Goodberry Biscuits and Monkey Tails are Finn's favorites and he tries to stock up on both to a practical extent. Oh there are more delicious morsels available but they tend to be messier and stickier and all around less portable.
"Is it a Mimic?" does indeed catch Finn's attention and he finds himself unable to not give it a try. "It could be good training in case we run across one in the wild," he insists with a grin which makes it clear that the excuse is total bullcrap. He has no real trick or scheme to try to spot out the mimic but he wonders if perhaps his own ability to change shape might give him an edge on spotting another who can do the same? Obviously Finn cannot mimic (so to speak) cloth or stone or metals but his innate abilities to lend him some idea on the types of changes which can somehow be more difficult...
He does consider some spellwork to help his odds a bit... But it's all fun and games and it just doesn't seem sporting. Besides, surely they have some safeguards against such chicanery? Still, Mrs. Binklesworth could stroll through with his group and... No, no, no. He'll play this one straight. He's trying to recapture some of the carefree nonsense of his youth not win some huge hand at the poker tables. So he waits his turn, pays his coin and takes his best stab at it. And if he cheats at all it's nothing more than very quietly whispering to another contestant or two suggesting on just what the mimic may be, naming items he is sure it isn't trying to get them to guess that and thus rule them out of the win...
Tylaerys seems to have pretty much the same preferences as Finn, but for Jirel she would sample pretty much all of above for the blonde giantess to taste and hopefully enjoy. She would happily cheer on Jirel if the giantess decides to go for the hammer swing or the stone lifting and she would also happily join Finn in search for the Mimic.
(Would throwing around salt count as touching? Would the use of magic such as mage hand and enhance ability be cheating, or more importantly would it likely be discovered ;-)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jirel rolls her shoulders back, standing with her feet shoulder width apart. She lifts the hammer up, her muscles flexing, and she brings it down hard to ring the bell.
Athletics:16(in log)
Coming up to the next challenge, Jirel felt a bit more warmed up. This one would need more effort and a little oomph. She rolls her shoulders back once again, moves her neck side to side to crack it, then digs deep. With a growl, she starts to lift some stones.
Rage use x 1 Athletics 1: 20 Athletics 2: 24 Athletics 3: 12
Finn: Your subtle gamesmanship works too well for your own good. Mentioning in passing to a young lady in the game that a rolling pin which is clearly not a mimic looks an awful lot like a mimic before you yourself move on to more likely targets backfires. She stares intently at the rolling pin before calling it out as her guess. Even as you shake your head at your simple manipulation, the host calls out the young lady as a winner, gripping the rolling pin with a pair of tongs, causing it to squirm and extend grasping tentacles to defend itself. The young lady selects a prize for herself as the hosts assistants pull the curtains and begin rearranging the shop for the next round. Finn loses 1 gp.
[Tylaerys, tossing salt around would very much not be acceptable in the eyes of the gamemasters. Likewise, the Mage Hand cantrip creates a very visible magical hand, which would likewise not be acceptable. Nice tries, though.]
Jirel: Your attempt to ring the bell proves surprisingly more difficult that you had expected. You feel like you gave it a good shot, but your strike only pushed the bearing about 3/4 of the way to the bell. Jirelloses 1 sp.
Contests!
Jirel: The entire field of competitors takes more than an hour to complete the contest. A past winner, Big John Buzzrin, a tall, muscular bugbear, is given the option of going last. Through the early part of the competition, Jirel is the clear top challenger. With a beastly roar, she races from stone to stone to stone, completing all three faster than many of the competitors completed their first. In fact, after her try, many competitors backed out or quit early once it was clear they hadn't matched her time. At the end, it came down to Big John. With a languid stretch and a few hops from foot to foot, the hairy humanoid limbered up and then he was off. Immediately, it was clear Jirel's spot at the top wasn't safe. In a flash he was finished, and the crowd waited anxiously for the results. The gnomish timekeepers conferred with one another and then one slowly climbed to the podium and announced... It was Jirel! By nearly a full second.
The lady goliath was invited up to the podium, where representatives from the churches of Gond, Umberlee and Tymora approached and presented her with her prize... a beautiful brooch, enameled in tricolor; bronze, blue and violet.
Pin of Blessings:
This tricolor pin carries three different powers, each with one charge.
Insight of Gond: Expending this charge, the wearer may add advantage to an intelligence-based skill check or savings throw. Once used, this charge is gone and the blessing of Gond dissipates from the brooch.
Mercy of Umberlee: Expending this charge, the wearer gains the amphibious trait for one hour, able to breath both air and water. Once used, this charge is gone and the blessing of Umberlee dissipates from the brooch.
Luck of Tymora: Expending this charge, the wearer may choose to reroll any single attack roll, savings throw, or skill check. The wearer must keep the new roll results. Once used, this charge is gone and the blessing of Tymora dissipates from the brooch.
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
Finn: Make three (3) sleight of hand checks and make three (3) accompanying d100 rolls.
Shopping!
