(OOC: It was offered, but she never actually slept in Doozey's room, but rather in a corner of the dinning room as I recall... unless retroactively someone picked her up in her sleep and moved her there of course. ^_^;)
In her determination to create "quality" notes, Obsben seemed deaf and blind to the world around her, as she'd hardly reacted to any reactions of others at the contents of the chest. Yet once everyone else had their say, then it's soon proven otherwise just how lacking she'd been in attentiveness. "The corner was sufficient, and would suffice again, if I'm accompany you. But before then, I may have business elsewhere. So, if I could receive my share now, that would be most excellent."She finally looks up at this point, and if able to see any plantinum, frowned at it.
"That's a shame. I had been hoping for gold."She admits sadly, only to smile moments later and shrug. "Oh well. I will take 20 platinum as my share, if that is alright. The rest of that 'gift' you can do with as you wish. Though if there was any gold given by the Lord Sage, I will have to insist upon a more equal share of that." She further asserts. Regardless of what was to follow in conversation between the others(and possibly herself), Obby finds a moment to send out another message, before ultimately deciding her next course of action.
@Lerus:
(OOC: As a note, as I'm uncertain if the caster's words can be overheard, assume some words or phrases have been replaced with short hand code-phrase to obscure content of the message from any listeners on her end)
To Harper: "Returning to CRAP's base shortly. Meet there, or elsewhere? Also, Lord Sage possess artifact for study. Though opening created for future friends to closely monitor."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: You can disguise some of the message if you'd like.)
"Excellent! Let us meet at the Leadstopper Residence. It is private enough."
Their gift collected, the party leaves Mantor's Library and heads back to the Leadstopper Residence. They are welcomed by Sagin, who has been taking good care of the place but does not have a meal ready as he wasn't aware the group was on its way. This is nothing that can't be remedied though. Sagin jumps into the kitchen, eager to show the group one of the recipes he has picked up from Mar at the Laughing Goblin: bangers and mash.
Meanwhile, CRAP spends the time sharing their more recent treasure haul. Obsben claims no more than two handfuls of golden coins and lets the others decide what to do with the rest.
Not long after, you hear a knock on the door. Harper is here to welcome you back in town. He joins you for a late lunch and asks curiously about your mission. "Go on, don't keep it all to yourselves now."
Graxx opens his backpack to show the others what in addition to the chest the Lord Sage provided.
"There was a bit more than the generous offering the Lord Sage provided."
Graxx pulls out 3 pouches containing 100gp each.
"First 300 gold pieces for each tome."
Graxx takes a sits the box of gold on the table with a thud.
"Annnnnd 1,200 gold pieces for the return of our friend Spernik."
Graxx then pulls out another pouch and drops it on the table with a jingle.
"Lastly, 150 gold pieces as a bonus bringing us to a total of 1,450 gold pieces."
Graxx then motions to the small gifted chest of 500 platinum pieces(480 after Obsben has taken their pieces).
"I have some wants but I really have no needs besides food for myself and Glory. Does anyone have any needs they need to tend to? Personal or around the town?" asks Graxx.
In response to Graxx, Utar raps his knuckles on what's left of his ruined armour. "I'll be needing to get this sorted before we next venture out and I'm sure we can find something to tempt us at a certain dockside curiosity shop?"
Utar looks around them at the interior of Leadstopper Manor, "However, we divide up our shares, maybe we should put something aside for the upkeep of the Manor? Little bit of pocket money for Sagin too? There's likely more work to be done somewhere in this place."
As Harper announces himself at the door, Utar looks into the kitchen, "Might be one more for food, Sagin. Will that be a problem? Oh, also, would you like any help in here?"
Presuming Graxx' question to be more directed at the original members of CRAP, Obsben at least appeared to tune out much of the conversation in favor of taking time to count up her coin and organizing her notes in anticipation for the new guest.
A guest she positively beamed at just as soon as he entered the room and offered a far mroe animated wave than what was standard for the lightling. "You're just in time, my friend. We were just sort of reflecting on that very thing." She claims, only to second later grin sheepishly. "Well, sort of anyways. Mostly on what to do with the rewards for that little venture... Speaking of, do you think you might be interested in a little guard work under the Lord Sage? Rumor has it that he's recently acquired something very interesting, and could use a bit of clever muscle to... make sure nothing goes awry while its in his care for further study."She gives a wink to Harper, then turns to the others with an almost cheery smile if not for some unnerving undercurrents.
