone wolves” in this organization.
Frume welcomes you with a brotherly hug in his order.
"Joining the Harpes or the Order of the Gauntlet?" meditates Khessa, a little surprised "It's an honor, to receive such a proposal; do you really think that I, a self-taught adventurer who until not too long ago knew more about cabbages than about weapons or spells, could be so useful to you? However (demonstrating how many things I still don't know and have to learn) what is the difference between these two organizations? Oh, and above all..." the blonde arcane warrior suddenly has an idea "if one day I had to organize an expedition trough the Underdark to free people enslaved by the drow, which of the two organizations would be able to help me more?" (and by the light in the back of her attentive blue eyes it's clear that the answer is very important to her...)
Leosin pipes up: I thinks both groups are should be willing to help out or give support. But I think the Order could provide more "muscle".
[[You don't have to join a faction btw. And maybe you want to join another faction later in the campaign. Or a faction you already know (Company of the Prince and King Eek (I looking at you Zale!))]]
"Joining the Harpes or the Order of the Gauntlet?" meditates Khessa, a little surprised "It's an honor, to receive such a proposal; do you really think that I, a self-taught adventurer who until not too long ago knew more about cabbages than about weapons or spells, could be so useful to you? However (demonstrating how many things I still don't know and have to learn) what is the difference between these two organizations? Oh, and above all..." the blonde arcane warrior suddenly has an idea "if one day I had to organize an expedition trough the Underdark to free people enslaved by the drow, which of the two organizations would be able to help me more?" (and by the light in the back of her attentive blue eyes it's clear that the answer is very important to her...)
Leosin pipes up: I thinks both groups are should be willing to help out or give support. But I think the Order could provide more "muscle".
Ontharr nods.
'Yes, maybe provide more muscle...' Khessa thinks, not convinced 'but maybe even more impediments! A more formal structure, with a stronger hierarchy... This means that if one of my 'superiors' disagrees with my initiative, they could make me postpone it - or even abandon it altogether. And military strength, however welcome, is not the only thing I need... I will also need good intelligence: information to locate the place where my family has been taken, to study its weak points... In my case , it won't just be about commanding a cavalry charge... No, I think the flexibility and freedom afforded by the Harpers might be of more use to me. Not to mention that, once I have information on where to strike in order to free my family, being a Harper won't stop me from trying to ask for the Order's help to organize the attack... Leosin is a Harper, but he happily collaborates with Onthar, who belongs to the Order'.
"On second thought, for the expedition I mentioned, I will probably need the help of both the Harpers and the Order" the blonde arcane warrior decides to answer. "While waiting to be able to organize it, I believe I can offer a better contribution by joining the Harpers and I will gladly do so even immediately, if Leosin accepts".
As soon and Zale is placed on the bed she rolls over and puts the pillow on top of her head. Her dreams seem to have shifted as she is now weeping rather than growling. Muffled sniffles come from beneath the pillows. "I'm ssssooorry. I didn't knnnnow! Just doin' me job." Siffle, "I have to find that bloody Leeeeennnnnyyy. Avenge me famillly. Ye can kill me afffterrrrr."
(Yeah, I'm fine with fast forwarding.)
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Late in the evening, after you've all returned and sobered up a bit, one of Frume's squires is sent to summon you to a private room in the tavern. Frume’s squire shows you to this private space and closes the door when he leaves. Waiting for you in the room are the broad-shouldered human paladin, the monk Leosin, and many pitchers of dark red wine. The paladin’s face wears a serious expression, unlike its usual open countenance (and is seemly unbothered by any sort of hangover).
My friends, we have important business to discuss. At this point, you know almost as much about it as we do, and thanks to you, we know twice as much today as we did a tenday ago. Something rotten is afoot. We have no formal organization to oppose these rascals—not yet anyway. We’re working on that. And we need people like you, who know how and when to fight, and how and when to keep their heads down and observe. We can’t promise you anything except long days filled with danger and stress—but what could be better than that, eh?