Books!: Yeshil, the Wide surprising doesn't have a lot of books on offer out in the open air market, but there are a pair of bookshops on opposite sides of the square. Looking for interesting reading material for the long road ahead, you find the following options in the 'New to You!' used section:
A Simple Guide to Hunting Vampires (2nd edition) - 6 gp (This looks like an amateurish attempt at writing an actual instructional book on vampire slaying.)
Being Familiar With Your Familiar - 2 gp (Some musings on common and uncommon varieties of wizard familiars.)
Backstage: My Life as an Adventuring Bard - 6 gp (An autobiography.)
The Last Unicorn - 6 gp (A Fantasy story.)
So Long, and Thanks for All the Ale - 3 gp (An Autobiography.)
The Outsider - 2 gp (A horror story.)
Cloaks!
Dull, drab cloaks can be purchased for all party members at the cost of 1 gp each.
Fancy, colorful cloaks (in whatever color or style you can dream up) can be purchased for all party members at the cost of 10 gp each.
Magical!
Inquiring about bags, Finn is able to locate a vendor with several genuine [magicitem]bag of holding[magicitem] on offer. They are asking 500 gp for this utilitarian wonder.
If anyone else is really looking for a magic item for sale, make a d100 roll to see what you come across.
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
Finn enjoys the thrill of the young girl spotting the mimic based on his attempted deception almost more than he would have enjoyed winning the prize himself. He is tempted to give it another go but he HATES waiting in lines so saves the second gold...
He doesn't hate people waiting in line. They're as good a target for pickpocketing as a harried merchant rushing through a crowded street. People queued in line are bored and their minds wander to almost anything other than their boredom. Bad if they take an interest in you but if they don't then they're more oblivious to subtle bumps and proddings than a drunk. Not that Finn would target just them... Pickpocketing is in art, a blend of deft touch, observation, misdirection. You could never focus on just one type of target.
Sleight of Hand check / D100 21/ 04 22 / 35 Nat 1 for 7 / 50 Oops...
Finn might be interested in a couple of those books but instead of browsing with Yeshil there is a very good chance he is ducking down an alley trying not to be caught!
Hopefully before having to make himself scarce, Finn buys every party member a dull, drab cloak a different color than what they currently wear. It's not a huge difference, Brown instead of black, perhaps, or dark green instead of grey. Not a huge change but it is good for a quick change that may help make the difference...The fancy cloaks are a bit too fancy. He can't outfit everyone with one so for now he'll hold off.
Finn is nowhere close to being able to afford the bag of holding, of course, but he does not where he found it for sale. Perhaps if things go their way for a while he'll be more flush with coin next time they come by.
(26 gold deducted, everyone gains a second cloak of your favorite drab, dreary color...)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jirel's chest puffed out in pride when she was announced the winner. She felt good to expel all that energy, figuring she did well, but was even more pumped up for having won, against a very worthy opponent which made it all the more satisfying. She'd turn to Big John to offer him a firm handshake in a genuine show of sportsmanship prior to making her way up to the podium to accept her prize. The giantess bows low in respect to the gnomish judges and accepts her prize with honour. She would use it as her new cloak clasp.
Hovering over the others as they shop, the goliath curiously looked over their shoulders as they browsed. She was curious of what there was, finding herself interested in what the others looking at and potentially egging on some purchases.
Magical item snooping: 95
Yeshil While the Little One was browsing her books, Jirel would continue their private conversation from earlier after giving her share a thought. While she confessed that she didn't dispatch the cultists alone, the giantess was still impressed with Yeshil's work and resourcefulness. It was good to know there was someone else on the cultist trails. Someone potentially familiar, and a potential ally. "Hmm... You know Little One... Thinking 'bout it more. Cheddar talked 'bout his 'master', er was it mentor?" She'd shrug. It was one of those, or both. "If I remember his story right, Cheddar wus a domestic cat that uh... became him..." She'd gesture relatively randomly, unsure of how to describe it. "The Cheddar we knew, via an explosion from an' experiment gone wrong?" She scratches her head. "Maybe the old man is that master mentor?" She was just thinking out loud with no real end destination or point. Just sharing a thought, wondering if it could be related.
Jirel would be surprised to find herself interested in a couple, but more importantly really wanted Yeshil to have access to all the reading she wanted. Should the Little One show any reserve to buying what she wanted, the giantess would nudge her to not hold back, offering to assist her, or voluntell a more charismatic party member, to attempt to sweet talk a bulk discount for purchasing multiple. And should Yeshil not have enough, Jirel would offer to pay for some. Should she be too prideful to accept the gold, Jirel would buy them for her after to gift later.
(Guide to Vampires and The Last Unicorn! lol caught Jirel's attention. But she would be genuinely interested in )
Finn Depending on what item Jirel may or may not have come across, seeing Finn's interest in the bag of holding has her thinking of a way to help him out too. Perhaps there was a compromise to be made here. The bag could be very useful for the group as a whole. Finn did share concerns about Jirel lugging around lbs of silver and the like. So, the giantess would nudge Finn. Pause. Poke him. And then poke him again for good measure to get his attention. She'd grunt, jutting her chin out in the direction of the bag, and maybe potentially the item she spots if it's good and not too expensive. "Dependin' what we can pool together, an' if ya can work that silvertongue o yers without over doin' it, maybe we can get a good (bundle) deal?" Jirel suggests. "If at minimum we git ya that bag, we refill it teh replace the 'investment', kay?" She raises a brow.
