Tylaerys would be extra vigilant with the couple the team are escorting to the proper authorities in Elturel. Her heart with lighten as the team nears Erlturel, this bastion of good where help for those in need surely will be recieved. As the team crosses with the ferryboat, the young blonde half-elf would pay 2 sp and 5 cp for herself, Shiloh and the couple, also asking the ferryman where to seek an audience with the local leaders of the Order of the Gauntlet in Elturel.
Cheddar pays the ferryman, all the while watching the orbs and what he can see of the city, having lost interest in the couple the party is transporting.
"Ever wonder, why these orbs are here?" he asks out loud. "I know the stories. They are divine light to protect this city but..." Cheddar pauses. "Why?" he asks. "Is it to prevent Thayvian wizards, commanding hordes of undead from marching on the city? Or is there some unseen, unknown threat that plagues its borders?"
[Any who want to try to answer Cheddar's question, make a History check DC 15 or a Religion check DC 12. I presume Cheddar won't make the check, otherwise the question wouldn't have been asked in the first place.]
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
When the wife reconfirms her story, Finn finds herself a bit unsatisfied. She tends to think that even if in a full rage a person would remember something about such a grisly murder. Specially if it is so out of character as it seems. "Are you sure? Could you have been under some charm or magics? You do not seem like the murdering type and not have any memory..." And as Finn asks the question again she casts Command and tells the woman "Remember!"
Finn hands over 20 copper to the ferryman, enough for the remaining partymembers and horses as well as a small tip.
(History and Religion same, rolled in log: 19)
Taking a moment to consider Cheddar's question Finn will think over the information she has on the city and the orb. She has not much of a formal education, not that she paid much attention to anyway, but bards have a way of picking up information about almost everything... Finn will tell the stories of the region and the orbs that she knows. In the telling she will give a couple different viewpoints and point out that often stories and song will be flavored by the performer and she herself makes no judgement on which is the most correct, rather just tries to pick the ones the audience in front of her would most prefer. ((I personally do not know so feel free to provide the information? lol))
Cheddar, watching his companions mull over his questions, finally speaks.
"My questions are rhetorical." he says. "Narratives such as, large orbs from the gods that protect a city, are rarely truthful. I served my master by seeking out secrets and truth for him, whether it came on a scrap of parchment or an item. This, I suspect, would be on his list on a shelf somewhere in his study as a "I want to know"." Cheddar pauses, the says. "But, with these questions come concerns. If this city needs such protection, then opposing forces, both overt and covert, will be active as we enter. I would suggest not to get ourselves intwined within its intrigue or in its locals, outside what we have on our plate at the moment."
Once he is done, Cheddar leans back on Gus and pats his vest pocket. "Ya know Gus. I and Cicero greatly appreciate you toting us this entire way and I think a good stable with water and hay made of wheat and clover are in order." Cheddar pats the mule.
Finn is able to recall the rich and interesting history of ‘The Companion’ as the light is called. It’s a pretty good story, one fit for a traveling bard.
To know the story of the Companion, you need to first know about the Hellriders. An elite city guard/cavalry unit, the Hellriders have existed in Elturel for centuries and have helped the city carve out and secure its kingdom, Elturgard. Their skill, training and too rare equipment has allowed them to keep the roads safe and project power throughout their kingdom. These are still wild lands, and we’re it not for the Hellriders, the kingdom would be a much less civilized place.
You can imagine, then, the strife that unfolded nearly 50 years ago, when the leader of the Hellriders at that time was outed as a vampire. His cover blown, he unleashed his spawn on the city of Elturel and the streets became a slaughterhouse. By day, the surviving Hellriders hunted the vampires, and by night the vampires struck back, and harder.
The city seemed doomed, until the Companion appeared in the sky. A small, second sun, the light from the Companion shone even at night, and its light was just as harmful to the undead as the true sun. Under is power, the Hellriders defeated the vampires and saved the city.
