Hesitating at first to see if someone else would do it, Tylaerys then walks over and inserting a piece of gold into the slot before grabbing the latest edition of the Baldur's Gate Gazette, taking it over to the others and holding it up for all to read. "It seems the half-orc mob from last night were a bit rowdy, maybe the monstrous sighting is something worth following up but I suppose it's a long shot. Also our wyvern friend has not been idle..." She says, looking a bit worried. "...perhaps it could be convinced to head into the wilds for now to not be hunted down by the Flaming Fist or some monster hunters? This last piece seems interesting though, I'll wager the cult will have people somewhere in that caravan heading north, they were talking about moving treasures to a place up north called Naerytar back at their hidden camp if memory serves me right. We could all be caravan guards right?" She says, looking at the others with an encouraging smile.
“Nothing has jumped out at us here,” Finn states. “The caravan could be worth a shot. You and the kid may be hard sells as guards… you just don’t look the part and she’s a bit young.. but I think we could convince them to bring you along for no pay?”
Finn reads a bit more then adds “Says they want references. Could probably talk them out of that one claiming new in town and such…”
“How much influence do you have on the wyvern?” Finn asks Jirel a bit more quietly. “If we’re going with a caravan I think you may need to either set them free or demonstrate damn good control. Caravan wouldn’t take kindly to a wild one trailing it and expecting it to wait months… Or maybe I’m wrong. Just thinking aloud here.”
“And this is just if we agree the caravan may be the best tactic…”
It takes longer for Jirel to read through the entirety of the paper, and even longer to read it over again during Tylaerys’ and Finn’s discussions. Her brows furrow. Eventually she crosses her arms and sits back. The goliath is thoughtful. Are they reading the same paper? Or was she missing something? Perspectives seemed to varied.
“If not a guard, why not a Sergeant?“ Jirel responds to Finn’s assessments that hinted that the others may not fit the bill for the job based on their appearances. “Either are plenty capable of bossin’ us around. Heck, the little one is as fiesty as any full grown halfling.” She didn’t fully agree with the assessment, figuring there’s a way to play up their differences.
Then Jirel points to the paper, specifically the one about Wyvern sightings, tapping at some of the wording. Reports of menacing wyverns. “I’m readin’ plural.” Maybe her interpretation of the common language is different. “This reads teh me like cultist presence, not Glittersnake.” She meets Finn’s eyes as she points to the last line. There is no word yet as to any action planned by the Flaming Fist to address this new threat. “An’ that the Flamin’ Fist be turnin’ that blind eye.” She reiterates from her muttering and questioning before that went mostly ignored. “They be focussin’ on gainin’ control o’ the crossing.” Which, to her, reads like they’re using the unrest of the locals to further gain control by increasing presence and imposing curfews. But she could be completely wrong.
Jirel stares at Finn. While she could understand concern over the unknown of the wild wyvern she befriended, she did not appreciate witnessing his attitude last night, nor it being followed up this morning with him telling her what to do about the wyvern when it’s only ‘costed them’ two sheep. Who was he to demand of her demonstration of ‘damn good control’? There was nothing for her to say. She crosses her arms. They’ll just have to wait and see if the wyvern appears and how much influence, if any, she has.
“Ty here may indeed work as a sergeant,” Finn agrees. “Not sure the kid would. Feisty or not, lots of people expect a certain age before they would put someone in charge..,”
“How old are you, Yeshil? Twelve?” Finn tosses her a wink to show he’s exaggerating for effect but the fact is most will likely just see her as too young.
When Jirel brings up the Wyvern Finn is ready to argue that multiple people reporting the same creature could make authorities assume multiple creatures… But even has he starts to make the argument he finds himself giving up, being won over by the Goliath’s argument about the Flaming Fist.
“Could be…” Finn admits. “I’d not bothered to connect the two dots but now that you have…”
“Does it say what area the sightings were in?” He asks, reluctant to snatch the paper away from her. “I’ve no head for directions but if it’s not close to where you suggested Glittersnake to hunt…”
“Looks like we have two possible leads to follow,” Finn admits. “Which do you think is more likely to produce results?” Finn directs this mainly to Jirel. He couldn’t help but notice her eagerness to take his every word and action as an affront but since he knew not how to remedy it he chose to ignore the animosity and try to focus instead on the positive… such as her obviously being much more of a morning person than he is, putting that all together before even finishing a warm cuppa!