(Jirel's essentially suggesting Finn, should we choose to buy it, to agree to use the bag not just for his own gain, but for the group as a whole, and for them to collect what they can along their journey to repay the factions silver (actually probably for future party investments) she's offering to put up to buy the bag instead of filling (for) the cart. She's also offering to help with any haggling/negotiating for price reductions.)
Finn is quite boisterous in his cheering for Jirel as she edges out the win and when she is brought up to the podium to get her prize. With his creative use of minor illusion and thaumaturgy he basically gives a bit of a fireworks show above the stage when Jirel is awarded the brooch - Finn spying the color scheme of the item and adjusting his light show to match.
Finn himself is mostly interested in the book on Familiars, mostly due to Mrs. Binklesworth nudging his ankles with her forehead when he notices it. But as Yeshil, and Jirel, are more focused on the books than himself he waits for them to do any purchasing they may wish before he picks through the remainders.
"It would be handy, indeed," Finn says to Jirel in regards to the Bag of Holding, "But I couldn't afford it at a ninety-percent discount. I don't know what kind of personal coin you or the others have but even my charm and wit has limits. We know where to get it though, if the situation changes or new opportunities arise before we leave?"
((The bag is 500 gold and Finn has 35, pending results of some pickpocketing... But those could result in him needing bail money and be a big detriment! Finn of course offers his services to anyone looking to barter on prices but unless someone has a store of wealth they're willing to depart with then he just doesn't see negotiating anyone down that much without magics... And trying to use magics to persuade a merchant who deals in magics seems a bit like tempting fate? I believe Jirel was rightfully protective of the silver and not wanting it used for anything too far from the actual purpose it was given to us for so... Finn's not even suggesting we dip into that.))
The young blonde half-elf gives Finn a grateful nod, accepting the cloak and tucking it into her backpack. She was sincerely impressed with the otherwise seemingly carefree changeling taking such responsibilty for planning ahead. During the day she finds herself missing the time in Waterdeep where money was no problem, but then she silently scolds herself for it, telling herself she would simply have to be better at earning gold and a bit less good at spending it.
If Tylaerys would be around to see Finn being chased she would of course discreetly cause a distraction to help him get away, possibly with magic depending on the severity of the situation, or maybe even turning the changeling invisible if the situation called for that.
If there was haggling to be done, Tylaerys would quickly offer up the service of her own silken tongue to make prices more agreeable.
Tylaerys would join Finn in the cheering and supporting his firworks with some complementary ones of her own as Jirel is declared winner and accepts her reward, then rushing foward to congratulate the blonde giantess by hugging her waist as she steps down from the podium.
You find a couple of easy marks as you wander through the Wide. Most folk here have their heads on a swivel, local and tourist alike, with an eye out for pickpockets. But there are exceptions. The first target is a heavyset man in robes with a bald pate. He looks like he would be at home riding a mule in a children's story, but unfortunately for him they don't allow such critters inside the city and he is stuck on foot. From within the pack over his shoulder, you lift an ornate wooden box. Its locked, but something is rattling around inside. Riches, no doubt.
The second prize is less exotic but more instantly fungible. From the pockets of a tall, mustached man you lift a pouch of 35 gp.
At last, your luck runs out. Just as you were about to grasp what looked like a gold chain from within the purse of a lovely young maid, she stopped unexpectedly. Finn's hand wound up slightly left of the intended target, and with a shriek and a slap, he was sent away without his prize, though also without any guards in pursuit.
Jirel:
Searching through the endless chaff of the marketplace for a unique piece of weapon or armor, you are hailed by dark-skinned gnome. "I can see that you’re only interested in the exceptionally rare. I think, then, you would be most rewarded to consider... this." He unwraps a weapon from within its bindings of mountain goat pelts. You see a bearded axe with a mythril blade, inscribed with mystical runes of giant-folk. The handle is made from hardened white ash-wood. "This axe is more than what it seems. I had hoped to place this into the hands of a wealthy collector, but circumstances call me away. Perhaps this can work out for both of us, yes? I need to deal quickly, and you may need this more than some bloated old antiquitor. For one such as yourself, I could be parted from this weapon for... 300 gold."
Axe of the Highlander
When you roll a 20 on an attack with this magical battleaxe, deal an additional 1d6 cold damage to the target.
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
[Haggling (for books, clothes, magic items, etc.) is certainly possible, though not guaranteed to succeed.
Also, Tylaerys can play the mimic game, too. Enhance Ability is fair game as long as she casts it somewhere other than right in front of the people running the game (ie. go down an alley or otherwise do it out of sight.]
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.
Although aware it could prove to be a waste of a good spell that could be needed later, Tylaerys can't resist trying on the mimic game just one time, stepping into a nearby dark alley to call upon her draconic heritage to grant her the keen eye of the silver dragon. She then innocently lines up to join the next group of contestants, wondering how far her magic would take her as her silvery eyes scans for the hidden mimic.