To this day, no faith has clearly made the claim that their god is responsible. A few knightly orders devoted to different faiths have tried to claim it as the work of their deity over the years, but now there is a coalition of knights that spread word of the companion, perform charity, and offer non-denominational praise to whatever higher power is responsible.
Despite no faith having claim to the Companion, priests and knights of Torm were most numerous among the surviving, victorious Hellriders. As a result, the faith of Torm has come to dominate the politics here and Elturel is considered an entire city holy to Torm.
While it shines brightly, the Companion gives off no heat. The nights here are still seasonable in line with the surrounding countryside.
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
Unsurprisingly, Jirel remains quiet along the way. Listening to her group members musings made her reflect on how she was feeling. While she understood how the light can bring warmth and protection, there was the part of her that sided with Cheddar's questioning. The lack of nightfall cycle gave a sense of unnatural balance which left her a little on edge. Approaching, and being within this place, would have her quite uncomfortable. Of course she wouldn't vocally speak of this discomfort. However, she'd grumble, grunt or adjust her posture more frequently than usual.
"Never ask a bard a question if you're not ready to hear a story," Finn chides with a smile and a wink. "But as the story goes, it once needed the protection - decades ago - but these days the city seems safe enough. Least as far as I have heard."
"Though really? Hellriders? And nobody suspected anything?" Finn adds with a light chuckle. "I mean everyone wants a cool name but Hellriders protecting your city? How's that going to turn out good?"
As unusual (or even unnatural) as the Companion may seem to many of you, the people here are accustomed to it as it has been in the sky overhead for most of their entire lives. Some seem to ignore it, while others partake in small symbolic rituals as the real sun sets, genuflecting or making simple hand gestures of support toward the Companion.
The Ferryman is happy to chat. The Order of the Gauntlet doesn't hide its presence. They have members within many of the other knightly orders that have headquarters in town. As he ticks off different locations and temples where the Order of the Gauntlet is known to be found, he mentions a name you recognize... A Pair of Black Antlers.
The name might ring a bell for some of you for other reasons. History DC 12:
The tavern is the largest in Elturel and it has a reputation as something of a 'tourist trap' for adventurers. The walls are said to be adorned with the skulls and horns of many monsters, and it is something of a ritual for adventurers in the southern Sword Coast to make a pilgrimage to the tavern after a successful dungeon delve or monster hunt, to regale the crowd with their tales and have their stories added to the oral traditions of the region.
As it is 'nightfall,' the shops and stores of Elturel are all closed but the taverns and inns are open. You get directions to A Pair of Black Antlers. It is in the northern Dock District, across the road from the Maidensbridge.
Cheddar, you get the impression that Gus is super chill. He seems content to be fed and still drawing breath. If the long road bothers him, he doesn't let on about it.
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.
Tylaerys History: 6
The young blonde half-elf would thank the ferryman for the information and slowly ride on Shiloh through Elturel under the shining beacon of hope to the tavern A Pair of Black Antlers in the northern Dock District. As the team arrives she would see to a stabling for Shiloh if possible and then step inside the tavern, looking around for an obvious Knight of the Gauntlet, and a barman to order food, drink and a room if available. "You okay Jirel?" She quietly asks the blonde giantess with a worried look of her silvery eyes as they arrive at the tavern. "Something seems to be bothering you."
A Pair of Black Antlers sits near a canal that runs through the dock district. It is a long, two-story building of wood frame, with a brick veneer that looks much newer than the rest of the structure. A man at the door directs you to a hitching post along the side. "We're not an inn... we won't be stabling your 'orses." He then makes you wait outside as he checks a chalkboard tablet. After several intoxicated patrons exit, he makes some marks with a piece of white chalk. "Allright... in you go."
[What are you doing with the prisoners?]
The tavern is full to capacity. You have to shoulder your way through the crowd to reach the bar. A few patrons growl in agitation; others give drunken or amorous winks as you all pass.
It is dimly lit and has wood-paneled walls, and the air is thick with smoke from pipes, cigars and rolled cigarettes of tobacco, clove, and other sundry smokeables. Movement is close and maze-like with stone support pillars, wide tables, thick low-hanging beams, and mismatched furniture - much of which looks 'high-end but damaged', perhaps salvaged or looted from old castles and villas.
