This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
That was the plan…
Jirel exhales a breath with a grunt. She undoes a clasp or two and her extra furs and gear just falls to the ground. Nothing positive was flowing through her mind and a lot of wind left her sails from it. But this is what she wanted, right?
The goliath steps up to find no axes, so she grabs a maul. About to attempt to psych herself up and channel a roar of her own, she hears the loud thunderous roar of a dragon. Muscles tense. Then directed to attack, Jirel grips her weapon. She goes.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
19, 20, 9
11
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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
In the melee, Finn's trickery goes off as planned. The roar and the trembling startles the four knights, causing two of them to come out of their stances. It becomes a melee in the purest sense, a chaotic mass of wooden weapons and flailing, tumbling bodies. Misses Binklesworth of the Twilight Binklesworths wanders between the feet of the knights, dispassionately disrupting footwork. Where Jararaka fails to shove a knight to the ground, she recovers enough to ram the point of her wooden shortsword into the chainmail protecting his groin, dropping him with a loud Oooof. Jirel and Ontharr both charge in, swinging away.
In the end, all four of the halberd knights are disarmed. Finn and Jararaka work up a sweat but have no bruises to speak of. Both Jirel and Ontharr took a walloping from the knights before they fell, though they are sore rather than wounded.
One of the knights kicks some sand in Ontharr's direction. "That was a foul, sir. We train with respect for one another... I had thought bar room tricks were beneath a man of your rank and status."
Ontharr laughs, a deep rumbling sound. "Aye, that may have been a tad un-knightly of us. But this is training, Gadford. Training to teach you how to fight. Not every fight will play out like a tournament match. Do you suspect a warlock and his bugbear thugs will bow in salute before taking up arms against you? You have to be ready for anything." Despite his outward support, Ontharr later says, more quietly, "That was probably a mistake." As he rubs a bruised shoulder, "I'm likely to see a written complaint from the order over that little fiasco. Hah."
At the archery range, Tylaerys outscores her opponent in all three rounds. For the last, well behind, the knight walks off another 15 paces, firing from the maximum effective range of his crossbow hoping for a lucky, theatric shot. Though he touches the target, it is not enough to overcome Tylaerys' scores.
While the others are busy skirmishing in the courtyard, Cheddar wanders off to explore the rest of the High Hall. The main floor of the High Hall is a grand alabaster cathedral dedicated to Torm, the god of courage and self-sacrifice. Decorated with beautiful paintings, statues, and other works that depict the strength and valor of Elturel’s people, the cathedral is lit by a kaleidoscope of light pouring through more than a dozen massive stained glass windows.
A spiral stone staircase leads down into the ancient crypts below the cathedral, while other smaller stairs lead up, where long halls in the upper floors of the High Hall open into the offices of the many government officials of the city.
Throughout the High Hall, people move about, acolytes, priests, orderlies, pages, and scribes, busying themselves with the work of Torm and of Elturel.
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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
"You are right," Finn says to the knight known as Gadford, pouring on th charm as best she can to soothe any bruised egos. (Persuasion a mere 11...) "I apologize. I meant no offense to you and yours, who I have nothing but respect for. Instead I was trying to prove a point to Sir Frume here... That my friends and I are... Unconventional combatants. Not suited to stand the line and have the discipline to await the oncoming horde like you and your comrades."
"We would be happy to have another go at it by your rules, if you wish. No trickery. No deception. My friends, I suspect, would enjoy another chance to to unleash... Me, on the other hand, won't be nearly a threat if I must play it fair."
The knights decline Finn's generous offer of a rematch. While the combatants remove armor and tend to bruises and scrapes, squires bring out several tables and serve a lunch in the courtyard. Its a peppered chicken stew served with half-loaves of bread in place of spoons. Having worked up an appetite, most of the knights move over to the buffet, any hard feelings forgotten, at least momentarily.
While you eat, Ontharr thanks you all for indulging him by letting him see you in action. He asks you to remain in town for a few more days until he can get answers to some of the messages he sent out after you arrived. He offers to continue to put you up in the Riverbed until then.
[The party has two and a half days of down time in Elturel. This is more than enough time to visit all the shops in the city if you like. Or get up to other shenanigans if you are so inclined.
Even with lodgings taken care of, eating and drinking in the city is expensive.
For each of you:
If you look to be frugal, food and drink over the next two days costs 1gp, 5sp (total over the several days)
If you treat yourself a bit to food and drink, 3gp, 2sp
If you tear up the town, fine dining, top shelf booze, bottle service, 9gp, 4sp
As far as shopping, most mundane items from PhB can be found in town, though prices vary. More exotic items might turn up, though less likely. If there is something you want, let the DM know and I will advise if it is available and at what cost. Jararaka, I recall you wanted thieves tools. These aren't just advertised for sale, but there are always ways to find them. How do YOU try to find them?