A bit drunk on his own luck at pilfering, Finn gets sloppy. As he attempts to slip his hand into one particularly ladies purse she turns right instead of left and the theft turns, unfortunately, into a bit of a grope. He quickly puts his most charming smile upon his face and he is about to go into full on Prince Charming mode and try to turn one situation into another but before he can say a word the woman winds up and smacks Finn across the face. There are stars in his eyes, birds tweeting and flying around his face... And lyrics slapped right into him:
What is this feeling That's put you in your place? A hot red burnin' on the side Of your face
You feel the blood rush To your cheek Tears start to fill your eyes
And your lips are trembling But you can't speak You're trying, oh, you're trying Not to cry
You just got slapped (Ooooh) Across the face, my friend (Whoa) You just got slapped (Whoa - oh - oh - oh - oh) Yes, that really just happened (Whoa - ohohoh - ohoh)
Everybody saw it And everybody laughed And clapped It was awesome, the way you just got Slapped
Shaking it off and getting his wits about him once more, Finn is pleased that was all that happened. Chagrined and put into his place, at least for now, Finn decides that it's best to call it a day at this point and return to the others... Maybe the box will make it all worth it, he thinks to himself while wandering back to find them. There's definitely something inside it. Once off a crowded street and able to spend some time uninterrupted he hopes to open it and find out just what pleasures it holds.
"Now that may be more helpful than a fancy bag," Finn says with a smile and a nudge to Jirel when he sees her eyeing the axe. "A bit more affordable too..."
Yeshil is interested in all the books. The guide to vampire hunting may turn out to be an amusing read if not entirely accurate, and Jirel seemed interested too. Both the fiction books were going on the pile, as well as the one about familiars. Flicking through the two autobiographies, both looked promising: one chapter about the bard charming an entire den of kobolds with her song; and a chapter in the other book with the biographer writing about his own death. It was tempting, but Yeshil decides to limit herself to the other four books and leave the biographies – that is until Jirel offers to help pay, at which point Yeshil blithely shrugs and accepts, pays the money… then gives Jirel a big, sincere, grateful (and rare) smile as she clutches her new treasures.
(16gp from Yeshil and 9gp from Jirel for the books. Yeshil isn’t much of a haggler.)
Jirel’s information about Cheddar is curious enough, although Yeshil didn’t see any cat-person in the dark warehouse. Although the old man did say something to the effect of having lived several lives, and he was exceptionally nimble… maybe he was the cat stuck in the old man’s body.
Sticking close to the giantess, Yeshil sees the gnome reveal the axe with giant runes on it, and presumes it would be of interest to Jirel. If her remaining 39gp can help to pay the asking price, then Yeshil offers it enthusiastically.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
5
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
Paying her 1gp, Tylaeryssteps into the mock-shop. A few of the other participants call out items (some of which Tylaerys had been suspicious of) but none were correct. As time winds down, the narrows her options down to a wooden cutting board, and a bundle of garlic cloves hanging from the ceiling. Both look irregular, but forced to choose, she goes with the garlic, which looks a little too much like a single, solid item rather than individual cloves. Calling out, "It's the garlic!"she hears the gamemaster ring a bell, and she is declared a winner. To prove the point, the handlers approach with a hook and lift the garlic from its hanger. Tiny pseudopods extend and flail about angrily as the little mimic is disturbed from its perch. While Tylaerysis lead away to the prize booth, the handles pull the curtains and begin rearranging the shop for the next game.
Inside the prize booth, Tylaerysis free to pick from the following options, all worth around 5gp.
1 piece of Costume Jewelry (mostly copper bands and necklaces, fit with inexpensive gemstones like obsidian, tiger eye, or turquoise).
A hand mirror, with a painted wooden handle (light blue, dark blue, white, black or red).
Mens or Womens hats of various styles, all ostentatious, with beads or feathers dangling off of them.
Wooden wind chimes, with the larger 'bell' carved like a treant and the smaller 'knockers' carved to look like goblins, pixies and forest gnomes.
A large plush stuffed animal (either a Griffon, a Manticore or a Pegasus).
An XL t-shirt ('My other shirt is a mimic.')
[I opened the 'party loot' OOC thread to see what the combined party funds were... and saw it was never updated after being created in 2022. Other than the sack of 3000 sp Jirel'sbeen carrying around and some items I've been keeping an eye on, I'm not really sure what loot you folk have, if its not on your character sheets.]
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
At first Jirel was a little taken aback at the celebration of her win, usually not wanting to make a show of it. However, it did warm her heart that her companions cared enough to show her their excitement for her achievement. She’s never been celebrated before, thus Finn’s exuberant display that was on brand for him, done in his way, did bring a spark of life into her eyes. Then having Tylaerys add to it, then being met by a hug, further tugged at her heartstrings and a hint of a smile tugs at her lips. She’d wrap an arm around her to return it. And post book shopping, the giantess would nod to Yeshil with a reciprocative smile.