The walls and pillars are heavily decorated with a wide variety of adventurers' finds, trophies, and assorted paraphernalia. There are weapons, both antique, and scrap. There are shields, some bearing ornate heraldy, others marred and split... and at least one with a Duergar pickaxe lodged in it. There are trophies from a variety of monsters: the bust of a griffon; an ankheg shell; the mounted skull of something large with a bony frill, a beak like a parrot, and three long horns on its face. There ancient maps (though surely not all are actually genuine) purporting to detail castle dungeons, dwarven holds, crypts, and cave systems said to house treasures and covered in corrections, notes, or blood spatters.Most impressive of all was an enormous jet-black colored rack of stag's antlers at least 20' wide for which the tavern was named.They hang on the wall over the very center of the long bar.
There is no music being played, at least at the moment, but the large crowd is producing a dull roar of conversation, argument, and drunken singing. A row of corkwood dartboards line a section of wall, so chewed and savaged by years of gaming that the rings and colors are almost illegible. There is a line waiting for the current players to finish. At a long table, patrons are playing a game involving bouncing coins into buckets and drinking. Its quite a mixed crowd. Men and women of most races are represented here, with ages ranging from ancient dwarves, to two kids in a trenchcoat.
Making your way to the bar, you spot the serving board sign mounted just below the big black antlers. It advertises that the tavern has on offer:
Copper Kettle Ale: 6 cp per tankard or 2 sp per hand keg;
Gentle Giant Stout: 7 cp per tankard or 2 sp, 2cp per hand keg;
Smoked Luskan Barrel Brandy: 2 sp per tallglass
Bartlett Grassfire Cinnamon Whiskey 3 cp per shotglass or 1 sp per tallglass
Wines:
Juniper Estates White 1 sp per tallglass;
Castle Creek Red 1 sp, 5 cp per tallglass;
Chonky Duck Port 2 sp per tallglass
Specialty beverage available upon request
Food:
SMALL PLATES 1 SP; FULL PLATES 2 SP
Salted Biscuits and Onion Cheese;
Grease Fried River Clams;
Gurdats!;
Mini Goat and Onion Pasties
A tall half-elf woman with a pirate hat is tending bar. In between other customers she gives your group a 'what do you need' raised eyebrow.
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
"The Antlers?" Finn asks in an exaggerated tone and a roll of her eyes letting it be clear just what she thinks of the place.
"Still... It is a good place to earn a few coin, either through performing or cards. Let's go."
When they arrive Finn would of course also see about the tending of Chompers and then start thinking about rooms. "The husband needs a bed, and fast," Finn says to Tylaerys before they can even get into the place. "I can see to that just fine but... We putting a guard on those two or...?"
Finn was just as happy to let the two lovebirds scamper off on their own, never to return home if they were smart. But Tylaerys already seems to be looking for someone to turn them over to so....
Cheddar is a bit apprehensive in entering but follows the party in. "This is the best place for a pick pocket to work in." he mentions to the party as he places his money pouch in a harder place to reach.
On the way Jararaka tries to make conversation with the wife, "so, grandpa in Waterdeep, how come you are in that village? Also, you going to write a cheque to thank us for our services?" Though, when she asks her second question, there is enough disbelief in her voice to indicate that she's not putting her bets on suddenly receiving another reward out of the blue.
As the group enters the city, Jararaka also squints at the ever-present light, having never seen anything of the sort before. Hearing the tale of the lights' apparent origin, she raises a brow, "that story's only from, what, the last generation? Seems like a child's first religious tale." But she takes it as the truth for now, having no way to know otherwise.
With Cheddar's reminder once they reach the Antlers, she does hum in agreement and puts a hand over her ratty bag, turning it over so it hangs diagonally in front of her. The trophies do catch her attention and she whistles impressedly, perhaps pushing past people on her way in, but she acts like that's inevitable with her size.