"Also Neya? Might you be so kind as to, uhm... weave the tale of our latest little exploit? I would of course launch right into it myself, but I think I've talked everyone's ears off plenty enough these past few days."She went on to encourage, and from then on unless directly questioned, intended only to really help flesh out details towards the end of any telling, if it should of course be needed.
"Welcome! It's good to be back to see friendly faces after all the ones the undead ones that have been trying to kill us the past little bit." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Neya and chimes in.
"I can provide some background as well. Spernik was working with the Cult of the Dragon! They were seeking to find an ancient relic..."
Graxx grins.
"Which we found and returned." says Graxx giving a nod to Obsben word of Rumors.
Graxx turns a bit grim.
"They were seeking to provide this as a gift to a Dragon! Scorworlyx, the Scorching Wind! In hopes to gain favor and form an alliance."
"Harper, I do fear if we do not strike soon against the Cult they will form alliances too strong for us to handle."
Graxx puts his hand to his chin.
"How expansive is your knowledge of Dragons? I have heard the dragon Vorgansharax, the Maimed Virulence had a near-fatal encounter with a Bronze Dragon. Would you happen to know who this Bronze Dragon may be?" asks Graxx.
CRAP distributes their newfound wealth after Graxx puts it all on the table for everyone to see. Utar sees in it a chance to repair his armor and continue helping the citizens of Phlan, and perhaps even seek some more 'dock treasures'. Graxx has his sights on a certain saddle, and Obsben may be satisfied with a smaller payout than the others. The group also considers reserving a pile for house/group expenses, which presumably also account for Sagin's wages.
(OOC: Feel free to discuss these details in the OOC Chat. I got the ball rolling by presenting a few different divvying options.)
AFTER HARPER ARRIVES
Sagin is happy to welcome a repeat-customer in Harper to the dinner table, and even happier to receive some help from Utar in the meal preparation. The half-orc excuses himself from the room to lend a hand to the kobold, but is still able to participate in the conversation from afar.
Looking at Obsben first, and then Graxx, Harper replies: "But of course. I can put a small group together to help the Lord Sage keep an eye on this relic, perhaps even assist in its study if they permit me. That can only be second best to us keeping it ourselves,"he adds somewhat jokingly with a tinge of truth.
Regarding bronze dragons: "Well, I can't be sure which dragon that would be. A bronze dragon by the name of Srossar once ruled Phlan, so perhaps that's the one. That said, didn't you mention you met and even allied with a bronze dragon somewhere along the Moonsea coast?"
He continues: "As for taking the fight to the Cult, I don't disagree with you. However, I am afraid we know very little of their plans or goals. That incursion into the Quivering Forest was the most direct attack we were able to muster but, even then, that was more of an attack on Claugiyliamatar and her own hobgoblin allies, not directly on the Cult and their Thayan and other more local allies. We know the cult has recruited heavily from the many kobold tribes around this area and, at some point, even with some Kuo-toa who emerged from the depths of the Underdark. This latter group has been effectively defeated as far as my information can indicate. Your efforts in defeating them back in that nameless islet must have done a number on the fish-like folk. Did you say you defeated some high priest of their people back then?"
Looking more directly at Graxx: "And your people has also been dragged into this, albeit by forced means if I recall correctly. With all due respect, to the extent your fellow tribesmen have been either defeated or imprisoned, at least they won't be serving the Cult of the Dragon anymore."
Facing the overall group again: "So these are two alliances we have managed to break, or at least severely hinder. Considering the lack of information we have on the Cult itself, I'd say we have been doing well. They always seem to be one or two steps ahead of us though, and I have to admit the loss of Lord Valero is unfortunate to our cause. The man was effective in creating a temporary counter-alliance against our common enemies, even if more so against Claugiyliamatar than the Cult itself."
Turning to Graxx again: "My advice to you is this: since we lack the knowledge for a direct attack on the Cult, we may as well continue hindering their efforts by weakening their alliances. You claim they keep amassing more allies. I say they are instead trying to refill their ranks after repeated blows dealt by us, and chiefly by CRAP. At some point, they'll run out of potential allies to seek in the region, or so one can hope. It is no surprise to us that they are seeking to forge alliances with dragons. So, keep an eye out for dragons in the region. The time to start cutting down dragons may be upon us."