Yeshil vanishes from view several times as the group make their way toward Gemaline's, returning after the others have settled down with their coffee and already started the conversation. Hearing Jirel's grumbling (not least from her stomach), she produces two loaves of fresh bread and a wedge of cheese. Here, I, uh, bought these. You look like you need them.
Then craning her neck to read the newspaper, Yeshil s******s at the news of the riots. Looking up at the others with an expression of delighted mischief, she says: What? You know they were gonna do it eventually. Then between sips of coffee she adds: Besides, this could be a good opportunity for us. If the treasure stops moving, then the cult will certainly start moving. We might be able to pick up some clues now.
At Finn's age-related taunt and suggestion of her inadequacy for guard work, she scowls at him and taunts back with a teenage sneer: Hey! I can look intimidating if I want to. Can you "work as part of a team and follow orders?" Besides, it says you need references. I can probably have a go at forging some for us.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Tylaerys gives Finn and Jirel a alightly worried look. "You're right Jirel, there is nothing to suggest Glittersnake was among the wyverns sighted."She says to the blonde giantess with a reassuring smile, laying her slender hand on Jirel's, then turning to Finn. "And you're right Finn that I might not pass off like your normal caravan guard. Maybe I can follow the caravan anyway, not necessarily as a guard. I think it could work in our favor if we are to uncover any cult business with that caravan if the cult doesn't know that we all know each other. About Glittersnake I don't see we how can hope to do much until we run into the wyvern again, if they ever do." She then finally turns to Yeshil with a friendly smile. "And some good forged references would be most appreciated. I suppose Finn could assume the form of a typical caravan guard officer, are you up for the part my friend?" She finally turns back and asks the changeling.
"A change of clothes, a little make up, I can look like anything you desire," Finn says with a smirk and a wink as he gives Tylaerys a bow.
"Is it the caravan we wish to roll the dice on? It could eat up weeks of our time before we can be sure if we're on to something or it's a bust," Finn warns but not with any passion as he's not opposed to the idea. "And it would take us away from the Glittersnake for that amount of time at least..." Finn has thoughts on this but is weary to speak further and instead just lets the thought hang in the air.
"Yeshil is not wrong. If the riots she caused ((Finn winks at the girl as he says this)) stop or even slow the flow of goods in and out that could make the Cult desperate and or change plans and being here to see what happens could also be beneficial..." Finn continues. "Personally I like it here. There's a festival about to happen, plenty of bars and taverns, and I can see all kind of fun to get into here, all things considered. But... All things considered... Perhaps the caravan is the safer option?"
[I'm finally back from my trip and caught up to where we are!!]
After a night of much aimless loitering and drinking...
Jararaka nods along to Tylaerys' suggestion, tentatively sticking her tongue in a Chultan Dark Roast. She slouches in her chair and looks between Finn and Jirel as the matter of Glittersnake is brought up again, she hums and goes, "good to be concerned, yea, but the Flaming Fist and the Guild probably aren't going to do much about the wyverns, you know, with how comfortable it is in the city." She wiggles her eyebrows, remembering how all the guards seems to be comfortably paid by the Cult right now.
"I say we go check out the caravan job, they don't leave till two days later anyway." She pauses and scratches her snout, "I also owe the Blackrim guys a small favour." She leans into the table and says in a low whisper, "I've got some magic that can help me track items that I know. On the off chance that half-dragon or the witch is around these parts, I might be able to find them by something on their person."
When Yehsil brings up references, Jararaka tilts her head, "well, I got my old jobs. Then I ran away. Does that count though? We were in life-and-death danger there. Whatever, forged sounds good. Oh, but we got the big guys we are working with right?" She turns to their Harper, "Ty, can your boss help with a reference? Think that'll give us an edge?"
[caravan seems good as anything, if i counted my days right, since the caravan doesn't leave till 2 days later, we might be able to see the first day of the festival :D? we could do some odd jobs in the 2 days too
also DM, some clarification about locate object finding a specific thing , does Jararaka have to have seen the object? or can she find a something that someone describes to her?]
As a public service, I am outlining some of the leads you currently have (some already pursued, some not, some perhaps forgotten. Some are useful, some are admittedly red herrings...
Harper's Contact: As of yesterday, Tylaerys met with her Harper contact and knows what they know. They have so far struggled to infiltrate the cult or gain much useful intel on them.
