Cheddar enters, not too concerned what happens to the couple the party adopted, and makes his way to a spot where he can see and hear things happening. If that happens to be him climbing to the top of some pole, co be it.
Finn finds a quiet spot to lean against a building and observe. It's hard to get used to the nighttime-daylight provided by the companion. Though the city is well lit, the sky above and on the horizon is still black as night. It's as if there were an enormous fire burning in the city somewhere. Some of the businesses here make good use of the extra light. Across the way, warehouses along the canal have workers still busy at what would be night-shifts anywhere else. They are loading and unloading freight from barges.
The man and woman make no attempt to escape. The man has fallen asleep now that the horses have stopped. He shudders occasionally. The woman holds his head in her lap and sits quietly with an expression of resignation on her face. A skilled painter could probably make something with an image like this.
Cheddar nimbly climbs up to one of the low-hanging beams in the tavern and perches there as if he owns the place.
Tylaerys (and anyone following) heads up the staircase to the second floor. It leads to a narrow, carpeted hall. There are several doors, but the one set of double doors with painted black antlers to match the ones downstairs (and from which loud voices can be heard behind) seems the obvious choice. Pushing open the doors, they open into a large parlor. A huge fireplace sits against one wall, warm fire crackling inside. From the scent, this room must be right above the tavern's kitchen - you can smell spice and sauce on the air. There is an ornate desk in one corner, but the room's occupants are seated on cushioned chairs near the fireplace. All three are older human men, wearing dress chain as if preparing for a military parade. Each hold drinks in one hand and smokes in the other, and one is telling a story. He is tall, barrel chested and perhaps 50 years old. His long-ish auburn hair is pulled up in a bun and his beard and mustache are carefully manicured. His wrap is emblazoned with the mailed fist of Torm, and he wears an Order of the Gauntlet symbol on a chain around his wide neck. As he finishes the story, he waves his arms, spilling liquor onto the expensive looking rug. "... and so then the ogre says... 'Hey, where are my feet?'... Aha ha ha ha ha." All three tip their heads back and roar in laughter.
Noticing your arrival, the man nods. "Ah, the more, the merrier. Welcome, welcome. The company in here was growing a bit stale anyway,"he jokes, giving one of the men an elbow.
"And who might you be, to come knocking at this hour?"
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
"I'm sorry for intruding on you at this hour genetlemen but I have dire news from the south." The young blonde half-elf says with an urgent tone, her silvery eyes serious and stern, stepping closer to the men by the fireplace. "I am Tylaerys Silverscale and I was sent here together with some brave adventurers to report from Sir Corwyn. Almost a tenday ago there was an attack on the town of Greenest to the south by the Cult of the Dragon, kobolds and cultists supported by wyverns and a blue dragon. They sacked the town but fortunately most of the townsfolk survived. As we left Greenest, Sir Corwyn and his brothers were about to ride to the cults camp to root them out, but there is a grander scale to this, the cult have red wizard allies and they are in the process of somehow bringing in a reign of evil dragons and their dragon queen. There is a place north of here somewhere, Naerytar, where they have a secret headquarters." She says firmly, pausing briefly before continuing. "I'm afraid there is also another matter, a couple suspected of a murder in a village between here and Greenest that would need to be turned over to the proper authorities as quickly as possible."
Next to Jararaka, the goliath's hand deposits a handful of coin onto the bartop. "Two biscuits an' cheese. Two goat pasties. An' Gurdats! Full plates. Brandy, but a hand keg." Jirel places her order with a nod to the half-elven pirate woman. She added the Gurdats after seeing Jararaka's order. The coin dropped was more than enough, with a generous tip. "Please." She adds with a soft grunt. Honey eyes watch her as she takes the order and as she goes to place it. Eventually, she turns around and leans back on the counter.
Sure enough, while looking over the crowd and trying to spot her fellow companions, Jirel does come to note Finn taking position outside with the couple while Tylaerys runs off upstairs to meet with a man. "So hasty..." The large, very hungry, goliath warrior pinches the bridge of her nose and exhales a soft sigh to hide an almost pout. Of course someone should go keep an eye on her. "Willin' to keep an' eye on my order when it arrives friends?" Jirel practically exchanges a pleading look to Cheddar and Jararaka. She also trusted they could keep an eye on what's going on downstairs, and be within range to assist Finn should something occur. Then, she pulls herself off the counter. "Couldn't even get one bite of cheese first..." The goliath mumbles and grumbles low to herself as she stands herself back up to full height, making her way after their eager little half-elf.