I think some PCs were thinking about clothes shopping? Someone mentioned looking for something cute. A high quality, custom tailored outfit can be made for 15gp (markup due to getting it finished quickly). 'Off the rack' clothing can be found for much less, and there is a second hand shop in Elturel if that is even more your style.
Otherwise let you PC's relax, wander the town, see the sights, stare vacantly at the false sun... And the story will resume on the morning of the 3rd day. ]
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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
With no tasks for several days and some coin in her pocket, Finn will live it up. She'll easily drop 10gp in just expenses... Finn will spend her late nights at the Black Antlers (or other well suited bar or tavern) and sleep in until the others are dragging her out of bed. Finn will of course join others on shopping excursions and other outings but she's generally just getting started when the others are getting ready to call it a night. Cards. Songs. Socializing! Oh my!!
In between it all she will of course partake in any and all party activities - Shopping, eating, grousing about the weird suns, just exercising the horses. Finn is up for it all... Just... Not too early in the morning.
Shopping wise, Finn Ooohs and Aaaahs over outfits Tylaerys tries on and considers (and Jirel and Jararaka as well, of course! Finn just suspects J&J are more frugal and austere. If proven wrong, Finn will deftly switch over to gushing over how pretty their choices are as well.) She's happily going in and through all the shops and stands and stalls that everyone wants to check out. She herself is looking for a fiddle... If she finds one she can afford at the time.
Finn will also keep an eye out for a seller of magical items & potions. She is fully not expecting to be able to afford anything at this places (unless she does insanely well at cards!) but it would be handy to know where such are located. Just in case. If Finn catches wind that Jararaka is looking for thieve's tools she would discreetly suggest he could inquire with those two shady fellows we saw at the Antlers on the first night... If they are still in town. Otherwise Finn would happily keep an ear to the ground on her late night carousing escapades and discreetly make an inquiry or two if she sees anyone she thinks may know.
10 gp deducted from Finn for living the good life. That leaves Finn with just over 60 gold left. Each night out gambling and singing she is willing to lose all but say 10ish. She's a gambler but she doesn't wanat to be flat broke. She will mostly play the games straight but if she gets too broke too quick she is willing to cheat... Sleight of Hand, Minor Illusion to change a card to be another card and/or having Misses Binklesworth position herself so Finn can close here eyes for a minute and look through the familiar's instead to see her opponents cards. :)
Cheddar will spend time looking for some sort of library or archive. First with the knights then with the priests then within the town proper. There isn't too much he is specifically looking for but any records of dragons, dragon cults and magic will peak his interest. If there is a book or scroll of knowledge that he wants to study further but doesn't have permission or the time, he will try and steal it.
Tylaerys would indeed find a tailor to get a high quality, green custom tailored dress for special occasions and maybe even some small but tasteful jewelry. She would treat herself to good food and drink, stay at the Riverbed Inn and otherwise stay around the others but also take Shiloh for a ride each day along the river. Finally she would do some looking into the mysterious gold coin she got in Greenest. She would spend her evenings at the Black Antlers, appreciating the entertainment, but would retire much earlier than Finn.
(Spending 15 gp on the dress, up to 50 gp on jewelry, 3 gp and 2 sp for food and drink. Any rolls for checking the coin?)
((Speaking of things from Greenest… amongst the loot from someone we searched was “A brass signet ring with gems cut to resemble a cat's eye” - Finn has been wearing it a while now. It anything but decoration? Assuming not but…))
Jararaka grins with all teeth as she knocks down one of the knights and gets out of the fight unscathed. She makes a comment about how nobody would listen if you ask them to avoid the face in a real fight, and is distracted by the stew soon enough.
In the following day, she does join the others on clothes shopping, but most of the garments will probably not be made for her physique, she looks for a simple traveling cloak that she could throw on.
In the evenings, Jararaka returns to the Antler to join the group there for idle conversation as they wait for an update from Ontharr Frume. She does listen to Finn's advice and looks for the two rogue fellows to see if they have an extra set of thieves' tools they are willing to part with.
But regardless of whether she could find a set there, Jararaka throws on her new cloak and spends the rest of her time walking around the city looking for an environment she's slightly more familiar with. Something like a unassuming but well-trodden back alley, or a seedy tavern squeezed in-between buildings. The items sold on the streets is eye-catching on the first day but they become predictable very quickly. She looks for a way to the less legally-recognised businesses, for both interesting items and information you don't hear on the ever-lit side of the city.
The things Jararaka is is attempting:
buying a cloak at the tailors
asking the rogues we met at the Antlers if they have extra thieves' tools for sale
trying to find the black market (mainly for potions and thieves' tools if she couldn't get some from the rogues, since she only has 200 gold or so, but won't complain if she could find something more magical using a non-ritual detect magic lol) and look for a criminal contact who could give her some more information (such as leads on cult presence) about this city
I've already subtracted the living costs, let me know how much the cloak and thieves' tools are (assuming she could find them)! also let me know if you need me to roll anything!