Since Finn seems ready to perform or win some cards again, she taps the changeling on the arm lightly with her tail tip and gives her a little boost. She then turns to the bartender, placing some silver coins on the countertop, "keg o' Giant stout, and a full plate of... gurdats." She rolls the dish name around her mouth, not sure exactly what this is, but she's not picky and has very recently picked up a side hobby of trying out finer, cooked foods. "And some directions to the Order of the Gauntlets?" But just in case, she also glances over her shoulder for a quick scan.
At the directions of the man at the door, Tylaerys ties Shiloh to one of the hitching posts and gets her gear, then turning to Finn. "Yes, you are right, I will make it a priority to find someone to take them both off our hands." She says, then turning to the couple. "I will not lie, you are here in Elturel to be properly investigated and face any just punishment, or be found innocent depending on the findings of the investigation, but any attempt to escape and I will make sure you are both treated as guilty."She says sternly to the wife. "Now stay here and look after your husband and I will be out soon again." She finishes, then going inside the tavern.
Intimidation if needed: 19 Insight to determine if the wife can be trusted to stay put with her husband: 23
Assuming she gets the sense the couple can be left outside, Tylaerys then walks into the tavern. The blonde half-elf smiles briefly at all the paraphernalia around the place but quickly decides it would have to wait til later for closer inspection as she made her way through the crowd and over to the bar, ignoring any attempts from the patrons to make an impression coming her way. As the tall half-elf woman with a pirate hat gives her a 'what do you need' raised eyebrow, Tylaerys steps closer. "Me and my friends have travelled far and would need something to eat and drink, but I have some urgent business to deal with first. Now, can you point me to any Knight of the Gauntlet around here, I have important news from the south to share." She says with a polite but urgent tone, putting a gold coin on the counter to make her point.
"Not my grandfather... my goodfather. My own dad was an orphan in Waterdeep. Eustacious Hornbattle sponsored the orphanage. My dad was quick with numbers and Eustacious let him help with keeping some of his books. They remained close. Later, when my maw and dad were wed, Eustacious gave a sack of coin as a gift and they used it to buy a farm and settle down out here. When I was little, we took a few trips to visit him in Waterdeep... he always wanted me to call him 'Uncle Eustus.' He gave Kevan and I a handsome gift at our own wedding, and we have remained in touch via letters. He's grown old now, but he always said I could call on him if ever there was trouble." For a moment she seems like she might say more, but looking into Jararaka's cold, reptilian eyes she hesitates and falls silent.
The prisoners agree to wait outside. Tylaerys, you don't doubt the woman would be willing to attempt an escape... but she was prepared to offer her life for her husband before and she will not leave him now. He's simply incapable of escape in his condition, and she doesn't look like she could steal a horse, control it, and keep her semi-conscious husband up in the saddle with her. They aren't going anywhere.
Jararaka, your visual search of the bar turns up nothing... it is just too crowded and chaotic. And distracting. Someone pulls out a pair of handaxes at the dart-boards and lays them down as something of a challenge - and the nearby crowd roars in approval.
Both Jararaka and Tylaerys make their requests of the barkeep. She looks around, doesn't appear to see what she is searching for... then she steps up on something behind the bar to see over the crowd. She scans the room, then climbs back down shaking her head. As she passes a plate and handkeg to Jararaka - Gurdats!, you learn, are baked mushrooms stuffed with cheese curds and hot peppers - she shouts over the crowd, "Don't see anyone down and about. Ontharr's office is upstairs." She points to a narrow staircase at the end of the bar and deftly collects the gold coin.
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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.
"Thanks." Tylaerys says with a polite nod and quickly heads for the stairs, swiftly making her way through the crowd, letting the others in the team decide who would prefer to come with her and who would prefer to stay by the bar. She felt some real urgency with giving at least a short report on the events in Greenest and handing over the couple to the proper authorities.