"And that Thayan necromancer," he adds. "If your paths cross again, strike her down."
Graxx pauses as he thinks of the recently departed dragon friend and the condition they found his corpse in. Could it have been the same person? Graxx doesn’t know but guesses it probably was as how many dragons could there be in the area? Specifically, Bronze ones.
Graxx takes heed to Harper’s words.
”My friend… You have made me realize just how much we have accomplished. When you’re in the day to day tasks you don’t sit and reflect on how much you may have done. We have indeed been working together to destroy their ranks. Surely, they will become desperate soon and show their hand.”
Graxx thinks for a bit. He looks conflicted.
”Time to cut down Dragons… I like the sound of that. I just fear they will simply fly away from me if we start getting the upper hand…. I may need to find a way to fly. Or maybe if we can catch them in a lair where they cannot escape.”
Graxx looks at CRAP and is saddened a bit at how his future may unfold. Once the Dragons are slain and the town is safe he will have done a deed that would indeed allow him to challenge his Chief and lead his tribe back to the path of Tempus.
Obsben, for her part, was content to listen and observe the ongoing conversation. But beyond appearing at best mildly intrigued at some parts, the threat the cult posed seemed not to register to her. However, at graxx' look of sadness she'd call Basil over just to ride and ultimately use him as a stepping a step stool to try and pat the barbarian on the head. "There, there. I'm sure you and your friends here will manage somehow."She assured him. "And even if you can't fly, there's always the spear fisherman's approach. Might take some practice and a custom order or two get it done, but..."
She looks Graxx over. "You seem to have a strong arm on you. And I'm sure there's some folks down at the docks that can teach ya." If Graxx or anyone else still looks confused at her implications, Obsben then goes on to explain the concept of 'spear fishing'. "Instead of fishing for fish, you fish for very, very bad people! I'd recommend making sure the spear tips are nice and barbed, and to use really good quality rope or chain to make it harder for folk to break free."She explained in a casual and joking tone, but with a tinge of seriousness.
Harper nods as Graxx speaks, offering potential solutions in addition to what Obsben suggested: "There are arcane spells that would allow you to fly temporarily, or at least levitate or jump really high. Or you could try to bind a dragon to the earth, either physically or with the right spell. Maybe Obsben here can sling these spells I have in mind, maybe not, but you could instead seek spell scrolls or potions that would achieve similar results. I am sure some enchantress has thought up flying brooms, carpets, boots or cloaks in the past..."Harper seems lost in thought there for a moment.
Eventually Harper "comes back to earth", so to speak, and launches a question at Obsben: "Are you planning to stick around for a while or do your trips take you away from us sooner rather than later?"
(OOC: If you'd like, we can assume you share with Harper all the details of your mission to collect Spernik. If we go this route, let me know if there is anything you would specifically leave out of your retelling.)
"Hmm?~ Oh, I suppose I could stick around for a little longer if these little ducklings could use the help." Obsben giggles as climbed off Basil to go sit back in her own seat. But Basil is quick to follow and promptly lays his head in her lap to recieve more head pats. "... At the very least, I can stick around until their friend gets back in that case. But, if you have a more personal request for me, Mr. Harper, then there's that to consider, innit?"She looks up briefly to smile at Harper, the focused again on Basil.
"... Regardless of which, there's quite a bit going on in town. Plenty of stories to hear, coin to be made, and more opportunities to-..."She waggles her fingers sending harmless sparks of magic dancing in the air. "-test and better my magical skills. So, 'less you have something else for me, Mr. Happer, I'll certainly be about for another tenday or so, and leave my services open for any friend to partake of."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Under Sagin's supervision, Utar scurries back and forth within the kitchen - fetching and carrying, chopping, stirring. He follows the conversation quite clearly but only occasionally can insert his own thoughts to it.
"My fear is that we've already met and lost the bronze dragon... Sorry, Sagin, do you want these potatoes peeled?"
"If we're to become dragon slayers we need to do plenty of research before we attempt anything, I doubt you get many second chances with something like this... Carmelised, carmelised, got it. Sagin, will these do?"