Riding on the highs provided by her companions, Jirel was feeling a bit impulsive the moment her honey hues saw the axe. Not only was it a beautiful blade, but it was her opportunity to retire the axe that was used to gut her future, and pick up a replacement to forge a path anew. Then hearing the others whispers of encouragement, it almost felt as if it were meant to be. She looks from the axe to the salesman to note the individual who she was purchasing from. “Deal.”
Tylaerys is pleased with the win, she wished the others would have seen her but at least it helped with her confidence. The young half-elf smiles as she sees the t-shirt, thinking about getting it for Jirel, not sure if it would really be appreciated tough. She does sincerely believe Finn might like one of the ostentatious hats to go along with his varying wardrobe though. No one would believe one who was trying to hide would ever wear a hat like that. Choosing the hat and thanking the gamemaster for a good game, the blonde silver-scaled half-elf hurries off to reconvene with the others, cathing up with them as Jirel lifts her new axe, an impressive looking thing that looked good on her. "Hey, wow, cultists beware." She says quietly as her silvery eyes studies the magical battleaxe. "Oh, got this for you Finn, hope you like it." She continues, offering the ostentatious hat to the changeling with a friendly smile.
"Deal?" Finn calls out. "No, no, no, no, no! No deal!"
"That handle looks a bit loose and rotted! I think there's a bit of rust there on the blade... And is that a nick? A nick??" Finn points out to flaws that are most definitely not actually present in the weapon. "I mean I understand you want a souvenir but at that price?? Outrageous!"
Finn then turns to the seller and sees if perhaps he can negotiate a better price... But even as he does he can tell that Jirel most definitely wants the new axe so he won't push too hard as he knows that he cannot ruin this sale for her. So he tries for a better price but is careful not to ask for too much. ((Persuasion? 22))
After doing what he can about the price, Finn turns back to the others and see Tylaerys. "No! You won? Really? Well done!!" He declares with real pleasure. "Was it a guess or did you actually notice something? I screwed up, more focused on the competitors than what I was actually seeing..."
"You tease, you," Finn pouts when presented with the hat. "Making me wear this to hold your win over me?!?" There is a grin on his face though and it is apparent that he appreciates the gesture even if not the hat. It is loud and gaudy and altogether a thing only a tourist should wear. And then only when very, very drunk... The band is colorful, the body paisley patterned and floppy and multicolored feathers sticking out the back from the non-flopped side. Finn put it on immediately and cocked it to one side...
"Yeah, I can totally pull this off!" he declared with confidence and aplomb.
"Of course you can, on you anything looks good Finn."Tylaerys says with a good-natured laugh, clapping her hands together. "I was just lucky though, but seeing you go in there I just couldn't resist having a try. Anyway, that's an impressive looking axe you purchased. Is it enchanted even?" She says excitedly, her attention returning to the magical battle axe Jirel is holding, her slender fingers moving along the shaft, not quite daring to touch the sharp edge.
Goodberry Biscuits and Monkey Tails are Finn's favorites and he tries to stock up on both to a practical extent. Oh there are more delicious morsels available but they tend to be messier and stickier and all around less portable.
"Is it a Mimic?" does indeed catch Finn's attention and he finds himself unable to not give it a try. "It could be good training in case we run across one in the wild," he insists with a grin which makes it clear that the excuse is total bullcrap. He has no real trick or scheme to try to spot out the mimic but he wonders if perhaps his own ability to change shape might give him an edge on spotting another who can do the same? Obviously Finn cannot mimic (so to speak) cloth or stone or metals but his innate abilities to lend him some idea on the types of changes which can somehow be more difficult...
He does consider some spellwork to help his odds a bit... But it's all fun and games and it just doesn't seem sporting. Besides, surely they have some safeguards against such chicanery? Still, Mrs. Binklesworth could stroll through with his group and... No, no, no. He'll play this one straight. He's trying to recapture some of the carefree nonsense of his youth not win some huge hand at the poker tables. So he waits his turn, pays his coin and takes his best stab at it. And if he cheats at all it's nothing more than very quietly whispering to another contestant or two suggesting on just what the mimic may be, naming items he is sure it isn't trying to get them to guess that and thus rule them out of the win...
Perception: 12
Tylaerys seems to have pretty much the same preferences as Finn, but for Jirel she would sample pretty much all of above for the blonde giantess to taste and hopefully enjoy.
She would happily cheer on Jirel if the giantess decides to go for the hammer swing or the stone lifting and she would also happily join Finn in search for the Mimic.
(Would throwing around salt count as touching? Would the use of magic such as mage hand and enhance ability be cheating, or more importantly would it likely be discovered ;-)
Jirel rolls her shoulders back, standing with her feet shoulder width apart. She lifts the hammer up, her muscles flexing, and she brings it down hard to ring the bell.
Athletics: 16 (in log)
Coming up to the next challenge, Jirel felt a bit more warmed up. This one would need more effort and a little oomph. She rolls her shoulders back once again, moves her neck side to side to crack it, then digs deep. With a growl, she starts to lift some stones.
Rage use x 1
Athletics 1: 20
Athletics 2: 24
Athletics 3: 12
just an unstable unicorn.
Games!