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
Jirel wouldn’t fuss much about the bumps and bruises she received. Every hit toughens her hide. She found herself glad that she didn’t unleash her wrath against these honourable knights and appreciated training with them. The warrior would bow her head to them before joining them for their meal.
Train. Work. Fight. Rest. Repeat. Of course she’d eat. That was Jirel’s plan.
So, when asked to remain for a few days the goliath would commit herself in that routine. With the knights declining Finn’s offer to continue sparring earlier, Jirel would try her own hand at reaching out. “May I share yer training space?” Even if they may not desire to train with her, or fight her, she at least wanted to respectfully ask permission to use the training grounds and equipment. The goliath would like to take advantage of the space while she had access to one, and fully intended to do so.
Training Jirel would take to the grounds. Each time she did, she went in with the intention to completely let loose and tear up the grounds. She’d treat it much like she did the wilderness back home. Training with great weapons, the warrior would unleash her fury upon training dummies and showing no mercy, she’d send wood splintering as she does.
‘Work’ (training?) Then when Jirel’s anger would start to run out of steam, she stops. That’s when she shifts gears and sets herself to work. She cleans up the destruction left behind in her wake, and would labour to make it right. The goliath would first gather materials, then set out to repair, or replace, what she damaged. Of course she didn’t expect any compensation for this work. What she could hope for was to gain knowledge and experience towards a new skill. Because what was a warrior when the fighting was done?
Fighting It was then, when she was calmed, that Jirel was ready to fight another. It was then, when she was clearheaded, that the warrior could control her temper. It was then, when she was hungry, that the goliath was ready for competition with an opponent. It was then, when she felt the spark of playfulness, the woman wanted to wrestle.
Rest Win or lose, after it all, Jirel would be hor…ribly horribly hungry, and ready to heal. This is where she wouldn’t be frugal. The goliath would splurge on healthy quantities of good food and drink, treating those who’d lend their time and skill to her. And after it all, should she be able to find one, Jirel would hope to soak away all her end of day aches and pains at a bathhouse.
(While note necessarily going for fine dining or top shelf drink for 3 days, she would ‘gorge’ and treat those around her. Therefore going with the -9gp 4sp)
Downtime
(Don’t know if it’s possible to train in 3 days, or to log hours/put it towards training a feat/skill over time, might be asking to fit too much… but tossing the thought/ask…) (Training: Great Weapon Master Feat? Willing to spend 25g w/ markup etc. as per downtime for resources etc.) (‘Work’-Training?: Not looking to work as in downtime work, but to flavour it as training for Carpentry or Woodcarving? Ie. replacing/repair training dummies and weapons now in Eltherel and she did assist carpenters/craftsmen in Greenest as well. Willing to spend 25g w/ markup etc. as per downtime for resources etc.) (Fighting: Pitfighting?)
PS: apologies for the delays. Been feeling under the weather, fighting a fever etc.
You are able to treat yourself to the tailoring of a custom-fit green evening gown for 15gp. It's not the sort of thing to wear on the trails but should there be any formal dinners or diplomatic engagements in your future, you will not feel under-dressed. The tailor directs you to a local jeweler who is able to set you up with a necklace, bracelet and ring to match, using green tourmaline, the 'poor man's emerald.' Gold is out of your price range, but a silver-mounted set can be arranged for 50 gp.
Finn Downtime:
You have absolutely no luck finding any magical items or potions for sale in Elturel. What few leads you pick up turn out to be knockoffs or outright forgeries. Likewise, you can't learn anything about this signet ring. It is a mundane ring, the type used for stamping the wax seal on parchment. The particular cat's eye design is interesting and uncommon but not unique and you can't pin it down to any noble house or merchant.
You do track down a fiddle in a second-hand shop. The instrument was well cared for but also well used. It is on sale for 24 gp. [If you elect to purchase it, add a lute and just rename it to fiddle on Finn's character sheet.]
Your gambling hot streak continues. You are able to cheat for fun, rather than out of necessity. Things are running so well, that by the third night, you decide its in your best interest to dump a little coin back with some small intentional losses, as the good will of the other patrons and gamblers was beginning to sour on you. Even so, over your time at the tables you win 29 gp, 4 sp.