"Oh, Sagin, that tastes..." Utar gives a lip smacking noise from the kitchen, "Colour me very impressed. I've no issue if Obsben wants to hang around. Oh, Harper, anyone have any news on a necromancer?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
History: 7
Graxx's mind races at Obsben's and Harper's words.
"Hmmmm...."
Graxx thinks of Spear Fishing.
"I wonder if we could lay a trap with Ballista which huge arrows with chains attached to them? Enough arrows and chains could maybe pull a Dragon down."
"You're exactly right, Utar. Our targets will have been very well scouted and selected. We just can't rush into this or we will be carmelised ourselves."
"Maybe the Blackfist could sell or rent out some Ballista or other siege weapons to use?"
Graxx sighs.
"If only I could free my Tribesman, they would be proud to help us fight these Dragons."
(OOC: I enjoyed this 'Master Chef: CRAP' edition!)
The conversation flows as Sagin and Utar finish up dinner preparations. They bring the food out and receive compliments from those waiting at the table. These bangers and mash are bangin'!
Neya vows to bring Zaralda down, Utar insists the group hits the dragon books, Graxx wonders if the Black Fist runs a rental service on their military equipment, and Obsben shows some willingness to hang around for a bit longer. Regarding that last point, Harper replies: "There is no more important quest I'd send you on than hindering the Cult of the Dragon's efforts. You are in good company with these folk. I just wish you had a chance to meet their absent member. What are the chances that you, a halfling, would also end up riding a mastiff and have a winged friend while hanging out with CRAP! I guess I knew what I was doing when I recommended you join this group for a bit. Kudos to me!"
in response to Utar: "I'm afraid I have no news on that front yet, but I have kept her name and description in mind ever since you shared the news that she still lives. You'll know as soon as I hear something on this Zaralda. Should you hear something first, be kind and do let me know too."
@Graxx: While thinking of different ways you could be more effective in a fight against a dragon, a random image pops up in your mind. It remains there just for a fraction of a second: a feather. You've seen it before... somewhere.
The rest of the dinner is spent relaying the details of the search for Spernik back to Harper. Obsben brings out an extra copy of all of the notes, sketches, and rubbings the group brought back to add to the story telling experience. Harper appreciates the visual aids, eventually pocketing the copies in a manner that fails to be covert. He winks at Obsben.
(OOC: At this point, we are approaching the end of this episode. Here's your chance to do any last thing you may desire, be it talking to Harper or something else. Feel free to let your plans slip into the next day and we'll RP it as needed.)
"Well, that beats dinner at the House of the Hand! Well done Sagin! You've set a high bar here!"
Utar tosses a fork on the remnants of the food left on his plate.
"Looks like we've got our work cut out for us. Dragons. Necromancers. Secret cults... Harper, any chance you might turn your talents towards getting us some good news? Someone who might replae Lord Brokengulf as a cataylst for disparate allies to rally around, or potential allies who might want to stand against the Thayans, Cult and Torm knows how many dragons now?"
Obsben paid the "theft" of her research little mind in itself, but returned the wink with a smirk of her own. For she knew in time she could perhaps drum up other copies of the information from memory later! Most of them, in any case.
Later seizing a moment following Utar's request, Obsben finishes letting Basil lick her plate clean to address the agent. "Not that I do not trust my new friends here to not be aware of what I am to request. But... as they are less of the same persuasion in terms of, uhm, vocations?" SHe shrugs. "You wouldn't happen to know of anyone that might have or sell spell scrolls in town, my darling Harper?
Once she had her answer, Obby was content to let the evening play itself out enjoying the company and warm meal, as well as sneaking an attempt to kiss Sagin on the cheek as thanks for the meal. But after all is said and done, an evenings rest in peace in her little corner with Basil is the last thing she sought, and with no plans for the immediate next morning.
"Phlan has really become a deceptively active place. There's no harm thinking about future problems. But, overthinking will cause more problems than it can solve," Neya says.