Order of the Gauntlet Contact: Ontharr Frume gave you a sealed letter to deliver to a contact in Baldur's Gate [Post #1149]. The contact is Ackyn Selebon of Gold Road Equippers, in the Blackgate district outside the northern walls. Ontharr promised this contact would assist you, if possible.
Cult is moving treasure in the city: You have heard that some of the cult and their treasure is already hear. You've learned they have bribed off the Flaming Fist, the local thieves guilds, and the porters (or at least their management) to keep prying eyes and fingers off of their treasure.
Based on what you have learned, it sounds like the cultists are porting their own treasure through the city. It might be possible to find them and follow them, but it would be akin to looking for a needle in a haystack.
You've effectively blown-up incoming goods from the South, at least for this morning. With Wyrm Crossing closed, any cult treasure coming in from the south is going to be bottle-necked on the other side of the river... of course, so will dozens of other caravans. It is probably quite a logistical nightmare down there right now. Is there a way to use this to your advantage?
Apparently, the cult has put a bounty on anyone asking about their business. It has already claimed at least one Harper spy and it has some of the guilds looking for Finn's 'original' iteration.
Ms. Bigglesworth tracked one of the thieves to a number of different hideouts and could probably lead you to some. But will that help you learn anything about the cult or just cause a fight with the guilds?
From what little intel you have on the cult, it sounds like Baldur's Gate is not their final destination. Where are they heading?
You've heard of a person or place called Naerytar. So far, no one has identified what or where this is, but some of the cult had been planning to rendezvous there.
The kobold's on wyverns spoke of a 'Giant's Castle.' ???
If the cult is moving on from Baldur's Gate, how will they do so? If they are going by ship, one would expect they will be gathering near the port. If they are moving overland, they will need to obtain wagons on the north end of town.
Red Wizards: For some reason, it seems that the cult and their Red Wizard allies are murdering ex-patriot Red Wizards along the Sword Coast. Unfortunately, the last publicly known such figure appears to have been killed in front of you yesterday.
Wyverns sighted: There is word of wyvern's on Dusthawk Hill. Is this Glittersnake? Is it more of those cultist wyvern-riders?
Volothamp Geddarm: It sounds like notable author and party tramp Volo is staying in your old hotel room. It's not clear that he has anything to do with this, but surely famous NPC's wouldn't be here for just a pointless cameo, right?
Two rogues: You encountered a pair of friendly rogues in Elturel. They told you they were also concerned about this dragon cult. They suggested you look up their employers, Blackrim Exports and Transportation in the Blackgate district.
Dragon Masks: You have heard the cult is gathering dragon masks. So far you have heard they have killed for a blue mask, and stolen a green mask from a dragon's hoard. What are these masks? Is there some way to use the knowledge of these masks against them?
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
"Okay, who wants to meet a celebrity?" Tylaerys says, standing up from her chair with a wide and excited smile after finishing up her hot cocoa inside the cosy Gemaline's, her smile lingering with Jirel to see if she wanted to come along or if the blonde giantess preferred some other activity. Waiting for those who would want to come along she then heads back to the Blade & Stars Inn to try to catch the famous writer and find out what he would know about current events in the Realms.
Finn sends Misses Binklesworth off to the South and the Wym Crossing. She is "just a cat" in some ways but even she should be able to see if there is good going through when everything else is tied up in a clusterfudge of chaos. If indeed there is then she is, perhaps, the most likely to be able to follow it unnoticed.
"Am I not celebrity enough for you?" Finn answers Tylaerys with feigned insult and injury. Quickly following it up with a chuckle. "No thank you, if I am performing I like to be the brightest star and if they're not performing... Well, celebrities out of the spotlight tend to be annoying, egotistical and boring. I think I will wander down to the docks and get some sea air and a look at what is flowing in and out, as it were. With a bit of adjustment I should be able to fit in amongst the sailors, dockworkers and random ruffians and perhaps pick up a rumor or two. If that doesn't pan out, or more likely when I grow tired of it, perhaps I will find a good library or scholar and ask about Naerytar or this Giant's Castle. I may not be the scholarly type but they tend to like to show off and when I tell them it's a phrase that caught my interest and I am trying to work it into an epic poem..." Finn shrugs and smirks as if that is all it will take.