When Tylaerys finds herself in the room, Jirel steps into the doorway and stands with her arms crossed to oversee the exchange. With no desire to interrupt the discussion, Tylaerys could feel her supportive presence at her back. While not personally growling in anger, only Tylaerys could hear the low gurgling grumbles of Jirel's stomach behind her.
Down in the tavern room, Jararaka shepherds the small mountain of plates ordered by Jirel. She and Cheddar witness a pair of bards get into a musical duel. One had hopped up onto a table and begun singing a modified version of the popular tavern song Lord Callum's Calamity, with the words changed to extoll the exploits of his band of traveling companions. The other bard rose to meet him, playing the same melody but just slightly out of harmony with the first, and with his own modified lyrics questioning the pedigree and personal hygiene of the other bard and his mates. Some of the comments cross the line of decency, but for now it seems to be all in good fun, with some of the crowd even singing along.
Upstairs, the mood in the parlor turns solemn as the knights listen to Tylaerys' story.
"Sir Corwyn? Sir Corwyn... Klinger's lad? What in Torm's name was he doing down in Greenest? That one always had a nose for sniffing out trouble." Despite being quite obviously deep in his cups, the tall, barrel chested man listens carefully to the tale.
"Damn,"he says quietly when she is finished. "I received a letter from an old friend warning me of this. Tell me, did you encounter a half-elven monk in Greenest? Scraggly beard? Three-times over more self assured than he has any right to be? Goes by Leosin? He was tracking those raiders. I can't believe he was right about Greenest. I'm going to owe that devil a pound of gold for this one." He pours himself another glass from a decanter on the mantleplace.
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.
Cheddar scours the room looking for a likely accomplice. Preferable a young bar maid that might aid him in his new endeavor. Once he spots someone that might fit the bill he will scurry down from his perch and approach the young woman. He will get her attention then look up to her with the most doleful eyes he can muster. "Excuse me mum, can you help me?" he asks.
A human girl with long hair, braided up in braids so tight that they look like they must be painful, is busy bussing tables of empty mugs and wineglasses when Cheddar approaches her. Her heart melts when he asks for help. "Awww.... Why, aren't you just the cutest little thing! How can I help, you adorable widdle thing?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As Jirel enters the room behind her, Tylaerys turns her head and smiles up at the blonde goliath, the small silvery scales around her right eye and on her bare shoulder twinkling in the light from the fireplace, grateful for the support and company, even taking a half step back to feel comforting presence of her companion as she stands before these Knights of the Gauntlet. Her pointed half-elven ears registers the grumblings of Jirel's empty stomach and she hopes to keep this report brief so they all can have a well-deserved meal downstairs.
"I'm afraid your old friend is gone sir, executed by the cult, or more precisely by their red wizard ally." The young blonde half-elf says in a grim tone. "I will be happy to give you a more extensive and detailed report sir, but me and my companion here are in a dire need for a meal, and I must see to the couple I mentioned. Us escorting them here is highly irregular. You wouldn't know where we could hand them over sir?"She continues with some urgency in her firm voice.
The tall knight pauses in his pour as you deliver the grim news. He sets the decanter back down, looking into his half-filled glass as he listens. The expression on his face darkens. After a pause, he tosses the contents of his glass into the fireplace, which flares up and out with orange flame. His posture stiffens and for a moment it looks like he might throw a chair or something more dramatic, but then he lets out a long sigh. "Boys," he says to the other two knights, "... another time. I have letters to write." With understanding and quiet requests that he keep them informed, the other two finish their drinks quickly and walk out the door - with polite if somewhat slurred courtesy to Jirel - and down the stairs.
The large auburn haired knight has already moved to his desk and is pulling out parchment and ink. "You bring unwelcome news, Tylaerys Silverscale, but news I needed to hear. If you came at Sir Corwyn's request, then you have done so as a favor to the Order of the Gauntlet. My name is Ontharr Frume, Knight of the Order and humble servant of Torm the Valiant. I command the Order here in Elturel, and as long as you stay in the city you will be my guests."
He scribbles off a quick note. "Here. Take this to the Riverbed. It's an inn, half a block past the bridge. They will provide you with rooms and stabling, no charge. Plan on spending a few days here while we get this sorted out."