(OOC: It was offered, but she never actually slept in Doozey's room, but rather in a corner of the dinning room as I recall... unless retroactively someone picked her up in her sleep and moved her there of course. ^_^;)
In her determination to create "quality" notes, Obsben seemed deaf and blind to the world around her, as she'd hardly reacted to any reactions of others at the contents of the chest. Yet once everyone else had their say, then it's soon proven otherwise just how lacking she'd been in attentiveness. "The corner was sufficient, and would suffice again, if I'm accompany you. But before then, I may have business elsewhere. So, if I could receive my share now, that would be most excellent." She finally looks up at this point, and if able to see any plantinum, frowned at it.
"That's a shame. I had been hoping for gold." She admits sadly, only to smile moments later and shrug. "Oh well. I will take 20 platinum as my share, if that is alright. The rest of that 'gift' you can do with as you wish. Though if there was any gold given by the Lord Sage, I will have to insist upon a more equal share of that." She further asserts. Regardless of what was to follow in conversation between the others(and possibly herself), Obby finds a moment to send out another message, before ultimately deciding her next course of action.
@Lerus:
(OOC: As a note, as I'm uncertain if the caster's words can be overheard, assume some words or phrases have been replaced with short hand code-phrase to obscure content of the message from any listeners on her end)
To Harper: "Returning to CRAP's base shortly. Meet there, or elsewhere? Also, Lord Sage possess artifact for study. Though opening created for future friends to closely monitor."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
@Obsben:
(OOC: You can disguise some of the message if you'd like.)
"Excellent! Let us meet at the Leadstopper Residence. It is private enough."
Their gift collected, the party leaves Mantor's Library and heads back to the Leadstopper Residence. They are welcomed by Sagin, who has been taking good care of the place but does not have a meal ready as he wasn't aware the group was on its way. This is nothing that can't be remedied though. Sagin jumps into the kitchen, eager to show the group one of the recipes he has picked up from Mar at the Laughing Goblin: bangers and mash.
Meanwhile, CRAP spends the time sharing their more recent treasure haul. Obsben claims no more than two handfuls of golden coins and lets the others decide what to do with the rest.
Not long after, you hear a knock on the door. Harper is here to welcome you back in town. He joins you for a late lunch and asks curiously about your mission. "Go on, don't keep it all to yourselves now."
OOC: Will post an "after" Harper arrival later.
*Prior to the arrival of Harper.**
Graxx opens his backpack to show the others what in addition to the chest the Lord Sage provided.
"There was a bit more than the generous offering the Lord Sage provided."
Graxx pulls out 3 pouches containing 100gp each.
"First 300 gold pieces for each tome."
Graxx takes a sits the box of gold on the table with a thud.
"Annnnnd 1,200 gold pieces for the return of our friend Spernik."
Graxx then pulls out another pouch and drops it on the table with a jingle.
"Lastly, 150 gold pieces as a bonus bringing us to a total of 1,450 gold pieces."
Graxx then motions to the small gifted chest of 500 platinum pieces(480 after Obsben has taken their pieces).
"I have some wants but I really have no needs besides food for myself and Glory. Does anyone have any needs they need to tend to? Personal or around the town?" asks Graxx.
In response to Graxx, Utar raps his knuckles on what's left of his ruined armour. "I'll be needing to get this sorted before we next venture out and I'm sure we can find something to tempt us at a certain dockside curiosity shop?"
Utar looks around them at the interior of Leadstopper Manor, "However, we divide up our shares, maybe we should put something aside for the upkeep of the Manor? Little bit of pocket money for Sagin too? There's likely more work to be done somewhere in this place."
As Harper announces himself at the door, Utar looks into the kitchen, "Might be one more for food, Sagin. Will that be a problem? Oh, also, would you like any help in here?"
Presuming Graxx' question to be more directed at the original members of CRAP, Obsben at least appeared to tune out much of the conversation in favor of taking time to count up her coin and organizing her notes in anticipation for the new guest.
A guest she positively beamed at just as soon as he entered the room and offered a far mroe animated wave than what was standard for the lightling. "You're just in time, my friend. We were just sort of reflecting on that very thing." She claims, only to second later grin sheepishly. "Well, sort of anyways. Mostly on what to do with the rewards for that little venture... Speaking of, do you think you might be interested in a little guard work under the Lord Sage? Rumor has it that he's recently acquired something very interesting, and could use a bit of clever muscle to... make sure nothing goes awry while its in his care for further study." She gives a wink to Harper, then turns to the others with an almost cheery smile if not for some unnerving undercurrents.