Cheddar Downtime:
The only library of any significance you are able to locate is in the High Hall, split between archive rooms down in the crypts, and official records in the offices upstairs. You spend the next couple of days wandering the stacks, researching the cult of the dragon and dragons in general. You don't come across any magic or spells, but you do find several tomes on dragons and dragon kin. Reading through some documents, memories are triggered. You gradually become aware that you already know a fair amount about dragons... perhaps you just hadn't had to think about it in some time? You remember something about the following draconic monsters:
At last, you find a tome that might be relevant. It documents some famous and historically significant dragons known to inhabit - or to have perished in - the regions around the Sword Coast of Faerun. Not only are some of the tales interesting and insightful, a few of the dragons had ties to the Cult of the Dragon, and thus there may be something helpful to learn here. The book is much too large to digest in just a few days. Likewise, it is too large to hide on your person, so you do the only reasonable thing and just walk out of the library with it like you own the place. No one questions you, and now you have possession of the unimaginatively titled 'A List of Dragons.'
Jararaka Downtime:
Finn's suggestion is a good one. That night, you catch the two rogues who are still carousing at the Antlers. They are willing to assist you, offering a set of thieves tools for little more than a drink (6 sp), a song (from Finn) and a vague promise that you help them out one day if the opportunity arises.
You have no trouble finding a cloak. At first, the vendor does his best to sell you on a fancy cloak, trimmed in blue and grey ('It really makes your crest 'pop!'') for 5 gp, but if Jararaka isn't sold, he has a simple brown cloak for 4 sp.
You struggle to locate a black market. There must be one in Elturel - the city is big enough to practically demand it - but perhaps the overwhelming law and order presence here forces them to be extra secretive. Reaching out for guidance, you are led not to a thieves' guild or underground market, but to a small apartment at the end of an alley. Inside, hidden under a loose floorboard, you find the following:
Ny'rath surges within you as you take the items. Hated Talos, who has usurped so much of their portfolio... so much better that these items are yours now, to be used in Ny'rath's name.
Jirel's Downtime:
[Sorry. I can't offer feats or new proficiencies based on just a couple of downtime days. But the roleplaying is excellent!]
Most of the knights are terrified of you, but a handful take it as a personal challenge to try to disarm you in the training field. None succeed.
On the last evening, Ontharr Frume accompanies you on the walk back to A Pair of Black Antlers. He has something to offer. Would you consider an apprenticeship with the Order of the Gauntlet? The Order of the Gauntlet emphasizes faith, vigilance, and constant struggle against threats of evil. Many of its members are clerics and paladins, but the order welcomes anyone who shares its ideals. Discipline is key. Wild folk are... not common... in the order, but you have demonstrated an uncommon personal discipline in your behavior at the training yard this week. And your fierceness in combat and the valor you displayed in Greenest, rising to the challenge of the half-dragon, speaks well of you.
There is no pay for members and, as an apprentice, you would hold no authority. What they can offer is help and support from other members and allies, who are spread from Nashkel and Candlekeep in the south to Neverwinter and Mirabar in the north. Members of the Order of the Gauntlet - those who adhere to one of the great faiths - wear their holy symbols openly. (Frume’s is the right-handed gauntlet of Torm.) The order’s universal symbol is a gauntlet grasping a sword by the blade. Frume wears such a symbol on a pendant around his neck, hidden below his flowing beard. If you accept, you'll be given such a symbol.
He doesn't demand an answer right away.
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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
Finn is thrilled with her fiddle and cannot hide her delight. A fancy shmancy brand new violin would never delight her as much as this loving cared for but heartily played fiddle. "If I knew where Georgia was I'd challenge the devil himself," she says enigmatically to the store owner and tips them two gold.
Finn has a great time at the cards tables and happily rakes in pile after pile or copper and silver, coloring up to gold only when the stacks get cumbersome. She chats and jokes with the other players and does her best to keep everyone having a good time even when she is ensuring they lose more than they intended or can afford. There is some shenanigans pulled, mostly to keep herself in practice for when needed against stiffer competition, but Finn is not looking to break the bank or send anyone to the poorhouse so there is a time or three when she allows a pot to get away from her or folds when she is sure she is good. One doesn't need to beat the competition when they know that they can.
Tylaerys is very happy with her new green gown, enjoying Finn's appreciating Ooohs and Aaaahs as she tries it on. She would also decide to treat herself to the silver-mounted green tourmaline set. Nothing her parents would want her to wear but she felt good about the jewelry being bought with gold she had earned and not handed by her stern father. Apart from what is stated earlier, Tylaerys would cheer on Jirel as she wrestles with the knights in training and then join her at the bathhouse for some soaking and relaxation.
Cheddar quickly returns to the barn he slept in and pours over the tome. When his brain can't take any more, he will find a sheet and make a makeshift cover for the tome and put it in his pack. If it won't fit, Cheddar will get some rope and make a few loops and knots to create straps to bind the tome and carry it by.
On the morning of the fourth day, there is a message waiting for all of you downstairs at the Riverbed. Ontharr Frume has summoned you all back to A Pair of Black Antlers, with a request that you all come as soon as you waken.