"Please, leave me for now. Go downstairs, eat, drink, refresh yourselves. Come back and see me tomorrow. I will have more questions about all this, but you've given me enough to know what I must do right now."
Before you leave, he adds, "I'll send someone to collect those prisoners."
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 young blonde half-elf gives the two leaving gentlemen a polite nod, then returning her attention to Ontharr Frume. "I'm sorry to bear such grave news sir, we thank you for your hospitality and will of course do as you say and return here tomorrow for further debriefing on the events down south. Good night sir"Tylaerys says with a firm but polite tone, accepting the note and turning to head downstairs, giving Jirel a nod and a quick smile as they leave.
As she gets back down into the tavern Tylaerys quickly makes her way back outside to Finn and the couple. "Thanks Finn, sorry you had to wait, I've reported to the local commander of the Order of the Gauntlet, Ontharr Frume. We can all go inside now to get something to eat and drink and later we move on to the Riverbed, an inn just past the bridge where we will recieve rooms and stabling."She explains with a warm smile, motioning for Finn to follow her inside.
(If it is possible to move the husband inside, Tylaerys would help him with that, trying to place him somewhere comfortable, otherwise he would need to wait on the horse until moved over to the inn.)
When back inside Tylaerys would order a tallglass of Castle Creek Red and a small plate of Gurdats, then trying to find a decent sized table for the team, giving Jararaka and Finn a wave to make sure they join her eventually, then finally, with a sigh, leaning back in her chair to enjoy her wine and the tasty Gurdats.
"Hmm? Oh!" Finn says in greetings to Tylaerys, having been distracted by the Battle of the Bards. She was sure she could start up a rousing sea shanty and get the crowd on her side and blow them both away if she was inside...
"Oh, no problem," Finn assures. "A quiet night is a welcome change now and again, eh?" She doesn't put much effort into the lie but then again it's not all that big of one. After listening to what has transpired so far Finn makes a counter offer. "Why don't I take the letter and bring the couple and the horses to this Riverbed and get everything all situated. I'll tuck the couple in one of the rooms with instructions for the staff... I can also leave Misses Binklesworth with them so I can look in on them from time to time." The last bit is said in a hushed voice just between the two of them.
"Once all is squared away I can return with the room keys and we won't have that worry hanging over us..."
Assuming no objections Finn will do just as she said, leading all the horses to the inn and using the letter to arrange stabling and rooms. If the inn is multi-leveled she will request one room (at least) on the highest floor and stick the couple in that one. Missess Binklesworth will indeed subtly stay in the room with them and Finn will lock the door and take the key with her (though may not need a key to unlock from the inside...). The staff will be instructed that Ontharr Frume, Knight of the Order, will be sending someone to collect them. Other than them, nobody should be allowed in or out of the room...
If and when that is all complete, Finn will return to the Antlers to join those of her party and see what shenanigans can be had...
((If Ty objects and/or something interferes with the plan and/or it's not a reasonable walking distance from one to the other... Then some retconning may be needed. Though walking distance just means she will return with about half the horses so they can ride back to the rooms together...))
"Are you sure, that would be really nice of you." The young blonde half-elf says with a warm smile, considering joining Finn for a moment but deciding the changeling would be able to get things done without her. "Now, promise to come back here and enjoy yourself with the rest of us as soon as the couple is tucked in at the Riverbed, I think we all deserve a night off now and we couldn't do without some of your entertainment now could we?" She adds with a wink, handing Finn the note from Sir Frume, seeing the changeling and the couple off before heading back inside the tavern.
Looking up at the young woman, Cheddar purrs slightly.
"There is a couple outside, sitting alone and in great need." he tells the young woman. "The woman is fine but her husband...." Cheddar lets that trail off for a moment. "Could you point the way to a healer or doctor that might aid them?"he asks.
The conversation wraps up without incident so with a respectful nod, Jirel returns downstairs. As she does, some old habits die hard. The warrior scans the establishment upon her return to make note of any changes. And if she couldn’t see it, she’d then sniff out her order. The goliath would take her seat with a grunt. Next time, she’s foraging and setting up her trap line. While she can appreciate the others being eager to take initiative and working together to provide, she’s just not made to live off of squirrel alone.