"Also Neya? Might you be so kind as to, uhm... weave the tale of our latest little exploit? I would of course launch right into it myself, but I think I've talked everyone's ears off plenty enough these past few days." She went on to encourage, and from then on unless directly questioned, intended only to really help flesh out details towards the end of any telling, if it should of course be needed.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx greets Harper warmly.
"Welcome! It's good to be back to see friendly faces after all the ones the undead ones that have been trying to kill us the past little bit." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Neya and chimes in.
"I can provide some background as well. Spernik was working with the Cult of the Dragon! They were seeking to find an ancient relic..."
Graxx grins.
"Which we found and returned." says Graxx giving a nod to Obsben word of Rumors.
Graxx turns a bit grim.
"They were seeking to provide this as a gift to a Dragon! Scorworlyx, the Scorching Wind! In hopes to gain favor and form an alliance."
"Harper, I do fear if we do not strike soon against the Cult they will form alliances too strong for us to handle."
Graxx puts his hand to his chin.
"How expansive is your knowledge of Dragons? I have heard the dragon Vorgansharax, the Maimed Virulence had a near-fatal encounter with a Bronze Dragon. Would you happen to know who this Bronze Dragon may be?" asks Graxx.
BEFORE HARPER ARRIVES
CRAP distributes their newfound wealth after Graxx puts it all on the table for everyone to see. Utar sees in it a chance to repair his armor and continue helping the citizens of Phlan, and perhaps even seek some more 'dock treasures'. Graxx has his sights on a certain saddle, and Obsben may be satisfied with a smaller payout than the others. The group also considers reserving a pile for house/group expenses, which presumably also account for Sagin's wages.
(OOC: Feel free to discuss these details in the OOC Chat. I got the ball rolling by presenting a few different divvying options.)
AFTER HARPER ARRIVES
Sagin is happy to welcome a repeat-customer in Harper to the dinner table, and even happier to receive some help from Utar in the meal preparation. The half-orc excuses himself from the room to lend a hand to the kobold, but is still able to participate in the conversation from afar.
Looking at Obsben first, and then Graxx, Harper replies: "But of course. I can put a small group together to help the Lord Sage keep an eye on this relic, perhaps even assist in its study if they permit me. That can only be second best to us keeping it ourselves," he adds somewhat jokingly with a tinge of truth.
Regarding bronze dragons: "Well, I can't be sure which dragon that would be. A bronze dragon by the name of Srossar once ruled Phlan, so perhaps that's the one. That said, didn't you mention you met and even allied with a bronze dragon somewhere along the Moonsea coast?"
He continues: "As for taking the fight to the Cult, I don't disagree with you. However, I am afraid we know very little of their plans or goals. That incursion into the Quivering Forest was the most direct attack we were able to muster but, even then, that was more of an attack on Claugiyliamatar and her own hobgoblin allies, not directly on the Cult and their Thayan and other more local allies. We know the cult has recruited heavily from the many kobold tribes around this area and, at some point, even with some Kuo-toa who emerged from the depths of the Underdark. This latter group has been effectively defeated as far as my information can indicate. Your efforts in defeating them back in that nameless islet must have done a number on the fish-like folk. Did you say you defeated some high priest of their people back then?"
Looking more directly at Graxx: "And your people has also been dragged into this, albeit by forced means if I recall correctly. With all due respect, to the extent your fellow tribesmen have been either defeated or imprisoned, at least they won't be serving the Cult of the Dragon anymore."
Facing the overall group again: "So these are two alliances we have managed to break, or at least severely hinder. Considering the lack of information we have on the Cult itself, I'd say we have been doing well. They always seem to be one or two steps ahead of us though, and I have to admit the loss of Lord Valero is unfortunate to our cause. The man was effective in creating a temporary counter-alliance against our common enemies, even if more so against Claugiyliamatar than the Cult itself."
Turning to Graxx again: "My advice to you is this: since we lack the knowledge for a direct attack on the Cult, we may as well continue hindering their efforts by weakening their alliances. You claim they keep amassing more allies. I say they are instead trying to refill their ranks after repeated blows dealt by us, and chiefly by CRAP. At some point, they'll run out of potential allies to seek in the region, or so one can hope. It is no surprise to us that they are seeking to forge alliances with dragons. So, keep an eye out for dragons in the region. The time to start cutting down dragons may be upon us."