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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
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That was the plan…
Jirel exhales a breath with a grunt. She undoes a clasp or two and her extra furs and gear just falls to the ground. Nothing positive was flowing through her mind and a lot of wind left her sails from it. But this is what she wanted, right?
The goliath steps up to find no axes, so she grabs a maul. About to attempt to psych herself up and channel a roar of her own, she hears the loud thunderous roar of a dragon. Muscles tense. Then directed to attack, Jirel grips her weapon. She goes.
Attacks:
1. 9
2. 15
3. 22
Dex Saves:
1. 21
2. 11
3. 17
just an unstable unicorn.
19, 20, 9
11
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
In the melee, Finn's trickery goes off as planned. The roar and the trembling startles the four knights, causing two of them to come out of their stances. It becomes a melee in the purest sense, a chaotic mass of wooden weapons and flailing, tumbling bodies. Misses Binklesworth of the Twilight Binklesworths wanders between the feet of the knights, dispassionately disrupting footwork. Where Jararaka fails to shove a knight to the ground, she recovers enough to ram the point of her wooden shortsword into the chainmail protecting his groin, dropping him with a loud Oooof. Jirel and Ontharr both charge in, swinging away.
In the end, all four of the halberd knights are disarmed. Finn and Jararaka work up a sweat but have no bruises to speak of. Both Jirel and Ontharr took a walloping from the knights before they fell, though they are sore rather than wounded.
One of the knights kicks some sand in Ontharr's direction. "That was a foul, sir. We train with respect for one another... I had thought bar room tricks were beneath a man of your rank and status."
Ontharr laughs, a deep rumbling sound. "Aye, that may have been a tad un-knightly of us. But this is training, Gadford. Training to teach you how to fight. Not every fight will play out like a tournament match. Do you suspect a warlock and his bugbear thugs will bow in salute before taking up arms against you? You have to be ready for anything." Despite his outward support, Ontharr later says, more quietly, "That was probably a mistake." As he rubs a bruised shoulder, "I'm likely to see a written complaint from the order over that little fiasco. Hah."
At the archery range, Tylaerys outscores her opponent in all three rounds. For the last, well behind, the knight walks off another 15 paces, firing from the maximum effective range of his crossbow hoping for a lucky, theatric shot. Though he touches the target, it is not enough to overcome Tylaerys' scores.
While the others are busy skirmishing in the courtyard, Cheddar wanders off to explore the rest of the High Hall. The main floor of the High Hall is a grand alabaster cathedral dedicated to Torm, the god of courage and self-sacrifice. Decorated with beautiful paintings, statues, and other works that depict the strength and valor of Elturel’s people, the cathedral is lit by a kaleidoscope of light pouring through more than a dozen massive stained glass windows.
A spiral stone staircase leads down into the ancient crypts below the cathedral, while other smaller stairs lead up, where long halls in the upper floors of the High Hall open into the offices of the many government officials of the city.
Throughout the High Hall, people move about, acolytes, priests, orderlies, pages, and scribes, busying themselves with the work of Torm and of Elturel.
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
"You are right," Finn says to the knight known as Gadford, pouring on th charm as best she can to soothe any bruised egos. (Persuasion a mere 11...) "I apologize. I meant no offense to you and yours, who I have nothing but respect for. Instead I was trying to prove a point to Sir Frume here... That my friends and I are... Unconventional combatants. Not suited to stand the line and have the discipline to await the oncoming horde like you and your comrades."
"We would be happy to have another go at it by your rules, if you wish. No trickery. No deception. My friends, I suspect, would enjoy another chance to to unleash... Me, on the other hand, won't be nearly a threat if I must play it fair."
The knights decline Finn's generous offer of a rematch. While the combatants remove armor and tend to bruises and scrapes, squires bring out several tables and serve a lunch in the courtyard. Its a peppered chicken stew served with half-loaves of bread in place of spoons. Having worked up an appetite, most of the knights move over to the buffet, any hard feelings forgotten, at least momentarily.
While you eat, Ontharr thanks you all for indulging him by letting him see you in action. He asks you to remain in town for a few more days until he can get answers to some of the messages he sent out after you arrived. He offers to continue to put you up in the Riverbed until then.
[The party has two and a half days of down time in Elturel. This is more than enough time to visit all the shops in the city if you like. Or get up to other shenanigans if you are so inclined.
Even with lodgings taken care of, eating and drinking in the city is expensive.
For each of you:
As far as shopping, most mundane items from PhB can be found in town, though prices vary. More exotic items might turn up, though less likely. If there is something you want, let the DM know and I will advise if it is available and at what cost. Jararaka, I recall you wanted thieves tools. These aren't just advertised for sale, but there are always ways to find them. How do YOU try to find them?
I think some PCs were thinking about clothes shopping? Someone mentioned looking for something cute. A high quality, custom tailored outfit can be made for 15gp (markup due to getting it finished quickly). 'Off the rack' clothing can be found for much less, and there is a second hand shop in Elturel if that is even more your style.