"Another pair of eyes or two wouldn't hurt if any wish to join but I am hoping to do this all low key and not to need another sword..." Finn finishes. "Hoping..."
"Well, fortunately for our mission you're not quite a celebrity yet Finn..." Tylaerys says with a soft warm laugh, her hand briefly on his arm. "...but I know you could be anyone you want...." She adds with a warm smile. "...even the hero who brought down the cult of dragons and saved the Sword Coast from the flames of their queen, then made immortal in the songs of bards throughout the realms, I've known it since I first met you my oh so reluctant hero." She finishes, giving the changeling a warm sincerely appreciative smile.
Tylaerys, Jararaka and Yeshil [and Jirel?] return to the Blade and Stars after finishing their coffees and snacks.
The interior of the first floor lounge is darker and quieter than they left it, earlier this morning. There are only a couple of patrons standing by the bar, and a single employee behind the bar pouring drinks. He steps out when you approach. "Pardon me, ladies. Do you have a reservation with the hotel? If so, I can fetch Lupin and she can see that you are taken care of. If not, I'm afraid the hotel is booked solid already through the end of the tenday."
Finn prepares to venture down to the docks and see what there is to see.
Going 'to the docks' is a loaded statement. Baldur's Gate is shaped a bit like the head of a great beast, mouth open wide. The harbor is the open 'mouth' and the docks are the 'teeth' extending out into the harbor. One could easily spend an entire day wandering up and down the many piers and still not cover all the paths the docks have to offer.
[What sort of cover does Finn adopt, and how do they go about their investigations?]
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
As soon as the bartender approaches and greets the group, Yeshil does her best to look inconspicuous: drawing her hood up, slouching over to appear even smaller, and moving slowly. Hanging out with a supermodel half-elf and a lizardfolk has to have its advantages, and while those two attract the man's attention, Yeshil eases her way gradually out of his line of sight. She had been in enough of these situations before, and could already see where it was going... "Sorry, miss, but the privacy of our guests, etc etc..." "That area is off limits, blah blah blah..." Much easier to find your own way, and then claim to be lost if things went south. No doubt Tylaerys would manage to sweet-talk her way into an audience with Volo anyway, but just in case that doesn't work...
Fingering her charm bracelet, Yeshil mutters the words of a spell and attempts places a mild curse on the bartender while he is busy speaking. She then attempts to avoid his attention, and if successful, she will head down the corridor to the rear staircase, up to the fourth floor, to suite 4. There she will wait, listening at the door, and see if the others manage to get admittance through diplomatic means.
Hex on the bartender, choosing Wisdom. Then Stealth: 18 to avoid being seen slipping away.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Greeting the employee coming out from behind the bar of the Blade & Stars Inn with a warm smile, the young blonde half-elf adresses the man with a warm tone. "We have an urgent and important message to deliver to your very special guest Odd Marvel G. Thampo in Suite 4 if he has arrived yet." She explains, briefly laying her hand on the mans arm, her blue eyes looking into his, instilling trust and confidence.
Tylaerys would have used Eagle's Splendor on herself before entering the Inn. Persuasion/Deception: 20
Jararaka's interested are piqued by this so-called celebrity, and given that Finn wanted to keep it lowkey, a scaled one such as herself might as well just stay out in the open. She follows behind Tylaerys, knowing the half-elf's got this, and looks around with a bodyguard's alertness to give herself something to do. She shifts casually around to block the view as Yeshil slips away, and answers the bartender as if familiar with this establishment, "nah, no need to bother Lupin." And nods concurringly to what Tylaerys says.
Finn doesn't so much adopt a new face so much as just a new attitude and demeanor. He adjusts his clothing to try and fit in as best he can, to look more like a worker than a visitor. Personality wise he tries to not look around in wonder and interest so much as straight forward to where he is going, to adopt a gruff, bored attitude as if this is everyday crap that he's just looking to get over and done with.
Finn isn't exactly sure what he is looking for and is hoping he will know it when he sees it. Perhaps a ship or a few ships seem to be more eager to get loaded than the others? Perhaps one seems to have an unusual concentration of kobolds and cult mage looking people around? Maybe he'll get real lucky and see a half dragon aboard a ship? But besides seeing what he can see he is also listening... He will look to linger nearby clusters of dockworkers taking a break and shooting the shit with one another and that sort of thing. The workers of Wyrm Crossing were vocal enough about their complaints, perhaps the dock workers are as well?