Perception if needed to find the right door upstairs: 20
Finn is less sure that the couple won’t make a reckless run for it, likely at the cost of one or two of the team’s horses, so she reluctantly waits outside with beasts and prisoners alike. She’s eager to go inside and check this place out, perhaps try a trick or two… but they’ll be plenty of time for that. Right?
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Tylaerys would be extra vigilant with the couple the team are escorting to the proper authorities in Elturel. Her heart with lighten as the team nears Erlturel, this bastion of good where help for those in need surely will be recieved. As the team crosses with the ferryboat, the young blonde half-elf would pay 2 sp and 5 cp for herself, Shiloh and the couple, also asking the ferryman where to seek an audience with the local leaders of the Order of the Gauntlet in Elturel.
Persuasion if needed: 17
Cheddar pays the ferryman, all the while watching the orbs and what he can see of the city, having lost interest in the couple the party is transporting.
"Ever wonder, why these orbs are here?" he asks out loud. "I know the stories. They are divine light to protect this city but..." Cheddar pauses. "Why?" he asks.
"Is it to prevent Thayvian wizards, commanding hordes of undead from marching on the city? Or is there some unseen, unknown threat that plagues its borders?"
[Any who want to try to answer Cheddar's question, make a History check DC 15 or a Religion check DC 12. I presume Cheddar won't make the check, otherwise the question wouldn't have been asked in the first place.]
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
Hearing Cheddar's question, Tylaerys tries to recall the story of the Companion, something about...
Religion: 5
Nope, forgotten all about it apparently.
When the wife reconfirms her story, Finn finds herself a bit unsatisfied. She tends to think that even if in a full rage a person would remember something about such a grisly murder. Specially if it is so out of character as it seems. "Are you sure? Could you have been under some charm or magics? You do not seem like the murdering type and not have any memory..." And as Finn asks the question again she casts Command and tells the woman "Remember!"
Finn hands over 20 copper to the ferryman, enough for the remaining partymembers and horses as well as a small tip.
(History and Religion same, rolled in log: 19)
Taking a moment to consider Cheddar's question Finn will think over the information she has on the city and the orb. She has not much of a formal education, not that she paid much attention to anyway, but bards have a way of picking up information about almost everything... Finn will tell the stories of the region and the orbs that she knows. In the telling she will give a couple different viewpoints and point out that often stories and song will be flavored by the performer and she herself makes no judgement on which is the most correct, rather just tries to pick the ones the audience in front of her would most prefer. ((I personally do not know so feel free to provide the information? lol))
Cheddar, watching his companions mull over his questions, finally speaks.
"My questions are rhetorical." he says. "Narratives such as, large orbs from the gods that protect a city, are rarely truthful. I served my master by seeking out secrets and truth for him, whether it came on a scrap of parchment or an item. This, I suspect, would be on his list on a shelf somewhere in his study as a "I want to know"."
Cheddar pauses, the says.
"But, with these questions come concerns. If this city needs such protection, then opposing forces, both overt and covert, will be active as we enter. I would suggest not to get ourselves intwined within its intrigue or in its locals, outside what we have on our plate at the moment."
Once he is done, Cheddar leans back on Gus and pats his vest pocket.
"Ya know Gus. I and Cicero greatly appreciate you toting us this entire way and I think a good stable with water and hay made of wheat and clover are in order." Cheddar pats the mule.
Finn is able to recall the rich and interesting history of ‘The Companion’ as the light is called. It’s a pretty good story, one fit for a traveling bard.
To know the story of the Companion, you need to first know about the Hellriders. An elite city guard/cavalry unit, the Hellriders have existed in Elturel for centuries and have helped the city carve out and secure its kingdom, Elturgard. Their skill, training and too rare equipment has allowed them to keep the roads safe and project power throughout their kingdom. These are still wild lands, and we’re it not for the Hellriders, the kingdom would be a much less civilized place.
You can imagine, then, the strife that unfolded nearly 50 years ago, when the leader of the Hellriders at that time was outed as a vampire. His cover blown, he unleashed his spawn on the city of Elturel and the streets became a slaughterhouse. By day, the surviving Hellriders hunted the vampires, and by night the vampires struck back, and harder.