[Tylaerys, tossing salt around would very much not be acceptable in the eyes of the gamemasters. Likewise, the Mage Hand cantrip creates a very visible magical hand, which would likewise not be acceptable. Nice tries, though.]
Contests!
Pin of Blessings:
This tricolor pin carries three different powers, each with one charge.
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
Pickpocketing!
Shopping!
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
Finn enjoys the thrill of the young girl spotting the mimic based on his attempted deception almost more than he would have enjoyed winning the prize himself. He is tempted to give it another go but he HATES waiting in lines so saves the second gold...
He doesn't hate people waiting in line. They're as good a target for pickpocketing as a harried merchant rushing through a crowded street. People queued in line are bored and their minds wander to almost anything other than their boredom. Bad if they take an interest in you but if they don't then they're more oblivious to subtle bumps and proddings than a drunk. Not that Finn would target just them... Pickpocketing is in art, a blend of deft touch, observation, misdirection. You could never focus on just one type of target.
Sleight of Hand check / D100
21 / 04
22 / 35
Nat 1 for 7 / 50
Oops...
Finn might be interested in a couple of those books but instead of browsing with Yeshil there is a very good chance he is ducking down an alley trying not to be caught!
Hopefully before having to make himself scarce, Finn buys every party member a dull, drab cloak a different color than what they currently wear. It's not a huge difference, Brown instead of black, perhaps, or dark green instead of grey. Not a huge change but it is good for a quick change that may help make the difference...The fancy cloaks are a bit too fancy. He can't outfit everyone with one so for now he'll hold off.
Finn is nowhere close to being able to afford the bag of holding, of course, but he does not where he found it for sale. Perhaps if things go their way for a while he'll be more flush with coin next time they come by.
(26 gold deducted, everyone gains a second cloak of your favorite drab, dreary color...)
Jirel's chest puffed out in pride when she was announced the winner. She felt good to expel all that energy, figuring she did well, but was even more pumped up for having won, against a very worthy opponent which made it all the more satisfying. She'd turn to Big John to offer him a firm handshake in a genuine show of sportsmanship prior to making her way up to the podium to accept her prize. The giantess bows low in respect to the gnomish judges and accepts her prize with honour. She would use it as her new cloak clasp.
Hovering over the others as they shop, the goliath curiously looked over their shoulders as they browsed. She was curious of what there was, finding herself interested in what the others looking at and potentially egging on some purchases.
Magical item snooping: 95
Yeshil
While the Little One was browsing her books, Jirel would continue their private conversation from earlier after giving her share a thought. While she confessed that she didn't dispatch the cultists alone, the giantess was still impressed with Yeshil's work and resourcefulness. It was good to know there was someone else on the cultist trails. Someone potentially familiar, and a potential ally. "Hmm... You know Little One... Thinking 'bout it more. Cheddar talked 'bout his 'master', er was it mentor?" She'd shrug. It was one of those, or both. "If I remember his story right, Cheddar wus a domestic cat that uh... became him..." She'd gesture relatively randomly, unsure of how to describe it. "The Cheddar we knew, via an explosion from an' experiment gone wrong?" She scratches her head. "Maybe the old man is that master mentor?" She was just thinking out loud with no real end destination or point. Just sharing a thought, wondering if it could be related.
Jirel would be surprised to find herself interested in a couple, but more importantly really wanted Yeshil to have access to all the reading she wanted. Should the Little One show any reserve to buying what she wanted, the giantess would nudge her to not hold back, offering to assist her, or voluntell a more charismatic party member, to attempt to sweet talk a bulk discount for purchasing multiple. And should Yeshil not have enough, Jirel would offer to pay for some. Should she be too prideful to accept the gold, Jirel would buy them for her after to gift later.
(Guide to Vampires
and The Last Unicorn! lolcaught Jirel's attention. But she would be genuinely interested in )Finn
Depending on what item Jirel may or may not have come across, seeing Finn's interest in the bag of holding has her thinking of a way to help him out too. Perhaps there was a compromise to be made here. The bag could be very useful for the group as a whole. Finn did share concerns about Jirel lugging around lbs of silver and the like. So, the giantess would nudge Finn. Pause. Poke him. And then poke him again for good measure to get his attention. She'd grunt, jutting her chin out in the direction of the bag, and maybe potentially the item she spots if it's good and not too expensive. "Dependin' what we can pool together, an' if ya can work that silvertongue o yers without over doin' it, maybe we can get a good (bundle) deal?" Jirel suggests. "If at minimum we git ya that bag, we refill it teh replace the 'investment', kay?" She raises a brow.
(Jirel's essentially suggesting Finn, should we choose to buy it, to agree to use the bag not just for his own gain, but for the group as a whole, and for them to collect what they can along their journey to repay the factions silver (actually probably for future party investments) she's offering to put up to buy the bag instead of filling (for) the cart. She's also offering to help with any haggling/negotiating for price reductions.)
just an unstable unicorn.
Finn is quite boisterous in his cheering for Jirel as she edges out the win and when she is brought up to the podium to get her prize. With his creative use of minor illusion and thaumaturgy he basically gives a bit of a fireworks show above the stage when Jirel is awarded the brooch - Finn spying the color scheme of the item and adjusting his light show to match.