"Thanks for backing me up with those knights up there Jirel. I felt a bit nervous standing in front of an important person like that." Tylaerys says after a while of enjoying her Gurdats with her red wine, briefly laying her hand on the blonde giantess'. "Mm, these are quite good." She says, poppoing another Gurdat into her mouth. "Not sure what happens tomorrow when we meet Sir Frume again but I want to offer my help with investigating the cult." She says after another while, letting the statement hang in the air, looking at Jirel and any who might have joined them.
Jararaka watches the bardic duel, though surprisingly does not become too engaged. Company and genuine entertainment on the road does wonders. She's more amused by Cheddar's use of his feline charms, while taking liberty to try the foods Jirel ordered as well. Eventually when Jirel and Tylaerys comes back down again, she piles the plates onto her long arms and stands up straight, using her height to her advantage to navigate her way to the table.
She sits back down, whistling gladly to hear that they've also got free accommodation on this job. Once Finn gets back and she's satisfied with her meal of snacks, she even gets into the mood of idle chatting. Down a keg of stout, she drapes herself across the chair, long tail curling around chair legs. "What a change, I could do with this sort of food for- forever. Honestly speaking, I was expecting... something worse? To happen. Not really sure what's supposed to happen in these big ol' cities. The thing with Greenest, and then with the couple, really lowered my expectations."
"With the cult... I don't want to deal with them all the time, but hey, if the rewards that good all the time then I might as well." She shrugs affirmatively.
As Finn begins to lead the horses and prisoners away, a pair of figures emerge from the tavern.
It's a pair of clerics. They are out of their armor and in casual clothes, but both wear the holy symbols of Sune prominently. And they've just got that cleric look, you know?
They spot you with the prisoners. Approaching they examine the man. "Are these them? Yeah, this one's in rough shape. I'm not sure there's much we can do for him out here in the street."
"Hmmn," says the other. "Who has got beds these days? Ilmater? We could bring them round there, see what they have to say about it."
The first turns to look at Finn. "We were asked to take care of these two. Are you already taking them somewhere? If not, would you mind giving us a hand getting them to a temple?"
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
While they look like clerics, perhaps even talk like clerics, Finn was never one to take anybody at face value. "Are these who? Who sent you?" Finn asks and studies the two as they answer. (Insight check - 5 )
Assuming they give her the right answers, and unless she feels pretty damn sure they're truthful, Finn will ask again "You were sent by Frume? Yes or no..." and she will cast Command commanding "Truthfully!"
If all checks out Finn advises she was going to put them up in her room until they were sent for. "Honestly I'd rather they go to the temple so I have an open bed for myself," she would admit and do what she can to assist their bringing the couple there. Once that is accomplished, assuming no entanglements, Finn would returned to the Antlers and catch up with the rest...
"Are you saying the heroics we will perform will not be reward enough?" The young blonde half-elf says with a wink and a smile at Jararaka, taking another sip from her tall glass. "I'm so glad you are coming with us though, and I'm sure there will be some suitable reward for your services my friend." She adds, briefly putting her hand on the lizardfolk's. "I hope all goes well for Finn. She's taking the couple to the inn we will be staying at tonight, for free..." She adds to Jararaka again with another wink. "...but she should be back soon I hope. I'm curious to see if she will sing something to us like she did back at Noah’s Mill."She finishes with an excited smile. "If you didn't catch it before we are supposed to meet Sir Frume of the Order of the Gauntlet here tomorrow morning again..." She continues to the lizardfolk "...but tonight we can enjoy ourselves, well-deservedly so." She says, looking up at the blonde giantess beside her, then waving again to make sure Cheddar has seen them at their table.
“I think you knew what you were doing, an’ that you were fine.” Jirel states. “But yer welcome.” Honey eyes look to Tylaerys. Her stomach grumbles as the half-elf enjoys a Gurdat. Her attention flicks to Jararaka who was carrying all the plates over.
Using her long limbs, Jirel helps Jararaka unload all the plates. She shows no hint of fuss over the few missing bites the lizardfolk helped herself too. Once the goliath was finally settled with her helping of food, she’d pass other plates ‘family style’ around for others to help themselves. As she did, she couldn’t help but grunt in agreement to Jararaka’s words for obvious reasons.
“‘Nother meeting. Got it.” She acknowledges the plan.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
just an unstable unicorn.