Otherwise let you PC's relax, wander the town, see the sights, stare vacantly at the false sun... And the story will resume on the morning of the 3rd day. ]
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
Shenanigans it is!
With no tasks for several days and some coin in her pocket, Finn will live it up. She'll easily drop 10gp in just expenses... Finn will spend her late nights at the Black Antlers (or other well suited bar or tavern) and sleep in until the others are dragging her out of bed. Finn will of course join others on shopping excursions and other outings but she's generally just getting started when the others are getting ready to call it a night. Cards. Songs. Socializing! Oh my!!
In between it all she will of course partake in any and all party activities - Shopping, eating, grousing about the weird suns, just exercising the horses. Finn is up for it all... Just... Not too early in the morning.
Shopping wise, Finn Ooohs and Aaaahs over outfits Tylaerys tries on and considers (and Jirel and Jararaka as well, of course! Finn just suspects J&J are more frugal and austere. If proven wrong, Finn will deftly switch over to gushing over how pretty their choices are as well.) She's happily going in and through all the shops and stands and stalls that everyone wants to check out. She herself is looking for a fiddle... If she finds one she can afford at the time.
Finn will also keep an eye out for a seller of magical items & potions. She is fully not expecting to be able to afford anything at this places (unless she does insanely well at cards!) but it would be handy to know where such are located. Just in case. If Finn catches wind that Jararaka is looking for thieve's tools she would discreetly suggest he could inquire with those two shady fellows we saw at the Antlers on the first night... If they are still in town. Otherwise Finn would happily keep an ear to the ground on her late night carousing escapades and discreetly make an inquiry or two if she sees anyone she thinks may know.
10 gp deducted from Finn for living the good life. That leaves Finn with just over 60 gold left. Each night out gambling and singing she is willing to lose all but say 10ish. She's a gambler but she doesn't wanat to be flat broke. She will mostly play the games straight but if she gets too broke too quick she is willing to cheat... Sleight of Hand, Minor Illusion to change a card to be another card and/or having Misses Binklesworth position herself so Finn can close here eyes for a minute and look through the familiar's instead to see her opponents cards. :)
Cheddar will spend time looking for some sort of library or archive. First with the knights then with the priests then within the town proper. There isn't too much he is specifically looking for but any records of dragons, dragon cults and magic will peak his interest. If there is a book or scroll of knowledge that he wants to study further but doesn't have permission or the time, he will try and steal it.
Tylaerys would indeed find a tailor to get a high quality, green custom tailored dress for special occasions and maybe even some small but tasteful jewelry. She would treat herself to good food and drink, stay at the Riverbed Inn and otherwise stay around the others but also take Shiloh for a ride each day along the river. Finally she would do some looking into the mysterious gold coin she got in Greenest. She would spend her evenings at the Black Antlers, appreciating the entertainment, but would retire much earlier than Finn.
(Spending 15 gp on the dress, up to 50 gp on jewelry, 3 gp and 2 sp for food and drink. Any rolls for checking the coin?)
((Speaking of things from Greenest… amongst the loot from someone we searched was “A brass signet ring with gems cut to resemble a cat's eye” - Finn has been wearing it a while now. It anything but decoration? Assuming not but…))
Jararaka grins with all teeth as she knocks down one of the knights and gets out of the fight unscathed. She makes a comment about how nobody would listen if you ask them to avoid the face in a real fight, and is distracted by the stew soon enough.
In the following day, she does join the others on clothes shopping, but most of the garments will probably not be made for her physique, she looks for a simple traveling cloak that she could throw on.
In the evenings, Jararaka returns to the Antler to join the group there for idle conversation as they wait for an update from Ontharr Frume. She does listen to Finn's advice and looks for the two rogue fellows to see if they have an extra set of thieves' tools they are willing to part with.
But regardless of whether she could find a set there, Jararaka throws on her new cloak and spends the rest of her time walking around the city looking for an environment she's slightly more familiar with. Something like a unassuming but well-trodden back alley, or a seedy tavern squeezed in-between buildings. The items sold on the streets is eye-catching on the first day but they become predictable very quickly. She looks for a way to the less legally-recognised businesses, for both interesting items and information you don't hear on the ever-lit side of the city.
The things Jararaka is is attempting:
I've already subtracted the living costs, let me know how much the cloak and thieves' tools are (assuming she could find them)! also let me know if you need me to roll anything!
Finn:
Give me the following rolls...
Cheddar:
Give me the following rolls...
Jararaka:
Give me the following rolls...
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
((Rolls in Game Log as forum roller is shite))
And I still haven't found what I am looking for...