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Khessa, a little perplexed, fixes her blue eyes on those of the paladin and replies: "Onthar, dear, we have come here to inform you of the Cult's activities and quite ready to oppose the Cult… because we all have experienced firsthand how evil and dangerous the Cult can be. And now are you asking if we are still willing to oppose the Cult? Sure, of course yes we are, I think none of us have changed idea during the day. Go on and explain what your plan is and don't worry too much about danger and stress".
Nixi smiles broadly. "Days of danger? Say no more, I'm in. Plus, someone has to keep this group of drunkards in line!"
Calvin thinks for a moment, "Well, I wouldn't turn down some support in my research in lizards if you could provide that support. Although, I am determined to see an end of this Cult"
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Zale rises far later than she normally does. She leaves her bed disheveled, sheets hanging off, and a good amount of drool on the pillow. It's been a LONG time since she had that much to drink.
Shuffling down the stairs, she makes her way over to the table where her companions are meeting. She looks tired, dark purple bags show clearly under her yellow-flecked blue eyes. Her nightmares had been...odd tonight. Likely the result of her drunken mind, though luckily, none were like THAT dream. No, these had run more along the lines of her being crowned queen of the kobolds, and then paraded around the forgotten realms on a litter carried by hundreds of the little vermin with Eek sitting by her side decorating her with all kinds of gaudy trinkets, while trying to get her to drink some weird red liquid. She shivers at the thought of it. Yuck.
After downing a few cups of water, she looks a bit better. Her eyes a bit brighter and her expression intent as she listens to what the paladin has to say. Once the man is finished and Khessa says her peice. The dragonborn speaks up. "So long as it gives me the chance to strike at the bloody cult and learn more about that blasted blue worm then I'm in."
"No need to say I'm in. But you must keep going in making these beers of yours. I'll be damn if I turn my back to a man who stood up to me in a drinking contest!" the dwarf laughs
Ontharr Frume's serious expression makes places for a little smile. It seems you are exactly the people I thought you were! With a look at Kesha he adds: You'd be surprised how righteous some people can be just for coin. But not you fortunately!
We, along with a handful of other concerned leaders and scholars along the Sword Coast, are in the early stages of organizing against the Cult of the Dragon. Leosin's faction, the Harpers, are already on board. In the past, the cult was more active to the east and it was focused on creating dracoliches. Its shift to the Sword Coast and new emphasis on living dragons and on Tiamat are cause for concern. The cult is on the move and it’s up to something big; the Order of the Gauntlet and the Harperswant to thwart the cult’s plans.
The druid raises an interesting point. Support... well... We have permission to offer you, individually, the chance to join our factions!
[[META: Factions unlocked! A some points during the campaign the characters can join a faction. Characters don’t need to join a faction, but there are advantages to doing so and no real drawbacks.]]
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
“What are these factions?” Kriv wanders in the room, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"If you ask me, I would be honored to join the order of Gauntlet! You share the very same hospitality of my folks." the dwarf is a bit sobered up already... he thinks: "after all it's been a long time he has lost everything he cared about and for once he has started to see this bunch of adventurer around as a sort of a new family... the organization may help to rebuild the community he has lost somehow, or at least a piece of it". "I'll rise my shield under your flag Ontharr, you'll keep you're beer flowing, do we have a deal?"
"Joining the Harpes or the Order of the Gauntlet?" meditates Khessa, a little surprised "It's an honor, to receive such a proposal; do you really think that I, a self-taught adventurer who until not too long ago knew more about cabbages than about weapons or spells, could be so useful to you? However (demonstrating how many things I still don't know and have to learn) what is the difference between these two organizations? Oh, and above all..." the blonde arcane warrior suddenly has an idea "if one day I had to organize an expedition trough the Underdark to free people enslaved by the drow, which of the two organizations would be able to help me more?" (and by the light in the back of her attentive blue eyes it's clear that the answer is very important to her...)
Leosin: The Harpers are dedicated to furthering equality and justice and to keeping power out of the hands of those who don’t deserve it. We are loosely organized; agents are allowed wide freedom of action.