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Cheddar enters, not too concerned what happens to the couple the party adopted, and makes his way to a spot where he can see and hear things happening. If that happens to be him climbing to the top of some pole, co be it.
Finn finds a quiet spot to lean against a building and observe. It's hard to get used to the nighttime-daylight provided by the companion. Though the city is well lit, the sky above and on the horizon is still black as night. It's as if there were an enormous fire burning in the city somewhere. Some of the businesses here make good use of the extra light. Across the way, warehouses along the canal have workers still busy at what would be night-shifts anywhere else. They are loading and unloading freight from barges.
The man and woman make no attempt to escape. The man has fallen asleep now that the horses have stopped. He shudders occasionally. The woman holds his head in her lap and sits quietly with an expression of resignation on her face. A skilled painter could probably make something with an image like this.
Cheddar nimbly climbs up to one of the low-hanging beams in the tavern and perches there as if he owns the place.
Tylaerys (and anyone following) heads up the staircase to the second floor. It leads to a narrow, carpeted hall. There are several doors, but the one set of double doors with painted black antlers to match the ones downstairs (and from which loud voices can be heard behind) seems the obvious choice. Pushing open the doors, they open into a large parlor. A huge fireplace sits against one wall, warm fire crackling inside. From the scent, this room must be right above the tavern's kitchen - you can smell spice and sauce on the air. There is an ornate desk in one corner, but the room's occupants are seated on cushioned chairs near the fireplace. All three are older human men, wearing dress chain as if preparing for a military parade. Each hold drinks in one hand and smokes in the other, and one is telling a story. He is tall, barrel chested and perhaps 50 years old. His long-ish auburn hair is pulled up in a bun and his beard and mustache are carefully manicured. His wrap is emblazoned with the mailed fist of Torm, and he wears an Order of the Gauntlet symbol on a chain around his wide neck. As he finishes the story, he waves his arms, spilling liquor onto the expensive looking rug. "... and so then the ogre says... 'Hey, where are my feet?'... Aha ha ha ha ha." All three tip their heads back and roar in laughter.
Noticing your arrival, the man nods. "Ah, the more, the merrier. Welcome, welcome. The company in here was growing a bit stale anyway," he jokes, giving one of the men an elbow.
"And who might you be, to come knocking at this hour?"
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
"I'm sorry for intruding on you at this hour genetlemen but I have dire news from the south." The young blonde half-elf says with an urgent tone, her silvery eyes serious and stern, stepping closer to the men by the fireplace. "I am Tylaerys Silverscale and I was sent here together with some brave adventurers to report from Sir Corwyn. Almost a tenday ago there was an attack on the town of Greenest to the south by the Cult of the Dragon, kobolds and cultists supported by wyverns and a blue dragon. They sacked the town but fortunately most of the townsfolk survived. As we left Greenest, Sir Corwyn and his brothers were about to ride to the cults camp to root them out, but there is a grander scale to this, the cult have red wizard allies and they are in the process of somehow bringing in a reign of evil dragons and their dragon queen. There is a place north of here somewhere, Naerytar, where they have a secret headquarters." She says firmly, pausing briefly before continuing. "I'm afraid there is also another matter, a couple suspected of a murder in a village between here and Greenest that would need to be turned over to the proper authorities as quickly as possible."
Next to Jararaka, the goliath's hand deposits a handful of coin onto the bartop. "Two biscuits an' cheese. Two goat pasties. An' Gurdats! Full plates. Brandy, but a hand keg." Jirel places her order with a nod to the half-elven pirate woman. She added the Gurdats after seeing Jararaka's order. The coin dropped was more than enough, with a generous tip. "Please." She adds with a soft grunt. Honey eyes watch her as she takes the order and as she goes to place it. Eventually, she turns around and leans back on the counter.
Sure enough, while looking over the crowd and trying to spot her fellow companions, Jirel does come to note Finn taking position outside with the couple while Tylaerys runs off upstairs to meet with a man. "So hasty..." The large, very hungry, goliath warrior pinches the bridge of her nose and exhales a soft sigh to hide an almost pout. Of course someone should go keep an eye on her. "Willin' to keep an' eye on my order when it arrives friends?" Jirel practically exchanges a pleading look to Cheddar and Jararaka. She also trusted they could keep an eye on what's going on downstairs, and be within range to assist Finn should something occur. Then, she pulls herself off the counter. "Couldn't even get one bite of cheese first..." The goliath mumbles and grumbles low to herself as she stands herself back up to full height, making her way after their eager little half-elf.