Cheddar's rolls:
Investigation 1: 20
Investigation 2: 7
History: 5
Sleight of hand: 12
Jirel wouldn’t fuss much about the bumps and bruises she received. Every hit toughens her hide. She found herself glad that she didn’t unleash her wrath against these honourable knights and appreciated training with them. The warrior would bow her head to them before joining them for their meal.
Train. Work. Fight. Rest. Repeat. Of course she’d eat.
That was Jirel’s plan.
So, when asked to remain for a few days the goliath would commit herself in that routine. With the knights declining Finn’s offer to continue sparring earlier, Jirel would try her own hand at reaching out. “May I share yer training space?” Even if they may not desire to train with her, or fight her, she at least wanted to respectfully ask permission to use the training grounds and equipment. The goliath would like to take advantage of the space while she had access to one, and fully intended to do so.
Training
Jirel would take to the grounds. Each time she did, she went in with the intention to completely let loose and tear up the grounds. She’d treat it much like she did the wilderness back home. Training with great weapons, the warrior would unleash her fury upon training dummies and showing no mercy, she’d send wood splintering as she does.
‘Work’ (training?)
Then when Jirel’s anger would start to run out of steam, she stops. That’s when she shifts gears and sets herself to work. She cleans up the destruction left behind in her wake, and would labour to make it right. The goliath would first gather materials, then set out to repair, or replace, what she damaged. Of course she didn’t expect any compensation for this work. What she could hope for was to gain knowledge and experience towards a new skill. Because what was a warrior when the fighting was done?
Fighting
It was then, when she was calmed, that Jirel was ready to fight another. It was then, when she was clearheaded, that the warrior could control her temper. It was then, when she was hungry, that the goliath was ready for competition with an opponent. It was then, when she felt the spark of playfulness, the woman wanted to wrestle.
Rest
Win or lose, after it all, Jirel would be hor…ribly horribly hungry, and ready to heal. This is where she wouldn’t be frugal. The goliath would splurge on healthy quantities of good food and drink, treating those who’d lend their time and skill to her. And after it all, should she be able to find one, Jirel would hope to soak away all her end of day aches and pains at a bathhouse.
(While note necessarily going for fine dining or top shelf drink for 3 days, she would ‘gorge’ and treat those around her. Therefore going with the -9gp 4sp)
Downtime
(Don’t know if it’s possible to train in 3 days, or to log hours/put it towards training a feat/skill over time, might be asking to fit too much… but tossing the thought/ask…)
(Training: Great Weapon Master Feat? Willing to spend 25g w/ markup etc. as per downtime for resources etc.)
(‘Work’-Training?: Not looking to work as in downtime work, but to flavour it as training for Carpentry or Woodcarving? Ie. replacing/repair training dummies and weapons now in Eltherel and she did assist carpenters/craftsmen in Greenest as well. Willing to spend 25g w/ markup etc. as per downtime for resources etc.)
(Fighting: Pitfighting?)
PS: apologies for the delays. Been feeling under the weather, fighting a fever etc.
just an unstable unicorn.
Persuasion (w/adv): 17
Investigation (w/adv): 12 (+1 from guidance if applicable, but totally ok if not since that only lasts a minute)
Straight d20: 17
Straight d100: 63
Tylaerys Downtime:
You are able to treat yourself to the tailoring of a custom-fit green evening gown for 15gp. It's not the sort of thing to wear on the trails but should there be any formal dinners or diplomatic engagements in your future, you will not feel under-dressed. The tailor directs you to a local jeweler who is able to set you up with a necklace, bracelet and ring to match, using green tourmaline, the 'poor man's emerald.' Gold is out of your price range, but a silver-mounted set can be arranged for 50 gp.
Finn Downtime:
You have absolutely no luck finding any magical items or potions for sale in Elturel. What few leads you pick up turn out to be knockoffs or outright forgeries. Likewise, you can't learn anything about this signet ring. It is a mundane ring, the type used for stamping the wax seal on parchment. The particular cat's eye design is interesting and uncommon but not unique and you can't pin it down to any noble house or merchant.
You do track down a fiddle in a second-hand shop. The instrument was well cared for but also well used. It is on sale for 24 gp. [If you elect to purchase it, add a lute and just rename it to fiddle on Finn's character sheet.]
Your gambling hot streak continues. You are able to cheat for fun, rather than out of necessity. Things are running so well, that by the third night, you decide its in your best interest to dump a little coin back with some small intentional losses, as the good will of the other patrons and gamblers was beginning to sour on you. Even so, over your time at the tables you win 29 gp, 4 sp.