...
For their part, Misses Binklesworth is just finding a place in the sun where she can sit and watch the happenings at Wyrm's Crossing. If any caravans seem to be getting the royal treatment and let to pass despite the chaos then she will try to follow that cargo... ((Familiars are more than just the animals they take the form of but I am not trying to expect too much from them either... thus I am trying to keep their task simple, follow first things let through, not trying to determine if they are cult or not or such? I defer to whatever you feel appropriate...))
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
The bartender gives no impression that he notices Yeshil was there at all, so captivated he seems with the sorceress' words. [Yeshil has no problem slipping through to the back staircase. Once past the foyer, she is not bothered by anyone and is able to reach the 4th floor without issue.]
Back in the lounge, the bartender's eyes go wide at Tylaerys' words. "I see...". He stands silent a moment longer as if puzzling out what to do next. "He... our guest did not warn us of company arriving so soon. He had the impression his arrival here was to be without fanfare. Tell me, before I let you see him, how did you come to know he was staying here at the Blade and Stars?"
At the docks....
Finn, make 3 Perception checks and then a straight D20 roll.
For Misses Binklesworth, make 3 more perception checks using her stats.
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
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
While waiting to see if the others arrive, Yeshil will listen at the door. It would be good to know whether Mr Geddarm has company before making an intrusion, and better still to know the content of any conversation.
Perception: 10
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Hesitating at first to see if someone else would do it, Tylaerys then walks over and inserting a piece of gold into the slot before grabbing the latest edition of the Baldur's Gate Gazette, taking it over to the others and holding it up for all to read. "It seems the half-orc mob from last night were a bit rowdy, maybe the monstrous sighting is something worth following up but I suppose it's a long shot. Also our wyvern friend has not been idle..." She says, looking a bit worried. "...perhaps it could be convinced to head into the wilds for now to not be hunted down by the Flaming Fist or some monster hunters? This last piece seems interesting though, I'll wager the cult will have people somewhere in that caravan heading north, they were talking about moving treasures to a place up north called Naerytar back at their hidden camp if memory serves me right. We could all be caravan guards right?" She says, looking at the others with an encouraging smile.
“Nothing has jumped out at us here,” Finn states. “The caravan could be worth a shot. You and the kid may be hard sells as guards… you just don’t look the part and she’s a bit young.. but I think we could convince them to bring you along for no pay?”
Finn reads a bit more then adds “Says they want references. Could probably talk them out of that one claiming new in town and such…”
“How much influence do you have on the wyvern?” Finn asks Jirel a bit more quietly. “If we’re going with a caravan I think you may need to either set them free or demonstrate damn good control. Caravan wouldn’t take kindly to a wild one trailing it and expecting it to wait months… Or maybe I’m wrong. Just thinking aloud here.”
“And this is just if we agree the caravan may be the best tactic…”
It takes longer for Jirel to read through the entirety of the paper, and even longer to read it over again during Tylaerys’ and Finn’s discussions. Her brows furrow. Eventually she crosses her arms and sits back. The goliath is thoughtful. Are they reading the same paper? Or was she missing something? Perspectives seemed to varied.
“If not a guard, why not a Sergeant?“ Jirel responds to Finn’s assessments that hinted that the others may not fit the bill for the job based on their appearances. “Either are plenty capable of bossin’ us around. Heck, the little one is as fiesty as any full grown halfling.” She didn’t fully agree with the assessment, figuring there’s a way to play up their differences.
Then Jirel points to the paper, specifically the one about Wyvern sightings, tapping at some of the wording. Reports of menacing wyverns. “I’m readin’ plural.” Maybe her interpretation of the common language is different. “This reads teh me like cultist presence, not Glittersnake.” She meets Finn’s eyes as she points to the last line. There is no word yet as to any action planned by the Flaming Fist to address this new threat. “An’ that the Flamin’ Fist be turnin’ that blind eye.” She reiterates from her muttering and questioning before that went mostly ignored. “They be focussin’ on gainin’ control o’ the crossing.” Which, to her, reads like they’re using the unrest of the locals to further gain control by increasing presence and imposing curfews. But she could be completely wrong.