The city seemed doomed, until the Companion appeared in the sky. A small, second sun, the light from the Companion shone even at night, and its light was just as harmful to the undead as the true sun. Under is power, the Hellriders defeated the vampires and saved the city.
To this day, no faith has clearly made the claim that their god is responsible. A few knightly orders devoted to different faiths have tried to claim it as the work of their deity over the years, but now there is a coalition of knights that spread word of the companion, perform charity, and offer non-denominational praise to whatever higher power is responsible.
Despite no faith having claim to the Companion, priests and knights of Torm were most numerous among the surviving, victorious Hellriders. As a result, the faith of Torm has come to dominate the politics here and Elturel is considered an entire city holy to Torm.
While it shines brightly, the Companion gives off no heat. The nights here are still seasonable in line with the surrounding countryside.
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
Unsurprisingly, Jirel remains quiet along the way. Listening to her group members musings made her reflect on how she was feeling. While she understood how the light can bring warmth and protection, there was the part of her that sided with Cheddar's questioning. The lack of nightfall cycle gave a sense of unnatural balance which left her a little on edge. Approaching, and being within this place, would have her quite uncomfortable. Of course she wouldn't vocally speak of this discomfort. However, she'd grumble, grunt or adjust her posture more frequently than usual.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Never ask a bard a question if you're not ready to hear a story," Finn chides with a smile and a wink. "But as the story goes, it once needed the protection - decades ago - but these days the city seems safe enough. Least as far as I have heard."
"Though really? Hellriders? And nobody suspected anything?" Finn adds with a light chuckle. "I mean everyone wants a cool name but Hellriders protecting your city? How's that going to turn out good?"
As unusual (or even unnatural) as the Companion may seem to many of you, the people here are accustomed to it as it has been in the sky overhead for most of their entire lives. Some seem to ignore it, while others partake in small symbolic rituals as the real sun sets, genuflecting or making simple hand gestures of support toward the Companion.
The Ferryman is happy to chat. The Order of the Gauntlet doesn't hide its presence. They have members within many of the other knightly orders that have headquarters in town. As he ticks off different locations and temples where the Order of the Gauntlet is known to be found, he mentions a name you recognize... A Pair of Black Antlers.
The name might ring a bell for some of you for other reasons. History DC 12:
The tavern is the largest in Elturel and it has a reputation as something of a 'tourist trap' for adventurers. The walls are said to be adorned with the skulls and horns of many monsters, and it is something of a ritual for adventurers in the southern Sword Coast to make a pilgrimage to the tavern after a successful dungeon delve or monster hunt, to regale the crowd with their tales and have their stories added to the oral traditions of the region.
As it is 'nightfall,' the shops and stores of Elturel are all closed but the taverns and inns are open. You get directions to A Pair of Black Antlers. It is in the northern Dock District, across the road from the Maidensbridge.
Cheddar, you get the impression that Gus is super chill. He seems content to be fed and still drawing breath. If the long road bothers him, he doesn't let on about it.
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
Tylaerys History: 6
The young blonde half-elf would thank the ferryman for the information and slowly ride on Shiloh through Elturel under the shining beacon of hope to the tavern A Pair of Black Antlers in the northern Dock District. As the team arrives she would see to a stabling for Shiloh if possible and then step inside the tavern, looking around for an obvious Knight of the Gauntlet, and a barman to order food, drink and a room if available. "You okay Jirel?" She quietly asks the blonde giantess with a worried look of her silvery eyes as they arrive at the tavern. "Something seems to be bothering you."
Perception: 9
A Pair of Black Antlers sits near a canal that runs through the dock district. It is a long, two-story building of wood frame, with a brick veneer that looks much newer than the rest of the structure. A man at the door directs you to a hitching post along the side. "We're not an inn... we won't be stabling your 'orses." He then makes you wait outside as he checks a chalkboard tablet. After several intoxicated patrons exit, he makes some marks with a piece of white chalk. "Allright... in you go."
[What are you doing with the prisoners?]