Finn himself is mostly interested in the book on Familiars, mostly due to Mrs. Binklesworth nudging his ankles with her forehead when he notices it. But as Yeshil, and Jirel, are more focused on the books than himself he waits for them to do any purchasing they may wish before he picks through the remainders.
"It would be handy, indeed," Finn says to Jirel in regards to the Bag of Holding, "But I couldn't afford it at a ninety-percent discount. I don't know what kind of personal coin you or the others have but even my charm and wit has limits. We know where to get it though, if the situation changes or new opportunities arise before we leave?"
((The bag is 500 gold and Finn has 35, pending results of some pickpocketing... But those could result in him needing bail money and be a big detriment! Finn of course offers his services to anyone looking to barter on prices but unless someone has a store of wealth they're willing to depart with then he just doesn't see negotiating anyone down that much without magics... And trying to use magics to persuade a merchant who deals in magics seems a bit like tempting fate? I believe Jirel was rightfully protective of the silver and not wanting it used for anything too far from the actual purpose it was given to us for so... Finn's not even suggesting we dip into that.))
The young blonde half-elf gives Finn a grateful nod, accepting the cloak and tucking it into her backpack. She was sincerely impressed with the otherwise seemingly carefree changeling taking such responsibilty for planning ahead. During the day she finds herself missing the time in Waterdeep where money was no problem, but then she silently scolds herself for it, telling herself she would simply have to be better at earning gold and a bit less good at spending it.
If Tylaerys would be around to see Finn being chased she would of course discreetly cause a distraction to help him get away, possibly with magic depending on the severity of the situation, or maybe even turning the changeling invisible if the situation called for that.
If there was haggling to be done, Tylaerys would quickly offer up the service of her own silken tongue to make prices more agreeable.
Tylaerys would join Finn in the cheering and supporting his firworks with some complementary ones of her own as Jirel is declared winner and accepts her reward, then rushing foward to congratulate the blonde giantess by hugging her waist as she steps down from the podium.
Finn:
Jirel:
Axe of the Highlander
When you roll a 20 on an attack with this magical battleaxe, deal an additional 1d6 cold damage to the target.
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
[Haggling (for books, clothes, magic items, etc.) is certainly possible, though not guaranteed to succeed.
Also, Tylaerys can play the mimic game, too. Enhance Ability is fair game as long as she casts it somewhere other than right in front of the people running the game (ie. go down an alley or otherwise do it out of sight.]
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
Although aware it could prove to be a waste of a good spell that could be needed later, Tylaerys can't resist trying on the mimic game just one time, stepping into a nearby dark alley to call upon her draconic heritage to grant her the keen eye of the silver dragon. She then innocently lines up to join the next group of contestants, wondering how far her magic would take her as her silvery eyes scans for the hidden mimic.
Cast Enhance Ability
Perception: 17
A bit drunk on his own luck at pilfering, Finn gets sloppy. As he attempts to slip his hand into one particularly ladies purse she turns right instead of left and the theft turns, unfortunately, into a bit of a grope. He quickly puts his most charming smile upon his face and he is about to go into full on Prince Charming mode and try to turn one situation into another but before he can say a word the woman winds up and smacks Finn across the face. There are stars in his eyes, birds tweeting and flying around his face... And lyrics slapped right into him:
What is this feeling
That's put you in your place?
A hot red burnin' on the side
Of your face
You feel the blood rush
To your cheek
Tears start to fill your eyes
And your lips are trembling
But you can't speak
You're trying, oh, you're trying
Not to cry
You just got slapped
(Ooooh)
Across the face, my friend
(Whoa)
You just got slapped
(Whoa - oh - oh - oh - oh)
Yes, that really just happened
(Whoa - ohohoh - ohoh)
Everybody saw it
And everybody laughed
And clapped
It was awesome, the way you just got
Slapped
Shaking it off and getting his wits about him once more, Finn is pleased that was all that happened. Chagrined and put into his place, at least for now, Finn decides that it's best to call it a day at this point and return to the others... Maybe the box will make it all worth it, he thinks to himself while wandering back to find them. There's definitely something inside it. Once off a crowded street and able to spend some time uninterrupted he hopes to open it and find out just what pleasures it holds.
"Now that may be more helpful than a fancy bag," Finn says with a smile and a nudge to Jirel when he sees her eyeing the axe. "A bit more affordable too..."
Yeshil is interested in all the books. The guide to vampire hunting may turn out to be an amusing read if not entirely accurate, and Jirel seemed interested too. Both the fiction books were going on the pile, as well as the one about familiars. Flicking through the two autobiographies, both looked promising: one chapter about the bard charming an entire den of kobolds with her song; and a chapter in the other book with the biographer writing about his own death. It was tempting, but Yeshil decides to limit herself to the other four books and leave the biographies – that is until Jirel offers to help pay, at which point Yeshil blithely shrugs and accepts, pays the money… then gives Jirel a big, sincere, grateful (and rare) smile as she clutches her new treasures.