Jirel stares at Finn. While she could understand concern over the unknown of the wild wyvern she befriended, she did not appreciate witnessing his attitude last night, nor it being followed up this morning with him telling her what to do about the wyvern when it’s only ‘costed them’ two sheep. Who was he to demand of her demonstration of ‘damn good control’? There was nothing for her to say. She crosses her arms. They’ll just have to wait and see if the wyvern appears and how much influence, if any, she has.
just an unstable unicorn.
“Ty here may indeed work as a sergeant,” Finn agrees. “Not sure the kid would. Feisty or not, lots of people expect a certain age before they would put someone in charge..,”
“How old are you, Yeshil? Twelve?” Finn tosses her a wink to show he’s exaggerating for effect but the fact is most will likely just see her as too young.
When Jirel brings up the Wyvern Finn is ready to argue that multiple people reporting the same creature could make authorities assume multiple creatures… But even has he starts to make the argument he finds himself giving up, being won over by the Goliath’s argument about the Flaming Fist.
“Could be…” Finn admits. “I’d not bothered to connect the two dots but now that you have…”
“Does it say what area the sightings were in?” He asks, reluctant to snatch the paper away from her. “I’ve no head for directions but if it’s not close to where you suggested Glittersnake to hunt…”
“Looks like we have two possible leads to follow,” Finn admits. “Which do you think is more likely to produce results?” Finn directs this mainly to Jirel. He couldn’t help but notice her eagerness to take his every word and action as an affront but since he knew not how to remedy it he chose to ignore the animosity and try to focus instead on the positive… such as her obviously being much more of a morning person than he is, putting that all together before even finishing a warm cuppa!
[It's Friday night, baby!]
Yeshil vanishes from view several times as the group make their way toward Gemaline's, returning after the others have settled down with their coffee and already started the conversation. Hearing Jirel's grumbling (not least from her stomach), she produces two loaves of fresh bread and a wedge of cheese. Here, I, uh, bought these. You look like you need them.
Then craning her neck to read the newspaper, Yeshil s******s at the news of the riots. Looking up at the others with an expression of delighted mischief, she says: What? You know they were gonna do it eventually. Then between sips of coffee she adds: Besides, this could be a good opportunity for us. If the treasure stops moving, then the cult will certainly start moving. We might be able to pick up some clues now.
At Finn's age-related taunt and suggestion of her inadequacy for guard work, she scowls at him and taunts back with a teenage sneer: Hey! I can look intimidating if I want to. Can you "work as part of a team and follow orders?" Besides, it says you need references. I can probably have a go at forging some for us.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Tylaerys gives Finn and Jirel a alightly worried look. "You're right Jirel, there is nothing to suggest Glittersnake was among the wyverns sighted." She says to the blonde giantess with a reassuring smile, laying her slender hand on Jirel's, then turning to Finn. "And you're right Finn that I might not pass off like your normal caravan guard. Maybe I can follow the caravan anyway, not necessarily as a guard. I think it could work in our favor if we are to uncover any cult business with that caravan if the cult doesn't know that we all know each other. About Glittersnake I don't see we how can hope to do much until we run into the wyvern again, if they ever do." She then finally turns to Yeshil with a friendly smile. "And some good forged references would be most appreciated. I suppose Finn could assume the form of a typical caravan guard officer, are you up for the part my friend?" She finally turns back and asks the changeling.
"A change of clothes, a little make up, I can look like anything you desire," Finn says with a smirk and a wink as he gives Tylaerys a bow.
"Is it the caravan we wish to roll the dice on? It could eat up weeks of our time before we can be sure if we're on to something or it's a bust," Finn warns but not with any passion as he's not opposed to the idea. "And it would take us away from the Glittersnake for that amount of time at least..." Finn has thoughts on this but is weary to speak further and instead just lets the thought hang in the air.
"Yeshil is not wrong. If the riots she caused ((Finn winks at the girl as he says this)) stop or even slow the flow of goods in and out that could make the Cult desperate and or change plans and being here to see what happens could also be beneficial..." Finn continues. "Personally I like it here. There's a festival about to happen, plenty of bars and taverns, and I can see all kind of fun to get into here, all things considered. But... All things considered... Perhaps the caravan is the safer option?"
((Me personally really has no preference...))
[I'm finally back from my trip and caught up to where we are!!]
After a night of much aimless loitering and drinking...