Ontharr: My order shares many of the Harpers’ principles, but we are very different. The Order of the Gauntlet emphasizes faith, vigilance, and constant struggle against threats of evil. Many of our members are clerics and paladins, but the order welcomes anyone who shares our ideals. We are distinctly more structured and hierarchical than the Harpers.
Leosin: Harpers can be recognized by our symbol: a silver harp nestled between the horns of a crescent moon. Some people wear the symbol openly, and others keep it concealed. I wear mine as a medallion around my neck when I'm certain that I'm not heading into a potential captive situation—sometimes openly and sometimes tucked away.
Ontharr: Members of the Order of the Gauntlet wear their holy symbols openly. The order’s universal symbol is a gauntlet grasping a sword by the blade.
Ontharr Frume shows his right-handed gauntlet of Torm. He wears the order's symbol on a pendant around his neck, hidden below his flowing beard.
Ontharr explains: Many paladins and clerics of Tyr, Helm, Moradin, Torm, and Hoar have joined us, seeing it as—finally!—a way of making common cause against the evils abroad in the world. The Order of the Gauntlet is ready to lash out the moment evil acts, and not a moment before. When evil breaks laws, agreements, or commonly accepted codes of conduct, the Gauntlet strikes hard and fast, without waiting for the blessings of distant temples or the permission of rulers. Evil must be met in the field and smashed, or it will swiftly overcome all.
Leosin feels like he has to add something for the Harpers: The Harpers are an old organization that has risen, been shattered, and risen again several times. Its longevity and resilience are largely due to its decentralized, grassroots, secretive nature, and the near-autonomy of many of its members. The Harpers have “cells” and lone operatives throughout Faerûn, although they interact and share information with one another from time to time as needs warrant. The Harpers' ideology is noble, and its members pride themselves on their integrity and incorruptibility. Harpers do not seek power or glory, only fair and equal treatment for all.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
We have a deal my friend! The Order of the Gauntlet is a dedicated, tightly knit group of like-minded individuals driven by religious zeal or a finely honed sense of justice. Friendship and camaraderie are important to members of the Order of the Gauntlet, and we share a trust and a bond normally reserved for siblings. Like highly motivated soldiers, members of the Order of the Gauntlet seek to become the best at what they do and look forward to testing their mettle. There are few, if any, “lone wolves” in this organization.
Frume welcomes you with a brotherly hug in his order.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Leosin pipes up: I thinks both groups are should be willing to help out or give support. But I think the Order could provide more "muscle".
Ontharr nods.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
[[You don't have to join a faction btw. And maybe you want to join another faction later in the campaign. Or a faction you already know (Company of the Prince and King Eek (I looking at you Zale!))]]
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Gauntlet fits Eric pretty much :D
Does he get his gauntlet symbol?
[The symbols are handed out after the meeting. Ontharr and Leosin will have a private moment with their new recruits.]
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
'Yes, maybe provide more muscle...' Khessa thinks, not convinced 'but maybe even more impediments! A more formal structure, with a stronger hierarchy... This means that if one of my 'superiors' disagrees with my initiative, they could make me postpone it - or even abandon it altogether. And military strength, however welcome, is not the only thing I need... I will also need good intelligence: information to locate the place where my family has been taken, to study its weak points... In my case , it won't just be about commanding a cavalry charge... No, I think the flexibility and freedom afforded by the Harpers might be of more use to me. Not to mention that, once I have information on where to strike in order to free my family, being a Harper won't stop me from trying to ask for the Order's help to organize the attack... Leosin is a Harper, but he happily collaborates with Onthar, who belongs to the Order'.
"On second thought, for the expedition I mentioned, I will probably need the help of both the Harpers and the Order" the blonde arcane warrior decides to answer. "While waiting to be able to organize it, I believe I can offer a better contribution by joining the Harpers and I will gladly do so even immediately, if Leosin accepts".
“Both sound like worthy causes, but I don’t know if either of them are a fit for me.”