(16gp from Yeshil and 9gp from Jirel for the books. Yeshil isn’t much of a haggler.)
Jirel’s information about Cheddar is curious enough, although Yeshil didn’t see any cat-person in the dark warehouse. Although the old man did say something to the effect of having lived several lives, and he was exceptionally nimble… maybe he was the cat stuck in the old man’s body.
Sticking close to the giantess, Yeshil sees the gnome reveal the axe with giant runes on it, and presumes it would be of interest to Jirel. If her remaining 39gp can help to pay the asking price, then Yeshil offers it enthusiastically.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
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
Paying her 1gp, Tylaerys steps into the mock-shop. A few of the other participants call out items (some of which Tylaerys had been suspicious of) but none were correct. As time winds down, the narrows her options down to a wooden cutting board, and a bundle of garlic cloves hanging from the ceiling. Both look irregular, but forced to choose, she goes with the garlic, which looks a little too much like a single, solid item rather than individual cloves. Calling out, "It's the garlic!" she hears the gamemaster ring a bell, and she is declared a winner. To prove the point, the handlers approach with a hook and lift the garlic from its hanger. Tiny pseudopods extend and flail about angrily as the little mimic is disturbed from its perch. While Tylaerys is lead away to the prize booth, the handles pull the curtains and begin rearranging the shop for the next game.
Inside the prize booth, Tylaerys is free to pick from the following options, all worth around 5gp.
[I opened the 'party loot' OOC thread to see what the combined party funds were... and saw it was never updated after being created in 2022. Other than the sack of 3000 sp Jirel's been carrying around and some items I've been keeping an eye on, I'm not really sure what loot you folk have, if its not on your character sheets.]
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
At first Jirel was a little taken aback at the celebration of her win, usually not wanting to make a show of it. However, it did warm her heart that her companions cared enough to show her their excitement for her achievement. She’s never been celebrated before, thus Finn’s exuberant display that was on brand for him, done in his way, did bring a spark of life into her eyes. Then having Tylaerys add to it, then being met by a hug, further tugged at her heartstrings and a hint of a smile tugs at her lips. She’d wrap an arm around her to return it. And post book shopping, the giantess would nod to Yeshil with a reciprocative smile.
Riding on the highs provided by her companions, Jirel was feeling a bit impulsive the moment her honey hues saw the axe. Not only was it a beautiful blade, but it was her opportunity to retire the axe that was used to gut her future, and pick up a replacement to forge a path anew. Then hearing the others whispers of encouragement, it almost felt as if it were meant to be. She looks from the axe to the salesman to note the individual who she was purchasing from. “Deal.”
just an unstable unicorn.
Tylaerys is pleased with the win, she wished the others would have seen her but at least it helped with her confidence. The young half-elf smiles as she sees the t-shirt, thinking about getting it for Jirel, not sure if it would really be appreciated tough. She does sincerely believe Finn might like one of the ostentatious hats to go along with his varying wardrobe though. No one would believe one who was trying to hide would ever wear a hat like that. Choosing the hat and thanking the gamemaster for a good game, the blonde silver-scaled half-elf hurries off to reconvene with the others, cathing up with them as Jirel lifts her new axe, an impressive looking thing that looked good on her. "Hey, wow, cultists beware." She says quietly as her silvery eyes studies the magical battleaxe. "Oh, got this for you Finn, hope you like it." She continues, offering the ostentatious hat to the changeling with a friendly smile.
"Deal?" Finn calls out. "No, no, no, no, no! No deal!"
"That handle looks a bit loose and rotted! I think there's a bit of rust there on the blade... And is that a nick? A nick??" Finn points out to flaws that are most definitely not actually present in the weapon. "I mean I understand you want a souvenir but at that price?? Outrageous!"
Finn then turns to the seller and sees if perhaps he can negotiate a better price... But even as he does he can tell that Jirel most definitely wants the new axe so he won't push too hard as he knows that he cannot ruin this sale for her. So he tries for a better price but is careful not to ask for too much. ((Persuasion? 22))
After doing what he can about the price, Finn turns back to the others and see Tylaerys. "No! You won? Really? Well done!!" He declares with real pleasure. "Was it a guess or did you actually notice something? I screwed up, more focused on the competitors than what I was actually seeing..."
"You tease, you," Finn pouts when presented with the hat. "Making me wear this to hold your win over me?!?" There is a grin on his face though and it is apparent that he appreciates the gesture even if not the hat. It is loud and gaudy and altogether a thing only a tourist should wear. And then only when very, very drunk... The band is colorful, the body paisley patterned and floppy and multicolored feathers sticking out the back from the non-flopped side. Finn put it on immediately and cocked it to one side...
"Yeah, I can totally pull this off!" he declared with confidence and aplomb.
"Of course you can, on you anything looks good Finn." Tylaerys says with a good-natured laugh, clapping her hands together. "I was just lucky though, but seeing you go in there I just couldn't resist having a try. Anyway, that's an impressive looking axe you purchased. Is it enchanted even?" She says excitedly, her attention returning to the magical battle axe Jirel is holding, her slender fingers moving along the shaft, not quite daring to touch the sharp edge.