Jararaka nods along to Tylaerys' suggestion, tentatively sticking her tongue in a Chultan Dark Roast. She slouches in her chair and looks between Finn and Jirel as the matter of Glittersnake is brought up again, she hums and goes, "good to be concerned, yea, but the Flaming Fist and the Guild probably aren't going to do much about the wyverns, you know, with how comfortable it is in the city." She wiggles her eyebrows, remembering how all the guards seems to be comfortably paid by the Cult right now.
"I say we go check out the caravan job, they don't leave till two days later anyway." She pauses and scratches her snout, "I also owe the Blackrim guys a small favour." She leans into the table and says in a low whisper, "I've got some magic that can help me track items that I know. On the off chance that half-dragon or the witch is around these parts, I might be able to find them by something on their person."
When Yehsil brings up references, Jararaka tilts her head, "well, I got my old jobs. Then I ran away. Does that count though? We were in life-and-death danger there. Whatever, forged sounds good. Oh, but we got the big guys we are working with right?" She turns to their Harper, "Ty, can your boss help with a reference? Think that'll give us an edge?"
[caravan seems good as anything, if i counted my days right, since the caravan doesn't leave till 2 days later, we might be able to see the first day of the festival :D? we could do some odd jobs in the 2 days too
also DM, some clarification about locate object finding a specific thing , does Jararaka have to have seen the object? or can she find a something that someone describes to her?]
[Good to have you back, Jararaka.
As a public service, I am outlining some of the leads you currently have (some already pursued, some not, some perhaps forgotten. Some are useful, some are admittedly red herrings...
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
"Okay, who wants to meet a celebrity?" Tylaerys says, standing up from her chair with a wide and excited smile after finishing up her hot cocoa inside the cosy Gemaline's, her smile lingering with Jirel to see if she wanted to come along or if the blonde giantess preferred some other activity. Waiting for those who would want to come along she then heads back to the Blade & Stars Inn to try to catch the famous writer and find out what he would know about current events in the Realms.
Finn sends Misses Binklesworth off to the South and the Wym Crossing. She is "just a cat" in some ways but even she should be able to see if there is good going through when everything else is tied up in a clusterfudge of chaos. If indeed there is then she is, perhaps, the most likely to be able to follow it unnoticed.
"Am I not celebrity enough for you?" Finn answers Tylaerys with feigned insult and injury. Quickly following it up with a chuckle. "No thank you, if I am performing I like to be the brightest star and if they're not performing... Well, celebrities out of the spotlight tend to be annoying, egotistical and boring. I think I will wander down to the docks and get some sea air and a look at what is flowing in and out, as it were. With a bit of adjustment I should be able to fit in amongst the sailors, dockworkers and random ruffians and perhaps pick up a rumor or two. If that doesn't pan out, or more likely when I grow tired of it, perhaps I will find a good library or scholar and ask about Naerytar or this Giant's Castle. I may not be the scholarly type but they tend to like to show off and when I tell them it's a phrase that caught my interest and I am trying to work it into an epic poem..." Finn shrugs and smirks as if that is all it will take.
"Another pair of eyes or two wouldn't hurt if any wish to join but I am hoping to do this all low key and not to need another sword..." Finn finishes. "Hoping..."
"Well, fortunately for our mission you're not quite a celebrity yet Finn..." Tylaerys says with a soft warm laugh, her hand briefly on his arm. "...but I know you could be anyone you want...." She adds with a warm smile. "...even the hero who brought down the cult of dragons and saved the Sword Coast from the flames of their queen, then made immortal in the songs of bards throughout the realms, I've known it since I first met you my oh so reluctant hero." She finishes, giving the changeling a warm sincerely appreciative smile.
Tylaerys, Jararaka and Yeshil [and Jirel?] return to the Blade and Stars after finishing their coffees and snacks.
The interior of the first floor lounge is darker and quieter than they left it, earlier this morning. There are only a couple of patrons standing by the bar, and a single employee behind the bar pouring drinks. He steps out when you approach. "Pardon me, ladies. Do you have a reservation with the hotel? If so, I can fetch Lupin and she can see that you are taken care of. If not, I'm afraid the hotel is booked solid already through the end of the tenday."
Finn prepares to venture down to the docks and see what there is to see.
Going 'to the docks' is a loaded statement. Baldur's Gate is shaped a bit like the head of a great beast, mouth open wide. The harbor is the open 'mouth' and the docks are the 'teeth' extending out into the harbor. One could easily spend an entire day wandering up and down the many piers and still not cover all the paths the docks have to offer.