The tavern is full to capacity. You have to shoulder your way through the crowd to reach the bar. A few patrons growl in agitation; others give drunken or amorous winks as you all pass.
It is dimly lit and has wood-paneled walls, and the air is thick with smoke from pipes, cigars and rolled cigarettes of tobacco, clove, and other sundry smokeables. Movement is close and maze-like with stone support pillars, wide tables, thick low-hanging beams, and mismatched furniture - much of which looks 'high-end but damaged', perhaps salvaged or looted from old castles and villas.
The walls and pillars are heavily decorated with a wide variety of adventurers' finds, trophies, and assorted paraphernalia. There are weapons, both antique, and scrap. There are shields, some bearing ornate heraldy, others marred and split... and at least one with a Duergar pickaxe lodged in it. There are trophies from a variety of monsters: the bust of a griffon; an ankheg shell; the mounted skull of something large with a bony frill, a beak like a parrot, and three long horns on its face. There ancient maps (though surely not all are actually genuine) purporting to detail castle dungeons, dwarven holds, crypts, and cave systems said to house treasures and covered in corrections, notes, or blood spatters. Most impressive of all was an enormous jet-black colored rack of stag's antlers at least 20' wide for which the tavern was named. They hang on the wall over the very center of the long bar.
There is no music being played, at least at the moment, but the large crowd is producing a dull roar of conversation, argument, and drunken singing. A row of corkwood dartboards line a section of wall, so chewed and savaged by years of gaming that the rings and colors are almost illegible. There is a line waiting for the current players to finish. At a long table, patrons are playing a game involving bouncing coins into buckets and drinking. Its quite a mixed crowd. Men and women of most races are represented here, with ages ranging from ancient dwarves, to two kids in a trenchcoat.
Making your way to the bar, you spot the serving board sign mounted just below the big black antlers. It advertises that the tavern has on offer:
Food:
SMALL PLATES 1 SP; FULL PLATES 2 SP
A tall half-elf woman with a pirate hat is tending bar. In between other customers she gives your group a 'what do you need' raised eyebrow.
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 Antlers?" Finn asks in an exaggerated tone and a roll of her eyes letting it be clear just what she thinks of the place.
"Still... It is a good place to earn a few coin, either through performing or cards. Let's go."
When they arrive Finn would of course also see about the tending of Chompers and then start thinking about rooms. "The husband needs a bed, and fast," Finn says to Tylaerys before they can even get into the place. "I can see to that just fine but... We putting a guard on those two or...?"
Finn was just as happy to let the two lovebirds scamper off on their own, never to return home if they were smart. But Tylaerys already seems to be looking for someone to turn them over to so....
Cheddar is a bit apprehensive in entering but follows the party in.
"This is the best place for a pick pocket to work in." he mentions to the party as he places his money pouch in a harder place to reach.
On the way Jararaka tries to make conversation with the wife, "so, grandpa in Waterdeep, how come you are in that village? Also, you going to write a cheque to thank us for our services?" Though, when she asks her second question, there is enough disbelief in her voice to indicate that she's not putting her bets on suddenly receiving another reward out of the blue.
As the group enters the city, Jararaka also squints at the ever-present light, having never seen anything of the sort before. Hearing the tale of the lights' apparent origin, she raises a brow, "that story's only from, what, the last generation? Seems like a child's first religious tale." But she takes it as the truth for now, having no way to know otherwise.
With Cheddar's reminder once they reach the Antlers, she does hum in agreement and puts a hand over her ratty bag, turning it over so it hangs diagonally in front of her. The trophies do catch her attention and she whistles impressedly, perhaps pushing past people on her way in, but she acts like that's inevitable with her size.