When Tylaerys finds herself in the room, Jirel steps into the doorway and stands with her arms crossed to oversee the exchange. With no desire to interrupt the discussion, Tylaerys could feel her supportive presence at her back. While not personally growling in anger, only Tylaerys could hear the low gurgling grumbles of Jirel's stomach behind her.
just an unstable unicorn.
Down in the tavern room, Jararaka shepherds the small mountain of plates ordered by Jirel. She and Cheddar witness a pair of bards get into a musical duel. One had hopped up onto a table and begun singing a modified version of the popular tavern song Lord Callum's Calamity, with the words changed to extoll the exploits of his band of traveling companions. The other bard rose to meet him, playing the same melody but just slightly out of harmony with the first, and with his own modified lyrics questioning the pedigree and personal hygiene of the other bard and his mates. Some of the comments cross the line of decency, but for now it seems to be all in good fun, with some of the crowd even singing along.
Upstairs, the mood in the parlor turns solemn as the knights listen to Tylaerys' story.
"Sir Corwyn? Sir Corwyn... Klinger's lad? What in Torm's name was he doing down in Greenest? That one always had a nose for sniffing out trouble." Despite being quite obviously deep in his cups, the tall, barrel chested man listens carefully to the tale.
"Damn," he says quietly when she is finished. "I received a letter from an old friend warning me of this. Tell me, did you encounter a half-elven monk in Greenest? Scraggly beard? Three-times over more self assured than he has any right to be? Goes by Leosin? He was tracking those raiders. I can't believe he was right about Greenest. I'm going to owe that devil a pound of gold for this one." He pours himself another glass from a decanter on the mantleplace.
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
Cheddar scours the room looking for a likely accomplice. Preferable a young bar maid that might aid him in his new endeavor. Once he spots someone that might fit the bill he will scurry down from his perch and approach the young woman. He will get her attention then look up to her with the most doleful eyes he can muster.
"Excuse me mum, can you help me?" he asks.
Performance: 20
A human girl with long hair, braided up in braids so tight that they look like they must be painful, is busy bussing tables of empty mugs and wineglasses when Cheddar approaches her. Her heart melts when he asks for help. "Awww.... Why, aren't you just the cutest little thing! How can I help, you adorable widdle thing?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As Jirel enters the room behind her, Tylaerys turns her head and smiles up at the blonde goliath, the small silvery scales around her right eye and on her bare shoulder twinkling in the light from the fireplace, grateful for the support and company, even taking a half step back to feel comforting presence of her companion as she stands before these Knights of the Gauntlet. Her pointed half-elven ears registers the grumblings of Jirel's empty stomach and she hopes to keep this report brief so they all can have a well-deserved meal downstairs.
"I'm afraid your old friend is gone sir, executed by the cult, or more precisely by their red wizard ally." The young blonde half-elf says in a grim tone. "I will be happy to give you a more extensive and detailed report sir, but me and my companion here are in a dire need for a meal, and I must see to the couple I mentioned. Us escorting them here is highly irregular. You wouldn't know where we could hand them over sir?" She continues with some urgency in her firm voice.
The tall knight pauses in his pour as you deliver the grim news. He sets the decanter back down, looking into his half-filled glass as he listens. The expression on his face darkens. After a pause, he tosses the contents of his glass into the fireplace, which flares up and out with orange flame. His posture stiffens and for a moment it looks like he might throw a chair or something more dramatic, but then he lets out a long sigh. "Boys," he says to the other two knights, "... another time. I have letters to write." With understanding and quiet requests that he keep them informed, the other two finish their drinks quickly and walk out the door - with polite if somewhat slurred courtesy to Jirel - and down the stairs.
The large auburn haired knight has already moved to his desk and is pulling out parchment and ink. "You bring unwelcome news, Tylaerys Silverscale, but news I needed to hear. If you came at Sir Corwyn's request, then you have done so as a favor to the Order of the Gauntlet. My name is Ontharr Frume, Knight of the Order and humble servant of Torm the Valiant. I command the Order here in Elturel, and as long as you stay in the city you will be my guests."
He scribbles off a quick note. "Here. Take this to the Riverbed. It's an inn, half a block past the bridge. They will provide you with rooms and stabling, no charge. Plan on spending a few days here while we get this sorted out."