"And that Thayan necromancer," he adds. "If your paths cross again, strike her down."
Graxx pauses as he thinks of the recently departed dragon friend and the condition they found his corpse in. Could it have been the same person? Graxx doesn’t know but guesses it probably was as how many dragons could there be in the area? Specifically, Bronze ones.
Graxx takes heed to Harper’s words.
”My friend… You have made me realize just how much we have accomplished. When you’re in the day to day tasks you don’t sit and reflect on how much you may have done. We have indeed been working together to destroy their ranks. Surely, they will become desperate soon and show their hand.”
Graxx thinks for a bit. He looks conflicted.
”Time to cut down Dragons… I like the sound of that. I just fear they will simply fly away from me if we start getting the upper hand…. I may need to find a way to fly. Or maybe if we can catch them in a lair where they cannot escape.”
Graxx looks at CRAP and is saddened a bit at how his future may unfold. Once the Dragons are slain and the town is safe he will have done a deed that would indeed allow him to challenge his Chief and lead his tribe back to the path of Tempus.
Obsben, for her part, was content to listen and observe the ongoing conversation. But beyond appearing at best mildly intrigued at some parts, the threat the cult posed seemed not to register to her. However, at graxx' look of sadness she'd call Basil over just to ride and ultimately use him as a stepping a step stool to try and pat the barbarian on the head. "There, there. I'm sure you and your friends here will manage somehow." She assured him. "And even if you can't fly, there's always the spear fisherman's approach. Might take some practice and a custom order or two get it done, but..."
She looks Graxx over. "You seem to have a strong arm on you. And I'm sure there's some folks down at the docks that can teach ya." If Graxx or anyone else still looks confused at her implications, Obsben then goes on to explain the concept of 'spear fishing'. "Instead of fishing for fish, you fish for very, very bad people! I'd recommend making sure the spear tips are nice and barbed, and to use really good quality rope or chain to make it harder for folk to break free." She explained in a casual and joking tone, but with a tinge of seriousness.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Harper nods as Graxx speaks, offering potential solutions in addition to what Obsben suggested: "There are arcane spells that would allow you to fly temporarily, or at least levitate or jump really high. Or you could try to bind a dragon to the earth, either physically or with the right spell. Maybe Obsben here can sling these spells I have in mind, maybe not, but you could instead seek spell scrolls or potions that would achieve similar results. I am sure some enchantress has thought up flying brooms, carpets, boots or cloaks in the past..." Harper seems lost in thought there for a moment.
-> @Grx/@Graxx: Roll a history check.
Eventually Harper "comes back to earth", so to speak, and launches a question at Obsben: "Are you planning to stick around for a while or do your trips take you away from us sooner rather than later?"
(OOC: If you'd like, we can assume you share with Harper all the details of your mission to collect Spernik. If we go this route, let me know if there is anything you would specifically leave out of your retelling.)
"Of course. That foul mage escaped us and death, once each. There will not be a third time," Neya responds to Harper.
Extended Signature
"Hmm?~ Oh, I suppose I could stick around for a little longer if these little ducklings could use the help." Obsben giggles as climbed off Basil to go sit back in her own seat. But Basil is quick to follow and promptly lays his head in her lap to recieve more head pats. "... At the very least, I can stick around until their friend gets back in that case. But, if you have a more personal request for me, Mr. Harper, then there's that to consider, innit?" She looks up briefly to smile at Harper, the focused again on Basil.
"... Regardless of which, there's quite a bit going on in town. Plenty of stories to hear, coin to be made, and more opportunities to-..." She waggles her fingers sending harmless sparks of magic dancing in the air. "-test and better my magical skills. So, 'less you have something else for me, Mr. Happer, I'll certainly be about for another tenday or so, and leave my services open for any friend to partake of."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Under Sagin's supervision, Utar scurries back and forth within the kitchen - fetching and carrying, chopping, stirring. He follows the conversation quite clearly but only occasionally can insert his own thoughts to it.
"My fear is that we've already met and lost the bronze dragon... Sorry, Sagin, do you want these potatoes peeled?"
"If we're to become dragon slayers we need to do plenty of research before we attempt anything, I doubt you get many second chances with something like this... Carmelised, carmelised, got it. Sagin, will these do?"