Since Finn seems ready to perform or win some cards again, she taps the changeling on the arm lightly with her tail tip and gives her a little boost. She then turns to the bartender, placing some silver coins on the countertop, "keg o' Giant stout, and a full plate of... gurdats." She rolls the dish name around her mouth, not sure exactly what this is, but she's not picky and has very recently picked up a side hobby of trying out finer, cooked foods. "And some directions to the Order of the Gauntlets?" But just in case, she also glances over her shoulder for a quick scan.
guidance for Finn for whatever she wants to do
Perception: 6 (looking for knights of the order, but also any people of interest, maybe dragon-related symbols with all that's going on)
At the directions of the man at the door, Tylaerys ties Shiloh to one of the hitching posts and gets her gear, then turning to Finn. "Yes, you are right, I will make it a priority to find someone to take them both off our hands." She says, then turning to the couple. "I will not lie, you are here in Elturel to be properly investigated and face any just punishment, or be found innocent depending on the findings of the investigation, but any attempt to escape and I will make sure you are both treated as guilty." She says sternly to the wife. "Now stay here and look after your husband and I will be out soon again." She finishes, then going inside the tavern.
Intimidation if needed: 19
Insight to determine if the wife can be trusted to stay put with her husband: 23
Assuming she gets the sense the couple can be left outside, Tylaerys then walks into the tavern. The blonde half-elf smiles briefly at all the paraphernalia around the place but quickly decides it would have to wait til later for closer inspection as she made her way through the crowd and over to the bar, ignoring any attempts from the patrons to make an impression coming her way. As the tall half-elf woman with a pirate hat gives her a 'what do you need' raised eyebrow, Tylaerys steps closer. "Me and my friends have travelled far and would need something to eat and drink, but I have some urgent business to deal with first. Now, can you point me to any Knight of the Gauntlet around here, I have important news from the south to share." She says with a polite but urgent tone, putting a gold coin on the counter to make her point.
Persuasion if needed: 14
"Not my grandfather... my goodfather. My own dad was an orphan in Waterdeep. Eustacious Hornbattle sponsored the orphanage. My dad was quick with numbers and Eustacious let him help with keeping some of his books. They remained close. Later, when my maw and dad were wed, Eustacious gave a sack of coin as a gift and they used it to buy a farm and settle down out here. When I was little, we took a few trips to visit him in Waterdeep... he always wanted me to call him 'Uncle Eustus.' He gave Kevan and I a handsome gift at our own wedding, and we have remained in touch via letters. He's grown old now, but he always said I could call on him if ever there was trouble." For a moment she seems like she might say more, but looking into Jararaka's cold, reptilian eyes she hesitates and falls silent.
The prisoners agree to wait outside. Tylaerys, you don't doubt the woman would be willing to attempt an escape... but she was prepared to offer her life for her husband before and she will not leave him now. He's simply incapable of escape in his condition, and she doesn't look like she could steal a horse, control it, and keep her semi-conscious husband up in the saddle with her. They aren't going anywhere.
Jararaka, your visual search of the bar turns up nothing... it is just too crowded and chaotic. And distracting. Someone pulls out a pair of handaxes at the dart-boards and lays them down as something of a challenge - and the nearby crowd roars in approval.
Both Jararaka and Tylaerys make their requests of the barkeep. She looks around, doesn't appear to see what she is searching for... then she steps up on something behind the bar to see over the crowd. She scans the room, then climbs back down shaking her head. As she passes a plate and handkeg to Jararaka - Gurdats!, you learn, are baked mushrooms stuffed with cheese curds and hot peppers - she shouts over the crowd, "Don't see anyone down and about. Ontharr's office is upstairs." She points to a narrow staircase at the end of the bar and deftly collects the gold coin.
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
"Thanks." Tylaerys says with a polite nod and quickly heads for the stairs, swiftly making her way through the crowd, letting the others in the team decide who would prefer to come with her and who would prefer to stay by the bar. She felt some real urgency with giving at least a short report on the events in Greenest and handing over the couple to the proper authorities.
Perception if needed to find the right door upstairs: 20
Finn is less sure that the couple won’t make a reckless run for it, likely at the cost of one or two of the team’s horses, so she reluctantly waits outside with beasts and prisoners alike. She’s eager to go inside and check this place out, perhaps try a trick or two… but they’ll be plenty of time for that. Right?