"Please, leave me for now. Go downstairs, eat, drink, refresh yourselves. Come back and see me tomorrow. I will have more questions about all this, but you've given me enough to know what I must do right now."
Before you leave, he adds, "I'll send someone to collect those prisoners."
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 young blonde half-elf gives the two leaving gentlemen a polite nod, then returning her attention to Ontharr Frume. "I'm sorry to bear such grave news sir, we thank you for your hospitality and will of course do as you say and return here tomorrow for further debriefing on the events down south. Good night sir" Tylaerys says with a firm but polite tone, accepting the note and turning to head downstairs, giving Jirel a nod and a quick smile as they leave.
As she gets back down into the tavern Tylaerys quickly makes her way back outside to Finn and the couple. "Thanks Finn, sorry you had to wait, I've reported to the local commander of the Order of the Gauntlet, Ontharr Frume. We can all go inside now to get something to eat and drink and later we move on to the Riverbed, an inn just past the bridge where we will recieve rooms and stabling." She explains with a warm smile, motioning for Finn to follow her inside.
(If it is possible to move the husband inside, Tylaerys would help him with that, trying to place him somewhere comfortable, otherwise he would need to wait on the horse until moved over to the inn.)
When back inside Tylaerys would order a tallglass of Castle Creek Red and a small plate of Gurdats, then trying to find a decent sized table for the team, giving Jararaka and Finn a wave to make sure they join her eventually, then finally, with a sigh, leaning back in her chair to enjoy her wine and the tasty Gurdats.
"Hmm? Oh!" Finn says in greetings to Tylaerys, having been distracted by the Battle of the Bards. She was sure she could start up a rousing sea shanty and get the crowd on her side and blow them both away if she was inside...
"Oh, no problem," Finn assures. "A quiet night is a welcome change now and again, eh?" She doesn't put much effort into the lie but then again it's not all that big of one. After listening to what has transpired so far Finn makes a counter offer. "Why don't I take the letter and bring the couple and the horses to this Riverbed and get everything all situated. I'll tuck the couple in one of the rooms with instructions for the staff... I can also leave Misses Binklesworth with them so I can look in on them from time to time." The last bit is said in a hushed voice just between the two of them.
"Once all is squared away I can return with the room keys and we won't have that worry hanging over us..."
Assuming no objections Finn will do just as she said, leading all the horses to the inn and using the letter to arrange stabling and rooms. If the inn is multi-leveled she will request one room (at least) on the highest floor and stick the couple in that one. Missess Binklesworth will indeed subtly stay in the room with them and Finn will lock the door and take the key with her (though may not need a key to unlock from the inside...). The staff will be instructed that Ontharr Frume, Knight of the Order, will be sending someone to collect them. Other than them, nobody should be allowed in or out of the room...
If and when that is all complete, Finn will return to the Antlers to join those of her party and see what shenanigans can be had...
((If Ty objects and/or something interferes with the plan and/or it's not a reasonable walking distance from one to the other... Then some retconning may be needed. Though walking distance just means she will return with about half the horses so they can ride back to the rooms together...))
"Are you sure, that would be really nice of you." The young blonde half-elf says with a warm smile, considering joining Finn for a moment but deciding the changeling would be able to get things done without her. "Now, promise to come back here and enjoy yourself with the rest of us as soon as the couple is tucked in at the Riverbed, I think we all deserve a night off now and we couldn't do without some of your entertainment now could we?" She adds with a wink, handing Finn the note from Sir Frume, seeing the changeling and the couple off before heading back inside the tavern.
(Thanks Kaemgen :-)
Looking up at the young woman, Cheddar purrs slightly.
"There is a couple outside, sitting alone and in great need." he tells the young woman. "The woman is fine but her husband...." Cheddar lets that trail off for a moment.
"Could you point the way to a healer or doctor that might aid them?" he asks.