"Oh, Sagin, that tastes..." Utar gives a lip smacking noise from the kitchen, "Colour me very impressed. I've no issue if Obsben wants to hang around. Oh, Harper, anyone have any news on a necromancer?"
History: 7
Graxx's mind races at Obsben's and Harper's words.
"Hmmmm...."
Graxx thinks of Spear Fishing.
"I wonder if we could lay a trap with Ballista which huge arrows with chains attached to them? Enough arrows and chains could maybe pull a Dragon down."
"You're exactly right, Utar. Our targets will have been very well scouted and selected. We just can't rush into this or we will be carmelised ourselves."
"Maybe the Blackfist could sell or rent out some Ballista or other siege weapons to use?"
Graxx sighs.
"If only I could free my Tribesman, they would be proud to help us fight these Dragons."
DM's Screen:
7
(OOC: I enjoyed this 'Master Chef: CRAP' edition!)
The conversation flows as Sagin and Utar finish up dinner preparations. They bring the food out and receive compliments from those waiting at the table. These bangers and mash are bangin'!
Neya vows to bring Zaralda down, Utar insists the group hits the dragon books, Graxx wonders if the Black Fist runs a rental service on their military equipment, and Obsben shows some willingness to hang around for a bit longer. Regarding that last point, Harper replies: "There is no more important quest I'd send you on than hindering the Cult of the Dragon's efforts. You are in good company with these folk. I just wish you had a chance to meet their absent member. What are the chances that you, a halfling, would also end up riding a mastiff and have a winged friend while hanging out with CRAP! I guess I knew what I was doing when I recommended you join this group for a bit. Kudos to me!"
in response to Utar: "I'm afraid I have no news on that front yet, but I have kept her name and description in mind ever since you shared the news that she still lives. You'll know as soon as I hear something on this Zaralda. Should you hear something first, be kind and do let me know too."
@Graxx: While thinking of different ways you could be more effective in a fight against a dragon, a random image pops up in your mind. It remains there just for a fraction of a second: a feather. You've seen it before... somewhere.
The rest of the dinner is spent relaying the details of the search for Spernik back to Harper. Obsben brings out an extra copy of all of the notes, sketches, and rubbings the group brought back to add to the story telling experience. Harper appreciates the visual aids, eventually pocketing the copies in a manner that fails to be covert. He winks at Obsben.
(OOC: At this point, we are approaching the end of this episode. Here's your chance to do any last thing you may desire, be it talking to Harper or something else. Feel free to let your plans slip into the next day and we'll RP it as needed.)
"Well, that beats dinner at the House of the Hand! Well done Sagin! You've set a high bar here!"
Utar tosses a fork on the remnants of the food left on his plate.
"Looks like we've got our work cut out for us. Dragons. Necromancers. Secret cults... Harper, any chance you might turn your talents towards getting us some good news? Someone who might replae Lord Brokengulf as a cataylst for disparate allies to rally around, or potential allies who might want to stand against the Thayans, Cult and Torm knows how many dragons now?"
Obsben paid the "theft" of her research little mind in itself, but returned the wink with a smirk of her own. For she knew in time she could perhaps drum up other copies of the information from memory later! Most of them, in any case.
Later seizing a moment following Utar's request, Obsben finishes letting Basil lick her plate clean to address the agent. "Not that I do not trust my new friends here to not be aware of what I am to request. But... as they are less of the same persuasion in terms of, uhm, vocations?" SHe shrugs. "You wouldn't happen to know of anyone that might have or sell spell scrolls in town, my darling Harper?
Once she had her answer, Obby was content to let the evening play itself out enjoying the company and warm meal, as well as sneaking an attempt to kiss Sagin on the cheek as thanks for the meal. But after all is said and done, an evenings rest in peace in her little corner with Basil is the last thing she sought, and with no plans for the immediate next morning.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx chases the thought of a feather. He tries to grasp it. But it floats away. He will be dwelling on this thought for days trying to remember.
"We're glad to have you stay with us Obsben. You are a true warrior." says Graxx.
Graxx will retire for now and think on this feather.
"Phlan has really become a deceptively active place. There's no harm thinking about future problems. But, overthinking will cause more problems than it can solve," Neya says.
Extended Signature