[What sort of cover does Finn adopt, and how do they go about their investigations?]
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
As soon as the bartender approaches and greets the group, Yeshil does her best to look inconspicuous: drawing her hood up, slouching over to appear even smaller, and moving slowly. Hanging out with a supermodel half-elf and a lizardfolk has to have its advantages, and while those two attract the man's attention, Yeshil eases her way gradually out of his line of sight. She had been in enough of these situations before, and could already see where it was going... "Sorry, miss, but the privacy of our guests, etc etc..." "That area is off limits, blah blah blah..." Much easier to find your own way, and then claim to be lost if things went south. No doubt Tylaerys would manage to sweet-talk her way into an audience with Volo anyway, but just in case that doesn't work...
Fingering her charm bracelet, Yeshil mutters the words of a spell and attempts places a mild curse on the bartender while he is busy speaking. She then attempts to avoid his attention, and if successful, she will head down the corridor to the rear staircase, up to the fourth floor, to suite 4. There she will wait, listening at the door, and see if the others manage to get admittance through diplomatic means.
Hex on the bartender, choosing Wisdom. Then Stealth: 18 to avoid being seen slipping away.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Greeting the employee coming out from behind the bar of the Blade & Stars Inn with a warm smile, the young blonde half-elf adresses the man with a warm tone. "We have an urgent and important message to deliver to your very special guest Odd Marvel G. Thampo in Suite 4 if he has arrived yet." She explains, briefly laying her hand on the mans arm, her blue eyes looking into his, instilling trust and confidence.
Tylaerys would have used Eagle's Splendor on herself before entering the Inn.
Persuasion/Deception: 20
Jararaka's interested are piqued by this so-called celebrity, and given that Finn wanted to keep it lowkey, a scaled one such as herself might as well just stay out in the open. She follows behind Tylaerys, knowing the half-elf's got this, and looks around with a bodyguard's alertness to give herself something to do. She shifts casually around to block the view as Yeshil slips away, and answers the bartender as if familiar with this establishment, "nah, no need to bother Lupin." And nods concurringly to what Tylaerys says.
Finn doesn't so much adopt a new face so much as just a new attitude and demeanor. He adjusts his clothing to try and fit in as best he can, to look more like a worker than a visitor. Personality wise he tries to not look around in wonder and interest so much as straight forward to where he is going, to adopt a gruff, bored attitude as if this is everyday crap that he's just looking to get over and done with.
Finn isn't exactly sure what he is looking for and is hoping he will know it when he sees it. Perhaps a ship or a few ships seem to be more eager to get loaded than the others? Perhaps one seems to have an unusual concentration of kobolds and cult mage looking people around? Maybe he'll get real lucky and see a half dragon aboard a ship? But besides seeing what he can see he is also listening... He will look to linger nearby clusters of dockworkers taking a break and shooting the shit with one another and that sort of thing. The workers of Wyrm Crossing were vocal enough about their complaints, perhaps the dock workers are as well?
...
For their part, Misses Binklesworth is just finding a place in the sun where she can sit and watch the happenings at Wyrm's Crossing. If any caravans seem to be getting the royal treatment and let to pass despite the chaos then she will try to follow that cargo... ((Familiars are more than just the animals they take the form of but I am not trying to expect too much from them either... thus I am trying to keep their task simple, follow first things let through, not trying to determine if they are cult or not or such? I defer to whatever you feel appropriate...))
5
5
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
The bartender gives no impression that he notices Yeshil was there at all, so captivated he seems with the sorceress' words. [Yeshil has no problem slipping through to the back staircase. Once past the foyer, she is not bothered by anyone and is able to reach the 4th floor without issue.]
Back in the lounge, the bartender's eyes go wide at Tylaerys' words. "I see...". He stands silent a moment longer as if puzzling out what to do next. "He... our guest did not warn us of company arriving so soon. He had the impression his arrival here was to be without fanfare. Tell me, before I let you see him, how did you come to know he was staying here at the Blade and Stars?"
At the docks....
Finn, make 3 Perception checks and then a straight D20 roll.
For Misses Binklesworth, make 3 more perception checks using her stats.
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
While waiting to see if the others arrive, Yeshil will listen at the door. It would be good to know whether Mr Geddarm has company before making an intrusion, and better still to know the content of any conversation.
Perception: 10
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?