The conversation wraps up without incident so with a respectful nod, Jirel returns downstairs. As she does, some old habits die hard. The warrior scans the establishment upon her return to make note of any changes. And if she couldn’t see it, she’d then sniff out her order. The goliath would take her seat with a grunt. Next time, she’s foraging and setting up her trap line. While she can appreciate the others being eager to take initiative and working together to provide, she’s just not made to live off of squirrel alone.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Thanks for backing me up with those knights up there Jirel. I felt a bit nervous standing in front of an important person like that." Tylaerys says after a while of enjoying her Gurdats with her red wine, briefly laying her hand on the blonde giantess'. "Mm, these are quite good." She says, poppoing another Gurdat into her mouth. "Not sure what happens tomorrow when we meet Sir Frume again but I want to offer my help with investigating the cult." She says after another while, letting the statement hang in the air, looking at Jirel and any who might have joined them.
Jararaka watches the bardic duel, though surprisingly does not become too engaged. Company and genuine entertainment on the road does wonders. She's more amused by Cheddar's use of his feline charms, while taking liberty to try the foods Jirel ordered as well. Eventually when Jirel and Tylaerys comes back down again, she piles the plates onto her long arms and stands up straight, using her height to her advantage to navigate her way to the table.
She sits back down, whistling gladly to hear that they've also got free accommodation on this job. Once Finn gets back and she's satisfied with her meal of snacks, she even gets into the mood of idle chatting. Down a keg of stout, she drapes herself across the chair, long tail curling around chair legs. "What a change, I could do with this sort of food for- forever. Honestly speaking, I was expecting... something worse? To happen. Not really sure what's supposed to happen in these big ol' cities. The thing with Greenest, and then with the couple, really lowered my expectations."
"With the cult... I don't want to deal with them all the time, but hey, if the rewards that good all the time then I might as well." She shrugs affirmatively.
Finn:
As Finn begins to lead the horses and prisoners away, a pair of figures emerge from the tavern.
It's a pair of clerics. They are out of their armor and in casual clothes, but both wear the holy symbols of Sune prominently. And they've just got that cleric look, you know?
They spot you with the prisoners. Approaching they examine the man. "Are these them? Yeah, this one's in rough shape. I'm not sure there's much we can do for him out here in the street."
"Hmmn," says the other. "Who has got beds these days? Ilmater? We could bring them round there, see what they have to say about it."
The first turns to look at Finn. "We were asked to take care of these two. Are you already taking them somewhere? If not, would you mind giving us a hand getting them to a temple?"
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
While they look like clerics, perhaps even talk like clerics, Finn was never one to take anybody at face value. "Are these who? Who sent you?" Finn asks and studies the two as they answer. (Insight check - 5 )
Assuming they give her the right answers, and unless she feels pretty damn sure they're truthful, Finn will ask again "You were sent by Frume? Yes or no..." and she will cast Command commanding "Truthfully!"
If all checks out Finn advises she was going to put them up in her room until they were sent for. "Honestly I'd rather they go to the temple so I have an open bed for myself," she would admit and do what she can to assist their bringing the couple there. Once that is accomplished, assuming no entanglements, Finn would returned to the Antlers and catch up with the rest...
"Are you saying the heroics we will perform will not be reward enough?" The young blonde half-elf says with a wink and a smile at Jararaka, taking another sip from her tall glass. "I'm so glad you are coming with us though, and I'm sure there will be some suitable reward for your services my friend." She adds, briefly putting her hand on the lizardfolk's. "I hope all goes well for Finn. She's taking the couple to the inn we will be staying at tonight, for free..." She adds to Jararaka again with another wink. "...but she should be back soon I hope. I'm curious to see if she will sing something to us like she did back at Noah’s Mill." She finishes with an excited smile. "If you didn't catch it before we are supposed to meet Sir Frume of the Order of the Gauntlet here tomorrow morning again..." She continues to the lizardfolk "...but tonight we can enjoy ourselves, well-deservedly so." She says, looking up at the blonde giantess beside her, then waving again to make sure Cheddar has seen them at their table.
“I think you knew what you were doing, an’ that you were fine.” Jirel states. “But yer welcome.” Honey eyes look to Tylaerys. Her stomach grumbles as the half-elf enjoys a Gurdat. Her attention flicks to Jararaka who was carrying all the plates over.
Using her long limbs, Jirel helps Jararaka unload all the plates. She shows no hint of fuss over the few missing bites the lizardfolk helped herself too. Once the goliath was finally settled with her helping of food, she’d pass other plates ‘family style’ around for others to help themselves. As she did, she couldn’t help but grunt in agreement to Jararaka’s words for obvious reasons.
“‘Nother meeting. Got it.” She acknowledges the plan.
just an unstable unicorn.