Cheddar Downtime:
The only library of any significance you are able to locate is in the High Hall, split between archive rooms down in the crypts, and official records in the offices upstairs. You spend the next couple of days wandering the stacks, researching the cult of the dragon and dragons in general. You don't come across any magic or spells, but you do find several tomes on dragons and dragon kin. Reading through some documents, memories are triggered. You gradually become aware that you already know a fair amount about dragons... perhaps you just hadn't had to think about it in some time? You remember something about the following draconic monsters:
At last, you find a tome that might be relevant. It documents some famous and historically significant dragons known to inhabit - or to have perished in - the regions around the Sword Coast of Faerun. Not only are some of the tales interesting and insightful, a few of the dragons had ties to the Cult of the Dragon, and thus there may be something helpful to learn here. The book is much too large to digest in just a few days. Likewise, it is too large to hide on your person, so you do the only reasonable thing and just walk out of the library with it like you own the place. No one questions you, and now you have possession of the unimaginatively titled 'A List of Dragons.'
Jararaka Downtime:
Finn's suggestion is a good one. That night, you catch the two rogues who are still carousing at the Antlers. They are willing to assist you, offering a set of thieves tools for little more than a drink (6 sp), a song (from Finn) and a vague promise that you help them out one day if the opportunity arises.
You have no trouble finding a cloak. At first, the vendor does his best to sell you on a fancy cloak, trimmed in blue and grey ('It really makes your crest 'pop!'') for 5 gp, but if Jararaka isn't sold, he has a simple brown cloak for 4 sp.
You struggle to locate a black market. There must be one in Elturel - the city is big enough to practically demand it - but perhaps the overwhelming law and order presence here forces them to be extra secretive. Reaching out for guidance, you are led not to a thieves' guild or underground market, but to a small apartment at the end of an alley. Inside, hidden under a loose floorboard, you find the following:
Ny'rath surges within you as you take the items. Hated Talos, who has usurped so much of their portfolio... so much better that these items are yours now, to be used in Ny'rath's name.
Jirel's Downtime:
[Sorry. I can't offer feats or new proficiencies based on just a couple of downtime days. But the roleplaying is excellent!]
Most of the knights are terrified of you, but a handful take it as a personal challenge to try to disarm you in the training field. None succeed.
On the last evening, Ontharr Frume accompanies you on the walk back to A Pair of Black Antlers. He has something to offer. Would you consider an apprenticeship with the Order of the Gauntlet? The Order of the Gauntlet emphasizes faith, vigilance, and constant struggle against threats of evil. Many of its members are clerics and paladins, but the order welcomes anyone who shares its ideals. Discipline is key. Wild folk are... not common... in the order, but you have demonstrated an uncommon personal discipline in your behavior at the training yard this week. And your fierceness in combat and the valor you displayed in Greenest, rising to the challenge of the half-dragon, speaks well of you.
There is no pay for members and, as an apprentice, you would hold no authority. What they can offer is help and support from other members and allies, who are spread from Nashkel and Candlekeep in the south to Neverwinter and Mirabar in the north. Members of the Order of the Gauntlet - those who adhere to one of the great faiths - wear their holy symbols openly. (Frume’s is the right-handed gauntlet of Torm.) The order’s universal symbol is a gauntlet grasping a sword by the blade. Frume wears such a symbol on a pendant around his neck, hidden below his flowing beard. If you accept, you'll be given such a symbol.
He doesn't demand an answer right away.
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 is thrilled with her fiddle and cannot hide her delight. A fancy shmancy brand new violin would never delight her as much as this loving cared for but heartily played fiddle. "If I knew where Georgia was I'd challenge the devil himself," she says enigmatically to the store owner and tips them two gold.
Finn has a great time at the cards tables and happily rakes in pile after pile or copper and silver, coloring up to gold only when the stacks get cumbersome. She chats and jokes with the other players and does her best to keep everyone having a good time even when she is ensuring they lose more than they intended or can afford. There is some shenanigans pulled, mostly to keep herself in practice for when needed against stiffer competition, but Finn is not looking to break the bank or send anyone to the poorhouse so there is a time or three when she allows a pot to get away from her or folds when she is sure she is good. One doesn't need to beat the competition when they know that they can.
Tylaerys is very happy with her new green gown, enjoying Finn's appreciating Ooohs and Aaaahs as she tries it on. She would also decide to treat herself to the silver-mounted green tourmaline set. Nothing her parents would want her to wear but she felt good about the jewelry being bought with gold she had earned and not handed by her stern father. Apart from what is stated earlier, Tylaerys would cheer on Jirel as she wrestles with the knights in training and then join her at the bathhouse for some soaking and relaxation.
Cheddar quickly returns to the barn he slept in and pours over the tome. When his brain can't take any more, he will find a sheet and make a makeshift cover for the tome and put it in his pack. If it won't fit, Cheddar will get some rope and make a few loops and knots to create straps to bind the tome and carry it by.
On the morning of the fourth day, there is a message waiting for all of you downstairs at the Riverbed. Ontharr Frume has summoned you all back to A Pair of Black Antlers, with a request that you all come as soon as you waken.
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